cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lycopene and β -carotene are bioavailable from lycopene ‘red’ carrots in humans

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if lycopene and β-carotene are bioavailable from lycopene red carrots and if lycopene absorption is affected by carrot fiber. Design: Two crossover studies in humans attempted to compare the relative bioavailability of lycopene and β-carotene from tomato paste to a genetically selected lycopene red carrot during chronic feeding. Each study contained three treatment groups. The vehicle of administration was muffins. Intervention and methods: Study 1 (n=9) used white carrots (0 mg lycopene/day), red carrots (5 mg/day), and tomato paste (20 mg/day). Study 2 (n=10) used red carrots (2.6 mg/day), tomato paste (5 mg/day), and tomato paste plus white carrots (5 mg/day). Each intervention lasted 11 days with a 10-day washout period between treatments. Serum lycopene and β-carotene were measured by HPLC. Results: Statistical analysis indicated a significant effect of muffin type in study 1 (P<0.001), and a significant treatment by sequence interaction in study 2 (P=0.04). The response to increasing amounts of lycopene is linear at the levels fed in these studies (r=0.94). The data suggest that maintenance of serum lycopene concentrations at 0.3 μmol/l occurs at about 2 mg/day of lycopene from mixed dietary sources and a serum plateau occurs at ≥20 mg/day. Conclusions: These results show that lycopene and β-carotene are bioavailable from red carrots and lycopene absorption seems to be affected by carrot fiber. Making inferences from both studies, the lycopene in the red carrot is about 44% as bioavailable as that from tomato paste. Red carrots provide an alternative to tomato paste as a good dietary source of lycopene and also provide bioavailable β-carotene.
Nondestructive evaluation of complex moduli in asphalt concrete with an energy approach

A modified version of the impulse-echo method is presented to nondestructively estimate the average Poisson's ratio and the average dynamic complex bulk, shear, extensional, and longitudinal moduli of asphalt concrete specimens made of different mixtures. The estimated moduli represent an average over the volume of the specimens and over the frequency band of 10 to 50 kHz. By using principles of statistical energy analyses, the proposed methodology is based on the energydensity decay function of a diffuse wave field. The methodology allows evaluation of the energy dissipation characteristics of different asphalt concrete mixtures and their dependence on material microstructure. As a consequence, energy-density decay functions may be used to search for an optimum asphalt concrete microstructure. In this study, it was observed that the typical Superpave mixture generally exhibits higher average dynamic energy storage capacity and higher energy decay rates (i.e., loss moduli).
A region of herpes simplex virus VP16 can substitute for a transforming domain of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear protein 2

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear protein 2 (EBNA-2) is essential for EBV-induced B-cell transformation in vitro. EBNA-2 contains a 14-amino acid domain that directly activates transcription and is required for transformation. To determine whether another transcriptional activator can substitute for this function, a chimeric virus was constructed that contained a portion of the transcriptional activation domain from the herpes simplex virus VP16 protein inserted in place of the 14-amino acid domain of EBNA-2. The chimeric virus was able to transform B cells efficiently and transactivate expression of EBV and B-cell genes. Randomization of the 14-amino acid sequence in the domain markedly reduced its transcriptional activating activity and the transforming efficiency of the recombinant EBV. Mutation of a tryptophan within the 14-amino acid domain of EBNA-2 completely abolished transcriptional activation and B-cell transformation. These experiments indicate that EBNA-2 and VP16 activate transcription by similar mechanisms and that transcriptional activation is required for EBV-induced B-cell transformation.
Use of AUDIT-Based Measures to Identify Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Alcohol Dependence in Primary Care: A Validation Study

Background As programs for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for unhealthy alcohol use disseminate, evidence-based approaches for identifying patients with unhealthy alcohol use and alcohol dependence (AD) are needed. While the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Clinician Guide suggests use of a single alcohol screening question (SASQ) for screening and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual checklists for assessment, many SBIRT programs use alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) “zones” for screening and assessment. Validation data for these zones are limited. This study used primary care data from a bi-ethnic southern U.S. population to examine the ability of the AUDIT zones and other AUDIT-based approaches to identify unhealthy alcohol use and dependence. Methods Existing data were analyzed from interviews with 625 female and male adult drinkers presenting to 5 southeastern primary care practices. Timeline follow-back was used to identify at-risk drinking, and diagnostic interview schedule was used to identify alcohol abuse and dependence. Validity measures compared performance of AUDIT, AUDIT-C, and AUDIT dependence domains scores, with and without a 30-day binge drinking measure, for detecting unhealthy alcohol use and dependence. Results Optimal AUDIT scores for detecting unhealthy alcohol use were lower than current commonly used cutoffs (5 for men, 3 for women). Improved performance was obtained by combining AUDIT cutoffs of 6 for men and 4 for women with a 30-day binge drinking measure. AUDIT scores of 15 for men and 13 for women detected AD with 100% specificity but low sensitivity (20 and 18%, respectively). AUDIT dependence subscale scores of 2 or more showed similar specificity (99%) and slightly higher sensitivity (31% for men, 24% for women). Conclusions Combining lower AUDIT cutoff scores and binge drinking measures may increase the detection of unhealthy alcohol use in primary care. Use of lower cutoff scores and dependence subscale scores may increase diagnosis of AD; however, better measures for detecting dependence are needed.
Structure of gramicidin a in a lipid bilayer environment determined using molecular dynamics simulations and solid-state NMR data.

