cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polychlorinated Biphenyls Disrupt Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity and Promote Brain Metastasis Formation

BackgroundPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprise a ubiquitous class of toxic substances associated with carcinogenic and tumor-promoting effects as well as neurotoxic properties in the brain. Ho...
Religious people discount the future less

The propensity for religious belief and behavior is a universal feature of human societies, but religious practice often imposes substantial costs upon its practitioners. This suggests that during human cultural evolution, the costs associated with religiosity might have been traded off for psychological or social benefits that redounded to fitness on average. One possible benefit of religious belief and behavior, which virtually every world religion extols, is delay of gratification—that is, the ability to forego small rewards available immediately in the interest of obtaining larger rewards that are available only after a time delay. In this study, we found that religious commitment was associated with a tendency to forgo immediate rewards in order to gain larger, future rewards. We also found that this relationship was partially mediated by future time orientation, which is a subjective sense that the future is very close in time and is approaching rapidly. Although the effect sizes of these associations were relatively small in magnitude, they were obtained even when controlling for sex and the Big Five personality traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism).
Calcium bridges are not load-bearing cell-wall bonds in Avena coleoptiles.

I examined the ability of frozen-thawed Avena sativa L. coleoptile sections under applied load to extend in response to the calcium chelators ethyleneglycol-bis-(β-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and 2-[(20bis-[carboxymethyl] amino-5-methylphenoxy)methyl]-6-methoxy-8-bis [carboxymethyl]aminoquinoline (Quin II). Addition of 5 mM EGTA to weakly buffered (0.1 mM, pH 6.2) solutions of 2(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (Mes) initiated rapid extension and wall acidification. When the buffer strength was increased (e.g. from 20 to 100 mM Mes, pH 6.2) EGTA did not initiate extension nor did it cause wall acidification. At 5 mM Quin II failed to stimulate cell extension or wall acidification at all buffer molarities tested (0.1 to 100 mM Mes). Both chelators rapidly and effectively removed Ca2+ from Avena sections. These data indicate that Ca2+ chelation per se does not result in loosening of Avena cells walls. Rather, EGTA promotes wall extension indirectly via wall acidification.
An interferometric method for low-speed equilibrium sedimentation at low initial concentrations.

Abstract A method is described for determining initial concentrations between 0.2 and 1.0 mg/ml in the ultracentrifuge using the interference optics. The method makes use of the equations describing the conservation of mass when the concentration at the meniscus of the solution column is negligible. The latter condition is met by centrifuging the rotor at speeds 3× greater than the estimated equilibrium speed for about one hour. The interference pattern thus obtained described the concentration distribution (f) of the solute along the axis of rotation (r). The total mass is readily calculated from the integral ∫ r m r b f dr 2 Since the volume of a sector-shaped cell is proportional to r2, dividing the integral by rb2 − rm2 yields f0, the initial concentration in mm of fringe displacement. Application of this overspeeding procedure either at the beginning or at the end of a low-speed equilibrium run allows the routine estimation of various average molecular weights at low initial concentrations.
Virus-Based Nanoparticles with Inorganic Cargo: What Does the Future Hold?

An analysis of the accumulated knowledge on virus-based nanoparticles (VNPs) consisting of virus protein capsids and inorganic cargo, such as nanoparticles (NPs), nanowires, and thin layers, is presented. Virus capsids (VCs) can serve either as templates or nanoreactors when inorganic materials are formed outside or inside VCs. The third possibility is when inorganic NPs nucleate the formation of VCs. The structural and mechanistic studies of VNP formation are paving the way to a better understating of virus structure and behavior, and these facilitate promising applications of VNPs in biomedical and materials research.
An Enhanced Single Base Extension Technique for the Analysis of Complex Viral Populations

Many techniques for the study of complex populations provide either specific information on a small number of variants or general information on the entire population. Here we describe a powerful new technique for elucidating mutation frequencies at each genomic position in a complex population. This single base extension (SBE) based microarray platform was designed and optimized using poliovirus as the target genotype, but can be easily adapted to assay populations derived from any organism. The sensitivity of the method was demonstrated by accurate and consistent readouts from a controlled population of mutant genotypes. We subsequently deployed the technique to investigate the effects of the nucleotide analog ribavirin on a typical poliovirus population through two rounds of passage. Our results show that this economical platform can be used to investigate dynamic changes occurring at frequencies below 1% within a complex nucleic acid population. Given that many key aspects of the study and treatment of disease are intimately linked to population-level genomic diversity, our SBE-based technique provides a scalable and cost-effective complement to both traditional and next generation sequencing methodologies.
Development of Biocompatible Polymers for Modulating Lipid Membrane Integrity

