cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
H19 and IGF-2 allele-specific expression in hepatoblastoma

Patterns of allele-specific expression of H19 and insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) were examined in tissue obtained from 30 children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. All informative tumours demonstrated monoallelic expression of H19. In contrast, variable patterns of allele-specific expression of IGF-2 were seen in tumours from children of different ages.© 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
Secondary electrons ejected from He by protons and electrons

Abstract Experimental data on the energy distribution of secondary electrons ejected from He by fast protons and electrons are shown to exhibit the following features expected from the Rutherford theory and the Born approximation: (a) the energy distribution of slow secondary electrons resembles in shape that deduced from the photoionization cross-section. (b) The energy distribution for fast secondary electrons converges to that predicted by the Rutherford theory for proton impact and by the Mott theory for electron impact. (c) The cross-sections for fast protons are very similar to those for electrons with the same velocity as the protons. Comparison with the optical data indicates that some minor but systematic corrections on the experimental data are necessary. The corrected experimental data are consistent with the total ionization cross-section.
High levels of interleukin-12 in the aqueous humor and vitreous of patients with uveitis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in initiation and maintenance of intraocular inflammation. Design Case series. Participants Aqueous humor and vitreous levels of IL-12 and IL-10 were measured in 22 patients with uveitis undergoing cataract surgery, paracentesis of the anterior chamber, and/or vitrectomy for diagnostic reasons, and in 4 patients with cataract only. Intervention Aqueous humor and vitreous levels of IL-12 and IL-10 were measured with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Main outcome measures Disease activity was correlated to IL-12 levels in the aqueous humor and the vitreous of patients with uveitis. Results Cytokine levels found in the anterior chamber and the vitreous are presented in picogram/milliliter (medium; range). The highest IL-12 levels were found in patients with active uveitis (108.5 pg/ml; 72–293 pg/ml). Interleukin-12 in patients with moderate uveitis or with their disease in remission was lower (32 pg/ml; 15–94 pg/ml) than in patients with active disease ( P > 0.001) but higher than in the control group (10.5 pg/ml; 9–14 pg/ml). Interleukin-10 was detectable in only 3 of 22 patients with uveitis (12 pg/ml; 9–23 pg/ml). Conclusion The authors found statistically significant differences of IL-12 levels in the various patient groups (active vs. inactive vs. control). These results support the idea that these uveitis cases represent type 1 (Th1)-T lymphocyte-mediated diseases in which IL-12 plays a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of the intraocular inflammation. The high levels of IL-12 in the vitreous and/or aqueous humor of the patients with uveitis suggest that susceptibility or resistance to ocular autoimmunity may be connected to a genetic predisposition to an elevated Th1 response.
Commentary on ‘Pimozide for tics in Tourette’s syndrome'

This is a commentary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Pringsheim T, Marras C. Pimozide for tics in Tourette's syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006996. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006996.pub2. Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Laminin SIKVAV peptide‐induced angiogenesis in vivo is potentiated by neutrophils

Angiogenesis has been investigated in vivo using subcutaneously injected reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) supplemented with angiogenic factors. Previously we found that the laminin-derived synthetic peptide containing SIKVAV (ser-ile-lys-val-ala-val) promoted angiogenesis in vivo. In parallel studies, it was observed that new vessel formation in response to this peptide occurred several days after basic fibroblast growth factor-induced angiogenesis. Since this delay suggested that SIKVAV-induced angiogenesis may be secondary to other events, we investigated here earlier time points to determine if both indirect and direct mechanisms of angiogenesis are involved. We found that neutrophils are continuously recruited to the SIKVAV-containing plugs between 4 hours to 3 days following the initial injection. By day 7, columns of endothelial cells begin to migrate into the plug and form small blood vessels. In contrast, neutropenic mice had a 62% reduction in SIKVAV-induced angiogenesis when compared to control mice. Freshly isolated neutrophils also degraded laminin, the major component of the basement membrane Matrigel. These cells also produced factors in response to SIKVAV peptide which induced proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells relative to a control peptide. In vitro experiments utilizing human neutrophils demonstrated that these cells migrate to the SIKVAV peptide and possess a specific cell surface SIKVAV binding protein of ∼56 kD. These data suggest that neutrophils are induced to migrate to the Matrigel plugs, at least in part, by SIKVAV peptide, where they may release their own angiogenic factors and degrade the matrix, thus physically facilitating cell migration and liberating additional angiogenic matrix fragments and/or cytokines. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Photocatalytic selective oxidation of hydrocarbons in the aqueous phase

Abstract The sustainable transformation of an inert alkane into its corresponding oxygenates has been the subject of intense chemical research. These oxygenates typically produced from processes using stringent conditions and materials offer disadvantages that include decreased selectivities to the partial oxygenates and by-product formation. As environmental concerns and regulations become more rigorous, the need for alternative catalytic oxidation processes that use mild or ambient conditions is increased. In this Note, the authors have investigated the use of photocatalysis as a low-temperature and “green” alternative for the direct and selective oxidation of alkanes with molecular oxygen.
Purification of the 33,000-dalton ligand binding-protein constituent of the lymphoblast substance P receptor

