cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
cDNA of the 24 kDA subunit of the bovine respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase: high sequence conservation in mammals and tissue-specific and growth-dependent expression

We have isolated and sequenced several overlapping cDNA clones from a bovine λgt10 library which encode all but the first five amino acids of the entire mature 24 kDa subunit of NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.3), the first enzyme of the respiratory chain. The derived amino acid sequence agrees with that determined by direct sequencing of the purified protein, filling in a gap in the published sequence. A comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the bovine 24 kDa subunit with those recently determined for the rat homologue has shown that this nuclear-encoded subunit of an OXPHOS complex has diverged in these two species much less than the mitochondrial DNA-encoded subunits of the same enzyme complex, and also less than a set of available non-mitochondrial nuclear DNA-coded proteins. The sequence analysis of the clones has revealed the expression in the brain of two mRNAs differing in the length of the 3′-untranslated region. Furthermore, two polyadenylated RNA species, 930 and 1080 nucleotides in length, probably corresponding to the above mRNAs, have been detected in bovine brain and other tissues by RNA gel blot hybridization. The level of expression of the 24 kDa subunit gene varies by more than an order of magnitude among different tissues. A cross-hybridizing mRNA species of 930 nucleotides has also been observed in HeLa cells and found to be strongly growth regulated.
“Big Questions” about Intergovernmental Relations and Management: Who Will Address Them?

Fiscal, administrative, and political tensions among the partners in the federal system have not eased, and perhaps have grown, since the demise of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 1996. Yet no governmental organizational capacity exists to address big intergovernmental questions in an ongoing manner through nonpartisan or bipartisan research, data collection, deliberation, and policy formulation.
Okadaic acid induces Akt hyperphosphorylation and an oxidative stress-mediated cell death in serum starved SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells that are augmented by rapamycin

Using a neuronal model of serum starved SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, we showed previously that the phosphorylation of Akt and the mTOR substrates S6K and S6 through the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor VEGFR2 was enhanced by treatments with the phosphatase PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid (OA). These findings suggested that PP2A inhibition uncouples the regulation of Akt signaling by mTOR and affects cell survival. We therefore examined the effects of mTOR inhibition on Akt phosphorylation at sites threonine 308 (T308) and serine 473 (S473) and survival in OA treated cells. OA induced a loss in cell viability, the accumulation of hyperactivated Akt as monomeric and ubiquitinated forms and an increase in the total levels of ubiquitinated proteins. These events were exacerbated by treatments with an allosteric (rapamycin) but not an active-site inhibitor (PP242) of mTOR. Notably, rapamycin augmented the OA-induced hyperphosphorylation of Akt by suppressing a negative feedback loop of Akt activation through VEGFR2 and its downstream target phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Treatments with the antioxidant N-acetlycysteine but not the pan caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK promoted survival. Unlike reports that rapamycin promotes survival through increased Akt activation, these findings show that rapamycin-induced hyperphosphorylation of Akt fails to rescue our neuronal model from an oxidative stress-induced and caspase-independent cell death mediated by PP2A inhibition. Moreover, the exacerbation of OA-induced events by rapamycin suggests that mTOR and PP2A work in concert to regulate cell survival, activated Akt and the levels of ubiquitinated proteins.
Desferrithiocin analogue based hexacoordinate iron(III) chelators.

Traditional thinking has been that hexacoordinate Fe(III) ligands are more effective at preventing iron's interactions with reactive oxygen species, most particularly the Fe(II)-mediated reduction of hydrogen peroxide to the hydroxyl radical (i.e., Fenton chemistry), than are ligands of lower denticity. Thus, a hexacoordinate derivative of the well-characterized tricoordinate ligand (S)-2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid [4'-(HO)-DADMDFT], (S,S)-1,11-bis[5-(4-carboxy-4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)-2,4-dihydroxyphenyl]-4,8-dioxaundecane, was designed with the aid of a molecular modeling program and synthesized. Evaluations both in vitro and in vivo were carried out to determine whether there is any advantage, at the level of prevention of Fenton chemistry, radical trapping, or iron clearance, to constructing a desferrithiocin-based hexacoordinate analogue. The hexacoordinate analogue was more effective at preventing the iron-mediated oxidation of ascorbate at low ligand/metal ratios than was its tricoordinate parent and can function as an excellent radical scavenger. At equivalent iron binding doses in the bile duct cannulated rodent, oral administration of the tricoordinate ligand was 3-fold more effective than was po administration of the hexacoordinate derivative. However, sc administration of the hexacoordinate derivative resulted in an efficiency that was 3 times greater than that of the tricoordinate chelator. Unfortunately, the rodent findings were not substantiated in the primates. The hexacoordinate ligand was only about one-half as efficient as its tricoordinate parent when administered sc. Owing to these results, po dosing was not attempted. Thus, there appears to be no overall advantage to coupling two molecules of 4'-(HO)-DADMDFT to afford a hexacoordinate derivative.
Potential virulence factors of Streptococcus dysgalactiae associated with bovine mastitis

