cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histone modifications affect differential regulation of TGFβ- induced NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) by wild-type and mutant p53.

// Howard E. Boudreau 1 , Wei Feng Ma 1 , Agnieszka Korzeniowska 1 , Jonathan J. Park 1 , Medha A. Bhagwat 2 and Thomas L. Leto 1 1 Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA 2 Bioinformatics Support Program, National Institutes of Health Library, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA Correspondence to: Thomas L. Leto, email: tleto@niaid.nih.gov Keywords: mutant p53, NOX4, p300, histone modification, cell migration Received: December 16, 2016 Accepted: April 26, 2017 Published: May 16, 2017 ABSTRACT Previously, we showed wild-type (WT) and mutant (mut) p53 differentially regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4): p53-WT suppresses TGFβ-induced NOX4, ROS and cell migration, whereas tumor-associated mut-p53 proteins enhance NOX4 expression and cell migration. Here, we extended our findings on the effects of p53 on NOX4 in several tumors and examined the basis of NOX4 transcriptional regulation by p53 and SMAD3. Statistical analysis of expression data from primary tumors available from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) detected correlations between mut-p53 and increased NOX4 expression. Furthermore, by altering p53 levels in cell culture models we showed several common tumor-associated mutant forms support TGFβ/SMAD3-dependent NOX4 expression. Deletion analysis revealed two critical SMAD3 binding elements (SBE) required for mut-p53-dependent NOX4 induction, whereas p53-WT caused dose-dependent suppression of NOX4 transcription. ChIP analysis revealed SMAD3 and p53-WT or mut-p53 associate with SBEs and p53 response elements in a TGFβ-dependent manner. Interestingly, the repressive effects of p53-WT on NOX4 were relieved by mutation of its transactivation domain or histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor treatment. Overexpression of p300, a transcriptional co-regulator and histone acetyltransferase (HAT), enhanced p53-mediated NOX4 induction, whereas HAT-inactive p300 reduced NOX4 expression. Mut-p53 augmented TGFβ-stimulated histone acetylation within the NOX4 promoter. Finally, wound assays demonstrated NOX4 and p300 promote TGFβ/mut-p53-mediated cell migration. Our studies provide new insight into TGFβ/SMAD3 and mut-p53-mediated NOX4 induction involving epigenetic control of NOX4 in tumor cell migration, suggesting NOX4 is a potential therapeutic target to combat tumor progression and metastasis.
Who is Minding the Store? Audit Committee and Risk Management

Risk committees have not been made mandatory for non-financial firms under SOX and this issue is currently the cause of much debate and discussion for the boards of directors. Despite the focus on risk management roles in non-financial firms there is limited research in the area. This study investigates the effects of audit committee on risk management and suggests that larger audit committees have advantages for firms that hedge with derivatives. Audit committees are effective risk managers and deter the misuse of financial derivatives to achieve value-enhancing and risk-reducing hedging activities. These beneficial risk effects are not evidenced for derivative non-users, indicating that audit committees are more involved with risk management activities within firms using derivatives, which may stem from the larger risks and responsibilities involved in reporting of financial derivatives. However, there is a negative correlation between audit committees and profitability in both derivative user and non-user firms. The suggests that audit committees’ increased preoccupations with risk activities are taking a toll on their overall financial reporting functions to detrimentally impact firm performance, and that smaller audit committees are more effective in this role. The study has implications for risk management and uses instrumental variables and the 2 SLS methodology to overcome problems of endogeneity of financial derivatives with firm value, and with firm risk. Further, the study employs the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) imputation method for estimation of missing data. This is the first study to examine the risk and value effects of audit committees in relation to financial derivatives risk activities.
National Trends for Primary and Revision Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty Throughout the United States

Study Design:Retrospective database study.Objectives:Analysis of economic and demographic data concerning lumbar disc arthroplasty (LDA) throughout the United States to improve value-based care and...
Threaded Fastener Locking With Safety Wire and Cotter Pins

This paper presents test results and analyses of safety lock wire and cotter pins with castellated nuts used as locking features in threaded fasteners. These mechanical components are used to secure hardware in aerospace and other applications as well as to assess whether a fastener has been tampered with. Tests are performed on aerospace threaded fasteners. Locking moments up to safety lock wire and cotter pin failure are measured. Calculations of locking moment to failure are provided and compared to measured results. For fasteners with safety lock wire, the angle of turn with applied moment is measured and computed. For fasteners with cotter pins and castellated nuts, the angles of turn from clearances and applied moment are computed. Since both safety lock wire and cotter pin with castellated nut applications result in some angle of turn, analysis for loss of preload with angle of turn is developed. Calculations show modest loss in preload for typical angles of turn for long bolts, but a significant loss of preload is found for short bolts.
What do parents of children with learning disabilities, ADHD, and related disorders deal with?

