cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Threading meaningful lives: respectability, home businesses and identity negotiations among newly immigrant South Asian women

This article investigates how women who have come to the United States as brides of South Asian professionals use threading, a hair removal method, as a home business to negotiate new challenges they face as newly immigrant women. Based on participant observation and in-depth interviews, the article focuses on how these young women combine their expected roles as wives and mothers in a new country with their own aspirations to win the respect of spouses, in-laws and children via threading. The article demonstrates how these women find meaning and identity through threading and evidences how they negotiate respectability by stressing their connections to home and domestic roles even as they dissociate themselves from beauticians who work at salons. Although they disrupt extant notions of ‘good wives and mothers’, these women nevertheless articulate this disruption within existing models and, more often than not, desire to be the bahu that their mothers-in-law admire.
On the Breslow estimator.

In his discussion of Cox’s (1972) paper on proportional hazards regression, Breslow (1972) provided the maximum likelihood estimator for the cumulative baseline hazard function. This estimator is commonly used in practice. The estimator has also been highly valuable in the further development of Cox regression and semiparametric inference with censored data. The present paper describes the Breslow estimator and its tremendous impact on the theory and practice of survival analysis.
Nuclear respiratory factor 1 controls myocyte enhancer factor 2A transcription to provide a mechanism for coordinate expression of respiratory chain subunits.

Nuclear respiratory factors NRF1 and NRF2 regulate the expression of nuclear genes encoding heme biosynthetic enzymes, proteins required for mitochondrial genome transcription and protein import, and numerous respiratory chain subunits. NRFs thereby coordinate the expression of nuclear and mitochondrial genes relevant to mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration. Only two of the nuclear-encoded respiratory chain subunits have evolutionarily conserved tissue-specific forms: the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunits VIa and VIIa heart/muscle (H) and ubiquitous (L) isoforms. We used genome comparisons to conclude that the promoter regions of COX6AH and COX7AH lack NRF sites but have conserved myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) elements. We show that MEF2A mRNA is induced with forced expression of NRF1 and that the MEF2A 5′-regulatory region contains an evolutionarily conserved canonical element that binds endogenous NRF1 in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. NRF1 regulates MEF2A promoter-reporters according to overexpression, RNA interference underexpression, and promoter element mutation studies. As there are four mammalian MEF2 isotypes, we used an isoform-specific antibody in ChIP to confirm MEF2A binding to the COX6AH promoter. These findings support a role for MEF2A as an intermediary in coordinating respiratory chain subunit expression in heart and muscle through a NRF1 → MEF2A → COXH transcriptional cascade. MEF2A also bound the MEF2A and PPARGC1A promoters in ChIP, placing it within a feedback loop with PGC1α in controlling NRF1 activity. Interruption of this cascade and loop may account for striated muscle mitochondrial defects in mef2a null mice. Our findings also account for the previously described indirect regulation by NRF1 of other MEF2 targets in muscle such as GLUT4.
Beyond the Down Low: sexual risk, protection, and disclosure among at-risk Black men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW).

Little information is available about sexual risk, protective, and disclosure practices among Black bisexually active men and how these may be amenable to intervention when necessary. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 at-risk urban Black men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW). Participants reported protecting themselves and their partners through routine HIV testing, using condoms consistently, engaging in strategic positioning during sexual activity, and limiting the number of sexual partners. In addition, they described several reasons for not using protection, including not having condoms available, enjoying sexual activity more without condoms, and perceiving female partners to be “safer” than male partners. Disclosure of bisexuality was complex and reportedly difficult, in particular to female and gay-identified male partners. Future interventions must not only build protection and disclosure skills among MSMW, but also increase broader social awareness and acceptance of male bisexuality.
Lipid modification during cytodifferentiation of Tetrahymena vorax. Whole cell phospholipids and triacylglycerols of microstomal and macrostomal phenotypes

Abstract Microstomal cells of the ciliate Tetrahymena vorax V 2 S can be induced to undergo cytodifferentiation to form an alternate phenotype known as the macrostomal cell; however, sublines of T. vorax exist that respond differently to methods that induce macrostomal cell formation. The phospholipid- and triacylglycerol-bound fatty acid compositions of microstomal and macrostomal cells of a high-transforming subline (designated 3-C) were determined and compared to similar data from cells of a low-transforming subline (designated Ala). Differences in fatty acid composition were found between the two phenotypes as well as between the different sublines. Some change in the distribution of radioactive acetate and lauric acid into phospholipid classes of the different subline was observed, and evidence was also obtained that indicated changes in the relative amounts of the sterol-like pentacyclic triterpenoid tetrahymanol. A limited analysis of the lipid composition of stomatin revealed the presence of small amounts of tetrahymanol, phospholipid and free fatty acid. Stomatin is the naturally produced material obtained from T. pyriformis that triggers differentiation in T. vorax . The existence of a low-transforming subline provides a powerful experimental tool for elucidating the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanism that control cytodifferentiation in T. vorax and possibly in other eukaryotic cells.
Countertransference effects in acutely disturbed inpatients

