cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agonist Ligands Mediate the Transcriptional Response of Nuclear Receptor Heterodimers through Distinct Stoichiometric Assemblies with Coactivators

The constitutive androstane (CAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR) are ligand-mediated transcription factors of the nuclear receptor protein superfamily. Functional CAR:RXR heterodimers recruit coactivator proteins, such as the steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC1). Here, we show that agonist ligands can potentiate transactivation through both coactivator binding sites on CAR:RXR, which distinctly bind two SRC1 molecules. We also observe that SRC1 transitions from a structurally plastic to a compact form upon binding CAR:RXR. Using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) we show that the CAR(tcp):RXR(9c)·SRC1 complex can encompass two SRC1 molecules compared with the CAR(tcp):RXR·SRC1, which binds only a single SRC1. Moreover, sedimentation coefficients and molecular weights determined by analytical ultracentrifugation confirm the SAXS model. Cell-based transcription assays show that disrupting the SRC1 binding site on RXR alters the transactivation by CAR:RXR. These data suggest a broader role for RXR within heterodimers, whereas offering multiple strategies for the assembly of the transcription complex.
Can Subthreshold and Near-Threshold Circuits Go Mainstream?

Recent research has shown the potential benefits of subthreshold or near-threshold operation, which gives up a substantial degree of speed in order to reduce energy per operation. This is an excellent trade-off for many tasks, such as cyberphysical systems. This prolegomenon summarizes the benefits and challenges of subthreshold or near-threshold operation.
Regeneratively Cooled Multiple-Use Plug Hybrid for Nanosatellites

The multiple-use plug hybrid for nanosatellites prototype thruster is being developed to fill a niche application for nanosat scale spacecraft propulsion. The prototype thruster uses safe-handling and inexpensive nitrous oxide and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene as propellants. The thruster system provides attitude control using secondary-injection thrust vectoring and allows large-impulse ΔV and small-impulse attitude control and proximity burns to be performed with the same system. To ensure survivability during extended duration burns, the multiple-use plug hybrid for nanosatellites incorporates a novel regenerative cooling design in which the nitrous oxide oxidizer flows through a cooling path embedded in the aerospike nozzle, before being injected into the combustion chamber near the nozzle base. Digital manufacturing was used to fabricate the nozzle components. Fused deposition modeling was used to fabricate the solid fuel grain from the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic. When fully deve...
A Demonstration of Methods for Studying Negotiations Between Physicians and Health Care Managers

Decision analysis was used to study negotiations in the health care context. This paper found that analytical methods could answer several important questions related to complex negotiations, including whether contracts promote the interest of both parties, whether a decision aid could better meet the priorities of both parties, and whether one negotiator is more successful than the other in repeated negotiations. The paper concluded that micro-health care negotiations can be traced and studied with existing mathematical theories of negotiation.
Catalytic reforming of methane with carbon dioxide over nickel catalysts II. Reaction kinetics

The reforming of methane with carbon dioxide was studied over nickel supported on SiO2, TiO2, MgO and activated carbon. Specific activities on a turnover frequency basis were in the order: Ni/TiO2 > Ni/C > Ni/SiO2 > Ni/MgO. Interestingly, a 2-fold increase in activation energy for this reaction was observed over Ni/TiO2 after several hours time on stream. The reverse water-gas shift reaction was found to be close to thermodynamic equilibrium over all catalysts. Partial pressure dependencies were obtained with the Ni/C and Ni/SiO2 catalysts at 723 K for comparative purposes only, but a more thorough kinetic analysis was made with the Ni/MgO and Ni/TiO2 catalysts, which were shown previously to strongly inhibit carbon deposition. Partial pressure dependencies were obtained at 673, 698, and 723 K for Ni/TiO2 and at 773, 798, and 823 K for Ni/MgO. In situ DRIFTS studies clearly showed the presence of both linear and bridged carbon monoxide adsorption on Ni/SiO2 under reaction conditions; however, adsorbed carbon monoxide could not be identified on Ni/TiO2. A reaction model for CH4—CO2 reforming, based on CH4 activation to form CHx and CHxO decomposition as the slow kinetic steps, successfully correlated the rate data.
Multiple Channel Bridges for Spinal Cord Injury: Cellular Characterization of Host Response

