cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sugar-binding and crystallographic studies of an arabinose-binding protein mutant (Met108Leu) that exhibits enhanced affinity and altered specificity

In addition to hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces contribute to the affinity of protein-carbohydrate interactions. Nonpolar van der Waals contacts in the complexes of the L-arabinose-binding protein (ABP) with monosaccharides have been studied by means of site-directed mutagenesis, equilibrium and rapid kinetic binding techniques, and X-ray crystallography. ABP, a periplasmic transport receptor of Escherichia coli, binds L-arabinose, D-galactose, and D-fucose with preferential affinity in the order of Ara greater than Gal much greater than Fuc. Well-refined, high-resolution structures of ABP complexed with the three sugars revealed that the structural differences in the ABP-sugar complexes are localized around C5 of the sugars, where the equatorial H of Ara has been substituted for CH3 (Fuc) or CH2OH (Gal). The side chain of Met108 undergoes a sterically dictated, ligand-specific, conformational change to optimize nonpolar interactions between its methyl group and the sugar. We found that the Met108Leu ABP binds Gal tighter than wild-type ABP binds Ara and exhibits a preference for ligand in the order of Gal much greater than Fuc greater than Ara. The differences in affinity can be attributed to differences in the dissociation rates of the ABP-sugar complexes. We have refined at better than 1.7-A resolution the crystal structures of the Met108Leu ABP complexed with each of the sugars and offer a molecular explanation for the altered binding properties.
The many facets of Notch ligands

The Notch signaling pathway regulates a diverse array of cell types and cellular processes and is tightly regulated by ligand binding. Both canonical and noncanonical Notch ligands have been identified that may account for some of the pleiotropic nature associated with Notch signaling. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which Notch ligands function as signaling agonists and antagonists, and discusses different modes of activating ligands as well as findings that support intrinsic ligand signaling activity independent of Notch. Post-translational modification, proteolytic processing, endocytosis and membrane trafficking, as well as interactions with the actin cytoskeleton may contribute to the recently appreciated multifunctionality of Notch ligands. The regulation of Notch ligand expression by other signaling pathways provides a mechanism to coordinate Notch signaling with multiple cellular and developmental cues. The association of Notch ligands with inherited human disorders and cancer highlights the importance of understanding the molecular nature and activities intrinsic to Notch ligands. Oncogene (2008) 27, 5148-5167; doi:10.1038/onc.2008.229.
The Aggregation of Poly-γ-Benzyl-L-Glutamate in Mixed Solvent Systems

Elettro-optic methods have been widely employed in investigating the structures and properties of biopolymers. From decay measurements it is possible to estimate molecular dimensions. The saturation of birefringence2 or dichroism3 allows the estimation of dipole moments and the anisotropy of polarizability for rigid axially symmetrical molecules.
POPULAR MOVEMENTS, INCIDENTAL FACTORS, AND THE STATE'S MEASURES FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

This paper examines the major influences on and changes in regional development in Iran since the revolution of 1979, and evaluates the state's efforts to balance regional development. Three influences have been identified, namely, popular movements, incidental factors, and the state's measures. Among the incidental factors, the Iran-Iraq war has been the most significant. It led to economic destruction, reduction of provincial disparity and massive internal migration. The popular movements, on the other hand, followed disruption of the state machinery and led to a de facto administrative decentralization, an upsurge of local initiatives, and an active public participation in local affairs. However, the increasing centralization of the state since the Revolution is eroding the positive effects of these trends. While the state-induced constitutional, administrative, planning, and policy measures are designed to realize balanced regional development, their real effect remains limited due to problems in implementation and the lack of a coherent development strategy. However, there is evidence that regional disparity is narrowing rather than widening. Although this is a result of the three forces combined, each one of the three forces appears to have helped to induce this change.
Modulation of parasympathetic neuron phenotype and function by sympathetic innervation

