cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding genomic function for genetic associations in nicotine addiction research: the ENCODE project's role in future pharmacogenomic analysis.

Abstract Tobacco-related behaviors and the underlying addiction to nicotine are complex tangles of genetic and environmental factors. Efforts to understand the genetic component of these traits have identified sites in the genome (single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) that might account for some part of the role of genetics in nicotine addiction. Encouragingly, some of these candidate SNPs remain significant in meta-analyses. However, genetic associations cannot be fully assessed, regardless of statistical significance, without an understanding of the functional consequences of the alleles present at these SNPs. The proper experimental test for allelic function can be very difficult to define, representing a roadblock in translating genetic results into treatment to prevent smoking and other nicotine-related behaviors. This roadblock can be navigated in part with a new web-based tool, the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE). ENCODE is a compilation of searchable data on several types of biochemical functions or “marks” across the genome. These data can be queried for the co-localization of a candidate SNP and a biochemical mark. The presence of a SNP within a marked region of DNA enables the generation of better-informed hypotheses to test possible functional roles of alleles at a candidate SNP. Two examples of such co-localizations are presented. One example reveals ENCODE's ability to relate a candidate SNP's function with a gene very far from the physical location of the SNP. The second example reveals a new potential function of the SNP, rs4105144, that has been genetically associated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Details for accessing the ENCODE data for this SNP are provided to serve as a tutorial. By serving as a bridge between genetic associations and biochemical function, ENCODE has the power to propel progress in untangling the genetic aspects of nicotine addiction — a major public health concern.
Side channel analysis countermeasures using obfuscated instructions

Proven cryptographic algorithms using adequate key sizes are widely used as the primary protection scheme for software programs and hardware circuits. However, it has been shown that detailed analysis of physical circuit manifestations reveal enough information to help adversaries determine the cipher key. Thus, even the strongest algorithms and techniques can be defeated after key extraction. We illustrate a novel technique towards protecting encryption circuits from specific types of side channel analysis attacks utilizing electromagnetic (EM) and radio frequency (RF) probes. Three encryption algorithms, AES, RSA, and DES, implemented in Java are tested on an FPGA to determine their side channel vulnerabilities. Then, select Java bytecodes are obfuscated dynamically through multiple and fundamentally different execution options for satisfying the function during runtime. The obfuscation techniques cause the power signature and execution time to differ each time the specific bytecode is executed within the same encryption routine. Within our experimental framework, all three encryption algorithms had their respective secret keys extracted. After obfuscation countermeasures were applied, DES and RSA encryption circuits are protected successfully from previous side channel exploits. With protection in place, adversaries must collect and expend a minimum of 4 times the effort to exploit protected circuits.
High extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ stimulate accumulation of inositol phosphates in bovine parathyroid cells

We examined the effects of the divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ on inositol phosphate accumulation in bovine parathyroid cells prelabelled with [3H]inositol to determine whether the high extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+-evoked transients in cytosolic Ca2+ in these cells might result from increases in cellular IP3 levels. In the presence of Li+, both Ca2+ and Mg2+ produced rapid, 2–6-fold increases in IP3 and IP2 and a linear increase in IP of 6–8-fold at 30 min. Smaller (1.5–2-fold) increases in IP2 and IP3 were evident within 7.5–15 s upon exposure to high (3mM) Ca2+ in the absence of Li+. The relative potencies of Ca2+ and Mg+ (Ca2+ 3-fold more potent than Mg2+) in elevating inositol phosphates were similar to those for their effects in inhibiting PTH release. Fluoride (5 and 10 mM) also produced similar increases in inositol phosphate accumulation, presumably through activation of phospholipase C by a guanine nucleotide (G) protein-dependent process. Thus, high extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+-induced spikes in cytosolic Ca2+ in bovine parathyroid cells may be mediated by increases in IP3, perhaps through a receptor-mediated process linked to phospholipase C by a G-protein.
Spirometra mansonoides as an experimental tool. VI. Effect of low incubation temperatures on the primary axis of the developing egg

