cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of G/A polymorphism, rs266882, in the androgen response element 1 of the PSA gene on prostate cancer risk, survival and circulating PSA levels.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protease produced in the prostate that cleaves insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and other proteins. Production is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR) binding to the androgen response elements (ARE) in the promoter region of the PSA gene. Studies of a single nucleotide polymorphism (PSA −158 G/A, rs266882) in ARE1 of the PSA gene have been conflicting for risk of prostate cancer and effect on plasma PSA levels. In this nested case–control analysis of 500 white cases and 676 age- and smoking-matched white controls in the Physicians' Health Study we evaluated the association of rs266882 with risk and survival of prostate cancer and prediagnostic total and free PSA plasma levels, alone or in combination with AR CAG repeats. We used conditional logistic regression, linear regression and Cox regression, and found no significant associations between rs266882 (GG allele vs AA allele) and overall prostate cancer risk (RR=1.21, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.88–1.67) or prostate cancer-specific survival (RR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.56–1.58). Similarly, no associations were found among high grade or advanced stage tumours, or by calendar year of diagnosis. There was no significant association between rs266882 and baseline total or free PSA levels or the AR CAG repeats, nor any interaction associated with prostate cancer risk. Meta-analysis of 12 studies of rs266882 and overall prostate cancer risk was null.
Geographic Distribution of Secondary Metabolite Genes in the Marine Actinomycete Salinispora arenicola

The molecular fingerprinting technique terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) was used in combination with sequence-based approaches to evaluate the geographic distribution of secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes in strains of the marine actinomycete Salinispora arenicola. This study targeted ketosynthase (KS) domains from type I polyketide synthase (PKS) genes and revealed four distinct clusters, the largest of which was comprised of strains from all six global locations sampled. The remaining strains fell into three smaller clusters comprised of strains derived entirely from the Red Sea, the Sea of Cortez, or around the Island of Guam. These results reveal variation in the secondary metabolite gene collectives maintained by strains that are largely clonal at the 16S rRNA level. The location specificities of the three smaller clusters provide evidence that collections of secondary metabolite genes in subpopulations of S. arenicola are endemic to these locations. Cloned KS sequences support the maintenance of distinct sets of biosynthetic genes in the strains associated with each cluster and include four that had not previously been detected in S. arenicola. Two of these new sequences were observed only in strains derived from Guam or the Sea of Cortez. Transcriptional analysis of one of the new KS sequences in conjunction with the production of the polyketide arenicolide A supports a link between this sequence and the associated biosynthetic pathway. From the perspective of natural product discovery, these results suggest that screening populations from distant locations can enhance the discovery of new natural products and provides further support for the use of molecular fingerprinting techniques, such as T-RFLP, to rapidly identify strains that possess distinct sets of biosynthetic genes.
Normalizing Dopamine D2 Receptor-Mediated Responses in D2 Null Mutant Mice by Virus-Mediated Receptor Restoration: Comparing D2L and D2S

D2 receptor null mutant (Drd2(-/-)) mice have altered responses to the rewarding and locomotor effects of psychostimulant drugs, which is evidence of a necessary role for D2 receptors in these behaviors. Furthermore, work with mice that constitutively express only the D2 receptor short form (D2S), as a result of genetic deletion of the long form (D2L), provides the basis for a current model in which D2L is thought to be the postsynaptic D2 receptor on medium spiny neurons in the basal forebrain, and D2S the autoreceptor that regulates the activity of dopamine neurons and dopamine synthesis and release. Because constitutive genetic deletion of the D2 or D2L receptor may cause compensatory changes that influence functional outcomes, our approach is to identify aspects of the abnormal phenotype of a Drd2(-/-) mouse that can be normalized by virus-mediated D2 receptor expression. Drd2(-/-) mice are deficient in basal and methamphetamine-induced locomotor activation and lack D2 receptor agonist-induced activation of G protein-regulated inward rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) in dopaminergic neurons. Here we show that virus-mediated expression of D2L in the nucleus accumbens significantly restored methamphetamine-induced locomotor activation, but not basal locomotor activity, compared to mice receiving the control virus. It also restored the effect of methamphetamine to decrease time spent in the center of the activity chamber in female but not male Drd2(-/-) mice. Furthermore, the effect of expression of D2S was indistinguishable from D2L. Similarly, virus-mediated expression of either D2S or D2L in substantia nigra neurons restored D2 agonist-induced activation of GIRKs. In this acute expression system, the alternatively spliced forms of the D2 receptor appear to be equally capable of acting as postsynaptic receptors and autoreceptors.
A fundamental model of wax deposition in subsea oil pipelines