Bridges for treatment of the injured spinal cord must stabilize the injury site to prevent secondary damage and create a permissive environment that promotes regeneration. The host response to the bridge is central to creating a permissive environment, as the cell types that respond to the injury have the potential to secrete both stimulatory and inhibitory factors. We investigated multiple channel bridges for spinal cord regeneration and correlated the bridge structure to cell infiltration and axonal elongation. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) bridges were fabricated by a gas foaming/particulate leaching process. Channels within the bridge had diameters of 150 or 250 microm, and the main body of the bridge was highly porous with a controllable pore size. Upon implantation in a rat spinal cord hemisection site, cells infiltrated into the bridge pores and channels, with the pore size influencing the rate of infiltration. The pores had significant cell infiltration, including fibroblasts, macrophages, S-100beta-positive cells, and endothelial cells. The channels of the bridge were completely infiltrated with cells, which had aligned axially, and consisted primarily of fibroblasts, S-100beta-positive cells, and endothelial cells. Reactive astrocytes were observed primarily outside of the bridge, and staining for chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans was decreased in the region surrounding the bridge relative to studies without bridges. Neurofilament staining revealed a preferential growth of the neural fibers within the bridge channels relative to the pores. Multiple channel bridges capable of supporting cellular infiltration, creating a permissive environment, and directing the growth of neural fibers have potential for promoting and directing spinal cord regeneration.
In patients with rectoceles and obstructed defecation syndrome, surgery should be the option of last resort

Background The indications for operation in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) with rectocele are not well defined. Methods A total of 90 female patients with ODS and rectocele were prospectively evaluated and treated with fiber supplements and biofeedback training. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to determine factors predictive of failing medical management. Results Obstructive symptoms were the most prevalent presenting complaint (82.2%). Ultimately, 71.1% of patients responded to medical management and biofeedback. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the presence of internal intussusception was associated with a lower chance of undergoing surgery to address ODS symptoms [odds ratio 0.18; P = .05], whereas inability to expel balloon, contrast retention on defecography, and splinting were not (P ≥ .15). Conclusion Rectoceles with concomitant intussusception in patients with ODS appear to portend a favorable response to biofeedback and medical management. We argue that all patients considered for surgery for rectoceles because of ODS should first undergo appropriate bowel retraining.
The impacts of acid deposition on N and S cycling

Abstract Modern concern on the environmental impact of ‘acid rain’ centers especially on the oxides of N and S. More appropriately expressed as ‘acid deposition’, the topic has been related largely to impacts on human health and man-made structures with focus only in recent years on possible damage to soils and agricultural production. Likely deleterious effects on soils include reduction in pH, increased activity of various elements with toxicity potential, accelerated mineral weathering and leaching of reserve soil nutrients and undesirable changes in the soil microflora. Areas with greatest potential for soil damage from deposition are in close proximity and downwind from large coal-burning plants, especially where shallow and/or coarse textured soils exist on inaccessible mountainous positions with forest cover. For most of the agricultural regions of this country and the world, however, the N and S fallout products are more beneficial in supplying needed plant nutrients than they are detrimental. Their acidification capacity is insignificant in comparison with that of natural N and S transformations in soils or that induced by conventional fertilizer programs of farmers. The slight acidification imposed over the long term can improve calcareous and alkali soils as growth media and is readily corrected by liming of the acid soils made more acid than desirable for crop production.
Efficient implementation of facet models on a multimedia system

Facet models are one of the most fundamental tools in image processing. Minimization of error between the underlying gray level and the observed data from the image forms the basis of facet models. It can be used in a variety of image processing applications, e.g., edge detection, image segmentation, optical flow, etc. However, the computational requirement to support this algorithm is extensive and increases rapidly as the order of the model increases. Our focus has been on faster computation of facet parameters and related factors like local moments. An approach that speeds up the execution time by reducing the redundancies that exist among the kernels is presented. The new algorithm improves the performance by a factor of 7 over direct implementation on a SUN SparcStation 10/41 for estimating six parameters of the quadratic facet model. The performance of this algorithm was also analyzed for the MediaStation 5000, which is a high-performance desktop multimedia system. Optimized implementation on the MediaStation 5000 achieves performance improvement of 38 times over the SUN SparcStation 10/41 implementation.
Experimental Investigation of Strength and Stiffness Characteristics of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

Abstract Rutting is a common phenomenon on pavements in Pakistan. Resilient modulus is one the important properties used in the mechanistic analysis of pavement response under dynamic traffic loads as well as used to study the rutting behavior of pavement. This research study investigates the effect of specimen diameter, bitumen grade and compactive effort on the resilient modulus (stiffness) and Indirect tensile strength (Strength) of asphalt concrete. The analysis of experimental results revealed that both the strength and stiffness values for Polymer Modified Bitumen grade were greater than that of unmodified penetration grade bitumen. Similarly, the resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength values of specimens prepared with 100 mm diameter and compacted with Marshall Hammer were more than that of specimens prepared with 150 mm diameter and compacted with gyratory compactor. This research will help the highway agencies in modifying their design methods for asphalt concrete pavements.
Ernst Florens Friedrich Chladni (1756–1827) and the origins of modern meteorite research

