cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postural sway in children from pedigrees exhibiting a high density of alcoholism

A total of 98 children participated in a study of the neurobehavioral characteristics of individuals from pedigrees in which there was a high density of alcoholism. Two groups of children were evaluated (High and Low Risk) using a sensitive movement platform and a variety of methods to challenge the motor system. High-Risk children showed a greater decrement in postural steadiness when visual input was removed than did Low-Risk children. Additionally, the monopedal stances revealed hemispheric differences in postural sway as a function of risk status. The amount of sway exhibited was correlated with the latency of P300 recorded using a visual task. Both appear to be indicators of neuropathological changes. The present results suggest that postural sway may be a neurobehavioral marker for alcoholism risk.
Mechanism of action of interleukin-13 antagonist (IL-13E13K) in cells expressing various types of IL-4R

As interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-4 play a major role in various diseases including asthma, allergy, and malignancies, it is desirable to generate a molecule that blocks the effects of both cytokines. We previously generated a human IL-13 mutant (IL-13E13K), which is a powerful antagonist of IL-13, blocking the biological activities of IL-13. We now show that IL-13E13K also competitively inhibits signaling and biological activities of IL-4 through type II and partially through type III IL-4 receptor (R) system. IL-13E13K completely blocked the IL-4-induced phosphorylation of STAT6 and IL-4-dependent protein synthesis in cells expressing type II and partially type III IL-4R but not type I IL- 4R. Consistent with the inhibition of biological activities, IL-13E13K inhibited IL-4 binding to type II IL-4R-expressing cells but not to type I IL-4R-expressing cells. The inhibition efficiency of IL-4 binding by IL-13E13K was relatively lower compared to wtIL-13 even though IL-13E13K bound to IL-13Ralpha1 positive cells with a similar affinity to wtIL-13. These results indicate that Glu13 in IL-13 associates with IL-4Ralpha, and mutation to lysine decreases its binding ability to IL-4Ralpha chain. IL-13E13K binds to IL- 13Ralpha1, which is shared by both IL-13R and IL-4R systems. Consequently, IL-13E13K inhibits IL-4 binding to these cells and prevents heterodimer formation between IL-13Ralpha1 and IL-4Ralpha chains. This interference by IL-13E13K blocks the biological activities of not only IL-13 but also partially of IL-4. Thus, IL-13E13K may be a useful agent for the treatment of diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and cancer, which are dependent on signaling through both IL-4 and IL-13 receptors.
Accumulation of trace elements, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls in sediments and the clam Corbicula manilensis of the Apalachicola River, Florida.

A survey of trace element and synthetic organic compound concentrations in bottom materials was conducted on the Apalachicola River in northwest Florida in 1979–80 as part of the Apalachicola River Quality Assessment. Substances analyzed included trace elements (predominantly heavy metals), organochlorine insecticides, organophosphorus insecticides, chlorinated phenoxy-acid herbicides, and poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Three kinds of materials were surveyed: finegrained sediments, whole-body tissue of the Asiatic clamCorbicula manilensis, and bottom-load organic detritus. No hazardous levels of any of the substances were found. Concentrations in the finegrained sediments and clams were generally at least ten times lower than maximum limits considered safe for biota of aquatic systems. A comparison of trace-substance data from the Apalachicola River with data from Lake Seminole (upstream) and Apalachicola Bay (downstream) showed lower concentrations in riverine clams. Sediment concentrations in all parts of the system were comparable. Most trace substances in the Apalachicola River enter the river from the upstream part of the basin (the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers in Georgia and Alabama) and from nonpoint sources throughout the basin. There are no major point discharges along the Apalachicola. Trend analysis was limited by the scope of the study, but did not reveal any spatial or temporal trends in concentrations of any of the substances analyzed. Concentrations of organic compounds and most metals inCorbicula manilensis did not correlate with those in sediments.
Practice improves performance on a coronary anastomosis simulator, attending surgeon supervision does not.

Objectives Enthusiasm for simulation early in cardiothoracic surgery training is growing, yet evidence demonstrating its utility is limited. We examined the effect of supervised and unsupervised training on coronary anastomosis performance in a randomized trial among medical students. Methods Forty-five medical students were recruited for this single-blinded, randomized controlled trial using a low-fidelity simulator. After viewing an instructional video, all participants attempted an anastomosis. Subsequently, the participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: control (n = 15), unsupervised training (n = 15), or supervised training with a cardiothoracic surgeon or fellow (n = 15). Both the supervised and unsupervised groups practiced for 1 hour per week. After 4 weeks, the participants repeated the anastomosis. All pre- and posttraining performances were videotaped and rated independently by 3 cardiothoracic surgeons blinded to the randomization. All raters scored 13 assessment items on a 1 to 5 (low-high) scale along with an overall pass/fail rating. Results After the training period, all 3 groups showed significant improvements in composite scores (control: +0.52 ± 0.69 [ P = .014], unsupervised: +1.05 ± 0.48 [ P P P = .005) and unsupervised trainees ( P = .005) demonstrated a significant improvement. Between the supervised and unsupervised groups there were no statistically significant differences in composite scores. Conclusions Practice on low-fidelity simulators enabled trainees to improve on a broad range of skills; however, the additional effect of attending-level supervision is limited. In an era of increasing staff surgeon responsibilities, unsupervised practice may be sufficient for inexperienced trainees.
Effects of pH and phosphate on the oxidation of iron in aqueous solution

