cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Yeast chromosomal DNA molecules have strands which are cross-linked at their termini

The microbial eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae has 18 chromosomes, each consisting of a DNA molecule of 1 to 15×108 daltons (150 to 2,300 kilobase pairs). Interstand cross-links have now been found in molecules of all sizes by examining the ability of high molecular weight DNA to snap back, i.e., to rapidly renature after denaturation. Experiments in which snap back was assessed for molecules broken by shearing indicate that there are probably two cross-links in each chromosome. Evidence that the cross-links occur at specific sites in the genome was obtained by treating total chromosomal DNA with the endonuclease EcoRI which cleaves the yeast genome into approximately 2,000 discrete fragments. Cross-link containing fragments were separated from fragments without cross-links. This purification resulted in enrichment for about 18 specific fragments. To determine whether the cross-links are terminal or at internal sites in chromosomal DNA, large shear-produced fragments were examined by electron microscopy. With complete denaturation few fragments exhibited the X-shaped single strand configuration expected for internal cross-links. When partially denatured fragments were examined some ends had single strand loops as expected for (AT-rich) cross-linked termini. The percentage of looped ends was sufficient to account for all the cross-links in the population of chromosomal molecules. The data suggest that yeast chromosomal DNA molecules have cross-linked termini. We propose that a duplex chromosomal DNA molecule in this eukaryote consists of a continuous, single, self-complementary strand of DNA. This structure has implications for the mechanism of chromosome replication and may be the basis of telomere behavior.
Long‐Time Relaxation from Relaxor to Normal Ferroelectric States in Pb0.91 La0.06 (Zr0.65 Ti0.35 O3

Pb0.91 La0.06 (Zr0.65 Ti0.35)O3 (PLZT 6/65/35) is a relaxor ferroelectric near and above the temperature of the dielectric maximum (∼180°C). The relaxor state can persist to room temperature upon fast cooling. However, this relaxor state gradually changes to a normal ferroelectric over a long time period at 25°C, characterized by an elimination of relaxor-like dielectric dispersion and a significant rhombo-hedral broadening and subsequent splitting of the (220) X-ray diffraction peak. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) bright-field image of a long-time relaxed sample revealed normal micrometersized ferroelectric domain contrast with relaxor-like “tweed” structure on the submi-crometer scale. The gradually structural evolution is discussed in terms of development of correlations between relaxor polar clusters.
Highly excited vibrational levels studies using time-resolved Fourier transform emission spectroscopy

The spectroscopy and dynamics of highly excited vibrational levels of the a1A1 and b1B1 states of CH2 were studied using time-resolved Fourier transform emission spectroscopy. The use of a Fourier transform spectrometer allows efficient acquisition of dispersed fluorescence spectra over several thousand cm-1 range in the visible, with better than 1 cm-1 resolution, from this short lived and low concentration species. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of the dispersed fluorescence spectra due to collisional relaxation can be monitored with 50 ns time-resolution. The results presented and discussed in this paper are: (1) the state-to-state rotational energy transfer and reactive cross- sections for b1B1 (0, 16O, 0) CH2; and (2) rotational analysis of several previously unobserved high vibrational levels of the CH2 a1A1 state.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
General Route toward Side-Chain-Functionalized α-Helical Polypeptides

A series of poly(γ-chloropropyl-l-glutamate) (PCPLG) with controlled polymer molecular weight (MW = 5−28 kg·mol−1) and molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.16−1.26) have been prepared from hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS)-mediated ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of γ-chloropropyl-l-glutamic acid based N-carboxylanhydride (CP-NCA). CD, FTIR, and WAXS analysis reveal that the polymers adopt α-helical conformations both in solution and the solid state. Their helical surfaces can be readily decorated with functional moieties to confer desired properties, as demonstrated by the quantitative derivatization of the PCPLG side chains with azido functional groups that are amendable to “click” chemistry. Subsequent side-chain conjugation with mannose moieties via copper-mediated [2 + 3] alkyne−azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition affords water-soluble mannose−polypeptide conjugates with quantitative grafting efficiency occurring under mild conditions. CD analysis reveals that the mannose−polypeptide conjugates also retain...
Differential impact of exchange rate on US trade with two major and two minor trading partners in Africa

Abstract This study was undertaken to examine the relative impact of exchange rate on US trade with four of its trading partners in Africa. Two main conclusions are reached. (1) The countries considered account for a very small share of the US trade, partly because they either lack the ability to export or the inclination to purchase US imports. (2) Exchange rate policy may be effective in Egypt and Ghana, if the constraints are removed, but for Kenya and South Africa, exchange rate policy may not be effective even though such constraints do not appear to exist.
Estimating survival benefit in castrate metastatic prostate cancer: decision making in proceeding to a definitive phase III trial