Abstract Mastitis caused by environmental pathogens is a major problem that affects many well-managed dairy herds. Among the environmental pathogens, Streptococcus dysgalactiae is isolated frequently from intramammary infections during lactation and during the nonlactating period. In spite of its high prevalence, little is known about factors that contribute to the virulence of S. dysgalactiae . During the last decade, several cell-associated and extracellular factors of S. dysgalactiae have been identified; yet, the relative importance of these factors in the transmission and pathogenesis of mastitis caused by S. dysgalactiae has not been defined. Streptococcus dysgalactiae can interact with several plasma and extracellular host-derived proteins such as immunoglobulin G, albumin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, collagen, vitronectin, plasminogen, and α 2 -macroglobulin. These interactions are mediated by bacterial surface proteins. This organism also produces hyaluronidase and fibrinolysin which may be involved in promoting dissemination of the organism into host tissue. Streptococcus dysgalactiae adheres to and is internalized by bovine mammary epithelial cells in vitro. Involvement of host cell kinases, intact microfilaments and de novo eukaryotic protein synthesis are required for internalization of S . dysgalactiae into bovine mammary epithelial cells; a process that appeared to occur by a receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanism. However, de novo bacterial protein synthesis was not required for epithelial cell internalization. Furthermore, S. dysgalactiae survived within mammary epithelial cells for extended periods of time without losing viability or damaging the eukaryotic cell. Further research on characterization of host-pathogen interactions that take place during the early stages of mammary gland infection will enhance our understanding of pathogenesis of intramammary infection which may contribute to development of methods to minimize production losses due to mastitis.
The Structure Method of Assembly Product in Variant Design

Product design is a repetitive iteration process. A small change may result in tremendous redesign changes. Considering the shortcomings of the variant design process, the paper presented an interpretive structural mode(ISM) to analyze product structure. The model not only visualizes the hierarchy of component modules within a product, but also reflects closeness and importance of components, offering a theoretical basis for variant design.
West Nile Virus Antibodies in Bats from New Jersey and New York

Eighty-three serum samples were obtained from big brown (Eptesicus fuscus), little brown (Myotis lucifugus), and northern long-eared (Myotis septentrionalis) bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), from New Jersey and New York (USA) between July and October 2002. Samples were analyzed for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus. One little brown bat and one northern long-eared bat tested positive for WNV neutralizing antibodies. No bats had antibodies to SLE virus. This was the first large-scale investigation of WNV infection in bats in New Jersey. Additional work is needed to determine the effects of WNV on bat populations.
An efficient approach to computer simulation of EPR spectra of high-spin Fe(III) in rhombic ligand fields

Abstract The g′ = 4.3 and g′ = 9.7 features in the X-band (9.5 GHz) EPR spectra of polycrystalline samples of several high-spin Fe(lII) compounds and protein complexes with rhombic ligand field symmetry were simulated. The eigenfield perturbation theory of R. L. Belford and co-workers results in a significant reduction on the amount of computer time required for the calculations compared to the full matrix solution to the spin Hamiltonian. The ratio of the rhombic and tetragonal zero-field parameters, E D , which is indicative of the degree of rhombic character of the ligand field, can be determined quite precisely from the simulations.
The age-associated decline of androgens in reproductive age and menopausal Black and White women.

Context: The effect of race and obesity on the age-associated decline of androgens in reproductive-aged and menopausal women has not been well characterized. Objective: Our objective was to determine the impact of racial differences and body mass index (BMI) on the change in androgen levels during a woman’s reproductive and early menopausal years. Design and Setting: We conducted a frequency-matched cross-sectional study at a tertiary academic medical center. Patients or Other Participants: Subjects included 260 healthy, nonhirsute and eumenorrheic, self-identified Black and White women, ages 15–60 yr. Interventions: A medical and reproductive history, physical exam, and blood sampling were determined in the fasting state during the early follicular phase. Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels of androgens or androgen metabolites (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and total and free testosterone) and SHBG were measured and the BMI, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and the basal insulin resistanc...
Evaluation of a hand-held far-ultraviolet radiation device for decontamination of Clostridium difficile and other healthcare-associated pathogens

