cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CBP (CREB binding protein) integrates NF-kappaB (nuclear factor-kappaB) and glucocorticoid receptor physical interactions and antagonism

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) are transcription factors with opposing actions in the modulation of immune/inflammatory responses. NF-kappaB induces the expression of proinflammatory genes, while GR suppresses immune function in part by suppressing expression of the same genes. Previously, we demonstrated that physiological antagonism between NF-kappaB and GR is due to a mutual transcriptional antagonism that requires the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB and multiple domains of GR (1). To elucidate the mechanism(s) of NF-kappaB p65 and GR transcriptional antagonism, we analyzed the interactions of wild-type p65 and p65 RHD (rel homology domain, a dominant negative mutant of p65 which lacks a transactivation domain) with GR. We show that p65RHD blocks p65-mediated transactivation, yet does not block the repression of GR transactivation by p65, indicating that transcriptional activity by p65 is not required to repress GR function. Both p65 and p65 RHD physically interact with GR, but only intact p65 represses GR-mediated signaling, implicating the p65 transactivation domain in the transcriptional repression of GR. To further characterize p65-GR interactions, we examined the role of the transcriptional co-integrator CREB binding protein (CBP) in their mutual antagonism. GR-mediated repression of p65 transactivation and p65-mediated repression of GR transactivation, as well as the physical interaction between NF-kappaB and GR, are enhanced by CBP. GR bound to the antagonist RU 486, although transcriptionally inactive, retains the ability to repress p65 transactivation. However, CBP does not physically interact with antagonist-bound GR and does not enhance its repressive effect on p65. These data suggest that CBP functions as an integrator of p65/GR physical interaction, rather than as a limiting cofactor for which p65 and GR compete.
Continuous waveform variable true-time delay by optical coherent transients

Abstract We experimentally demonstrate for the first time variable delay of a continuous optical waveform using a spectral-spatial grating programmed with two, temporally overlapping frequency chirped pulses. Variation in the programmed time delay is achieved from 375 ns to 625 ns by frequency shifting of the chirped programming pulses. A box input beam geometry is used so that the emitted output signal is phase matched and isolated from all the input pulses. Experiments were performed in Tm3+:YAG at 5 K on the transition at 793 nm.
The frontier as social control

The frontier experience, according to Turner, cast the mold for all that is distinctively American. The bounty of open land and the experience of forging local democratic institutions shaped the character of a new nation, built on the pillars of rugged individualism and democratic governance. The closing of the American frontier was a national tragedy, eulogized by Turner and recited by his followers.' From them, Americans have inherited a moral and intellectual dilemma. They can neither deny its significance nor accept its implications, so they continue to search for new frontiers.
GEN04-1: Cancellation of MR Head Asymmetry in Magnetic Tape Storage Systems

This paper describes a fully digital approach for pulse-asymmetry estimation and cancellation in magnetic tape storage systems that employ magneto-resistive (MR) read heads. Algorithms are presented for decision-aided and non-decision- aided estimation of pulse asymmetry. The cancellation of asymmetry is based on a quadratic model of the MR head non- linearity. Using read-back waveforms obtained from commercial tape drives, it is shown that a significant improvement in read-channel performance is achieved by the techniques described. Asymmetry estimation and cancellation using a specific pattern defined in the linear tape open (LTO) tape format are also addressed.
Introduction to evidence-based imaging.

Society is increasingly demanding proof that imaging has an impact on patient outcome and questioning its cost on the health care delivery system. Radiologists should provide the following three key components in their research publications: (1) the statistical power and confidence intervals of the results obtained; (2) the diagnostic performance of the tests, including sensitivity, specificity, and ROC curves; and (3) comprehensive decision analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the impact that imaging has on health outcome, cost, and quality of life. Strict adherence to these evidence-based medicine principles would help advance the field and provide the best health care for patients.
Patterns of graduate students' information seeking behavior: a meta‐synthesis of the literature

Purpose – The purpose of this review is to draw out patterns of information seeking behavior of graduate students as described in the empirical research published from 1997 to the present.Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search of databases for studies on information behavior and graduate students was employed in order to retrieve studies for a systematic review. Common themes that emerged from the literature were synthesized into a discussion of behavior patterns. Additionally a study quality analysis was conducted for all retrieved studies using a critical appraisal checklist for library and information research.Findings – This review revealed that graduate students begin their research on the internet much like any other information seeker, consult their faculty advisors before other people, and use libraries in diverse ways depending on the discipline studied. Additionally differences were noted between international and home students, and doctoral and master's students.Practical implication...
Disorganized Infant, Child, and Adult Attachment: Collapse in Behavioral and Attentional Strategies:

