cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and treatment of Mirizzi syndrome: 23-year Mayo Clinic experience.

Background Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is characterized by extrinsic compression of the common hepatic duct by stones impacted in the cystic duct or gallbladder neck. Open cholecystectomy (OC) has been the standard treatment; however, laparoscopy has challenged this approach. Study Design The objective of this study was to review our clinical experience with MS since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and determine the impact of alternative approaches. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with MS from January 1987 to December 2009. Results There were 36 patients with MS among 21,450 cholecystectomies (frequency 0.18%). Seventeen were women. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 23) and jaundice (n = 19). Preoperative diagnostic studies included ultrasonography (n = 27), CT (n = 24), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (n = 32). Cholecystectomy was performed in 35 patients; LC was initiated in 15 and OC in 21. Conversion rate from LC to OC was 67%. Five patients who had successful LC had type I MS. Of the patients who underwent LC with conversion or OC, 14 had type I and 16 had type II MS. The cystic duct for type I and the bile duct for type II MS were managed diversely according to surgeon's preference. There was no operative mortality. Morbidity was 31% with Clavien class I in 2, IIIa in 4, IIIb in 1, and IV in 3 patients. Mean hospitalization was 9 days (range 2 to 40 days). Mean follow-up was 37 months (range 1 to 187 months). Conclusions Low incidence and nonspecific presentation of MS precludes referral and substantive individual experience. Although LC may be applicable in selected patients with type I MS, OC remains the standard of care.
Twin Gestation Pregnancies: Genetic Counseling and Testing Experience

We report on the prenatal genetic counseling and testing experience in 343 pregnancies with twin or higher multiple gestations. By self-report, 8% (27/343) parents of these pregnancies reported meeting with a genetic counselor, and 23% (79/343) elected prenatal genetic testing. The most common testing procedures elected were maternal serum analyte screening and amniocentesis to identify fetuses with aneuploidy or neural tube defects. Use of prenatal genetic testing was correlated with advanced maternal age. No association was found between use of genetic testing and use of OI/ART or the length of time needed to conceive. Forty percent (11/27) of those who met with a genetic counselor opted to decline prenatal testing/screening. These data suggest that although clients with multiple gestation pregnancies would likely benefit from genetic counseling, many are not availing themselves of this service. Implications of these data for the genetic counseling profession are discussed.
Categoricity, amalgamation, and tameness

Theorem: For each 2 ≤ k < ω there is an $$ L_{\omega _1 ,\omega } $$ -sentence ϕk such that (1) ϕk is categorical in μ if μ≤ℵk−2; (2) ϕk is not ℵk−2-Galois stable (3) ϕk is not categorical in any μ with μ>ℵk−2; (4) ϕk has the disjoint amalgamation property (5) For k > 2 (a) ϕk is (ℵ0, ℵk−3)-tame; indeed, syntactic first-order types determine Galois types over models of cardinality at most ℵk−3; (b) ϕk is ℵm-Galois stable for m ≤ k − 3 (c) ϕk is not (ℵk−3, ℵk−2).
Double Bond Removal from Odd-numbered Carbons during Peroxisomal β-Oxidation of Arachidonic Acid Requires both 2,4-Dienoyl-CoA Reductase and Δ3,5,Δ2,4-Dienoyl-CoA Isomerase

The pathway for the peroxisomal β-oxidation of arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-20:4) was elucidated by comparing its metabolism with 4,7,10-hexadecatrienoic acid (4,7,10-16:3) and 5,8-tetradecadienoic acid (5,8-14:2) which are formed, respectively, after two and three cycles of arachidonic acid degradation. When [1-14C]4,7,10-16:3 was incubated with peroxisomes in the presence of NAD+ and NADPH, it resulted in a time-dependent increase in the production of acid-soluble radioactivity which was accompanied by the synthesis of 2-trans-4,7,10-hexadecatetraenoic acid and two 3,5,7,10-hexadecatetraenoic acid isomers. The formation of conjugated trienoic acids suggests that peroxisomes contain Δ3,5,Δ2,4-dienoyl-CoA isomerase with the ability to convert 2-trans-4,7,10-hexadecatetraenoic acid to 3,5,7,10-hexadecatetraenoic acid. When 1-14C-labeled 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid or 7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid was incubated without nucleotides, the 3-hydroxy metabolites accumulated, since further degradation requires NAD+-dependent 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. When [1-14C]5,8,11,14-20:4 was incubated under identical conditions, no polar metabolite was detected, but 2-trans-4,8,11,14-eicosapentaenoic acid accumulated. When NADPH was added to incubations, 3-hydroxy-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic, 2-trans-4,8,11,14-eicosapentaenoic, 2-trans-8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic, and 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acids were produced. Analogous compounds were formed from [1-14C]5,8-14:2. Our results show that the removal of double bonds from odd-numbered carbons in arachidonic acid thus requires both NADPH-dependent 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase and Δ3,5,Δ2,4-dienoyl-CoA isomerase. One complete cycle of 5,8-14:2 and 5,8,11,14-20:4 β-oxidation yields, respectively, 6-dodecenoic and 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acids.
High-Pressure Vapor−Liquid Equilibrium Data for (Carbon Dioxide + Cyclopentanol) and (Propane + Cyclopentanol)