Abstract Objectives In designing a Phase II trial, the acceptable clinical activity region for a new therapy is often developed using data from historically treated patients. This region incorrectly ignores the variability of this estimate, because the efficacy of the prior treatment lies somewhere around the estimate. The size of this interval is dependent on the sample size used. This report illustrates the use of a published method that accounts for this uncertainty and aids in the decision to proceed to a definitive trial. Methods A historical data set of low-risk patients with progressive castrate metastatic prostate cancer and a group of similar patients treated in a Phase II chemotherapy trial were used. The 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival was obtained for both. This approach uses the 75% upper confidence bound of the 1-year survival probability from the historical data set to define the lower limit of acceptable clinical activity. Use of this bound makes the approach more conservative, and hence the decision to proceed to a Phase III trial more difficult. Results In the low-risk historical patients, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival was 66.4% (75% upper confidence bound 71.0%). In the Phase II patients, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival was 89.5% (95% lower confidence bound 78.2%). Conclusions A hypothesis test using the 75% upper confidence bound to define the lower limit of acceptable clinical activity demonstrates that the 1-year survival probability on Taxol/estramustine/carboplatin is greater than that of the historical population, and hence should be taken into a definitive trial. The design provides investigators increased confidence in making this decision.
The Doubly-Pareto Uniform Distribution with Applications in Uncertainty Analysis and Econometrics

In this paper we present a novel four parameter continuous univariate distribution that can be motivated from at least two approaches. The first one views the distribution as a generalization of the uniform one that allows for uncertainty specification at the vicinity of its bounds (gradually) represented via two Pareto tails. The second one is that of an asymmetric heavy-tailed, peaked distribution with an unbounded domain with the property that the location of the mode is not uniquely determined but rather is described by a uniform range. Properties of the distribution are described and a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) procedure for the mode location and the Pareto tails parameters is presented. The procedure is illustrated by means of an i.i.d. sample of standardized log-differences of quarterly monthly US certificate deposit interest rates for the period 1964–2004. The sample is constructed utilizing the Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (ARCH) time series model devised by the Nobel Laureate R.F. Engle (1982).
RNA Replication from the Simian Virus 5 Antigenomic Promoter Requires Three Sequence-Dependent Elements Separated by Sequence-Independent Spacer Regions

We have previously shown for the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5) that a functional promoter for RNA replication requires proper spacing between two discontinuous elements: a 19-base segment at the 3′ terminus (conserved region I [CRI]) and an 18-base internal region (CRII) that is contained within the coding region of the L protein gene. In the work described here, we have used a reverse-genetics system to determine if the 53-base segment between CRI and CRII contains additional sequence-specific signals required for optimal replication or if this segment functions solely as a sequence-independent spacer region. A series of copyback defective interfering minigenome analogs were constructed to contain substitutions of nonviral sequences in place of bases 21 to 72 of the antigenomic promoter, and the relative level of RNA replication was measured by Northern blot analysis. The results from our mutational analysis indicate that in addition to CRI and CRII, optimal replication from the SV5 antigenomic promoter requires a third sequence-dependent element located 51 to 66 bases from the 3′ end of the RNA. Minigenome RNA replication was not affected by changes in the either the position of this element in relation to CRI and CRII or the predicted hexamer phase of NP encapsidation. Thus, optimal RNA replication from the SV5 antigenomic promoter requires three sequence-dependent elements, CRI, CRII and bases 51 to 66.
ROC-analysis of quantitative early and delayed PET SUL in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) versus neurofibroma (BT)

Shah K, ed. New York, NY: Humana Press, 250 pages, $119 Molecular imaging techniques have advanced and become invaluable tools for molecular biology research and, to a more modest extent, clinical medicine. Molecular imaging is not limited to specific imaging methods but includes optical,
Immunologic similarities between Goodpasture's and Steblay's antibodies.

Abstract Previously it has been demonstrated that antibody eluted from kidney of a patient with Goodpasture (GP) syndrome reacted by immunofluorescence in a single linear pattern along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). In the present study we demonstrate that antibody eluted from kidneys of sheep with Steblay's (ST) nephritis also reacts in a single linear pattern along the GBM and in the same locus as the GP antibody. The reaction of both the ST and GP antibodies with GBM is completely inhibited by prior absorption with soluble collagenase-digested GBM. ST antibody inhibits the reaction of GP antibody with GBM suggesting that antigenic determinant(s) reactive with both antibodies are shared.
Associations between visual, hearing, and dual sensory impairments and history of motor vehicle collision involvement of older drivers

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between visual and hearing impairment and motor vehicle collision (MVC) involvement in older drivers. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: North central Alabama. PARTICIPANTS: Population-based sample of 2,000 licensed-drivers aged 70 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Visual acuity was measured using the Electronic Visual Acuity test. Contrast sensitivity was measured using the Pelli-Robson chart. Presence of subjective hearing loss and other health conditions were determined using a general health questionnaire. Information regarding MVCs for all participants spanning the 5 years before study enrollment was obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Safety. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, race, sex, number of miles driven, number of medical conditions, general cognitive status, and visual processing speed, older drivers with visual acuity and hearing impairment (rate ratio (RR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.30), contrast sensitivity impairment alone (RR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.00-2.02), and contrast sensitivity and hearing impairment (RR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.62-3.57) had higher MVC rates than drivers with no visual or hearing impairments. Drivers with visual acuity loss alone or hearing loss alone did not have MVC rates that were significantly different from those of the no impairment group after adjustment for multiple variables. CONCLUSION: Older drivers with dual sensory impairment are at greater MVC risk than those with a visual acuity or hearing deficit alone. A combined screening approach of screening for hearing and visual impairment may be a useful tool to identify older drivers at risk of MVC involvement. Language: en
Directing Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Toward Anterior Neural Ectoderm Using Small Molecules