In 1794, Ernst F. F. Chladni published a 63-page book, ber den Ursprung der von Pallas gefundenen und anderer ihr nlicher Eisenmassen und ber einige damit in Verbindung stehende Naturerscheinungen, in which he proposed that meteor-stones and iron masses enter the atmosphere from cosmic space and form fireballs as they plunge to Earth. These ideas violated two strongly held contemporary beliefs: 1) fragments of rock and metal do not fall from the sky, and 2) no small bodies exist in space beyond the Moon. From the beginning, Chladni was severely criticized for basing his hypotheses on historical eyewitness reports of falls, which others regarded as folk tales, and for taking gross liberties with the laws of physics. Ten years later, the study of fallen stones and irons was established as a valid field of investigation. Today, some scholars credit Chladni with founding meteoritics as a science; others regard his contributions as scarcely worthy of mention. Writings by his contemporaries suggest that Chladnis book alone would not have led to changes of prevailing theories; thus, he narrowly escaped the fate of those scientists who propose valid hypotheses prematurely. However, between 1794 and 1798, four falls of stones were witnessed and widely publicized. There followed a series of epoch-making analyses of fallen stones and native irons by the chemist Edward C. Howard and the mineralogist Jacques-Louis de Bournon. They showed that all the stones were much alike in texture and composition but significantly different from the Earths known crustal rocks. Of primary importance was Howards discovery of nickel in the irons and the metal grains of the stones. This linked the two as belonging to the same natural phenomenon. These chemical results, published in February 1802, persuaded some of the leading scientists in England, France, and Germany that bodies do fall from the sky. Within a few months, chemists in France reported similar results and a new field of study was inaugurated internationally, although opposition lingered on until April 1803, when nearly 3,000 stones fell at LAigle in Normandy and transformed the last skeptics into believers. Chladni immediately received full credit for his hypothesis of falls, but decades passed before his linking of falling bodies with fireballs received general acceptance. His hypothesis of their origin in cosmic space met with strong resistance from those who argued that stones formed within the Earths atmosphere or were ejected by lunar volcanoes. After 1860, when both of these hypotheses were abandoned, there followed a century of debate between proponents of an interstellar versus a planetary origin. Not until the 1950s did conclusive evidence of their elliptical orbits establish meteorite parent bodies as members of the solar system. Thus, nearly 200 years passed before the questions of origin that Chladni raised finally were resolved.
Neural-network-based control of large structures

Adaptive control of spacecraft and large structures using Radial Basis Function (RBF) based Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is investigated. The centers of approximation of the RBFs are allowed to be dynamic in order to provide persistent excitation and a small window of approximation. Both state and time based RBFs are investigated for their ability to identify unmodeled and persistent effects. Integral feedback of the attitude seems necessary, especially when the initial estimates are poor, to eliminate steady state errors for pointing applications. Examples of motion-to-rest as well as tracking maneuvers and vibration suppression are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis of benzyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-β-d-fucopyranosyl-α-d-galactopyranoside and benzyl 2-acetamido-6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-3-O-β-d-fucopyranosyl-α-d-galactopyranoside

Abstract Condensation of benzyl 2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-α- d -galactopyranoside with 2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-α- d -fucopyranosyl bromide in 1:1 nitromethane-benzene, in the presence of powdered mercuric cyanide, afforded benzyl 2-acetamido-4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-3- O -(2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-β- d -fucopyranosyl)-α- d -galactopyranoside ( 3 ). Cleavage of the benzylidene group of 3 with hot, 60% aqueous acetic acid afforded diol 4 , which, on deacetylation, furnished the disaccharide 5 . Condensation of diol 4 with 2-methyl-(3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-1,2-di-deoxy-α- d -glucopyrano)-[2,1- d ]-2-oxazoline in 1,2-dichloroethane afforded the trisaccharide derivative ( 7 ). Deacetylation of 7 with Amberlyst A-26 (OH − ) anion-exchange resin in methanol gave the title trisaccharide ( 8 ). The structures of 5 and 8 were confirmed by 13 C-n.m.r. spectroscopy.
Human Keratinocyte Locomotion: The Effect of Selected Cytokines

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are two powerful mitogens for human keratinocytes that also have been shown to promote the healing of in vivo wounds. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) markedly inhibits human keratinocyte proliferation and growth and yet has been shown to promote wound healing. Using a migration assay that evaluates pure cell locomotion independently from cell proliferation, we examined the influence of EGF, bFGF, and TGF-B on human keratinocyte locomotion. Although these agents had profound influences upon the growth potential of keratinocytes in parallel thymidine incorporation assays, they had no significant effect upon keratinocyte locomotion when cells were apposed to either tissue culture plastic or a collagen substratum. In contrast, we found that bovine pituitary extract (BPE), a poorly defined mitogen that is commonly used in keratinocyte cultures, could stimulate keratinocyte locomotion when the cells were apposed to a collagen substrate. These studies demonstrate that i) keratinocyte locomotion and proliferation operate by completely independent mechanisms, ii) the positive effects upon wound healing by EGF, bFGF, and TGF-beta are not due to a direct promotion of keratinocyte locomotion, and iii) that one or more components of BPE are capable of directly promoting keratinocyte locomotion on collagen.
3-ranks for strongly regular graphs