Recent changes in the practice of inpatient psychiatry have minimized the emphasis on psychodynamic principles in the treatment of hospitalized patients. The concepts of transference and countertransference have taken a secondary role to rapid diagnosis, treatment and discharge. This paper explores the impact of countertransference on physician decision-making and clinical care through two case histories illustrating how countertransference can impact the assessment, treatment and management of the psychiatric inpatient. The authors discuss the concept of countertransference, its effect on physicians and hospital staff and strategies for recognizing and minimizing the impact of countertransference.
Fate of donor DNA in pneumococcal transformation

Abstract The molecular fate of homologous (pneumococcal) and heterologous ( Escherichia coli ) [ 32 P]DNA was examined after introduction into pneumococcal cells. In both cases the composition of 32 P-containing products at the earliest time of observation was the same. About 50% of the incorporated donor material was in the form of single strands, identified by their density in alkaline CsCl gradients. Of the incorporated 32 P, 20 to 30% was in the form of native DNA of pneumococcal composition. Since this was true for donor DNA from E. coli as well as for donor DNA from pneumococcus, it appears that this label entered native DNA by way of de novo synthesis of DNA, presumably from nucleotides. The remaining 32 P in the cell was in the form of dialyzable fragments composed of large amounts of inorganic phosphate and l -α-glycerophosphate and smaller amounts of the four 5′-deoxynucleotides. A plausible origin of labeled inorganic phosphate is the dephosphorylation of nucleotides. The labeled glycerophosphate, in turn, may be derived from inorganic phosphate, since artificially introduced [ 32 P]phosphate rapidly equilibrated with a large pool of intracellular glycerophosphate. Thus, the initial products of entry are envisioned to be equal amounts of single strands and 5′-deoxynucleotides. This would be compatible with their origin in the degradation by a pneumococcal exonuclease of one strand of an incoming DNA duplex. On subsequent incubation, single strands of heterologous origin were slowly degraded; their breakdown products were used for de novo DNA synthesis. The disappearance of homologous single strands was much faster and corresponded to an increase of 32 P in native DNA as well as to the recovery from eclipse of donor marker-transforming activity. It is concluded that single strands are precursors of genetically integrated DNA and that recombination involves the interaction of homologous single strands with host DNA. The ratio of genetically integrated DNA to total DNA incorporated suggests that only half, or somewhat more, of the single-stranded DNA was inserted as intact sequences. Inhibition of DNA synthesis by aminopterin gave results which were compatible with these conclusions.
Weight functions and pathwise local central limit theorems

This paper is concerned with weak convergence together with convergence rates in weighted almost sure local central limit theorems for random walks. The main tools are stochastic calculus and strong approximations.
ABC1K atypical kinases in plants: filling the organellar kinase void.

Surprisingly few protein kinases have been demonstrated in chloroplasts or mitochondria. Here, we discuss the activity of bc 1 complex kinase (ABC1K) protein family, which we suggest locate in mitochondria and plastids, thus filling the kinase void. The ABC1Ks are atypical protein kinases and their ancestral function is the regulation of quinone synthesis. ABC1Ks have proliferated from one or two members in non-photosynthetic organisms to more than 16 members in algae and higher plants. In this review, we reconstruct the evolutionary history of the ABC1K family, provide a functional domain analysis for angiosperms and a nomenclature for ABC1Ks in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ), rice ( Oryza sativa ) and maize ( Zea mays ). Finally, we hypothesize that targets of ABC1Ks include enzymes of prenyl-lipid metabolism as well as components of the organellar gene expression machineries.
Loop closing, material cycling and government policy: a case study from Texas

A central element of Industrial Ecology (IE) is material cycling or closing the loop on material use by directing used material and products (wastes) back to production processes. Through the use of a questionnaire survey of recycling and remanufacturing firms in Texas, this paper examines the firms' perception of a variety of public policies that may be helpful in this regard. The paper examines the firms' perception of a continuum of policies ranging from 'soft' policies such as public education to 'strong' policies based on mandatory regulation. Initial results suggest limited support for most policies with the notable exception of public education programmes. However, more detailed analysis suggests the existence of two types of firm: self-actualising firms and pragmatic firms. The former group is in favour of any and all policies that might expand opportunities for them but there is little indication that coherent preferences exist among the group.
A Pseudo-Double Beam Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Abstract A simple pseudo-double beam atomic absorption spectrometer capable of compensating for nonspecific absorption is described. A repetitive wavelength scanning technique is used to sequentially measure intensities of line and line plus continuum radiation. The system is easily built up from common laboratory components.
DSIF and NELF Interact with RNA Polymerase II Elongation Complex and HIV-1 Tat Stimulates P-TEFb-mediated Phosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II and DSIF during Transcription Elongation