Based on knowledge of early embryo development, where anterior neural ectoderm (ANE) development is regulated by native inhibitors of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and Nodal/Activin signaling, most published protocols of human embryonic stem cell differentiation to ANE have demonstrated a crucial role for Smad signaling in neural induction. The drawbacks of such protocols include the use of an embryoid body culture step and use of polypeptide secreted factors that are both expensive and, when considering clinical applications, have significant challenges in terms of good manufacturing practices compliancy. The use of small molecules to direct differentiation of pluripotent stem cells toward a specified lineage represents a powerful approach to generate specific cell types for further understanding of biological function, for understanding disease processes, for use in drug discovery, and finally for use in regenerative medicine. We therefore aimed to find controlled and reproducible animal-component-free differentiation conditions that would use only small molecules. Here, we demonstrate that pluripotent stem cells can be reproducibly and efficiently differentiated to PAX6(+) (a marker of neuroectoderm) and OCT4(-) (a marker of pluripotent stem cells) cells with the use of potent small inhibitors of the BMP and Activin/Nodal pathways, and in animal-component-free conditions, replacing the frequently used Noggin and SB431542. We also show by transcript analysis, both at the population level and for the first time at the single-cell level, that differentiated cells express genes characteristic for the development of ANE, in particular for the development of the future forebrain.
Crystal growth of Ti n O2n-1 oxides(n=2 to 9)

Crystals of titanium oxides, Ti n O2n-1 with n=2 to 9, were grown by chemical vapour transport. Chlorine was found to be the best transporting agent. Apart from Ti2O3, for which crystals up to 7 mm long were obtained in 6 days, all phases were obtained in conditions leading to very low growth rates and a shift in composition between the charge and growth zones. It is shown that this shift is governed by the equilibrium oxygen pressure in the transport tubes and can be accurately predicted. Most of the millimetresize samples obtained were twinned.
Just laid off, but still a “good citizen?” only if the process is fair

Recent United States Congress legislation (the WARN Act of 1988) mandates that organizations must provide at least 60 days notice before a layoff of 50 or more employees can be instituted. As a consequence, individuals who are notified of their layoff often remain in their jobs for a significant period of time-and managers hope that these people will be good “organizational citizens” during thisremaining time. This article identifies different psychological factors that could explain why individuals would remain good citizens, even after notification of their impending termination. In a survey of 147 skilled employees who received notification of their layoffs, we found that the perceived fairness of the layoff process was the primary factor influencing their citizenship behavior. Additional analyses suggested that the perceived adequacy of the explanation of the layoffs, and whether the layoff victims were treated with respect and dignity, were the primary factors influencing the perceived fairness of the layoff process. The theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
PS22 Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Are Outcomes Improving?

aneurismal arch involvement (n 1⁄4 3 [21%]), residual arch dissections after ascending aortic repair (n 1⁄4 2 [14%]), post-traumatic aneurysm (n 1⁄4 1 [7%]), and type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with arch involvement (n 1⁄4 1 [7%]). A total of 22 aortic arch vessels (brachiocephalic trunk, 7; left common carotid artery, 11; bovine arch, 2; left subclavian artery [LSA], 2) were targeted. The left LSA was intentionally covered in 12 cases and preoperatively revascularized in nine. Successful endograft implantation was achieved in all cases. Two early postoperative deaths occurred (one retroperitoneal hematoma and stroke, and one unclear cause). Further major complications included a major stroke with significant early clinical improvement, one delayed transient paraplegia, and one Vascular Plug dislocation. The mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 36 2 and 116 8 days, respectively. At 8 6 7 months of follow-up, the cumulative survival was 79%, with no aneurysm-related death or reinterventions. One type II endoleak is managed conservatively and one patient with persistant false lumen perfusion is planned to undergo endograft extension. Conclusions: FBSG present a feasible and safe therapeutic alternative for repair of aortic arch pathologies in high-risk patients.
HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY GAINS FROM BETTER INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

■ Abstract Theoretical considerations and empirical data suggest that existing technologies and procedures can improve indoor environments in a manner that significantly increases productivity and health. The existing literature contains moderate to strong evidence that characteristics of buildings and indoor environments significantly influence rates of communicable respiratory illness, allergy and asthma symptoms, sick building symptoms, and worker performance. Whereas there is considerable uncertainty in the estimates of the magnitudes of productivity gains that may be obtained by providing better indoor environments, the projected gains are very large. For the United States, the estimated potential annual savings and productivity gains are $6 to $14 billion from reduced respiratory disease, $1 to $4 billion from reduced allergies and asthma, $10 to $30 billion from reduced sick building syndrome symptoms, and $20 to $160 billion from direct improvements in worker performance that are unrelated to health. Productivity gains that are quantified and demonstrated could serve as a strong stimulus for energy efficiency measures that simultaneously improve the indoor environment.
Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption Double-Staining Test Evaluation