Abstract The author previously demonstrated that when eggs of Spirometra are incubated at 37 ° C there is an excessive mortality, and about 10% of the surviving eggs develop inverted embryos. A much smaller proportion (about 0.3%) of such inverted embryos develop in eggs held at room temperature. This suggests a heat-induced effect, with the percentage of inversions proportional to the elevation of temperature. If this is so, further lowering of the incubation temperature should depress the incidence of this variation to the vanishing point. In the present work essentially the same proportion (0.4%) of inversions appeared in eggs incubated at 15 ° to 16 ° C, as appeared in lots held at room temperature. Thus it appears that this type of egg pre-exists in a certain proportion, and that its apparent increase in eggs incubated at elevated temperatures is due to a heavier mortality on the part of normal eggs. Apparently inverted embryos possess greater resistance to heat stress.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of infants with unilateral or bilateral periventricular hemorrhagic infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) is a major contributing factor to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. We hypothesized that surviving infants with unilateral PVHI would have more favorable outcomes than those with bilateral PVHI. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective study of infants who were admitted to 3 NICUs in North Carolina from 1998 to 2004. The clinical course and late neuroimaging studies and neurodevelopmental outcomes of 69 infants who weighed RESULTS: Infants with unilateral PVHI had higher median MDI (82 vs 49) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (53 vs 49) than infants with bilateral PVHI. Infants with unilateral PVHI were less likely to have severe cerebral palsy (adjusted odds ratio: 0.15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.45]) than infants with bilateral PVHI. Infants who had unilateral PVHI and developed periventricular leukomalacia and retinopathy of prematurity that required surgery had an increased probability of having MDI CONCLUSIONS: Infants with unilateral PVHI had better motor and cognitive outcomes than infants with bilateral PVHI. By combining laterality of PVHI, periventricular leukomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity it is possible to estimate the probability of having an MDI
Supercritical CO2–brine induced dissolution, swelling, and secondary mineral formation on phlogopite surfaces at 75–95 °C and 75 atm

To safely implement geologic carbon sequestration (GCS), a better understanding of geochemical reactions at supercritical CO2 (scCO2)–brine–clay mineral interfaces is necessary. This work investigated phlogopite dissolution and secondary mineral formation after freshly cleaved (001) surfaces were exposed to scCO2–brine systems. Phlogopite was used as a model clay mineral, and scCO2–1 M NaCl–phlogopite systems at 75 °C and 75 atm were chosen to mimic CO2 storage conditions in deep saline aquifers. Additional experiments were also performed at 95 °C to explore the effect of temperature on phlogopite dissolution. The dissolution activation energies for each element were calculated to be 64.2 kJ mol−1 for Si, 53.6 kJ mol−1 for Mg, and 78.4 kJ mol−1 for Al. Over 43 h of reaction time, the activation energy for K dissolution was calculated to be 35.9 kJ mol−1. A whole-mineral activation energy for phlogopite, 62.5 kJ mol−1, was estimated from the weighted mean values of the activation energies of the framework elements (Al, Si, and Mg). Swelling of the phlogopite outer layers, dissolution pit formation, and precipitation of both illite and amorphous silica were dominant at both temperatures. At 75 °C, normalized volumetric surface coverage (μm3/μm2) was 0.34 ± 0.74 for illite and 0.05 ± 0.90 for amorphous silica nanoparticles.
Imposed inequality and miscommunication between physically impaired and physically nonimpaired interactants in American society

This paper discusses American society's pathological reactions toward persons with physical impairments with respect to psychological barriers and pejorative labeling. The issue of stigmatization is discussed, and evidence is provided to suggest that people with visible impairments are treated as second‐class citizens and avoided by members of this culture. Studies show that physically nonimpaired interactants are unprepared for encounters with physically impaired communicators; thus, they experience stress in situations where interaction is necessary. This paper explores proactive communication strategies to reduce stigmatization.
After 35 years, have we made progress: A government perspective

The use of irradiation to improve the safety, protect the nutritional benefits, and preserve the quality of fresh and processed foods is a well established and proven technology. Over the past 35 years, the United States Government has invested in the science to confirm safety and in the technology to show application. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration have approved sources of ionizing radiation for the treatment of foods, and their application to most meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Despite the value of this technology to the food industry and to the health and welfare of the public, only minimal application of this technology occurs. This underscores the importance of increasing the public’s understanding of radiation risks relative to other hazards. Accordingly, in 1995, the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination of the Executive Office of the President made recommendations for the creation of a centralized National Radiation Information Center that would work closely with Federal departments and agencies in responding to public queries about radiation issues and Federal programs. This article updates a commentary published in 1996 (Young 1996). In the past six years, some progress has been made, including the establishment of a government operated Food Irradiation Information Center, and the completion of final rule making by USDA, thus permitting the safe treatment of meats and poultry. Despite these actions, little progress has been made on the public acceptance of this technology. The need for an informed public and for a better understanding of risks, i.e., risk communication, is noted.
Structural Dynamics of Calcium Transport Proteins Detected by Saturation Transfer Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

We have used conventional and saturation transfer electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to probe the structural dynamics of the integral membrane protein phospholamban (PLB), as a function of phosphorylation and the presence of its regulatory target, the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA). Our goal is to elucidate the mechanism of SERCA inhibition by PLB, which is needed for the rational design of therapies to improve calcium transport in muscle cells. We used the monomeric mutant AFA-PLB with the rigid electron spin label TOAC incorporated at position 36 in the transmembrane domain, and reconstituted the protein in lipid vesicles. EPR experiments were performed to determine the nanosecond (conventional EPR) and microsecond (saturation transfer EPR) rotational motions of PLB, as modulated by phosphorylation of PLB at serine 16 (pPLB), and/or addition of excess SERCA. Neither SERCA binding nor PLB phosphorylation caused significant changes in conventional EPR spectra of PLB, indicating no effect on the nanosecond flexibility of PLB's transmembrane domain. However, saturation transfer EPR found that addition of SERCA caused a large decrease in microsecond rotational motion for both PLB and pPLB. Phosphorylation of PLB caused no effect in the absence of SERCA and only slight mobilization in the presence of SERCA. These results indicate that both PLB and pPLB bind to SERCA, and PLB phosphorylation only slightly increases the flexibility and/or the dissociation constant of the SERCA-PLB complex. Therefore, PLB phosphorylation relieves SERCA inhibition primarily by changing the structural dynamics of the SERCA-PLB complex, not by dissociation of the complex. This work was funded by grants from NIH (R01 GM27906 and T32 AR007612).
Understanding multiple myeloma pathogenesis in the bone marrow to identify new therapeutic targets