Abstract Control of transcription elongation requires a complex interplay between the recently discovered positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) and negative transcription elongation factors, 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) sensitivity inducing factors (DSIF) and the negative elongation factor (NELF). Activation of HIV-1 gene expression is regulated by a nascent RNA structure, termed TAR RNA, in concert with HIV-1 Tat protein and these positive and negative elongation factors. We have used a stepwise RNA pol II walking approach and Western blotting to determine the dynamics of interactions between HIV-1 Tat, DSIF/NELF, and the transcription complexes actively engaged in elongation. In addition, we developed an in vitro kinase assay to determine the phosphorylation status of proteins during elongation stages. Our results demonstrate that DSIF/NELF associates with RNA pol II complexes during early transcription elongation and travels with elongation complexes as the nascent RNA is synthesized. Our results also show that HIV-1 Tat protein stimulated DSIF and RNA pol II phosphorylation by P-TEFb during elongation. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism for the negative and positive regulation of transcriptional elongation at the HIV-1 promoter.
A comparative slope stability analysis of sheet pile supported I-wall in New Orleans, Louisiana with sheet pile penetrating into sand layer

Computer modelling and stability analyses of the New Orleans I-walls with and without the consideration of gap formation has drawn significant attention of the engineering community during the post Katrina period. In addition, when the sheet pile penetrates into sand layer, seepage becomes an integral part of the stability analysis. Basic guidelines have been developed for the analysis of this problem by other researchers and documented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). However, the inherent complexity of the problem and uncertainties associated with the choice of analysis methods warrant for further investigation of this problem in detail so that more useful insights can be gained. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of this complex coupled problem of seepage and stability of a typical New Orleans I-wall is presented using different limit equilibrium methods of slope stability analysis. Useful comparisons are made between the analyses results and methodologies. The authors believe that the...
Ridge regression:an application in criminology

This article applies the ridge regression procedure developed by Hoerl and Kennard (1970a, b) to study the relationships between local criminal activities and three sets of explanatory variables (economic, apprehension, and seasonal). The ridge estimates of the full model and the truncated model are consistent in signs and magnitude. R2values of the two models are almost identical.
ROOT SEMIGROUPS IN REDUCTIVE MONOIDS

It is well known that in a reductive group, the Borel subgroup is a product of the maximal torus and the one-dimensional positive root subgroups. The purpose of this paper is to find an analog of this result for reductive monoids. Via a study of reductive monoids of semisimple rank 1, we introduce the concept of root semigroups. By analyzing the associated root elements in the Renner monoid, we show that the closure of the Borel subgroup is generated by the maximal torus and positive root semigroups. Along the way we generalize the Jordan decomposition of algebraic groups to reductive monoids.
Late outcome and quality of life following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in octogenarians.

Limited data are available concerning the long-term survival and quality of life of octogenarians treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). We retrospectively compared the results of PTCA in 118 octogenarians to that of 500 younger subjects. Among the octogenarians, long term follow-up was obtained including survival, relief of angina, assessment of quality of life, and capacity for independent living. These results were compared between men and women. The clinical success rate was 93% for the octogenarians and 88% for the younger patients (p = NS). The lesion success rates were 89% and 88% for these groups, respectively. Results of multilesion PTCA and dilatation of coronary occlusions were similar in both age groups. Major complication rates were 5.9% for the elderly and 3.8% for the younger patients (p < 0.008). Hospital mortality was higher among the octogenarians (4.6% vs 0.2%, p < 0. 05). Among long-term octogenarian survivors, < 90% indicated a high level of satisfaction with their quality of life and health status. If needed, 88% would undergo the procedure again. Independent living was possible for 66% of these patients and automobile driving for 55%. Octogenarian men and women had similar baseline clinical characteristics, procedural success, complications, relief of angina, and survival. Women indicated a slightly lower level of satisfaction and capacity for independent living. PTCA can achieve a success rate in octogenarians comparable to that of younger patients but with an increased risk of serious complications. Patient satisfaction remains high and a majority of octogenarians remain physically active and capable of independent living. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Commentary—Sophisticated Methods but Implausible Results: How Much Does Health Insurance Improve Health?

Jack Hadley and Timothy Waidmann use data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) to analyze the effect of being uninsured on mortality and morbidity of the near-elderly. Consistent with the findings from other work, they conclude that being uninsured is bad for one's health.
The synthesis and photochemistry of 4‐amino‐3‐cyanopyrazole

4-Amino-3-cyanopyrazole (6) had once been considered to be a possible intermediate in the photochemical conversion at 350 nm of diaminomaleonitrile (1) into 4-amino-5-cyanoimidazole (3), a precursor of adenine. The pyrazole was synthesized and irradiated at 350 nm. No isomerization into the imidazole was observed, even when the photolysis was carried out in the presence of an excess of 1, where sensitization by this or one of its photolysis products might have operated. At 254 nm, complete decomposition of 6 was observed, with formation of polymeric products. At 300 nm, 6 underwent isomerization to 3, as well as extensive decomposition. Hydrogen cyanide was probably produced, which reacted with the remaining starting material to yield 7-aminopyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine (10), which did not isomerize into adenine under the photolysis conditions. A polymer was also obtained, from which glycine was identified after hydrolysis.
Learning to Use the Cochlear Implant: A Child Who Beat the Odds