The cell membrane is in essence an integral lipid bilayer decorated by proteins and carbohydrates. It separates the interior of a cell from the exterior environment and serves as a permeable barrier by control over the passage of large molecules and ions in and out of the cell. Thus, lipid membrane integrity is essential for the function of the cell. Research studies have shown that a family of PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers actively interacts with lipid membranes but can have opposite effects on membrane integrity - they can behave either as membrane sealants in the sealing of structurally compromised cell membranes, or as permeabilizers to promote drug intake for multidrug-resistant cancer cells. It is intriguing that these seemingly opposite biological effects come from the same family of copolymers. However, no clear relationships between the architecture and bioactivities of the copolymers have been established due to the lack of thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of polymer-cell membrane interactions. Here, we elucidate that the overall hydrophobicity of the copolymers plays an important role in determining its ability to disrupt or preserve the integrity of lipid membranes. To test the universal effect of polymer hydrophobicity on their mode of membrane interaction, we have further examined polymer-lipid membrane interactions using a new series of copolymers, polyMPC-PPO-polyMPC. We discovered that this family of copolymers exhibits a similar interaction trend to PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers. As polyMPC does not share any common chemical features with PEO except that it is also hydrophilic - in fact, it is much more hydrophilic than PEO, we propose that it is the overall hydrophobicity of the polymer, rather than the exact chemical structure of the constituent blocks, that drives the transition of the polymer from being a membrane permeabilizer to a membrane sealant.
Placing the Environment in Migration: Environment, Economy, and Power in Ghana's Central Region

This paper examines the role of environmental change as a driver of migration, a central concern of areas of inquiry ranging from the Human Dimensions of Global Change research to population geography and development studies. Although much of the literature on the role of the environment in migration reflects a general awareness that environmental factors are but one of a suite of influences shaping migration decisionmaking, a framework within which to place social, economic, and environmental issues with regard to particular migration decisions is absent from this literature. Drawing upon recent contributions to the literature on migration, and political ecological concerns for access to and control over resources, in this paper I present a framework for placing such issues founded on a Foucauldian conceptualization of power. This framework treats environment, economy, and society as both products of and productive of social differentiation, instrumental modes of power, and resistance. These forms shape actors' understanding and negotiation of their social, economic, and environmental contexts, and therefore their migration decisionmaking. I illustrate the application of this framework through the example of three villages in Ghana's Central Region, where rural environmental and economic changes appear to have driven a complex pattern of out- migration over the past thirty-five years. This migration shows the ways in which environmental change becomes inseparable from local perceptions of economy and local politics through local manifestations of power.
Methods for connecting dissimilar three-dimensional finite element meshes

Two methods are presented for connecting dissimilar three-dimensional finite element meshes. The first method combines the concept of master and slave surfaces with the uniform strain approach for finite elements. By modifying the boundaries of elements on a slave surface, corrections are made to element formulations such that first-order patch tests are passed. The second method is based entirely on constraint equations, but only passes a weaker form of the patch test for non-planar surfaces. Both methods can be used to connect meshes with different element types. In addition, master and slave surfaces can be designated independently of relative mesh resolutions. Example problems in three-dimensional linear elasticity are presented. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the California Lead Ammunition Ban on Reducing Lead Exposure in Golden Eagles and Turkey Vultures

Predatory and scavenging birds may be exposed to high levels of lead when they ingest shot or bullet fragments embedded in the tissues of animals injured or killed with lead ammunition. Lead poisoning was a contributing factor in the decline of the endangered California condor population in the 1980s, and remains one of the primary factors threatening species recovery. In response to this threat, a ban on the use of lead ammunition for most hunting activities in the range of the condor in California was implemented in 2008. Monitoring of lead exposure in predatory and scavenging birds is essential for assessing the effectiveness of the lead ammunition ban in reducing lead exposure in these species. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of the regulation in decreasing blood lead concentration in two avian sentinels, golden eagles and turkey vultures, within the condor range in California. We compared blood lead concentration in golden eagles and turkey vultures prior to the lead ammunition ban and one year following implementation of the ban. Lead exposure in both golden eagles and turkey vultures declined significantly post-ban. Our findings provide evidence that hunter compliance with lead ammunition regulations was sufficient to reduce lead exposure in predatory and scavenging birds at our study sites.
Perception of Unethical Behavior in an Attorney as a Function of Sex of Observer and Transgressor

This study investigated the notion that competent women in traditionally male-dominated professions are often the victims of erroneous stereotypes and are judged to be less deserving than men of praise, promotions, and raises. In addition, the role of ethical versus unethical practices is examined in the context of the above issues, with a further manipulation of guilt versus innocence. Results indicate that sex biases persist but in a more complex and less generalized fashion. Sex differences regarding ethical standards appear negligible, emerging primarily in complex interactions. Ethical behavior elicited more favorable descriptions and higher ratings for remuneration and confidence. Yet, when guilty, male and female subjects alike showed a significant preference for procuring the unethical lawyer's services. Possible explanations for the various findings are discussed and suggestions for research proffered.
The Influence of Histone H3 with Trimethylated Lysine 36 on the Stability of the Nucleosome