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by complex heterogeneous cytogenetic abnormalities. The bone marrow microenvironment promotes multiple myeloma cell growth and resistance to conventional therapies. Although multiple myeloma remains incurable, novel targeted agents, used alone or in combination, have shown great promise to overcome conventional drug resistance and improve patient outcome. Recent oncogenomic studies have further advanced our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma, providing the framework for new prognostic classification and identifying new therapeutic targets.
Laminar Pressure Loss Coefficient in Close Coupled Fittings

Close-coupled fittings are widely used in piping system to change the direction of the fluid and to connect pipes. These fittings cause losses and these losses play a significant role in the total pressure loss in a duct system. Numerical simulations were performed using Fluent on laminar flows in a circular pipe to obtain pressure loss coefficients associated with different fittings of two elbows and three elbows. Each configuration was studied with different intermediate distances between fittings of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 pipe diameters. It was observed that for a Reynolds number of 100 and for an intermediate distance less than 5 pipe diameters, the pressure loss coefficient for the coupled fittings was less than that of the uncoupled fittings. While the fittings become uncoupled when the intermediate distance was greater than 5 pipe diameters. Variation of velocity along the axis of the pipe was analyzed to understand the mechanism of the pressure loss for various fitting configurations with different intermediate distances.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Chromosomal RNA: an artifact of preparation?

Abstract Total nuclear RNA, chromatin-associated RNA § and chromosomal RNA have been examined in various chicken tissues. The quantity of chromosomal RNA varied from zero to almost 100% of the total chromatin-associated RNA, depending on the conditions of isolation and preparation of chromatin and chromosomal RNA. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis of chromosonal RNA isolated under conditions minimizing RNA degradation showed that it was comprised of all of the RNA species found in the nucleus. No evidence was found for the presence of a special class of RNA which is RNase resistant and covalently bound to chromosomal proteins.
A two-marker haplotype in the IRF5 gene is associated with inflammatory bowel disease in a North American cohort.

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) located on human chromosome 7q32 is associated with many chronic inflammatory disorders. IRF5 is the key regulator of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferons. We surveyed two cohorts of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients from a North American Consortium. Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms and a 5-base-pair (bp) insertion–deletion (CGGGG indel)polymorphism were investigated. Cytokine secretion was measured in primary lymphocytes after toll-like receptor 9 stimulation. Two-marker haplotypes containing the pairs (rs4728142–CGGGG indel) and (CGGGG indel–rs7808907) were associated with IBD protection (P=2.89 × 10−6, P=9.32 × 10−4 (non-Jewish ancestry) and P=4.68 × 10−8, P=2.50 × 10−8 (Jewish ancestry)) and IBD risk (P=0.004, P=0.003 (Jewish ancestry), respectively. IRF5 polymorphisms were risk factors for IBD in a single cohort. Interleukin-12-p70 cytokine production was higher (P=0.04) in lymphocytes from controls with two alleles of the 5-bp insertion. IRF5 polymorphisms contribute to the risk profile for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis along with ancestry and NOD2 genotypes.
An X-ray topography study of the dendritic web silicon growth process

Abstract In this study, transmission X-ray topography was used for investigating the nature of dislocation networks in as-grown dendritic web silicon ribbons. We were able to correlate minority carrier diffusion length with the configuration of the networks that are strongly affected by twin planes lying midway across the web thickness. Analysis of the networks is also useful in providing information regarding regions of high stress levels associated with a given growth environment.
Short-term repeatability of electrocardiographic Tpeak–Tend and QT intervals

Abstract Background The electrocardiographic (ECG) Tpeak–Tend interval (TpTe) is associated with arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. TpTe offers a supplementary measure for the QT interval (QT), yet its repeatability has not been established. Purpose Evaluate short-term repeatability of TpTe and QT. Methods Four ECGs were obtained on sixty participants. The sources of variation, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) – an index of reproducibility – and minimal detectable change (MDC) were estimated for TpTe and QT. The impact of repeated measurements on repeatability was estimated for a hypothetical clinical trial designed to detect drug-induced prolongation of TpTe and QT. Results We used heart rate-adjusted QT [(QT)a] but TpTe in the study group was rate-invariant. The ICC [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.77 (0.69, 0.85) for TpTe, 0.75 (0.65, 0.85) for QT and 0.60 (0.47, 0.73) for (QT)a. The MDC (ms) was 21, 32 and 26 for TpTe, QT and (QT)a respectively. Conclusion TpTe has excellent repeatability supporting its use as a supplement to QT in observational and clinical studies.
Coordination chemistry and extraction properties of phosphonopyridyl N,P oxides