Environmental surfaces play an important role in transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. There is a need for new disinfection methods that are effective against Clostridium difficile spores, but also safe and rapid. The Sterilray™ Disinfection Wand device is a hand-held room decontamination technology that utilizes far-ultraviolet radiation (185-230 nm) to kill pathogens. We examined the efficacy of disinfection using the Sterilray device in the laboratory, in rooms of hospitalized patients, and on surfaces outside of patient rooms (i.e. keyboards and portable medical equipment). Cultures for C. difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) were collected from commonly-touched surfaces before and after use of the Sterilray device. On inoculated surfaces in the laboratory, application of the Sterilray device at a radiant dose of 100 mJ/cm2 for ~ 5 seconds consistently reduced recovery of C. difficile spores by 4.4 CFU log10, MRSA by 5.4 log10CFU and of VRE by 6.9 log10CFU. A >3 log10 reduction of MRSA and VRE was achieved in ~2 seconds at a lower radiant dose, but killing of C. difficile spores was significantly reduced. On keyboards and portable medical equipment that were inoculated with C. difficile spores, application of the Sterilray device at a radiant dose of 100 mJ/cm2 for ~ 5 seconds reduced contamination by 3.2 log10CFU. However, the presence of organic material reduced the lethal effect of the far-UV radiation. In hospital rooms that were not pre-cleaned, disinfection with the Sterilray device significantly reduced the frequency of positive C. difficile and MRSA cultures (P =0.007). The Sterilray™ Disinfection Wand is a novel environmental disinfection technology that rapidly kills C. difficile spores and other healthcare-associated pathogens on surfaces. However, the presence of organic matter reduces the efficacy of far-UV radiation, possibly explaining the more modest results observed on surfaces in hospital rooms that were not pre-cleaned.
Inferring Viscoelastomer Dynamic Material Properties From Finite Element and Experimental Studies of Constrained Layer Damping Systems

Viscoelastic materials are often used to add damping to metal structures, usually via the constrained layer damping method. The added damping is strongly dependent on material temperature and frequency, as are the underlying material properties of the viscoelastomer. Several standardized test methods are available to characterize the dynamic material properties of viscoelastomers. However, they rely on limited test data which is extrapolated using the time-temperature superposition technique. The authors have found that the different testing methods typically produce significantly different material properties. A new approach to inferring viscoelastomer material properties is suggested here. Several metal bars are treated using constrained layer damping. Experimental modal analyses are conducted on the bars at different temperatures to produce sets of system resonance frequencies and loss factors. Corresponding finite element (FE) models of the treated bars are analyzed using assumed viscoelastomer material properties. The properties are adjusted by trial and error until the FE-simulated system loss factors match those of the measurements.© 2004 ASME
New developments in thermospray sample introduction for atomic spectrometry

The status of thermospray sample introduction for analytical atomic spectrometry was last reviewed in 1992. In this review, we summarize developments in this field since that time, including investigations of aerosol generation processes, noise diagnosis and control with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission or mass spectrometry (ICP-AES/MS), high flow thermospray, the use of dual-stage desolvation systems based on membrane dryers, and the utilization of thermospray with axially viewed ICP-AES. Since a major advantage of methods based on thermospray is improved limits of detection, the emphasis for applications of thermospray with ICP spectrometries remains focused on environmental sample types, particularly with ICP-MS. Relatedly, the use of thermospray as a means for the direct speciation of Se is also under development.
TH‐C‐BRC‐10: Fluoroscopic Lung Tumor Tracking Based on Real‐Time Deformable Image Registration

Purpose: To develop a real‐time and accurate lungtumor tracking algorithm from fluoroscopic images based on deformable image registration. Methods: The new tracking algorithm is developed based on deformable image registration (DIR) of fluoroscopic images using our GPU‐based Demons algorithm. Choosing an initial frame image as a reference image, we deform all the incoming frame images to this reference image to obtain deformation vector fields (DVFs). And consequently, the physician contoured tumor region on the initial frame can be properly propagated to the incoming frames and the new tumor location can be obtained by calculating the centroid of the propagated tumor. Results:The proposed tracking algorithm is initially tested on four lungcancer patients' fluoroscopic images. The average computation time for the tumor tracking for each frame is between 0.21 and 0.26 seconds on an NVIDIA Tesla C1060 equipped workstation. The accuracy of tracking results are quantified by comparing the numerical tracking tumor centroid with physician determined tumor centroid in each frame. In superior‐inferior direction, the average of tumor centroid localization error is found to be 0.97 mm for the best testing case and 1.29 mm for the worst cases, and the error at 95 percentile is smaller than 3.2 mm for all testing cases. In lateral direction, the average error is in the range between 0.8 and 1.02 mm, and 95% error is smaller than 3.5 mm for all testing cases. The average of 2D vector errors range from 1.49–2.00mm and 95% 2D error is smaller than 4.0mm. Conclusions:The preliminary results indicate that high computational efficiency and tumor location accuracy can be achieved using the proposed real‐time DIR based lungtumor tracking method. This method provides a real‐time markerless tumor tracking tool for lungcancerradiation therapy.
Patterned Removal of Molecular Organic Films by Diffusion

We demonstrate that "contact patterning" subtractively patterns a wide range of molecular organic films of nanoscale thickness with nanometer-scale accuracy. In "contact patterning", an elastomeric stamp with raised features is brought into contact with the organic film and subsequently removed, generating patterns by the diffusion of the film molecules into the stamp. The mechanism of material removal via diffusion is documented over spans of minutes, hours, and days and is shown to be consistently repeatable. Contact patterning provides a photolithography-free, potentially scalable approach to subtractive patterning of a wide range of molecular organic films.
Summary and critique of the new NIH guidelines for recombinant DNA research