This presentation focuses on the disorganized/disoriented (Group D) categories of infant, child, and adult attachment. The infant D category is assigned on the basis of interruptions and anomalies in organization and orientation observed during Ainsworth's strange situation procedure. In neurologically normal low-risk samples, D attachment is not substantially related to descriptions of infant temperament, and usually appears with respect to only one parent. At six, former D infants are often found to be role-inverting (D-Controlling) towards the parent, while drawings and separation-related narratives (D-Fearful) suggest continuing states of fear and disorganization. In adults, marked lapses in reasoning and discourse surrounding the discussion of loss or abuse during the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) causes a transcript to be assigned to Unresolved/disorganized (U/d) adult attachment status, which predicts infant D attachment. Bowlby's theory is extended, with the proposal that certain forms of frightening parental behavior will arouse contradictory biologically channeled propensities to approach and to take flight from the parent. Maltreated infants are therefore highly likely to be disorganized. Also identified are subtler forms of frightening parental behavior (including dissociative behavior and anomalous forms of frightened behavior) that appear to lead to infant disorganization. This suggests that infant D attachment may at times represent a second-generation effect of the parent's own continuing unresolved responses to trauma. Infant D attachment predicts disruptive/aggressive and dissociative disorders in childhood and adolescence, while U/d adult attachment appears frequently in psychiatric and criminal populations. Clinical implications are discussed.
Feeling the Pressure: Dynamics of Viral DNA Packaging are Controlled by the Confined Genome within the Capsid

Double-stranded DNA viruses, including tailed bacteriophages and mammalian herpesviruses, package their genomes into pre-formed protein capsids. The packaging process is driven by a molecular complex known as the packaging motor. This motor is a ring-shaped oligomeric ATPase that utilizes the chemical energy from ATP binding and hydrolysis to perform the mechanical work. We have recently presented a detailed mechanochemical characterization for the bacteriophage phi29 motor, a homo-pentamer that translocates DNA in cycles composed of alternating dwells and bursts (1). We now aim to investigate the behavior of the motor at different stages of packaging, as the motor needs to overcome increasing amounts of internal pressure generated by the compressed dsDNA. We find that the effect of the internal pressure on the motor dynamics is more complex than simply exerting an opposing force to packaging. Through a detailed analysis using ultra-high-resolution DNA translocation data, we find that the internal pressure affects multiple kinetic transitions in the mechanochemical cycle, including events in both the dwell phase and the burst phase. This analysis allows us to make an accurate estimation of the internal force as a function of DNA filling, which is important for the understanding of the DNA organization inside the capsid and the ejection energetics. Remarkably, the motor changes its step size and displays a new class of long-lived pauses towards the completion of packaging. Finally, we determine the structural elements in the packaging complex that are responsible for the signal transduction from the capsid to the motor.(1) G. Chistol∗, S. Liu∗, C. L. Hetherington, J. R. Moffitt, S. Grimes, P. J. Jardine, C. Bustamante, “High Degree of Coordination and Division of Labor Among Subunits in a Homomeric Ring ATPase”, Cell, in press (2012).
Improving the potential effectiveness of gun buyback programs

Background Since the tragic mass shooting in Newtown CT, dozens of cities and towns throughout the U.S. have implemented gun buyback programs to remove guns from their communities. Gun buybacks involve a government or private group paying individuals to turn in guns they possess. Participants turning in guns are paid via cash disbursements, gift cards, or some other compensation. To encourage participation by criminals, these programs do not require participants to identify themselves and do not maintain any records of the individuals who turned in firearms. The recovered guns are then destroyed. For instance, at the end of July 2013, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and several local police departments oversaw the destruction of some 5495 firearms recovered from recent buybacks in several jurisdictions including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Inglewood, and Culver City. The participating agencies claimed record numbers of gun recoveries in the wake of the Newtown tragedy. Gun buybacks, amnesties, and exchange programs have wide appeal for communities affected by gun violence, for understandable reasons. The theoretic premise of gun buybacks is that these programs will reduce the number of firearms available to criminals, those with mental illnesses, and other high-risk individuals who may harm themselves or others with a gun. Moreover, these programs arguably empower participants and supporters to take an active role in the fight against gun violence and, as a result, believe that they are making a difference in their communities.
Specific binding sites for d-α-tocopherol on human erythrocytes

Abstract Since vitamin E deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility of erythrocytes to hemolysis, we investigated the presence of tocopherol binding sites in human red blood cells. Erythrocytes were found to have specific binding sites for d -α-[ 3 H]tocopherol with properties of receptors. Kinetic studies of binding demonstrated two binding sites: one with high affinity (equilibrium association constant K a = 2.6·10 7 M −1 ), low capacity (7600 sites/cell) and the second with low affinity ( K a = 1.24·10 6 M −1 ), high capacity (150000 sites/cell). These sites are at least partly protein in nature.
ATP-Dependent Positive Supercoiling of DNA by 13S Condensin: A Biochemical Implication for Chromosome Condensation

13S condensin is a five-subunit protein complex that plays a central role in mitotic chromosome condensation in Xenopus egg extracts. Two core subunits of this complex, XCAP-C and XCAP-E, belong to an emerging family of putative ATPases, the SMC family. We report here that 13S condensin has a DNA-stimulated ATPase activity and exhibits a high affinity for structured DNAs such as cruciform DNA. 13S condensin is able to introduce positive supercoils into a closed circular DNA in the presence of bacterial or eukaryotic topoisomerase I. The supercoiling reaction is ATP-dependent. We propose that 13S condensin wraps DNA in a right-handed direction by utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis. This reaction may represent a key mechanism underlying the compaction of chromatin fibers during mitosis.
Application of the nearly perfectly matched layer to the propagation of low-frequency acoustic waves