Abstract Studies have been initiated to evaluate the catalytic effect of monohydrogen phosphate ions on the oxidation of ferrous (Fe 2+ ) to ferric (Fe 3+ ) ions in an aqueous solution under atmospheric oxygen conditions. The reactions were performed with an initial concentration of 1 × 10 −4 M ferrous sulfate in solutions containing varying concentrations of phosphate buffer (0.005–0.0175 M) over the pH range of 6.6–7.1. The final ionic strength of the solutions were adjusted to 0.1 M with sodium chloride and the temperature was kept constant at 25 ± 0.5 °C. The rates of oxidation reactions were measured by following the increase in UV absorbance due to the formation of ferric ion in solution. The reactions appeared to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics and were very prone to catalysis by monohydrogen phosphate at any given pH. H 2 PO 4 − seemed to have no effect on the reaction. HPO s 2− was the sole catalytic species with a second-order rate constant of 116.74 M −1 · min −1 . The buffer independent pH-rate profile showed a sigmoidal behavior with the pseudo-first-order rate constant increasing with increasing pH. The sigmoidal nature of the experimental pH-rate profile could possibly suggest a change in the reactivity of the oxidizing species which might follow complex kinetics. The effects of ionic strength and temperature on the reaction rates were also evaluated.
Early blood-brain barrier disruption in human focal brain ischemia

Loss of integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) resulting from ischemia/reperfusion is believed to be a precursor to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and poor outcome. We used a novel magnetic resonance imaging marker to characterize early BBB disruption in human focal brain ischemia and tested for associations with reperfusion, HT, and poor outcome (modified Rankin score >2). BBB disruption was found in 47 of 144 (33%) patients, having a median time from stroke onset to observation of 10.1 hours. Reperfusion was found to be the most powerful independent predictor of early BBB disruption (p = 0.018; odds ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-13.1). HT was observed in 22 patients; 16 (72.7%) of those also had early BBB disruption (p 6), early BBB disruption was found to be an independent predictor of HT. Because the timing of the disruption was early enough to make it relevant to acute thrombolytic therapy, early BBB disruption as defined by this imaging biomarker may be a promising target for adjunctive therapy to reduce the complications associated with thrombolytic therapy, broaden the therapeutic window, and improve clinical outcome.
Differential effects of protein kinase C isoform activation in endothelin-mediated myocyte contractile dysfunction with cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion.

Background Increased myocardial interstitial levels of endothelin (ET) occur during cardioplegic arrest (CA) and may contribute to contractile dysfunction. Endothelin receptor transduction involves the protein kinase-C (PKC) family comprised of multiple isoforms with diverse functions. Which PKC isoforms may be involved in ET-induced contractile dysfunction after CA remains unknown. Methods Shortening velocity was measured in isolated left ventricular porcine myocytes and randomized (minimum of 30 per group): normothermia (cell culture media for 2 hours at 37°C); CA (2 hours in CA solution [4°C, 24 mEq K + ] followed by reperfusion in cell media); ET/CA (100 pM ET incubated during CA and reperfusion). These studies were carried out in the presence and absence of PKC inhibitors (500 nM) and directed against members of the classical PKC subfamily (beta I, beta II, gamma) and the novel subfamily (epsilon, eta). Results Cardiac arrest reduced shortening velocity by approximately 50%, which was further reduced in the presence of ET. Inhibition of either the beta II or gamma PKC isoform significantly increased shortening velocity from ET/CA as well as CA only values. In separate studies (n = 3), total beta II and phosphorylated beta II increased by over 150% with ET/CA ( p Conclusions Targeted inhibition of specific PKC isoforms relieves the negative inotropic effects of ET after simulated CA. These findings provide important mechanistic support for the development of targeted inhibitory strategies with respect to ET signaling and myocyte contractile dysfunction in the context of CA and reperfusion.
Generalized Theory of Electro-Mechanical Resonators With Fractal Electrodes

In this paper, we study the operation of electrostatically actuated electromechanical resonators having fractal electrodes. Using the spring-mass model, we establish the scaling relationships for pull-in instability Display Formulaycy0=DFDF+1, voltage dependent resonance frequency Display Formulaωω0=DF+1-DFy0y, and pull-in-voltage Display FormulaVPI∝y0DF+12, where DF is the fractal dimension of the electrode, y0 is the air-gap, ω0 and ω are the resonance frequency at zero and applied bias respectively, and y is the steady state position of the moving electrode. These scaling relationships reduce to the well known pull-in instability, and resonance frequency of resonators based on planar (DF = 2) and cylindrical (DF = 1) electrodes. The generality of the scaling relationships are confirmed by using electrodes based on array of cylinders, that allow us to continuously scan all fractal dimension in between planar and cylindrical electrodes (1 ≤ DF ≤ 2) simply by tuning the pitch of the array.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Does Informality Impact Formal Sector Firms?: A Case Study from Nicaragua