Two different high-resolution structures recently have been proposed for the membrane-spanning gramicidin A channel: one based on solid-state NMR experiments in oriented phospholipid bilayers (Ketchem, R. R.; Roux, B.; Cross, T. A. Structure 1997, 5, 1655−1669; Protein Data Bank, PDB:1MAG); and one based on two-dimensional NMR in detergent micelles (Townsley, L. E.; Tucker, W. A.; Sham, S.; Hinton, J. F. Biochemistry 2001, 40, 11676−11686; PDB:1JNO). Despite overall agreement, the two structures differ in peptide backbone pitch and the orientation of several side chains; in particular that of the Trp at position 9. Given the importance of the peptide backbone and Trp side chains for ion permeation, we undertook an investigation of the two structures using molecular dynamics simulation with an explicit lipid bilayer membrane, similar to the system used for the solid-state NMR experiments. Based on 0.1 μs of simulation, both backbone structures converge to a structure with 6.25 residues per turn, in agreem...
Developmental expression of two members of a new class of transcription factors: I. Expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the C57BL/6N mouse embryo

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with a basic region/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motif. AhR has been sequenced and the functional domains defined and there is information on the formation of complexes with other peptides and interactions with DNA, although these areas continue to be investigated. AhR mediates many biological effects such as developmental toxicity, including induction of cleft palate and hydronephrosis. This regulatory protein is expressed in embryonic liver and has been immunohistochemically localized in cells of human and mouse secondary palate. The expression of AhR in embryonic tissues and its ability to disrupt development suggests a significant role for this protein in development. The present study examines the pattern of AhR expression in the C57BL/6N mouse embryo from gestation days (GD) 10–16, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis. AhR mRNA was localized with 35S-RNA antisense riboprobe (cAh1 probe, 1.8 Kb amino terminal DNA). AhR protein was localized with purified monoclonal antibody (RPT-9) raised against the N-terminal peptide sequence. AhR mRNA and protein were expressed in GD 10–13 neuroepithelium, and as development progressed the levels in brain decreased. GD 10–12 embryos also showed AhR in branchial arches, heart, somites, and liver. AhR protein and mRNA in heart were highest at GD 10–11 and decreased with age. In liver, AhR mRNA and protein levels increased and nuclear localization became more pronounced with gestational age. In GD 14–16 embryos levels in liver and adrenal were highest, but AhR was present in ectoderm, bone, and muscle. AhR expression was specific for both cell type, organ/tissue, and developmental stage, suggesting that this novel ligand-activated transcriptional regulator may be important in normal embryonic development. © 1995 wiley-Liss, Inc.1
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Regulates Intraocular Pressure, Extracellular Matrix, and Cytoskeleton in Trabecular Meshwork

Purpose. In this study, we investigate how adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) affects extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular tone in the trabecular meshwork (TM), and examine how deletion of its catalytic α2 subunit affects IOP and aqueous humor clearance in mice.
New Topotactic Derivatives of the Open-Framework Semiconductor KBi3S5via a Low-Temperature Solid-State Ion-Exchange Route

Abstract A new low-temperature solid-state ion-exchange route has been used to ion-exchange KBi3S5. The new method allows the solid–solid ion-exchange of the K+ions for the smaller cations Li+and Na+, as well as for the NH+4at the remarkably low temperature regime of 110–130°C. The topotactically ion-exchanged seriesAxK1−xBi3S5(A=Li, Na, and NH4) was prepared and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, semiquantitative microprobe analyses, solid-state UV/vis/near-IR spectroscopy, and variable-temperature solid-state7Li NMR spectroscopy.
The detection of endocervical gland involvement by high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in smears prepared from endocervical brush specimens