Wax deposition in subsea pipelines is a significant economic issue in the petroleum industry. A mathematical model has been developed to predict the increase in both the deposit thickness and the wax fraction of the deposit using a fundamental analysis of the heat and mass transfer for laminar and turbulent flow conditions. It was found that the precipitation of wax in the oil is a competing phenomenon with deposition. Two existing approaches consider either no precipitation (the independent heat and mass transfer model) or instantaneous precipitation (the solubility model) and result in either an overprediction or an underprediction of deposit thickness. By accounting for the kinetics of wax precipitation of wax in the oil (the kinetic model), accurate predictions for wax deposition for both lab-scale and pilot-scale flow-loop experiments with three different oils were achieved. Furthermore, this kinetic model for wax precipitation in the oil was used to compare field-scale deposition predictions for different oils. V C 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 57: 2955–2964, 2011
The breeding system of pupfish, Cyprinodon pecosensis: effects of density and interspecific interactions with the killifish, Fundulus zebrinus

The relative importance of intraspecific competition and interspecific competition with killifish on the breeding activities of territorial male pupfish was investigated in two populations. Compared to Lake Francis, pupfish densities in Mirror Lake were higher, individuals were larger, and intraspecific aggression was more important than interspecific interactions with killifish. Killifish had little impact on the activity budgets of territorial male pupfish, but were excluded from favored breeding habitats. The opposite pattern was observed in Lake Francis. Killifish were numerically dominant as well as relatively larger than pupfish, and they interfered with the breeding activities of territorial males. In Lake Francis most of the agonistic activities of territorial male pupfish were directed toward killifish. Asymmetries in the interactions between pupfish and killifish in the two lakes also were reflected in qualitative and quantitative differences in the breeding activities of pupfish. In Mirror Lake the frequency of agonistic and breeding behaviors increased over the breeding season, but in Lake Francis they decreased. The underlying factors responsible for the observed competitive asymmetries between the species in the two habitats are not known. However, the higher salinity tolerances of pupfish may, in part, have accounted for both their numerical dominance and their size-advantage over killifish in the more saline environment of Mirror Lake. Physiological and ecological factors may thus play an important role in the outcome of competitive asymmetrics between species.
Nuclear magnetic resonance in biochemistry using superconducting magnets

Abstract The impact of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) on modern biochemistry has been made possible largely through the availability of very high stable fields generated by superconductors. As an example of this kind of research, an NMR study of proton solvent exchange rates and nuclear Overhauser effect in transfer ribonucleic acid is described.
Term Values in V II and Mn II

The term values for ${d}^{3}s$ and ${d}^{5}s$ have been calculated in Russell-Saunders coupling. For some of the terms of the same kind in ${d}^{5}s$, only the sum of the energies is obtained. The first approximation to the separations of the levels is also found for ${d}^{3}s$. The theoretical formulas including Ostrofsky's results for ${d}^{4}$ are then applied to the observed values of V II and Mn II.
A New Model for Toxic Risk Assessments: Construction of Homozygous Rapid and Slow Acetylator Congenic Syrian Hamster Lines

AbstractSummary: Humans and other mammals exhibit a polymorphic expression for acetylation capacity that can confer genetic predisposition to drug and chemical toxicities. Inbred Syrian hamsters are a particularly suitable animal model for the human trait, in part because of a clearly defined codominant expression of two alleles (r, rapid acetylator; s, slow acetylator) at a single gene (Pat) locus. Homozygous rapid (Patr/Patr), heterozygous intermediate (Patr/Pats), and homozygous slow (Pats/Pats) acetylator congenic Syrian hamster lines were constructed by a selective backcross method. The construction of these congenic inbred lines will enhance efforts to investigate the unique role of the acetylator gene locus in toxic risk assessments of arylamine xenobiotics.
Groundwater flux and open‐channel estimation of stream metabolism: response to Hall and Tank

Rates of metabolism for a stream can be estimated from open-channel measurements of dissolved oxygen at 1 or 2 stations, provided that reaeration flux and groundwater flux to the channel are quantified, and the underlying assumptions of the mass-balance method are satisfied. Hall and Tank (Limnol. Oceanogr. Methods 3:222-229, 2005) challenge our previous work on open-channel estimation of oxygen metabolism (McCutchan et al., Limnol. Oceanogr. 47:321-324, 2002) on grounds that our principal mass-balance equation is incorrect. However, Hall and Tank have misrepresented our equation by considering the oxygen mass-balance for an entire reach rather than for a parcel of water moving downstream and by presenting volume as a constant rather than a function of time. Because Hall and Tank incorrectly reformulated our mass-balance equation, their conclusions are not relevant to our work.
A study of a group of poorly regulated diabetic patients.