Abstract The coordination chemistry of 6,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine-N,N′,P,P′-tetra oxide with Eu(NO3)3 is described. The ligand forms a 2:1 complex in which both ligands bind in a tetradentate fashion to the metal. The liquid–liquid extraction of Am(III) in HNO3 solutions by the ligand in CHCl3 is also outlined.
Hormonal influence on fatty acid composition of sterol ester and phospholipid fractions of experimental mammary carcinomas.

SummaryThe fatty acid compostions of the sterol ester and phospholipid fractions of mammary carcinomas and a derived, transplantable sarcoma were determined; the composition of the sarcoma differed from that of the carcinoma. Hormonal modification (ovariectomy plus 50 μg estradiol-17β with or without progesterone) of hosts bearing mammary carcinomas did not per se result in changes in the fatty acid composition of the phospholipid fraction of the carcinomas, except in those carcinomas which became laden with fat. The phospholipid and sterol ester fractions of fat-laden carcinomas had increased proportions of the shorter chain (C10-14) fatty acids and decreased proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids but differences were not as great as in the triglycerides.
THE INFLUENCE OF SEVEN ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS ON DUCK PLAGUE VIRUS SHEDDING BY CARRIER MALLARDS

Duck plague (DP) carrier mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were subjected to seven environmental and physiological conditions in an attempt to stimulate DP virus shedding. The conditions were: food quality, social interaction, reproductive state, time dependency of food and water, noise, exercise, and sex of bird. Cloacal and oral swabs were taken daily for 10 days and assayed for DP virus content. The stimulated carrier ducks shed DP virus intermittently in amounts up to 108 ffus/swab/day (the highest 10-fold dilution still showing specific fluorescence). Unstimulated DP carrier ducks shed only up to 103 ffus/swab/day. Reproductive state and exercise were the only two factors that acted in concert to stimulate the shedding of virus in oral secretions.
Lek behaviour in birds: do displaying males reduce nest predation?

Male lek display in birds may reduce nest-related predation by decoying predators away from nests and alerting incubating females when a predator is approaching. The sentinel/decoy model predicts a region of decreased predator density just inside the maximum range at which predators are attracted by displaying males. The expected ring of successful nests is evident in data from three species of North American prairie grouse. Well-documented features of female mate choice in lekking species, including repeated visits to male display sites prior to mating, mate fidelity and mate copying, are consistent with females maximizing the proposed antipredator benefit. The sentinel/decoy model makes a number of unique predictions that will facilitate critical tests of the model.
Relationship between Urinary Dopamine Production and Natriuresis after Acute Intravascular Volume Expansion with Sodium Chloride in Dogs

The role of renal production of dopamine in mediating the natriuretic response to acute vascular volume expansion was investigated. The effect of infusion of 0.9% saline (30 ml/kg·h) over 2 h on urine excretion of sodium and catecholamines, as well as other hemodynamic and renal function parameters, was examined in seven dogs during control and carbidopa (1 mg/kg every 8 h for 24 h before saline infusion) treatment periods. Acute vascular volume expansion with saline resulted in a rise (P < 0.01) in the renal excretion of dopamine and a depression (P < 0.01) in renal excretion of norepinephrine which paralleled the natriuretic response to saline infusion. Epinephrine excretion was not altered by saline infusion. Carbidopa treatment was not associated with changes in left ventricular filling pressure, arterial blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, renal excretion of norepinephrine or epinephrine. However, carbidopa eliminated the increase in renal production of dopamine and markedly...
Circulating Cults in Highland New Guinea: Pointers for Research

Trance and dreams become emphasized in inverse proportion to the emphasis on achieved leadership by means of exchange. That is, trance and dream are less emphasized as a means of establishing political leadership when they are replaced by leadership based on competitive exchange activities. The hypothesis is intended to apply regionally in the first instance.
categoryCompare: high-throughput data meta-analysis using gene annotations

Background Many current DNA microarray and other high-throughput data meta-analysis studies concentrate on deriving a concordant list of genes across many experiments to discover the “true” genes responsible for a particular disease process or biological pathway or cellular response (Figure 1A). However, by concentrating on the genes in common, similarities or differences that exist at a pathway or process level may be missed.
A Six Sigma Approach to Predicting Corporate Defaults

The progression of a corporation from a status of financial stability into the status of financial distress usually happens over relatively large periods of time, raising the opportunity of identifying these ‘falling’ corporations ahead of time. Consequently, a critical risk management objective is to provide investment portfolio managers with an early notice of deteriorating financial status for a corporation. We consider a model built using equity inferred Probability of Default (PD) metrics. We follow a Design for Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify (DMADV) approach to enhance the predictability power of the PD by constructing a two-dimensional risk space for estimating likelihood of default. We use such techniques as classification and regression tree (CART) analysis and logistic regression, and build a control plan using censored data analysis. We test our model on two actual portfolios. The potential savings revealed by these tests are significant, re-assuring us of the performance of our methodology. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral contraceptives and stroke.