The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) double-staining (DS) test has been developed for microscopes equipped with incident illumination, and the procedure offers many advantages over the FTA-ABS test when tests are performed with this equipment. In this study, 346 fresh sera, including 35 from patients with syphilis, were evaluated by the FTA-ABS DS test. Parameters for investigation included two readers, each using a different microscope; a new FTA-ABS DS test reporting system; sera heated at 56°C for 30 min versus unheated sera; and sera retested after at least 2 weeks of freezer storage. Agreement for FTA-ABS DS test readings between the two microscopes was 99%. Between-test agreement for the FTA-ABS test with the conventional reporting system and the FTA-ABS DS test with the new reporting system was 95%. Sensitivity calculations based on reactivity for the 35 syphilis sera were 94% for the FTA-ABS DS test and 91% for the FTA-ABS test. Specificity calculations based on non-reactivity of nonsyphilis sera were 98% for the FTA-ABS DS test and 93% for the FTA-ABS test. Differences in percentages appeared to be related to borderline readings in the FTA-ABS test. For example, if the same reporting system was used for the reference FTA-ABS test, the specificity was 97%. When sera were examined within 48 h, no difference was observed in results obtained with heated and unheated sera. Sera frozen for 2 weeks showed comparable results in the FTA-ABS DS test and the FTA-ABS test. These findings strongly support the recommendation that the FTA-ABS DS test be accepted as a confirmatory test for syphilis. The new reporting system for the FTA-ABS DS test would be advantageous for the reference FTA-ABS procedure.
Chain elongation with reactor microbiomes: upgrading dilute ethanol to medium-chain carboxylates

Ethanol distillation in the biofuel industry is energetically expensive because ethanol is completely miscible in water. Upgrading ethanol into a hydrophobic chemical that is easier to separate would circumvent current fossil-fuel consumption for distillation. Here, we shaped a reactor microbiome to sequentially elongate carboxylic acids with 2-carbon units from dilute ethanol in yeast-fermentation beer. Our continuous bioprocess produced n-caproic acid, a 6-carbon-chain carboxylic acid that is more valuable than ethanol. No antimicrobials to inhibit methanogens were necessary. In-line product extraction achieved an n-caproic acid production rate exceeding 2 grams per liter of reactor volume per day, which is comparable to established bioenergy systems with microbiomes. Incorporation of other organics found in beer increased the mass of carbon in n-caproic acid by 10% compared to ethanol.
Municipal Shared Services Cloud

In essence, governments are information-intensive service enterprises. Electronic government (e-government also known as digital government, online government, among others) is an effort to address the issues in operations, information and IT. It aims to create open and efficient interactions among many stakeholders, e.g. governments, citizens, and business enterprises. In this paper, we detail the importance of information sharing in support of citizen-based service delivery and e-government initiatives. We also describe a study of 12 New York State municipalities and their specific needs and challenges relating to service delivery. We then present our research work on the Municipal Shared Services Cloud, and describe how this technology can be used to deliver municipal government IT services more efficiently and at a lower cost while providing enhanced and customizable information sharing capabilities.
Sialylated, fucosylated ligands for L-selectin expressed on leukocytes mediate tethering and rolling adhesions in physiologic flow conditions.

Interaction of leukocytes in flow with adher- ent leukocytes may contribute to their accumulation at sites of inflammation. Using L-selectin immobilized in a flow chamber, a model system that mimics presentation of L-selectin by adherent leukocytes, we characterize ligands for L-selectin on leukocytes and show that they mediate tethering and rolling in shear flow. We demon- strate the presence of L-selectin ligands on granulo- cytes, monocytes, and myeloid and lymphoid cell lines, and not on peripheral blood T lymphocytes. These ligands are calcium dependent, sensitive to protease and neuraminidase, and structurally distinct from previ- ously described ligands for L-selectin on high endothe- lial venules (HEV). Differential sensitivity to O-sialo- glycoprotease provides evidence for ligand activity on both mucin-like and nonmucin-like structures. Trans- fection with fucosyltransferase induces expression of functional L-selectin ligands on both a lymphoid cell line and a nonhematopoietic cell line. L-selectin pre- sented on adherent cells is also capable of supporting tethering and rolling interactions in physiologic shear flow. L-selectin ligands on leukocytes may be important in promoting leukocyte-leukocyte and subsequent leu- kocyte-endothelial interactions in vivo, thereby en- hancing leukocyte localization at sites of inflammation.
Incorporation of Competitive Effects in Forest Tree or Animal Breeding Programs