The cytologic features of squamous cell carcinoma in situ with endocervical gland involvement have been described in cervical smears. We evaluated the presence of two types of cellular fragments in 43 cervical smears of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSIL) to assess their ability to predict glandular involvement by HGSIL in subsequent cone biopsies. an endocervical brush was used to obtain all endocervical specimens. of 16 cases without glandular involvement, fragments were present in 13 smears. of 27 cases with glandular involvement, fragments were absent in 11 smears. No statistical association was identified between the presence of abnormal cellular fragments on cervical smears of HGSIL and endocervical gland involvement on cone biopsies. Les caracteristiques cytologiques du carcinome malipighien in situ avec invasion des glandes endocervicales ont ete bien decrites mais elles n'ont pas ete testees sur tout l'Cventail des lesions de haut grade que l'on voit habituellement dans les frottis cervicaux. Nous avons evalue la presence de deux types de fragments tissulaires dans 43 frottis cervicaux de lesions malpighiennes intra-epitheliales de haut grade (HGSIL) afin d'en determiner la capacite de predire l'invasion des glandes endocervicales par les HGSIL, dans la conisation realisee ulterieurement. Une brosse endocervicale a ete utilisee pour obtenir tous les prelevements endocervicaux. Sur les 16 cas sans invasion des glandes endocervicales, 13 frottis contenaient des fragments. Parmi les 27 cas avec invasion des glandes endocervicales, 11 ne comportaient pas de fragments. Aucune association statistiquement significative n'est retrouvee entre la presence de ce type de fragments anormaux sur les frottis de HGSIL et l'existence d'une invasion des glandes endocervicales sur la conisation ulterieure. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Ca in situ und Veranderungen der endozervikalen Drusen ist beschrieben, jedoch liegen keine systematischen Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der schweren Dys-plasien vor. an Abstrichen mit der endozervikalen Burste von 43 Fallen schwerer intraepithelialer Neoplasien wurden Drusenfragmente untersucht. In 13/16 Fallen ohne Drusenbeteiligung fanden sich Fragmente. In 11/27 Fallen mit Beteiligung der Drusen konnten keine Fragmente des Drusenepithels nachgewiesen werden. Eine Korrelation mit den histologischen Befunden bestand demzufolge nicht.
Inadequacy of hydrodynamical theories of the Aharonov-Bohm effect

A recent argument suggesting that inaccessible fields cannot produce observable effects is fallacious. Potential induced phase changes may take place at times for which no fields exist, accessible or inaccessible, or at locations arbitrarily far removed from regions containing fields. Hydrodynamic formulations cannot be viewed as workable and properly posed alternatives to Schrodinger type theories.
Effect of wetting and drying on the bioavailability of organic compounds sequestered in soil

A study was conducted to determine whether cycles of wetting and drying alter the availability of organic compounds that have aged in soil. Subjecting soil to wetting-and drying cycles during periods of aging <60 d decreased the biodegradability, extractability, and uptake by earthworms of phenanthrene and reduced the extractability of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) sequestered in soil compared with soil aged at constant moisture. The mineralization of sequestered DEHP was greater in soil that was wet and dried during a 41-d period of aging than in soil incubated at constant moisture. Wetting and drying soil during periods of aging of 100 or more days had no effect on the biodegradability or assimilation by Eisenia foetida of sequestered phenanthrene and DEHP. Subjecting soil containing previously sequestered phenanthrene to one, three, or four wetting-and-drying cycles increased the biodegradability of the compound. The extractability of sequestered phenanthrene was greater in soil that was wet and dried once after aging than in soil maintained at constant moisture, but three wetting-and-drying cycles did not affect extractability. The biodegradability of sequestered DEHP was unaffected by wetting and drying. The authors suggest that wetting and drying may be useful in the remediation of contaminated soils.
Synthesis and characterization of cis-bis-heptamethyleneimine platinum(II) dicarboxylate complexes: crystal structure of cis-[Pt(heptamethyleneimine)2(malonate)]·H2O

Abstract A series of new platinum complexes of the type cis-[Pt(L)2X] (where L=heptamethyleneimine and X=1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate (CBDCA), oxalate, malonate, methylmalonate, ethylmalonate, dimethylmalonate, or diethylmalonate ligand) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, and 195Pt nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The crystal structure of cis-[Pt(L)2(malonate)]·H2O was determined by X-ray crystallography. In all of the molecules, the platinum atom adopts a distorted square-planar geometry. Two of the coordination sites of the metal center are occupied by heptamethyleneimine ligands, which are arranged in a cis orientation. The coordination sphere of the metal is completed through interaction of the platinum with two of the oxygen atoms of the malonate ligand, resulting in the formation of a six-membered chelate ring. In the solid state, an intricate network of hydrogen bonds is found to exist between carbonyl oxygen atoms, amine hydrogen atoms and included solvent water.
Children are safer in states with strict firearm laws: A National Inpatient Sample study

BACKGROUND: Firearm control laws vary across the United States and remain state specific. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between variation in states' firearm control laws and the risk of firearm-related injuries in pediatric population. We hypothesized that strict firearm control laws impact the incidence of pediatric firearm injury. METHODS: All patients with trauma Ecodes and those 18 years or younger were identified from the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Individual states' firearm control laws were evaluated and scored based on background checks on firearm sales, permit requirements, assault weapon and large-capacity magazine ban, mandatory child safety lock requirements, and regulations regarding firearms in college and workplaces. States were then dichotomized into strict firearm laws (SFLs) and non-strict firearm laws (non-SFLs) state based on median total score. The primary outcome measure was incidence of firearm injury. Data were compared between the two groups using simple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 60,224 pediatric patients with trauma-related injuries across 44 states were included. Thirty-three states were categorized as non-SFL and 11 as SFL. Two hundred eighty-six (0.5%) had firearm injuries, of which 31 were self-inflicted. Mean firearm injury rates per 1,000 trauma patients was higher in the non-SFL states (mean [SD]: SFL, 2.2 [1.6]; non-SFL, 5.9 [5.6]; p = 0. 001). Being in a non-SFL state increased the mean firearm injury rate by 3.75 (β coefficient, 3.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-7.25; p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Children living in states with strict firearm legislation are safer. Efforts to improve and standardize national firearm control laws are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level III. Language: en
Firm formation with heterogeneous management and labor skills