Observations were made relative to hyperglycemia, ketonemia and obesity on a poorly regulated group of clinic patients. The levels of acetone and total acetone bodies were slightly elevated in the better regulated members, and there was a rough correlation throughout between the ketonemia and hyperglycemia. There was no correlation between excess body weight and the state of control. Certain implications were suggested relative to the importance of a calculated diet in the management of diabetes.
Chloroplast photooxidation affects the accumulation of cytosolic mRNAs encoding chloroplast proteins in maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings were grown in the presence or absence of an herbicide, norflurazon (4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-pyridazinone), which prevents the accumulation of colored carotenoids. In the absence of carotenoids, plants grown in high light incur extensive photooxidative damage to their plastids, but relatively little damage elsewhere. Growth in very low light minimizes chlorophyll photooxidation and allows chloroplast development to proceed. We have previously reported that mRNA encoding light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein (LHCP) fails to accumulate in high-light-grown carotenoid-deficient seedlings, but accumulates normally in carotenoid-deficient seedlings grown in low light. Here we extend these results by examining the levels of translatable mRNAs encoding seven additional nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins. When norflurazon-treated seedlings were grown in low light for 8 d and then transferred to high light for 24 h, three cytosolic mRNAs (plastocyanin, Rieske Fe−S protein, and the 33-kdalton (kDa) subunit of the photosystem II O2-evolving complex) decreased to less than 1% the amount found in untreated seedlings. Two other mRNAs (NADP malic enzyme, EC 1.1.1.40, and the 23-kDa subunit of the photosystem II O2-evolving complex) decreased significantly but not to levels as low as the first three. Levels of translatable mRNA for two other chloroplast proteins (pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, EC 2.7.9.1, and ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase, EC 1.18.1.2) were not reduced in nonflurazon-treated seedlings after 24 h in high light, but did not show the normal light-induced increase found in untreated plants. Photooxidative damage in the chloroplast thus affects the accumulation of a number of cytosolic mRNAs encoding proteins destined for the chloroplast.
Bayesian Fuzzy Clustering

We present a Bayesian probabilistic model and inference algorithm for fuzzy clustering that provides expanded capabilities over the traditional Fuzzy C-Means approach. Additionally, we extend the Bayesian Fuzzy Clustering model to handle a variable number of clusters and present a particle filter inference technique to estimate the model parameters including the number of clusters. We show results on synthetic and real data and compare with other approaches.
Battlefield Souvenirs and the Affective Politics of Recoil

AbstractThis essay explores the ways in which archives that bear the traces of military violence set up affective demands for those who turn to photographic archives in pursuit of evidence. I compare my intimate encounter with a relative's archive of Second World War battlefield souvenirs with the US national encounter with the torture pictures from Abu Ghraib. Bringing these two seemingly disparate archives into conjunction reveals battlefield archives to be sites that elicit complex negotiations around subjectivity, citizenship, and witnessing. Using my relationship with my relative's archive as an anchor through which to resist imposing a “moral” judgment that enables an alibi of disavowal, I propose witnessing strategies that instead encourage a self-reflexive engagement with spectatorship and historical accountability.
Urodynamics in Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men are due to bladder dysfunction or bladder outlet disorders such as benign prostatic enlargement and bladder neck or urethral sphincter dysfunction. Men with lower urinary tract symptoms prefer shared problem-solving and decision making during treatment planning. Urodynamic studies (UDS) in male LUTS (MLUTS) are useful for both diagnosis and prognosis. UDS help both the clinician and the patient in shared decision making regarding treatment of these men. The AUA/SUFU guidelines and EAU guidelines are helpful in cost-effective selection of patients with MLUTS for urodynamic evaluation. UDS are indicated in the subset of patients with MLUTS being considered for invasive and potentially morbid therapy. Uroflowmetry and post-void residual (PVR) volume measurement by bladder ultrasound scan are good screening tests in MLUTS. Urodynamic evidence of bladder outlet obstruction has been correlated with better outcomes following invasive therapy.
A land divided: Sakhalin and the Amur Expedition of G.I. Nevel'skoi, 1848–1855

Abstract In histories and geographies of Russia, Sakhalin Island, off the east coast of Siberia, is often treated as separate from the mainland, an isolated island sharing little with its neighbor across the strait. Yet this has not always been the case. In the mid-nineteenth century, the Amur River and its delta were viewed as a unit centered on waterways, and included the mainland to the north of the river and Sakhalin across the delta to its east. To Russians, it was an unknown wilderness, unmapped, uninhabited, and of little interest to the state. Yet this was changing, as an increase in Pacific shipping rendered the region economically and geo-politically strategic. This article examines the negotiation of Russia's eastern border, a conflict not between nations, but between liberal Russians, who sought to locate ‘natural,’ scientific borders, and the Tsar's conservative statesmen, intent on preserving the status quo. To the state, the land was Chinese based on a seventeenth-century treaty, although the exact border was unknown and unimportant. Naval officer Gennadii Nevel'skoi disagreed, arguing that the land was naturally Russian, and vital to Russia's interests. After four years of exploration, Nevel'skoi and his supporters finally convinced the Tsar of the region's Russianness and importance, and the Tsar ordered in troops and a Russian administration. In the process, however, the region was divided, the mainland becoming Russian both administratively and in the Russian imagination, while Sakhalin became the ‘other,’ imagined as separate from Russia and governed as such.
A Statistical Load Weighted Average Fatigue Reliability Model for Uncertain Constant Amplitude Cyclic Load

The present paper interpreted the traditional stress-strength interference model as an equation expressing the statistical average of the probability of strength preponderating over stress. Thus, the same equation, which was traditionally applicable only in the situation of same-measure parameters, can be applied to more general situation of different-measure parameters. In other words, the traditional model was extended to the situation of any two variables, as long as one variable can be expressed as a function of the other. With a specific load amplitude distribution, the method is to calculate the statistical average of the probability that fatigue life random variable under the individual constant amplitude cyclic load is greater than an assigned value. The extended interference analysis method can be applied directly to calculate fatigue reliability under constant amplitude cyclic load with uncertainty in the stress range.
Genomic islands are dynamic, ancient integrative elements in bacterial evolution