In the study of strongly regular graphs, ranks of adjacency matrices (Laplacians actually) are extensively used to demonstrate inequivalence of graphs. Constructions have been given for several families of graphs. Formulas for the ranks in these families are an important tool for understanding their properties.The first and computational challenge is to compute rank modulo 3 of some very large matrices. To our advantage is that the ranks are expected to be relatively small. Typically in these families, the matrix dimension is 3k while the rank modulo 3 is in the vicinity of 2k.Here we discuss a high performance parallel solution to the problem. It involves parallelism at three levels: word-level vectorization of field elements, shared-memory multi-core, and a multi-node distributed memory and file-system modulated level. The implementation has been applied to the case k = 16, wherein the matrix contains approximately 1.85 peta-entries.The second challenge is to discern a formula for the sequence of ranks in a given graph family. Our computations provide further evidence for an existing conjecture concerning the Dickson family of strongly regular graphs and provide a starting point towards finding a formula for the Ding-Yuan and Cohen-Ganley families of graphs.
Ground-state energy shift in superconductor due to s-d interaction

Abstract The possibility that the s-d interaction gives rise to a bound state between conduction electrons and a localized spin in superconductor is discussed. It is shown thata singlet bound state is energetically favorable when λ O is greater than Δ, where λ O is the binding energy of the singlet in the normal state and Δ is the zero temperature BCS gap parameter.
An underactuated robot with a hyper-articulated deployable arm working inside an aircraft wing-box

We propose a novel concept for the actuation of a hyper-articulated robot arm for assembly operations inside an aircraft wing-box. The wing-box has a large span, but is only accessible through multiple small portholes along its length. The arm should be compact enough to enter the wing-box through the small portholes, yet capable of subsequent reconfiguration so as to access a number of assembly points inside the wing-box. Traditional electromechanical actuators powering individual joints are unsuitable for our purpose, because of limited space and large payload requirements. We propose an underactuated system which uses a single actuator at the base for the deployment of a multi d.o.f. serial linkage structure. Our proposed system exploits gravitational and gyroscopic torques in the system dynamics to rapidly deploy the system. We develop a methodology for determining the input required for a desired output trajectory and verify the results through simulation.
Cost effectiveness of recycling: A systems model

Financial analytical models of waste management systems have often found that recycling costs exceed direct benefits, and in order to economically justify recycling activities, externalities such as household expenses or environmental impacts must be invoked. Certain more empirically based studies have also found that recycling is more expensive than disposal. Other work, both through models and surveys, have found differently. Here we present an empirical systems model, largely drawn from a suburban Long Island municipality. The model accounts for changes in distribution of effort as recycling tonnages displace disposal tonnages, and the seven different cases examined all show that curbside collection programs that manage up to between 31% and 37% of the waste stream should result in overall system savings. These savings accrue partially because of assumed cost differences in tip fees for recyclables and disposed wastes, and also because recycling can result in a more efficient, cost-effective collection program. These results imply that increases in recycling are justifiable due to cost-savings alone, not on more difficult to measure factors that may not impact program budgets.
On the description of a free-electron laser in a moving frame

We comment on the description of the standard free-electron laser in the Bambini-Renieri moving frame, whose significance is in the fact that the electron Hamiltonian is free from explicit time dependence. It is shown that this moving frame is essentially equal to the rest frame of the “resonant” electron (the electron whose motion is affected only by the wiggler field), a fact that apparently is not recognized.
Martensitic Transformation Cycling and the Phenomenon of Two-Way Shape Memory Training

The character and mechanism of two-way shape memory (TWSM) “training” has been investigated in a Cu-Zn-Al alloy by means of detailed thermomechanical evaluation and TEM observations. The progressive effects of training on the TWSM behaviour, as well as an accompanying substructural evolution, have been established. The results indicate a relationship between the substructural effects of cyclic thermoelastic martensitic transformation and the ability to exhibit TWSM. Microscopic studies reveal that as the number of cycles of thermoelastic transformation under stress increases, specific physical features develop in the parent phase submicrostructure. These take the form of dislocation structures which evolve into “vestigial” martensite markinqs. These in turn assist in the nucleation and growth of a preferred martensite plate arrangement on cooling which is similar to that induced under stress during the training cycles.
Shifting frames and rhetorics: a case study of the Christian Coalition of New York

Abstract In their struggle to realize their goals, social movements must develop a rhetorical frame that resonates with the world-view of potential adherents. This cultural dimension of social movement activity is addressed by exploring how movements construct meanings and, in the process, make sense of events both for their supporters and for wider audiences. This essay outlines a typology of “master frames” that provide a discursive grounding for classifying events and creating a coherent social order. The typology is then used to chart the evolution of rhetorical frames adopted by the Christian Coalition of New York in the debate over public school curriculum. Content analyses and interviews conducted for this study suggest that, despite a group’s underlying world-view, the effectiveness of master frames is governed largely by the discursive grounding of the arena in which the conflict is taking place.
Photolithography of Dithiocarbamate-Anchored Monolayers and Polymers on Gold.