Abstract New NIH Guidelines for research involving recombinant DNA (R-DNA) molecules were issued on December 15, 1978. These are composed of four main parts, the first defining R-DNA and specifying prohibitions and exemptions, the second describing physical and biological containment, the third assigning the containment levels for many R-DNA experiments, and the fourth detailing the roles and responsibilities of the investigator, research institutions and NIH. Although the new Guidelines reduce restrictions, principally on those R-DNA experiments that use Escherichia coli K-12 host, vector systems, and exempt from the Guidelines several classes of experiments on prokaryotes that naturally exchange their DNA, most of their provisions are unjustified by the present assessment of the absence of any practical risks; many totally innocuous experiments are unnecessarily restricted and even virtually prohibited mainly because no host-vector systems were officially certified. The term Guidelines is a misnomer since they are mandatory regulations, even without any statutory basis. They impose large but unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on scientists, research institutions, research committees and NIH, and represent unwarranted censorship of basic research, which is antithetical to the creativity of human thought, thus posing serious dangers to the traditional freedom of inqury.
Andhra Pradesh: lessons for global software development

Although extremely poor economically, the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has been a supplier of skilled software labor for more than a decade and is one of the most innovative sites in applying IT for social development. Many of AP's e-government programs are just beginning to fully take root, and they should have a significant impact in a relatively short time.
Juvenal renewed in Claudian’sIn eutropium

The quintessentially Roman institution of the consulate saw one eunuch, Eutropius, entered into and then erased from its rolls ina.d. 399. Claudian, poet of the western imperial court, vilified Eutropius's elevation and gloated over his fall in two books of vivid invective. He continually evokes the satires of Juvenal to sharpen and deepen his attack. Over-tones ofSatire 2 help make the scandalous sexuality Claudian attributes to Eutropius, especially in Book 1, portend disaster to the Roman state. The imperial council ofSatire 4 underlies Eutropius's council in Book 2: it centers the epic travesty of Eutrpius's response to rebellion by Gothic troops. Through his, appropriation of Juvenalian language, Claudian appropriates Juvenal's authority for Roman outrage gainst perversions of Roman mores, and renews it in his own age.
Analysis of second phase particles in a powder metallurgy HIP nickel-base superalloy

The nature of the second phase particles associated with LC Astroloy prepared using powder metallurgy techniques has been examined. The individual particles have been identified using energy dispersive X-ray analysis and convergent beam electron diffraction. Four distinct types of particles have been observed: a cubic MC carbide in which M is either titanium or titanium plus molybdenum, a monoclinic phase ZrO2, a trigonalα-Al2O3 and a tetragonal M3B2 phase in which M is molybdenum or molybdenum and chromium. The observations indicate that, although some MC carbides are associated with the ZrO2 phase, the majority of the prior particle boundary precipitates are separate entities. Hot isostatic pressing or subsequent heat treatments above or below the γ′ solvus were observed to have little effect on the incidence or distribution of the precipitation associated with the prior particle boundaries. In contrast, heat treatments above the γ′ solvus resulted in the dissolution of the M2B3 phase and its preferential precipitation on the grain boundaries.
Type I Interferon Signaling Enhances CD8+ T Cell Effector Function and Differentiation during Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection

CD8+ T cell responses are critical to the control of replication and reactivation associated with gammaherpesvirus infection. Type I interferons (IFNs) have been shown to have direct and indirect roles in supporting CD8+ T cell development and function during viral infection; however, the role of type I interferons during latent viral infection has not been examined. Mice deficient in type I IFN signaling (IFNAR1−/− mice) have high levels of reactivation during infection with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), a murine gammaherpesvirus model for Epstein-Barr virus. We hypothesized that type I IFNs function to enhance the anti-gammaherpesvirus CD8+ T cell response. To test this, IFNAR1−/− mice were infected with MHV68 and the CD8+ T cell response was analyzed. In the absence of type I IFN signaling, there was a marked increase in short-lived effector CD8+ T cells, and MHV68-specific CD8+ T cells had upregulated expression of PD-1 and reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), gamma IFN (IFN-γ), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Suppressing MHV68 replication early in infection using the antiviral cidofovir rescued CD8+ T cell cytokine production and reduced PD-1 expression. However, suppressing high levels of reactivation in IFNAR1−/− mice failed to improve CD8+ T cell cytokine production during latency. T cell-specific abrogation of type I IFN signaling showed that the effects of type I IFNs on the CD8+ T cell response during MHV68 infection are independent of direct type I IFN signaling on T cells. Our findings support a model in which type I IFNs likely suppress MHV68 replication, thus limiting viral antigen and facilitating an effective gammaherpesvirus-directed CD8+ T cell response. IMPORTANCE The murine gammaherpesvirus MHV68 has both genetic and biologic homology to the human gammaherpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects over 90% of humans. Latent EBV infection and reactivation are associated with various life-threatening diseases and malignancies. Host suppression of gammaherpesvirus latency and reactivation requires both CD8+ T cells as well as type I interferon signaling. Type I IFNs have been shown to critically support the antiviral CD8+ T cell response in other virus models. Here, we identify an indirect role for type I IFN signaling in enhancing gammaherpesvirus-specific CD8+ T cell cytokine production. Further, this function of type I IFN signaling can be partially rescued by suppressing viral replication during early MHV68 infection. Our data suggest that type I IFN signaling on non-T cells can enhance CD8+ T cell function during gammaherpesvirus infection, potentially through suppression of MHV68 replication.
Using social network analysis to study patterns of drug use among urban drug users at high risk for HIV/AIDS