Children with learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and related disorders puzzle parents because of their many abilities and disabilities. It can also be difficult to understand how much of their behavior is the nature of the condition and how much is oppositional. It is all too easy for parents to "catch" a child's feelings of inadequacy and then feel bad as a parent. Parenting approaches that include clear, concise instructions; structure without rigidity; nurturing a child's gifts and interests; and constant approval of positive behavior help parents feel better and help children feel safe. It takes time for both children and parents to embrace the concept that being different does not mean being inferior and, in fact, can be a good thing. Parents need to be nurtured and praised to help them nurture and praise their children. Most parents use almost every resource they have to help their children flourish, and still, they worry they are not doing a good enough job. Usually they are!.
Conventional and Unconventional Aspects of Dynamin GTPases

Dynamin is unique among GTPases for its large size (∼96 kDa), its multidomain structure, its low affinity for GTP, its relatively high intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis, and its ability to self-assemble into rings and helical stacks of rings and its very robust (>100 min -1 ) assembly-stimulated rates of GTP hydrolysis. The modular domain structure of GTPase domain dynamin consists of an N-terminal GTPase domain, a middle domain of unknown function, a PH domain that binds PI4,5P 2 , a GTPase effector domain (GED) that functions in dynamin self-assembly and assembly-stimulated GTPase activity, and a C-terminal proline and arginine-rich domain (PRD) that interacts with numerous SH3 domain-containing partners. Although dynamin's GTPase domain is structurally quite conventional, there are several important distinguishing features of its GTPase activity that set it apart from most GTPase family members. The first is dynamin's relatively low affinity for guanine nucleotides and the very rapid dissociation rates for both GTP. The second is dynamin's relatively fast intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis, reported measurements of which have varied considerably probably due to variable amounts of dynamin aggregation or self-assembly under different assay conditions.
Cervical spine surgery complicated by postoperative Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an idiopathic, immune-mediated attack of the peripheral nervous system, with patients most commonly presenting with bilateral, ascending weakness, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Considered an extremely rare post-operative complication, particularly in cervical spine patients, we report a unique case of GBS following anterior cervical spine surgery. The patient is a 65-year-old male with no relevant prior medical or surgical history who presented with right arm weakness and stiffness. After decompression and fusion via an anterior approach, the patient was discharged two days later without incident. On post-operative day 8, the patient returned to the hospital with profound weakness in the bilateral lower extremities. Subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis and nerve conduction studies revealed albuminocytologic dissociation and axonal polyneuropathy, respectively. The patient was diagnosed with GBS and was promptly treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). At 5-month follow-up, the patient returned to his pre-operative baseline and exhibited full strength in the lower extremities. GBS is an extremely rare post-operative complication of cervical spine surgery and needs to be identified quickly in patients presenting with post-operative sensorimotor changes to improve the natural history of the disease.
Potencialidad de varias especies para la obtención de biomasa con fines energéticos en el secano mediterráneo de Chile

In Chile, there are about 1.8 million hectares of dryland soils with severe site restrictions for agronomicand forest species growth. However, these soils can be used to establish energy crops, using forest species specially adapted to this condition. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the potential land availability in the drylands of central Chile for establishing short rotation forestry crops, with low water consumption species. The species Acacia saligna, Atriplex nummularia, Robinia pseudoacacia, Eucalyptus rudis, Eucalyptus globulus subspecies biscotata, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus occidentalis, based on characteristics such as dry biomass yield, water requirements, tolerance to frost and calorimetric properties, were evaluated. The study area corresponds to Mediterranean drylands of Maule Region in Chile, with a total area of 544 thousand hectares. The results indicate that the potential for the seven crop species considered is about 100,000 ha. It can be concluded that thousands of land hectares are potentially available for growing short rotation forestry crops in the Mediterranean drylands of central Chile.
Set and String Problems

Sets and strings both represent collections of objects—the difference is whether order matters.Sets are collections of symbols whose order is assumed to carry no significance, while strings are defined by the sequence or arrangement of symbols.
Preferences of motorcyclists to views of managed, rural southern United States landscapes

Abstract A survey of motorcyclists was conducted to determine their perception of the quality of views from roads of a managed, rural southern United States landscapes in the winter season. The survey instrument was made available through an advertisement placed in an email newsletter delivered to the members of a motorcyclist organization. While the potential number of respondents was very high, the response rate to the survey was low. We found that respondents generally preferred landscape views with water in the forefront. Landscapes with agricultural land or pasture in the forefront and forest in the background, or that contained mature or young forest in the forefront were preferred to a lesser extent. Landscape views with bare ground in the forefront and forest in the background were the least appealing. However, all types of landscape views, on a scale ranging from very appealing to not appealing at all, at least received neutral mean preference scores from the respondents of the survey. Management implications The work presented provides a framework for performing a low-cost assessment of landscape aesthetic quality in rural communities specifically for communities that are interested in attracting motorized recreational activities. The population of interests here is motorcyclists but the protocol presented could be applicable to other motorized recreational groups. Municipalities, policy makers, planners, and resource managers interested in attracting this type of tourism need to consider the impacts of scenic driving and motorized recreational activities on infrastructure, natural resources, and road safety.
Synthesis and characterization of tantalum-based early-late heterobimetallic complexes supported by 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyrrolide ligands