The fundamental unit of chromatin, the nucleosome, consists of DNA wrapped around a histone protein octamer core. Histones contain a large number of post translational modifications (PTMs), which often function as protein binding sites. Certain transcription factors recognize these PTMs, while simultaneously binding either nucleosomal or linker DNA, which could enhance transcription factor binding affinity. Triple methylation of Lysine 36 (K36me3) on histone H3 is of particular interest as it is a mark of active transcription and located in the DNA entry-exit region of the nucleosome. Binding to K36me3 could influence the length of DNA wrapped into the nucleosome. Using a FRET system consisting of a donor fluorophore (cy3) in the entry-exit region of nucleosomal DNA and the acceptor (cy5) attached to the c-terminal tail of Histone H2A, we probe the influence of TF binding to DNA and H3K36me3 on nucleosome wrapping.
A fluorometric method for the determination of 2-deoxy-d-glucose

Abstract 1. 1. A fluorometric assay for 2-deoxy- d -glucose (DoG) is described which is based upon the fluorescence of 2-(1-glycerol)-5-carboxy-7-aminoquinoline, the reaction product of the condensation of deoxyglucose with 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid. The quinoline derivative is maximally excited at about 405 mμ and has an emission maximum at about 495 mμ. 2. 2. Fluorescence is proportional to concentration of DoG between 2.8 and 125 mμmoles/ml solution. The method is highly reproducible and precise. 3. 3. With the fluorometric method, small amounts of DoG can be determined accurately in the presence of very high concentrations of glucose. Interference due to high concentrations of deoxyribose is small, and that due to tissue components is non-existent. DoG can be quantitatively recovered from tissue homogenates by extraction with trichloroacetic acid. 4. 4. The same reaction, upon which is based the fluorometric assay, can also be used for the colorimetric estimation of DoG. However, the colorimetric method is insensitive to low concentrations of DoG, has a low degree of reproducibility and precision, and is subject to serious interference by glucose and deoxyribose.
Psychosocial adaptation following an acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Sixty-three survivors of an acute myocardial infarction were studied. Each was interviewed weekly during the hospital period and at six weeks, three months, six months and one year post myocardial infarction. The interview and attendant rating scales were structured to elicit sociodemographic and psychological data (particularly whether anxiety, depression and denial were present) as well as detailed information on patient's return to work and sexual functioning. Each patient was requested to complete the California Personality Inventory at the end of hospitalization. Results are presented with regard to each follow-up period. The majority of patients had good psychosocial outcomes. Over 75% returned to work and previous sexual functioning and over 80% did not experience significant anxiety or depression by the time of the yearly follow-up. For patients who were depressed or anxious in the initial post-hospital period, this was not an evanescent phenomenon. A majority continued to be depressed or anxious at subsequent follow-up evaluations. Two groups of patients at opposite ends of the rehabilitation spectrum were identified. The poor rehabilitation group (13% of entire sample) consisted of patients who were depressed at each follow-up session, reported significant anxiety, and had a much lower rate of return to work and to sexual functioning. The deniers (25% of sample) presented at the opposite extreme. Severity of infarct, as measured by the Peel Index, did not differentiate between the two groups.
Bending of long cross-ply composite circular cylinders

Abstract The response of long, thin-walled, cross-ply composite tubes subjected to pure bending was studied analytically. The formulation includes three parts: pre-buckling response, material failure and bifurcation buckling. The pre-buckling response is analyzed using nonlinear kinematics to accommodate the ovalization of the cross-section. The formulation is based on the principle of virtual work and is used to generate a numerical solution procedure. The Tsai-Wu failure criterion is used to detect material failure in the pre-buckling response. The maximum stress criterion was also considered for comparison. Finally, the buckling analysis considers the possibility of bifurcation into modes containing periodic displacements along the axis of the tube. The tubes are assumed to be geometrically perfect and free of residual stress. Three materials-AS3501 graphite-epoxy, Kevlar 49-epoxy, and E-glass-epoxy-and three diameter-to-thickness ratios-50, 100 and 400-are considered. The moment-curvature response of the tubes is non-linear due to the ovalization of the cross-section (Brazier effect) which induces a limit moment instability. Either material failure or bifurcation buckling always occurs prior to the limit moment in the cases considered. Little difference was observed between the failure loads predicted by the Tsai-Wu and the maximum stress criteria. Tubes with plies of circumferentially oriented fibers in the outermost and innermost positions in the wall proved superior in strength compared with the other cases considered.
pH control of the third virial coefficient of hyaluronate solutions calculated from van der Waals forces by means of the Lifshitz-McLachlan susceptibility theory