Substance P (SP) acts as an immunoregulator by binding to specific functional cell surface receptors on a subpopulation of human T-helper lymphocytes. Receptors with similar properties have also been characterized on the human IM-9 B-lymphoblast cell line. Four distinct proteins of molecular weight (MW) 33,000, 58,000, 78,000, and 116,000 can be specifically affinity labeled using [125I]-SP Bolton-Hunter reagent and disuccinymidyl suberate (DSS). Peptide-mapping studies of these individually purified affinity labeled proteins have shown that the 33,000 MW membrane protein is present in the higher molecular weight cross-linked proteins. In the present studies, the 33,000 MW affinity-labeled protein was purified using semipreparative sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by high-performance hydroxylapatite chromatography. Starting with 800 mg of affinity-labeled protein, the final yield was 39.0 micrograms of 33,000 MW affinity-labeled protein. Based on an estimate of 53 mg receptor per 800 mg membrane protein, this represents an overall yield of greater than 70%. Peptide mapping was done by digesting 20 micrograms of the receptor protein with bovine trypsin. The proteolytic fragments were separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and the amino acid content of 13 distinct peptides was determined. With this procedure, sufficient receptor can now be purified so that partial amino acid sequences can be obtained for further structural studies.
Probleme des Schnellaufs von Nockentrieben unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Federschwingungen

Zum Steuern der Ventile von Verbrennungskraftmaschinen sowie der Pumpenkolben von Brennstoff-Einspritzpumpen werden Nockentriebe verwendet. Insbesondere bei raumlich beschrankten Verhaltnissen und bei der Auslegung schnellaufender Nockentriebe treten in der Beherrschung der Massenkrafte durch die Schraubenfeder Schwierigkeiten auf. Durch eine zweckmasige Gestaltung der Glieder des Nockentriebes ist eine weitgehende Erhohung der Schnellaufigkeit moglich.
Patterns of recurrence in advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Abstract Objectives To examine the distribution and outcomes of recurrent disease in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers after optimal cytoreduction and adjuvant intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy. Methods All patients diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer between 2004 and 2009 who underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery and received adjuvant intravenous (IV) and IP chemotherapy with paclitaxel and a platinum-based agent were eligible. Age, performance status, tumor origin, stage, and grade were recorded. First recurrences were identified using CA125 values, radiographic studies, operative notes, and pathology reports. Sites of recurrence were classified as intraperitoneal (IP), extraperitoneal (EP) or distant. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox multivariate regression models were used to assess the associations between recurrent disease distribution and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results One hundred forty-three patients met the criteria for inclusion. The majority were Stage III (86%) and serous histology (77%). Eighty-four (58.7%) received IV/IP paclitaxel/cisplatin per GOG-172 and 59 (41.3%) received IV/IP paclitaxel/carboplatin. Seventy-two percent completed 6cycles. Ninety (62.9%) patients manifested a recurrence. One-hundred twelve sites of recurrence were identified with 70 (62.5%) IP and 42 (37.5%) EP and distant sites. Nineteen (21%) recurred in more than one site, i.e. both IP and EP locations. Site of recurrence did not impact OS, however, patients who recurred in multiples sites had significantly worse OS (p Conclusion Approximately 40% of patients treated with IP chemotherapy have a first recurrence outside the peritoneal cavity. Though site of recurrence did not affect OS those with multi-focal recurrence demonstrate worse survival.
Synthesis of aryl azide derivatives of UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc and their use for the affinity labeling of glycosyltransferases and the UDP-HexNAc pyrophosphorylase.

Abstract The chemical synthesis and utilization of two photoaffinity analogs,125I-labeled 5-[3-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1-propenyl]-UDP-GlcNAc and -UDP-GalNAc, is described. Starting with either UDP-GlcNAc or UDP-GalNAc, the synthesis involved the preparation of the 5-mercuri-UDP-HexNAc and then attachment of an allylamine to the 5 position to give 5-(3-amino)allyl-UDP-HexNAc. This was followed by acylation withN-hydroxysuccinimidep-aminosalicylic acid to form the final product, i.e., 5-[3-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1-propenyl]-UDP-GlcNAc or UDP-GalNAc. These products could then be iodinated with chloramine T to give the125I-derivatives. Both the UDP-GlcNAc and the UDP-GalNAc derivatives reacted in a concentration-dependent manner with a highly purified UDP-HexNAc pyrophosphorylase, and both specifically labeled the subunit(s) of this protein. The labeling of the protein by the UDP-GlcNAc derivative was inhibited in dose-dependent fashion by either unlabeled UDP-GlcNAc or unlabeled UDP-GalNAc. Likewise, labeling with the UDP-GalNAc probe was blocked by either UDP-GlcNAc or UDP-GalNAc. The UDP-GlcNAc probe also specifically labeled a partially purified preparation of GlcNAc transferase I.
Likeability of Those in Relationships with Low Positive Affect People: (Dis)liking by Association or by Contrast?