The synthesis of the metalloligand Ta(κ2-NP)3Cl2 (NP = 2-diphenylphosphinopyrrolide) and its coordination chemistry with group 9 and 10 metals is reported. Treatment of Ta(κ2-NP)3Cl2 with group 9 and 10 metals resulted in clean formation of the heterobimetallic complexes Cl2Ta(μ2-NP)3M (M = Ni (2), Pd (3)) or Cl2Ta(μ2-NP)3MCl (M = Rh (4), Ir (5)). Each pair of complexes is isostructural and contains three phosphinopyrrolide ligands that bridge the metal centers. The d10 or d8 complexes are all diamagnetic and X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals similarly short metal-metal distances, ranging from 2.2979(5) A to 2.4366(2) A. Despite the similar bonding metrics in 2-5, treatment with an L type donor (2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide (CNXylyl)) reveals 3 different coordination geometries in TaNi(CNXylyl) (6), TaPd(CNXylyl) (7), and TaIr(CNXylyl) (8). While complexes 6, 7, and 8 all bind the isocyanide at the late metal, ligand rearrangements are observed in the first row complex 6. Complex 7 binds the isocyanide in the axial position while equatorial binding is observed in 8. All isocyanide adducts maintain close metal-metal contacts in the solid state.
The Time Has Come for Disaggregated Sovereign Bankruptcy

The ongoing economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has generated important proposals for addressing countries’ financial distress in the short to medium term. However, it has also made even more apparent the existing gaps in the global financial architecture writ large and highlighted the extent to which key actors pay closest attention to this infrastructure in situations of crisis. By then, of course, it is already too late. This essay argues that the international community should use the energy generated in the current context to move toward ‘disaggregated sovereign bankruptcy’—which can be understood as a framework by which multiple processes at varying levels simultaneously support or instantiate a shared set of sovereign debt resolution principles and commitments. Such an approach moves beyond overly simplistic and binary framings of market-based versus statutory options, and instead conceives of improvements in the contractual realm, in the multilateral arena, and at the level of domestic legislation as complementary rather than competitive. The essay also clarifies that the explicit embrace of a more disaggregated framework for implementing debt resolution principles need not be disorganized. It argues in favor of establishing an international body purpose-built to recommend, coordinate, and facilitate steady, incremental progress in the architecture for dealing with sovereign debt across multiple vectors. Advocates of more rational debt restructuring should take steps now to adopt an infrastructure that would make future debt crises less severe and perhaps less likely—even when the spotlights are directed elsewhere.
3. Simplified Extended Kalman Filter Observer for SOC Estimation of Commercial Power-Oriented LFP Lithium Battery Cells (2013-01-1544)

The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry is finding wide acceptance for energy storage on-board hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), due to its high intrinsic safety, fast charging, and long cycle life. However, three main challenges need to be addressed for the accurate estimation of their state of charge (SOC) at runtime: • Long voltage relaxation time to reach its open circuit voltage (OCV) after a current pulse • Time-, temperature- and SOC-dependent hysteresis • Very flat OCV-SOC curve for most of the SOC range In view of these problems, traditional SOC estimation techniques such as coulomb counting with error correction using the SOC-OCV correlation curve are not suitable for this chemistry. This work addressed these challenges with a novel combination of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm, a two-RC-block equivalent circuit and the traditional coulomb counting method. The simplified implementation of the EKF algorithm offers a computationally efficient option for runtime SOC evaluation on-board vehicles. The SOC estimation was validated with experimental data of a current profile contaminated with pseudo-random noise and with an offset in the initial condition. The model rapidly converged to within 4% of the true SOC even with imposed errors of 40% to initial SOC, 24% to current measurement and 6% to voltage measurement.
Estimating the impact of state cigarette tax rates on smoking behavior: Addressing endogeneity using a natural experiment.

Abstract Introduction Cigarette excise taxes are a well-established policy lever for reducing tobacco use. However, estimating the effect of taxes on smoking behavior can be confounded by endogeneity concerns such as selection. This study leverages a unique natural experiment –compulsory relocation of U.S. military service members to installations – to estimate the relationship between state cigarette taxes and smoking behavior without concerns about selection into environments. Methods The current study uses data from the Department of Defense’s 2011 Health-Related Behaviors Survey and 2011 state cigarette excise taxes from the CDC STATE System. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses estimate the cross-sectional associations between state cigarette excise taxes and the following smoking behaviors: current cigarette smoking, frequency of smoking, heaviness of consumption, and cigarette cessation among individuals who smoked while at the current installation. Results Higher taxes are associated with lower odds of current cigarette smoking (AOR = 0.94; 95 % CI: 0.89−0.98), fewer smoking days per month among current cigarette smokers (IRR = 0.98, 95 % CI 0.97−0.996), and higher likelihood of quitting smoking among individuals who had smoked at their current installation (AOR = 1.14, 95 % CI 1.05–1.25). Taxes are not associated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day among current smokers. Conclusions Exogenous assignment to installations in states with higher cigarette taxes is associated with lower likelihood of smoking and greater likelihood of quitting. Findings provide novel evidence in support of a causal impact of cigarette taxes on lower smoking levels among adults.
Management of locally advanced mesonephric carcinoma of the cervix in the setting of Mullerian Duct anomaly spectrum and unilateral renal agenesis: A case report and review of the literature

