cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic evidence for a role of phospholipase C at the budding yeast kinetochore.

Chromosome segregation during mitosis requires kinetochores, specialized organelles that mediate chromosome attachment to spindle microtubules. We have shown previously that in budding yeast, Plc1p (phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C) localizes to centromeric loci, associates with the kinetochore proteins Ndc10p and Cep3p, and affects the function of kinetochores. Deletion of PLC1 results in nocodazole sensitivity, mitotic delay, and a higher frequency of chromosome loss. We report here that despite the nocodazole sensitivity of plc1Δ cells, Plc1p is not required for the spindle checkpoint. However, plc1Δ cells require a functional BUB1/BUB3-dependent spindle checkpoint for viability. PLC1 displays strong genetic interactions with genes encoding components of the inner kinetochore, including NDC10, SKP1, MIF2, CEP1, CEP3, and CTF13. Furthermore, plc1Δ cells display alterations in chromatin structure in the core centromere. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that Plc1p localizes to centromeric loci independently of microtubules, and accumulates at the centromeres during G2/M stage of cell cycle. These results are consistent with the view that Plc1p affects kinetochore function, possibly by modulating the structure of centromeric chromatin.
Integration of epidemiology, immunobiology, and translational research for brain tumors

We recently identified a pivotal role for the host type I interferon (IFN) pathway in immunosurveillance against de novo mouse glioma development, especially through the regulation of immature myeloid cells (IMCs) in the glioma microenvironment. The present paper summarizes our published work in a number of areas. We have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human IFN genes that dictate altered prognosis of patients with glioma. One of these SNPs (rs12553612) is located in the promoter of IFNA8 and influences its activity. Conversely, recent epidemiologic data show that chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs lowers the risk of glioma. We translated these findings back to our de novo glioma model and found that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition enhances antiglioma immunosurveillance by reducing glioma-associated IMCs. Taken together, these findings suggest that alterations in myeloid cell function condition the brain for glioma development. Finally, in preliminary work, we have begun applying novel immunotherapeutic approaches to patients with low-grade glioma with the aim of preventing malignant transformation. Future research will hopefully better integrate epidemiological, immunobiological, and translational techniques to develop novel, preventive approaches for malignant gliomas.
Folk Theory of Mind: Conceptual Foundations of Social Cognition

The human ability to represent, conceptualize, and reason about mind and behavior is one of the greatest achievements of human evolution and is made possible by a “folk theory of mind” — a sophisticated conceptual framework that relates different mental states to each other and connects them to behavior. This chapter examines the nature and elements of this framework and its central functions for social cognition. As a conceptual framework, the folk theory of mind operates prior to any particular conscious or unconscious cognition and provides the “framing” or interpretation of that cognition. Central to this framing is the concept of intentionality, which distinguishes intentional action (caused by the agent’s intention and decision) from unintentional behavior (caused by internal or external events without the intervention of the agent’s decision). A second important distinction separates publicly observable from publicly unobservable (i.e., mental) events. Together, the two distinctions define the kinds of events in social interaction that people attend to, wonder about, and try to explain. A special focus of this chapter is the powerful tool of behavior explanation, which relies on the folk theory of mind but is also intimately tied to social demands and to the perceiver’s social goals. A full understanding of social cognition must consider the folk theory of mind as the conceptual underpinning of all (conscious and unconscious) perception and thinking about the social world.
Reforming the Ghanaian social security system: prospects and challenges.

This paper examines the major features of the Ghanaiansocial security system. It discusses the Ghanaian scheme byexamining the extent of coverage, criteria for eligibility,and the method of administration and financing. The paperundertakes an assessment of the existing security schemeand highlights its major limitations and weaknesses. Itproposes measures for reforming the security system bysuggesting an extension in coverage, adjusting the benefitformula, increasing expenditure on social services for theelderly, adjusting benefits to reflect the cost of livingindex, creating employer-based private pension schemes, andexploring alternative ways of investing social securityaccumulated funds.
Vortex-glass behavior in superconducting K 3 C 60 and Rb 3 C 60

The temperature and field dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of well-characterized ${\mathrm{K}}_{3}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and ${\mathrm{Rb}}_{3}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ show that the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) diamagnetism below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ is irreversible for both systems, while the field-cooled (FC) curve is reversible, and that the ZFC diamagnetism is more than four times larger than the FC. This behavior is attributed to a vortex-glass state below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$, similar to that observed in high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ cuprates as well as disordered conventional type-II superconductors. The field dependence of the vortex glass to vortex fluid transition temperature ${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ is found to follow the de Almeida--Thouless relation H=${\mathit{H}}_{0}$[1-${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{*}}$(H)/${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{*}}$(0)${]}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, where \ensuremath{\gamma}=3/2 for both compounds.
Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase Deficiency in a College Athlete: A Case Report and Literature Review