Abstract This study concerns two hypotheses about how one person's level of trait affectivity influences an associate's likeability. The disliking-by-association hypothesis is that associates of those low in positive affect (PA) would be negatively evaluated themselves because of their relation to a low PA person. The liking-by-contrast hypothesis asserts that associates of low PA people will be more positively appraised due to the social contrast. Undergraduates (targets) and their roommates were videotaped during a brief interaction and later completed questionnaires on positive and negative affectivity. A panel of judges rated the videotapes for the degree to which they liked participants. These ratings served as an index of likeability. Targets were negatively evaluated if their roommates were high in PA, particularly if the targets were low in PA. By contrast, targets with low PA roommates were more positively appraised. Thus, the liking-by-contrast hypothesis garnered more support than the disliking-by-association perspective. These results were specific to trait PA vs trait negative affectivity.
ICTs: Do they contribute to increased carbon emissions?

Abstract There is much evidence that the deployment of information and communications technologies (ICTs) can improve economic productivity, reduce energy intensity and exert downward pressure on renewable energy costs. While significant insights have been revealed about each of these effects in isolation, literature has not established their combined implications for carbon emissions. This article uses the International Futures (IFs) integrated assessment system ( www.ifs.du.edu ) to explore the dynamic impacts of ICT on interacting global systems, including economic and energy systems, and resultant carbon emissions. First, it reviews the literature on the various impacts of ICT; next, it extracts relationships from previously existing quantitative studies on the subject; third, it explains the addition of these relationships to the IFs structure; fourth, it explores the implications of the acceleration of ICT penetration; finally, it frames a range of uncertainty around the analysis through scenarios. The authors argue that ICT can have a downward impact on overall carbon emissions across a 50-year time horizon. However, the net impact of ICT is limited, and if policy makers are concerned with substantial reductions in overall stocks of carbon in the atmosphere, our model shows that ICT promotion must be coupled a global price on carbon.
In Reply to “Why We Banned Use of Laptops and ‘Scribe Notes’ in Our Classroom”

To the Editor. In the contemporary world of higher education, institutions are usually quick to adopt the newest technologies. However, some college faculty members appear to be reverting back to traditional methods and steering away from laptop computers and Web-based learning. The laptop and “Scribe Notes” ban mentioned in a previous letter, “Why We Banned Use of Laptops and ‘Scribe Notes’ in Our Classroom,” by Fink JL brought to light the difficulties inherent in today's use of computers and the Internet in the classroom.1 Despite the distractions that laptops cause, to ban their use along with “Scribe Notes” is in essence to “throw out the baby with the bathwater.” The distraction in classrooms is not a factor of the device, but rather a direct measure of students' willingness to pay attention. It is a commonly held belief that when bored, students will G-chat, check e-mail or Facebook, shop, check sports scores, and even play solitaire. However, based on the undergraduate university experiences of the authors, such inattentive behavior existed in classrooms before computers were commonplace. Therefore, such actions by a minority of uninterested students do not adequately justify elimination of electronic learning for the class as a whole.
Dissociative chemisorption mechanisms of disilane on Si(100)-(2×1) and H-terminated Si(100) surfaces

Abstract Three different mechanisms for disilane (Si2H6) chemisorption on Si(100) are discussed, and experimental evidence is presented that is consistent with occurrence of all three under different conditions. Direct formation of chemisorbed SiH2, in competition with formation of chemisorbed SiH3, is proposed on the clean surface. Direct recoiling results support chemisorption on H-terminated surfaces via insertion into SiH bonds at surface temperatures (Ts)=350°C and above. Estimates of enthalpy changes for each mechanism are given, based on the limited available bond-energy data.
Techniques and advantages of using the formal compiler writing system FSL to implement a Formula Algol compiler

Implementing a compiler, as everybody knows, is not an easy task. There have appeared in the past few years a number of compiler writing systems. One of these is Feldman's "Formal Semantic Language" (FSL). In Feldman's thesis the assertion is made that FSL is potentially a powerful compiler writing system. The Formula Algol compiler is a large, nontrivial compiler incorporating several new language features, and the use of FSL to implement it constitutes the first significant test of the power of FSL. We find Feldman's assertion is justified, and the ideas he set forth in theory have been found to be successful in practice.
Thermodynamics of the charge-density-wave transition in ZrTe3: Use of a TaS3 thermometer

Abstract We have measured the specific heat, c p , and the Young's moduli, E a and E b , in the high-conductivity ab plane of ZrTe 3 as functions of temperature. The specific heat is measured using a niobium-doped TaS 3 bolometric thermometer, which is described in detail. At its CDW transition ( T c = 65 K), there are pronounced minima (1–2%) in the moduli, but no anomaly in c p ( Δc p R = c p /150) is observed, implying that the transition has a strong stress dependence, particularly along a . The lack of a specific-heat anomaly implies that the change in the electronic density of states is less than 2 states/eV.
Hybrid Ab Initio/Empirical Modeling of the Conformations and Light-Induced Transitions in Stilbene-Derivatives Bonded to DNA