Isothermal vapor−liquid equilibrium (VLE) data are presented for (carbon dioxide + cyclopentanol) and (propane + cyclopentanol). Measurements were undertaken using a static analytic high-pressure cell at three temperatures ranging from (353.15 to 393.15) K for (propane + cyclopentanol) and at two temperatures (373.15 and 403.15) K for (carbon dioxide + cyclopentanol). The uncertainties in the measurements of temperature and pressure are ± 0.2 K and ± 0.0075 MPa, respectively, and less than 2 % for composition. The binary VLE data were regressed using the phi−phi (direct) method to obtain correlated thermodynamic model parameters. Data reductions using the Peng−Robinson cubic equation of state with the Stryjek−Vera alpha function, along with the Wong−Sandler mixing rule incorporating the NRTL activity coefficient model, satisfactorily represented both systems for all the measured isotherms. All the measured data sets were tested for thermodynamic consistency. The two tests used were the Chueh, Muirbrook, a...
Persuasive expert systems: the influence of confidence and discrepancy

A major topic for expert system research is identifying the success factors for their development. Considerations include the shaping of end-user attitudes and expectations to facilitate user acceptance. Factors involved with these considerations include the actual use and persuasive power of a deployed expert system. To help determine if persuasive power can be manipulated, we applied a theory of persuasion from the psychology literature and conducted an experiment studying expert system solution acceptance. The results indicate, for naive users, that confidence in the source of expertise, self-confidence, and the degree of discrepancy between the user's opinion and that of the expert system are all related to the persuasive power of the system. Developers of expert systems for naive users need to address all three elements to ensure that their applications are in fact persuasive.
Isolation and characterization of a plasma membrane fraction from sea urchin sperm exhibiting species specific recognition of the egg surface

A method is described for isolating preparative quantities of plasma membranes from sea urchin sperm. The final membrane fraction is homogeneous by sucrose density sedimentation and is enriched in adenylate cyclase as well as in the four glycoproteins accessible to radioiodination of intact sperm. The electrophoretic profiles of sperm membranes from three sea urchin species are very similar. The membrane preparation consists primarily of sealed vesicles which release carboxyfluorescein when exposed to detergents or distilled water. Ninety-two percent of the 125I-labeled vesicle material binds to wheat germ lectin columns, suggesting a right-side-out orientation. The isolated sperm membrane vesicles exhibit species specific adhesion to the surfaces of sea urchin eggs; this adhesion is blocked by pretreatment of the vesicles with trypsin or egg jelly. This method will be useful for isolating biologically active sperm membrane components involved in sperm-egg recognition during fertilization.
Logic and ontology in the thought of Bolzano

Logic and theology were two domains of great importance to Bolzano. His attempt to reconcile the demands of these two domains led Bolzano to very strong logical realism, or, objectivism, whereby theology could be put on a firm ground. The paper analyzes the problem of objective concepts, propositions, and truths, with an attempt to give an interpretation of these entities, to account for their puzzling ontological status in Bolzano’s system.
Is early effeminate behavior in boys early homosexuality

Abstract This report continues the study of early effeminate behavior in boys. A previous article reported on the long term follow-up of 55 boys and the resulting outcome in homosexuality. In this paper an effort is made to explore further the nature of the connection between childhood effeminate behavior and adult homosexuality. Individual signs are discussed with regard to relevant aspects of their development. It is concluded that early effeminate behavior is not merely a forerunner of homosexuality in that it forecasts homosexuality, but that it is in fact the earliest stage of homosexuality itself.
Thermodynamic Properties of the Williams, OPLS-AA, and MMFF94 All-Atom Force Fields for Normal Alkanes

The performance of several all-atom force fields for alkanes is compared and evaluated. Configurational-bias Monte Carlo simulations in the Gibbs ensemble were carried out to calculate the vapor−liquid phase equilibria for methane, ethane, n-butane, n-pentane, and n-octane. The Williams, OPLS-AA, and MMFF94 force fields were selected as representative all-atom models for this study because they were fitted using three different strategies (Williams, crystal structures and heats of sublimation; OPLS-AA, liquid densities and heats of vaporization; MMFF94, rare gas pair potentials and quantum mechanics) and employ potentials with three different functional forms to describe nonbonded van der Waals interactions (Williams, Buckingham exp−r-6 ; OPLS-AA, Lennard-Jones 12−6; MMFF94, buffered 14−7). It is shown that seemingly small differences in the potential functions can account for very large changes in the fluid-phase behavior. The Williams and OPLS-AA force fields yield liquid densities, boiling temperatures...
Corrupted and missing predictors: Minimax bounds for high-dimensional linear regression