Type II carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency is the most common cause of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and proximal muscle weakness and pain in young adults. A lack of this enzyme impairs mitochondrial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and can lead to rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and renal failure. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency, unusual but not rare, is often detected by finding elevated creatine phosphokinase level in a routine blood chemistry panel. A case of carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency in a college athlete is presented, and the disorder is compared with defective myophosphorylation in McArdle's disease, the next most frequent cause of similar symptoms.
Forensic reporting of TASER exposure: An examination of situational and exposure characteristics

The current study examines the content of autopsy reports (N = 184) for deaths that occurred following TASER exposure by police. Guided by previous research and national autopsy standards for other weapon-specific deaths, we evaluate 1) whether reports document situational characteristics of the police-citizen encounter and 2) whether reports document characteristics of the TASER exposure. We find a large portion of reports are often missing a police report summary and information regarding the TASER exposure. Considering the expanding use of TASERs by police, we emphasize the importance of creating national standards that require documentation of police report summaries, TASER injuries, and TASER logs.
Velocities of Windblown Particles in Saltation: Preliminary Laboratory and Field Measurements

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the laboratory and field measurements of the velocities of windblown particles in saltation. The methods for determining particle velocities and the preliminary results are presented in the chapter. Tests were run in all three wind tunnels under optimal conditions for aeolian activity in the planetary environment of concern. The particle sizes selected for analysis included those most easily moved by the wind, as well as common dune sand sizes on Earth. Tests were run to determine the particle speed, which is defined as a function of height above the surface. There is a general increase in particle speed with height. This increase in particle speed can be attributed to—(1) the increase in wind speed with height through the boundary layer, and (2) the increase in the trajectory–particle path length with height, affording a longer time for acceleration by the wind. It is found that particle speeds increase with height above the surface, validating the results obtained with the particle velocimeter, although the range in the heights analyzed by film is limited. It is observed that particle velocities on Earth increase throughout the saltation trajectory, reaching a maximum just before impact with the surface.
INTERACTIONS AT METAL/OXIDE AND OXIDE/OXIDE INTERFACES STUDIED BY ULTRATHIN FILM GROWTH ON SINGLE-CRYSTAL OXIDE SUBSTRATES

This article reviews aspects of the electronic, chemical, and structural properties of metal/oxide and oxide/oxide interfaces which are formed via ultrathin film growth on oxide single-crystal surfaces. The interactions at the interfaces are classified based on the nature of the reaction products, thermodynamic predictions of interfacial reactions, and wetting and adhesion. Then, properties of single-crystal oxide substrates and limitations and difficulties in studying these ceramic systems are discussed. The remainder of the article presents experimental observations for several systems involving both metal and oxide ultrathin film growth on stoichiometric NiO(100), TiO2(110), and surfaces including a discussion of interdiffusion, chemical and electronic interactions, thermal stability, and interfacial impurity effects.
Hydrogen diffusion in Al-Li alloys

The diffusion coefficients of hydrogen in binary Al-Li alloys containing 1,2, and 3 wt pct Li have been determined from desorption curves of samples saturated with hydrogen at 473 to 873 K. Within this temperature range, the diffusivity of hydrogen in the binary Al-Li alloys investigated has an Arrhenius-type temperature dependence and follows the equation of the general formD = DT) whereD 0exp(-Q/R is the diffusion coefficient (m2/s),D 0 is the preexponential or frequency factor (m2/s), R is the gas constant (J/K mol),Q is the activation energy (J/mol), andT is absolute temperature (K). The rate of diffusion of hydrogen in aluminum decreases with increase in lithium additions. This is provisionally attributed to the stronger local binding energy between hydrogen and lithium atoms in the aluminum metal lattice.
Extrusion of corn grits containing various levels of hydrocolloids

Fourteen hydrocolloids, locust bean, agar, guar, alginate, tragacanth, carrageenan, xanthan, pectin, gelatin and Methocels A4M, E4M, F4M and K4M were dry blended with corn grits at levels of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0%. Twenty percent moisture was added and each product extruded in a Brabender Model PL-V500 laboratory extruder at temperatures of 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150°C with a 1:1 screw operating at 100 rpm. Locust bean, agar, guar, alginate, arabic and Methocels E4M, F4M and K4M significantly lowered torque at an extrusion temperature of 50°C, but did not in general produce significant reductions at higher extrusion temperatures. In contrast, tragacanth, carrageenan, xanthan, pectin, gelatin and Methocel A4M did not significantly reduce torque over the concentrations and conditions evaluated during the extrusion of corn grits. All the Methocel derivatives lowered yield at low extrusion temperatures. No gum significantly increased yield over the entire extrusion temperature range evaluated. Therefore, certain gums can significantly reduce torque without influencing yield during the extrusion of corn grits.
G-Protein dissociation, GTP-GDP exchange and GTPase activity in control and PMA treated neutrophils stimulated by fMet-Leu-Phe