Modeling and simulation techniques are presented, which are both physically accurate and computationally efficient for treating complex organic structures that have relevance to sensing and characterization, including structures with covalent bonding to biological (i.e., DNA) molecules. The theoretical study of large and complex biological molecular systems is very challenging because ab initio quantum mechanical methods are usually too computationally demanding and alternative empirical approaches are often insufficient for describing the internal interactions and dynamics. The goal of this research is to provide detailed insight into the molecular interaction mechanisms (e.g., terahertz (THz) frequency spectral absorption), which can be used to define novel types of bioelectronic-sensing devices. Therefore, a mixed ab initio/molecular mechanical-modeling approach is implemented and applied to the study of stilbene-DNA conjugates that offer switchable spectral characteristics that may be useful for detection and identification purposes. In particular, results are generated for two conformations of a TGCGCA-DNA duplex with trimethoxystilbene carboxamide (TMS) end capping that are confirmed by experimental data. The model is also used to derive the influences of DNA sequence and/or TMS orientation on the conformation, electronic states, and atomic vibrations of single- and doubled-stranded variants of the TGCGCA-DNA duplex. These results, which include very distinct absorption spectra in the THz to UV range, demonstrate that hybrid methodologies can bridge the gap in understanding electronic and atomic structure, and light-induced interactions in complex bioorganic systems.
Parameterization of Atmospheric Radiative Transfer. Part II: Selection Rules

Abstract This paper describes simple, computationally efficient methods of calculating 2-stream broadband fluxes and heating rates in the shortwave and longwave for multilayered media. The method, herein referred to as selection rules, is used in conjunction with conventional 2-stream solvers to reduce the number of full-up radiative transfer calculations, thus decreasing the computation time.
Mesozoic Lithic Sandstones in Central Oregon

ABSTRACT Mesozoic lithic sandstones in central Oregon were deposited in a complex forearc basin within the eugeosynclinal western part of the Cordillera. The sequence in the John Day inlier of the Blue Mountains province includes about 15,000 m of Mesozoic turbidites and subordinate associated strata of other facies. Chert-rich clastic detritus in lower horizons was derived mainly from an uplifted melange ridge associated with the nearby subduction zone. Volcaniclastic debris from an active volcanic arc is dominant at middle horizons. Mixed lithic detritus derived from multiple sources exposed in a mature and dissected arc terrane prevails at upper horizons. The chief types of lithic grains in the rocks are chert, felsite, microlitic volcanic rock fragments, argillite, and slate or shale. Frag ents of metamorphic quartz-mica tectonite and microgranular grains of aggregate quartz and hypabyssal igneous rocks are also present. Monocrystalline quartz grains are minor constituents of most sandstones and absent from some. In melange-derived sandstones, polycrystalline quartzose grains, mainly chert, are the principal constituents with volcanic rock fragments next in abundance; feldspar grains and metasedimentary lithic fragments are subordinate. Volcaniclastic sandstones are composed mainly of volcanic rock fragments and plagioclase grains in that order of abundance, and commonly contain more clinopyroxene than quartz. Volcanic rock fragments and feldspar grains in that order are also the most abundant grains in sandstones of mixed provenance, but sedimentary rock fragments, K-feld par and quartz grains, and mica flakes are all more abundant than in the older, strictly volcaniclastic strata. These suites of lithic sandstones derived mainly from supracrustal eugeosynclinal sources differ markedly from arkosic or quartzose sandstones derived from uplifted or recycled cratonic sources, and also contrast with more quartzo-feldspathic rocks in other forearc basins where much of the detritus was derived from eroded granitic plutons. The characteristic compositions of the distinct suites of lithic sandstones in central Oregon can serve as guides to interpretations of provenance for similar rocks in parts of orgenic belts where geologic relations are not so well displayed.
Effects of humor and laughter on psychological functioning, quality of life, health status, and pulmonary functioning among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a preliminary investigation.

Abstract Objective Previous research indicates the beneficial effects of humor among healthy adults. Little is known about the physical and psychological effects of sense of humor and laughter among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Patients with COPD (n = 46; mean age ± SD, 66.9 ± 9.9 years) completed assessments of sense of humor, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and recent illness. A subset of patients (n = 22) completed a laughter induction study and were randomly assigned to view either a humorous or a neutral video. Pulmonary function, mood state, and dyspnea were assessed before and after the video. Results Sense of humor was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and an enhanced quality of life. However, the induction of laughter led to lung hyperinflation. Conclusion Sense of humor among patients with COPD is associated with positive psychological functioning and enhanced quality of life, but laughing aloud may cause acute deterioration in pulmonary function secondary to worsened hyperinflation.
Use of Bodipy-labeled sphingolipid and cholesterol analogs to examine membrane microdomains in cells