Missing and corrupted data are ubiquitous in many science and engineering domains. We analyze the information-theoretic limits of recovering sparse vectors under various models of corrupted and missing data. In particular, consider a high-dimensional linear regression model y = X β∗ + є, where y Є Rn is the response vector, X Є RnXp is a random design matrix with p ≫ n and rows distributed i.i.d. as Ν(0, Σ x ), β∗ є Rp is the unknown regression vector, and є ∼ Ν(0,σ2єΙ) is independent additive noise. Whereas a traditional approach assumes that the covariates X are fully observed, we assume only that a corrupted version Z is observed. Our main contribution is to establish minimax rates of convergence for estimating β∗ in squared l 2 -loss, assuming β∗ is k-sparse. Our upper and lower bounds in both additive noise and missing data cases scale as k log(p/k)/n, with prefactors depending only on the corruption and/or missing pattern of the data.
Rajnikant's laptop: computers and development in popular Indian cinema

The role of technology in development has seen an exceptional spike in interest in the past decade in academia and industry. India has been a key location in the study and practice of technology and development because of the centrality of the technology industry in its growth over the recent two decades. Examining the public discourse on technology in areas where computers are not ubiquitously used or available, we find that cinema is important in constructing how people in Indian villages and even cities perceive computers. Turning back to the films themselves, we find a strong aspirational discourse in the ways in which computers and technology-users are portrayed on Indian popular cinema. These in turn relate to how technology and development have been portrayed in cinematic discourse over generations, in cinema from around the world, from the earliest days of silent film. We find from interviews with users of technology in rural India that these images create strong ideas of value and legitimacy derived from using technology. Reflecting on this, we find that study of public discourse has been a critical missing piece of ICTD studies. A study of media imagery such as the one presented here is a small step in that discussion.
Plasma membrane permeabilization by 60- and 600-ns electric pulses is determined by the absorbed dose.

We explored how the effect of plasma membrane permeabilization by nanosecond-duration electric pulses (nsEP) depends on the physical characteristics of exposure. The resting membrane resistance (Rm) and membrane potential (MP) were measured in cultured GH3 and CHO cells by conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Intact cells were exposed to a single nsEP (60 or 600 ns duration, 0–22 kV/cm), followed by patch-clamp measurements after a 2–3 min delay. Consistent with earlier findings, nsEP caused long-lasting Rm decrease, accompanied by the loss of MP. The threshold for these effects was about 6 kV/cm for 60 ns pulses, and about 1 kV/cm for 600 ns pulses. Further analysis established that it was neither pulse duration nor the E-field amplitude per se, but the absorbed dose that determined the magnitude of the biological effect. In other words, exposure to nsEP at either pulse duration caused equal effects if the absorbed doses were equal. The threshold absorbed dose to produce plasma membrane effects in either GH3 or CHO cells at either pulse duration was found to be at or below 10 mJ/g. Despite being determined by the dose, the nsEP effect clearly is not thermal, as the maximum heating at the threshold dose is less than 0.01 °C. The use of the absorbed dose as a universal exposure metric may help to compare and quantify nsEP sensitivity of different cell types and of cells in different physiological conditions. The absorbed dose may also prove to be a more useful metric than the incident E-field in determining safety limits for high peak, low average power EMF emissions. Bioelectromagnetics 30:92–99, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A fast fourier transform algorithm for the radial distribution function

Abstract A simple fast Fourier transformation (FFT) algorithm has been specifically adapted to calculate the experimental radial distribution function. The number of equi-spaced data points must be a power of two [N = 2n for integer n] and must be greater than the Nyquist frequency [N = 2(rmax) (smax)/2π]. When properly defined, the data set is expanded as an odd function. The greatest advantage of the FFT algorithm is its internal consistency—the ability to exactly transform back to the original domain.
Probability of establishing chimeric plasmids in natural populations of bacteria

Formulas for estimating the probability that chimeric plasmids carried by disarmed hosts will become established in natural populations of bacteria are presented and their use illustrated with a series of realistic numerical examples. The implications of these a priori probability estimates for the problem of containment for recombinant DNA research is discussed.
The Role of Antibody and Complement in the Control of Viral Infections