Acquisition of genomic islands plays a central part in bacterial evolution as a mechanism of diversification and adaptation. Genomic islands are non-self-mobilizing integrative and excisive elements that encode diverse functional characteristics but all contain a recombination module comprised of an integrase, associated attachment sites and, in some cases, a recombination directionality factor. Here, we discuss how a group of related genomic islands are evolutionarily ancient elements unrelated to plasmids, phages, integrons and integrative conjugative elements. In addition, we explore the diversity of genomic islands and their insertion sites among Gram-negative bacteria and discuss why they integrate at a limited number of tRNA genes.
Fine Structure of the Balmer Lines of Hydrogen

USING two optical trains, (1) two crossed Lunmer plates, the larger of resolving power 670,000, and (2) an echelon of resolving power 660,000, with a vacuum tube of the Wood form having a 1 cm. diameter capillary, cooled with liquid air, we have determined the wave-length differences between the two well-known components γ and γ″ of Hα, Hβ, and Hγ (λ < λ″), and have sought to obtain still further resolution. The doublet separations are shown in the subjoined table together with those given by Houston (Astrophys. Jour., 64, 2, 1926, pp. 81–92), which latter are, in our estimation, the most trustworthy thus far obtained.
Electrostatic interactions of colloidal particles in nonpolar solvents: role of surface chemistry and charge control agents

We study the electrostatic and hydrodynamic interactions of colloidal particles in nonpolar solvents. Using blinking optical tweezers, we can extract the screening length, kappa-1, the effective surface potential, |ezeta*|, and the hydrodynamic radius, ah, in a single measurement. We apply this technique to suspensions of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) particles in hexadecane with soluble charge control agents, aerosol sodium di-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (AOT) and polyisobutylene succinimide (OLOA-1200). We find that the electrostatic interactions of these particles depend sensitively on surface composition as well as on the concentration and chemistry of the charge control agent.
A Dual Layer Scintillation Microdevice for Gamma and Beta Particle Energy Spectroscopy

This paper reports on a multichannel radiation detector capable of energy spectroscopy of beta and gamma radiation. The scintillation microdevice consists of a double layer array of two patternable scintillating polymer films stacked with different optical decay constants. The top patterned layer of the detector has a small decay constant and is doped with tailored charge conversion nanoparticles to produce different optical pulses specific to the radiation species. The decay constant of the bottom patterned layer is orders of magnitude larger which produces different optical pulses that are measured by an off the shelf photo-multiplier (PM) tube.
Controlled permeability and ion exclusion in microporous membranes functionalized with poly(L-glutamic acid)

The functionalization of materials with polyamino acids provides opportunities where electrostatic and conformational properties can be utilized for selective separations and controlled transport applications. The influence of covalently attached poly(l-glutamic acid) (PLGA) on the performance characteristics of a microporous cellulosic support has been investigated to determine its effect on the transport of water and charged solutes. The presence of these charged multifunctional groups promotes electrostatic interactions with ionic species far removed from the pore surface. This allows for nonsteric ion exclusion involving membrane materials that offer less resistance to solvent (water) transport. In addition, the helix−coil transitions of this polypeptide and “core leakage” effects have been shown to affect both the permeability and solute retention in a reversible fashion upon variations in the solution pH. Following PLGA attachment, the permeability could be adjusted from 50 to 90% of the value of th...
CHARGE-TRANSFER REACTION OF HELIUM IONS WITH NITROGEN

Abstract The charge-transfer reaction of helium ions with nitrogen molecules was investigated in order to gain insight into the role of vibrational-energy transfer in reaction dynamics. This paper presents kinematic data at moderate energies of the charge-transfer reaction of He + with N 2 (X 1 Σ + g , v = 0). The preferred reaction channels were formation of electronically excited N + 2 (A 2 Π + u ) via a direct mechanism and from highly scattered ground-state N + 2 (X 2 Σ + g , v = 0−4) with contribution from N + 2 (B 2 Σ + u ) produced via impulsive mechanisms.
An intraoral nighttime feeding attachment for patients with glycogen storage disease, types I and III.

Abstract A simple type of attachment that any dentist can construct for patients with glycogen storage disease, types I and III, has been used successfully. The main benefit of this attachment is that the patient no longer needs a nasogastric tube at night, thus avoiding a great deal of discomfort and irritation. Although this procedure cannot be considered a cure, it is a new, important aid in treatment of these patients and a help to their parents.
Photonuclear Disintegration at High Energies (<350 MeV)

Calculations of high-energy ($40\ensuremath{\lesssim}{E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}350$ MeV) photon-nucleus ($A\ensuremath{\gtrsim}12$) collisions have been carried out. The results of the initial interaction of the photon with the nucleus are obtained either from Levinger's quasideuteron model or, when energetically possible, from one of the four-pion-nucleon states formed in photon-nucleon interactions. The effect of nucleon- (pion-) nucleus interactions that follow the initial photon interaction is taken into account by using an intranuclear-cascade model. The results of the calculations are compared with a variety of experimental data, and good agreement is obtained.
Different Effects of Alkaline Phosphatase on HCN4 Channels in CHO Versus HEK Cells

Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-sensitive type 4 (HCN4) channels are regulated by cAMP, which can bind directly to a conserved cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) in the C-terminus. We previously found that the response of HCN4 channels to cAMP depends on the cellular context: cAMP binding to the CNBD shifts the midpoint activation voltage (V1/2) to more depolarized potentials when HCN4 is expressed in HEK cells, whereas cAMP has no effect on the V1/2 when HCN4 is expressed in CHO cells because the channels are already "pre-activated," with a depolarized V1/2 in the absence of cAMP (Liao et al., 2012 J Gen Physiol 140(5):557). Here we have tested the hypothesis that differential phosphorylation may underlie the differences in HCN4 behavior in CHO versus HEK cells. We found that while alkaline phosphatase (AlkPhos) restored the hyperpolarized basal V1/2 of HCN4 in CHO cells, it did not restore the cAMP sensitivity of the channels. Quite different results were obtained in HEK cells, in which AlkPhos had little or no effect on the V1/2 of HCN4 in the absence of cAMP but, remarkably, was found to significantly reduce the shift in V1/2 in response to cAMP. These results indicate that dual regulation of HCN4 channels by cAMP and phosphorylation is complex and is sensitive to cellular context. And, phosphorylation alone is insufficient to account for the different behaviors of HCN4 channels in CHO versus HEK cells.
Synthesis, Crystal Chemistry, and Electrical Properties of the Intergrowth Oxides Sr4−xCaxFe6−yCoyO13+δ

Sr{sub 4{minus}x}Ca{sub x}Fe{sub 6{minus}y}Co{sub y}O{sub 13+{delta}} oxides crystallizing in an orthorhombic intergrowth structure in which perovskite-type SrO-(Fe, Co)O{sub 2}-SrO layers alternate with (Fe, Co){sub 2}O{sub 2.5} layers along the b axis have been synthesized. The Ca solubility decreases from x = 3.2 at y = 0 to x = 1.6 at y = 1.8. The cell parameters and volume decrease monotonically with increasing Ca content. While the unsubstituted Sr{sub 4}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 13+{delta}} has {delta} {approx} 0.4 excess oxygen, the substitution of Ca and Co tends to decrease the oxygen content and average oxidation state toward, respectively, 13.0 and 3.0+. The total conductivity of Sr{sub 4{minus}x}Ca{sub x}Fe{sub 6{minus}y}Co{sub y}O{sub 13+{delta}} (0 {le} y {le} 0.6) increases with increasing Ca content x, which is in contrast to that found in the perovskite system Sr{sub 1{minus}x}Ca{sub x}FeO{sub 3{minus}{delta}}. The conductivity versus temperature plots of Sr{sub 4{minus}x}Ca{sub x}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 13+{delta}} exhibit a change in the sign of the slope from positive to negative at around 450 C for x {ge} 1.6. While a similar transition in the perovskite system SrFeO{sub 3{minus}{delta}} is related to oxygen loss, no oxygen loss is observed up to at least 900 C in Sr{sub 4{minus}x}Ca{sub x}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 13+{delta}}. High-temperaturemore » X-ray diffraction does not reveal any structural changes up to 750 C and high values of thermoelectric power rule out the possibility of metallic behavior at T > 450 C. The observed transition is attributed to a possible redistribution of the charge carriers between the perovskite and nonperovskite layers at T > 450 C. 20 refs., 14 figs.« less
Polymerization past the N2-isopropylguanine and the N6-isopropyladenine DNA lesions with the translesion synthesis DNA polymerases eta and iota and the replicative DNA polymerase alpha.

The effects of N2-isopropylGua and N6-isopropylAde adducts in template DNA on polymerization by the human replicative DNA polymerase α (B-family) and the translesion synthesis DNA polymerases η and ι (Y-family) were investigated. A direct comparison between the accuracies of DNA synthesis using catalytic fragments of the human DNA polymerases η and ι is reported. We show that the N2-isopropylGua adduct is a powerful block to polymerization by DNA polymerase α. In contrast, the DNA polymerases η and ι synthesize DNA past the N2-isopropylGua lesion with efficiencies and accuracies opposite the lesion comparable to the unadducted Gua. All three DNA polymerases bypass the N6-isopropylAde adduct with only modest effects on efficiencies and accuracy. These results illustrate the dramatically different consequences to polymerization conferred by the position of the isopropyl adduct when catalyzed by DNA polymerase α and the lack of this effect on polymerization by the translesion synthesis DNA polymerases η and ...
Local chiral symmetry breaking in triatic liquid crystals.