When both management skills and labor skills differ in the population, the nature of firm formation can differ radically from the equilibrium we are used to dealing with: The best potential managers could end up as wage workers. This happens when managerial skills are positively correlated with working skills, and there is some empirical evidence that this is indeed the case.
Forcing function selection for identification in human respiratory control

This paper considers input forcing function selection for discriminating among alternative structural models and for estimating parameters of functional models. The model outputs are corrupted by an additive noise source, which represents the so-called breath-to-breath variation in the observation of a ventilation response to an end-tidal CO2-O2 forcing function input. The problem of forcing function selection for model discrimination is formulated around minimizing the probability of error in model selection while the problem of forcing function selection for model parameter estimation is formulated around minimizing the parameter estimation error variance. Forcing function selection is illustrated by considering end-tidal CO2 inputs that enhance parameter estimation for a functional model that summarizes normoxic respiratory controller behavior.
Recommendations for reporting multiple-baseline designs across participants

Two recommendations are offered for reporting multiple-baseline designs across participants. These recommendations will better enable readers to (a) distinguish concurrent from nonconcurrent multiple-baseline designs and (b) determine the temporal order in which sessions were conducted in concurrent multiple-baseline designs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival-Pairs of Commutative Rings Have the Lying-Over Property

Abstract Let R ⊆ T be a unital extension of commutative rings. It is proved that (R, T) is a lying-over pair (in the sense the A ⊆ B satisfies LO for all rings R ⊆ A ⊆ B ⊆ T) if (and only if) (R, T) is a survival-pair (in the sense that &#x1d4ab;T ≠ T for all rings R ⊆ A ⊆ T and all prime ideals &#x1d4ab; of A). As a consequence, T is integral over R if (and only if) (R[X], T[X]) is a survival-pair, where X is an indeterminate over T. It is also proved that a unital homomorphism of commutative rings satisfies LO if and only if it is universally a survival homomorphism.
Ability grouping and science education reform: Policy and research base

This article reviews current policy trends concerning the practice of ability grouping in K–12 science education. Relevant statements of key policy-making, policy-influencing organizations such as the NSTA, AAAS, NSF, the National Research Council, the U.S. Office of Education Department of Civil Rights, NAACP, the National Governors' Association, programs related to the Jacob Javits Grants for the Gifted and Talented, and others are summarized. The author's interpretation of the various positions are presented herein. The article also explores the research base supporting the various policies on grouping by examining selected general research literature on grouping, followed by research that is science education specific. Methodological issues color the research findings. The ethical and pragmatic implications of developing research and policy are discussed. The conclusions are that there is a dearth of recent empirical research specifically related to ability grouping in science, and that the time is ripe for the concerted development of a research agenda by key players in science education reform. Moreover, as controversial and value-laden as the topic is, it should be noted that grouping practices alone are unlikely to influence science education reform unless considered in the context of comprehensive restructuring efforts at the local school level.
Mass Imbalance Error of Waterhammer Equations and Leak Detection

The waterhammer equations can be used to compute mass inventory changes for pipeline leak detection. In such applications the pipeline is monitored continuously in time and there is no clear demarcation between steady-state and transients. This paper addresses a mass imbalance error of the waterhammer equations. The authors establish that the net mass influx error for the waterhammer equations at the steady-state with maximum flow-rate bounds the same error during transients. A method to evaluate this bound is presented. Using petroleum products pipelines as an example, they show that the waterhammer equations are not accurate enough for leak detection in some systems.
Formulation and Evaluation of Oral Microparticulate Ovarian Cancer Vaccines