Host defense against viral infection is extremely complex and includes both humoral and cellular immune mechanisms. This contribution examines the mechanisms by which antibody (Ab) and the complement (C) system, major constituents of the humoral immune system, inactivate viruses and block viral maturation in virus-infected cells in vitro. Ab and C may neutralize viruses by envelopment in a coating of protein, by aggregation by lysis, or by facilitating interactions with various effector cells. Ab and C molecules deposited on the surfaces of viruses may physically interfere with the ability of the virus to infect a potentially susceptible cell. This appears to be the most common mechanism by which Ab and C neutralize viruses. In rare instances. Ab and/or C may aggregate viruses; aggregation reduces the net number of infectious particles and thus is manifest as neutralization. C may lyse enveloped viruses, resulting in irreversible viral inactivation. However, this does not appear to be a major mechanism of viral neutralization. Finally, the Fc portions of bound Ab molecules as well as bound C molecules may interact with effector cells with specific receptors for these factors and thereby facilitate viral destruction. In regard to virus-infected cells, the deposition of Ab or C on the cell surface may prevent the maturation or release of viral particles and alter normal cellular functions. Ab and C may also lyse virus-infected cells, abruptly stopping further viral maturation. Such lytic events require only the F(ab′) 2 portion of the Ab molecule and proceed via activation of the alternative C pathway. Effector cells may also interact with Ab and/ or C molecules deposited on virus-infected cells, leading to cytotoxic reactions and/or ingestion depending on the type of effector cell involved. The activated C system has the ability to produce an acute inflammatory response leading to alterations in vessel permeability, edema, changes in smooth-muscle contractility, and the influx of leukocytes. Such inflammatory responses occurring in tissues, including the skin, as a result of C activation not only retard the spread of the infection and facilitate the destruction of the infectious agent, but also in all likelihood damage normal tissues in the vicinity. In addition, C activation in tissues also has the ability to stimulate arachidonic acid metabolism and induce the release of histamine and other mediators as well as pyrogens from appropriate cell types. A number of the systemic symptoms characteristic of viral infections, such as headaches, myalgias, and fever, likely result from such processes.
Application of trusted network technology to industrial control networks

Abstract Interconnections between industrial control networks and enterprise networks expose instrumentation and control systems and the critical infrastructure components they operate to a variety of cyber attacks. Several architectural standards and security best practices have been proposed for industrial control systems. However, they are based on older architectures and do not leverage the latest hardware and software technologies. This paper describes new technologies that can be applied to the design of next generation security architectures for industrial control systems. The technologies are discussed along with their security benefits and design trade-offs.
Relationship of Anxiety With Pain Threshold

(1967). Relationship of Anxiety With Pain Threshold. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 181-183.
Gender differences in coping styles and coping effectiveness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease groups

Abstract The purpose of this comparative study was to examine the coping styles and coping effectiveness between men and women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were active in support groups for people with the disease. The entire population of the American Lung Association of Ohio, Southwestern Branch, Easy Breather’s Club (n = 1103) was sent 2 mailed surveys, the Revised Jalowiec Coping Scale 1 and a demographic profile questionnaire. A total of 154 surveys were analyzed. Of this total, 43% (n = 66) were returned by men, whereas women’s response was 57% (n = 88). Men were enrolled longer in pulmonary rehabilitation programs (median = 20; interquartile range = 2-28) than women (median = 4; interquartile range = 2-24). Men were noted to be more active in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, with 22% (n = 14) compared with women 14% (n = 12). Men’s participation with an American Lung Association program yielded 9.4% (n = 6) in comparison with only 8% (n = 7) for women. The majority of this sample, 61% (n = 92), was not currently active. The total group used the optimistic coping style the most (M, 2.1; SD = 0.57). The total group also found the optimistic coping style to be the most effective (M, 2; SD = 0.61). No statistically significant gender differences existed for overall coping use, overall coping effectiveness, or with the 8 coping subscales. No coping differences for use or effectiveness were found to be related to participation in either a pulmonary rehabilitation program or the lung association program. (Heart Lung ® 2000;29:367-77.)
12 – Field Windbreaks: Design Criteria

Abstract Windbreaks are used to reduce wind erosion, reduce physical damage to crops by wind and windblown soil and increase yields. These benefits depend on properly designed windbreak systems. Windbreak design should be developed based on the particular production requirements. Many crops have been placed into four categories based on their relative tolerance to damage by wind and/or wind-blown soil. These categories form the basis for general design criteria. The kind of crop and the level of risk that the producer is willing to accept determine the appropriate windbreak design. These basic design principles apply not only to trees and shrubs but also to other plant materials and artificial barriers.
Forbidden τ-Lepton decays in CLEO II

We have searched for second class currents in τ − → ν τ π − η and for neutrinoless τ decays in 23 different channels using data from the CLEO II detector at CESR. No signals are observed in any of these modes. We determine a branching ratio upper limit of B(τ − → ν τ π − η ) −4 at 90% confidence level. For the neutrinoless τ decays the best branching ratio upper limit is obtained in τ − → e − e + e − , yielding B ( τ − → e − e + e − ) −6 at 90% confidence level.
Visualization of cluster hierarchies