Positive third virial coefficients and osmotic coefficients have been calculated for human umbilical cord hyaluronic acid solutions at pHs 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, and 8.5 and constant ionic strength 0.1. The calculations are based on experimental axial flow birefringence and radial linear dichroism data previously reported and the Lifshitz-McLachlan field theory of van der Waals forces. The second virial coefficients are negative, according to both this analysis and light scattering evidence, and reflect the tendency of hyaluronic acid to associate. This negativity denies the assumption of force additivity required by virial expansion theory.
Ab initio studies of the electronic structures of LiOH− and Li2O−

Abstract SCF calculations are performed on the ground states of LiOH and Li2O and their anions. LiOH is found to form a stable anion by attaching an electron in its dipole field. Li2O, which is linear and symmetric in its equilibrium structure, does not possess a stable anion. However, for bond angles less than about 100° the dipole moment is sufficiently large that the anion energy is less than of the neutral. We suggest the possibility that the unsymmetric LiLiO− ion is stable relative to symmetric Li2O.
Neonatal agonism of ERβ impairs male reproductive behavior and attractiveness

The organization of the developing male rodent brain is profoundly influenced by endogenous steroids, most notably estrogen. This process may be disrupted by estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) resulting in altered sex behavior and the capacity to attract a mate in adulthood. To better understand the relative role each estrogen receptor (ER) subtype (ERα and ERβ) plays in mediating these effects, we exposed male Long Evans rats to estradiol benzoate (EB, 10 μg), vehicle, or agonists specific for ERβ (DPN, 1 mg/kg) or ERα (PPT, 1 mg/kg) daily for the first four days of life, and then assessed adult male reproductive behavior and attractiveness via a partner preference paradigm. DPN had a greater adverse impact than PPT on reproductive behavior, suggesting a functional role for ERβ in the organization of these male-specific behaviors. Therefore the impact of neonatal ERβ agonism was further investigated by repeating the experiment using vehicle, EB and additional DPN doses (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg bw). Exposure to DPN suppressed male reproductive behavior and attractiveness in a dose dependent manner. Finally, males were exposed to EB or an environmentally relevant dose of genistein (GEN, 10 mg/kg), a naturally occurring xenoestrogen, which has a higher relative binding affinity for ERβ than ERα. Sexual performance was impaired by GEN but not attractiveness. In addition to suppressing reproductive behavior and attractiveness, EB exposure significantly lowered the testis to body weight ratio, and circulating testosterone levels. DPN and GEN exposure only impaired behavior, suggesting that disrupted androgen secretion does not underlie the impairment.
Navier–Stokes Equations and Weighted Convolution Inequalities in Groups

We obtain Gevrey regular mild solutions to the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in R n with periodic boundary condition in a subset of the variables. The method is based on an extension of Young's convolution inequality in weighted Lebesgue spaces of measurable functions defined on locally compact abelian groups. This generalizes and provides a unified treatment of the Gevrey regularity result of Foias and Temam in the space periodic case and those of Le Jan and Sznitman and Lemarie–Rieusset in the whole space with no boundary.
Electromagnetic interference onboard an electrically propelled spacecraft

Electric and magnetic interference generated by a power conditioner and ion thruster were measured at JPL. Test results were judged by comparing the measured levels to the levels defined by the solar electric propulsion (SEP) specification that was derived from the existing mission oriented Viking-Orbiter 1975 and Mariner-Jupiter-Saturn 1977 electromagnetic compatibility specifications. In many areas the measured interference was excessive. In some cases, the cause of interference was identified. It was concluded that it should be possible on future designs to improve the EMI characteristics greatly at a modest penalty to weight and efficiency.
Customer orientation as a buffer against job burnout

This study examines the role of service worker customer orientation (CO) as a buffer against the detrimental effects of job burnout on job performance and turnover intentions. Data collected from frontline bank employees serve as the study setting. The tenets of the attribution theory are used in developing the study hypotheses. Results show that CO moderates the detrimental effects of job burnout on both job performance and turnover intentions, where the effects of job burnout on both outcomes are weaker for frontline employees with higher CO. Hiring employees high on CO for frontline positions should pay dividends in managing burnout and its negative consequences on job performance and turnover intentions.
Incorporation of radioactivity from GDP-d-14C-mannose into hemicellulose B

Abstract A particulate enzyme preparation from mung bean seedlings ( Phaseolus aureus ) catalysed the incorporation of mannose from GDP- d - 14 C-mannose into the Hemicellulose B fraction. Complete acid hydrolysis of this material liberated all of the radioactivity as mannose. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the 14 C-polymer with a hemicellulase liberated three neutral, diffusable, 14 C-mannose oligosaccharides. One of these, which migrated like a disaccharide, was hydrolysed by β-mannosidase but not by β-glucosidase indicating that mannose was attached by β-linkages. Free glucose was also released by this treatment indicating that the disaccharide was β-mannosyl-glucose. Periodate oxidation of the larger 14 C-oligosaccharides followed by reduction and hydrolysis produced 14 C-erythritol and 14 C-glycerol suggesting that the mannose was attached by 1–4 linkages.
Copper activity in soil solutions of calcareous soils