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most leading cause of cancer related deaths in women in the US. Customized immunotherapeutic strategies may serve as an alternative method to control the recurrence or progression of ovarian cancer and to avoid severe adverse effects of chemotherapy. In this study, a microparticulate vaccine using whole cell lysate of a murine ovarian cancer cell line, ID8 was prepared with the use of a spray dryer. These particles were designed for oral delivery using enteric polymers such as methacrylic copolymer, Eudragit(®) FS30D and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate. These particles were targeted for uptake via microfold cell (M-cell) in Peyer's patches of small intestine using M-cell targeting ligand, Aleuria aurantia lectin. The interleukins (ILs) such as IL-2 and IL-12 were added to the vaccine formulation to further enhance the immune response. The particles obtained were of 1.58±0.62 μm size with a charge of 12.48±2.32 mV. The vaccine efficacy was evaluated by administering the particles via oral route to C57BL/6 female mice. At the end of vaccination, mice were challenged with live tumor cells. Vaccinated mice showed significant (around six-fold) retardation of tumor volume in comparison to non-vaccinated animals for 3 weeks after the tumor challenge (p<0.001). The serum IgG antibody levels were found to be elevated in case of vaccinated animals in comparison to non-vaccinated group (p<0.05). Analysis of IgG1 titers (indicative of Th2 response) and IgG2a titers (indicative of Th1 response) showed a mixed Th1 and Th2 immune response in case vaccine alone and Th2 response in case of vaccine with interleukins group. Moreover, CD8+ T-cell, CD4+ T-cell and B-cell populations in different lymphatic organs were elevated in case of vaccinated mice. Thus, whole cell lysate vaccine microparticles formulated by spray drying could trigger humoral as well as cellular immune response when administered orally. Such vaccine could potentially be an effective treatment for patients with residual tumor or high tumor-relapse probability.
RNA Synthesis in Normal Leucocytes, Leukaemia and Macroglobulinaemia

DIFFERENCES in the sedimentation characteristics and incorporation of radioactive precursors in the RNA of HeLa cells, ascites tumour cells and rat liver tissue have been reported1–3. Marks et al.4, in the course of extensive studies on RNA synthesis in reticulocytes, reported that rapidly-labelled RNA was absent from reticulocytes while it could be detected in leucocytes from normal subjects and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia5. The present report describes patterns of RNA synthesis in the leucocytes from patients with leukaemia or macro-globulinaemia and from normal subjects.
Formation and stability of superoxide ions in Rh-zeolite catalysts

Adsorption of O2 at 25°C on Rh-zeolites previously activated under O2 at >200°C, then under vacuum at >400°C generates several paramagnetic species. Possible assignments and support effects are discussed.
Population density and nonaggressive competition

The Calhoun (1962) paper has become a keystone article for the population density literature. Although a few research reports have followed, several aspects of population density and the behavioral phenomena identified by Calhoun have been ignored. For example, the consummatory behavior in-aggregate property of the behavioral sink is an unstudied phenomenon. Furthermore, although the literature on potential population reduction mechanisms has grown rapidly, the mechanisms of pup mortality (cannibalization by adults) as identified by Calhoun has not been pursued systematically. Finally, the question of whether social or spatial density or other factors constitute the potent variables in the development of social pathology has not been tested directly. The purpose of these five related experiments was to investigate aspects of these behaviors.
Exogenous Transforming Growth Factor β2 Modulates Collagen I and Collagen III Synthesis in Proliferative Scar Xenografts in Nude Rats

Abstract Background. Keloid and hypertrophic scars are fibrous dermal tumors characterized by overabundant collagen deposition. Previous studies demonstrated that exogenous transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) might increase collagen production in incisional wound models and in vitro. Using an in vivo model of human scar xenografts maintained in congenitally athymic, asplenic “nude” rats, we examined endogenous TGF-β 2 , collagen I, and collagen III levels in keloids and burn hypertrophic scars treated with TGF-β 2 and TGF-β 2 antibody. Methods. Fresh keloid and burn hypertrophic scar specimens excised from human subjects were explanted to pedicled flaps based on the superficial inferior epigastric vessels in athymic “nude” rats. These flaps were allowed to mature for 3 weeks, after which the scar explants were directly perfused with 200 ng of TGF-β 2 or 250 μg of TGF-β 2 antibody daily for 5 consecutive days, then again on Days 10, 15, and 20. Biopsies were taken 30 and 120 days following the initiation of treatment. Immunohistochemical staining was then performed for TGF-β 2 , collagen I, and collagen III. The intensity of staining was quantified. Results. Our results demonstrated that treatment of human proliferative scars with exogenous TGF-β 2 results in a significant increase in endogenous TGF-β 2 , collagen I, and collagen III production. By contrast, exogenous addition of anti-TGF-β 2 antibody significantly decreased endogenous TGF-β 2 , collagen I, and collagen III production. Conclusion. This study supports a causative role for TGF-β 2 in the formation of proliferative scars and suggests that TGF-β 2 antibody may be a new potential antiscarring agent.
Histone modifications as markers of cancer prognosis: a cellular view

Alterations in modifications of histones have been linked to deregulated expression of many genes with important roles in cancer development and progression. The effects of these alterations have so far been interpreted from a promoter-specific viewpoint, focussing on gene-gene differences in patterns of histone modifications. However, recent findings suggest that cancer tissues also display cell-cell differences in total amount of specific histone modifications. This novel cellular epigenetic heterogeneity is related to clinical outcome of cancer patients and may serve as a valuable marker of prognosis.
Expression of DNA damage-inducible genes of Escherichia coli upon treatment with methylating, ethylating and propylating agents