Much evidence has accumulated to show that cellular membranes such as the plasma membrane, contain multiple “microdomains” of differing lipid and protein composition and function. These domains are sometimes enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids and are believed to be important structures for the regulation of many biological and pathological processes. This review focuses on the use of fluorescent (Bodipy) labeled analogs of sphingolipids and cholesterol to study such domains. We discuss the similarities between the behavior of Bodipy-cholesterol and natural cholesterol in artificial bilayers and in cultured cells, and the use of Bodipy-sphingolipid analogs to visualize membrane domains in living cells based on the concentration-dependent monomer-excimer fluorescence properties of the Bodipy-fluorophore. The use of Bodipy-d-erythro-lactosylceramide is highlighted for detection of domains on the plasma membrane and endosome membranes, and the importance of the sphingolipid stereochemistry in modulating domain formation is discussed. Finally, we suggest that Bodipy-sphingolipids may be useful in future studies to examine the relationship between membrane domains at the cell surface and domains enriched in other lipids and proteins on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane.
Xena: Warrior Princess as Feminist Camp

Cet article presente l'heroine de serie televisee Xena comme un personnage ambivalent : elle remet en cause un certain nombre de lois du genre aventures en s'appropriant des vertus traditionnellement masculines, tout en gardant la fantaisie ordinairement feminine. Feministe en transgressant les stereotypes masculin/feminin, elle demeure toutefois attachee a des valeurs patriarcales (le combat, les canons de beaute plastique). Xena est en fait une heroine kitsch
Teachers' Judgments of Class-Related and Teaching-Related Problem Situations

The development of a measure of teacher reactions to a variety of pupil, parent, and class-management problems is described. Factor analyses identified four child factors, two parent factors, and three class-management factors. Less frequently occurring problem situations were found to pose more serious handling difficulties. Situations relating to parents were more difficult for teachers to handle than ones involving individual children or class management. Suburban teachers had more serious handling problems than urban teachers, and less experienced teachers had more serious problems than experienced ones.
'Digital fluency': towards young people's critical use of the internet

The rise of the internet as the greatest source of information for people living in the UK today poses an acute challenge to the information literacy (IL) community. The amount and type of material available a mouse click away is both liberating and asphyxiating. There are more e-books, trustworthy journalism, niche expertise and accurate facts at our fingertips than ever before, but also mistakes, half-truths, propaganda and misinformation. This article presents research on how well young people are being equipped to meet the challenge of sorting good information from bad. It reviews current literature on the subject, and presents a new poll of over 500 teachers. With analysis supplemented by additional correspondence from librarians and other IL professionals, it argues that there is strong evidence that the web is fundamental to pupils’ learning and lives, but that many are not careful, discerning users of the internet. They are unable to find the information they are looking for, or they trust the first thing they see. This makes them vulnerable to the pitfalls of ignorance, falsehoods, cons and scams. The article proposes the appropriate response to be to embed ‘digital fluency’ – a tripartite concept constituting critical thinking, net savviness and diversity – at the heart of learning, in order to create a pedagogical framework fit for the information consumption habits of the digital age. It should be noted that both authors recognise the importance of non-teaching information literacy professionals in these debates. They recognise that the poll’s focus on teachers was too narrow, and have endeavoured, subsequent to the poll, to consult more widely in their research.
Camelina seed transcriptome: a tool for meal and oil improvement and translational research

Summary Camelina (Camelina sativa), a Brassicaceae oilseed, has received recent interest as a biofuel crop and production platform for industrial oils. Limiting wider production of camelina for these uses is the need to improve the quality and content of the seed protein-rich meal and oil, which is enriched in oxidatively unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids that are deleterious for biodiesel. To identify candidate genes for meal and oil quality improvement, a transcriptome reference was built from 2047 Sanger ESTs and more than 2 million 454-derived sequence reads, representing genes expressed in developing camelina seeds. The transcriptome of approximately 60K transcripts from 22 597 putative genes includes camelina homologues of nearly all known seed- expressed genes, suggesting a high level of completeness and usefulness of the reference. These sequences included candidates for 12S (cruciferins) and 2S (napins) seed storage proteins (SSPs) and nearly all known lipid genes, which have been compiled into an accessible database. To demonstrate the utility of the transcriptome for seed quality modification, seed-specific RNAi lines deficient in napins were generated by targeting 2S SSP genes, and high oleic acid oil lines were obtained by targeting FATTY ACID DESATURASE 2 (FAD2) and FATTY ACID ELONGASE 1 (FAE1). The high sequence identity between Arabidopsis thaliana and camelina genes was also exploited to engineer high oleic lines by RNAi with Arabidopsis FAD2 and FAE1 sequences. It is expected that these transcriptomic data will be useful for breeding and engineering of additional camelina seed traits and for translating findings from the model Arabidopsis to an oilseed crop.
A novel discrete control strategy for independent stabilization of parallel three-phase boost converters by combining space-vector modulation with variable-structure control