Thousands of children have received cochlear implants since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the device in 1990. Researchers have learned a considerable amount regarding the auditory and speech production skills that children who are prelingually, profoundly deaf develop after they receive a cochlear implant. Speech production and language outcome data indicate that there is wide variability in skill levels (Tye-Murray, Spencer, & Woodworth, 1995).
The Tucson meteorite

Tucson is an unusual iron meteorite which contains highly reduced silicate inclusions and elemental silicon and chromium in solution. The metal matrix of Tucson was found to be chemically uniform, suggesting that homogenization has occurred at elevated temperatures. The microstructure of the metal consists of plessite and thin ribbons of kamacite. Nickel and phosphorus concentrations indicate that kamacite nucleated along prior taenite grain boundaries at about 650 C, and grew upon cooling to 500 C. Kamacite growth calculations show that Tucson cooled at about 1 C/1000 yr, a rate which corresponds to a depth of burial at the center of a 15-km-radius parent body or closer to the surface of parent bodies of larger sizes. The shapes of the Tucson irons, and the presence and distribution of silicate inclusions in the Fe-Ni matrix appear to be a result of a solidification process.
The relationship between Eysenck's personality dimensions and Bem's masculinity and femininity scales

Abstract This study examines the relationship between the personality dimensions of Neuroticism, Extraversion and Psychoticism from the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the two major scales of the revised Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI-R) Masculinity and Femininity. The results showed the hypothesized significant positive relationship between Extraversion and both Masculinity and Femininity for females only. Neuroticism was negatively related to Masculinity for women, as expected, but also negatively related to Femininity, a result contrary to hypothesis.Psychoticism was negatively correlated with Femininity for women, as expected. The expected relationship between Psychoticism and Masculinity was not found. The only hypothesized relationship which reached significance for males was a strong relationship betwen Extraversion and Masculinity. Results were discussed in light of the sex differences found.
Integration of epithelial patterning and morphogenesis in Drosophila ovarian follicle cells.

Drosophila oogenesis involves the coordinated development of germ cells and an overlying follicular epithelium. The follicle cells provide a genetically tractable system to investigate the cell biology of patterning and morphogenesis. Follicle cells initially form a cuboidal epithelium surrounding a syncytium of nurse cells and oocyte. Epithelial structure is maintained as these cells reorganize to create the three dimensional architecture of the eggshell. Both long-range and short-range cell-cell communications pattern the domains of follicle cells that will create specific eggshell structures. After terminal differentiation to deposit the eggshell proteins, the follicle cells die. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the cell-cell communication that orchestrates follicle cell patterning and migrations. DE-cadherin-mediated adhesion is important at several steps in egg chamber formation and follicle cell migration. Notch signaling is critical during each successive round of patterning and migration. Integration of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signals patterns the elaborate structures of the dorsal-anterior eggshell. Dev Dyn;218:80–93. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Age differences in the correlates of physical functioning in patients with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVES Pain-related disability in the elderly is a major contributor to poor quality of life. In this study, the author examined age-related differences in the factors associated with physical disability in the context of chronic pain. METHOD A large cohort of chronic pain patients was categorized into four age groups, and correlates of physical disability were evaluated within each age category. RESULTS Several important age differences in the predictors of physical disability were noted. Affective distress was unrelated to physical disability among the elderly, whereas this association was quite strong among younger patients. In contrast, pain severity was a weak predictor of disability within the younger group, but it accounted for more than one fourth of the variance in physical disability in those older than 65. DISCUSSION These data suggest that the determinants of functioning may vary across the life span, implying a potential for pain management programs tailored to a patient's age.
Familial factors in adenocarcinoma of the colon.

The familial factor in adenocarcinoma of the colon may be very important when the disease develops on the basis of multiple polyposis of the colon or in a “cancer family.” In the average situation, however, the increased risk in the immediate relatives of a patient is relatively low, about two to three times normal.
Racial Formation in Theory and Practice: The Case of Mexicans in the United States

Mechanisms of social stratification require the categorical definition of an out-group to that can be excluded and exploited. Historically, in the United States, African Americans have been the subject of a systematic process of racial formation to define socially in this fashion. Beginning in the 1970s, however, and accelerating in the 1980s and 1990s, Mexicans were increasingly subject to processes of racialization that have rendered them more exploitable and excludable than ever before. Over the past decade, Mexican Americans moved steadily away from their middle position in the socioeconomic hierarchy and gravitated toward the bottom. This paper describes the basic mechanisms of stratification in the United States and how Mexicans have steadily been racialized to label them socially as a dehumanized and vulnerable out-group.
Involvement of CD44 in matrix metalloproteinase-2 regulation in human melanoma cells