The addition of the chemotactic factor fMet-Leu-Phe to cell homogenates causes a decrease in the pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 41 kDa protein. The fMet-Leu-Phe induced decrease is not abolished in homogenates prepared from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treated neutrophils. This decreased ribosylation probably reflects a dissociation of the GTP-binding protein oligomer that is not followed by association, possibly because of the release of the alpha-subunit into the suspending medium. Furthermore, fMet-Leu-Phe stimulates the binding of radiolabelled guanylylimidodiphosphate to membrane preparations. Again, the stimulated binding of guanylylimidodiphosphate is not affected by treating the intact neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. In addition leukotriene B4, platelet activating factor and fMet-Leu-Phe activate a high-affinity GTPase in membrane preparations. The basal level of this GTPase activity is dramatically inhibited in membrane preparations isolated from cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. On the other hand, the fMet-Leu-Phe stimulated component is only marginally reduced. The present findings suggest that PMA does not prevent receptor G-protein interaction.
The imperfect solutions homework format

A novel homework format is presented in which the students are tasked to immediately and critically evaluate the quality of their own work. The use of immediate feedback is strongly supported by the education literature. The homework format has been applied in a course on servo control, and the reaction of students is presented. >
Pulse-width fluctuations of a cascade transient oscillation dye laser.

The Roess-Lin scheme of cascade transient oscillation is used to study the output pulse duration stability of a dye laser.
Ropinirole 24-h Prolonged Release in Advanced Parkinson Disease: Review of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (EASE PD - Adjunct Study)

ABSTRACTThis chapter reviews the EASE PD - Adjunct trial which is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week study of 393 Parkinson disease (PD) subjects with levodopa-induced motor fluctuations randomized to ropinirole 24-h prolonged release or placebo. The objective of the trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of once daily ropinirole 24-h prolonged release as an adjunct to levodopa. The primary outcome variable was the reduction in daily “off” time as measured by subject diaries which was significantly reduced by 2.1 h with ropinirole 24-h prolonged release (mean dosage: 18.8 mg/day) compared to 0.3 h with placebo. There were also significant improvements in daily “on” time, “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor and activities of daily living subscales, depression, quality of life and sleep with ropinirole 24-h prolonged release compared to placebo. The most common adverse events with ropinirole 24-h prolonged release were dyskinesia, nausea, dizziness, somnolence, hallucinations and orthostatic hypotension. Ropinirole 24-h prolonged release was well tolerated and led to improvements in both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD.
Javanese: A Cultural Approach

Foreign language lessons often provide translations into a foreign language of phrases students would normally use in their native language and cultural setting. Particularly when studying a non-Western language, such direct translation is very misleading. Students must instead learn the conventions that guide human interactions, so they know both what to say and how to say it. In this text, therefore, the sociological context of Javanese is explained as thoroughly as Javanese grammar. The book presents Javanese in its full complexity and range in order to illustrate a cultural appoach to a non-Western language; it will therefore be of interest not only to language learners, but to linguists, sociologists, anthropologists, and many others.
The presence table: a reactive surface for ambient connection

The Presence Table is a prototype that connects two households through an ambient, expressive interaction. The surface of the table illuminates and creates a reactive trace of human gestures and everyday objects. This trace is shared through a network connection to a linked surface at another location.
Elastostatic solution for a circular membrane bonded to a half-space under plane loading

Abstract The solution is given for the elastostatic load transfer problem of a circular elastic membrane bonded to the boundary of a materially dissimilar half-space, which is loaded far from the membrane by a state of plane stress parallel to its boundary. The problem is reduced to a system of Fredholm integral equations of the first kind, with logarithmic singularities in the kernals, for the unknown bond force between the membrane and the half-space. These integral equations are solved exactly and the solution of the problem is obtained in the form of elementary functions for the limiting case of an inextensible membrane. For the elastic membrane the integral equations are handled directly by numerical techniques and the perturbation of the uniform stress field due to the attached membrane is obtained numerically for several combinations of the material and geometrical parameters. A certain ratio of the membrane to half-space strain is computed which gives an indication of the accuracy of strain measurements obtained in experimental stress analysis by the use of bonded gages. These results indicate that the “average strain” in the membrane is close to the far-field half-space strain only whenμa/\gmh > 100. where \gm,h,a are the shear modulus, thickness and radius of the membrane and μ. is the shear modulus of the half-space.
Internal-Inertial Waves in a Surgasso Sea Front

Abstract This work examines the presence of internal-inertial waves in a front in the North Atlantic subtropical convergence zone. Results of Doppler shear profiler and towed thermistor chain surveys are displayed to document the position and magnitude of the front. Objective maps of the total measured velocity are computed and subtracted from the observed velocity fields. The remaining wave signal is processed to yield horizontal (towed) and vertical (dropped) kinetic energy spectra across the front. From these, rotary spectra are also computed along the line of tow and in the vertical to determine the horizontal and vertical anisotropy. It is found that several nearly monochromatic waves are propagating northward and southward from the front with horizontal length scales of ∼32–50 km. It was also discovered that the region of anticyclonic frontal vorticity exhibits an excess of downgoing energy at the longest vertical wavelength thus sampled (∼50 m), while the region of cyclonic vorticity possesses more...
Detecting insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: purposes and pitfalls.