Few studies have examined the current social relationships of injecting drug users. This paper examines the structural and relationship characteristics of the social networks of injecting drug users, and the relation of social network characteristics to the HIV infection risk behavior of frequency of injecting heroin and cocaine. The study sample was comprised of 293 inner city injecting drug users in Baltimore, Maryland. Most participants (89%) reported at least one family member in their social network, and 44% listed their mother or step-mother in their network. Presence of family members in personal social networks was not related to patterns of drug use examined here; however, those who reported a partner in their personal social network injected significantly less often than those who did not report a partner. Network density and size of drug subnetworks were positively associated with frequency of drug injection. The results of this study suggest that social network analysis may be a useful tool for understanding the social context of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors.
Oxidation Resistances of Ternary Mixtures of the Carbides of Titanium, Silicon, and Boron

Dense compacts of mixtures of Tic, Sic, and B,C were prepared by sintering in an argon atmosphere and by hot pressing. Titanium carbide and B4C reacted during heating to form TiB2. The oxidation resistances of these ternary compacts were determined by the weight gained at 2000°F. in air. Compacts containing 10% B4C, 70 to 50% Tic, and the remainder Sic had superior oxidation resistances. The oxide coating on these compositions consisted of rutile, silica, and an amorphous third phase. A compact composed of 73.5% Tic, 17% silicon, and 9.5% boron was hot-pressed. It had zero porosity and better oxidation resistance than any other composition tested.
Effects of the L511P and D512G Mutations on the Escherichia coli ABC Transporter MsbA

MsbA is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily and is homologous to ABC transporters linked to multidrug resistance. The nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of these proteins include conserved motifs that are involved in ATP binding, including conserved SALD residues (D-loop) that are diagnostic in identifying ABC transporters but whose roles have not been identified. Within the D-loop, single point mutations L511P and D512G were discovered by random mutational analysis of MsbA to disrupt protein function in the cell [Polissi, A., and Georgopoulos, C. (1996) Mol. Microbiol. 20, 1221-1233] but have not been further studied in MsbA or in detail in any other ABC transporter. In these studies, we show that both L511P and D512G mutants of MsbA are able to bind ATP at near-wild-type levels but are unable to maintain cell viability in an in vivo growth assay, verifying the theory that they are dysfunctional at some point after ATP binding. An ATPase assay further suggests that the L511P mutation prevents effective ATP hydrolysis, and an ATP detection assay reveals that only small amounts of ATP are hydrolyzed; D512G is able to hydrolyze ATP at a rate 3-fold faster than that of the wild type. EPR spectroscopy studies using reporter sites within the NBDs also indicate that at least some hydrolysis occurs in L511P or D512G MsbA but show fewer spectral changes than observed for the same reporters in the wild-type background. These studies indicate that L511 is necessary for efficient ATP hydrolysis and D512 is essential for conformational rearrangements required for flipping lipid A.
A parallel spline collocation-capacitance method for elliptic partial differential equations

We consider the integration of a domain decomposition technique with a new quadratic spline collocation discretization scheme for solving second order elliptic boundary value problems on rectangles. The domain decomposition method is based on the capacitance matrix technique. Due to the limitations of existing methods for solving the corresponding capacitance problem, we develop and analyze iterative methods for its solution. The optimum partitioning and mapping of the underlying computation is studied on hypercube architectures. A numerical realization of this method is presented on NCUBE/7 (128 processors) and its comparative efficiency is measured. The resulting parallel quadratic spline collocation-capacitance method is seen to be efficient in achieving accurate solutions and in using parallel architectures.
BOUNDING SCALAR CURVATURE AND DIAMETER ALONG THE KÄHLER RICCI FLOW (AFTER PERELMAN)

In this short note we present a result of Perelman with detailed proof. The result states that if . We learned about this result and its proof from Grigori Perelman when he was visiting MIT in the spring of 2003. This may be helpful to people studying the Kahler Ricci flow.
Trajectories of differential inclusions with state constraints

Abstract The paper deals with solutions of a differential inclusion x ˙ ∈ F ( x ) constrained to a compact convex set Ω . Here F is a compact, possibly non-convex valued, Lipschitz continuous multifunction, whose convex closure co F satisfies a strict inward pointing condition at every boundary point x ∈ ∂ Ω . Given a reference trajectory x ⁎ ( ⋅ ) taking values in an e -neighborhood of Ω , we prove the existence of a second trajectory x : [ 0 , T ] ↦ Ω which satisfies ‖ x − x ⁎ ‖ W 1 , 1 ⩽ C e ( 1 + | ln e | ) . As shown by an earlier counterexample, this bound is sharp.
Studies of Lipase Action. II. The Activation of Milk Lipase by Temperature Changes