Seismic modelling is a very effective method to help us understand the characteristics of the seismic wave propagation in the Earth's interior. However, one tough problem is the presence of spurious reflections from the boundaries of the truncated computational domain, especially the reflections of low-frequency energy. In this paper, we apply the nearly perfectly matched layer (NPML) technique to suppress the artificial reflections from the edges of the 2D model in the case of acoustic waves of a low-frequency source (5 Hz). For the implementation of the finite-difference operator, we employ fourth-order accuracy methods in space and second-order accuracy methods in time. Through the numerical comparison between the NPML and the technique known as the convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML), which is considered the boundary condition of optimum absorbing, we demonstrate that the NPML has better absorbing performance than the CPML. We suggest that a greater amount of analysis will be needed to study how NPML works facing the wide variety of complex media that are commonly used in seismic modelling.
Teaching and Learning Empathy: An Interactive, Online Diplomatic Simulation of Middle East Conflict

ABSTRACT What pass for the study of international relations is often more an examination of foreign affairs, transnational interaction from ethnocentric perspectives. Many analysts accept the assumptions and values of their own political culture, then superimpose them on other nations. If another state does not act in accordance with those values, its leaders are labeled irrational. Such ethnocentric analysis excludes empathy, the ability to experience the values, feelings, and perceptions of another, a basic element needed to understand international relations. Empirical and analytical skills are important; but without empathy, students will never fully appreciate the subtle complexities of global affairs. This paper explores the link between empathy and simulation role-playing, suggesting some practical steps to help students better adopt simulation roles; it illustrates these steps by describing a Middle East diplomatic simulation using Internet based, strategic interaction; and it evaluates students' ...
Moderate alcohol consumption enhances vaccine-induced responses in rhesus macaques

We have recently shown that chronic alcohol consumption in a rhesus macaque model of ethanol self-administration significantly modulates the serum cytokine profile. In this study, we extended these observations by investigating the impact of chronic ethanol exposure on the immune response to Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA). All animals were vaccinated with MVA before ethanol exposure to ethanol and then again after 7 months of 22 h/day of “open-access” drinking of 4% (w/v) ethanol. Our results indicate that animals whose blood ethanol concentration (BEC) chronically exceeded 80 mg/dl had lower CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation as well as IgG responses following MVA booster than control animals. In contrast, relatively moderate drinkers whose BEC remained below 80 mg/ml exhibited more robust MVA-specific IgG and CD8 T cell responses than controls. To begin to uncover mechanisms underlying the differences in MVA-specific responses between the three groups, we analyzed plasma cytokine levels and microRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells following MVA booster. Our findings suggest that moderate ethanol consumption results in higher levels of antiviral cytokines and an expression profile of microRNAs linked to CD8 T cell differentiation. In summary, moderate alcohol consumption enhances recall vaccine responses, whereas chronic alcohol intoxication suppresses this response.
New U.S. presidential science advisor steps in at difficult moment

John Marburger, III, who became science advisor to U.S. President George W. Bush and head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on October 23, steps in at a difficult period for the nation. In an exclusive interview on November 7, Marburger told Eos that following the events of September 11, his office's “major challenge is to combat terrorism.” However, Marburger said that while he and OSTP are involved in initiatives to harness science and technology to fight terrorism, he also is focusing on other key priorities. These include helping to ensure the nation's strength in basic research, providing advice on significant science issues such as climate change and space endeavors, and adding an important “sound science” component to the Bush administration, which was earlier criticized for making some science-sensitive decisions based more on politics than science.
Positron emission tomography to study the effect of eye closure and optic nerve damage on human cerebral glucose metabolism.

We used 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose and positron emission tomography to evaluate the effect of visual deprivation on brain glucose metabolism. In experiment 1, we compared local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose in seven normal volunteers studied with eyes closed to 11 age- and sex-matched normal volunteers studied with eyes open. Whole brain metabolism was similar in the two groups, and region/whole brain analysis of metabolic data showed that metabolism in the calcarine posterior cortex was decreased by 14% (P In experiment 2, we compared glucose metabolism in six patients with severe bilateral optic neuropathies to 12 age- and sex-matched normal controls. Whole brain glucose metabolism was unchanged in the optic neuropathy group compared to controls. However, statistically significant reductions in glucose metabolism in the optic neuropathy group were found in anterior calcarine cortex (17%), posterior calcarine cortex (27%), peristriate cortex (27%), and lateral occipital cortex (15%). The metabolic effects of damage to the pregeniculate visual system went well beyond those of simple eye closure.
Ammonium ion proton magnetic resonance probe of cation-binding, cyclic antibiotics