Approximately 50% to 70% of all women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have some degree of insulin resistance, and this hormone insensitivity probably contributes to the hyperandrogenism that is responsible for the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Although uncertainty exists, early detection and tre
Carbonate Ion-Selective Membrane Electrode

A liquid membrane electrode has been developed with Nernstian response and a high selectivity for carbonate ion. The electrode responds rapidly to carbonate in the 10(-2)M to 10(-6)M range with a selectivity for carbonate over chloride, sulfate, and phosphate of at least 10(3) and negligible bicarbonate response. The electrode properties appear to be suited to chemical, biological, chemical, and oceanographic measurements.
The rat cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV gene family: tissue-specific and hormonal differences in subunit IV and cytochrome c mRNA expression

Abstract We have isolated three members of the rat cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV gene family: one functional gene and two processed pseudogenes. The pseudogenes appear to represent the only other closely related sequences in this family. The functional gene encodes an isoform which is expressed in all tissues examined and has features characteristic of 'housekeeping' genes. These include multiple transcription start sites mapped to within an approximately 50 bp region and a GC-rich promoter lacking typical CCAAT or TATAA sequences. Although the subunit IV gene is expressed at its highest levels in cardiac and skeletal muscle, consistent with the high energy demand in those tissues, its expression differs from that of cytochrome c in several respects. 1) Subunit IV mRNA abundance in various tissues is relatively uniform when compared to the highly variable levels of cytochrome c mRNAs. 2) Unlike cytochrome c, subunit IV mRNA is expressed at a surprisingly high level in testis. 3) While cytochrome c mRNA levels in liver are increased markedly in response to thyroid hormone treatment, subunit IV mRNA is not significantly affected. Differences in the expression of these two nuclear-encoded respiratory genes are consistent with differences in regulatory elements within their promoters. Therefore, the regulation of nuclear-encoded respiratory genes in response to tissue demands for cellular energy may not be satisfactorily explained by a set of universal regulators common to all such genes.
Characterization of the formation of the pyrrole moiety during clorobiocin and coumermycin A1 biosynthesis.

The aminocoumarin antibiotics clorobiocin and coumermycin A1 target the B subunit of DNA gyrase by presentation of the 5-methyl-pyrrolyl-2-carboxy ester moiety in the ATP-binding site of the enzyme. The pyrrolyl pharmacophore is derived by a four electron oxidation of a prolyl unit while tethered in phosphopantetheinyl thioester linkage to a peptidyl carrier protein (PCP) subunit. l-Proline is selected and activated as l-prolyl-AMP by adenylation domain enzymes (CloN4 and CouN4) and then installed as the thioester on the holo form of the PCP proteins CloN5 and CouN5. Enzymatic oxidation of the prolyl-S-PCP by the flavoprotein dehydrogenase CloN3 can be followed by rapid quench and subsequent electrospray ionization−Fourier transform mass spectrometry analysis of the acyl-S-protein substrate/product mixture to establish that a two-electron oxidized pyrrolinyl-S-enzyme transiently accumulates on the way to the four-electron oxidized, heteroaromatic pyrrolyl-2-carboxy-S-PCP acyl enzyme product.
Endothelial GATA-6 Deficiency Promotes Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vasculopathy with elevation of pulmonary artery pressure, often culminating in right ventricular failure. GATA-6, a member of the GATA family of zinc-finger transcription factors, is highly expressed in quiescent vasculature and is frequently lost during vascular injury. We hypothesized that endothelial GATA-6 may play a critical role in the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction in PAH. Here we report that GATA-6 is markedly reduced in pulmonary ECs lining both occluded and nonoccluded vessels in patients with idiopathic and systemic sclerosis-associated PAH. GATA-6 transcripts are also rapidly decreased in rodent PAH models. Endothelial GATA-6 is a direct transcriptional regulator of genes controlling vascular tone [endothelin-1, endothelin-1 receptor type A, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)], pro-inflammatory genes, CX3CL1 (fractalkine), 5-lipoxygenease-activating protein, and markers of vascular remodeling, including PAI-1 and RhoB. Mice with the genetic deletion of GATA-6 in ECs (Gata6-KO) spontaneously develop elevated pulmonary artery pressure and increased vessel muscularization, and these features are further exacerbated in response to hypoxia. Furthermore, innate immune cells including macrophages (CD11b+/F4/80+), granulocytes (Ly6G+/CD45+), and dendritic cells (CD11b+/CD11c+) are significantly increased in normoxic Gata6-KO mice. Together, our findings suggest a critical role of endothelial GATA-6 deficiency in development and disease progression in PAH.
Review article: the use of potentially hepatotoxic drugs in patients with liver disease