Competition among domesticated plants or animals can have a dramatic negative impact on yield of a stand or farm. The usual quantitative genetic model ignores these competitive interactions and could result in seriously incorrect breeding decisions and acerbate animal well-being. A general solution to this problem is given, for either forest tree breeding or penned animals, with mixed-model methodology (BLUP) utilized to separate effects on the phenotype due to the individuals' own genes (direct effects) and those from competing individuals (associative effects) and thereby to allow an optimum index selection on those effects. Biological verification was based on two lines of Japanese quail selected for 6-week weight; one line was selected only for direct effects (D-BLUP) while the other was selected on an optimal index for both direct and associative effects (C-BLUP). Results over 23 cycles of selection showed that C-BLUP produced a significant positive response to selection (b = 0.52 ± 0.25 g/hatch) whereas D-BLUP resulted in a nonsignificant negative response (b = −0.10 ± 0.25 g/hatch). The regression of percentage of mortality on hatch number was significantly different between methods, decreasing with C-BLUP (b = −0.06 ± 0.15 deaths/hatch) and increasing with D-BLUP (b = 0.32 ± 0.15 deaths/hatch). These results demonstrate that the traditional D-BLUP approach without associative effects not only is detrimental to response to selection but also compromises the well-being of animals. The differences in response show that competitive effects can be included in breeding programs, without measuring new traits, so that costs of the breeding program need not increase.
Lack of Agreement in Pediatric Emergency Department Discharge Diagnoses from Clinical and Administrative Data Sources

Background: Diagnosis information from existing data sources is used commonly for epidemiologic, administrative, and research purposes. The quality of such data for emergency department (ED) visits is unknown. Objectives: To determine the agreement on final diagnoses between two sources, electronic administrative sources and manually abstracted medical records, for pediatric ED visits, in a multicenter network. Methods: This was a cross sectional study at 19 EDs nationwide. The authors obtained data from two sources at each ED during a three-month period in 2003: administrative sources for all visits and abstracted records for randomly selected visits during ten days over the study period. Records were matched using unique identifiers and probabilistic linkage. The authors recorded up to three diagnoses from each abstracted medical record and up to ten for the administrative data source. Diagnoses were grouped into 104 groups using a modification of the Clinical Classification System. Results: A total of 8,860 abstracted records had at least one valid diagnosis code (with a total of 12,895 diagnoses) and were successfully matched to records in the administrative source. Overall, 67% (95% confidence interval = 66% to 68%) of diagnoses from the administrative and abstracted sources were within the same diagnosis group. Agreement varied by site, ranging from 54% to 77%. Agreement varied substantially by diagnosis group; there was no difference by method of linkage. Clustering clinically similar diagnosis groups improved agreement between administrative and abstracted data sources. Conclusions: ED diagnoses retrieved from electronic administrative sources and manual chart review frequently disagree, even if similar diagnosis codes are grouped. Agreement varies by institution and by diagnosis. Further work is needed to improve the accuracy of diagnosis coding; development of a grouping system specific to pediatric emergency care may be beneficial. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2007; 14:646‐652 a 2007 by the Society for Academic Emergency
CGG/CCG repeats exhibit orientation-dependent instability and orientation-independent fragility in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

An expansion to >200 CGG/CCG repeats (hereafter called CGG) in the 5' region of the FMR1 gene causes fragile X syndrome, and this locus becomes a folate-sensitive fragile site. We used Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system to study the stability and fragility of CGG repeats. Tracts of (CGG) 81 and (CGG) 160 were integrated onto a yeast chromosome in both orientations relative to the nearest replication origin. Tracts of this length are pre-mutation alleles in humans, with a high probability of expansion in future generations. The CGG tracts In yeast colonies showed a length-dependent instability with longer tracts being more prone to contraction than shorter tracts. In addition, there was an orientation bias for tract stability with tracts having fewer contractions when the CCG strand was the template for lagging strand synthesis. Expansions of the CGG tracts also occurred in an orientation-dependent manner, although at a lower frequency than contractions. To determine whether CGG tracts are fragile sites in yeast, the CGG tracts were flanked by direct repeats, and the rate of recombination between the repeats determined. Strains carrying the (CGG) 160 tract in either orientation had a large increase in their rate of recombination compared with a no-tract control strain. Because this increase was dependent on genes involved in double-strand break repair, recombination was likely to be initiated by CGG tract-induced breakage between the direct repeats. The observation of orientation-dependent instability and orientation-independent fragility suggests that at least some aspects of their underlying mechanisms are different.
Regulation of the androgen receptor by SET9-mediated methylation

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family of transcription factors that plays a critical role in regulating expression of genes involved in prostate development and transformation. Upon hormone binding, the AR associates with numerous co-regulator proteins that regulate the activation status of target genes via flux to the post-translational modification status of histones and the receptor. Here we show that the AR interacts with and is directly methylated by the histone methyltransferase enzyme SET9. Methylation of the AR on lysine 632 is necessary for enhancing transcriptional activity of the receptor by facilitating both inter-domain communication between the N- and C-termini and recruitment to androgen-target genes. We also show that SET9 is pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic in prostate cancer cells and demonstrates up-regulated nuclear expression in prostate cancer tissue. In all, our date indicate a new mechanism of AR regulation that may be therapeutically exploitable for prostate cancer treatment.
DOCUMENTO: La Primera Gran Depresión del Siglo XXI