Several alkylation-inducible genes have been identified by construction of Mu-d1 (Apr lac) fusions to genes whose expression is increased in response to alkylation treatment, but not UV treatment. We have examined the induction of 4 different alkylation-inducible genes by treatment with a variety of methylating and ethylating agents, and a propylating agent. We have compared the induction of the alkylation-inducible genes with the induction of the sulA gene, which is a component of the SOS response to DNA damage. We find that the Ada-regulated adaptive response genes (ada-alkB, alkA and aidB) are induced primarily in response to methylation treatment. The ada-independent aidC gene is induced upon treatment with agents that alkylate predominantly by SN1 nucleophilic attack. aidC induction occurs only when cells are not aerated during treatment. The SOS response, as indicated by sulA induction, is strongly induced by all types of alkylating agents used.
A new paradigm for synthesis and propagation of clock gating conditions

Clock gating has become a standard practice for saving dynamic power in the clock network. Due to design reuse, it is common to find designs that have already some partial clock gating. We propose to exploit the existing clock gating in order to extract stronger gating conditions for blocks that are poorly gated or not gated at all. A second contribution of our paper is a robust and scalable approach to extract stability conditions for clock gating. Finally, we present a uniform treatment of unobservability and stability as dual approaches for propagating gating conditions forward and backward. Experimental results demonstrate significant power reduction (in the range of 14% -- 55% of the clock power) on Intel micro-processor designs.
SOCIAL STIMULUS PERCEPTION AND SELF‐EVALUATION: EFFECTS OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASE

Women in different phases of the menstrual cycle were compared to each other and to men in their responses to a social interaction stimulus: a videotape depicting a female nurse interacting with a hospitalized patient. Sex differences and cycle-phase differences were found for both affective and cognitive dimensions. Premenstrual women reported feeling more dominant, energetic, indifferent, negative, and somewhat more tense than women menstruating or women in the intermenstrual cycle phase. However, they did not differ from men in their affective ratings. Premenstrual women evaluated the nurse as less attractive than did men and they attributed greater responsibility for the nurse's behavior to the patient than men and intermenstrual women. Women in all groups evaluated the nurse as nicer and more pleasant, interesting, concerned and self-assured than did men. All women also felt more friendly toward the nurse and reported that they would be more comfortable asking her questions than the men did. The impl...
Trabecular outflow facility and formation rate of aqueous humor during intravenous cocaine or lidocaine in rabbits

This study examined the effect of cocaine and lidocaine on intraocular pressure (IOP), fluid formation, outflow facility, and compliance. Fourteen New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized with halothane (0.8-1.0% inspired concentration) in nitrous oxide (2 L/min) and oxygen (1 L/min). Pancuronium was given intravenously (i.v.) to produce neuromuscular block, and the lungs were mechanically ventilated through a tracheal tube. In one group (n = 8) cocaine 0.5 mg/kg followed by 1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1 i.v. was added to halothane/nitrous oxide/oxygen anesthesia. In the second group (n = 6) lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg followed by 1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1 i.v. was added to halothane/nitrous oxide/oxygen anesthesia. In both groups a series of intraocular infusions was made via a 30-gauge needle in the anterior chamber and IOP, the rate of aqueous humor formation, trabecular outflow facility, and intraocular compliance were determined. In Group I, IOP was 15.0 +/- 6.3 mmHg prior to and 14.5 +/- 7.1 mm Hg after cocaine. The rate of anterior chamber aqueous formation was 3.79 +/- 1.25 microL/min and trabecular outflow facility was 0.141 +/- 0.090 microL.min-1.mm Hg-1. In Group 2, IOP was 14.4 +/- 4.8 mm Hg prior to lidocaine and IOP decreased (P < 0.05 compared to precocaine in Group 1 and prelidocaine in Group 2) to 11.9 +/- 6.8 mm Hg after lidocaine. The rate of anterior chamber aqueous formation was 2.59 +/- 0.86 microL/min and trabecular outflow facility decreased (P < 0.05 compared to Group 1) to 0.077 +/- 0.040 microL.min-1.mm Hg-1. Intraocular compliance during cocaine, 36 +/- 12 nL/mm Hg, was similar to that during lidocaine, 33 +/- 14 nL/mm Hg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Osmotic Inactivation in situ of Plant Mitochondrial Enzymes

When cauliflower buds are gently disrupted in distilled water and homogenized immediately thereafter in hypertonic sucrose, the succinoxidase activity of par ticles prepared from such homogenates is considerably less than that of particles prepared from tissue homogenized in sucrose directly. Other enzymatic functions are impaired as well. When tissue is washed in water for any length of time prior to homogenization, the deleterious effect of hypotonicity is exaggerated. The irreversible injury to the mitochondria brought about by a hypotonic environment may be precluded to some extent by maintaining the temperature at o° C. Wash ing injury is also minimized by washing tissue in hypertonic solutions. In addition to the irreversible osmotic injury which the mitochondria may undergo, a reversible inhibition of succinic dehydrogenase may be effected by a soluble, heat-stable component of cauliflower juice. The latter inhibition appears to be competitive in nature. The reduction of ferricyanide has been used as a means of measuring succinic dehydrogenase activity anaerobically. The concordance of manometric and potentiometric measurements of dehydrogenase activity suggests that the ferro cyanide ion may move freely from within the cell to the outer solution. There are indications as well that certain endogenous cell materials may be removed from the tissue during relatively short washing-periods.
Variable order Adams codes

Abstract Variable step size, variable order (VSVO) Adams codes are very effective for solving initial value problems for first-order systems of ordinary differential equations. The theory of fixed-order codes is classical, but when the order is varied, there is no theory explaining fundamental issues. With realistic assumptions about order and step size selection, we prove convergence, approximate locally the behavior of the error, and justify standard error estimators.
Impaired visual recognition of biological motion in schizophrenia.