Summary Background Misconceptions surround the use of hepatotoxic drugs in chronic liver disease. While many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) agents can be used safely, this often runs counter to labelled warnings/contraindications, especially for the statins and other commonly used agents. Aim To evaluate published data on the use of hepatotoxic drugs in chronic liver disease including pharmacokinetic changes in cirrhosis and drug interactions, where available, to formulate recommendations on their use. Methods Using a combination of PubMed searches, review texts, the Physicians’ Desk Reference and expert opinion, drugs considered at higher risk of hepatotoxicity in chronic liver disease were evaluated. Results Most drugs and OTC products including herbals have not been formally studied in chronic liver disease, but available data suggest that several of the most commonly used agents, especially the statins, can be used safely. While there is an increased risk of drug-induced liver injury for drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis and HIV patients with hepatitis B or C, recommendations for their safe use are emerging. Conclusions Although many clinicians remain hesitant to use hepatotoxic drugs in chronic liver disease, the database supporting this view is limited to just a few agents. Most medications can be used safely in patients with chronic liver disease with appropriate monitoring.
Sequence ‘minimization’: exploring the sequence landscape with simplified sequences

Abstract The challenges of protein engineering arise, in part, from the enormous number of possible sequences and the almost unimaginably small fraction of such sequences that can be studied experimentally or computationally. Fortunately, not all possibilities need to be considered because many different sequences can adopt the same structure. Of the vast number of sequences that fold into a given conformation, some are ‘simpler’ than the sequences of typical proteins. Studying protein sequences that are simpler helps focus attention on the principal determinants of structure. Recent examples of this strategy are the simplification of protein surfaces and cores, the use of a binary ‘code’ for protein design and the structural analysis of random simple sequences.
Response to hypoxia involves transforming growth factor-β2 and Smad proteins in human endothelial cells

Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) is a consistent component of ischemia that induces an inflammatory and prothrombotic response in the endothelium. In this report, it is demonstrated that exposure of endothelial cells to hypoxia (1% O(2)) increases messenger RNA and protein levels of transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2), a cytokine with potent regulatory effects on vascular inflammatory responses. Messenger RNA levels of the TGF-beta2 type II membrane receptor, which is a serine threonine kinase, also increased. The stimulatory effect of hypoxia was found to occur at the level of transcription of the TGF-beta2 gene and involves Smad proteins, a class of intracellular signaling proteins that mediates the downstream effects of TGF-beta receptors. Transient transfection studies showed that the region spanning -77 and -40 base pairs within the TGF-beta2 promoter (harboring a Smad-binding "CAGA box") is activated in hypoxic cells compared with nonhypoxic controls (P <.01). Hypoxia also stimulated transcription from another promoter, 3TP-Lux, a reporter construct responsive to Smads and TGF-beta. In addition, specific binding to a Smad-binding oligonucleotide was observed with nuclear extracts from hypoxic endothelial cells but not from nonhypoxic cells. It is concluded that Smad proteins, which can regulate endothelial responses to mechanical and inflammatory stress, also may play an important role in vascular responses to hypoxia and ischemia.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX): A redundant regulation for the banking industry

The aim of the paper is to show that, for banking institutions, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulation is redundant, and imposes additional unnecessary compliance costs. The banking industry in the United States is heavily regulated. Each of the regulations that banks must follow was developed in isolation by various governing bodies, causing many regulatory provisions to be redundant, overlapping or contradictory. In the wake of the Enron and WorldCom scandals, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was the Securities and Exchange Commission's answer to restoring investor confidence. However, the enactment of SOX was done hastily, and its effects on industries like the banking sector were largely ignored. SOX overlaps with previously enacted banking regulations such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AML) and Basel II, among others. The redundant nature of SOX is costing banking institutions large sums of time and money. It is essential that banks strive to achieve a single compliance framework that can manage all of the regulations to which the bank is subject in order to mitigate the costs of redundancy.
Enzymatic changes in hypertrophied fast-twitch skeletal muscle.