Proton magnetic resonance (PMR) spectra of NH 4 + ions bound to the cyclic antibiotics valinomycin and nonactin can be analyzed to give, unambiguously, information about the rotational correlation times, τ R , the Stokes' radii, r S , and the 14 N quadrupolar coupling constants, e 2 qQ/h, for the different complexes. For the NH 4 + -valinomycin complex: τ R = 3.2 × 10 −11 sec; r S = 4 × 10 −8 cm and e 2 qQ/h = 1.2MHz. For nonactin: τ R = 1.3 × 10 −10 sec; r S = 6 × 10 −8 cm and e 2 qQ/h = 0. It is also found that the proton chemical shift of the ion is 0.6 ppm to higher field when it is complexed to valinomycin as compared to nonactin.
Evaluation of a user-operated patient-side blood gas and chemistry monitor in children undergoing cardiac surgery

A study was performed to evaluate a user-operated patient-side blood gas and chemistry monitor (GEMSTAT, Mallinkrodt Sensor Systems, Ann Arbor, MI) for the first time in a group of infants and children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Paired blood samples from 18 patients were analyzed by the test instrument and by standard clinical laboratory instruments. One failure of the test instrument, malfunction of a cartridge, occurred during the evaluation. The integrated and external quality control functions gave readings within the manufacturer's tolerance. The differences between the measurements obtained using the GEM-STAT and the standard laboratory instruments for five of the six variables are summarized as follows (mean ± SD, units of measure, number of samples): pH (−0.017 ± 0.02, 132), PaCO2 (−1.90 ± 3.3 mm Hg, 130), hematocrit (−1.3 ± 2.3%, 129), potassium (−0.17 ± 0.20 mmol, 112) and sodium (−2.0 ± 3.3 mmol, 112). The mean difference in the measurements of PaO2 in the clinically important range defined by the upper quality control limit for oxygen tension of 172 mm Hg for the GEM-STAT is: (−0.20 ± 7.26 mm Hg, 51). The mean difference between the measurements for PaO2s below the lowest quality control point (60 mm Hg) was (−2.3 ± 5.5 mm Hg, 30). The values for all variables obtained from the GEM-STAT during the trial period, with the exception of the PaO2
Temporal Changes in Allocation and Partitioning of New Carbon as 11C Elicited by Simulated Herbivory Suggest that Roots Shape Aboveground Responses in Arabidopsis

Using the short-lived isotope (11)C (t(1/2) = 20.4 min) as (11)CO(2), we captured temporal changes in whole-plant carbon movement and partitioning of recently fixed carbon into primary and secondary metabolites in a time course (2, 6, and 24 h) following simulated herbivory with the well-known defense elicitor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to young leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Both (11)CO(2) fixation and (11)C-photosynthate export from the labeled source leaf increased rapidly (2 h) following MeJA treatment relative to controls, with preferential allocation of radiolabeled resources belowground. At the same time, (11)C-photosynthate remaining in the aboveground sink tissues showed preferential allocation to MeJA-treated, young leaves, where it was incorporated into (11)C-cinnamic acid. By 24 h, resource allocation toward roots returned to control levels, while allocation to the young leaves increased. This corresponded to an increase in invertase activity and the accumulation of phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, in young leaves. Induction of phenolics was suppressed in sucrose transporter mutant plants (suc2-1), indicating that this phenomenon may be controlled, in part, by phloem loading at source leaves. However, when plant roots were chilled to 5°C to disrupt carbon flow between above- and belowground tissues, source leaves failed to allocate resources belowground or toward damaged leaves following wounding and MeJA treatment to young leaves, suggesting that roots may play an integral role in controlling how plants respond defensively aboveground.
Factors Influencing the Thermodynamics of Zinc Alkoxide Formation by Alcoholysis of the Terminal Hydroxide Complex, [TpBut,Me]ZnOH: An Experimental and Theoretical Study Relevant to the Mechanism of Action of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

The factors that influence the formation of a tetrahedral alkoxide complex related to a critical intermediate of the catalytic cycle of liver alcohol dehydrogenase have been probed by a combined ex...
HLA-DRα chain residues located on the outer loops are involved in nonpolymorphic and polymorphic antibody-binding epitopes

Abstract The structure-function relationships of the HLA-DRα chain have been analyzed by identifying DRα residues involved in several nonpolymorphic and polymorphic antibody epitopes. Antibody binding to transfectants expressing a WT or mutant DRα chain with the WT DR (β1 ∗ 0701) chain was analyzed. Our results indicate that residues 18, 36, and 39 located on the outer loops of the DRα chain are critical for one of more of the epitopes recognized by the SG157, Q2/70, L243, LB3. 1, D1-12, and CL413 mAbs. Similar results were obtained when the DRα position 18 and 39 mutants were expressed with other DRβ1 allesles. Furthermore, residues 15 and 18 of the DRα chain were shown to be involved in the epitopes of two polymorphic mAbs, HU-26 and I-2, whose epitopes also include residue 4 of the corresponding DRβ chains. In addition to their involvement in antibody-binding epitopes, residues in this region on the outer surface of the DRα chain have also been shown to be involved in superantigen binding and presentation and T-cell recognition of foreign antigen, emphasizing the functional importance of DRα-chain residues located outside of the peptide-binding groove.
Electrical recordings from meningioma cells during cytolytic action of antibody and complement.