CD44 is a family of cell-surface-adhesion proteins that are thought to play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the specific mechanisms by which CD44 expression modulates invasion or metastasis are not well understood. In the current study, we have demonstrated that treatment of human melanoma cells with a CD44 MAb, F10-44-2, induces up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein and mRNA. Moreover, treatment of melanoma cells with MAb F10-44-2 enhances their migration through gelatin-coated membranes and invasion through reconstituted basement membranes. Treatment of melanoma cells with several known CD44 ligands, including hyaluronate, extracellular-matrix proteins, and osteopontin, did not induce MMP-2 production. CD44 binding by F10-44-2 MAb results in induction of MMP-2 expression, which is associated with enhanced cell migration and invasion. These findings have several implications for investigations into tumor metastasis, development, and lymphocyte function.
Cardiac excitation–contraction coupling

Of the ions involved in the intricate workings of the heart, calcium is considered perhaps the most important. It is crucial to the very process that enables the chambers of the heart to contract and relax, a process called excitation-contraction coupling. It is important to understand in quantitative detail exactly how calcium is moved around the various organelles of the myocyte in order to bring about excitation-contraction coupling if we are to understand the basic physiology of heart function. Furthermore, spatial microdomains within the cell are important in localizing the molecular players that orchestrate cardiac function.
Mapping RNA−Protein Interactions in Ribonuclease P from Escherichia coli Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy†

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a catalytic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) essential for tRNA biosynthesis. In Escherichia coli, this RNP complex is composed of a catalytic RNA subunit, M1 RNA, and a protein cofactor, C5 protein. Using the sulfhydryl-specific reagent (1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-Δ3-pyrroline-3-methyl)methanethiosulfonate (MTSL), we have introduced a nitroxide spin label individually at six genetically engineered cysteine residues (i.e., positions 16, 21, 44, 54, 66, and 106) and the native cysteine residue (i.e., position 113) in C5 protein. The spin label covalently attached to any protein is sensitive to structural changes in its microenvironment. Therefore, we expected that if the spin label introduced at a particular position in C5 protein was present at the RNA−protein interface, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the spin label would be altered upon binding of the spin-labeled C5 protein to M1 RNA. The EPR spectra observed with the various MTSL-modified mutant derivatives of ...
A COMPUTER MODULE FOR USE OF MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY IN PEDIATRIC EDUCATION.789

Introduction: The restructuring of residency programs to meet primary care goals has decreased the time of some in-patient and ICU experiences. Interactive computer programs using multimedia technology can bring together various sights, sounds and situations to supplement the limited experience. Aim: To develop an interactive teaching module for use in resident teaching and education, based on the common problem of respiratory distress in the NICU. Method: The module was developed using Authorware Professional™ 3.0. A case based on the care of a 28 week premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who needs NICU care is used to illustrate physiological principles of gas exchange, ventilator use and management of related complications, i.e., pneumothorax and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Appropriate graphics, radiographs, pathology specimens audio files and ultrasound were digitized and used to complement the text. Results: The program starts with the NICU admission of a 28 wk premature infant in respiratory distress. Blood gas and radiographs are shown to establish the diagnosis of RDS and make management plans including surfactant and ventilator use. Trans-illumination pictures and radiographs of the chest are used to demonstrate, identify and manage a pneumothorax and video footage is used to show placement of a chest tube. A cranial ultrasound shows a grade II IVH that develops following the pneumothorax. Subsequent resolution of RDS and weaning to extubation from the ventilator are presented in a decision based response format. During this process, impact weighted resident responses to structured questions are recorded and at the end of the case, a score report and review are provided for the purpose of evaluation. Informative text-links are also provided at all times from key-words on the screen. Conclusions: This program shows the capability and power of the use of current multimedia technology in resident education, especially to address the gaps in learning about infrequent but essential problems (e.g., pneumothorax in this case). This module can be used to develop educational material for other problems in pediatrics.
n-3 Fatty acids (fish oil) for epilepsy, cardiac risk factors, and risk of SUDEP: Clues from a pilot, double-blind, exploratory study