Utilizing the 2010 Nicaraguan Enterprise Survey undertaken by the World Bank, I explore the impact of informal sector firm competition upon focal formal sector firms. The impact upon focal formal firms in relation to informal competitive pressures are influenced by firm maturity, firm location, industry sector, firm legal status, perceptions of informality, firm informal heritage, senior level managerial time spent dealing with the governmental regulatory environment, international quality certification, and web presence. Focal formal sector firm competition with registered firms acting in part informally is also explored.
Experiment to Test RTK GPS with Satellite “Internet to Tractor” for Precision Agriculture

This experiment tests the ability to provide Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System corrections via a real time network (RTK GPSRTN) by utilizing a satellite Internet connections in the field to multiple tractors for precision agriculture. Precision agriculture technology improves sustainable production by providing more farmers with the ability to obtain highly accurate machine control in rough or varied terrain. This experiment tests the use of low cost single frequency L1-band RTK GPS in a RTN covering a wide area. Wired Internet is not available in the field for many farmers so cellular internet such as 3G/4G must be relied on for connectivity. Where 3G/4G have limited coverage, satellite Internet could be used. A mobile satellite Internet antenna can be placed on a support vehicle and moved to a site where multiple tractors are harvesting or planting. The Internet is then shared with precision agriculture farming equipment nearby. Having better logistical and fiscal access to machine control and the Internet could assist the farmer and the United States Department of Agriculture in efforts to sustain adequate crop yields, project future agriculture needs, and better protect crops from pests and diseases. This experiment provides information on how to configure â€œInternet to Tractorâ€ for RTK GPS RTN concept with a discussion of the limitations and future product development.
Neotectonics of the upper Mississippi embayment

Abstract Although the upper Mississippi embayment is an area of low relief, the region has been subjected to tectonic influence throughout its history and continues to be so today. Tectonic activity can be recognized through seismicity patterns and geological indicators of activity, either those as a direct result of earthquakes, or longer term geomorphic, structural, and sedimentological signatures. The rate of seismic activity in the upper Mississippi embayment is generally lower than at the margins of tectonic plates; the embayment, however, is the most seismically active region east of the Rocky Mountains, with activity concentrated in the New Madrid seismic zone. This zone produced the very large New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. Geological and geophysical evidence of neotectonic activity in the upper Mississippi embayment includes faulting in the Benton Hills and Thebes Gap in Missouri, paleoliquefaction in the Western Lowlands of Missouri, subsurface faulting beneath and tilting of Crowley's Ridge in northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri, subsurface faulting along the Crittenden County fault zone near Memphis, Tennessee, faulting along the east flank of the Tiptonville dome, and numerous indicators of historic and prehistoric large earthquakes in the New Madrid seismic zone. Paleoearthquake studies in the New Madrid seismic zone have used trenching, seismic reflection, shallow coring, pedology, geomorphology, archaeology, and dendrochronology to identify and date faulting, deposits of liquefied sand, and areas of uplift and subsidence. The cause of today's relatively high rate of tectonic activity in the Mississippi embayment remains elusive. It is also not clear whether this activity rate is a short term phenomenon or has been constant over millions of years. Ongoing geodetic and geological studies should provide more insight as to the precise manner in which crustal strain is accumulating, and perhaps allow improved regional neotectonic models.
Availability of medical care services in drug treatment clinics associated with lower repeated emergency department use.

Background: Drug users rely heavily on emergency departments (EDs) for care. Medical and other services in outpatient drug treatment clinics may reduce demand for ED care. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association of services in drug treatment clinics with repeated ED use by clinic patients. Design: This study consisted of telephone interviews of directors of a stratified random sample of 125 New York state outpatient drug treatment clinics linked to Medicaid claims for patients with long-term (≥6 months) treatment at these clinics. Patients: This study comprised a total of 8397 Medicare enrollees in surveyed clinics in 1996 to 1997. Measurements: The surveys addressed drug treatment; general medical, HIV, alcohol, and social support services; location of selected services; primary care, HIV specialty, and mental health provider staffing levels; accessibility; and academic affiliation. From Medicaid claims, we defined patient demographic, clinical, and healthcare variables. Logistic regression models examined associations of availability of onsite medical services with repeated (2 or more) ED visits in 1997, adjusted for patient characteristics and patient clustering in clinics. Results: Repeated ED visits occurred in 15% of the cohort and were less likely when medical services were all onsite versus more distant (12.9% vs 16.8%, P < 0.001). An interaction showed that onsite medical care was associated with less ED use only in low-volume (<1350 visits/wk, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.64 [0.47-0.88]) and moderate volume (1351-2500 visits/wk, AOR 0.79 [0.64-0.97]) clinics. The availability of preventive services and HIV specialists onsite appear to mediate the beneficial effect of onsite medical care. Conclusions: Greater onsite medical care in low- and moderate-volume drug treatment clinics was associated with less repeated ED use.
Thyroid Hormone Binding and Regulation of Adrenergic Enzymes in Two Neuroblastoma Cell Lines