Studying the structures of dense colloidal systems of anisotropic Brownian particles provides insight into fundamental processes like protein crystallization. Zhao et al. study the phases of two-dimensional triatic liquid crystals and find that one of them exhibits local chiral-symmetry breaking.
Post-Migration Stress as a Moderator Between Traumatic Exposure and Self-Reported Mental Health Symptoms in a Sample of Somali Refugees

The current study examined the potentially moderating influence of post-migration living difficulties on the relationship between pre-migration traumatic exposure and self-reported symptomatology in a sample of 74 adult Somali refugees residing in the United States. Results suggest that post-migration psychosocial stressors exacerbate depressive symptoms (ΔR 2 = .068, p = .017) for those exposed to low levels of trauma relative to other posttraumatic psychological or somatic difficulties. No moderated effect was found for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or somatic complaints.
Migraine-associated dizziness.

SYNOPSIS We reviewed the clinical histories, examinations and results of quantitative vestibular testing in 91 patients with migraine-associated dizziness. Nausea and vomiting, hypersensitivity to motion and postural Instability accompanied the dizziness. In the majority of patients, the temporal profile of the dizziness was more typical of the headache phase of migraine than of the aura phase. Nineteen patients (20.9%) had unilateral hypoexcitability to caloric stimulation, which represents a modestly increased risk of damage to the peripheral vestibular apparatus. We propose two separate pathophysiologic mechanisms for the production of dizziness with migraine: Short-duration vertiginous attacks lasting minutes to 2 hours and temporally associated with headache are due to the same mechanism as other aura phenomena (spreading wave of depression and/or transient vasospasm). Longer-duration attacks of vertigo and motion sickness lasting days, with or without headache, result from the release of neuroactive peptides into peripheral and central vestibular tructures, causing an increased baseline firing of primary afferent neurons and increased sensitivity to motion.
Widespread Selection Across Coding and Noncoding DNA in the Pea Aphid Genome

Genome-wide patterns of diversity and selection are critical measures for understanding how evolution has shaped the genome. Yet, these population genomic estimates are available for only a limited number of model organisms. Here we focus on the population genomics of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum). The pea aphid is an emerging model system that exhibits a range of intriguing biological traits not present in classic model systems. We performed low-coverage genome resequencing of 21 clonal pea aphid lines collected from alfalfa host plants in North America to characterize genome-wide patterns of diversity and selection. We observed an excess of low-frequency polymorphisms throughout coding and noncoding DNA, which we suggest is the result of a founding event and subsequent population expansion in North America. Most gene regions showed lower levels of Tajima’s D than synonymous sites, suggesting that the majority of the genome is not evolving neutrally but rather exhibits significant constraint. Furthermore, we used the pea aphid’s unique manner of X-chromosome inheritance to assign genomic scaffolds to either autosomes or the X chromosome. Comparing autosomal vs. X-linked sequence variation, we discovered that autosomal genes show an excess of low frequency variants indicating that purifying selection acts more efficiently on the X chromosome. Overall, our results provide a critical first step in characterizing the genetic diversity and evolutionary pressures on an aphid genome.
New Optical Instruments for Coherence Tomography

We present the following novel technologies for optical coherence tomography developed in Institute for Microstructural Sciences, National Research Council Canada. We first demonstrate a high power mode-lock wavelength swept laser using a polygon-based narrowband optical scanning filter first. Peak and average output powers of 98 mW and 71 mW have been achieved, respectively, without an external amplifier, while the wavelength was swept continuously from 1247 nm to 1360 nm. Then, we present a design, construction and characterization of ultra-small OCT probes using fiber lenses. Those fiber lens modules are made of a single mode fiber and a GRIN or ball fiber lens with or without a fiber spacer between them. The lens diameters are smaller than 0.3 mm. We discuss theoretical models, design methods, fabrication techniques, and measured performance compared with modeling results. Finally, we demonstrate an instantaneous complex conjugate resolved swept-source OCT using a 3x3 Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The interferometer provides simultaneous access to complementary phase components of the complex interferometric signals; therefore, the effective imaging depth was doubled. The complex conjugate artifact suppression of 27 dB was obtained. OCT Images of human nail and animal tissue are presented.
An Equilibrium Theory of Electrical Conduction