Selective sympathetic nerve dysfunction occurs during aging and in certain disease states. Here, we review findings concerning the effects of chronic sympathetic denervation on parasympathetic innervation to orbital target tissues in the adult rat. Long-term sympathetic denervation was induced by excising the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion for 5-6 weeks prior to analyses. Following sympathectomy, pterygopalatine ganglion parasympathetic neurons show reduced nitric oxide synthase protein in their somata and projections to vascular targets. Laser Doppler measurements of ocular blood flow indicate that sympathectomy is also accompanied by reduced nitrergic vasodilatation. In the superior tarsal muscle of the eyelid, parasympathetic varicosities, normally, are distant to smooth muscle cells but make axo-axonal contacts with sympathetic nerves, consistent with physiological evidence showing only prejunctional inhibitory effects on sympathetically mediated smooth muscle contraction. Following sympathectomy, parasympathetic varicosities proliferate and closely appose smooth muscle cells, and this is accompanied by establishment of parasympathetic-smooth muscle excitatory neurotransmission. Many pterygopalatine parasympathetic neurons normally contain nerve growth factor (NGF) protein and express NGF mRNA. However, following chronic sympathectomy or elimination of sympathetic impulse activity, NGF mRNA and protein are markedly reduced, indicating that sympathetic neurotransmission enhances NGF expression in parasympathetic neurons. Together, these findings portray a striking dependency of parasympathetic neurons on sympathetic nerves to maintain normal phenotype and function. Sympathetic influences on parasympathetic neurons may be mediated, in part, through axo-axonal synapses. NGF synthesis and release by parasympathetic neurons may represent a molecular basis underlying the formation of these synapses, and up-regulation of NGF synthesis by sympathetic nerve activity may act to reinforce these associations.
Synthetic myosin filaments from vertebrate smooth muscle.

Abstract A comparison is made between synthetic myosin filaments from smooth muscle of chicken gizzard and those from striated muscle (chicken breast). The filaments were formed by rapid dilution of the KCl concentration to 0.3, 0.2 and 0.1 M at pH values ranging from 8.0 to 6.0. Negative staining was used for electron microscopy. Preparations were also examined in the ultracentrifuge. For both types of myosin the aggregation process is dependent on pH and ionic concentration. Short aggregates are first formed, growing in size on dilution of the KCl to 0.1 M , but reaching longer lengths at the lower pH values. A striking difference between myosin filaments from smooth and striated muscle is that the former grow to a final length (0.6 μ av.) which is about one third that of the latter at pH 6.5 in 0.1 M -KCl. The smooth muscle filaments resemble fairly closely filaments from blended preparations of smooth muscle (Needham & Shoenberg, 1967; Kelly & Rice, 1968). The pattern of aggregation appears to be the same for both types of myosin according to the Huxley (1963) model. Why the aggregation ceases at a certain point, forming lengths that differ in the two types of myosin, could be related to structural differences such as the number of specific bonds available for self-assembly.
Additive and Multiplicative Models of the Voting Universe: The Case of Pennsylvania: 1960–1968

Of all the fields of political science where quantitative methods have been developed over the past generation, probably the one where scholarly understanding has been most enriched has been that of mass voting behavior. But while we know vastly more about this behavior on the individual and aggregate level than we did a quarter-century ago, there are still large territories on the map which are blank, or in which exploration has only very recently begun. There remain a number of doubtful areas in which issues of methodology and of substantive interpretation are still very much open to systematic inquiry. One such area is that associated with the interrelation of socio-economic correlates of the vote. That is, there is a real question as to whether such independent or predisposing variables should be conceptualized as making mutually independent or, alternatively, interdependent contributions to the prediction of voting patterns. The normal practice in research involving multiple correlation of aggregate voting behavior with a set of independent variables has been to assume implicitly that the relationship of these variables is additive ( i.e. , non-interactive) and that the appropriate theoretical representation is of the general form y = b + m 1 x 1 + m 2 x 2 … + m n x n . Such an assumption seems plausible so far as individual voting for American major parties and their candidates is concerned. Thus, for example, the authors of the MIT 1960 simulation study found strong evidence that predispositional factors summate, i.e. , are indeed additive in character.
Effect of altered masticatory function on [3H]-thymidine and [35S]-sulfate incorporation in the condylar cartilage of the rat.

The response of the condylar cartilage to alterations in compressive joint reaction forces in vivo has been little studied. In an attempt to reduce or eliminate the occlusal forces resulting from mastication or incision, male weanling rats were fed a soft diet requiring little chewing and/or had their incisors clipped every other day. Incorporation (dpm/µg DNA) of [3H]-thymidine and [35S]-sulfate was significantly decreased relative to controls in the incisorclipped group, but not in the soft-diet group. Animals having both treatments also exhibited significantly lower incorporation values than controls, suggesting the importance of incision for loading at the mandibular joint. These data corroborate in vitro studies which suggest that compressive forces can affect mitotic activity and synthesis of proteoglycans in the condylar cartilage. However, additional factors, both hormonal and biomechanical in nature, may be important in the in vivo environment.
Creative thinking may be simultaneous as well as blind: comment on "Creative thought as blind-variation and selective-retention: combinatorial models of exceptional creativity" by Dean Keith Simonton.