Fast-twitch plantaris muscles of female rats were subjected to unilateral compensatory overload, induced by partial excision of synergistic muscles. One group of rats remained sedentary whereas another was subjected to a supplemental program of treadmill exercise consisting of walking 3 m/min, 65% grade, 2 h/day, 5 days/week. Groups of rats were sacrificed after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and their muscles were weighed and analyzed for protein, citrate synthase, phosphofructokinase (PFK) and myofibril ATPase. Absolute and relative (muscle weight/body weight) muscle weights were much greater in both overloaded groups as compared to contralateral controls. However, treadmill exercise also increased the absolute and relative muscle mass of control plantaris muscles in the exercising group as compared to normal sedentary contralateral controls. Citrate synthase activity was decreased in overloaded, sedentary muscles as compared to contralateral controls, but after 8 weeks of exercise, it returned to normal levels. PFK was decreased in both sedentary and exercised overloaded muscles througout the 8 week period. Myofibril ATPase showed a tendency to be reduced in sedentary, overloaded muscles, and was significantly reduced in overloaded, exercising muscles. These results collectively suggest that certain fibers of overloaded fast-patterns take on similar in certain aspects to that normally seen in differentiated slow-twitch muscle fibers.
Electron spin resonance study of DNA irradiated with an argon-ion beam: evidence for formation of sugar phosphate backbone radicals.

Abstract Becker, D., Bryant-Friedrich, A., Trzasko, C. and Sevilla, M. D. Electron Spin Resonance Study of DNA Irradiated with an Argon-Ion Beam: Evidence for Formation of Sugar Phosphate Backbone Radicals. Radiat. Res. 160, 174–185 (2003). In this study, the effects of high-LET radiation on DNA were investigated and compared with the effects of γ radiation. Hydrated DNA samples at 77 K were irradiated with argon-ion beams (36Ar or 40Ar beam at energies between 60 and 100 MeV/nucleon). The individual free radicals formed were identified and their yields were investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Argon-ion irradiation resulted in lower yields of base ion radicals and higher yields of neutral radicals than γ irradiation. A hitherto unknown species was assigned to the radical formed by C–O bond rupture at the deoxyribose C3′, resulting in a sugar carbon-centered radical. A previously characterized phosphorus-centered radical was also found. The formation of each of these species was accompani...
The poly(A) site sequence in HDV RNA alters both extent and rate of self-cleavage of the antigenomic ribozyme.

The ribozyme self-cleavage site in the antigenomic sequence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA is 33-nt downstream of the poly(A) site for the delta antigen mRNA. An HDV antigenomic ribozyme precursor RNA that included the upstream poly(A) processing site was used to test the hypothesis that nonribozyme sequence near the poly(A) site could affect ribozyme activity. Relative to ribozyme precursor without the extra upstream sequences, the kinetic profile for self-cleavage of the longer precursor was altered in two ways. First, only half of the precursor RNA self-cleaved. The cleaved fraction could be increased or decreased with mutations in the upstream sequence. These mutations, which were predicted to alter the relative stability of competing secondary structures within the precursor, changed the distribution of alternative RNA structures that are resolved in native-gel electrophoresis. Second, the active fraction cleaved with an observed rate constant that was higher than that of the ribozyme without the upstream sequences. Moreover, the higher rate constants occurred at lower, near-physiological, divalent metal ion concentrations (1–2 mM). Modulation of ribozyme activity, through competing alternative structures, could be part of a mechanism that allows a biologically significant choice between maturation of the mRNA and processing of replication intermediates.
Development of a database system for the teleradiology archive

We have designed and implemented a distributed system that allows access to text and images that reside in the Teleradiology Archive, from any node in our local area network. The textual data is organized into an SQL database with an X Window based graphical user interface and images are stored in an optical disk. The archive is currently in use in various research projects within the department. Also, in collaboration with industry, it has been incorporated into a multimedia research and development system.
Concentration Measurements in Self-Excited Momentum Dominated Low-Density Gas Jets

Flow structure of self-excited, laminar, axisymmetric, momentum-dominated helium jets discharged vertically into ambient air was investigated using high-speed rainbow schlieren deflectometry technique. Measurements were obtained at temporal resolution of 1 ms and spatial resolution of 0.19 mm for two test cases with Richardson number of 0.034 and 0.018. Power spectra revealed that the oscillation frequency was independent of spatial coordinates, suggesting global oscillations in the flow. Abel inversion algorithm was used to reconstruct the concentration field of helium. Instantaneous concentration contours revealed changes in the flow field and evolution of vortical structures during an oscillation cycle. Temporal evolution plots of helium concentration at different axial locations provided detailed information about the instability in the flow field.
Evaluation of Commodity Trading Advisors using fixed and variable and benchmark models

This paper examines the performance of Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs) using fixed and variable benchmarking models. In order to avoid the troublesome passive and active commodity and managed futures benchmarks (indices) when examining the performance of CTAs, we innovate by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Because this alternative class has non-linear returns due to long/short positions, and derivatives (i.e., dynamic trading strategies), DEA can alleviate the problems usually associated with these indices. The effectiveness of using benchmarking models in a DEA setting will provide investors with an alternative technique in assessing the performance and identifying efficient CTAs.
The Symplectic Nature of Fundamental Groups of Surfaces