We propose a discrete nonlinear controller, developed in a synchronous frame, for a parallel three-phase boost converter consisting of two modules. The basic idea, however, can be extended to a system with N modules. Each of the closed-loop power-converter modules operates asynchronously without any communication with the other modules. The controller stabilizes the currents on the dq-axes and limits the flow of the pure-zero sequence current. It combines the space-vector modulation scheme with a variable-structure control, thereby keeping the switching frequency constant and achieving satisfactory dynamic performance.
Perspectives on the Aged Myocardium

A series of studies from our laboratory concerning the nature and mechanism of age-associated alterations in the function of the heart was discussed at the First Philadelphia Symposium on Aging in 1974 (1). Our laboratory has continued to pursue this type of investigation both in animals and man. This presentation will focus on our more recent studies and integrate this information into the body of knowledge that exists on the aging heart. I would like to acknowledge the pioneering efforts of Dr. Nathan W. Shock who founded our laboratory in 1968 and who guided its course since that time. In addition, I would like to identify the principal investigators involved in these studies. These are: Mrs. Elisie Beard, Dr. Jeffrey Froehlich, Dr. Gary Gerstenblith, Dr. Harold Spurgeon, Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, and Dr. Frank Yin.
The power of shadows: shadow stereopsis

Our ability to localize objects in three-dimensional space relies primarily on the stereoscopic capability of our visual system. It is generally believed that parallax disparities in the retinal images in our two eyes are required for experiencing stereovision. Traditionally, parallax disparities refer to points that are well defined within the objects, such as edges or boundaries. Shadows can create abrupt luminance changes in the scene but are neither edges nor boundaries, and their position varies with the position of the light sources. It is demonstrated that retinal images with no parallax disparity but with different shadows are fused stereoscopically, imparting depth perception to the imaged scene. Shadows are shown to be an important, hitherto undescribed stereoscopic cue for depth perception.
Retinal image quality for virtual eyes generated by a statistical model of ocular wavefront aberrations.

A statistical model of the aberration structure of normal, well-corrected eyes was developed previously (Opthal. Physiol. Opt 22, 427-433, 2002.) from wavefront aberrations measured for 100 normal eyes (J. Opt. Soc. Am. A. 19, 2329-2348, 2002.). The model is capable of generating an unlimited number of wavefront aberration functions for virtual eyes drawn randomly from a multivariate Gaussian distribution of Zernike aberration coefficients. This report provides evidence that monochromatic retinal image quality in virtual eyes, as quantified by 31 different image quality metrics (J. Vis. 4, 329-351, 2004.), is representative of human eyes but slightly exaggerates the degradation of the retinal image caused by ocular aberrations. A demonstration program for producing virtual eyes is included as an Appendix to this paper.
Unusual regulatory properties of sucrose‐phosphate synthase purified from soybean (Glycine max) leaves

Sucrose-phosphate (SPS) from source leaves of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Ransom II) was purified 74-fold to a final specific activity of 1.8 U (mg protein)1. The partially purified preparation was free from phosphoglucoseisomerase (EC 5.3.1.9), pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1), phosphoenolpyruvate-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.-), phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11), and uridine diphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.6), and was used for characterization of the kinetic and regulatory properties of the enzyme. The enzyme showed hyperbolic saturation kinetics for both fructose-6-phosphate (Km=0.57 mM) and UDPGlucose (UDPG) (Km=4.8 mM). The activity of SPS was inhibited by the product UDP. In vitro this inhibition could be partially overcome by the presence of Mg2+. Inorganic orthophosphate was only slightly inhibitory (35% inhibition at 25 mM phosphate). Glucose-6-phosphate (up to 20 mM) had no effect on activity, and did not show any significant interaction with phosphate inhibition. A range of potential effectors was tested and had no effect on SPS activity: Glucose-1-phosphate, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate, α-glycero-phosphate, dihydroxyacetone-phosphate, 3-phosphoglyceric acid, (all at 5 mM), sucrose at 100 mM and pyrophosphate at 0.1 mM. The apparent lack of allosteric regulation of soybean SPS makes this enzyme markedly different from SPS previously characterized from spinach and maize.
Frequency Analysis Techniques for Identification of Viral Genetic Data