: Two neuroblastoma cell lines were cultured in control (euthyroid) and hypothyroid media and examined for protein, RNA and DNA content, activity of the catecholaminergic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, EC 1.14. 16.2) and monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A, EC 1.4.3.4), and for L-triiodothyronine (T3) nuclear receptors. In the hypothyroid condition, the rate of cell division and the levels of RNA and protein as well as the activities of TH and MAO were lower than in the euthyroid condition, the reduction being more marked in the Ē than in the A2(1) cell line. T3 nuclear receptors, unaltered in affinity, were increased in number in the hypothyroid medium, possibly as a regulatory response to hormonal deficiency. Examination of a possible relationship between T3 occupancy and TH activity in the Ē cells, most sensitive to thyroid hormone deficiency, revealed that induction of TH activity by T3 is dose-dependent and correlates with the number of nuclear sites occupied by the hormone. When neuroblastoma cells were induced to differentiate by the addition of sodium butyrate to the medium, parameters of cell growth (protein, RNA) and enzyme activity (TH and MAO-A) increased in both cell lines irrespective of the presence of thyroid hormones. These data indicate that thyroid hormones, through their nuclear receptors, directly affect the activity of catecholaminergic enzymes in cultured, immature (undifferentiated) neurons.
NGOs, gender and indigenous grassroots development

This paper looks at two very similar efforts by indigenous communities to develop a tourist attraction based on their own culture and to market it in two very different environments: California and Mexico. Both groups have been displaced from their traditional areas, are being advised by a woman consultant and are expecting women community members to provide cultural performances and crafts for sale to visitors. Unlike the NGOs involved, the communities see this tourism activity as a reclamation and reaffirmation of a culture that has been almost lost, rather than as an exercise in local economic development. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistics on Cannabis Users Skew Perceptions of Cannabis Use

Collecting information about the prevalence of cannabis use is necessary but not sufficient for understanding the size, dynamics, and outcomes associated with cannabis markets. This paper uses two data sets describing cannabis consumption in the United States and Europe to highlight (1) differences in inferences about sub-populations based on the measure used to quantify cannabis-related activity; (2) how different measures of cannabis-related activity can be used to more accurately describe trends in cannabis usage over time; and (3) the correlation between frequency of use in the past-month and average grams consumed per use-day. Key findings: focusing on days of use instead of prevalence shows substantially greater increases in U.S. cannabis use in recent years; however, the recent increase is mostly among adults, not youth. Relatively more rapid growth in use days also occurred among the college-educated and Hispanics. Further, data from a survey conducted in seven European countries show a strong positive correlation between frequency of use and quantity consumed per day of use, suggesting consumption is even more skewed toward the minority of heavy users than is suggested by days-of-use calculations.
Age of the Huntsman Limestone (Bulawayan) Stromatolites

THE Huntsman limestone stromatolites were originally described by Macgregor1. Recent work (refs 2–5 and T. Hoering (personal communication)) has established their organic origin beyond reasonable doubt, and shown that macro, micro and chemofossils occur together in the Huntsman limestone. Far less attention has been paid to the stratigraphic and absolute age relations of the limestone in which they occur. As a result of recent detailed field work in and around the quarries, and a comprehensive attack on the ages of granitic events in the southern half of Rhodesia, we can now give a revised estimate of the age of these ancient organisms.
Phylogeny of immune responsiveness in invertebrates.

Abstract Existence of essential immunocompetence at different levels of complexity has recently been demostrated among diverse phylums of invertebrates. Immunorecognition or capacity for non-self recognition of allogeneic tissue followed by incompatibility reactions is already found in Coelenterates as shown in colonial hydroids, gorgonians, and hard corals. Antagonistic reactions reveal convincing specificity, with compatible fusion preceding manifestations of incompatibility, but no memory component has been demonstrated. Allogeneic contact incompatibilities found in protochordates as well as mixed lymphocyte culture reactions between allogeneic cells of various vertebrates may tentatively be assigned to this “sipmle” immunorecognition category. Primordial Cell-Mediated Immunity (PCMI) represents a higher level of immunoevolution revealed by specific allograft reactions with at least short-term memory as found in Annelids and Echinoderms. PCMI is inherent in populations of leukocytes and definitely has an immune memory component. Integrated Cell-Mediated and Humoral Antibody Immunity may be regarded as the highest level of immunoevolution characteristic of all vertebrates from primitive fishes to mammals. Vertebrate-type immunoglobulin antibodies have yet to be demonstrated in any invertebrate species, although cell-surface receptors akin to antibodies are apparent on leukocytes of advanced invertebrates. The less elaborate immunoresponsiveness evident among invertebrates awaits definitive characterization.
Applied and Workforce Baccalaureate Models.