Summary Lipolysis in cold milk is accelerated by warming the milk slightly and re-cooling. To secure a maximum of activation, milk should be pre-cooled to 5° C. or lower, re-warmed to 30° C., and then re-cooled below 10° C. The length of time the milk is held at the pre-cooling temperature, or at the activation temperature, is of less importance than the actual temperatures employed, at least in the case of moderate rates of heating and cooling. The rate of lipolysis seems dependent upon the crystalline state of the fat, and consequently upon the previous temperature history of the milk. Differences in previous temperature history are retained even at 20° C. for at least 22 hours. Milk which has been activated can be reactivated or deactivated by suitable heat treatment. These phenomena are of practical importance wherever raw milk is handled. It seems probable that this unrecognized phenomenon of activation has been responsible, in part at least, for many experimental results which have been attributed to other factors.
Surface CO2 leakage during two shallow subsurface CO2 releases

A new field facility was used to study CO2 migrationprocesses and test techniques to detect and quantify potential CO2leakage from geologic storage sites. For 10 days starting 9 July 2007,and for seven days starting 5 August 2007, 0.1 and 0.3 t CO2 d-1,respectively, were released from a ~;100-m long, sub-water table (~;2.5-mdepth) horizontal well. The spatio-temporal evolution of leakage wasmapped through repeated grid measurements of soil CO2 flux (FCO2). Thesurface leakage onset, approach to steady state, and post-release declinematched model predictions closely. Modeling suggested that minimal CO2was taken up by groundwater through dissolution, and CO2 spread out ontop of the water table. FCO2 spatial patterns were related to well designand soil physical properties. Estimates of total CO2 discharge along withsoil respiration and leakage discharge highlight the influence ofbackground CO2 flux variations on detection of CO2 leakagesignals.
Thresholding for biological material detection in real-time multispectral imaging

Recently, hyperspectral image analysis has proved successful for a target detection problem encountered in remote sensing as well as near sensing utilizing in situ instrumentation. The conventional global bi-level thresholding for target detection, such as the clustering-based Otsu's method, has been inadequate for the detection of biologically harmful material on foods that has a large degree of variability in size, location, color, shape, texture, and occurrence time. This paper presents multistep-like thresholding based on kernel density estimation for the real-time detection of harmful contaminants on a food product presented in multispectral images. We are particularly concerned with the detection of fecal contaminants on poultry carcasses in real-time. In the past, we identified 2 optimal wavelength bands and developed a real-time multispectral imaging system using a common aperture camera and a globally optimized thresholding method from a ratio of the optimal bands. This work extends our previous study by introducing a new decision rule to detect fecal contaminants on a single bird level. The underlying idea is to search for statistical separability along the two directions defined by the global optimal threshold vector and its orthogonal vector. Experimental results with real birds and fecal samples in different amounts are provided.
Rümker hills: a lunar volcanic dome complex

The Ruemker Hills, a volcanic dome-flow complex in the northern Oceanus Procellarum, is characterized by overlapping plains-forming units with lobate scarps, volcanic domes, a 60-km ring, and a scarp which separates the plateau from surrounding mare materials. Plains-forming units are interpreted as fluid volcanic flows, and domes as viscous extrusions. One dome may be a stratovolcano. The ring system is discordant with regional structural trends and probably has a local origin. The Ruemker Hills is the closest lunar analog to the large Martian shield structures revealed on the Mariner 9 photographs of Mars.
Intravenous Immunoglobulins in Multiple Sclerosis

The spectrum of diseases being treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) appears to be ever broadening, including use in neurologic diseases. After a period of anectodal reports and smaller uncontrolled series, recently there have been several randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies employing IVIg in patients with relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). Reduction in relapse rate and some evidence of decreased MRI activity has been reported, but to date no effect on disability or MRI lesion burden has been noted. Because of differences in methodologic design and patient populations, as well as the relatively small number of patients in some of these studies, a rigorous direct comparison of efficacy with the type I interferons and glatiramer acetate is not possible. Given these data and the high cost of IVIg, routine use of this mode of therapy cannot be recommended, certainly not as a first-line treatment. Larger studies would clearly be helpful. At present there is no evidence to support the use of IVIg in secondary progressive (SP) or primary progressive (PP) MS.
Syntax at Age Two: Cross-Linguistic Differences 1