Clustering is a powerful analysis technique used to detect structures in data sets. The output of a clustering process can be very large. However, if presented in a textual form, the amount of information that can be understood is limited. An alternative approach is to display the data in a graphical way. An advantage of visualization is that a larger amount of information can be perceived. Supporting user interaction and manipulation of the object space enables exploration of large data sets. We present a technique for the visualization of cluster hierarchies. The input to our technique is a finite set of n-dimensional points. All points are initially placed in one cluster, which is recursively split, creating a hierarchy of clusters. Principal component analysis is used to determine how to optimally bisect a cluster. After splitting a cluster, a local reclassification scheme based on the Gabriel graph is applied to improve the quality of the classification. As a byproduct of the generation of the cluster hierarchy, we compute and store the eigendirections, eigenvalues and local centers for each cluster at each level of the hierarchy. For the visualization of the cluster hierarchy, the user has to specify the three dimensions that are used for the rendering process. The local coordinate systems (centroids, eigenvalues, and eigendirections) of each cluster induce a local metric that can be utilized to define 'density functions.' These functions describe hyperellipsoids that we render in two different ways: (1) we generate a set of (transparent) contour surfaces (each cluster would appear as a translucent surface) or (2) we apply 'ray casting' to simulate the behavior of X-rays penetrating the density fields implied by the clusters. In order to show the different levels in the hierarchy, one can either render only those clusters belonging to the same level or, alternatively, use transparency to abe able to see through the 'outer shell' of a cluster and see the finer, more detailed structures inside.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The relationship of IL-4- and IFNγ-producing T cells studied by lineage ablation of IL-4-producing cells

Subsets of CD4 T cells are defined by the cytokines that they produce; these cytokines determine the effector function of these cells. Cloned CD4 T cells fall into two subsets, producing either interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) or interleukin-4 (IL-4) in combination with other cytokines, and are called Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. The lineage relationship between naive T cells and effector Th1- and Th2-type cells is unclear. We generated transgenic mice in which IL-4-producing cells express herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase and are eliminated by ganciclovir (GANC). Activation of transgenic T cells in the presence of GANC eliminates IL-4 and IFN gamma production, showing that IL-4- and IFN gamma-producing cells express or have expressed IL-4. These results show that effector cells producing either IL-4 or IFN gamma have a common precursor, which expresses the IL-4 gene.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and statin use.

Background Muscle effects are the most common reported adverse effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors (statins). However, in placebo-controlled trials the incidence of muscle pain is most often similar for placebo and active control groups.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE CELL TYPES OF THE SALAMANDER PITUITARY GLAND: AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY.

Pituitary glands from adult salamanders (Diemyctylus viridescens viridescens Rafinesque) have been studied with an electron microscope; five cell types of the pars distalis have been distinguished by ultrastructural characteristics. The primary criterion for classifying the cell types was the size of the secretory granules. Each cell type was designated by a number: thus cell type no. 1 had secretory granules approximately 360 mμ in diameter; cell type no. 2 had secretory granules 220 mμ; cell type no. 3 had secretory granules less than 100 mμ; cell type no. 4 had globules up to 2 μ in diameter and smaller irregular-sized granules approximately 120 × 320 mμ; and cell type no. 5 had no secretory granules. A discussion of the function of the cell types is given, and it is proposed that cell type no. 4 is related to the secretion of both thyrotropin and gonadotropin. Variation in the ultrastructure of the secretory cells has been correlated with a proposed secretory cycle for the cells. Evidence for the formation of the secretory granules within the Golgi complex has been presented.
Relativistic effects in mercury: Atom, clusters, and bulk.

We study the effects of relativity on the electronic structure of Hg as it evolves from an atom to a cluster, and then to the bulk. A comparison of nonrelativistic and scalar-relativistic results for bulk Hg, obtained self-consistently, clearly shows the importance of including the relativistic terms as well as treating the 5[ital d] electrons as valencelike. Our cluster calculations show that the relativistic effects are equally important for clusters, and that the differences in many electronic properties such as the size dependence of the gap energy and the [ital l] character of Hg clusters with respect to other divalent-metal clusters, for example, Be and Mg, arise due to the relativistic terms, thus providing further insight into the electronic origins of these properties.
The EPR spectra of hydrides of C70. An experimental and theoretical investigation

Abstract The EPR spectra of four of the five possible isomers of HC 70 are described and discussed. Comparison of the experimental hyperfine interactions with those predicted by semi-empirical calculations indicates that the isomer that could not be detected is that in which the H atom is attached to one of the equatorial (E) carbon atoms. One of the 2792 distinct isomers of H 3 C 70 was also detected and its probable structure established with the help of quantum-chemical calculations.
The multinational firm with arm's length transfer price limits

Abstract A multinational firm faced with ‘arm's length’ limitations on its transfer prices is examined, where the limitations are determined by the firm's marginal cost and intracountry prices. Such a firm is shown to manipulate its production and sales in order to gain a more desirable transfer price. Comparative static results develop policy implications not found in simpler models, which often assume the firm to be constrained by arm's length limits, but to be unaware of the effects of its actions on the limits.
Uncoupling the Enzymatic and Autoprocessing Activities of Helicobacter pylori γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase

γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT), a member of the N-terminal nucleophile hydrolase superfamily, initiates extracellular glutathione reclamation by cleaving the γ-glutamyl amide bond of the tripeptide. This protein is translated as an inactive proenzyme that undergoes autoprocessing to become an active enzyme. The resultant N terminus of the cleaved proenzyme serves as a nucleophile in amide bond hydrolysis. Helicobacter pylori γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (HpGT) was selected as a model system to study the mechanistic details of autoprocessing and amide bond hydrolysis. In contrast to previously reported γGT, large quantities of HpGT were expressed solubly in the inactive precursor form. The 60-kDa proenzyme was kinetically competent to form the mature 40- and 20-kDa subunits and exhibited maximal autoprocessing activity at neutral pH. The activated enzyme hydrolyzed the γ-glutamyl amide bond of several substrates with comparable rates, but exhibited limited transpeptidase activity relative to mammalian γGT. As with autoprocessing, maximal enzymatic activity was observed at neutral pH, with hydrolysis of the acyl-enzyme intermediate as the rate-limiting step. Coexpression of the 20- and 40-kDa subunits of HpGT uncoupled autoprocessing from enzymatic activity and resulted in a fully active heterotetramer with kinetic constants similar to those of the wild-type enzyme. The specific contributions of a conserved threonine residue (Thr380) to autoprocessing and hydrolase activities were examined by mutagenesis using both the standard and coexpression systems. The results of these studies indicate that the γ-methyl group of Thr380 orients the hydroxyl group of this conserved residue, which is required for both the processing and hydrolase reactions.
Quantifying the average of the time-varying hazard ratio via a class of transformations

The hazard ratio derived from the Cox model is a commonly used summary statistic to quantify a treatment effect with a time-to-event outcome. The proportional hazards assumption of the Cox model, however, is frequently violated in practice and many alternative models have been proposed in the statistical literature. Unfortunately, the regression coefficients obtained from different models are often not directly comparable. To overcome this problem, we propose a family of weighted hazard ratio measures that are based on the marginal survival curves or marginal hazard functions, and can be estimated using readily available output from various modeling approaches. The proposed transformation family includes the transformations considered by Schemper et al. (Statist Med 28:2473–2489, 2009) as special cases. In addition, we propose a novel estimate of the weighted hazard ratio based on the maximum departure from the null hypothesis within the transformation family, and develop a Kolmogorov $$-$$ Smirnov type of test statistic based on this estimate. Simulation studies show that when the hazard functions of two groups either converge or diverge, this new estimate yields a more powerful test than tests based on the individual transformations recommended in Schemper et al. (Statist Med 28:2473–2489, 2009), with a similar magnitude of power loss when the hazards cross. The proposed estimates and test statistics are applied to a colorectal cancer clinical trial.
Melkite Catholics in the United States

rnated that there are I 20,000 Mellates in the Uruted States (IMCU, 1986), tSe are fewer than 40 esublishd Melkite panshes in this count. InforTran on the MelJates was gathered through a sunv ainistered to Diocesan Pastoral Council merrbers and telephone interviews with pansh stif. The resuEs yielded a desz nption of Melkite parishes and concems about the fgture qf the Melkite cornmie. These conces7ls inz:lude: the shoruge #priests; the mouernen;t qf church facilitiesfrom urbarl cntvs closa to ie presffit, rrere SUbUJbaTl, lolorl i; ke7 people in dle Church; cmd rnasa a Melkite idenae desspite comperinon Fom Laun Caffiolics, egelicals, and secalar cakure. The tensian between Mella'te histoncal Pradition and their curent AlTn situatian is disassX:l. k is srfal thot the long Sm viability of ie Melkite corruruaut is ssb challend by the forces in wreerrtsrz Amrizn soaery. The purpose of this research note is to provide a sociological precis of the Melkite Catholic Church in the United States. Whereas the Melkite situation may be paralleled to that of mainline Protestantism in terrns of ideological plauS sibility (Roof and McKinney, 1987) and Judaism an terms of ethnic assimilation (Heilrnan, 1990), Melkites' twin status as both an Eastem Uniate Church and as Arab Christians, makes them unique and worthy of separate study. Such study has not been undertaken except in an ethnic or historical context (cf. Hitti, 1961; Sengstock, 1974; Naff, 1985), other than a small number of Melkite publi
The role of metamorphic fluid transport in the Rb-Sr isotopic resetting of shear zones: evidence from Nordre Strømfjord, West Greenland