Cervical mesonephric adenocarcinoma is a rare histologic cervical carcinoma variant arising from remnants of the mesonephric duct. Few clinical cases have been reported in the literature, and given the low rate of occurrence, the optimal management strategy is unknown. Most reported cases involve patients with either early stage (FIGO I) or metastatic disease. Herein, we report the only known case of locally advanced, node-positive cervical mesonephric carcinoma in a 55-year old woman with Mullerian duct anomaly of the uterus, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. To our knowledge, this would be the first case report with the concurrence of both rare entities. We review the treatment paradigm in this patient, and the literature, including radiotherapy and brachytherapy techniques.
Creative engagement across the lifespan

In this chapter, a Vygotskian framework to creativity is presented which, once his diverse writings are integrated into a cohesive body of ideas, emerges as a systems approach. Rather than focusing on a single aspect of innovation, such as the person or the product, in this broader dynamic approach, according to Kozbelt, Beghetto, and Runco (2010), “creativity results from a complex system of interacting and interrelated factors” (p. 29). To study the entirety of a system requires diversity of methods and focus. The emphasis of this work is on a developmental presentation of how socially mediated creative activities are practiced at different phases from childhood to old age. In addition, the findings from documented lives of creative contributors are used as a lens to examine everyday creative endeavors.
Epigenetic Modifications of the PGC-1α Promoter during Exercise Induced Expression in Mice.

The transcriptional coactivator, PGC-1α, is known for its role in mitochondrial biogenesis. Although originally thought to exist as a single protein isoform, recent studies have identified additional promoters which produce multiple mRNA transcripts. One of these promoters (promoter B), approximately 13.7kb upstream of the canonical PGC-1α promoter (promoter A), yields alternative transcripts present at levels much lower than the canonical PGC-1α mRNA transcript. In skeletal muscle, exercise resulted in a substantial, rapid increase of mRNA of these alternative PGC-1α transcripts. Although the β2-adrenergic receptor was identified as a signaling pathway that activates transcription from PGC-1α promoter B, it is not yet known what molecular changes occur to facilitate PGC-1α promoter B activation following exercise. We sought to determine whether epigenetic modifications were involved in this exercise response in mouse skeletal muscle. We found that DNA hydroxymethylation correlated to increased basal mRNA levels from PGC-1α promoter A, but that DNA methylation appeared to play no role in the exercise-induced activation of PGC-1α promoter B. The level of the activating histone mark H3K4me3 increased with exercise 2–4 fold across PGC-1α promoter B, but remained unaltered past the canonical PGC-1α transcriptional start site. Together, these data show that epigenetic modifications partially explain exercise-induced changes in the skeletal muscle mRNA levels of PGC-1α isoforms.
Effects of Altered Superoxide Dismutase Expression on Age-related Functional Declines and Survival in Drosophila

s Martin, I., Duttaroy, A. and Grotewiel, M.S., Graded reduction of manganese- superoxide dismutase causes a proportional acceleration of function aging. Drosophila Research Conference, Philadelphia, PA, March 2007. 209 Martin, I. and Grotewiel, M.S. The effects of superoxide dismutase overexpression on age-related functional declines in Drosophila melanogaster. Graduate Research Symposium, VCU, April 2006. Martin, I., Warner-Gargano, J., Bhandari, P. and Grotewiel, M.S. Effect of genetic background and life span-extending mutations on locomotor activity senescence. Drosophila Research Conference, San Diego, CA, April 2005. Martin, I., LaPrairie, J.L. and Lonstein, J.S. Effects of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonists in the preoptic area on maternal behavior in lactating rats. Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, October 2004. Grotewiel, M.S., Warner-Gargano, J., Bhandari, P. and Martin, I. Rapid iterative geotaxis (RIG), a new method for assessing locomotor behavior. Drosophila Research Conference, Washington DC, March 2004. Borisenko, G., Martin, I., Zhao, Q., Jiang, J.F. and Kagan, V. Specific detection of GS• generated by peroxidase metabolism of phenolic compounds in live cells using acridine- tempo. Oxygen Society, San Antonio, TX, November 2002. Epperly, M.W., Osipov, A.N., Martin, I., Kawai, K.K., Borisenko, G.G., Tyurina Y.Y., Jefferson, M., Bernarding, M., Greenberger J.S. and Kagan, V.E. Ascorbate as a“redox- sensor” and protector against γ-irradiation-induced oxidative stress: EPR evidence in 32 D cl 3 and MnSOD-transfected 32D 2C6 cells. Radiation Research Society, Reno, NV, April 2002. Jiang, J., Borisenko, G.G., Osipov, A., Martin, I., Chen, R., Graham, S.H. and Kagan, V.E. Arachidonic acid-induced carbon-centered radicals and phospholipid peroxidation in cyclo-oxygenase-2-transfected PC12 cells. Society of Toxicology, Nashville, TN, March 2002. Teaching 2001 Teaching Assistant: Biological Effects of Radiation-Generated Free Radicals lecture, EOH2130 Survey of Radiation Health course, University of Pittsburgh.
Effects of Averaging the Heat-Transfer Coefficient on the Predicted Material Temperature Distribution