Resting membrane potential and total cell resistance of human meningioma cells in tissue culture have been measured with fine microelectrodes. Addition of either antiserum inactivated with heat or control serum from normal rabbits produced small depolarizations (2 to 4 millivolts) with no discernible (〈 5 percent) change in resistance. Addition of antiserums with complement, however, produced larger depolarizations and decreases in resistance before any changes in cell morphology were visible with light microscopy; as cytoplasmic swelling progressed, membrane potential dropped close to zero, and resistance decreased five- to tenfold. The electrical recording technique may be useful in the study of sublethal as well as lethal damage to immune cells and, in particular, may permit temporal resolution of damaging events and repair mechanisms in a single cell.
Bivalent ligands as probes of estrogen receptor action.

Abstract The estrogen receptor (ER) is a hormone-regulated transcription factor which is thought to bind to specific DNA sequences as a homodimer. In order to better understand structural requirements for dimerization and its functional role in ER action, we synthesized a series of bivalent ligands based on the non-steroidal estrogen hexestrol. These molecular probes join two hexestrol molecules of the erythro (E, active) configuration with either 4 or 8 carbon linkers (designated E-4-E and E-8-E series, respectively), or with longer linkers comprised of ethylene glycol units (E-eg-E series). Several other bi- and monovalent control compounds were prepared. The bivalent ligands binds to ER with a relative affinity 1–7% that of estradiol. While most of the ligands demonstrated normal monophasic displacement curves in competitive binding assays with [ 3 H]estradiol, uncharacteristic biphasic competitive binding curves were seen for some of the ligands, indicating possible structure-specific, negative site-site interaction. In ER-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with an expression vector encoding ER, one series of bivalent ligands (E-4-E) had little stimulatory activity and inhibited transcription stimulated by hexestrol, as determined by a transient transfection assay using an estrogen-responsive reporter gene construct [(ERE) 2 -TATA-CAT, containing two estrogen response elements linked to a TATA promoter and the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter gene]. Monovalent or control bivalent ligands failed to antagonize hexestrol-stimulated activity and were as fully active as hexestrol itself. Studies performed in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, which contain endogenous ER, yielded similar bioactivity profiles for the E-4-E bivalent inhibitory ligands, showing them to be effective estrogen antagonists, when using either induction of progesterone receptor or (ERE) 2 -TATA-CAT transcriptional activation as the endpoint. The E-8-E ligand, however, acted as a partial agonist/antagonist of ERE-reporter gene transactivation and a full agonist of progesterone receptor induction in MCF-7 cells, thus showing cell- and response-specific differences in the effects of the bivalent ligand. The bivalent ligands for ER do not show enhanced potency or receptor binding affinity; however, some of them display binding properties that suggest the possibility of structure-specific negative site-site interaction, and some of them function as quite effective estrogen antagonists.
The science of primary health-care improvement: potential and use of community-based participatory research by practice-based research networks for translation of research into practice:

There is a need for new approaches to supplement the existing methods of taking research from bench to bedside and from bedside to practice. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an emerging model of research that enhances ongoing clinical research by involving key stakeholders, including community members and patients. A practice-based research network (PBRN) is a group of primary care practices devoted principally not only to the primary care of patients, but also with a mission to investigate questions related to community-based practice and to improve the quality of primary care. Traditionally, PBRN research has not included patients or community members, while CBPR has excluded health providers as key stakeholders. Typical overlap topics of PBRN and CBPR research are health-care disparities, prevention, chronic disease management and mental health. The inclusion of CBPR within a PBRN has been identified as an important next step with the potential to significantly enhance the research process. This review focuses on bringing together the ideals of CBPR and PBRNs in order to tackle intractable problems such as disparities in health-care access and outcomes and translate these results into practice. Specifically, the CBPR PBRN approach can: (1) guide the research process so that studies more closely match the needs of all stakeholders (including providers, patients and community members); (2) assist in the development of the research protocol and identification of research methodologies so that the study is more amenable to participants; (3) facilitate recruitment of research participants; (4) enrich the data collection and analysis; and (5) allow rapid translation of results from the study back into clinical practice and the community. Once these mechanisms have been clearly elucidated, their widespread adoption will positively impact overall health at both a local and national level.
Dirhenium complexes of the tripodal phosphine CH3C(CH2PPh2)3 (triphos). The isolation and characterization of the confacial bioctahedral species [(triphos)Re(μ-X)3Re(triphos)]n+ (n=1 or 0)