In evaluating whether oral contraceptives (OC) cause stroke 2 major types of observational studies have been undertaken -- case control and cohort. In all case control studies realting OCs and stroke focus has been on stroke survivors because of the need to determine retrospectively the use of OCs. In 1 of 2 1969 case control studies 19 young women were identified with ischemic strokes from British hospitals; in the 2nd study 13 were reported from several US hospitals. In both studies patients with conditions that might predispose to stroke e.g. hypertension and diabetes mellitus were excluded. In the british study the estimated relative risk was 6; in the US study 19. Despite small numbers both of these risks were statistically significant. The Collaborative Group for the Study of Stroke in Young Womens large case control study was the 1st to consider ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes; over 50% of the latter group were subarachnoid hemorrhages. Matched controls came both from the cases hospitals and neighborhoods. At each level of cigarette consumption OC users were at greater risk for hemorrhagic stroke than were nonusers. The Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program considered both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The estimated relative risk of stroke associated with OC use was 26 again significant. The last 2 case control studies dealt exclusively with subarachnoid hemorrhage. 286 women aged 15-44 years who were certified as dying from subarachnoid hemorrhage in England and Wales were identified in 1976 and 446 were identified in 1978. Both studies estimated a slightly elevated relative risk in OC users but neither was significant. Several cohort studies were begun in 1968 to determine whether OCs had serious adverse effects. The largest and longest running study was initiated by the Royal College of General Practitioners. Over a 14-month period 23000 OC users and 23000 nonusers matched for age and marital status were enrolled. The cohort has been followed for over a decade. As of 1981 OC users were 4 times more likely to die from vascular disease than were nonusers. The excess was due to deaths from ischemic heart disease and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The risk of strokes not due to subarachnoid hemorrhage was elevated but not significantly. Despite over 300000 woman years of observation the findings were based on only 34 stroke-related deaths 20 due to subarachnoid hemorrhages. 14 of the patients with subarachnoid hemorrage were smokers. It was concluded that the use of OCs significantly increase the risk for fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage but that the risk is confined to women over 35 yearsold especially if they smoke. The evidence from all the epidemiological studies supports the contention that OCs are associated with stroke.
Regularizing irregular graphs

A graph is highly irregular if it is connected and the nieghbors of each vertex have distinct degrees. The eccentricity of a vertex v is the distance to the vertex farthest from v, and the center of G is the set of vertices with minimum eccentricity. Graph G is self-centered if all the vertices of G are in the center. Except for two trivial cases, highly irregular graphs are never self-centered. In this paper, we study the problem of embedding a highly irregular graph G as an induced subgraph in a self-centered graph H so that H is regular with the same maximum degree as G and has the smallest possible order.
Some anomalies of the numerical solutions of the Euler equations

The numerical solution of the unsteady Euler equations for compressible flow over a circular cylinder is obtained using standard numerical techniques. The equations, written in cylindrical coordinates, are discretized on an orthogonal grid via central differences for spatial derivatives, using a simple second order artificial viscosity form and a special treatment of the boundary conditions. Backward differences in time are employed resulting in a large system of nonlinear difference equations at each step. A direct solver (LAPACK), based on an efficient Gaussian elimination procedure for banded matrices, is used to solve the linearized system of equations. The stability of the nonunique solutions of the steady Euler equations is investigated. It is demonstrated that the symmetric solutions, with zero circulation, are not stable. For a certain Mach number range, a periodic solution is obtained where the shock oscillation persists. If a periodic circulation (within a certain frequency range) is enforced in the far field, an irregular solution emerges with unpredictable shock motions. For such a solution, the Lyapunov exponent is shown to be greater than zero, indicating the appearance of chaos.
MEMBRANE INSERTION SCANNING OF THE HUMAN ILEAL SODIUM/BILE ACID CO-TRANSPORTER