This chapter presents models and terminology representative of the contemporary utilization of the terms community college baccalaureate, applied baccalaureate, and workforce baccalaureate to provide a foundation for the evolving language about pathways leading to baccalaureate degrees.
Platte Valley Yellows, a chlorotic condition of soybeans: symptoms and preliminary chemical analyses

A chlorotic condition of soybeans in the river valleys of eastern Nebraska was studied. The pattern of chlorosis, presence of petiolar necrosis, reductions in rhizobial and mycorrhizal infection, and plant and soil chemical analyses suggest that the condition is more complex than normal iron deficiency chlorosis or other mineral deficiencies or toxicities. Nodulation is almost totally inhibited in affected plants. Mycorrhizal fungi, while able to infect early in the season, do not persist on affected plants. Breakdown of endodermis was observed in the roots of affected plants. The factors contributing to this condition have not yet been determined.
Ellipsometry of anisotropic thin films

The reflection properties of a uniaxial thin film on an isotropic substrate have been calculated. The optic axis of the film is assumed to be parallel to the film surface. The reflection properties are summarized in terms of a reflection matrix suitable for use in the Jones calculus. A method is given for relating the reflection properties of this film-covered surface to the null settings of the polarizer and analyzer of a conventional ellipsometer. Results of calculations for a few specific cases are discussed.
Plasma Based nano-technology Laboratory

Summary form only given. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has established a Plasma Based nano-technology Laboratory (PBNL) to study the effects of plasma(s) during the synthesis of various nano particles. Additionally a key component of the nano laboratory mission is to investigate plasma wall interactions on PSI materials. The laboratory is currently fitted with a plasma arc experiment and an electron diffusion gauge experiment to conduct the preliminary experiments in these areas. Another area of interest is the fabrication of longer length carbon nano-tubes, including the fabrication of ultra thin graphene. The development of nano-fabrication processes employing plasma based technologies and control is a newly developing field. The paper will discuss the capabilities for conducting these areas of nano-technology research.
Aromatic origin of cyclopentenoid metabolites

Abstract Oxidative cleavage of aromatic compounds is often part of a degradative process and is widely observed in nature. The immediate catabolic products can sometimes cyclize or rearrange to new secondary metabolites. The enzymatic contraction of a dehydroisocoumarin to yield cyclopentenoid metabolites in Cryptosporiopsis sp. is reported. The label distribution of (+) cryptosporiopsin, a chlorinated cyclopentenone, was determined by analysis of the [ 13 C]nmr of [1- 13 C] and [2- 13 C]acetate enriched-cryptosporiopsin. The putative aromatic precursor of cyclopentenoid metabolites, 2,3-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-2-methylisocoumarin ( 6 ), was isolated from Aspergillus terreus . This metabolite ( 6 ) was prepared doubly labeled ( T 14 C ). The aromatic origin of the Cryptosporiopsis chlorinated cyclopentenoid metabolites was rigorously proven from feeding experiments with doubly labeled compound 6 . A related but nonchlorinated metabolite, terrein, was isolated from A. terreus and was also shown to be derived from [ T 14 C ]-2,3-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-2-methylisocoumarin .
An interactive program for observation and analysis of human behavior in a long-term continuous laboratory

An Apple II microcomputer is used for processing observations of human behavior in a long-term live-in laboratory. On-line analysis produces multiple measures of response strength and response pattern for experiments on the reinforcement value of ordinary human activities. An interactive program with an informative screen display monitors observers’ data input and operation of the experimental procedures, preventing certain classes of errors. Redundant storage is included to avoid loss of data in the event of equipment failure. The data are handled by humans only one time, as opposed to three with the previous system, reducing both expense and errors. Immediate availability of fine-grained analysis allows more sophistication in within-subjects designs.
Extended structures of mediation: Re-examining brokerage in dynamic networks

Abstract In this paper we revisit the concept of brokerage in social networks. We elaborate on the concept of brokerage as a process, identifying three distinct classes of brokerage behavior. Based on this process model, we develop a framework for measuring brokerage opportunities in dynamic relational data. Using data on emergent inter-organizational collaborations, we employ the dynamic brokerage framework to examine the relationship between organizational attributes and coordination in the evolving network. Comparing the findings of our process-based definition with traditional, static approaches, we identify important dimensions of organizational action that would be missed by the latter approach.
The EXOS sounding rocket payload

We present an overview of the Extended X-ray Off-Plane Spectrometer (EXOS) Sounding Rocket Payload based at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The program includes a total of four launches over the next four years on various x-ray sources. The payload utilizes off-plane reflection gratings and Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors in order to achieve both high throughput and resolution (R~100).
Interaction of Hsp 70 with newly synthesized proteins: implications for protein folding and assembly