The 1990s witnessed a major expansion in research on children's morphosyntactic development, due largely to the availability of computer-searchable corpora of spontaneous speech in the CHILDES database. This led to a rapid emergence of parallel findings in different languages, with much attention devoted to the widely attested difficulties in inflectional morphology in the speech of two-year-olds. First written in 1995, and framed within the terms of contemporary syntactic theories, this article argues that cross-linguistic differences in the distribution of children's morphosyntactic errors provide important clues to the source of the errors, in particular whether they are morphological or syntactic in origin. The article takes as its starting point some striking previous findings that children's verb inflection errors are systematically correlated, on a sentence-by-sentence basis, with errors in the use of overt subjects, and with the use of syntactically complex constructions such as wh-questions. The ...
Bilevel Design of a Wing Structure Using Response Surfaces

A methodology for performing bilevel structural optimization of aircraft wing structures is proposed. The overall design problem is decomposed into two levels: a wing (or upper) level and a panel (or lower) level. At the upper level the wing structure is evaluated and designed using a e nite element model that is less detailed and contains fewer design variables compared to the actual structure. Constraints on the overall behavior of the structure, such as aeroelastic constraints or constraints on the tip dee ection, are imposed at this level. At the lower level more detailed models of certain portions of the structure are used to compute more complex failure modes and to design the details that were not included in the upper-level model. The upper and lower design levels are coordinated with one another using a set of response surface models. Proper coordination between the two levels is maintained through the transfer of stiffness and load information from the upper design level to the lower design level. Results obtained using the proposed technique are presented for a simple wing model.
Large Effects from Small Exposures. III. Endocrine Mechanisms Mediating Effects of Bisphenol A at Levels of Human Exposure

Over 6 billion pounds per year of the estrogenic monomer bisphenol A (BPA) are used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic products, in resins lining metal cans, in dental sealants, and in blends with other types of plastic products. The ester bond linking BPA molecules in polycarbonate and resins undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in the release of free BPA into food, beverages, and the environment, and numerous monitoring studies now show almost ubiquitous human exposure to biologically active levels of this chemical. BPA exerts estrogenic effects through the classical nuclear estrogen receptors, and BPA acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. However, BPA also initiates rapid responses via estrogen receptors presumably associated with the plasma membrane. Similar to estradiol, BPA causes changes in some cell functions at concentrations between 1 pM and 1 nM, and the mean and median range of unconjugated BPA measured by multiple techniques in human pregnant maternal, fetal, and adult blood and other tissues exceeds these levels. In contrast to these published findings, BPA manufacturers persist in describing BPA as a weak estrogen and insist there is little concern with human exposure levels. Our concern with human exposure to BPA derives from 1) identification of molecular mechanisms mediating effects in human and animal tissues at very low doses, 2) in vivo effects in experimental animals caused by low doses within the range of human exposure, and 3) widespread human exposure to levels of BPA that cause adverse effects in animals.
Informatics approaches for identifying biologic relationships in time-series data.

A vital goal of the genomic era is to identify biologic relationships between genes and gene products and to understand how these relationships influence phenotypes. Time course data contain a vast amount of causal and mechanistic information about complex systems, but experimental and informatics challenges must be overcome to produce and extract this information from biologic systems. Mathematical modeling and bioinformatics methods are being developed in anticipation of experiments involving the coordinated measurement of cellular and molecular quantities at various spatial and temporal scales. Experimental methods that probe at the nanoscale will facilitate the exploration of biologic systems at the single-cell and single-molecule level, but will also introduce special challenges for mathematical modeling because events at nanoscale concentrations are subject to the influence of intrinsic noise. This review addresses the progress, challenges, and frontiers in the field of time-series informatics. The ultimate goal of time-series informatics is to move beyond descriptive relationships and toward predictive models of emergent, or systemic, behaviors of biologic systems as a whole. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Precision measurement of the magnetic field in terms of the free-proton NMR frequency

Abstract We have developed a NMR standard probe using a spherical pure water sample of 1 cm diameter to determine the absolute magnetic field B in terms of the free-proton NMR frequency fp with an accuracy of 3.4 × 10−8. Our standard probe can be used conveniently to calibrate other probes in the field range from 1.45 to 1.7 T and can readily be employed over a much wider field range. The probe design and the tests carried out to verify its precision and accuracy are presented.
Au/CdZnTe/CdS m-i-n detectors fabricated by sputtering technique

The electrical and detection properties of Au/CdZnTe/CdS (m- i-n) gamma-ray and x-ray detectors, fabricated by sputtering technique, have been studied. The CdZnTe crystal was grown by the High Pressure Bridgman method. Current-voltage measurements show that the leakage current is reduced by an order of magnitude when the m-i-n detector is reversed biased. This is due to increased contact barriers, which produced effective blocking contacts. An energy resolution of 3.6 percent for the 59.6 keV line of 241Am was obtained in the reverse bias, with almost no energy resolution for the forward bias due to excessive leakage current.
To Plan or Not to Plan, That is the Question: Transaction Cost Theory and its Implications for Planning

Planning has been associated with public intervention, in contrast with the 'free' market. The transaction cost theory of planning bridges this dichotomy, suggesting instead the link between planning and hierarchical organizations and networks in the public and private sectors alike. The implications of this theory are that: (1) the scope and limits of planning are not based on the rationales for public intervention, but depend on the need for more hierarchical or more market-like forms of organization; (2) planning as coordination demands coordinative planning as well as traditional strategic planning, culminating in institutional design; (3) these forms of planning are associated in varying degrees with different types of organizations, characterized by size, complexity, and degree of hierarchy; (4) with growing societal complexity and interdependence, the demand for coordinative planning and institutional design will rise. Planning practice will have to incorporate coordinative planning and institutional design, and planning education needs to equip planners for these types of practice. Introduction: transaction costs and planning(1)
Transport kinetics for superoxide dismutase and catalase between plasma and interstitial fluid in the rat small intestine.