Dean Keith Simonton ([8] DKS, this issue) does an excellent job of describing how the creative process may involve blind variation. It is especially useful that he bridged blind variation to personality, cognitive, and developmental, and social theories. He also identified misunderstandings, including one mentioned when this approach was introduced by Campbell. Apparently “the first conjecture that creativity depends on effectively blind variations was historically antecedent to Darwin’s theory of evolution. . . In this light, it is technically a mistake to label Campbell’s position as strictly ‘Darwinian’.” As much as I appreciate the PLR target article, I remain skeptical of DKS’s assumption that “where biological evolution requires simultaneous variation and external (environmental) selection, creative thought normally uses sequential variation and internal (cognitive) selection.” After all, the human mind is good at simultaneous processing, not just sequential. Also, it strikes me as reductionistic to view ideation as a two stage process. In fact, studies of creative thinking suggest that insights sometimes represent surprising syntheses [1,2]. There are several reasons, then, to question the assumption that “the blind variation generates the originality of an idea whereas the selective retention determines the idea’s utility.” It is possible that the effectiveness of creative ideas is a part of their very construction and does not necessarily occur afterwards.
Cerebral palsy-definition, classification, etiology and early diagnosis.

Cerebral palsy is a common neurodevelopmental condition encountered by pediatricians. The condition may present itself in many diferent clinical spectra. The etiological and risk factors are many and an awareness of the interplay of multiple factors in the causation of CP is crucial. In many cases, the cause of Cerebral palsy may not be apparent. Cerebral palsy is invariably associated with many deficits such as mental retardation, speech and language and oromotor problems. A thorough neurodevelopmental assessment of the child with Cerebral Palsy should include evaluation of associated deficits so that a comprehensive early intervention program an be planned and executed.
Scavenging by chimpanzees at Ngogo and the relevance of chimpanzee scavenging to early hominin behavioral ecology

Chimpanzees regularly hunt a variety of prey species. However, they rarely scavenge, which distinguishes chimpanzee carnivory from that of some modern hunter-gatherers and, presumably, at least some Plio-Pleistocene hominins. I use observations made over an 11-year period to document all known opportunities for scavenging encountered by chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda, and describe all cases of scavenging. I also review data on scavenging from other chimpanzee research sites. Chimpanzees at Ngogo encountered scavenging opportunities only about once per 100 days and ate meat from scavenged carcasses only four times. Scavenging opportunities are also rare at other sites, even where leopards are present (Mahale, Tai, Gombe), and scavenging of leopard kills is known only from Mahale. Feeding on prey that chimpanzees had hunted but then abandoned is the most common form of scavenging reported across study sites. For example, several individuals at Ngogo ate meat from a partially consumed red colobus carcass abandoned after a hunt the previous day. Such behavior probably was not common among Oldowan hominins. Ngogo data and those from other sites also show that chimpanzees sometimes eat meat from carcasses of prey that they did not see killed and that were not killed by chimpanzees, and that scavenging allows access to carcasses larger than those of any prey items. However, chimpanzees ignore relatively many opportunities to obtain meat from such carcasses. Scavenging may be rare because fresh carcasses are rare, because the risk of bacterial infections and zoonoses is high, and because chimpanzees may not recognize certain species as potential prey or certain size classes of prey species as food sources. Its minimal nutritional importance, along with the absence of technology to facilitate confrontational scavenging and rapid carcass processing, apparently distinguishes chimpanzee foraging strategies from those of at least some Oldowan hominins.
Strategies for tourism transnationals in Belize

Abstract This paper examines the economic and political contexts and proposes strategies for establishing a large-scale, first-class tourist resort in a small developing country: Belize. The study evaluates the Caribbean tourism market, the current and expected business climate, and the major political and economic forces. Since many developing countries have severe limitations on formal data relevant to tourism research, the paper suggest alternative sources and channels, and demonstrates that costly information represents opportunities for tourism researchers as well as business planners. Critical strategic issues are identified and assessed, using a variety of sources including qualitative information obtained through less formal channels. Based on this evidence, short-term and long-term strategies for resort development are proposed.
Electric dipole moments and b-τ unification in the presence of an intermediate scale in SUSY grand unification☆