ABSTRACT Environmental metagenomic samples and samples obtained as an attempt to identify a pathogen associated with the emergence of a novel infectious disease are important sources of novel microorganisms. The low costs and high throughput of sequencing technologies are expected to allow for the genetic material in those samples to be sequenced and the genomes of the novel microorganisms to be identified by alignment to those in a database of known genomes. Yet, for various biological and technical reasons, such alignment might not always be possible. We investigate a frequency analysis technique which on one hand allows for the identification of genetic material without relying on alignment and on the other hand makes possible the discovery of nonoverlapping contigs from the same organism. The technique is based on obtaining signatures of the genetic data and defining a distance/similarity measure between signatures. More precisely, the signatures of the genetic data are the frequencies of k -mers occurring in them, with k being a natural number. We considered an entropy-based distance between signatures, similar to the Kullback-Leibler distance in information theory, and investigated its ability to categorize negative-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viral genetic data. Our conclusion is that in this viral context, the technique provides a viable way of discovering genetic relationships without relying on alignment. We envision that our approach will be applicable to other microbial genetic contexts, e.g., other types of viruses, and will be an important tool in the discovery of novel microorganisms. IMPORTANCE Multiple factors contribute to the emergence of novel infectious diseases. Implementation of effective measures against such diseases relies on the rapid identification of novel pathogens. Another important source of novel microorganisms is environmental metagenomic samples. The low costs and high throughput of sequencing technologies provide a method for the identification of novel microorganisms by sequence alignment. There are several obstacles to this method, as follows: our knowledge of biology is biased by an anthropomorphic view, microbial genomic material could be a minuscule fraction of the sample, the sequencing and enrichment technologies can be a source of errors and biases, and finally, microbes have high diversity and high evolutionary rates. As a result, novel microorganisms could have very low genetic similarity to already known genomes, and the identification by alignment could be computationally prohibitive. We investigate a frequency analysis technique which allows for the identification of novel genetic material without relying on alignment.
Standard reactions for comparative rate studies: Experiments on the dehydrochlorination reactions of 2-chloropropane, chlorocyclopentane, and chlorocyclohexane

Single pulse shock tube studies of the thermal dehydrochlorination reactions (chlorocyclopentane → cyclopentene + HCl) and (chlorocyclohexane → cyclohexene + HCl) at temperatures of 843–1021 K and pressures of 1.4–2.4 bar have been carried out using the comparative rate technique. Rate constants have been measured relative to (2-chloropropane → propene + HCl) and the decyclization reactions of cyclohexene, 4-methylcyclohexene, and 4-vinylcyclohexene. Absolute rate constants have been derived using k(cyclohexene → ethene + butadiene) = 1.4 × 1015 exp(−33,500/T) s−1. These data provide a self-consistent temperature scale of use in the comparison of chemical systems studied with different temperature standards. A combined analysis of the present results with the literature data from lower temperature static studies leads to k(2-chloropropane) = 10(13.98±0.08) exp(−26, 225 ± 130) K/T) s−1; 590–1020 K; 1–3 bar k(chlorocylopentane) = 10(13.65 ± 0.10) exp(−24,570 ± 160) K/T) s−1; 590–1020 K; 1–3 bar k(chlorocylohexane) = 10(14.33 ± 0.10) exp(−25,950 ± 180) K/T) s−1; 590–1020 K; 1–3 bar Including systematic uncertainties, expanded standard uncertainties are estimated to be about 15% near 600 K rising to about 25% at 1000 K. At 2 bar and 1000 K, the reactions are only slightly under their high-pressure limits, but falloff effects rapidly become significant at higher temperatures. On the basis of computational studies and Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM)/Master Equation modeling of these and reference dehydrochlorination reactions, reported in more detail in an accompanying article, the following high-pressure limits have been derived: k∞ (2-chloropropane) = 5.74 × 109T1.37 exp(−25,680/T) s−1; 600–1600 K k∞ (chlorocylopentane) = 7.65 × 107T1.75 exp(−23,320/T) s−1; 600–1600 K k∞ (chlorocylohexane) = 8.25 × 109T1.34 exp(−25,010/T) s−1; 600–1600 K © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.* Int J Chem Kinet 44: 351–368, 2012
Performance of random forests and logic regression methods using mini-exome sequence data

Machine learning approaches are an attractive option for analyzing large-scale data to detect genetic variants that contribute to variation of a quantitative trait, without requiring specific distributional assumptions. We evaluate two machine learning methods, random forests and logic regression, and compare them to standard simple univariate linear regression, using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 mini-exome data. We also apply these methods after collapsing multiple rare variants within genes and within gene pathways. Linear regression and the random forest method performed better when rare variants were collapsed based on genes or gene pathways than when each variant was analyzed separately. Logic regression performed better when rare variants were collapsed based on genes rather than on pathways.
Obesity and Cancer

Weight, weight gain, and obesity account for approximately 20% of all cancer cases. Evidence on the relation of each to cancer is summarized, including esophageal, thyroid, colon, renal, liver, melanoma, multiple myeloma, rectum, gallbladder, leukemia, lymphoma, and prostate in men; and postmenopausal breast and endometrium in women. Different mechanisms drive etiologic pathways for these cancers. Weight loss, particularly among postmenopausal women, reduces risk for breast cancer. Among cancer patients, data are less robust, but we note a long history of poor outcomes after breast cancer among obese women. While evidence on obesity and outcomes for other cancers is mixed, growing evidence points to benefits of physical activity for breast and colon cancers. Dosing of chemotherapy and radiation therapy among obese patients is discussed and the impact on therapy-related toxicity is noted. Guidelines for counseling patients for weight loss and increased physical activity are presented and supported by strong evidence that increased physical activity leads to improved quality of life among cancer survivors. The "Five A's" model guides clinicians through a counseling session: assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange. The burden of obesity on society continues to increase and warrants closer attention by clinicians for both cancer prevention and improved outcomes after diagnosis.
Vision-aided inertial navigation