Dithiocarbamate (DTC)-anchored monolayers and polymers were investigated as positive resists for UV photolithography on planar and roughened Au surfaces. DTCs were formed in situ by the condensation of CS2 with monovalent or polyvalent amines such as linear polyethyleneimine (PEI) under mildly basic aqueous conditions, just prior to surface passivation. The robust adsorption of the polyvalent PEI–DTC to Au surfaces supported high levels of resistance to photoablation, providing opportunities to generate thin films with gradient functionality. Treatment of photopatterned substrates with alkanethiols produced binary coatings, enabling a direct visual comparison of DTC- and thiol-passivated surfaces against chemically induced corrosion using confocal microscopy.
Henry Lawes's Settings of Songs for Milton's "Comus"

Shawcross examines the transformation of John Milton's workÂ "Comus" into song by the composer Henry Lawes ( 1595â€“1662), derived from revisions of the basic transcription in Milton's manuscript in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge.Â This examination reveals Milton's frequent changing of text and apparent lack of satisfaction with his earlier work.Â These revisions even took place after his work was set to music.
Residual motion and function after glenohumeral or scapulothoracic arthrodesis.

The purpose of this study was to characterize humerothoracic motion and function after glenohumeral or scapulothoracic arthrodesis and to compare those results with those from normal shoulders. We evaluated 12 shoulders in 11 patients at an average of 71 months after glenohumeral arthrodesis and seven shoulders in six patients at an average of 32 months after scapulothoracic arthrodesis. The residual motion of the unfused articulation was measured with a spatial position sensor. Various activities of daily living and standard clinical range-of-motion tests were performed. Nearly all humerothoracic motions were significantly decreased in patients after either type of shoulder arthrodesis. Patients with a glenohumeral fusion maintained their scapulothoracic motion at levels comparable with that of normal subjects. Residual glenohumeral extension and external rotation after scapulothoracic fusion were significantly decreased; internal rotation remained unchanged compared with motion in subjects with normal shoulders. Glenohumeral fusion decreased the patients' ability to perform personal care activities requiring extremes of internal rotation or elevation. Although glenohumeral arthrodesis limited total humerothoracic motion considerably, the majority of patients were improved functionally and were relatively free from pain. Most personal care activities were performed successfully by all patients with scapulothoracic fusion.
ISICL: In situ coherent lidar for particle detection in semiconductor-processing equipment

A scanning coherent lidar (laser radar) for detecting and mapping isolated submicrometer particles in hostile or inaccessible regions such as plasma chambers, ovens, tanks, and pipes is described. The sensor uses a noise-canceled diode laser homodyne interferometer of novel design that is insensitive to misalignment, runs at the quantum limit, and requires just one access window. At a false-count rate of 10−5 Hz, the sensor needs 50 photons to detect a particle. A combination of techniques makes the system immune to stray light or laser light scattered from the chamber walls, though these other light sources may be 106 times more intense than the desired signal.
Social skills training for alcoholics and drug addicts: a review.

Abstract Investigations that have employed social skills training with skill impaired alcoholics and drug addicts are reviewed. General definitions of assertion and social skill and research related to social skills acquisition are presented. While use of skills training with these populations is at an exploratory stage, preliminary findings suggest the utility of this approach for enhancing interpersonal performance. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to various methodological problems. Generalization and maintenance of training, transfer measures, interaction between treatment components and subject characteristics, and validity of role played assessment procedures are all areas that warrant further attention. Usefulness of a more global social skills concept and approach also is discussed; suggestions for future directions of research are offered.
Lateral connectivity as a scaffold for developing orientation preference maps

Abstract In the visual cortex of the cat and ferret, it is established that orientation selectivity is the consequence of experience-dependent plasticity. Recent experiments, however, indicate that the layout of orientation maps is remarkably stable and experience-independent. We present a model to account for these seemingly paradoxical results. In this model, a scaffold consisting of anisotropic lateral connections is laid down in horizontal circuitry prior to visual experience. These lateral connections provide an experience-independent framework for the developing orientation map by inducing broad orientation tuning. Adult-like, sharp orientation tuning emerges as the result of experience-dependent plasticity of the feedforward connections. This plasticity is modeled by the BCM synaptic plasticity rule in a natural scene environment. This model simultaneously satisfies the requirements of plasticity and stability that are seen in experiment. In addition, this model provides an explanation of the phenomenon where two eyes without common visual experience develop similar orientation maps.
A favorski reaction using iodosobenzene