Abstract Objective The goal of the work described here was to determine the effect of high-dose n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentanoic acid + docosahexanoic acid, fish oil) on several outcomes in subjects with refractory epilepsy, including seizure severity, seizure frequency, cardiac risk factors, and heart rate variability, in a pilot, exploratory planning trial. Methods Pilot, randomized, double-blind two-period crossover clinical trial of high-dose fish oil (9600 mg of fish oil/day, 2880 mg of n-3 fatty acids) in 11 subjects with refractory seizures. Outcomes included seizure frequency, seizure severity, lipid panel, and heart rate variability as measured by SDNN and SDANN (defined as the standard deviation of all normal R–R intervals for 1 h, and the standard deviation of all R–R intervals in each successive 5-min epoch, respectively). Results Preliminary data identified trends towards lower seizure severity, lower triglycerides, higher HDL, and increased SDNN/SDANN in those with low SDNN/SDANN at baseline (Spearman’s correlation = −0.65, P = 0.03). No positive effect on seizure frequency was identified. Conclusions Further study of the effect of n-3 fatty acids is indicated in people with epilepsy, as favorable trends were identified on cardiac risk factors (triglycerides) and in a subgroup with low heart rate variability (low SDNN/SDANN), a marker of sudden death risk. To our knowledge, this is the first trial to explore the beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on cardiac risk factors and heart rate variability in people with epilepsy.
Isolation and Characterization of a Prenylcysteine Lyase from Bovine Brain

Prenylated proteins contain one of two isoprenoid lipids, either the 15-carbon farnesyl or the 20-carbon geranylgeranyl, covalently attached to cysteine residues at or near their C terminus. The cellular abundance of prenylated proteins, which can comprise up to 2% of total cellular protein, raises the question of how cells dispose of prenylcysteines produced during the normal turnover of prenylated proteins. We have identified and characterized a novel enzyme, which we term prenylcysteine lyase, that is capable of cleaving the thioether bond of prenylcysteines. The enzyme was isolated from bovine brain membranes and exhibits an apparent molecular mass of 63 kDa. The enzyme did not require NADPH as cofactor for prenylcysteine degradation, thus distinguishing it from cytochrome P450- and flavin-containing monooxygenases that catalyze S-oxidation of thioethers. Purified prenylcysteine lyase shows similar kinetics in utilization of both farnesylcysteine and geranylgeranylcysteine as substrates, although V max is 2-fold higher with the former compound. Interaction of prenylcysteine substrates with the enzyme requires that they possess a free amino group; N-acetylated prenylcysteines and prenyl peptides are not substrates. These findings suggest that prenylcysteine lyase is a specific enzyme involved in prenylcysteine metabolism in mammalian cells, most likely comprising the final step in the degradation of prenylated proteins.
Fractal-like exciton kinetics in porous glasses, organic membranes, and filter papers.

We have measured the exciton (triplet) recombination (fusion, annihilation) characteristics of naphthalene-doped microporous materials. This technique yields the dynamic (spectral, fracton) dimension of the embedded naphthalene structure or the effective random-walk dimension of the porous network. Temperature studies separate the energetic and geometric features of the pore space. The geometric dynamic (spectral) dimensions are mostly between 1 and 2, i.e., fractal-like, and are consistent with previous results on the static (fractal or Euclidean) dimensions of the porous Vycor glass samples.
Tropical Cyclone Lightning and Rapid Intensity Change

A large sample of Atlantic and eastern North Pacific tropical cyclone cases (2005‐10) is used to investigate the relationships between lightning activity and intensity changes for storms over water. The lightning data are obtained from the ground-based World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). The results generally confirm those from previous studies: the average lightning density (strikes per unit area and time) decreases with radius from the storm center; tropical storms tend to have more lightning than hurricanes; intensifying storms tend to have greater lightning density than weakening cyclones; and the lightning density for individual cyclones is very episodic. Results also show that Atlantic tropical cyclones tend to have greater lightning density than east Pacific storms. The largest lightning density values are associated with sheared cyclones that do not intensify very much. The results also show that when the lightning density is compared with intensity change in the subsequent 24 h, Atlantic cyclones that rapidly weaken have a larger inner-core (0‐100 km) lightning density than those that rapidly intensify. Thus, large inner-core lightning outbreaks are sometimes a signal that an intensification period is coming to an end. Conversely, the lightning density in the rainband regions (200‐300 km) is higher for those cyclones that rapidly intensified in the following 24 h in both the Atlantic and east Pacific. When lightning density parameters are used as input to a discriminant analysis technique, results show that lightning information has the potential to improve the short-term prediction of tropical cyclone rapid intensity changes.
Peel Tests on Thin Films of Segmented Poly(urethane ureas) and Dynamics of Interface Broadening by Neutron Reflection

The rate of self-adhesion and interface width development between optical smoothness thin films of segmented poly(urethane urea) (PUU) has been investigated. The advantage of smooth solvent cast fi...
Evidence of role of size-tuned mechanisms in increment threshold task.