Copper partitioning was studied in seven calcareous soils at moisture content corresponding to 1.2 times the field moisture content (soil water potential 7.84 J kg(-1)). Copper retention was accompanied by the release in soil solution of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Na(+), and H(+), and the total amount of these cations released was 0.8 to 1.09 times the amount of Cu sorbed (mol(c):mol(c)). The relationships between Cu activity and pH, and the balance of cations in soils correspond with the surface precipitation of CuCO(3) as the main mechanism of Cu retention. The values of ion activity product of surface precipitate were close for all studied soils with the average log(IAP(CuCO(3)))=-15.51. The relationship between copper activity in soil solutions and soil properties is well fit by a regression relating pCu (-log copper ion activity) with soil pH, total Cu, and carbonate content.
Atomic resonance behavior in laser-induced Rb atom desorption—the effect of ambient gas atoms and molecules

Abstract We report an observation that in a typical optical pumping cell containing Rb metal and 150 Torr N 2 gas, a cw laser beam of a few tens of mW and beam size 5.5 mm 2 can desorb Rb films on cell surfaces when the laser is tuned to the Rb D 1 line. The frequency dependence of the Rb desorption rate displays atomic resonance behavior. The desorption is suggested to be mediated by the ambient gas atoms (Rb) and molecules (N 2 ). The phenomenon was used to provide evidence for the existence of thin Rb films on seemingly clear cell surfaces.
Advances in second-order calibration

Several multivariate methods are now available for the calibration of second-order or hyphenated instruments (e.g. GC/MS). When applied to bilinear data, it has been shown that calibration can be performed in the presence of unknown interferences - a significant advantage over first-order calibration. In this paper, non-bilinear rank annihilation (NBRA), a method which has the potential of handling, second-order non-bi-linear data, is studied through theoretical analysis and computer simulation. It is found that the second-order advantage can be carried over to non-bilinear data if a property defined as net analyte rank (NAR) holds for the analyte of interest. The net analyte signal (NAS) is defined accordingly for second-order calibration and the analogy to and difference from lower-order calibration are discussed. With NAS, some analytical figures of merit such as signal-to noise ratio, selectivity, sensitivity and limit of determination can be calculated for second order calibration. An application to MS/MS data is also given.
Denial-of-Service Threat to Hadoop/YARN Clusters with Multi-tenancy

This paper studies the vulnerability of unconstrained computing resources in Hadoop and the threat of denial-of-service to a Hadoop cluster with multitenancy. We model the problem of how many nodes in a Hadoop cluster can be invaded by a malicious user with given allocated capacity as a k-ping-pong balls to n-boxes problem, and solve the problem by simulation. We construct a discrete event simulation model to estimate MapReduce job completion time in a Hadoop cluster under a DoS attack. Our study shows that even a small amount of compromised capacity may be used to launch a DoS attack and cause significant impacts on the performance of a Hadoop/YARN cluster.
Hybrid-Frequency Modulation for PWM-Integrated Resonant Converters

This paper presents a unique modulation method for extending the input range of pulse-width modulation (PWM)-integrated resonant converters, such as the isolated boost resonant converter, while maintaining high conversion efficiency. The technique includes primarily the hybridizing of constant-on, constant-off, and fixed-frequency control depending only on the required duty cycle. The modulation scheme reduces core loss and conduction loss dramatically by decreasing the applied volt-seconds at the transformer and improving the switching period utilization. With hybrid-frequency control, the circuit also maintains zero current switching for the output diodes, minimizes switching loss, and eliminates circulating energy at the transformer across the entire operating range. It also allows for a predictable voltage gain, dependent only on duty cycle and transformer turns ratio. A detailed loss analysis is provided and verified against a 180 W experimental prototype, with an input range of 12-48 V and a switching frequency range of 30-70 kHz. Implementation issues are also handled with a variety of solutions for realizing the modulation scheme. Experimental results show greater than 4% weighted efficiency improvement in the prototype using the proposed method.
Hormone, Serum, and Methylxanthine Interactions in the Regulation of DNA Synthesis in Organ-Cultured Rat Mammary Tumors