Abstract Iodosobenzene or iodobenzene diacetate and excess base when reacted with 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstane-3-one (1a) unexpectedly gave a good yield of Favorski acid (3a) and some (3b). 17β-hydroxy-5α-19-norandrostan-3-one (1b) gave mainly the expected dimethylketal of the 2α-hydroxy-3-keto steroid (5).
Predictive Value of Acute Kidney Injury in Medical Intensive Care Patients With Sepsis Originating From Different Infection Sites

Abstract Introduction Sepsis is the most common noncoronary cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). This study compared different systems for predicting outcomes in a population of critically ill patients with sepsis originating from different infection sites, including intra-abdominal and pulmonary infections. Methods This post hoc analysis of an accumulated database enrolled 161 heterogeneous critically ill patients diagnosed as severe sepsis and septic shock patients admitted to medical ICUs from June 2005 to May 2007. Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory variables, comorbidities and infection source were prospectively recorded on the first day of ICU admission. Patient evaluations included acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II, APACHE III, sequential organ failure assessment scores, organ system failure and risk of renal failure, injury to kidney, failure of kidney function, loss of kidney function and end-stage renal failure (RIFLE) classification. Results Regarding the different originating sites of severe sepsis, intra-abdominal infections and pulmonary infections had the highest mortality rates (83.3% and 48.5%, respectively; P P Conclusions This investigation confirms that different infection sites have different outcomes. In terms of mortality prediction, outcome scoring systems are significantly more accurate in patients with intra-abdominal infections than in those with pulmonary infections.
An algorithm for automatic correction of quadrature phase detector outputs

Abstract A computer algorithm is described which automatically corrects phase and amplitude errors when quadrature phase detectors are used in Fourier transform NMR. A procedure for averaging unlocked scans in the time domain is discussed.
Isolation of 4-coumarate Co-A ligase gene promoter from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and characterization of tissue-specific activity in transgenic tobacco.

Abstract We characterized promoter activity of a phenylpropanoid biosynthetic gene encoding 4-coumarate Co-A ligase (4CL), Pta4Clα, from Pinus taeda. Histochemical- and quantitative assays of GUS expression in the vascular tissue were performed using transgenic tobacco plants expressing promoter-GUS reporters. Deletion analysis of the Pta4Clα promoter showed that the region −524 to −252, which has two AC elements, controls the high expression levels in ray-parenchyma cells of older tobacco stems. High activity level of the promoter domain of Pta4CLα was also detected in the xylem cells under bending stress. DNA-protein complexes were detected in the reactions of the Pta4CLα promoter fragments with the nuclear proteins of xylem of P. taeda. The AC elements in the Pta4CLα promoter appeared to have individual roles during xylem development that are activated in a coordinated manner in response to stress in transgenic tobacco.
SIRTF — The moderate mission

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) has been planned by NASA and the US scientific and aerospace communities as a cryogenically-cooled observatory for infrared astronomy from space. Within the past few years, severe pressures on NASA’s budget have led to the cancellation of many programs and to dramatic rescoping of others; SIRTF is in the latter category. This paper describes the resulting redefinition of SIRTF and the technical innovations which have made it possible to package SIRTF’s key scientific capabilities into the envelope of a moderate-class mission.
Modeling Nonperiodic Adsorption on Periodic Surfaces: A Composite Energy Approach for Low-Coverage Limits

The accurate modeling of adsorbates on periodic surfaces at low coverages is computationally inefficient with current methodologies, typically requiring large unit cells to minimize unphysical inte...
Multifunctional composites with self-sensing capabilities: carbon nanotube-based networks

Increasingly materials and systems are being tailored to achieve multifunctional properties where they can combine active, sensory, adaptive, and autonomic capabilities. Toward the development of these material capabilities there is a critical need to develop methodologies and devices for in situ self-sensing. The expansion of processing techniques that enable structuring materials at the nanoscale combined with development of new methods for analysis should enable optimization of material structure to achieve systems that satisfy specific functional requirements. In this research we demonstrate that conducting carbon nanotube networks formed in an epoxy polymer matrix can be utilized as highly sensitive sensors for both strain and damage accumulation in advanced fiber composites.
Curing of the [URE3] prion by Btn2p, a Batten disease-related protein

[URE3] is a prion (infectious protein), a self-propagating amyloid form of Ure2p, a regulator of yeast nitrogen catabolism. We find that overproduction of Btn2p, or its homologue Ypr158 (Cur1p), cures [URE3]. Btn2p is reported to be associated with late endosomes and to affect sorting of several proteins. We find that double deletion of BTN2 and CUR1 stabilizes [URE3] against curing by several agents, produces a remarkable increase in the proportion of strong [URE3] variants arising de novo and an increase in the number of [URE3] prion seeds. Thus, normal levels of Btn2p and Cur1p affect prion generation and propagation. Btn2p–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins appear as a single dot located close to the nucleus and the vacuole. During the curing process, those cells having both Ure2p–GFP aggregates and Btn2p–RFP dots display striking colocalization. Btn2p curing requires cell division, and our results suggest that Btn2p is part of a system, reminiscent of the mammalian aggresome, that collects aggregates preventing their efficient distribution to progeny cells.
Weed control in a pigeon pea-wheat cropping system