Abstract Detectability of a foveal stimulus against a 248 troland background was measured. The retinal illuminance of the stimulus was not uniform, but was varied from one part of the stimulus to another in a systematic fashion Over limited ranges, adding light to part of the stimulus reduces the visibility of the stimulus as a whole. Presenting an adapting stimulus also reduces visibility. The reduction is greatest when the relative distribution of light in the adapting stimulus matches the distribution in the test stimulus Both observations support the hypothesis that mechanisms which mediate detection are size-tuned
A multidimensional approach to crisis preparation for technical organizations: Some critical factors

Abstract Technical organizations are not only vulnerable to crises, but have the potential to create catastrophic crises. This has been devastatingly illustrated by recent crises, such as the gas leak in Bhopal, India, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and the Challenger explosion. Thus, crisis preparation is critical for these organizations. This paper describes a Multidimensional Approach to crisis preparation for technical organizations. As part of this approach, some critical factors for crisis preparation are also described. The Multidimensional Approach is derived from the literature and a study of the crisis preparations of nine technical organizations.
Quantitation of microgram amounts of protein in two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis sample buffer

The concentration of protein actually solubilized in sample buffer in preparation for analysis by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis cannot be directly determined by the Lowry, Biuret, or Bradford protein methods due to interference by the combinational effect of presence of urea, detergents, carrier ampholytes, and thiol compounds in sample solubilization buffers. Determinations of the actual amount of protein solubilized and applied to gels is required to accurately quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate second-dimension polypeptide maps. It was found that when sample buffer consisting of 9 M urea, 4 % Nonidet P-40, 2 % Ampholines, and 2 % 2-mercaptoethanol containing solubilized sample(s) was acidified prior to dilution, protein concentrations over a range of 0.5 to 50 μg could be reproducibly determined utilizing a modified Bradford assay. The modified assay generates two near-linear segments, one over the range < 0.5 to 5 μg total protein that permits the application of Beer's law and a second linear response encompassing 5 to 50 μg total protein. The assay did not tolerate presence of greater than 0.1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate but addition of sodium chloride and protamine sulfate did not adversely affect protein quantitation. The modified assay allows direct quantitation of protein solubilized in sample buffers containing urea, carrier ampholytes, nonionic detergents, and thiol compounds.
Inhibition and stimulation of activity of purified recombinant CYP11A1 by therapeutic agents.

In vertebrates, the biosynthesis of steroid hormones is initiated by cytochrome P450 CYP11A1 which converts cholesterol to pregnenolone. We investigated whether some of the experimental and FDA-approved therapeutic agents alter the activity of CYP11A1 in the reconstituted system in vitro. We found that under the experimental conditions used and when phospholipids are included, ketoconazole, posaconazole, carbenoxolone, and selegiline inhibit CYP11A1-mediated production of pregnenolone by at least 67%. Conversely, pemirolast, clobenpropit, desogestrel, dexmedetomidine, and tizanidine stimulate the enzyme activity by up to 70%. We then evaluated the identified inhibitors and activators for spectral binding to CYP11A1 and their effect on enzyme activity in the absence of phospholipids. The data obtained provide insight into how different drugs interact with CYP11A1 and demonstrate that P450 association with the lipid bilayer determines, in many cases, a drug’s effect on enzyme activity.
Protein Kinase D Is an Essential Regulator of C. elegans Innate Immunity

Summary Protein kinase D (PKD) mediates signal transduction downstream from phospholipase C and diacylglycerol (DAG). PKDs are activated by hormones and stress in cell lines, but little is known about PKD functions and regulation in vivo. Here, we show that DKF-2, a C. elegans PKD, regulates innate immunity. Animals lacking DKF-2 were hypersensitive to killing by bacteria that are pathogens of C. elegans and humans. DKF-2 induced 85 mRNAs, which encode antimicrobial peptides and proteins that sustain intestinal epithelium. Induction of immune effector mRNAs by DKF-2 proceeded via PMK-1 (p38 Map-kinase)-dependent and -independent pathways. TPA-1, a PKCδ homolog, regulated activation and functions of DKF-2 in vivo. Therefore, DKF-2 provides a molecular link that couples DAG signaling to regulation of immunity. This intersection between DAG-TPA-1-DKF-2 and PMK-1 pathways enables integrated immune responses to multiple stimuli. Thus, a PKD mobilizes activation of host immune defenses against pathogens by previously unappreciated signaling pathways and mechanisms.
Computable performance analysis of block-sparsity recovery

In this paper, we employ fixed-point iteration and semidefinite programming to compute performance bounds on the basis pursuit algorithm for block-sparsity recovery. As a prerequisite for optimal sensing matrix design, computable performance bounds would open doors for wide applications in sensor arrays, MIMO radar, DNA microarrays, and many other areas where block-sparsity arises naturally.
The roles of location specificity and masking mechanisms in the attentional blink