The heat-transfer coefficient (HTC) in internal-coolant passages can vary appreciably about a heat-transfer enhancement feature such as a pin fin, a rib, and a concavity because of stagnation regions and wakes about the enhancement feature. However, the computed or measured HTC is often averaged spatially in the spanwise direction or over some region when used in the design of cooling strategies. Since the variation in the HTC could be a factor of eight or more about an enhancement feature, it is of interest to understand the effects of averaging the HTC on the predicted temperature distribution in the solid subjected to the heating and cooling. In this computational study, a flat plate of thickness H (1 mm) and length L = 20H is heated on one side by either a constant heat flux (68 W/cm2) or a constant HTC (1,167.2 W/m2-K) and a constant hot-gas temperature (1,482 °C). On the cooled side, the free stream or bulk temperature is kept constant (400 °C) and the average HTC (1,442.5 W/m2-K) is kept constant as well. This average HTC on the cooled side is the average of a higher HTC (hH) and a lower HTC (hL). Two types of changes from hH to hL are considered — abrupt (or step) and gradual. When the HTC changes abruptly, hH is imposed over LH, and hL is imposed over LL=L–LH. When the HTC changes gradually from hH to hL, hH is imposed from from x = 0 to LH/2, and hL is imposed from x = 3LH/2 to L with a smooth variation in the HTC to connect hH and hL. Results obtained show that when the averaged HTC is used, the maximum temperature in the plate is 900 °C on the heated side of the plate. However, if the variation in the HTC is accounted for, then the maximum temperature in the plate could be as high as 1.363 times the maximum temperature predicted by assuming an averaged HTC. Also, for the range of parameters studied, the difference in the maximum and minimum temperature in the plate can increase by a factor of 16, which strongly affects thermal stress.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A new global model for P wave speed variations in Earth's mantle

[1] We document our tomographic method and present a new global model of three-dimensional (3-D) variations in mantle P wave velocity. The model is parameterized by means of rectangular cells in latitude, longitude, and radius, the size of which adapts to sampling density by short-period (1 Hz) data. The largest single data source is ISC/NEIC data reprocessed by Engdahl and coworkers, from which we use routinely picked, short-period P, Pg, Pn, pP, and pwP data (for earthquakes during the period 1964∼2007). To improve the resolution in the lowermost and uppermost mantle, we use differential times of core phases (PKPAB − PKPDF, PKPAB − PKPBC, Pdiff − PKPDF) and surface-reflected waves (PP-P). The low-frequency differential times (Pdiff, PP) are measured by waveform cross correlation. Approximate 3-D finite frequency kernels are used to integrate the long-period data (Pdiff, PP) and short-period (P, pP, PKP) data. This global data set is augmented with data from regional catalogs and temporary seismic arrays. A crust correction is implemented to mitigate crustal smearing into the upper mantle. We invert the data for 3-D variations in P wave speed and effects of hypocenter mislocation subject to norm and gradient regularization. Spatial resolution is ∼100 km in the best sampled upper mantle regions. Our model, which is available online and which will be updated periodically, reveals in unprecedented detail the rich variation in style of subduction of lithospheric slabs into the mantle. The images confirm the structural complexity of downwellings in the transition zone discussed in previous papers and show with more clarity the structure of slab fragments stagnant in the transition zone beneath east Asia. They also reveal low wave speed beneath major hot spots, such as Iceland, Afar, and Hawaii, but details of these structures are not well resolved by the data used.
How to break a Secure oblivious transfer protocol

We show how to break a protocol for Oblivious Transfer presented at Eurocrypt 90 [11]. Armed with a new set of definitions for proving the security of interactive computations, we found difficulties in proving the protocol secure. These difficulties led us to a simple attack that breaks the OT protocol in a subtle but fundamental way. The error that we found may be present in a wide variety of secure protocols. It reveals a fundamental flaw in the traditional definition of Oblivious Transfer itself.
Experience with high-output-resistance MJTC AC-DC transfer standards at high frequencies [multijunction thermal converters]

The heater-thermopile insulation of planar, thin-film, multijunction thermal converters decreases at high frequencies due to the residual conductivity of the silicon chip. This may cause a change in their intrinsic AC-DC transfer difference, as well as an interaction with the measurement circuit, resulting in increased errors of measurements. This paper discusses the sources of these errors and the methods of their reduction. It is postulated that the AC-DC transfer differences of such converters need to be explicitly defined under specific measurement conditions.
Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the divisions of the autonomic nervous system that controls the function of organs and glands in the body (efferent portion) and senses changes in these visceral systems (afferent portion). The other division of the autonomic nervous system is the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The neurons comprising the efferent SNS arise from the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spinal cord (with the SNS also called the thoracolumbar division). Sympathetic fibers originating from the thoracic cord innervate organs of the head, neck, chest, and upper abdomen. Sympathetic fibers originating from the lumbar cord innervate the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract and organs of the pelvis. Keywords: autonomic nervous system; central nervous system; parasympathetic nervous system; peripheral nervous system; enteric nervous system
Challenges to California Foreclosures Based on MERS Transfers