Mammalian sodium-dependent bile acid transporters (SBATs) responsible for bile salt uptake across the liver sinusoidal or ileal/renal brush border membrane have been identified and share approximately 35% amino acid sequence identity. Programs for prediction of topology and localization of transmembrane helices identify eight or nine hydrophobic regions for the SBAT sequences as membrane spanning. Analysis of N-linked glycosylation has provided evidence for an exoplasmic N-terminus and a cytoplasmic C-terminus, indicative of an odd number of transmembrane segments. To determine the membrane topography of the human ileal SBAT (HISBAT), an in vitro translation/translocation protocol was employed using three different fusion protein constructs. Individual HISBAT segments were analyzed for signal anchor or stop translocation (stop transfer) activity by insertion between a cytoplasmic anchor (HK M0) or a signal anchor segment (HK M1) and a glycosylation flag (HK beta). To examine consecutive HISBAT sequences, sequential hydrophobic sequences were inserted into the HK M0 vector or fusion vectors were made that included the glycosylated N-terminus of HISBAT, sequential hydrophobic sequences, and the glycosylation flag. Individual signal anchor (SA) and stop transfer (ST) properties were found for seven out of the nine predicted hydrophobic segments (H1, H2, H4, H5, H6, H7, and H9), supporting a seven transmembrane segment model. However, the H3 region was membrane inserted when translated in the context of the native HISBAT flanking sequences. Furthermore, results from translations of sequential constructs ending after H7 provided support for integration of H8. These data provide support for a SBAT transmembrane domain model with nine integrated segments with an exoplasmic N-terminus and a cytoplasmic C-terminus consistent with a recent predictive analysis of this transporter topology.
Sorting Stable versus Unstable Hypothetical Compounds: The Case of Multi-Functional ABX Half-Heusler Filled Tetrahedral Structures

Electronic structure theory has recently been used to propose hypothetical compounds in presumed crystal structures, seeking new useful functional materials. In some cases, such hypothetical materials are metastable, albeit with technologically useful long lifetimes. Yet, in other cases, suggested hypothetical compounds may be signifi cantly higher in energy than their lowest-energy crystal structures or competing phases, making their synthesis and eventual device-stability questionable. By way of example, the focus here is on the family of 1:1:1 compounds ABX called “fi lled tetrahedral structure” (sometimes called Half-Heusler) in the four groups with octet electron count: I-I-VI (e.g., CuAgSe), I-II-V (e.g., AgMgAs), I-III-IV (e.g., LiAlSi), and II-II-IV (e.g., CaZnSn). First-principles thermodynamics is used to sort the lowestenergy structure and the thermodynamic stability of the 488 unreported hypothetical ABX compounds, many of which were previously proposed to be useful technologically. It is found that as many as 235 of the 488 are unstable with respect to decomposition (hence, are unlikely to be viable technologically), whereas other 235 of the unreported compounds are predicted to be thermodynamically stable (hence, potentially interesting new materials). 18 additional materials are too close to determine. The electronic structures of these predicted stable compounds are evaluated, seeking potential new material functionalities.
Controls on mixing‐dependent denitrification in hyporheic zones induced by riverbed dunes: A steady state modeling study

The hyporheic zone is known to attenuate contaminants originating from surface water, yet the ability of the hyporheic zone to attenuate contaminants in upwelling groundwater plumes as they exit to surface water is less understood. We used MODFLOW and SEAM3D to simulate hyporheic flow cells induced by riverbed dunes and upwelling groundwater together with mixing-dependent denitrification of an upwelling nitrate ( NO3−) plume. Our base case modeled labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) advecting from surface water, and DO and NO3− advecting from groundwater, typical of certain agricultural areas. We conducted sensitivity analyses that showed mixing-dependent denitrification in the hyporheic zone increased with increasing hydraulic conductivity (K), decreasing lower boundary flux, and increasing DOC in surface water or NO3− in groundwater. Surface water DOC, groundwater NO3−, and K were the most sensitive parameters affecting mixing-dependent denitrification. Nonmixing-dependent denitrification also occurred when there was surface water NO3−, and its magnitude was often greater than mixing-dependent denitrification. Nevertheless, mixing-dependent reactions provide functions that nonmixing-dependent reactions cannot, with potential for hyporheic zones to attenuate upwelling NO3− plumes, depending on geomorphic, hydraulic, and biogeochemical conditions. Stream and river restoration efforts may be able to increase mixing-dependent reactions by promoting natural processes that promote bedform creation and augment labile carbon sources.
Components of genetic variation for resistance of strawberry to Phytophthora cactorum estimated using segregating seedling populations and their parent genotypes

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) seedlings from 50 bi-parental crosses among 20 elite genotypes were evaluated for resistance to Phytophthora cactorum after artificial inoculation. Plots of seedlings or runner plants were rated using a disease severity score and the percentage of stunted plants per plot. The distribution of cross means for percentages of plants with stunting was highly skewed; 79% of the inoculated seedlings showed some level of stunting compared to non-inoculated control seedlings, and all but one of the crosses had 50% or more stunted plants. Disease severity scores for the bi-parental crosses were normally distributed and expressed a range of variation not reflected by the percentage of visibly stunted plants. Factorial analysis based on seedling plot means demonstrated significant additive genetic variance for the disease severity score, and the additive genetic variance was 1·9 times greater than the estimated dominance variance. The cross-mean heritability was for the severity score. Estimates of the additive genetic variance component using the covariance of severity scores obtained from the seedling analysis and with severity scores for their parents evaluated in a commercial environment were similar, and 0·30, respectively. Most of the selection response obtained through genotypic selection would thus be transferred to segregating offspring.
An undergraduate cyber-physical systems course