Previous studies have shown that the growth of MTW9, a hormone-dependent rat mammary tumor, is stimulated by the presence of a mammosomatotropic tumor coimplant (MtTW10) but is inhibited by the administration of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP). This study examines the direct effect of serum taken from MtTW10-bearing WF rats (MtT serum) and of substances that increase cellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) on DNA synthesis in organ-cultured MTW9. Explant DNA synthesis was significantly greater in the presence of MtT serum than in either normal female or male rat serum. Preparations of hormones known to be present in MtT serum failed to simulate the activity of MtT serum. Whereas 1 mM cAMP 1 mM did not alter DNA synthesis in MTW9 explants, inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases substantially suppressed the rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. However, addition of MtT serum to cultures completely prevented the effects of these substances. This activity of MtT serum could not be duplicated by any of the following additions to the culture medium: normal female or male rat serum, National Institutes of Health (NIH) rat prolactin (2.5 micrograms/ml), NIH rat growth hormone (2.5 micrograms/ml), insulin (5 micrograms/ml), 17 beta-estradiol (5 micrograms/ml), or a hormone combination simulating the known endocrine constituents of MtT serum. The results suggested that the serum of the MtT-bearing animal contained an activity, unidentified at present, that could antagonize the growth-inhibitory action of the cAMP system and that may participate in the regulation of mammary tumor growth.
Interface-trap building rates in wet and dry oxides

The time-dependent buildup of radiation-induced interface-trap charge was characterized in polysilicon gate MOS transistors with wet and dry gate oxides with thicknesses varying from approximately 20 to approximately 100 nm. The buildup was characterized in terms of the time required to achieve 50% of the saturated density of interface traps. For both types of oxides, an approximate t/sub ox//sup 0.4/ dependence of the interface-trap buildup rate is observed following +1 MV/cm irradiation and anneal, and an approximate t/sub ox//sup 1.7/ dependence is observed following -1 MV/cm irradiation and +1 MV/cm anneal. The fact that these thickness dependences differ from recent literature reports suggests that the manner in which hydrogen is incorporated in the oxide during processing may play a key role in determining whether H/sup +/ is released in the bulk of the oxide, or near an interface. At any given oxide thickness and irradiation condition, the buildup rate was found to be faster in the dry gate oxides than the wet gate oxides. >
Effects of management intensity, genetics and planting density on wood stiffness in a plantation of juvenile loblolly pine in the southeastern USA

In a 6-year-old plantation of Pinus taeda in Northeast Florida, the affects on juvenile corewood stiffness of genotype, planting density and silviculture as well as their interactions, and some potential mechanisms for these effects were investigated. The stress wave method was used to determine the dynamic modulus of elasticity (V 2 ) of the juvenile corewood in 4091 standing trees of seven full-sib families grown at two planting densities (1334 trees ha � 1 versus 2990 trees ha � 1 ) with two levels of silvicultural intensity (operational versus intensive). Planting density significantly influenced V 2 (p < 0.0001) across all families and silvicultural intensities. At 2990 trees ha � 1 , V 2 averaged 7.11 and 5.44 km 2 s � 2 for 1334 trees ha � 1 . Family and silvicultural intensity interacted significantly for V 2 (p = 0.0003) with values ranging from 5.03 to 7.48 km 2 s � 2 . Under intensive silviculture, one family (L1) exhibited a large decrease in V 2 . In contrast, another family (L4) with a high overall V 2 rank was not very sensitive to silvicultural treatment intensity. This lack of response under intensive silviculture occurred despite the fact that family L4 demonstrated the greatest increase in growth. Across all treatments, the ratio of height to diameter at breast height (HT:DBH) was strongly related to V 2 with more slender trees being the stiffest. After adjusting for this ratio, only the main effects of initial planting density and genotype were significant. Thus, HT:DBH correlated with variation in V 2 caused by silvicultural intensity. In a subset of trees within three selected families, variation in latewood percentage (LWP) did not correlatewith variation in V 2 as predicted. Analysis of the treatments on LWP, showed a significant three-way interaction between genotype, planting density, and silvicultural intensity. Surprisingly, the LWP of a single family (L4) responded differently to silvicultural treatment under contrasting planting densities. Findings from this study indicate that considerable opportunity exists to improve corewood stiffness in juvenile loblolly pine plantations through the deployment of selected genotypes in combination with appropriate initial planting density and silvicultural intensity. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
An Exploratory Study of Message Affect Behavior: A Comparison between African Americans and Euro-Americans.

This article presents the results of an investigation wherein Rogan and Hammer's language intensity/message affect coding metric was used for evaluating variability in the emotional language of Euro-Americans and African Americans responding to a freeresponse scenario. Overall, the findings from this study indicate that there are significant differences in the level of affect present in messages communicated by African Americans compared with messages communicated by Euro-Americans. Specifically, the EuroAmerican respondents employed significantly greater language intensity and significantly more positive message valence compared with more negatively valenced and neutral language intensity used by African American respondents. These findings provide additional insight into traditional, qualitatively derived assumptions regarding the affective communication patterns of Euro-Americans and African Africans. The results also serve to bolster the applicability and validity of Rogan and Hammer's coding metric.
Factors affecting bismuth vanadate photoelectrochemical performance