Abstract We show that an intermediate gauge symmetry breaking scale can be a significant source of electric dipole moments for the electron and neutron in supersymmetric grand unified theories. New phases, similar to that of the CKM matrix, appear which do not arise from the supersymmetry (SUSY) breaking operators. To illustrate, we choose some grand unified SUSY models having an intermediate gauge symmetry breaking scale with some attractive features. We also show how well the b -τ unification hypothesis works in this class of models.
Octopamine receptors, adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, and neural control of firefly flashing

An adenylate cyclase activated as much as 25-fold by low concentrations of octopamine has been identified in the firefly lantern. The relative potency of octopamine and various other amines in stimulating this enzyme, and effects of antagonists in blocking octopamine activation, correlate well with the known effects of these agents in affecting light production. In addition to suggesting a role for adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (or pyrophosphate) in the neural control of firefly flashing, identification of this potent enzyme should facilitate the characterization of phenylethylamine receptors in excitable tissue.
Response of Japanese quail to hemorrhagic stress after exposure to microwave radiation during embryogeny.

Abstract 1. 1. Coturnix coturnix japonica eggs were exposed to 2.45 GHz continuous wave microwave radiation at an incident power density of 5 mW/cm2 (SAR = 4mW/g) during the first 12 days of embryogeny. 2. 2. After hatching, hematologie changes in response to an acute hemorrhage were measured in exposed and nonexposed (control) juveniles and adults of both sexes. 3. 3. Reticulocyte numbers and percentages were depressed below control numbers at 24 hr postphlebotomy in exposed adult females. 4. 4. Lymphocyte numbers were depressed below control levels at 24 hr postphlebotomy in exposed juvenile and adult males. 5. 5. At 72 hr heterophil numbers were depressed in exposed juvenile and adult males. 6. 6. These data suggest that microwave irradiation during embryogeny affects the ability of Japanese quail to recover from an acute and voluminous hemorrhage and that these radiation effects are small.
An itchy mouse: a potential model of atopic dermatitis.

For answers, visit our website or scan the adjacent tag. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder with both acute and chronic stages (Akdis et al., 2006). Often referred to as “the itch that scratches,” AD is characterized by severe pruritus, which may substantially impact the quality of life in sufferers. Recently, human protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) was found to mediate itch (Reddy et al., 2010), generating considerable interest in compounds that activate this receptor. Among these compounds is cathepsin S (CTSS), a lysosomal cysteine protease that functions in a variety of ways, including as an elastase in alveolar macrophages. This compound may also play a role in the degradation of antigenic proteins into peptides for presentation on major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. To study the role of CTSS, Kim et al. (2012, this issue) utilized a transgenic mouse that overexpresses human CTSS. The investigators hypothesized that over expression of human CTSS in this model would lead to the AD-like symptoms and signs of itching and scratching and histopathological changes that resemble those in AD. Indeed, the transgenic mice that overexpressed CTSS scratched more, and this increased scratching led to reddening, scaling, and thickening of the skin. PAR-2 expression was also increased as a result of CTSS overexpression, and both CTSS and PAR-2 levels correlated with a thickened epidermis. Although barrier function was not examined, a variety of cytokines, including IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-a, IL-2, IFN-g, IL-1b, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, were analyzed. Through the following questions, we examine this paper in greater detail. For brief answers, please refer to the supplementary information online .
Thermal and metabolic responsiveness of Japanese quail embryos following periodic exposure to 2,450 MHz microwaves.

Two studies were performed to determine if repeated exposure of the avian egg to microwaves can alter metabolism, temperature, and growth rate of embryos. Another aim was to supplement conventional heating with microwave heating and provide an optimal temperature for growth. Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs were exposed from day 1 through 15 of incubation (8 h/day) to sham or microwave (2,450 MHz) irradiation. Microwave exposures were at two power densities, 5 or 20 mW/cm2, and at three ambient temperatures (Tas), 30.0, 33.1, or 35.4 degrees C. Specific absorption rates for unincubated and 15-day-old incubated eggs were, respectively, 0.76 and 0.66 W kg-1 mW-1 cm-2 (i.e., 3.8 and 3.3 W/kg at 5 mW/cm2 and 15.2 and 13.2 W/kg at 20 mW/cm2). Eggs were concurrently sham exposed at each of five Tas, ranging from 27.9 to 37.5 degrees C. Tests were conducted during the 16th day of incubation (i.e., 1 day post-treatment), in the absence of microwaves, to determine metabolic rate of embryos and internal and external egg temperatures at different Tas. Repeated exposures to microwaves at 5 and 20 mW/cm2 at the same Ta (30 degrees C) increased wet-embryo mass on the 16th day by an average, respectively, of 9% and 61% when compared with predicted masses for embryos exposed at the same Ta in the absence of microwave radiation. There was no reliable indication, from post-treatment tests and comparisons with control embryos of similar mass, that repeated exposure to microwave radiation resulted in abnormal physiological development. Microwave radiation can be used to increase egg temperature and embryonic growth rate at Tas below normal incubation level without altering basic metabolic and thermal characteristics of the developing bird.
Extreme Ultraviolet Photometry and Spectroscopy of BL Hydri