Soit #7B-G la categorie des groupes de Lie G avec une forme bilineaire symetrique non singuliere B sur l'algebre de Lie. Soit π le groupe fondamental d'une surface orientee close de genre 1 et soit #7B-S la categorie des Out(π)-espaces symplectiques. Alors la correspondance (G, B)→Hom(π, G)/(G, ω B ) definit un foncteur #7B-G→#7B-S ou ω (B) est la structure symplectique sur Hom(π, G)/G definie par B
Diurnal variations in brain iron concentrations in BXD RI mice.

Abstract Under normal and dietary iron deficiency conditions, the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice show large variations in regional brain iron concentration, particularly in the ventral midbrain (VMB). In a study utilizing just one of the BXD strains, diurnal changes in subregional brain iron concentration were found, which were dependent on the brain region and sex of the mice. The focus of this study was to determine if diurnal changes in VMB can be found across other BXD RI strains and whether a diurnal effect would be common to all strains or variable across strains similar to the large strain variability in iron concentrations determined during the first part of the light phase. Eight RI (BXD type) strains of mice of both sexes were selected for this study. Mice were sacrificed at postnatal day 120: half in the light phase (LP) and half in the dark phase (DP) of the light–dark cycle. Iron concentrations were determined in VMB, which was the primary region of interest, and five other brain regions. Exploratory analysis was also done on liver and spleen iron concentrations to assess for diurnal changes. Three strains showed clear diurnal variation in iron in the VMB and the others strains showed diurnal variations in other regions. These changes were not equally apparent in both sexes. Exploratory analysis also found strain × sex-dependent diurnal differences in spleen and liver iron. In conclusion, significant brain-regional-specific diurnal changes in total iron concentrations were found in a selection of BXD RI mice. Sex and strain are functional determinates of which regions will be affected and in what direction the affect will be. The study provides an animal model for future work into determining the biological and genetic basis of circadian influences on VMB iron homeostasis.
Effects of Topiramate on Sustained Repetitive Firing and Spontaneous Recurrent Seizure Discharges in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Summary: Purpose: In this study, we examined the effects of topiramate (TPM) on the electrophysiologic properties of cultured rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Methods: Whole-cell current-clamp recording techniques were used to determine the effects of TPM on sustained repetitive firing (SRF), spontaneous epileptiform-burst firing, and spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). Results: Topiramate at therapeutic concentrations (10–100 μM) significantly decreased or abolished SRF in a dose-dependent and partially reversible manner. When transiently exposed to a medium in which Mg2+ is omitted, hippocampal neurons in culture develop SRS (“epilepsy”) and epileptiform discharges. Application of TPM at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μM to cells displaying seizure activity caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the number of action potentials within a burst and in the average duration of epileptiform activity. Both effects were partially reversed during a 5- to 30-min drug washout period. Conclusions: These effects on the electrophysiologic properties of cultured neurons are consistent with the concept that TPM exerts modulatory effects on voltage-dependent Na+ and/ or Ca2+ conductances responsible for the generation and propagation of action potentials. Topiramate also may inhibit synaptic conductances responsible for transmission of epileptiform discharges.
Reaction characteristics and mechanisms of lipid bilayer vesicle fusion

Abstract Small unilamellar lipid bilayer vesicles were prepared from brain phosphatidylserine, egg phosphatidylcholine, and synthetic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and were fused into larger structures by freezing and thawing, addition of calcium chloride, and passage through the lipid phase transition temperature. Fusion reactions were studied by electron microscopy, light scattering, and use of fluorescent probes. Fusion was accompanied by leakage of lipid vesicle constituents and of water-soluble solutes in the inner vesicle compartments, and by uptake of these types of components from the external solution. Such leakage was greater during fusion by freezing than by Ca 2+ . Passage through the transition temperature produced a moderate degree of fusion, without loss of membrane components. It is concluded that each fusion method gives rise to a characteristic size or narrow range of sizes of fusion products. The fraction of small vesicles fused into larger structure depends on the method of vesicle preparation, composition of the lipid bilayer, and composition of the external solution. Fusion is induced by creation of a discontinuity in the bilayer or by removal of water associated with the bilayer. The amount of water removed controls the extent of fusion. This is maximized in bilayers when in the liquid-crystal phase, as against the gel phase, in vesicles made by ethanol injection, as against sonication, and in charged bilayers, as against neutral ones.
HIV immunology needs a new direction.