Abstract Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) seedlings compete poorly against the rapid growth of warm-season annual weeds. Weed control is required before this heat and drought-tolerant legume can be reliably grown in the U.S. southern Great Plains as a potential source of livestock hay between annual plantings of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Currently, no herbicides are labeled for use on pigeon pea grown in the U.S. Three years of replicated field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of applications (1× and 2× rates) of herbicides (pre-emergence, sulfentrazone + chlorimuron and metribuzin; post-emergence, imazapic and sethoxydim) on weed suppression, pigeon pea dry matter, and carry-over effects on a winter wheat crop. The most abundant summer weeds were broadleaf, and all herbicide treatments, except sethoxydim (grass herbicide), reduced weed densities compared to untreated plots without adversely affecting pigeon pea stands. Imazapic treatments provided the most effective weed control. Overall average pigeon pea dry matter ranged from 75 to 256 g m −2 with sethoxydim and the untreated control ≤ metribuzin ≤ sulfentrazone + chlorimuron ≤ hand weeded control ≤ imazapic. Compared to the hand-weeded control, imazapic treatments greatly reduced wheat dry matter (1×, 65% and 2×, 91%) and grain yield (1×, 59% and 2×, 93%). Imazapic should not be used unless nontransgenic imidazolinone herbicide tolerant wheat cultivars are planted. While the other herbicides decreased negative effects of weeds on pigeon pea dry matter without greatly affecting productivity of a following wheat crop, appropriate labels for each of these herbicides will be required prior to their use by southern Great Plains pigeon pea producers.
A comparative study of US and international sustainability

Sustainability is the key to finding solutions to problems facing the Earth such as insufficient access to food, environmental degradation, declining natural resources, vanishing forests and deteriorating communities. Sustainable development is a common challenge for the global community, which has become a widely recognised goal for human society. This paper compares the sustainability of USA with other 20 countries. The mathematical comparison was completed using a statistical and simulation model to compare and analyse the five categories across each country.
Ouabain stimulation of noradrenaline transport in guinea pig heart

Cardiac glycosides such as ouabain inhibit Na+-dependent high-affinity noradrenaline uptake in sympathetic nerve terminals by interacting with (Na++K+)ATPase located in the neuronal membrane1–3. It has been suggested that the augmentation of noradrenaline concentration at the neuromuscular junctions following the inhibition of its uptake may contribute to the ouabain-induced cardiac arrhythmia seen with toxic doses of the drug4,5. Although it is generally accepted that the biochemical basis for the pharmacological response of cardiac glycosides must involve specific interaction of this class of drugs with the cardiac cell membrane Na+, K+-exchange pump, the precise molecular mechanism for the improvement of muscle performance by ouabain is controversial6,7. Many investigators claim that cardiac glycosides increase myocardial force of contraction by inhibiting (Na++K+)ATPase8–10. According to this hypothesis, such an inhibition might increase the intracellular concentration of Na+, which may augment the activity of the transmembrane Na+, Ca2+-exchange pump described by several workers11–14. We have found that ouabain stimulates Na+-dependent transport of noradrenaline by guinea pig heart sympathetic nerve terminals.
Successful and safe perfusion of the primate brainstem: in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of macromolecular distribution during infusion

Object. Intrinsic disease processes of the brainstem (gliomas, neurodegenerative disease, and others) have remained difficult or impossible to treat effectively because of limited drug penetration across the blood—brainstem barrier with conventional delivery methods. The authors used convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of a macromolecular tracer visible on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to examine the utility of CED for safe perfusion of the brainstem. Methods. Three primates (Macaca mulatta) underwent CED of various volumes of infusion ([Vis]; 85, 110, and 120 µl) of Gd-bound albumin (72 kD) in the pontine region of the brainstem during serial MR imaging. Infusate volume of distribution (Vd), homogeneity, and anatomical distribution were visualized and quantified using MR imaging. Neurological function was observed and recorded up to 35 days postinfusion. Histological analysis was performed in all animals. Large regions of the pons and midbrain were successfully and safely perfused with the macromolecula...
β-Blockers and Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in Patients With High Blood Pressure

We conducted a population-based, case-control study to determine whether β-blockers, used for the treatment of hypertension, prevent first events of coronary heart disease. Cases were patients who had high blood pressure treated with medicines and who presented in 1982 to 1984 with angina or fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Controls were a probability sample of health maintenance organization patients with pharmacologically treated hypertension and free of coronary heart disease. Blinded to case-control status, we reviewed the medical records of the 248 cases and 737 controls. The health maintenance organization's computerized pharmacy database was used to ascertain the use of β-blockers. Fewer cases than controls were taking β-blockers. This difference was confined to those with nonfatal infarctions. After adjustment for confounding, the estimated relative risk was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.99). Higher doses of β-blockers conferred greater protection. We conclude that β-blockers may prevent first events of nonfatal myocardial infarction in patients with high blood pressure. ( JAMA . 1989;261:2087-2094)
Molecular analysis of the pheromone and pheromone receptor genes of Ustilago hordei.