Abstract The reactions of Re2(O2CCH3)2X4L2 (X=Cl or Br; L=py or H2O with the tripodal phosphine CH3C(CH2PPh2)3 (triphos) in refluxing ethanol provide a route to the confacial bioctahedral dirhenium(II) complexes [Re2(μ-X)3(triphos)2]Y, where Y=Cl, Br or BPh4. The structural identity of the dirhenium cation has been established by X-ray crystallography on a crystal of composition [Re2Cl3(triphos)2]Cl. Crystal data at +20 °C: triclinic space group P 1 (No. 2), a=12.868(2), b=13.174(1), c=25.432(3) A, α=94.761(8), β=96.76(1), γ=114.235(8)°, V=3862(2) A3, Z=2. The structure was refined by full-matrix least-squares to R=0.040 (Rw=0.058) for 7523 data with I>3σ(I). The confacial bioctahedral dirhenium(II) cation has a surprisingly long ReRe distance (3.199(1) A), which implies the absence of an ReRe bond. The paramagnetism of these complexes accords with this result; all show well-defined contact-shifted 1H NMR spectra and are ESR silent. The cations display four metal centered redox processes (two one-electron oxidations, two one-electron reductions); the first reduction can be accessed by cobaltocene to form the neutral complexes Re2(μ-X)3(triphos)2 in which there is an Re23+ core present.
Effects of autoclaved fructose media on metabolites in three cruciferous plants

Summary Culturing Arabidopsis, Cardaminopsis and Hylandra plants on autoclaved glucose media permitted considerable improvement in growth while autoclaved fructose proved to be toxic. Through the dry weight of the plants grown on autoclaved fructose was reduced drastically, compared to the glucose or sugar-free controls, both hexose treatments resulted in similar very low ash content on dry weight basis, indicating that abnormally high amounts of organic material was accumulated. Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were lower, while water soluble carbohydrate content doubled, starch increased several times and even cellulose content was significantly higher on dry weight basis in the plants on the autoclaved sugar media compared to the sugar-free controls. Fructose or fructose phosphate content relative to protein doubled in the plants grown on glucose, while in the fructose-fed plants the increase was light compared to the no-sugar control. Both hexose series accumulated large amounts of anthocyanin. Plants grown on autoclaved fructose displayed severe reduction in chlorophyll and in carotenoid content relative to the no-sugar series while on glucose media both classes of these leaf pigments increased. The plants harvested from the autoclaved fructose series displayed reduced amounts of phospholipids, while in the glucose series the level of lipid P was normal. Though mono- and dicarboxylic keto acid content was reduced in both hexose grown series, the level of pyruvic and glutaric acid was much lower in the autoclaved fructose grown plants. The examined biochemical characteristics thus indicated that the degradation products of fructose did not interfere with carbohydrate uptake and accumulation or with anthocyanin synthesis in the plants in spite of their toxic effects on growth. There was apparently an insufficiency in lipid synthesis and carbohydrate catabolism, pointing to an adverse effect of autoclaved fructose media on the glycolytic pathway.
A comparative study of rodent social behavior in a seminatural enclosure

L'etude porte sur Clethrionomys gapperi et diverses especes de Microtus et de Peromyscus. En general, le niveau de comportement copulateur apparait comme faiblement lie aux facteurs anterieurement proposes comme predisant un systeme reproducteur polygame; les niveaux de comportement agressif sont eux davantage lies a la taxonomie
Carbohydrates in the haemolymph of the cricket, Acheta domesticus

Abstract The carbohydrates in the haemolymph of the house cricket have been isolated and determined by standard analytical methods. Glucose tends to remain constant in all stages with the principal fluctuation attributed to the production and utilization of trehalose.
On approximating the solution of the non-stationary Stokes equations using the cell discretization algorithm

The cell discretization algorithm, a nonconforming extension of the finite element method, is used to obtain approximations to the velocity and pressure satisfying the nonstationary Stokes equations. Error estimates show convergence of the approximations. An: implementation using polynomial bases is described that permits the use of the continuous approximations of the h-p finite element method and exactly satisfies the solenoidal requirement. We express the error estimates in terms of the diameter h of a cell and the degree p of the approximation on each cell. Results of an experiment with p ≤ 10 are presented that confirm the theoretical estimates.
Fast probabilistic simulation, nontermination, and secure information flow

In secure information flow analysis, the classic Denning restrictions allow a program's termination to be affected by the values of its H variables, resulting in potential information leaks. In an effort to quantify such leaks, in this work we study a simple imperative language with random assignments. We consider a 'stripping' operation on programs and establish a fundamental relationship between the behavior of a well-typed program and of its stripped version; to prove this relationship, we introduce a new notion of fast probabilistic simulation on Markov chains. As an application, we prove that, under the Denning restrictions, well-typed probabilistic programs are guaranteed to satisfy an approximate probabilistic noninterference property, provided that their probability of nontermination is small
Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates xvi. 3ξ-Hydroxymethyl-A-nor-5α-gorgostane, a novel sponge sterol

The free sterol mixture of the sponge Stylotella agminata contained a series of 3-hydroxymethyl-A-nor sterols of 5 alpha-cholestane, 5 alpha-cholest-22-ene, 24-methyl-5 alpha-cholestane, 24-ethyl-5 alpha-cholestane, and 24-ethyl-5 alpha-cholest-22-ene. A new cyclopropane-containing sterol was isolated and shown to be 3 epsilon-hydroxymethyl-A-nor-5 alpha-gorgostane. Sterols with conventional nuclei were also present as minor constituents;
Cydophosphamide-Induced Abnormalities in the Incisors of the Rat