Bismuth vanadate is a promising photoanode material, but recent reports on undoped BiVO4 without sublayers and co-catalysts showed large variations in photocurrent generation. We addressed this issue by correlating photoelectrochemical performance with physical properties. We devised a novel anodic electrodeposition procedure with iodide added to the aqueous plating bath, which allowed us to prepare BiVO4 photoanodes with virtually identical thicknesses but different morphologies, and we could control surface Bi content. Morphologies were quantified from SEM images as distributions of crystallite areas and aspect-ratio-normalised diameters, and their statistical moments were derived. We could obtain clear photocurrent generation trends only from bivariate data analysis. Our experimental evidence suggests that a combination of low Bi/V ratio, small aspect-ratio-normalised diameters, and crystallites sizes that were small enough to provide efficient charge separation yet sufficiently large to prevent mass transport limitations led to highest photoelectrochemical performance.
Primitive Ideals of Semigroup Graded Rings

Prime ideals of strong semigroup graded rings have been characterized by Bell, Stalder and Teply for some important classes of semigroups. The prime ideals correspond to certain families of ideals of the component rings called prime families. In this paper, we define the notion of a primitive family and show that primitive ideals of such rings correspond to primitive families of ideals of the component rings.
Bone morphogenetic proteins and C-FOS: early signals in endochondral bone formation.

Abstract The earliest events in endochrondral ossification, whether in the formation of the skeleton during embryogenesis or in the regeneration of a bone during fracture healing, involve the establishment of a tissue-specific plan of gene expression arising from pluripotent mesenchymal cells. Recent data from studies of vertebrate limb bud development implicate gradients of diffusable morphogens that specify complex patterns of position-specific gene expression. Diffusable signaling molecules involved at the earliest stages of tissue development include fibroblast growth factors, platelet derived growth factors, bone morphogenetic proteins, transforming growth factor β, and sonic hedgehog; there are undoubtedly others. An equally elaborate array of trans-membrane receptors in the tyrosine kinase and serine-threonine kinase signaling pathways are responsible for transducing these morphogenetic signals and for establishing boundaries of gene expression. Nuclear signals for transcriptional activation, such as the fos-jun proto-oncogene family and homeobox genes, are also involved in the specification and modification of morphogenetic plans. While much has been learned recently about the presence and interaction of these growth factors and transcription factors in the development of the vertebrate limb bud, very little is known about their presence and interaction in the earliest stages of post-natal bone formation at a fracture site or in heterotopic osteogenesis. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP), a rare genetic disorder of heterotopic ossification, provides a unique opportunity to study the role of these morphogens and proto-oncogenes in the earliest events of endochondral bone formation.
Soni-key voice controlled door lock [for disabled persons]

A person using a wheelchair may have difficulty reaching and opening a locked door because of reach or simply because they cannot get close enough to it. The Soni-key is a voice actuated door lock and opener. A fingerprint identification module is added to prevent unauthorized entry.
Transcription factor IIIA gene expression in Xenopus oocytes utilizes a transcription factor similar to the major late transcription factor.

Abstract Xenopus transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA) gene expression is stringently regulated during development. The steady-state level of TFIIIA mRNA in a somatic cell is approximately 10(6) times less than in an immature oocyte. We have undertaken studies designed to identify differences in how the TFIIIA gene is transcribed in oocytes and somatic cells. In this regard, we have localized an upstream transcriptional control element in the TFIIIA promoter that stimulates transcription from the TFIIIA promoter approximately threefold in microinjected oocytes. The upstream element, in cis. does not stimulate transcription from the TFIIIA promoter in somatic cells. Thus, the element appears to be oocyte specific in the context of the TFIIIA promoter. However, both oocytes and somatic cells contain a protein (or a related protein) that binds the upstream element. We have termed this protein from oocytes the TFIIIA distal element factor. The sequence of the upstream element is similar to the sequence of the upstream element found in the adenovirus major late promoter that is a binding site for the major late transcription factor. By gel shift analysis, chemical footprinting, methylation intereference, and point mutation analysis, we demonstrate that the TFIIIA distal element factor and major late transcription factor have similar DNA-binding properties.
The biological basis of and strategies for clinical xenotransplantation.