Equilibrium electron theory of electrical conduction.---(1) General equation. Accepting the simple electron theory expression for specific conductivity, the concentration of free electrons is supposed to be determined by the reaction: normal $\mathrm{atom}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrows}\mathrm{positive}\mathrm{ion}+\ensuremath{\nu}$ electrons, which is governed by the ordinary laws of chemical equilibrium, and this gives for the specific electrical resistance $\ensuremath{\rho}=C{(\ensuremath{\nu}N)}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{(\ensuremath{\nu}+1)}}{T}^{a}{e}^{\frac{b}{T}}$, where $\ensuremath{\nu}$ is the valence in the reaction, $N$ the concentration of atomic nuclei, $a=\frac{(\ensuremath{\nu}+4)}{2(\ensuremath{\nu}+1)}$, $b=\frac{({\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\psi}}_{0})}{(\ensuremath{\nu}+1)R}$, (${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\psi}}_{0}$) being the mean energy required to bring about the hypothetical reaction of 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. This formula shows fair quantitative agreement with experimental data for both good and poor conductors; in particular, the constant $a$ is about 1.25 for the alkali metals and less for metals of higher valence except in the case of Fe and Ni. For the metals the requirement is that ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ be slightly less than ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{0}$ while for poor conductors ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ must be considerably greater than ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{0}$. (2) Interpretation of constant b in terms of photoelectric and thermionic work functions. ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ and ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{0}$ are identified with the photoelectric energy function and with the corresponding thermionic function respectively. According to the theory proposed the ordinary expression for the thermionic saturation current becomes: $i=B{T}^{\frac{(4\ensuremath{\nu}+1)}{2(\ensuremath{\nu}+1)}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\omega}}{\mathrm{RT}}}$, where $\ensuremath{\omega}=\frac{({\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}+\ensuremath{\nu}{\ensuremath{\psi}}_{0})}{(\ensuremath{\nu}+1)}$ in the present notation. Therefore for metals the photoelectric ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ and the thermionic $\ensuremath{\omega}$ as experimentally determined should be practically identical, while for poor conductors the experimental ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ should considerably exceed $\ensuremath{\omega}$. These conclusions are both in agreement with the facts. (3) Explanation of photo-conduction. This theory suggests that the mean value of ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{0}$ is diminished by absorption of radiation of the resonance frequency. For poor conductors this would bring about an increase in conductivity. While for metals at ordinary temperatures the conductivity would not be sensibly affected, at very low temperatures metals should prove photo-sensitive.
Studies on the effect of retinoids on the differentiation of teratocarcinoma stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract Previous work has shown that retinoic acid can induce F9 embryonal carcinoma cells to differentiate into extraembryonic endoderm in vitro . We have investigated in detail the structureactivity relationship of various derivatives of retinoic acid, the kinetics of the cellular response, and the nature of the type of endoderm formed. These experiments demonstrate that the carboxylic acid group of retinoic acid is essential for activity, whereas the structure can be modified in the cyclohexenyl ring system with retention of effectiveness. The time course of the response of the cells shows that the amount of differentiation is proportional to the duration of treatment, and suggests that the retinoid facilitates formation of endoderm at each division. Finally, even well-differentiated cultures do not produce alpha-fetoprotein, indicating that the endoderm formed is similar to parietal, but not visceral, endoderm. We have also explored the consequence of in vivo retinoic acid treatment on the tumorigenesis of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells in 129/Sv mice. The presence of retinoic acid in the diet at 100 mg/kg significantly retarded tumor growth and lengthened the survival time of the mice. Histological analysis and assays for biochemical markers of endoderm in the tumor both suggest that the retinoid is inducing differentiation of the embryonal carcinoma cells in vivo .
Fatigue of hybrid (adhesive/bolted) joints in SRIM composites

Abstract This paper presents a study on the static and fatigue performance of adhesive/bolted (hybrid) joints in a structural reaction injection molded composite. It is shown that the hybrid joints have a higher static failure load and longer fatigue life than the adhesive joints. However, the performance of hybrid joints depends on the washer design. Washers that provide full lateral clamping pressure over the entire overlap area have a better performance than those that provide partial lateral clamping pressure. Finite element analysis of adhesive joints shows that the presence of lateral clamping can significantly reduce the maximum peel stress at the adhesive–substrate interface and thus help in achieving improved joint performance.
Precision lattice parameter studies of ion-implanted silicon

Precision lattice parameter measurements on silicon crystals after 1 MeV N+ bombardment are reported. The measurements are based on Bond's method of using an automated Apex diffractometer. Up to one million digital count data are taken at each position in the reflection curve, collected on magnetic tape and computer analysed. Thus a precision of 1:106 is obtained. Measurements are made at a number of positions across the wafer surface, so as to include reference regions not subjected to ion implantation. The results indicate an increase in lattice constant with ion dose. The lattice constant reaches a plateau value after an increase of 4:105 relative to the unbombarded lattice. Results confirm the previously proposed model of radiation damage in silicon after high ion energy implantation. Es wird uber Prazisionsmessungen des Gitterparameters von Siliziumkristallen nach 1 MeV-N+-Bestrahlung berichtet. Die Messungen beruhen auf der Bondschen Methode eines automatischen Apex-Diffraktometers. Bis zu einer Million digitaler Werte wurden an jedem Punkt der Reflexionskurve genommen, auf Magnetband gespeichert und numerisch analysiert. Damit wurde eine Genauigkeit von 1:106 erreicht. Die Messungen wurden an einer Reihe von Punkten auf dem Wafer in der Weise durchgefuhrt, das sie Bezugsgebiete enthalten, die nicht der Ionenimplantation ausgesetzt waren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen Anstieg der Gitterkonstante mit der Ionendosis. Die Gitterkonstante erreicht ein Plateau nach einem Anstieg von 4:105 relativ zum unbestrahlten Gitter. Die Ergebnisse bestatigen das fruher vorgeschlagene Modell des Strahlungsdamage in Silizium nach einer Implantation mit hochenergetischen Ionen.
Apical heterotrimeric g-proteins activate CFTR in the native sweat duct.