Cell‐cell signaling is an integral part of the sexual and disease cycles of the smut fungi, which must mate to be pathogenic. This study reports the cloning and characterization of the pheromone genes Uhmfa1 and Uhmfa2 from MAT-1 and MAT-2 mating types of U. hordei, respectively, and the pheromone receptor gene Uhpra2 from MAT-2 cells. Similar to other fungal pheromone genes, Uhmfa1 and Uhmfa2 encode precursor peptides. Uhpra2 encodes a protein with sequence similarity to the 7-transmembrane class of G-protein coupled receptors. Deletion of Uhmfa1 and Uhpra1, and their subsequent replacement, confirmed the role of these genes in initiation of the sexual cycle. Uhmfa1 and Uhmfa2 were diVerentially expressed in various cell types and when opposite mating-type cells were grown together. The predicted mature pheromones of each mating type were synthesized, and each specifically induced conjugation tube formation in cells of the opposite mating type. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
ParaMor and Morpho challenge 2008

We summarize the strong performance of ParaMor, an unsupervised morphology induction system, at Morpho Challenge 2008. When ParaMor's morphological analyses, which specialize at identifying inflectional morphology, are added to the analyses from the general-purpose unsupervised morphology induction system, Morfessor, the combined system identifies the morphemes of all five Morpho Challenge languages at recall scores higher than those of any other system which competed in the Challenge. These strong recall scores lead to F1 values for morpheme identification as high as or higher than those of any competing system for all the competition languages but English.
Breathing Reactions in Nucleic Acids and Proteins

A class of conformational fluctuations in biopolymers is revealed by hydrogen exchange (HX) rate measurements on molecules in their native state. In model double helices [poly (rA) • poly (rU)and poly (rI) • poly (rC)], two rate constants are measured in ultraviolet detected 2H -1H exchange experiments. In both systems the faster rate is independent of pH, salt and general base catalysis, and is attributed to a conformational opening reaction in which the hydrogen bond involving U or I N3-H severs and is exposed to solvent or base catalysts. The slower rate corresponds to exchange of the A or C NH2 groups, which are slower chemically and permit estimation of the equilibrium constant for opening. A simple model for this open state is described, which relates the opening to torsional fluctuations of the double helix. The enthalpy of these fluctuations represents a relatively minor fraction (< 25%) of the total energy involved in pre-melting transitions, measured by IR or CD spectroscopy. The contrasting situation in the highly α -helical globular protein, myoglobin, has been investigated by 1H NMR saturation transfer and line broadening experiments.
π-Allylic complexes from allene

Abstract A series of π-allylic palladium complexes has been prepared directly from allene. The polarity of the solvents used in the preparations has been found to have a significant effect upon the structure and composition of these complexes. NMR data in support of the proposed structure are tabulated.
An algorithm for treating flat areas and depressions in digital elevation models using linear interpolation

[1] Digital elevation model (DEM) data are essential to hydrological applications and have been widely used to calculate a variety of useful topographic characteristics, e.g., slope, flow direction, flow accumulation area, stream channel network, topographic index, and others. Except for slope, none of the other topographic characteristics can be calculated until the flow direction at each pixel within a DEM is determined. However, flow direction cannot be accurately calculated until depressions and flat areas within a DEM have been rectified. This is a routine problem in hydrologic modeling, because virtually all DEMs contain flat and sink pixels, both real and artifactual, that if left untreated will prevent accurate simulation of hydrologic flow paths. Although a number of algorithms are available for rectifying flat and sink pixels in DEM data, treatment of flat areas and depressions and calculation of flow direction remain problematic for reasons of complexity and uncertainty. A new algorithm that effectively rectifies flat and sink pixels was developed and tested. The approach is to use linear interpolation between low elevation grid cells on the edge of each flat area or depression defined as outlets and higher elevation grid cells on the opposite side defined as inflow pixels. The implementation requires an iterative solution to accommodate the irregular geometry of flat areas or depressions and exceptions that arise. Linear interpolation across flat areas or depressions provides a natural way to scale elevation adjustments based on the vertical scale of the surrounding topography, thereby avoiding the addition or subtraction of arbitrary small numbers that we regard as a disadvantage in some prior techniques. Tests for two virtual terrains and one real terrain show that our algorithm effectively rectifies flat areas and depressions, even in low-relief terrain, and produces realistic patterns of flow accumulation and extracted channel networks.