This paper describes the development of an upper-division course introducing undergraduates to the fundamentals of cyber-physical systems. A cyber-physical system (CPS), a term coined by Dr. Helen Gill at the U.S. National Science Foundation, is a tightly coupled integration and coordination of computing elements and physical resources. A multitude of wired and/or wireless communication/sensor networks connect these computing elements and physical resources. It is not sufficient to study each of the following in isolation since a CPS is not their union but their intersection: embedded computers, control theory, sensor and communication networks, physical resources, decision theory, data fusion, knowledge discovery, resilience, and dynamic configuration. Their joint dynamics must be studied together and this is what set this emerging discipline apart from these individually established fields. Since CPS is a relatively new area of research, the few available courses are targeted toward advanced graduate students. They are typically in the form of seminars where students read papers, perform term projects, and give presentations. These papers are drawn from the fields of embedded systems, real-time systems, networking, control theory, and engineering. While such course formats are appropriate for graduate students, they are not suitable for undergraduates. However, engineers and computer scientists who will build CPSs in the near future will most likely comprise of bachelor's degree holders. It is therefore imperative to train them in this field by introducing CPS fundamentals, hence the motivation for developing this course. This course will make it possible for undergraduates to understand and learn the materials without possessing background in embedded real-time systems, advanced mathematics, formal verification, and control theory. There are two key tasks: distilling and adapting materials from graduate courses for undergraduates, and developing lab projects whose components increase in complexity as students learn.
A Training Program in Bioanalytical Toxicology

Students of diversified backgrounds are taught methods used in bioanalytical toxicology such as TLC, GLC, RIA, EMIT, UV, and spectrofluorometry. Major emphasis is placed on the detection of abused drugs in biologic specimens. It was found that the students with more advanced formal education have learned the lecture theory and instrumentation quicker and in greater detail. However, as far as the ability to work rapidly and accurately, many of the trainees who have had less formal education have shown better ability. Perhaps it could be said that the theory is a science, whereas the work is an art. This art through practice can be better developed by some people regardless of education. On completion of this training, they will be able to help fill the great need for toxicologic technicians.
Reactive synovitis after silicone arthroplasty.

A number of patients with silicone rubber implants performed by us and other surgeons initially had excellent results; however, they returned with swelling and discomfort. We studied 18 patients ranging in age from 16 years to 57 years who presented 8 to 78 months (average, 31.7 months) after silicone arthroplasty (four scaphoid, six lunate, one scapholunate, four finger, two wrist, one trapezium, and one ulnar head for metacarpal hemiarthroplasty). Erosive osteolysis was seen on x-ray films, with progressive destruction evident in patients followed serially. None of the patients' conditions responded to conservative care. The severity of the proliferative, inflammatory synovitis and the foreign material in the multinucleated giant cells correlated with the interval since arthroplasty. Implant surface analysis by scanning electron microscope and x-ray spectrometer showed that silicone microparticles were the result of implant degeneration and erosion. All joint cultures were negative. Silicone particulate synovitis and destruction were arrested by the removal of the implant, a synovectomy, and curettage of the lytic lesions at salvage (resection arthroplasty or arthrodesis.) Patients who have had silicone arthroplasties should be followed indefinitely, at regular intervals, by x-ray films and clinical examination.
A Promising Approach For Emergency Departments To Care For Patients With Substance Use And Behavioral Disorders

Millions of patients visit US emergency departments (EDs) each year because of substance use and behavioral disorders. Caring for these people is daunting, given the high patient volumes and increasing acuity of illness that EDs are experiencing. The nation’s primary care system has limited capacity to treat these individuals, who are often uninsured, poor, and sick. A growing body of evidence suggests that screening, providing a brief intervention, and referring these patients to treatment—an approach known as SBIRT—can be effective in the ED. Typically requiring just five to ten minutes, SBIRT incorporates principles of motivational interviewing, an evidence-based counseling technique that uses empathy, positive framing, reflective listening, and gentle education to encourage people to change risky behavior. This article describes what is known about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of SBIRT when applied to ED patients with substance use and behavioral disorders. The article recommends adopting SBIRT...
Theoretical Issues in the Design of Population Mobility Models

This paper identifies major theoretical guidelines that emerge from recent migration research, and explores their bearing on model design. A conjunctive framework combining two phases is proposed. The first phase is a retention model based on a theory of differential perception and responsiveness; it portrays the decision to move in relation to a socially structured decision threshold. The second phase is an allocation model that portrays the aggregate process whereby a system of destinations compete with each other for shares of available outmigrants.
The generic subdivision of Onagraceae, tribe Onagreae