Other than the fact that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel can be activated by cAMP dependent kinase (PKA), little is known about the signal transduction pathways regulating CFTR. Since G-proteins play a principal role in signal transduction regulating several ion channels [4, 5, 9], we sought to test whether G-proteins control CFTR Cl− conductance (CFTR G Cl ) in the native sweat duct (SD). We permeabilized the basolateral membrane with α-toxin so as to manipulate cytosolic nucleotides. We activated G-proteins and monitored CFTR G Cl activity as described earlier [20, 23, 25]. We now show that activating G-proteins with GTP-γ-S (100 μm) also activates CFTR G Cl in the presence of 5 mm ATP alone (without exogenous cAMP). GTP-γ-S increased CFTR G Cl by 44 ± 20 mS/cm2 (mean ±se; n= 7). GDP (10 mm) inhibited G-protein activation of CFTR G Cl even in the presence of GTP-γ-S. The heterotrimeric G-protein activator (AlF4 −) in the cytoplasmic bath activated CFTR G Cl (increased by 51.5 ± 9.4 mS/cm2 in the presence of 5 mm ATP without cAMP, n= 6), the magnitude of which was similar to that induced by GTP-γ-S. Employing immunocytochemical-labeling techniques, we localized Gαs, Gαi, Gαq, and Gβ at the apical membranes of the sweat duct. Further, we showed that the mutant CFTR G Cl in ducts from cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects could be partially activated by G-proteins. The magnitude of mutant CFTR G Cl activation by G-proteins was smaller as compared to non-CF ducts but comparable to that induced by cAMP in CF ducts. We conclude that heterotrimeric G-proteins are present in the apical membrane of the native human sweat duct which may help regulate salt absorption by controlling CFTR G Cl activity.
Chemical ecology: Reprogramming a termite monarchy

Subterranean termite colonies are founded by a single king and queen. However, the king generally outlives the queen, and an optimal number of secondary termite queens must be produced to meet the reproductive needs of the colony. A recent study explains the chemical basis of this biological process.
Home and School Density Effects on Elementary School Children: The Role of Spatial Density

School or classroom density is most often studied as social density, namely, the number of people in a space. The current study investigates classroom spatial density effects on elementary school children. Outcomes included a measure of academic achievement, social behavior/disturbance, and a self-reported measure of psychological stress. Second- and fourth-grade children in urban public schools were the participants. Findings indicate amount of space per child in the classroom may be just as important as the number of children in a classroom. Girls' academic achievement was negatively affected by less space per student; boys' classroom behavior was negatively affected by spatial density conditions. There was no interaction of school and home density on the outcome measures; however, children in crowded homes were more likely to report more psychological stress than their less crowded peers. Home density also negatively affected academic performance.
Identification of YB-1 as a regulator of PTP1B expression: implications for regulation of insulin and cytokine signaling

Changes in expression of PTP1B, the prototypic protein tyrosine phosphatase, have been associated with various human diseases; however, the mechanisms by which PTP1B expression is regulated have not been defined. We have identified an enhancer sequence within the PTP1B promoter which serves as a binding site for the transcription factor Y box-binding protein-1 (YB-1). Overexpression of YB-1 resulted in increased levels of PTP1B. Furthermore, depletion of YB-1 protein, by expression of a specific antisense construct, led to an ∼70% decrease in expression of PTP1B, but no change in the level of its closest relative, TC-PTP. Expression of antisense YB-1 resulted in increased sensitivity to insulin and enhanced signaling through the cytokine receptor gp130, which was suppressed by re-expression of PTP1B. Finally, we observed a correlation between the expression of PTP1B and that of YB-1 in cancer cell lines and an animal model of type II diabetes. Our data reveal an important role for YB-1 as a regulator of PTP1B expression, and further highlight PTP1B as a critical regulator of insulin- and cytokine-mediated signal transduction.
Comparative Methods of Drying and Assay of Datura stramonium linne

Datura stramonium Linne was grown in the drug garden of the College of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Samples of the leaves were dried at room temperature, at 40° in an oven, and under high vacuum, low temperature (lyophilization). The alkaloid content was determined in each by use of the U. S. P., hydrolytic, and chromatographic adsorption procedures. The lyophilized sample had a more elegant appearance than the other samples but the alkaloid content of the three were essentialy the same. The hydrolytic and chromatographic methods of assay are claimed by the Authors to be superior to the U. S. P. method.
Radiation interactions in transient energy transfer in fully developed laminar flows

Analysis and numerical procedures are presented to investigate the transient radiative interactions of nongray absorbing-emitting species in laminar fully-developed flows between two parallel black plates. The particular species considered are OH, CO, CO2, and H2O and different mixtures of these species. Transient and steady-state results are obtained for the temperature distribution and bulk temperature for different plate spacings, wall temperatures, and pressures. Results, in general, indicate that the rate of radiative heating can be quite high during earlier times. This information is useful in designing thermal protection systems for transient operations.
Performance enhancement of the multi-p preconditioner☆

Abstract The multi- p method is an application of the multigrid idea to the linear system arising from the p -version of finite element analysis. This paper focuses on the performance enhancement of the multi- p method. A bottleneck is identified, an improvement is proposed and numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness of improvement.