Abstract Background Motion perception deficits have been suggested to be an important feature of schizophrenia but the behavioral consequences of such deficits are unknown. Biological motion refers to the movements generated by living beings. The human visual system rapidly and effortlessly detects and extracts socially relevant information from biological motion. A deficit in biological motion perception may have significant consequences for detecting and interpreting social information. Methods Schizophrenia patients and matched healthy controls were tested on two visual tasks: recognition of human activity portrayed in point–light animations (biological motion task) and a perceptual control task involving detection of a grouped figure against the background noise (global-form task). Both tasks required detection of a global form against background noise but only the biological motion task required the extraction of motion-related information. Results Schizophrenia patients performed as well as the controls in the global-form task, but were significantly impaired on the biological motion task. In addition, deficits in biological motion perception correlated with impaired social functioning as measured by the Zigler social competence scale [Zigler, E., Levine, J. (1981). Premorbid competence in schizophrenia: what is being measured? Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49, 96–105.]. Conclusion The deficit in biological motion processing, which may be related to the previously documented deficit in global motion processing, could contribute to abnormal social functioning in schizophrenia.
Enhanced superoxide anion production in activated peritoneal macrophages from English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) exposed to polycyclic aromatic compounds

Abstract As in mammals, macrophages play a vital role in the destruction of infective organisms in fish. The current study was done to determine if exposure to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), a group of chemical contaminants commonly found in the sediments of urban marine areas, alters the ability of peritoneal macrophages (MOs) from English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs). Initially, assay conditions including concentration of MOs, type of in vitro stimulant, tissue culture media, and incubation time were optimized to measure production of superoxide anion (O2−), the progenitor ROI, in English sole MOs. English sole were then injected with an organic solvent extract of a PAC-contaminated sediment equivalent to 20 g sediment (about 860 μg selected PACs) per kg fish, via their dorsal lymphatic sinus. Peritoneal MOs were harvested on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 post-injection. Elicited peritoneal MOs from English sole injected with the sediment extract produced significantly more O2− after stimulation in vitro with either opsonized zymosan on days 3 and 7 after exposure, or phorbol myristate acetate on day 7 when compared to the vehicle-injected or uninjected fish. Macrophages of fish injected with the vehicle responded comparably to those from uninjected individuals. No differences in the basal amounts of O2− production from activated peritoneal MOs were observed among the treatment groups. This study demonstrates that exposure of English sole to PACs altered macrophage production of O2−. Although the direct effects of the enhanced production of this ROI are unknown, the higher levels of superoxide anion production within peritoneal macrophages may contribute to immunodysfunction and oxidative damage in P. vetulus.
Impulsive Plunging Wave Breaking Downstream of a Bump in a Shallow Water Flume

The plunging wave-breaking process for impulsive flow over a bump in a shallow water flume is described using complementary experiments and simulations, which is relevant to ship hydrodynamics since it includes effect of wave-body interactions and wave breaking direction is opposite to the mean flow. Phase averaged measurements (relative to the time at which the maximum wave height is reached just before the first plunge) are conducted, including the overall flume flow and 2D PIV center-plane velocities and turbulence inside the plunging breaking wave and bottom pressures under the breaking wave. A total number of 226 individual plunging wave-breaking tests were conducted, which all followed a similar time line consisting of startup, steep wave formation, plunging wave, and chaotic wave breaking swept downstream time phases. The plunging wave breaking process consists of four repeated plunging events each with three [jet impact (plunge), oblique splash and vertical jet] sub-events, which were identified first using complementary CFD. Video images with red dye display the plunging wave breaking events and sub-events. The first and second plunges take longer than the last two plunges. Oblique splashes and vertical jets account for more time than plunging. The wave profile at maximum height, first plunge, bump and wave breaking vortex and entrapped air bubble trajectories, entrapped air bubble diameters, kinetic, potential, and total energy, and bottom pressures are analyzed. The simulations on four different grids qualitatively predict all four time phases, all four plunging events and their sub-events, and bottom pressure but with reduced velocity magnitudes and larger post-breaking water elevations. The medium grid results are presented and the fine grid simulations are in progress. Similarities and differences are discussed with the previous deep water or sloping beaches experimental and computational studies.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A vector version of witsenhausen’s counterexample: A convergence of control, communication and computation