The 70-kilodalton family of heat shock proteins (Hsp 70) has been implicated in posttranslational protein assembly and translocation. Binding of cytosolic forms of Hsp 70 (Hsp 72,73) with nascent proteins in the normal cell was investigated and found to be transient and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent. Interaction of Hsp 72,73 with newly synthesized proteins appeared to occur cotranslationally, because nascent polypeptides released prematurely from polysomes in vivo can be isolated in a complex with Hsp 72,73. Moreover, isolation of polysomes from short-term [35S]Met-labeled cells (pulsed) revealed that Hsp 72,73 associated with nascent polypeptide chains. In cells experiencing stress, newly synthesized proteins coimmunoprecipitated with Hsp 72,73; however, in contrast to normal cells, interaction with Hsp 72,73 was not transient. A model consistent with these data suggests that under normal growth conditions, cytosolic Hsp 72,73 interact transiently with nascent polypeptides to facilitate proper folding, and that metabolic stress interferes with these events.
The iap genes: Unique arbitrators of cell death

The iap family of anti-apoptotic genes, originally discovered in viruses, has grown considerably in the past two years with the addition of a number of evolutionary conserved cellular homologues. Although the mechanism(s) by which these novel proteins block cell death is still unknown, intriguing clues to their function have been revealed by the discovery of interactions between some of the IAP homologues and cellular proteins involved in carrying out apoptotic signalling. Here, Rollie Clem and Colin Duckett discuss how the various IAP proteins may function in regulating apoptosis.
Direct Measurement of the Fast, Reversible Addition of Oxygen to Cyclohexadienyl Radicals in Nonpolar Solvents

The title reaction was measured directly by laser flash photolysis in several nonpolar solvents, using both the strong ultraviolet and weaker visible absorption bands of the cyclohexadienyl radical. Both the visible and ultraviolet transient absorptions are shown to have identical time dependence, confirming that both absorptions correspond to the same species. The cyclohexadienyl radical's spectra were observed in several nonpolar solvents and are reported. The rate constant of the title reaction is 1.2 ± 0.4 × 109 M-1 s-1 in cyclohexane solvent at room temperature (298 K). This reaction is diffusion-limited, which is consistent with previous literature reports, but 2 orders of magnitude faster than the rate constant measured recently in the gas phase. Reasons for the discrepancy are explored, with the most likely explanation being that the title reaction becomes equilibrated in both the liquid and gas phases. Calculations reveal that the weak solvation of the nonpolar solvents coupled with higher oxygen...
The problem of electronic argument: a humanist’s perspective

Abstract This article attempts to explain the absence of a new rhetoric, as repurposed for electronic media. Such a rhetoric would provide, among other things, a blueprint for electronic arguments conducted in hypermedia form. Without an electronic rhetoric, the artifacts generated in new media inevitably fall into a narrow range: e-commerce and edutainment. One role of the humanist in this technological age, whose mother tongue is the conceptual language of the technologist, is to speak in an alternative language out of which an electronic rhetoric could emerge. The hallmark of the humanist’s alternative language or vocabulary is that it does not find technological innovation synonymous with rhetorical invention.
Effects of Local Site Conditions on Seismic Responses of a Reactor Containment Structure

The effect of local site conditions on soil-structure interaction (SSI) responses of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) containment building founded on different site conditions was investigated using substructure SSI analysis procedure. The structure was analyzed for both surface and embedded foundation conditions for each site with an exception for one half-space site with shear wave velocity 5000 fps. Only the surface foundation was analyzed for this very stiff half-space site. A total of 23 analyses are presented in this paper. Responses including peak ground accelerations and response spectra at selected locations were compared. The results indicate that the local site conditions have a significant influence on SSI response particularly for the structure founded on the surface of shallow soil deposit overlying competent rock. For thick soil sites having shear wave velocity larger than 1000 fps and having soil thickness greater than 3.5 times the radius of the structure, the effect of the soil thickness is not important.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Candida albicans endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty

We examined two patients who received contaminated corneas from the same organ donor during penetrating keratoplasty. Both developed Candida albicans endophthalmitis, which responded to surgical and antifungal therapy. On follow-up examination one patient had a visual acuity of hand motions, a pupillary membrane, and a macular scar. The other had a visual acuity of 20/100 and a clear graft.
Relations for Local Radiative Heat Transfer Between Rectangular Boundaries of an Absorbing–Emitting Medium

An analytical solution was obtained by Siegel (1991, 1992) for local boundary heat fluxes by a radiating medium at uniform temperature in a 2D rectangular region. It is shown here that, after local fluxes from the medium to the walls have been evaluated, it is very easy to compute local fluxes arriving from the adjacent and opposite walls. This extends the previous analysis and provides convenient relations to include radiation from a black boundary, each side of the rectangle being at a different uniform temperature. The final expressions are helpful in performing spectral calculations that must be made for many spectral bands.
Hymenolepis diminuta: effects of decerebration on thermal response behavior.