This paper states the thesis that the first economical great depression of XXI century, was triggered by the financial crisis and global recession that began in 2007. According to its claim, this is a long-term crisis. The problem is analyzed considering the trends in the rate of profit, rate of interest, wage payments, hourly labor productivity and the process of famil y indebtedness. All of these aspects lead to determine the several and most outstanding traits of the depression, and its contradictory, unstable and unsustainable condition. Later on, the paper focuses its attention on the fact that the policies that are trying to solve the crisis, are at the same time, damaging life conditions of working classes, especially in Europe.
THE PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF PORTLAND CEMENT IN CONCRETE

SIXTEEN REPLACEMENT MATERIALS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF SIX CLASSES-BLAST-FURNACE SLAG, NATURAL CEMENT, FLY ASH, VOLCANIC GLASS, CALCINED OPALINE SHALE, AND UNCALCINED DIATOMITE--WERE INVESTIGATED TOGETHER WITH FIVE PORTLAND CEMENTS: TWO TYPE I CEMENTS, OF LOW AND HIGH-ALKALI CONTENT, A TYPE II, A TYPE III, AND A TYPE IV. THE 16 MATERIALS WERE USED AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENTS OF THE PORTALND CEMENT IN VARIOUS PERCENTAGES BY SOLID VOLUME FROM 8 TO 70. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE REPLACEMENT MATERIALS IN CONCRETE WAS RATED AGAINST SELECTED VALUES FOR CERTAIN PROPERTIES REGARDED AS CRITICAL FOR STRUCTURAL AND MASS CONCRETES. STRUCTURAL CONCRETE (0.5 WATER-CEMENT RATIO) WAS REGARDED AS ADEQUATE IF ITS BLEEDING DID NOT EXCEED 5 PERCENT, ITS PERMEABILITY DID NOT EXCEED 25, ITS RESISTANCE TO LABORATORY FREEZING AND THAWING WAS AT LEAST 60, ITS SHRINKAGE DID NOT EXCEED 0.070 PERCENT AT 180 DAYS, AND ITS COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT 28 AND 90 DAYS WAS AT LEAST 3000 AND 4000 PSI, RESPECTIVELY. MASS CONCRETE (0.8 WATER-CEMENT RATIO) WAS RATED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: BLEEDING NOT EXCEEDING 7 PERCENT, PERMEABILITY NOT EXCEEDING 10, AND COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT 3 AND 90 DAYS AT LEAST 500 AND 2000 PSI, RESPECTIVELY. IN ADDITION, CREDIT WAS GIVEN FOR THE DEGREE TO WHICH THE HEAT OF HYDRATION WAS REDUCED BY THE USE OF THE REPLACEMENT MATERIALS. /AUTHOR/
Neuroleptic Side Effects: Acute Extrapyramidal Syndromes and Tardive Dyskinesia

The neuroleptic-induced motor system side effects of acute extrapyramidal syndromes (EPS) and tardive dyskinesia (TD) are the major limitations of these drugs. Effective strategies for managing these problems are based on the clinical presentations, pathophysiological processes, and a complex interaction of patient and treatment variables. New concepts about the causes and long- term outcome of acute EPS and TD are emerging to challenge some of the commonly held views about these syndromes. The primary method of preventing undue side effects is to use the lowest effective dose of both neuroleptic and anti-EPS drugs. The pressing need is for novel compounds which treat schizophrenia and are free of the undesirable motor system effects (a nonneuroleptic neuroleptic).
Epidermal Growth Factor Activates m-Calpain (Calpain II), at Least in Part, by Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Mediated Phosphorylation

How m-calpain is activated in cells has challenged investigators because in vitro activation requires near-millimolar calcium. Previously, we demonstrated that m-calpain activation by growth factors requires extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK); this enables tail deadhesion and allows productive motility. We now show that ERK directly phosphorylates and activates m-calpain both in vitro and in vivo. We identified serine 50 as required for epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced calpain activation in vitro and in vivo. Replacing the serine with alanine limits activation by EGF and subsequent cell deadhesion and motility. A construct with the serine converted to glutamic acid displays constitutive activity in vivo; expression of an estrogen receptor fusion construct produces a tamoxifen-sensitive enzyme. Interestingly, EGF-induced m-calpain activation occurs in the absence of increased intracellular calcium levels; EGF triggers calpain even in the presence of intracellular calcium chelators and in calcium-free media. These data provide evidence that m-calpain can be activated through the ERK cascade via direct phosphorylation and that this activation may occur in the absence of cytosolic calcium fluxes.
Adopting Model Uncertainties for Tropical Cyclone Intensity Prediction

Quantifying and reducing the uncertainty of model parameterizations using observations is evaluated for tropical cyclone (TC) intensity prediction. This is accomplished using a nonlinear inverse modelingtechnique thatproducesa joint probability density function(PDF)for a set of parameters. Thedependenceof estimated parameter values and associated uncertainty on two types of observable quantities is analyzed using an axisymmetric hurricane model. When the observation is only the maximum tangential wind speed, the joint PDF of parameter estimates has large variance and is multimodal. When the full kinematic field within the inner core of the TC is used for the observations, however,the joint parameterestimates are well constrained. These results suggest that model parameterizations may not be optimized using the maximum wind speed. Instead, the optimization should be based on observations of the TC structure to improve the intensity forecasts.
Determination of total toxic arsenic species in human urine using hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