A review of recent California decisions challenging the validity of mortgage transfers through MERS.
High-speed add-compare-select units using locally self-resetting CMOS

This paper presents a new self-resetting CMOS design for an add-compare-select (ACS) unit, which is a key building block in a Viterbi decoder. Static CMOS and two-phase domino CMOS designs have also been implemented for comparison purposes. The simulation results show that, with the SRCMOS technique, the ACS units operate at a data rate of 568 Mbps in a 0.25 micron CMOS technology, as compared to 357 Mbps and 485 Mbps for static and domino CMOS implementations, respectively.
Minireview: On the homology of the protocoel in Cephalochordata and ‘lower’ Deuterostomia

Hypotheses regarding the homology of the protocoel in planktonic deuterostome larvae and mesodermal structures in ontogenetic stages of cephalochordates are evaluated. The prevalent ‘classical’ hypothesis describes the protocoel as being homologous with the diverticula of Hatschek, which, on the left side, develop into the preoral pit, subsequently into Hatschek’s pit and groove (in part). This hypothesis is based mainly on the position of Hatschek’s diverticula anterior to the rest of the mesoderm during their enterocoelic origin. It is shown here that during development the mesodermal segment that develops into Hatschek’s nephridium is the most anterior one prior to formation of Hatschek’s diverticula, and this segment assumes an anteriormost position after differentiation of Hatschek’s diverticula. Additional similarities between this segment and protocoels are: (i) presence of endomesodermal cells with podocytic extensions, (ii) excretory function, (iii) relatively early ontogenetic origin, (iv) probable lack of association with nervous structures, (v) probable ectodermal origin of a portion of the canal, and (vi) position relative to the mouth opening. Therefore, homology between the protocoel and the segment that becomes Hatschek’s nephridium is proposed. It is concluded that a glandular structure homologous to the diverticula of Hatschek and anterior to the protocoel/Hatschek’s nephridium is a synapomorphy of notochordates or chordates.
Review of Hydraulicians in Europe 1800–2000, a Biographical Dictionary of Leaders in Hydraulic Engineering and Fluid Mechanics by Willi H. Hager

Hydraulic engineering has a long history of success deeply rooted in Europe. This IAHR Monograph is presented as a biographical dictionary to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of leaders in hydraulic engineering and fluid mechanics. The scope of work is geographically bound to Europe and clearly delineates a period of 200 years from 1800–2000. The format of this book is simple with a single page for each featured hydraulician containing the following information: 1 dates and location of birth and death; 2 professional career, including university degrees and professional achievements and recognition; 3 main contributions to fluid mechanics and hydraulics, and awards obtained from academic and professional institutions; and 4 relevant references including best papers, and additional bibliographical information. There is a photograph or portrait of just about every single hydraulician. With the assistance of key collaborators in most European countries, this collection of brief biographical sketches for 685 European scientists and hydraulic engineers certainly turned a daunting task into a remarkable achievement. This book constitutes a unique source of information on those who have made landmark contributions to our field. The author has preferred a national order of presentation rather than alphabetical order. This presentation by country highlights some of the interactions between scientists and hydraulicians, and emphasizes national laboratories and institutional support available at different periods of time. There is a complete alphabetical index of people at the end of the book. In a very attractive single-page format, the biographical sketches are extremely informative and vibrant. It is enlightening to read brief biographies of Navier, Stokes, Froude, Reynolds,
Involvement of CYP 2E1 enzyme in ovotoxicity caused by 4-vinylcyclohexene and its metabolites.

4-Vinylcyclohexene (VCH) is bioactivated by hepatic CYP 2A and 2B to a monoepoxide (VCM) and subsequently to an ovotoxic diepoxide metabolite (VCD). Studies suggest that the ovary can directly bioactivate VCH via CYP 2E1. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of ovarian CYP 2E1 in VCM-induced ovotoxicity. Postnatal day 4 B6C3F{sub 1} and CYP 2E1 wild-type (+/+) and null (-/-) mouse ovaries were cultured (15 days) with VCD (30 {mu}M), 1,2-VCM (125-1000 {mu}M), or vehicle. Twenty-eight days female CYP 2E1 +/+ and -/- mice were dosed daily (15 days; ip) with VCH, 1,2-VCM, VCD or vehicle. Following culture or in vivo dosing, ovaries were histologically evaluated. In culture, VCD decreased (p < 0.05) primordial and primary follicles in ovaries from all three groups of mice. 1,2-VCM decreased (p < 0.05) primordial follicles in B6C3F{sub 1} and CYP 2E1 +/+ ovaries, but not in CYP 2E1 -/- ovaries in culture. 1,2-VCM did not affect primary follicles in any group of mouse ovaries. Conversely, following in vivo dosing, primordial and primary follicles were reduced (p < 0.05) by VCD and VCM in CYP2E1 +/+ and -/-, and by VCH in +/+ mice. The data demonstrate that, whereas in vitromore » ovarian bioactivation of VCM requires CYP 2E1 enzyme, in vivo CYP 2E1 plays a minimal role. Thus, the findings support that hepatic metabolism dominates the contribution made by the ovary in bioactivation of VCM to its ovotoxic metabolite, VCD. This study also demonstrates the use of a novel ovarian culture system to evaluate ovary-specific metabolism of xenobiotics.« less
Characterization of early partial seizure onset: frequency, complexity and entropy