Researchers need to get past the standard model of vaccine development and focus on how immune responses are specifically tailored to retroviruses, argue Ruslan Medzhitov and Dan Littman.
Structural characteristics of a diatom community epiphytic on Ruppia maritima

Epiphytic diatoms were collected from both the leaves and internodes of Ruppia maritima in a New Jersey salt marsh during the growing season of the host plant. Community diversity (H′ and the number of diatom taxa) values were initially high as Ruppia began its growth, but quickly dropped to sustained low levels as vegetative growth of the host ceased and new attachment sites were no longer available. A critical examination of all structural characteristics indicated that the leaves and internodes of Ruppia support a single, nearly homogeneous epiphytic diatom community. An analysis of variance indicated that differences between leaves and internodes were minimal, as did a comparison of the assemblages present on these two sites by a selected similarity index. A total of 57 taxa were encountered and the single dominant taxon was Navicula pavillardi, which accounted for one out of every three individuals counted. A comparison of the epiphytic diatom community with those inhabiting the sediments on the marsh proper revealed that the marsh sediments were the major source of individuals for Ruppia colonization.
Timing and selection effects within a psychology subject pool: Personality and sex matter

Previous work has raised concerns about the heavy use of college student samples in psychological research. The current study evaluates whether demographic and personality variables predict mode (online versus in-person) and timing (week of semester) of participation in a subject pool study. Results suggested that college students who chose in-person participation were more extraverted than students who chose to participate online whereas women and more conscientious students were more likely to participate earlier in the semester. These results suggest that researchers using college student samples should be aware of these within-pool differences and carefully consider how participant characteristics may affect the conclusions drawn from their work.
Ionic flux and membrane characteristics of isolated rod outer segments.

Abstract The osmotic behavior of freshly isolated rod outer segments reveals that Na ions can flow rapidly into dark-adapted outer segments through the plasma membrane, but K ions cannot. The Na flux is rectified since the rate of Na influx is found to be at least a hundred times larger than its rate of efflux. The influx of Na is light-sensitive: illumination of the outer segments produces a specific increase in the resistance of the plasma membrane to Na influx. This Na resistance increases linearly with the number of rhodopsin molecules bleached. In frog outer segments the rate of the Na entry is permanently reduced by half when about 10 6 rhodopsin molecules are bleached per rod. At lower light levels the rate of Na entry is transiently (∼ 1 sec) reduced by half when about 75 rhodopsin molecules are bleached per rod per sec. For a Na dark flux of 2 × 10 9 Na/rod sec this means that excitation of a single rhodopsin molecule can prevent about 10 7 Na ions from entering the outer segment. This is the same photosensitivity which has been described for the intact receptor cell in the living retina.
Device physics: defective promise in photonics.

Using self-assembly to produce technologically useful photonic devices becomes more feasible with the demonstration of defect engineering in a self-assembled photonic crystal.
Rare large cell neuroendocrine tumor of the endometrium: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the endometrium is a rare malignancy with an aggressive course. Although data is limited to case reports, the prognosis appears to be poor, similar to other type II uterine cancers. A total of 12 cases of LCNEC of the uterus have been published to date.
Simulating City Councils: Increasing Student Awareness and Involvement.

As state capitals and city halls influence our daily lives, how can students become active participants in the affairs of their communities (Saffell and Basehart 2009)? For students to explore this question and local policy making in general, I developed a city council simulation for a state and local government course. This article describes the details of this city council simulation so that it can be easily replicated. Moreover, the goal is for students to move beyond classroom lectures and become more informed participants of local policy making.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and Raynaud's phenomenon in middle age.

Abstract Background Data suggest Raynaud's phenomenon shares risk factors with cardiovascular disease. Studies of smoking, alcohol consumption, and Raynaud's have produced conflicting results and were limited by small sample size and failure to adjust for confounders. Our objective was to determine whether smoking and alcohol are independently associated with Raynaud's in a large, community-based cohort. Methods By using a validated survey to classify Raynaud's in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort, we performed sex-specific analyses of Raynaud's status by smoking and alcohol consumption in 1840 women and 1602 men. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship of Raynaud's to smoking and alcohol consumption. Results Current smoking was not associated with Raynaud's in women but was associated with increased risk in men (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-6.04). Heavy alcohol consumption in women was associated with increased risk of Raynaud's (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI, 1.02-2.82), whereas moderate alcohol consumption in men was associated with reduced risk (adjusted OR 0.51, 95% CI, 0.29-0.89). In both genders, red wine consumption was associated with a reduced risk of Raynaud's (adjusted OR 0.59, 95% CI, 0.36-0.96 in women and adjusted OR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.15-0.62 in men). Conclusions Our data suggest that middle-aged women and men may have distinct physiologic mechanisms underlying their Raynaud's, and thus sex-specific therapeutic approaches may be appropriate. Our data also support the possibility that moderate red wine consumption may protect against Raynaud's.