Recent discoveries have suggested that the exchange of multiple leukocyte lineages between grafts and host and subsequent long-term chimerism in both is the seminal mechanism of the acceptance of organs transplanted from the same (allografts) or different species (xenografts). This insight suggests new strategies which may allow xenotransplantation, the principal obstacle to which has been humoral rejection. We have defined humoral rejection as a family of complement activation syndromes afflicting allografts and xenografts in which there is a strong (but not invariable) association with preformed antigraft antibodies, invariable evidence of complement activation, histopathologic stigmas of vascular endothelial damage, and a concomitant local or systemic coagulopathy. The generic descriptive term hyperacute rejection is a misnomer because a slow-motion version of the same “humoral” process can occur with some allografts and is the rule with the so-called concordant species xenotransplantations. The pathway of experience and discovery leading to this conclusion shows clearly that the distinction frequently made between allograft versus xenograft humoral rejection does not actually exist in principle, but only in details and intensity. Breaking down this barrier to xenotransplantation, whether or not it is associated with antibodies, is unrealistic. However, the possibility of avoiding the barrier has been exposed by showing that animal organs can be humanized, with a mixed donor and recipient cell population similar to the chimerism seen in long surviving allografts or even with complete leukocyte replacement. Pilot experiments in rodents suggest that organs from fully xenogeneic chimeras can be made into xenogeneic targets that are no more provocative of complement activation than allografts when they are transplanted into the donor bone marrow species. Although the validity of this concept of organ xenograft preparation is only at the pilot stage of verification, there is reason to suspect that the complement trigger of humoral rejection can be thereby disarmed. If this can be accomplished, independent evidence suggests that cellular rejection can be controlled with conventional T-cell directed immunosuppression, perhaps even with surprising ease. The potential subtle liability of synthetic products of xenogeneic parenchymal cells is not yet known.
Engagement and Disengagement between Special and General Educators: An Application of Miles and Huberman's Cross-Case Analysis

This article reports on a cross-case analysis using Miles and Huberman's framework to examine and describe issues related to teacher engagement and disengagement with receiving “coaching,” or exper...
Bioinformatic design of A-kinase anchoring protein-in silico: A potent and selective peptide antagonist of type II protein kinase A anchoring

Compartmentalization of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is coordinated through association with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). A defining characteristic of most AKAPs is a 14- to 18-aa sequence that binds to the regulatory subunits (RI or RII) of the kinase. Cellular delivery of peptides to these regions disrupts PKA anchoring and has been used to delineate a physiological role for AKAPs in the facilitation of certain cAMP-responsive events. Here, we describe a bioinformatic approach that yields an RII-selective peptide, called AKAP-in silico (AKAP-IS), that binds RII with a Kd of 0.4 nM and binds RI with a Kd of 277 nM. AKAP-IS associates with the type II PKA holoenzyme inside cells and displaces the kinase from natural anchoring sites. Electrophysiological recordings indicate that perfusion of AKAP-IS evokes a more rapid and complete attenuation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor currents than previously described anchoring inhibitor peptides. Thus, computer-based and peptide array screening approaches have generated a reagent that binds PKA with higher affinity than previously described AKAPs.
Losartan metabolite EXP3179 activates Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in endothelial cells: angiotensin II type 1 receptor-independent effects of EXP3179.

Background— Recent studies suggest that angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers have vascular protective effects beyond blood pressure lowering. Because of the importance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in vascular and platelet function, we hypothesized that losartan and its metabolites would stimulate eNOS and its upstream activators Akt and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Methods and Results— Losartan is metabolized into EXP3174 (AT1R-blocking metabolite) and EXP3179 (no AT1R-blocking properties). Treatment of endothelial cells (ECs) with losartan and both metabolites stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in the absence of angiotensin II. However, the magnitude for EXP3179 was much greater than EXP3174, and the EC50 was significantly lower (−logEC50, 8.2±0.1 versus 5.4±0.2 mol/L), suggesting an AT1R-independent effect. Inhibiting PI3K or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) tyrosine phosphorylation abrogated EXP3179-induced eNOS phosphorylation. In endotheliu...
Adaptive Techniques for Overcoming Performance Degradation Due to Aging in CMOS Circuits

Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) in pMOS transistors has become a major reliability concern in present-day digital circuit design. Further, with the recent introduction of Hf-based high-k dielectrics for gate leakage reduction, positive bias temperature instability (PBTI), the dual effect in nMOS transistors, has also reached significant levels. Consequently, designs are required to build in substantial guardbands in order to guarantee reliable operation over the lifetime of a chip, and these involve large area and power overheads. In this paper, we begin by proposing the use of adaptive body bias (ABB) and adaptive supply voltage (ASV) to maintain optimal performance of an aged circuit, and demonstrate its advantages over a guard banding technique such as synthesis. We then present a hybrid approach, utilizing the merits of both ABB and synthesis, to ensure that the resultant circuit meets the performance constraints over its lifetime, and has a minimal area and power overhead, as compared with a nominally designed circuit.
Decrease in photovoltaic power output from ripple: Simple general calculation and effect of partial shading

The effect of voltage ripple on the power output of a photovoltaic panel is calculated and tested experimentally. Voltage ripple induces a much larger power reduction than would be predicted from a conventional small-signal model of the panels I-V characteristic, even with small ripple amplitude. A simple expression is provided to calculate power reduction from rms ripple voltage, for any ripple waveform shape. The effect of ripple on power output can be much more severe under non-uniform irradiance as can result from partial shading. The results are important for consideration of 120 Hz ripple in single-phase inverters; high-frequency switching ripple with any power converter in a photovoltaic system; and perturbations and tracking errors in maximumpower-point tracking systems.