We argue that Witsenhausen's counterexample provides a useful conceptual bridge between distributed control, communication and computation. Inspired by the utility of studying long block-lengths in information theory, we formulate a vector version of the counterexample. Information-theoretic arguments are then used to derive bounds on the minimum cost for the vector problem. Restricted to the scalar case, the lower bounds are a strict improvement over Witsenhausen's lower bound for some parameter values. The upper bounds are based on two strategies that can asymptotically outperform optimal linear and nonlinear scalar strategies. To investigate the computational aspects of such problems, we then consider a simpler problem of lossless source coding. From a distributed control perspective, the computations required for encoding and decoding can be viewed as internal communication between virtually distributed agents. We derive new lower bounds that establish a tradeoff between the computation, communication and distortion costs for lossless source coding.
Drug Permeation through Thin Model Membranes I: Development of a Polymeric Model Biomembrane

The development of a polymeric nonporous model membrane, containing natural membrane components, and its use in a two‐compartment transport cell are reported.Consideration was given to the polymer used to form the polymer matrix, membrane thickness, the amount and type of biological material incorporated, and the effect of nonbiological additives.The effect of these changes on the transport properties of the various membranes were monitored in terms of kd, the rate of disappearance constant of salicylic acid, from the pH 2.0 compartment of the transport cell.As a result of these studies, a standard model biomembrane was designed, containing 44% ethylcellulose, 44% biological materials, and 12% mineral oil, dry weight of the membrane.From the lack of solvent flux under experimental conditions and the first‐order disappearance of salicylic acid, it appears that the polymer membrane mimics the functionality of natural membranes insofar as passive diffusion is concerned.
Photoreactivation in an archaeon from geothermal environments

UV-inactivated cells of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius rapidly regained viability when exposed to white light This recovery was strictly dependent upon illumination with visible light and was not attenuated by prior dark-incubation. The kinetics of photoreactivation were determined at several temperatures and at several wavelengths of light. The results obtained in vivo were consistent with a DNA photolyase having a broad action spectrum. Photoreactivation of S. acidocaldarius apparently represents the first DNA repair process to be measured in an archaeon which grows optimally near 80°C.
A comparison of self-timed design using FPGA, CMOS, and GaAs technologies

The authors explore one approach to self-timed design and describe implementations of an example circuit in three different technologies. The simple routing chip, used as the example has been described by writing a program in OCCAM, translated into a circuit consisting of a small set of basic modules, and implemented using Actel FPGA (field-programmable gate array), CMOS, and GaAs technologies. These technologies represent a wide range of price and performance characteristics. >
Restoration of multi-channel spectral estimation affected by sampling jitters

Sampling jitters can cause phase shifts in the Fourier coefficients of an underlying time series and lead to, among other distortions, attenuation in spectral estimation. If the probability density function of sampling jitters is known, then the attenuation can be modeled as an amplitude modulation in the frequency domain. This paper examines the possible effects of random sampling jitters on multi-channel power spectral estimation and discusses a restoration procedure to remove these effects, simulation tests were conducted to illustrate the effects due to sampling jitters and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the restoration procedure.
Application of RT-PCR for Indexing Avocado Sunblotch Viroid

Schnell, R. J., Kuhn, D. N., Ronning, C. M., and Harkins, D. 1997. Application of RT-PCR for indexing avocado sunblotch viroid. Plant Dis. 81:1023-1026. A method for the routine detection of avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) in nucleic acid extracts of infected avocado tissues by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed using ASBVd-specific primers. Amplified cDNA products were analyzed by electrophoresis on nondenaturing 6% polyacrylamide slab gels. The size of the major RT-PCR product from ASBVd-infected tissue was estimated to be 250 bp. This product was absent from amplified extracts of uninfected tissue. The amplification product from ASBVd was sequenced by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method, and the sequence was over 97% identical to the published sequence. The RT-PCR assay is sensitive e nough to allow viroid detection without requiring large amounts of tissue, highly purified ASBVd, or molecular hybridization.
IMPACT FEES: SOME FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES

Impact fees are an increasingly popular way for local governments to raise money for new capital facilities. The legal basis for the imposition of these fees, however, is unsettled. This paper considers some of the fundamental questions that must be resolved concerning the legality of impact fees. The paper concludes that in many instances such fees are unauthorized taxes, not fees incident to the regulatory power local governments possess under the police power. The paper suggests that impact fees should play only a limited role in meeting the fiscal obligations of local governments.
Acoustical detection of senile osteoporosis.

ConclusionsThe large difference between the values of FL for the osteoporotic and the normal subjects suggests that the acoustical method is more sensitive than the radiographic method. If one conservatively assumes that L can be measured to ± 1.0 mm and that F can be measured to ± 5.0 cycles per second, FL is accurate to ± 150 cm per second or about 2.5%. Reference to Fig. 4 indicates that this accuracy in FL will allow determination of bone density with an accuracy of about ± 3%. Compared to the 30% decrease density required for detection by the radiographic technique, the acoustical technique offers a large increase in sensitivity.