Abstract The purpose of these studies was to determine the initial rates (first 5 h) of plasma-to-interstitial fluid transport for superoxide dismutase, catalase, and albumin in the rat small intestine. In all experiments, the renal vascular pedicles were ligated to prevent the renal excretion of these macromolecules. Plasma and intestinal interstitial fluid (lymph) samples were collected at timed intervals after intravenous administration of SOD, catalase, or 125I-labeled albumin. Before injection of the proteins, the plasma concentrations (43.8 ± 16.9 and 7.6 ± 1.2 U/mL, respectively), interstitial fluid (lymph) concentrations (28.8 ± 7.6 and 1.6 ± 0.8 U/mL, respectively), and the lymph-to-plasma (L/P) protein concentration ratios (0.59 ± 0.13 and 0.22 ± 0.09, respectively) for endogenous SOD and catalase were determined. The plasma disappearance rate for exogenously administered catalase far exceeded the rates for SOD or albumin. However, the rate of catalase disappearance from the plasma was markedly reduced in animals in which the circulation through the liver was eliminated, suggesting that the hepatic route may be important for elimination of exogenously administered catalase. Maximal interstitial fluid catalase concentrations were achieved within 30 min while SOD and albumin required 45–90 min. The L/P ratios for exogenously administered SOD and albumin increased to 0.22 ± 0.06 and 0.19 ± 0.03 within 60 and 120 min of injection, respectively, and remained at these levels for the remainder of the experimental protocol. The catalase L/P ratio increased to 0.24 ± 0.07 within 90 min of injection and subsequently declined to levels measured for endogenous catalase over the remaining 3.5 h. The data indicate that while exogenously administered catalase and SOD rapidly enter the interstitial space of the small bowel, maximal intestinal interstitial fluid concentrations of these antioxidant enzymes are not achieved until 30–90 min after a single intravenous injection.
Combinatorial cytokine code generates anti-viral state in dendritic cells.

The physiological function of the immune system and the response to therapeutic immunomodulators may be sensitive to combinatorial cytokine micro-environments that shape the responses of specific immune cells. Previous work shows that paracrine cytokines released by virus-infected human dendritic cells (DC) can dictate the maturation state of naive DCs. To understand the effects of paracrine signaling, we systematically studied the effects of combinations cytokines in this complex mixture in generating an anti-viral state. After naive DCs were exposed to either IFNβ or to paracrine signaling released by DCs infected by Newcastle disease virus (NDV), microarray analysis revealed a large number of genes that were differently regulated by the DC-secreted paracrine signaling. In order to identify the cytokine mechanisms involved, we identified 20 cytokines secreted by NDV infected DCs for which the corresponding receptor gene is expressed in naive DCs. By exposing cells to all combinations of 19 cytokines (leave-one-out studies), we identified five cytokines (IFNβ, TNFα, IL-1β, TNFSF15, and IL28) as candidates for regulating DC maturation markers. Subsequent experiments identified IFNβ, TNFα, and IL1β as the major contributors to this anti-viral state. This finding was supported by infection studies in vitro, by T-cell activation studies and by in vivo infection studies in mouse. Combination of cytokines can cause response states in DCs that differ from those achieved by the individual cytokines alone. These results suggest that the cytokine microenvironment may act via a combinatorial code to direct the response state of specific immune cells. Further elucidation of this code may provide insight into responses to infection and neoplasia as well as guide the development of combinatorial cytokine immunomodulation for infectious, autoimmune, and immunosurveillance-related diseases.
A flood-related outbreak of carbon monoxide poisoning--Grand Forks, North Dakota

Post-disaster carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a growing problem in the United States. This study describes a documented outbreak of CO poisoning associated with flooding. Health department staff investigated cases of CO poisoning following the severe flood of 1997 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Thirty-three laboratory-confirmed cases were identified, involving 18 separate incidents. Patients ranged in age from 7 to 67 years, and most were men. One patient lost consciousness and was admitted to the hospital; all others were released after receiving supplemental oxygen. Every incident involved gasoline-powered pressure washers being used in basements. Five incidents among professional cleaners accounted for 16 cases; the remaining incidents involved noncommercial use. Thirty patients, from 15 incidents, reported the basement was ventilated while the pressure washer was in use. CO poisoning must be considered a potential hazard after major floods.