Abstract Hymenolepis diminuta propels itself with unidirectional peristaltic-like waveforms. When intact adult H. diminuta are placed in a thermal gradient, with the anterior proglottids hot relative to the posterior proglottids, the worms migrate up the gradient toward the hot side. When the anterior is cold, relative to the posterior, the worms moved slightly or little. These behaviors in a thermal gradient represent true thermokinetic responses for an organism with unidirectional locomotion. Removal of the scolex, containing the worm's cerebral ganglia, did not significantly alter these thermal responses. These data suggest that the peripheral nervous system is capable of integrating sensory input over the length of the strobila and coordinating locomotory behavior, in the absence of the central nervous system.
Social Inequality and Health Across the Life Course

Social inequalities in health persist across the life course, but the magnitude of these differences differs for children, young adults, and those in mid and later life. Longitudinal data confirm that health disparities do change as individuals move through the life course, that these processes are intertwined with selection and causation between socioeconomic status (SES) and health and from variation across cohorts representing vastly different historical contexts. Variations in health disparities across the life course offer unique opportunities to gain traction into understanding the production of these disparities. The life course perspective provides a rich set of concepts, methods, and a theoretical framework for guiding our inquiry into how SES disparities in health unfold as people live their lives. This article focuses attention on how socioeconomic conditions experienced as one is growing up relate to health and mortality across the adult life course. We first review recent work exploring the association between childhood SES and adult health and mortality, examining the evidence, and the types of questions raised, for early, mid, and later life. We then turn to a growing body of evidence examining accumulative processes between health and SES across the life course. We conclude with a discussion of three major gaps and promising directions that draw upon advances in life course research to advance our understanding of how inequality shapes health throughout the life course
Unconditional stability of a partitioned IMEX method for magnetohydrodynamic flows

Abstract Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows are governed by Navier–Stokes equations coupled with Maxwell equations through coupling terms. We prove the unconditional stability of a partitioned method for the evolutionary full MHD equations, at high magnetic Reynolds number, written in the Elsasser variables. The method we analyze is a first-order one-step scheme, which consists of implicit discretization of the subproblem terms and explicit discretization of the coupling terms.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages, Economic Fluctuations, and Lender Portfolio Change

In this study we examine the effects of economic fluctuations on the repayment behavior of a portfolio of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Because the U.S. experience with ARMs is quite recent, we have used data on a form of ARM used in Canada, the rollover mortgage. The results of our analysis suggest that use of ARMs similar to the rollover mortgage may reduce but not eliminate interest-rate risk for lenders, as borrowers, albeit constrained, prepay above-market-rate loans. In addition, we find that the periodic payment change inherent in the rollover mortgage does not lead to higher default rates and, therefore, credit risk.
Tidal oscillations in Mars's atmosphere

Atmospheric tides—global oscillations in pressure, temperature, and wind that are subharmonics of a solar day—mainly affect the upper atmosphere on Earth, but on Mars they tend to have effects throughout the atmosphere. Tidal variations in Mars's atmosphere are mainly introduced by diurnal variations in surface temperature as the planet rotates. The absorption of radiation by aerosols in the atmosphere provides an additional forcing, which complicates the tidal structure.
Case study of solar wind pressure variations and neutral atom emissions observed by IMAGE/LENA

[1] The Low Energy Neutral Atom (LENA) imager on the IMAGE spacecraft was designed to observe neutral atom emissions at low energy (10 eV-∼4 keV) from the high-latitude ionosphere. In this study we present data from an ion outflow event on 24 June 2000 showing increases in neutral flux that appear to be associated with dynamic pressure variations in the solar wind. Results from a correlation analysis show the neutral flux to be well correlated (∼0.64) with the solar wind dynamic pressure. The neutral atom data are most consistent with a source region at a radial distance of 2.2-2.3 R E , interpreted as the region over which the bulk ion outflow escapes the ionosphere and is partly converted to neutral atoms. Very short time delays (∼2 min) were calculated between the solar wind pressure increase and neutral atom response, indicating a prompt ionospheric response to the solar wind input.
Formation of nitric oxide in premixed hydrocarbon flames

The formation was followed by probing flames of ethylene, methane, or propane with N2-O2 mixtures. The known kinetic laws of the well-understood N2-O2-NO system (limited by the rate of the reaction O+N2→N+NO) described the growth of nitric oxide in the post-flame gas, after hydrocarbons were consumed, but could not describe a faster, transient formation of nitric oxide in the primary reaction zone. The transient formation did not occur in hydrogen or carbon monoxide flames, and therefore, may involve an attack of carbon or hydrocarbon radicals on nitrogen molecules (e.g., CH+N2→HCN+N). At atmospheric pressure, the transient formation gave its greatest yield in flames containing 1.3 to 1.4 times the stoichiometric amount of fuel. Its yield increased somewhat with pressure, particularly in fuel-lean flames, so that at 3 atmos pressure the nitric oxide formed quickly in the primary reaction zone was about the same in flames of 0.8 as of 1.4 mixture strength. The transient formation possessed a relatively weak temperature dependence. Extrapolating the measurements, one can suggest that the new mechanism may contribute significantly to the emission of nitrogen oxides from a gas turbine, but the major contribution occurs by the known mechanism of the N2-O2 system.
The Development of Math–Race Stereotypes: “They Say Chinese People Are the Best at Math”