The Onagraceae are a small, sharply defined, homogeneous family of approximately 640 species. The family is cosmopolitan, but most diverse in the western United States and Mexico, where all knownl genera occur. Recent morphological and cytological studies have indicated some modifications of the arrangement of the family presented in 1962 (Kurabayashi, Lewis, and Raven, Amer. Jour. Bot. 49: 1003-1026). The following arrangement appears to express relationships within Onagraceae best: Tribe I. Fuchsieae. Fuchsia. Tribe II. Lopezieae. Diplandra, Lopezia, Pseudolopezia, Riesenbachia, Semtandra. Tribe III. Cireaeeae. Circaea. Tribe IV. Onagreae. Burragea, Calylophlus (see below), Camissonia (see below), Clarkia, Gaura, Gayophytum, Gongytocarpus, Hantya, Heterogaura, Oenothera (see below), Stenosiphon, Xylonagra. Tribe V. Jussiaeeae. Ludwigia. Tribe VI. Epilobieae. Boisduvalia, Epilobiuum, Zauschneria. Morphological, anatomical, and cytological studies of Onagraceae have now progressed to the point where the assignment of genera to tribes is unlikely to be affected by future discoveries or ilnvestigations of additional characters. In my opinion, there is a more evident overall phenetic relationship between Puchsieae, Lopezieae, and Cireaeeae than between these three tribes and the others; and within this group, Lopezieae and Cireaeeae seem to be especially closely related, although distinct. Jussiaeeae and Epilobieae are more similar to one another than either is to any other group. In short, the most distinctive assemblage of genera in the family is Onagreae. Onagreae are an exclusively American group, although several species have been introduced into the Old World, and some are widespread there. At the time of Linnaeus, representatives of only two genera-Oenothera and Gaurawere known. To these the others were added gradually, beginning with the botanical exploration of western North and South America and Mexico from the end of the 18th Century onward. The first comprehensive 'attempt to subdivide the group generically was that of fdouard Spach, first in the Histoire Naturelle des Vegetaux (4: 335-416. 1835), and later the sanme year in his "Monographia Onagrearum" (Nouv. Ann. Mus. Paris III. 4: 321-408, pl. 30-31. 1835). Spach visualized geniera as sharply defined, homogeneous assemblages containing few species, and as a result proposed numerous new genera of Onagraceae. On the other hand, American botanists concerned with the group tended to recognize very few, large genera. For example, in their Flora of North America (1840), Torrey and Gray treated most of Spach's proposed genera as sections or subgenera, and included elements of Clarkia anid even Boisditvatia in Oenothera. Yet they maintained as distinet Eulobuts, now generally included in Oenothera, and Eutcharidium, now included in Clarkia. Later Sereno Watson, in his "Revision of the extra-tropical North American species of the genus Oenothera" (Proc. Amer. Acad. 8: 573-618. 1873) kept
High IL-6 levels in ascitic fluid correlate with reactive thrombocytosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

Non-haematopoietic malignancies are commonly associated with thrombocytosis. The aetiology of tumour-associated thrombocytosis is still unclear but may be related to tumour-derived thrombopoietin-like factors. Epithelial ovarian tumour cells have been shown to release IL-6 in vitro and high IL-6 levels have been identified in ascites of patients with ovarian cancer. Since IL-6 is a potent stimulator of megakaryocytopoiesis we examined IL-6 production at the tumour site and its relationship to serum IL-6 levels and circulating platelet counts in patients with ovarian cancer. Forty patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy for epithelial ovarian cancer [stage I+II: 6 (15%); stage III: 25 (62.5%); stage IV: 9 (22.5%)] and 24 women with benign ovarian conditions were evaluated. Sera were available from 39 cases with ovarian cancer and from 19 cases with benign ovarian tumours. Ascites was obtained from 35 patients with ovarian cancer. IL-6 activity in serum and ascitic fluid was determined by the standard B9 proliferation assay (detection level: 1 pg/ml). IL-6 bioactivity was detectable in 22 (56%) sera from patients with ovarian cancer, but in only five (26%) of the serum samples obtained from benign cases (P 400 x 10(9)/l) occurred in 25 (62.5%) of the 40 patients with ovarian cancer, but in only two (8%) of the 24 cases with benign ovarian tumours. In eight (20%) cases with malignant disease platelet counts ranged between 600 x 10(9)/l and 1060 x 10(9)/l. IL-6 bioactivity in ascitic fluid correlated significantly with circulating platelet counts (r = 0.5916; P < 0.001). Maximum IL-6 bioactivity in ascites and highest platelet counts occurred in patients with undifferentiated ovarian adenocarcinoma or advanced disease. In conclusion, these observations strongly suggest a role for IL-6 in the development of tumour-associated thrombocytosis.
Mixed function oxidase and glutathione transferase activity in last instar Heliothis virescens larvae

Abstract Methyl parathion-resistant and -susceptible strains of Heliothis virescens were assayed for mixed function oxidase and glutathione transferase activity at four time periods within the last instar. No significant differences were found between the mixed function oxidase or glutathione transferase activities of the resistant and susceptible strains. However, significant differences did appear among time periods within the last instar. Larvae assayed during the postfeeding time period (60–80 hr) had the highest mixed function oxidase activity, which was 28 times that of last instar larvae assayed during the first time period (0–19 hr). Glutathione transferase activity appeared to be highest during the 20- to 39-hr and 40- to 59-hr time periods, but the differences among time periods were small. The importance of these findings to studies of insecticide resistance and plant herbivore interactions is discussed.