The Nordre Stromfjord shear zone is about 20 km wide and is exposed for 170 km along strike. It formed under granulite to amphibolite facies conditions as part of the 1,850 Ma-old Nagssugtoqidian orogeny affecting the largely Archean terrain of central West Greenland. We have made Rb-Sr isotope measurements on ca. 130 whole rock samples from the shear zone and have made microprobe analyses of biotite and plagioclase on 40 of them in order to evaluate the effects of shear zone formation on the Rb-Sr isotope system. Seven separate localities were sampled, four of them extensively; large whole rock samples and small, cm-scale thin slices were used in this study. The Rb-Sr isotope systems and the biotite compositions of the large whole rocks show variable degrees of re-equilibration during shear zone formation. Rb-Sr data for the least affected suites still scatter about Archean isochrons and the biotite compositions show wide variations both within and between samples. In other more affected suites, the Rb-Sr system was reset to approximate the age of shear zone formation on the scale of 10's of meters, and the biotite compositions are consistent within individual samples. The most strongly affected suites underwent profound chemical and isotopic changes. Whole rock suites preserve virtually no Rb-Sr isotopic record of their preshear zone history and the biotite compositions of entire suites are very homogeneous. The cm-scale suites of thin slices all show some degree of Proterozoic re-equilibration, although sharp Sr isotopic discontinuities between groups of lithologic layers are preserved. Among the suites of large whole rocks, the observed variations do not correlate with variations in shear strain, size of sampling domain, average Rb/Sr, range of Rb/Sr or ppm Sr. The combined Rb-Sr and microprobe data suggest that the responses are most likely to represent differences in total fluid/rock ratio in a system undergoing significant fluid transport. Our data suggest an uneven distribution of fluid pathways within the shear zone and a strongly preferred direction of fluid flow parallel to lithologic boundaries. Data from previous studies are also consistent with the conclusion that fluid transport is the major agent of Rb-Sr isotopic resetting in shear zones. This conclusion has implications for optimum sampling strategies in Rb-Sr dating of high strain events and for the processes by which Rb-Sr isotopic resetting occurs during regional metamorphism.
Natural: influences of students' organic food perceptions.

This study aimed to describe: whether labels, brands, and prices of organic food influenced students' perceptions; if selected groups influenced students' perceptions; and how students perceived selected groups' perceptions of organic food. The research also determined if significant differences existed among students' gender, college major, and child-rearing location description to their possible influencers of organic food. The method was a survey with an N = 207 with a response rate of 91%. The population consisted of undergraduate students at The Ohio State University. For selected groups, respondents' families had the most influence on students' perceptions of organic food.
Fluctuating asymmetry in Macaca fascicularis : A study of the etiology of developmental noise

Fluctuating asymmetry was determined for six cranial measurements in an age-diverse sample of 138 individuals ofMacaca fascicularis. These data were used to choose among four hypotheses concerning the etiology of developmental noise. The hypotheses considered are (1) that developmental noise represents asymmetry in the causal history of a developing organism's interaction with the environment, (2) that it represents stochasticity in the mechanics of growth and induction, (3) that it reflects variation in the initial conditions of a developmental process, and (4) that it represents the random accumulation of noise at a level below that of morphogenetic mechanism. These hypotheses were tested against predictions concerning the intraspecific patterning of fluctuating asymmetry against age and size and the covariation of asymmetry values. Only the predictions of the fourth hypothesis were confirmed by results of this study. These results provide evidence for the view that developmental noise, as reflected by fluctuating asymmetry, is an intrinsic property of developmental systems, and not merely produced by the complexity of the organism's interaction with the environment.
SIG: Gender-Inclusive Software: What We Know About Building It

Recent research has shown that some software that is intended to be gender-neutral is not, in fact, equally inclusive to males and females. But little is known about how to design software in a gender-aware fashion, and existing research on gender differences relevant to software design is scattered across at least five different academic fields (e.g., psychology, computer science, education, communications, and women's studies). This research SIG will bring together female and male academics, industry researchers, and practitioners with three goals in mind: (1) to build community across research/practice boundaries; (2) to pool our knowledge on promising practices for design and evaluation of software from a gender perspective; and (3) to begin to build a shared, on-line research and literature base to support solid, well-informed progress on this important issue.
An Intramolecular Chaperone Inserted in Bacteriophage P22 Coat Protein Mediates Its Chaperonin-independent Folding

The bacteriophage P22 coat protein has the common HK97-like fold but with a genetically inserted domain (I-domain). The role of the I-domain, positioned at the outermost surface of the capsid, is unknown. We hypothesize that the I-domain may act as an intramolecular chaperone because the coat protein folds independently, and many folding mutants are localized to the I-domain. The function of the I-domain was investigated by generating the coat protein core without its I-domain and the isolated I-domain. The core coat protein shows a pronounced folding defect. The isolated I-domain folds autonomously and has a high thermodynamic stability and fast folding kinetics in the presence of a peptidyl prolyl isomerase. Thus, the I-domain provides thermodynamic stability to the full-length coat protein so that it can fold reasonably efficiently while still allowing the HK97-like core to retain the flexibility required for conformational switching during procapsid assembly and maturation.
Trade-off between high sensitivity and increased potential for false positive peptide sequence matches using a two-dimensional linear ion trap for tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Two-dimensional linear ion trap mass spectrometers are rapidly becoming the new workhorse instruments for shotgun proteomic analysis of complex peptide mixtures. The objective of this study was to compare the potential for false positive peptide sequence matches between a two-dimensional ion trap instrument and a traditional, three-dimensional ion trap instrument. Through the comparative analysis of a complex protein sample, we found that in order to minimize false positive sequence matches, sequence match scoring criteria must be more stringent for data from the two-dimensional ion trap compared to the three-dimensional ion trap data. Given this increased potential for false positives, we also investigated two potential filtering strategies to reduce the false positive matches for data derived from the two-dimensional ion trap, including trypsin enzyme cleavage filtering, and the addition of peptide physicochemical information as a constraint, specifically peptide isoelectric point. The results described...
A shear test evaluation of a new, modified, unfilled resin