Sixty elementary-school children (9–10 years old) and 82 adolescents (12–13 years old) completed explicit and implicit measures of racial stereotypes about math. 60 Asian, 42 Latino, 21 White, 15 Black, and four multiracial students participated (42% boys). On the explicit measure, children as early as fifth grade reported being aware of the stereotype that Asians = math, but only adolescents personally endorsed this stereotype. On the implicit measure, there was significant evidence for racial stereotypes about math among adolescents. Across both ages, individual students’ explicit awareness of the stereotype was significantly correlated with their implicit stereotypes. Early adolescence is a key developmental window for discussing stereotypes before they become endorsed as personal beliefs.
Significance of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1)expression in claudin-low breast cancer and crosstalk with the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) pathway

The recently identified claudin-low subtype of breast cancer is enriched for cells with stem-like and mesenchymal-like characteristics. This subtype is most often triple-negative (lacking the estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR) as well as lacking epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) amplification) and has a poor prognosis. There are few targeted treatment options available for patients with this highly aggressive type of cancer. Using a high throughput inhibitor screen, we identified high expression of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), the effector molecule of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway, as a critical determinant of cell lines that have undergone an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). High GLI1 expression is a property of claudin-low cells and tumors and correlates with markers of EMT and breast cancer stem cells. Knockdown of GLI1 expression in claudin-low cell lines resulted in reduced cell viability, motility, clonogenicity, self-renewal, and reduced tumor growth of orthotopic xenografts. We observed non-canonical activation of GLI1 in claudin-low and EMT cell lines, and identified crosstalk with the NFκB pathway. This work highlights the importance of GLI1 in the maintenance of characteristics of metastatic breast cancer stem cells. Remarkably, treatment with an inhibitor of the NFκB pathway reproducibly reduces GLI1 expression and protein levels. We further provide direct evidence for the binding of the NFκB subunit p65 to the GLI1 promoter in both EMT and claudin-low cell lines. Our results uncover crosstalk between NFκB and GLI1 signals and suggest that targeting these pathways may be effective against the claudin-low breast cancer subtype.
Realistic operational simulation of wind projects

The profitable operation of a wind project depends on two critical indices: wind energy deliverability and locational marginal prices (LMP). The traditional optimal power flow (OPF) study has been widely used to obtain those indices. However, the traditional OPF study generally provides only the peak load hour results, which ignore temporal constraints of power system components that are considered in day-ahead market operations. This paper proposes the use of a Mixed-Integer-Programming (MIP)-based security-constrained unit commitment (SCUC) software tool for more realistic electricity market simulations. The SCUC-based study provides hourly LMP prospects over one day, one week, and up to one year. Such simulation studies could relate LMPs to the daily/weekly load patterns for a thorough assessment of wind projects. The proposed SCUC approach has been used for the evaluation of several wind projects in various locations in the U.S.
Maneb and paraquat-mediated neurotoxicity: involvement of peroxiredoxin/thioredoxin system.

Epidemiological and in vivo studies have demonstrated that exposure to the pesticides paraquat (PQ) and maneb (MB) increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cause dopaminergic cell loss, respectively. PQ is a well-recognized cause of oxidative toxicity; therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if MB potentiates oxidative stress caused by PQ, thus providing a mechanism for enhanced neurotoxicity by the combination. The results show that PQ alone at a moderately toxic dose (20–30% cell death in 24 h) caused increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidation of mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 and peroxiredoxin-3, lesser oxidation of cytoplasmic thioredoxin-1 and peroxiredoxin-1, and no oxidation of cellular GSH/GSSG. In contrast, MB alone at a similar toxic dose resulted in no ROS generation, no oxidation of thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin, and an increase in cellular GSH after 24 h. Together, MB increased GSH and inhibited ROS production and thioredoxin/peroxiredoxin oxidation observed with PQ alone, yet resulted in more extensive (> 50%) cell death. MB treatment resulted in increased abundance of nuclear Nrf2 and mRNA for phase II enzymes under the control of Nrf2, indicating activation of cell protective responses. The results show that MB potentiation of PQ neurotoxicity does not occur by enhancing oxidative stress and suggests that increased toxicity occurs by a combination of divergent mechanisms, perhaps involving alkylation by MB and oxidation by PQ.
DUF283 domain of Dicer proteins has a double-stranded RNA-binding fold

Two RNases, Dicer and Argonaute, are at the heart of the RNA interference (RNAi) molecular machinery responsible for gene silencing. Both RNases contain multiple domains, most of which have been characterized or have functions that can be predicted based on sequence comparisons. However, Dicers of higher eukaryotes contain the domain known as DUF283 which at present has no assigned role. Using sensitive profile--profile comparisons, we detected a divergent double-stranded RNA-binding domain coinciding with the DUF283 of Dicer. This finding has potential implications regarding the mechanistic role of Dicer in RNAi. Contact: mdlakic@montana.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary images are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effect of beryllium on mineral element composition of bush beans

Abstract Bean plants were grown in solution culture with either 0, 4, 8, 16 μg Be/ml. Most Be remained in roots. Leaf concentrations of P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Al, Si, Mo, Sr, Ba were decreased by high Be application.