In a series of four experiments using rapid serial visual presentations of two target letters embedded in numeral distractors, with different numbers of display positions and with or without masking, we show that (1) the nonmonotonic, U-shaped attentional blink (AB) function, which occurs when all items are presented at the same display location, is eliminated in favor of a monotonic function when targets and distractors are presented randomly dispersed over four or nine adjacent positions; (2) the AB monotonicity is maintained with the spatially distributed presentation even when backward masks are used in all possible stimulus positions and when the location of the next item in sequence is predictable; and (3) the If-shaped AB is not due to position-specific forward or backward masking effects occurring at early levels of visual processing. We tentatively conclude that the U-shaped AB is primarily a function of the interruption of late visual processing produced when the item following the first target occurs at the same location. In order for the AB to severely disrupt performance, the item following the first target must be presented at the same location as the target so that it can serve both as a distractor and as a mask interrupting or interfering with subsequent visual processing.
Analysis of Digital Circuit Dynamic Behavior With Timed Ternary Decision Diagrams for Better-Than-Worst-Case Design

Modern logic optimization tools tend to optimize circuits in a balanced way so that all primary outputs (POs) have the similar delay close to the cycle time. However, in reality, certain POs will be exercised more frequently than the rest. Among the critical POs, some may be stabilized very quickly by input vectors, even if their topological delays from primary inputs are very long. Knowing the dynamic behavior of a circuit can help optimize the most commonly activated paths and help engineers understand how resilient a PO is against dynamic environmental variations such as voltage fluctuations. In this paper, we describe a tool to analyze the dynamic behavior of a digital circuit utilizing probabilistic information. The techniques exploit the use of timed ternary decision diagrams (tTDD) to encode stabilization conditions for POs. To compute probabilities based on a tTDD, we propose false assignment pruning and random variable compaction to preserve probability calculation accuracy. To deal with the scalability issue, this paper proposes a new circuit partitioning heuristic to reduce the inaccuracy introduced by partitioning. Compared to the timed simulation results, on average our tool has a mean absolute error of 1.7% and a root mean square error of 3.9% for MCNC benchmarks and a mean absolute error of 2.2% and a root mean square error of 4.8% for ISCAS benchmarks. Compared to a state-of-the-art dynamic behavior analysis tool, our tool is 15t faster on average for MCNC benchmarks and 65× faster on average for ISCAS benchmarks, and can also handle circuits that the previous tool cannot. This dynamic behavior analyzer would enable fast and effective circuit optimizations for better-than-worst-case design.
Endothelial Cell Activation in Patients With Decompensated Heart Failure

Background Vascular endothelial functions, other than nitric oxide (NO)-mediated control of vasomotor tone, are poorly characterized in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Veins and arteries are exposed to the same circulating proinflammatory mediators in patients with CHF. The present study tested whether endothelial cell activation occurs in veins of patients with decompensated CHF and whether activation, if present, subsides with return to a clinically compensated state. Methods and results Fifteen patients with decompensated CHF requiring transient inotropic support and 6 age-matched, healthy controls were studied. Endothelial cells and blood were collected from a forearm vein, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured before and 24 hours after discontinuation of short-term inotropic therapy, when patients had returned to a steady compensated state. Nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity (an intracellular marker of oxidative stress), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression were significantly higher in venous endothelial cells of patients in clinical decompensation when compared with healthy subjects. Return to a compensated state resulted in a significant reduction in nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity, COX-2, and iNOS expression. Concomitantly, a significant increase in FMD and a decline in plasma total 8-isoprostane and bicycloprostaglandin E2 levels were observed. Venous endothelial NOS expression was unaffected by clinical decompensation. Conclusions Clinical decompensation in CHF is associated with activation of the venous endothelium. Return to a compensated state after short-term inotropic therapy results in a significant reduction in endothelial nitrotyrosine formation, COX-2, and iNOS expression.
Xenopus tropicalis oocytes as an advantageous model system for the study of intracellular Ca2+ signalling

The purpose of this study was to compare oocytes from the pipid frogs Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis, with respect to their utility for studying Ca2+ signalling mechanisms and for expression of heterologous proteins. We show that X. tropicalis oocytes possess an intracellular Ca2+ store that is mobilized by inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (IP3). Ca2+ signalling is activated by endogenous lysophosphatidic acid receptors and cytosolic Ca2+ activates a plasma membrane chloride conductance. The spatiotemporal organization of cytosolic Ca2+ signals, from the microscopic architecture of elementary Ca2+ ‘puffs’ to the macroscopic patterns of Ca2+ spiking are closely similar to the local and global patterns of Ca2+ release previously characterized in oocytes from X. laevis. By injecting X. tropicalis oocytes with cDNA encoding an ER-targeted fluorescent protein construct, we demonstrate the capacity of the X. tropicalis oocyte to readily express heterologous proteins. The organization of ER is polarized across the oocyte, with the IP3-releaseable store targeted within an ∼8 μm wide band that circumscribes the cell. We conclude that the X. tropicalis oocyte shares many of the characteristics that have made oocytes of X. laevis a favoured system for studying Ca2+ signalling mechanisms. Moreover, X. tropicalis oocytes display further practical advantages in terms of imaging depth, Ca2+ signal magnitude and electrical properties. These further enhance the appeal of X. tropicalis as an experimental system, in addition to its greater amenability to transgenic approaches. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 132, 1396–1410; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703922