Objective A clear classification of partial seizures onset features is not yet established. Complexity and entropy have been very widely used to describe dynamical systems, but a systematic evaluation of these measures to characterize partial seizures has never been performed.
Two blades of the [ex]scissor.

Boelens and coworkers (Tripsianes et al., 2005) present the structure of the heterodimeric complex of the C-terminal interaction domains of the human XPF/ERCC1 structure-specific endonuclease. The authors also provide new insights into the mechanism of XPF/ERCC1 by characterizing its DNA binding properties.
Application of the complex step method to chemistry-transport modeling

Abstract Sensitivity analysis in atmospheric chemistry-transport modeling is used to develop understanding of the mechanisms by which emissions affect atmospheric chemistry and composition, to quantify the marginal impact of emissions on air quality, and for other applications including improving estimates of emissions, developing fast first order air quality models, and validating adjoint models. Forward modeling sensitivities have predominantly been calculated using the finite difference approach, i.e. where the results of two separate simulations are subtracted. The finite difference approach incurs truncation and cancellation errors, which mean that exact sensitivities cannot be calculated and even approximate sensitivities cannot always be calculated for a sufficiently small perturbation (e.g. for emissions at a single location or time). Other sensitivity methods can provide exact sensitivities, but require the reformulation of non-linear steps (e.g. the decoupled direct method) or the development of adjoints of entire codes (partly automatically and partly manually). While the adjoint approach is widely applied and has significant utility in providing receptor-oriented information, in some applications the source-oriented information of forward approaches is needed. Here we apply an alternative method of calculating sensitivities that results in source-oriented information as with the finite difference approach, requires minimal reformulation of models, but enables near-exact computation of sensitivities. This approach – the complex step method – is applied for the first time to a complete atmospheric chemistry-transport model (GEOS-Chem). (The complex step method has been previously used in validating the adjoint of an aerosol thermodynamic equilibrium model.) We also introduce the idea of combining complex-step and adjoint sensitivity analysis (for the first time in any context to our knowledge) to enable the direct calculation of near-exact second order sensitivities.
Homocysteine and Hypertension in Diabetes: Does PPARγ Have a Regulatory Role?

Dysfunction of macro- and microvessels is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardio-renovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Renal failure and impairment of renal function due to vasoconstriction of the glomerular arteriole in diabetic nephropathy leads to renal volume retention and increase in plasma homocysteine level. Homocysteine, which is a nonprotein amino acid, at elevated levels is an independent cardio-renovascular risk factor. Homocysteine induces oxidative injury of vascular endothelial cells, involved in matrix remodeling through modulation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) axis, and increased formation and accumulation of extracellular matrix protein, such as collagen. In heart this leads to increased endothelial-myocyte uncoupling resulting in diastolic dysfunction and hypertension. In the kidney, increased matrix accumulation in the glomerulus causes glomerulosclerosis resulting in hypofiltration, increased renal volume retention, and hypertension. PPARγ agonist reduces tissue homocysteine levels and is reported to ameliorate homocysteine-induced deleterious vascular effects in diabetes. This review, in light of current information, focuses on the beneficial effects of PPARγ agonist in homocysteine-associated hypertension and vascular remodeling in diabetes.
Three-Dimensional Imaging And Applications

Operating principles of three-dimensional (3D) imaging sensors are discussed and various sensor implementation techniques are reviewed. A synopsis of the relative merits of 3D imaging sensors with respect to that of other imaging sensor types is presented. An implementation technique which uses a modulated CW laser source and which has resolution versatility is described and used to illustrate applications diversity. Resulting imagery from laboratory and field measurements provides x,y,z resolution varying from 0.3 m to 0.05 mm. Illustrations presented include: (1) a system for robotic guidance for parts acquisition and inspection; (2) imagery from the 3D vision sensor utilized on the DARPA Autonomous Land Vehicle (ALV); and (3) the 3D vision sensor used on the DARPA Adaptive Suspension Vehicle (ASV). In each application, the 3D features utilized and the resulting data processing are discussed.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Packet routing algorithms for integrated switching networks

Repeated studies have shown that a single switching technique, either circuit or packet switching, cannot optimally support a heterogeneous traffic mix composed of voice, video and data. Integrated networks support such heterogeneous traffic by combining circuit and packet switching in a single network. To manage the statistical variations of network traffic, we introduce a new, adaptive routing algorithm called hybrid, weighted routing. Simulations show that hybrid, weighted routing is preferable to other adaptive routing techniques for both packet switched networks and integrated networks.
Systemic administration of 3-bromopyruvate reveals its interaction with serum proteins in a rat model