A shear test was conducted under simulated oral environmental conditions to examine the retention of a new, commercially available modified unfilled resin in comparison with a conventional unfilled resin provided by the same manufacturer. Within the experimental limits of this study no difference was observed between the retention of the conventional and the modified unfilled resins to enamel specimens. However, for dentin specimens the modified resin was clearly superior to the conventional resin, which gave essentially zero retention. With the recommended procedure, the retention of the modified resin to dentin was 13% of that for the retention of either resin to enamel. It was also observed microscopically that the new resin demonstrated good wetting ability of the dentinal surface. The retention of the two resins to dentin with various surface treatments was determined. The recommended surface preparation procedures of cleaning the dentin surface with hydrogen peroxide followed by a water rinse gave equivalent, if not superior, results to a 1-minute etch with phosphoric acid or citric acid followed by a water rinse.
Transient spectroscopy of excitons and polarons in C60 films from femtoseconds to milliseconds.

We have studied photoexcitations in ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ films using transient photomodulation and photoluminescence from 100 fs to 50 ms and absorption-detected magnetic resonance (ADMR). We show that singlet Frenkel excitons are the primary photoexcitations; their recombination kinetics in the picosecond time domain are dispersive as a result of inhomogeneity. The long-lived photoexcitations, however, are shown to be triplet excitons and charged polarons (${\mathrm{C}}_{60}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$), identified by the correlation found between their associated optical transitions and ADMR signals with spin 1 and \textonehalf{}, respectively.
High-use oceanic areas for Atlantic leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) as identified using satellite telemetered location and dive information

The movements and behavior of nine female leatherback sea turtles, Dermochelys coriacea (L.) were monitored for up to 370 days from their nesting beaches on the Caribbean island of Trinidad between 1995 and 2004 using satellite-linked time and depth recorders. During the inter-nesting period (typically March–July) turtles ranged widely, but frequented the area around Galera Point on the NE corner of Trinidad. Diving depths were typically 26 min) as the turtles left the Caribbean, but became very shallow (>50 m) and short at high latitudes. Between mid-October and mid-November, the turtles left high latitudes for a presumed foraging area in the Mauritania upwelling where they resided until their tracking records ended. Diving remained relatively shallow. It is proposed that movements of these turtles from one foraging area to another are driven by the opportunity to forage in areas of distinct oceanic structure which serve to concentrate their gelatinous prey (e.g., salps, Scyphomedusae, Siphonophora) either at or below the surface.
Using domain general learning models to guide engineering education research

The goal of this session is to help attendees understand the difference between domain general and domain specific theories of learning, and how to apply domain general models of learning to engineering classroom research. The participants will work with the presenter to develop new ways of thinking about their own research through the use of examples and group work.
Richard Edes Harrison and the challenge to American cartography

Abstract Richard Edes Harrison's innovative maps of the 1940s are critical to the history of American cartography. His techniques defied convention and created a new standard for the look and shape of the world on a map. Harrison designed the maps to be both visually appealing and politically charged, reflecting the urgency of the war while also maintaining an elegant artistic dimension. How he produced these maps, and why they so electrified the population, is the subject of this article.
Devising a balanced scorecard matched to business strategy

Why do companies need a new scorecard to measure performance? Why aren't time‐honored financial measures sufficient? The answer is that in today's ultra‐competitive fast‐changing business environment, managers need a scorecard that provides a measures of how well they are creating future value. However, traditional financial measures, and even the new variations on the financial model, such as economic value‐added, reflect transactions that have already occurred.
Recombinant gene expression in vivo within endothelial cells of the arterial wall

A technique for the transfer of endothelial cells and expression of recombinant genes in vivo could allow the introduction of proteins of therapeutic value in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Porcine endothelial cells expressing recombinant beta-galactosidase from a murine amphotropic retroviral vector were introduced with a catheter into denuded iliofemoral arteries of syngeneic animals. Arterial segments explanted 2 to 4 weeks later contained endothelial cells expressing beta-galactosidase, an indication that they were successfully implanted on the vessel wall.
Magnetic properties of free cobalt and gadolinium clusters.

We report the results of Stern-Gerlach-type magnetic deflection experiments on clusters of cobalt and gadolinium. Cobalt clusters exhibit superparamagnetic behavior over a broad range of temperatures, applied magnetic fields, and cluster sizes. We find an internal magnetic moment per atom of 2.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$/atom for cobalt clusters containing 65--215 atoms at vibrational temperatures between 85 and 300 K, a value substantially in excess of the bulk value for cobalt. Over a similar temperature range, some gadolinium clusters exhibit superparamagnetic behavior while others exhibit behavior consistent with their moments being locked to their cluster lattices. In both cases, the internal magnetic moments per atom of gadolinium clusters are considerably reduced from the bulk value for gadolinium. The magnetic behaviors of many gadolinium clusters change qualitatively as their vibrational temperatures increase. We also address the current controversy concerning experimental cluster vibrational temperatures.