In order to evaluate people’s exposure to arsenic in drinking water, hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HG-ICP-MS), a simple and fast method, was developed to determine the total concentration of toxic arsenic species in the urine samples. Different factors affecting the hydride generation reactions were studied. It was found that under optimized conditions with 1% NaBH4, 0.2 M HCl and 0.05 M L-cysteine, the toxic arsenic species were effectively separated from non-toxic species. In addition, it was discovered that inorganic and monomethylarsenic species have similar sensitivities with HG-ICP-MS detection, while dimethylarsenic species have slightly lower sensitivity. With this method, good linearity, repeatability and recovery were achieved along with the low detection limit of 6 ng L−1 (3σ). This HG-ICP-MS method was employed to analyze a NIST standard reference material, SRM2670a, as well as urine samples from subjects under an arsenic exposure and remediation study; the concentration of all toxic species determined by this method was in good agreement with that measured by IC-ICP-MS speciation. The results suggested this HG-ICP-MS method is better than an ICP-MS total arsenic measurement in evaluating people’s exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water, because it can exclusively measure toxic arsenic species in urine, which come from inorganic arsenic exposure, with better sensitivity.
The zonal method for calculating light intensities in the presence of a participating medium

The zonal method for calculating radiative transfer in the presence of a participating medium is applied to the generation of realistic synthetic images. The method generalizes the radiosity method and allows for emission, scattering, and absorption by a participating medium. The zonal method accounts for volume/surface interactions which have not been previously included, as well as volume/volume and surface/surface interactions. In addition, new algorithms, based on the hemi-cube formulation, are introduced for calculating the geometric factors required by the zonal method.
Attraction of Pollinators to Atemoya (Magnoliales: Annonaceae) in Puerto Rico: A Synergistic Approach using Multiple Nitidulid Lures

ABSTRACT Atemoya, a hybrid between Annona squamosa (L.) and A. cherimola Miller (Annonaceae), has potential to be a major fruit crop in tropical and subtropical areas. A major setback to fruit production throughout the world is low fruit-set because of inadequate pollinator visits, typically Nitidulidae beetles. We identified beetle visitors to atemoya flowers in an orchard in Puerto Rico and used Universal moth traps to monitor the attractiveness of two commercially available Nitidulidae lures. The most common visitors to atemoya flowers were an unidentified Europs species (Coleoptera: Monotomidae), followed by Loberus testaceus (Coleoptera: Erotylidae), neither of which have been previously reported as visitors to Annona flowers. The commercial lures attracted few or no beetles when used separately, but attracted a large number of beetles, especially Carpophilus dimidiatus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and Europs, when used in combination. This attraction is synergistic and increases with dose at the doses ...
Recent Literature on Lichens—195*

ACTON, A. & A. GRIFFITH. 2004. Lichens of Rowan in western Scotland. British Lichen Society Bulletin 94: 22–23. [Lecture presented at the British Lichen Society Annual General Meeting, 10th Jan. 2004.] AGNELLO, G., O. MANNEVILLE & J. ASTA. 2004. Mousses et lichens, bioindicateurs (s.l.) de l’etat des zones humides: exemples de quatre sites proteges du Departement de l’Isere (France). Revue d’Ecologie: la Terre et la Vie 59: 147–162. 5 fig. 6 tab. ALONSO, F. L. & J. M. EGEA. 1996. Contribucion a los liquenes calcicolas y terricolas de algunas localidades costeras del sur de Espana [Calcicolous and terricolous lichens of some coastal localities of southern Spain]. Anales de Biologia (Biologia Vegetal) 21: 55–72. 1 fig. 1 tab. [Lists 137 taxa.] ALONSO, F. L. & J. M. EGEA. 1999. Liquenes epifitos de algunas localidades costeras delsur y sureste de Espana [Epiphytes lichens of some coastal localities of south and southern Spain]. Anales de Biologia (Biologia Vegetal) 22: 125–134. 1 fig. [Lists 108 taxa.] ANDERSEN, H. L. & S. EKMAN. 2004. Phylogeny of the Micareaceae inferred from nrSSU DNA sequences. Lichenologist 36: 27–35. 1 fig. Anon. 2004. Stonehenge lichen puzzle. Pharmaceutical Journal 272: 132. 1 photo. [News note.] Anon. 2004. Vagrant lichen charged in elk deaths. Castilleja 23: 1. [It’s possible that the usnic acid in Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa is responsible for the death of several hundred wild elk in Wyoming.] ANTOINE, M. E. & B. MCCUNE. 2004. Contrasting fundamental and realized ecological niches with epiphytic lichen transplants in an old-growth Pseudotsuga forest. THE BRYOLOGIST 107: 163–173. 4 fig. 2 tab. [Field experiments with Lobaria oregana, L. pulmonaria, Letharia vulpina, and Usnea scabrata. ‘‘Three lichen transplant experiments examined the effect of height in the canopy on the growth rates of four lichen species, using the Wind River Canopy Crane in an old-growth Pseudotsuga-Tsuga forest in the Cascade Range of southern Washington.’’] APTROOT, A. & M. P. BERG. 2004. Collembola help lichens in competition with algae. Lichenologist 36: 167–169. 1 fig. [Collembolans sheltered under thalli of Xanthoparmelia conspersa on granite megalithic monuments apparently produce an algal-free zone around the thalli by grazing.] ARAGON, A., I. MARTINEZ & M. A. G. OTALORA. 2004. The lichen Leptogium subaridum, a new Mediterranean-NW American disjunction. Lichenologist 36:
CMCC Data Grid: Main Challenges and General Overview