A single injection of 75 mg/kg cyclophosphamide caused gross dental abnormalities in rats. Broken, malformed, overgrown, and "extra" incisors developed several weeks after drug treatment. Radioautographic investigations show no unusual features in the morphology or labeling with H3-thymidine in the odontogenic cells. The results suggest that the cytotoxic effect of the drug is a temporary one which induces a residual alteration of tooth growth.
An Experimental Study of Ignition in Nonpremixed Counterflowing Hydrogen versus Heated Air

ABSTRACT A variable pressure, counterflow combustion chamber has been built for the experimental investigation of ignition in a convective-diffusive system. In this paper we present our results on ignition of nonpremixed, counterflowing jets of 20% H2 in N2 versus heated air, within a wide range of pressures and flow strain rates. The system was brought to ignition by increasing gradually the temperature of the air stream. Each steady-state situation just prior to ignition was characterized by measuring detailed centerline axial flow velocity and temperature distributions, for ambient pressures between 0.1-6.0 atm and pressure-weighted strain rates between 50-400 s−1. The ignition temperature, defined as the maximum temperature of the air jet just prior to ignition, was found to increase with increasing flow strain rate at all pressures. Furthermore, its sensitivity to strain-rate variations was found to be much higher at elevated and reduced pressures (above ∼ 2 atm and below ∼ 0.5 atm) than it was at at...
Rapid Electron Transfer between Monomers when the Cytochrome bc1 Complex Dimer Is Reduced through Center N

We have obtained evidence for electron transfer between cytochrome b subunits of the yeast bc1 complex dimer by analyzing pre-steady state reduction of cytochrome b in the presence of center P inhibitors. The kinetics and extent of cytochrome b reduced by quinol in the presence of variable concentrations of antimycin decreased non-linearly and could only be fitted to a model in which electrons entering through one center N can equilibrate between the two cytochrome b subunits of the bc1 complex dimer. The bH heme absorbance in a bc1 complex inhibited at center P and preincubated with substoichiometric concentrations of antimycin showed a red shift upon the addition of substrate, which indicates that electrons from the uninhibited center N in one monomer are able to reach the bH heme at the antimycin-blocked site in the other. The extent of cytochrome b reduction by variable concentrations of menaquinol could only be fitted to a kinetic model that assumes electron equilibration between center N sites in the dimer. Kinetic simulations showed that non-rate-limiting electron equilibration between the two bH hemes in the dimer through the two bL hemes is possible upon reduction through one center N despite the thermodynamically unfavorable bH to bL electron transfer step. We propose that electron transfer between cytochrome b subunits minimizes the formation of semiquinone-ferrocytochrome bH complexes at center N and favors ubiquinol oxidation at center P by increasing the amount of oxidized cytochrome b.
Exploring Asynchronous Design Techniques for Process-Tolerant and Energy-Efficient Subthreshold Operation

Supply voltage scaling is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy dissipation. Therefore, researchers have considered subthreshold logic as a promising option to achieve ultra low energy dissipation. However, circuit propagation delay is extremely sensitive to PVT variations under subthreshold operation. Hence, large delay margin is required for successful operation of conventional synchronous designs. Since leakage energy contributes to a substantial portion of total energy dissipation in subthreshold operation, the leakage energy dissipated for the required delay margin degrades energy efficiency significantly. In addition, even small intra-die variations result in large clock skew and hence, it is difficult to efficiently handle timing issues such as the setup and the hold time violations. In this work, we explore asynchronous design approach to address these challenges in subthreshold operation. We employ critical-path replica to generate completion signals of combinational logic blocks and use classical four-phase handshaking for communication between pipeline flip-flops. Since the proposed design approach uses only local clock buffers, it is easier to handle timing problems compared to synchronous designs. We compared iso-yield minimum energy dissipation of two design approaches (synchronous and asynchronous) in an inverter chain. Despite leakage overhead due to pad delay of critical-path delay line and ?return-to-zero? time of four-phase handshaking, the proposed asynchronous design shows 71% energy savings compared to its synchronous counterpart. To demonstrate subthreshold operation of the proposed design approach, we fabricated an 8-tap FIR filter in 90 nm CMOS. Measured oscilloscope plots of handshaking and output bus signals show that the design operates successfully below 300 mV. We also measured energy consumption of the FIR filter from 19 test chips-the average was 4.64 pJ and the standard deviation was 0.3526 pJ.
Late and Atypical Cytomegalovirus Disease in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients

Posttransplantation cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease typically occurs 1-4 months after solid-organ transplantation. The case definition invariably includes unexplained fever for > or =3 days, often with leukopenia. Late and atypical presentation of CMV disease has been rarely reported. Five cases of late and atypical CMV disease in heart (n = 1), liver (n = 1), and kidney (n = 3) transplant recipients occurred within a 4-month period in early 1999. These patients presented at a median of 25 months after organ transplantation (range, 6 months to 22 years). Atypical findings included absence of fever in 3 patients, elevated white blood cell counts in 4 patients, and normal platelet counts in 4 patients. Four patients were at risk for primary CMV infection, and 3 received ganciclovir prophylaxis for 3 months. One patients was treated for rejection, and 2 patients had induction muromonab-CD3 (Orthclone; Orthobiotech). Two of the patients had pulmonary CMV disease, but neither of these patients had hypoxia. Two patients had enterocolitis, one of whom had chronic colitis for a year. These cases may represent a changing epidemiology and clinical presentation of CMV disease in solid-organ transplant recipients in an era of changing immunosuppression and improved CMV disease prevention in the early posttransplantation period.
The Gene Expression Barcode 3.0: improved data processing and mining tools

The Gene Expression Barcode project, http://barcode.luhs.org, seeks to determine the genes expressed for every tissue and cell type in humans and mice. Understanding the absolute expression of genes across tissues and cell types has applications in basic cell biology, hypothesis generation for gene function and clinical predictions using gene expression signatures. In its current version, this project uses the abundant publicly available microarray data sets combined with a suite of single-array preprocessing, quality control and analysis methods. In this article, we present the improvements that have been made since the previous version of the Gene Expression Barcode in 2011. These include a variety of new data mining tools and summaries, estimated transcriptomes and curated annotations.
Floral variation and floral genetics in basal angiosperms

Recent advances in phylogeny reconstruction and floral genetics set the stage for new investigations of the origin and diversification of the flower. We review the current state of angiosperm phylogeny, with an emphasis on basal lineages. With the surprising inclusion of Hydatellaceae with Nymphaeales, recent studies support the topology of Amborella sister to all other extant angiosperms, with Nymphaeales and then Austrobaileyales as subsequent sisters to all remaining angiosperms. Notable modifications from most recent analyses are the sister relationships of Chloranthaceae with the magnoliids and of Ceratophyllaceae with eudicots. We review "trends" in floral morphology and contrast historical, intuitive interpretations with explicit character-state reconstructions using molecular-based trees, focusing on (1) the size, number, and organization of floral organs; (2) the evolution of the perianth; (3) floral symmetry; and (4) floral synorganization. We provide summaries of those genes known to affect floral features that contribute to much of floral diversity. Although most floral genes have not been investigated outside of a few model systems, sufficient information is emerging to identify candidate genes for testing specific hypotheses in nonmodel plants. We conclude with a set of evo-devo case studies in which floral genetics have been linked to variation in floral morphology.
Choosing appropriate genetic markers and analytical methods for testing landscape genetic hypotheses: NEWS AND VIEWS: REPLY

Landscape genetics and phylogeography both examine population-level microevolutionary processes, such as population structure and gene flow, in the context of environmental and geographic variation. They differ in terms of the spatial and temporal scales they typically investigate, meaning that different genetic markers and analytical methods are better suited for testing the different hypotheses typically posed by each discipline. In a recent comment, Bohonak & Vandergast (2011) argue that I overlooked the value of mtDNA for landscape genetics in an article I published last year in Molecular Ecology (Wang 2010) and that a gap between landscape genetics and phylogeography, which I outlined, does not exist. Here, I clarify several points in my original article and summarize the commonly held viewpoint that different genetic markers are appropriate for drawing inferences at different temporal scales.
Real time estimation of motion and range of RFID tags

The paper presents work done for determination of range, velocity and direction of motion of one or more UHF RFID-tagged objects present within a broadcast-and-receive range of an RFID tag reader using the Phase-Difference-of-Arrival concept. Different processing techniques with respective advantages and disadvantages are presented. Theoretical methods are developed, data collected in various environmental settings are presented and analysed and accuracies of various algorithms are assessed. Real life application scenarios are also presented which use this feature in the RFID system.
Taxane modulation of anesthetic sensitivity in surgery for nonmetastatic breast cancer

Abstract Study objective and design The mechanism of action of commonly used general anesthetics is largely unknown. One hypothesized mechanism is through modulation of microtubule stability. Taxanes, a subset of chemotherapeutic drugs known to alter microtubule stability and commonly used to treat breast cancer, offer a natural experiment to test our hypothesis that patients exposed to taxanes prior to surgery, as compared to after surgery, would have a partial resistance to general anesthetics. Setting, patients, and measurements The anesthetic record of adult women with nonmetastatic breast cancer was used to obtain changes in heart rate and blood pressure surrounding incision, and the amount of inhaled anesthetic agent, induction, and rescue drugs administered. Main results Change in blood pressure in response to incision was significantly higher in the neoadjuvant group ( P = .03), whereas change in heart rate was not ( P = .53). A greater amount of morphine was administered in the neoadjuvant group (26.3 vs 15.5 mg, P = .02), although not a higher concentration of inhaled anesthetics ( P = .15). Conclusion These results suggest that the alteration of microtubule stability is one of a number of mechanisms of inhaled anesthetics.