3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is a glycolytic inhibitor that affects cancer cells by targeting energy metabolism. Preclinical reports have established that a 1.75 mM dose of 3-BrPA is effective and sufficient to inhibit tumor growth when administered under a loco-regional approach (intraarterial and intratumoral). This loco-regional therapeutic dose was found to be nontoxic when given systemically as well. Yet, the mechanism underlying this lack of toxicity of 1.75 mM 3-BrPA during systemic delivery is unknown. Here, we investigated the mechanism associated with the lack of organ toxicity when 1.75 mM 3-BrPA was administered systemically using radiolabeled (14C)-3-BrPA in Sprague–Dawley rats. Data obtained from tissue-autoradiography of rats infused with 14C-3-BrPA showed strong 14C-signal in tissue sections of various organs except the brain corroborating that 3-BrPA does not cross the blood–brain barrier. Significantly, Hematoxylin & Eosin staining and apoptosis assay of tissue sections positive for 14C-signal showed no signs of toxicity or apoptosis. Convincingly, the 14C-signal observed in tissue-autoradiography emanates from 3-BrPA that is non-reactive or non-toxic, hence we further investigated whether the lack of toxicity is due to its interaction or alkylation with serum components. Analysis of serum proteins by 1D and 2D-gel electrophoretic autoradiography showed that 14C-BrPA selectively binds to peptides of molecular mass ~50-60 kDa. Mass spectrometry data suggested that 14C-BrPA could interact with alpha1-antitrypsin and a peptide of albuminoid-family. Our data indicate that selective interaction of 3-BrPA with serum proteins could contribute to the apparent lack of tissue-toxicity at the indicated close when the drug is given systematically in Sprague–Dawley rats.
Evaluation of Electronic Effects in the Solvolyses of p-Methylphenyl and p-Chlorophenyl Chlorothionoformate Esters.

The solvolyses of p-tolyl chlorothionoformate and p-chlorophenyl chlorothionoformate are studied in a variety of organic mixtures of widely varying nucleophilicity and ionizing power values. This solvolytic data is accumulated at 25.0°C using the titration method. An analysis of the rate data using the extended (two-term) Grunwald-Winstein equation and the concept of similarity of substrates based on their l/m ratios shows the occurrence of simultaneous side-by-side addition-elimination and unimolecular S 𝑁 1 mechanisms.
Serological study on the transmission of a granulosis virus of the armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), to other lepidopterous species

Abstract The synergistic (Hawaiian) strain of a granulosis virus (GV) from the armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta , was transmitted to Spodoptera exigua, Autographa californica , and Trichoplusia ni . The viruses isolated from these hosts were tested by radial double-immunodiffusion (RDD) and immunoelectrophoresis (IE) for their relationship to the original virus. Untreated and heat-treated virus inclusion bodies (capsules) were compared for their antigenic properties but no differences were detected. The antiserum elicited against the whole capsule was more sharply specific for the antigenic determinants than the one elicited against the dissolved capsule proteins. The viruses obtained from S. exigua and T. ni elicited precipitin lines that differed from those of the P. unipuncta GV in their electrophoretic mobility with the one-trough IE method; however, with the two-trough method, the lines fused indicating that the antigens were identical. The major precipitin line indicating identity of the viruses wasthat produced by the synergistic factor (SF) purified from the capsule proteins of the synergistic GV strain. The presence of SF in the GV produced in alternate hosts indicated that its production was virus directed. The SF was not detected in the GVs of Laspeyresia pomonella and Pieris rapae and in the nonsynergistic Oregonian GV of P. unipuncta . A field-collected GV from S. exigua exhibited a different precipitin pattern from that of the synergistic GV, but one of the precipitin lines shared partial relationship to the SF.
Enhanced far-ultraviolet reflectance of MgF2 and LiF over-coated Al mirrors

This paper presents and discuss data obtained on a distribution of Al+MgF2 and Al+LiF witness coupons that show substantial gains in reflectance in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) part of the optical spectrum (90−180 nm). These samples, which have dimensions of 2×2 inches, were coated at various locations inside a 2−me diameter coating chamber at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD (USA). These experiments were done to demonstrate a scale−up process for coating up to a 1−m diameter optic, and hence realize the gain in throughput that could be obtained for a telescope system that would employ such mirror coatings. These coatings have been optimized for Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm) or lower wavelengths and they are prepared with the deposition of the MgF2 or LiF layers done at elevated (∼ 250 °C) temperature. These results will be compared to ambient or “cold” depositions. We will also present optical characterization of little-studied rare-earth fluorides, such as GdF3 and LuF3, that exhibit low absorption over a broad wavelength range and could therefore be used as high-index materials to produce dielectric coatings at FUV wavelengths.
Bijective proofs of two broken circuit theorems

On demontre, a l'aide de bijections explicites, les theoremes de Whitney et de Stanley qui expriment les coefficients du polynome chromatique d'un graphe G et le nombre d'orientations acycliques de G en termes de nombres d'ensembles d'aretes ne contenant pas de circuits brises de G