A technique of removing inertial-odometer drift errors by identifying landmarks along the vehicle's route is presented. Landmark identification is performed with the use of laser range data. The scenario being developed consists of a ground vehicle equipped for autonomous retrace of a path that was stored while the vehicle was being remotely piloted to its destination. On the outbound portion of the vehicle's journey, objects are detected with the laser range imagery, tracked from frame to frame, and recorded as landmarks if they meet the requirements of the landmark model. During the retrace phase, inertial-odometer data are used to guide the vehicle along the outbound path (in reverse). The landmarks recorded on the outbound path are again located during retrace, and their locations serve to remove any positional error that has occurred. This technique of vision-aided inertial navigation is presented along with processed laser range data. >
Showing is sharing: building shared understanding in human-centered design teams with Dazzle

Human-centered design teams must integrate diverse individual perspectives into a shared understanding during conceptual design. The team's shared knowledge of their users becomes the basis for later design decisions. We conducted a formative study that shows how generic groupware is insufficient to support the transition from individual to collaborative creative work. We developed a set of design guidelines and implemented them in Dazzle, a collaborative shared display system for co-located design team meetings. Dazzle associates the action of showing information on the shared display with granting the rest of the team access to that information: showing is sharing. Dazzle also records a history of shown files. Team members can annotate this log using cross-platform synchronized clients. Teams of novice designers tested Dazzle over two consecutive sessions: the first focused on synthesizing user research, and the second focused on brainstorming. Dazzle was very effective at grounding team conversations about user research, but was used less for sharing information during brainstorming tasks. Items from the shared activity log were used as sources of inspiration and decision criteria during the brainstorming task. Future work includes additional support for active decision-making, and ambient feedback on design activity.
Postantibiotic Effects and Bactericidal Activities of Clarithromycin–14-Hydroxy-Clarithromycin, versus Those of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, against Anaerobes

The bactericidal activities and postantibiotic effects (PAE) of clarithromycin-14-hydroxy-clarithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanate against Bacteroides fragilis and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were determined. A concentration of twice the MIC resulted in bactericidal activity against four of four and three of four organisms at 24 h with clarithromycin-14-hydroxy-clarithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanate, respectively. The PAE of clarithromycin-14-hydroxy-clarithromycin was 1.44 to 3.20 h, compared to the less than 1 h of amoxicillin-clavulanate. Clarithromycin-14-hydroxy-clarithromycin possesses good activity against susceptible anaerobes.
Importance of salmon to wildlife: Implications for integrated management

Salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are an important resource for terrestrial wildlife. However, the salmon requirements of wildlife populations and the role wildlife play in nutrient transport across ecosystems are largely ignored in salmon and habitat management. Any activity that reduces the availability of or access to salmon by wildlife may adversely affect wildlife populations and, potentially, ecosystem-level processes. Thus, when the conservation of specific wildlife populations or healthy ecosystems is the management objective, allocation of salmon to wildlife should be considered. We provide an example of how such allocations could be calculated for a hypothetical bear population. Ultimately, salmon allocation for wildlife calls for integrated management of natural resources across agencies, across species, and across ecosystems. We summarize the current state of knowledge relative to the interaction between Pacific salmon and the terrestrial ecosystem, with special emphasis on the import of salmon to terrestrial wildlife and the import of wildlife to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Discerning Cor ruption: C redible A ccusations and the Punishment of Politicians in B razil

When are citizens most likely to hold politicians to account for wrongdoing? In a crowded information environment, political accountability can be achieved only if credible information is available and citizens are able to identify that information. In this paper, we argue that the ability to discern more from less credible information is increasing in citizen sophistication. Using data from an original survey experiment in Brazil, we show that all citizens react negatively to corruption allegations, but that highly educated respondents are more likely to punish credible accusations and to overlook less credible accusations. We then show, using municipal-level audit data, that voters are more likely to punish credible accusations of corruption in municipalities with high literacy rates. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism that may link increasing education with control of political corruption: educated citizens are better able to discern and therefore act on credible accusations.
Classic Spotlight: Regulatory Function of Leader RNAs.

The views expressed in this Editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM. Early studies of gene regulation in bacteria focused on regulation at the level of transcription initiation through binding of repressor and activator proteins to operator sites. Analysis of
Ab initio chemical kinetic study on Cl + ClO and related reverse processes.

The reaction of ClO with Cl and its related reverse processes have been studied theoretically by ab initio quantum chemical and statistical mechanical calculations. The geometric parameters of the ...
Ultrastructure of spore germination in Gigaspora albida (Glomales)

Morphological and ultrastructural studies were conducted to describe germ tube formation in Gigaspora albida. A unique method of germination, involving the formation of a special chamber for germ t...