Climate Change research is even more becoming a data intensive and oriented scientific activity. Petabytes of climate data, big collections of datasets are continuously produced, delivered, accessed, processed by scientists and researchers at multiple sites at an international level. This report presents the EuroMediterranean Centre for Climate Change (CMCC) initiative, discussing data and metadata issues/challenges and dealing with architectural aspects concerning the adopted grid enabled solution.
Role of Perfusion at Rest in the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction Using Vasodilator Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

In clinical practice, perfusion at rest in vasodilator stress single-photon emission computed tomography is commonly used to confirm myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia and to rule out artifacts. It is unclear whether perfusion at rest carries similar information in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). We sought to determine whether chronic MI is associated with abnormal perfusion at rest on CMR. We compared areas of infarct and remote myocardium in 31 patients who underwent vasodilator stress CMR (1.5 T), had MI confirmed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE scar), and coronary angiography within 6 months. Stress perfusion imaging during gadolinium first pass was followed by reversal with aminophylline (75 to 125 mg), rest perfusion, and LGE imaging. Resting and peak-stress time-intensity curves were used to obtain maximal upslopes (normalized by blood pool upslopes), which were compared between infarcted and remote myocardial regions of interest. At rest, there was no significant difference between the slopes in the regions of interest supplied by arteries with and without stenosis >70% (0.31 ± 0.16 vs 0.26 ± 0.15 1/s), irrespective of LGE scar. However, at peak stress, we found significant differences (0.20 ± 0.11 vs 0.30 ± 0.22 1/s; p
The effect of water movement on lysis of non-marine microorganisms by marine bacteria

Abstract It has been demonstrated that the kill of non-marine microorganisms in the sea is directly related to the size of the marine microbial population. In the deep sea where the microorganisms are sparse there is a minimal effect on non-marine microorganisms. However, water sampled from coastal zones had a strong killing effect. Large numbers of non-marine microorganisms are carried into the sea in sewage and in surface drainage waters. These microorganisms, which are foreign to the marine environment, rapidly disappear in the sea. Hypotheses proposed to account for this decline include dilution by ocean currents (Vaccaro et al. 1950), physico-chemical factors (Pramer et al. 1963), and toxic products of marine microorganisms (Jones 1963). We have been concerned in our laboratory with the contribution of the indigenous marine microflora on the killing of intestinal bacteria carried into the sea in sewage, represented by Escherichia coli, and of soil fungi, represented by Pythium debaryanum. In an earli...
A validated software application to measure fiber organization in soft tissue

The mechanical behavior of soft connective tissue is governed by a dense network of fibrillar proteins in the extracellular matrix. Characterization of this fibrous network requires the accurate extraction of descriptive structural parameters from imaging data, including fiber dispersion and mean fiber orientation. Common methods to quantify fiber parameters include fast Fourier transforms (FFT) and structure tensors; however, information is limited on the accuracy of these methods. In this study, we compared these two methods using test images of fiber networks with varying topology. The FFT method with a band-pass filter was the most accurate, with an error of [Formula: see text] in measuring mean fiber orientation and an error of [Formula: see text] in measuring fiber dispersion in the test images. The accuracy of the structure tensor method was approximately five times worse than the FFT band-pass method when measuring fiber dispersion. A free software application, FiberFit, was then developed that utilizes an FFT band-pass filter to fit fiber orientations to a semicircular von Mises distribution. FiberFit was used to measure collagen fibril organization in confocal images of bovine ligament at magnifications of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Grayscale conversion prior to FFT analysis gave the most accurate results, with errors of [Formula: see text] for mean fiber orientation and [Formula: see text] for fiber dispersion when measuring confocal images at [Formula: see text]. By developing and validating a software application that facilitates the automated analysis of fiber organization, this study can help advance a mechanistic understanding of collagen networks and help clarify the mechanobiology of soft tissue remodeling and repair.
Wal-Marts Dilemma In The 21st Century: Sales Growth Vs. Inventory Growth

Wal-Mart has been a leader in the retail industry since 1980s. In the 21st century, Wal-Marts RFID initiative is another innovation for Wal-Marts supply chain management. Wal-Marts recent business target in the 21Century is making a higher sales growth rate than inventory growth rate. Comparing with financial ratios of Wal-Marts competitors, Wal-Mart has significantly better ratios for days-in-inventory, inventory-sales-ratio, and cash-conversion-cycle. However, there is no significant evidence of better ratios for supply chain related profit ratio. Regression analysis reveals that while days-in-inventory has a similar effect on both sales growth rate and inventory growth rate, supply chain ratio has more effect on inventory growth rate than sales growth rate.