We have analyzed Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) observations of BL Hyi obtained during a high-accretion state in 1995 October. The light curve obtained with the Deep Survey instrument reveals a broad hump covering the phases in which both poles have been known to be active in X-ray emission. In contrast to the X-ray, both poles contribute a comparable extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux. The short-wavelength spectrum can be fitted with either a relatively cool (5 eV), pure-hydrogen white dwarf or with a 17 eV blackbody; both fits imply a neutral hyrogen column density in the local interstellar medium of ~3 × 1019 cm-2. However, nearly simultaneous IUE far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectroscopic measurements rule out pure-hydrogen white dwarf models with temperatures of less than 8 eV. BL Hyi has a cooler accretion area than AM Her and VV Pup, but it is similar in temperature to QS Tel. The total EUV energy is 2-4 × 1032 ergs s-1, which is only slightly greater than the hard X-ray and cyclotron energy. This suggests that BL Hyi has a conventional accretion column and that the polar cap is primarily heated from above by radiation from the accretion shock, rather than from below by dense blobs that penetrate the photosphere.
Sensory Evaluation of Fruit Quality and Nutritional Composition of 20 Breadfruit (Artocarpus, Moraceae) Cultivars

Twenty breadfruit cultivars growing in afield genebank at Kahanu Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Hana, Maui, Hawaii, were evaluated for sensory attributes and nutrient composition. A taste panel scored eight flavor/aroma attributes, five textural attributes, and color. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) in aroma, visual texture, flavor intensity, sweetness, starchiness, moistness, stringiness, firmness, and color. The greatest differences were in color and texture. Nutrient analyses showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for energy, carbohydrates, ash, crude protein, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, copper, and zinc. Considering the versatility of breadfruit as a food, its ease of production, and its nutritional value, the numerous good quality flavorful cultivars available should be more widely grown for sustainable agriculture and food security.
LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE EXTRACTION EFFICIENCY

A model of optical processes in LEDs was created that takes into account device geometry, light absorption in contacts and cladding layers, photon recycling, light randomization due to surface scattering and the benefit from encapsulation of the device into epoxy. Based on the results of our modeling, an optimization of the LED was proposed. Also, photoluminescence measurements of internal quantum efficiency were performed on the epi-layers used for LED fabrication.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Alteration of compensatory ovarian hypertrophy in the hamster by melatonin.

Abstract Hamsters were unilaterally ovariectomized on day four of the estrous cycle and the subsequent compensatory ovarian hypertrophy (COH) and compensatory follicular stimulation studied on each of the following nine days. The hypertrophy stabilized at approximately 35% by the end of the second postoperative cycle, with greater ovarian weights observed on the mid-cycle days. Melatonin injections significantly reduced follicular counts when unilateral ovariectomy was performed on either day three or day four of the estrous cycle and necropsy was on the same day of the cycle, four days later.
Race/Ethnicity, Parent-Identified Emotional Difficulties, and Mental Health Visits Among California Children

Variability in mental health services utilization by race/ethnicity was evaluated with a Behavioral Model approach. Subjects were 17,705 children 5 to 11 years of age in the 2005, 2007, and 2009 California Health Interview Surveys. Parents identified minor emotional difficulties in 18.7% of these children (ranging from 14.8% in Asians to 24.4% in African Americans) and definite or severe difficulties in 7.4% (5.5% in Asians to 9.7% in “other race”). Overall, 7.6% of children had at least one mental health visit in the prior year (2.3% in Asians to 11.2% in African Americans). Parent-identified need was the most salient predictor of mental health visits for all racial/ethnic groups. Beyond need, no consistent patterns could be determined across racial/ethnic groups with regard to the relationship between contextual, predisposing, and enabling measures and mental health service utilization. Different factors operated for each racial/ethnic group, suggesting the need for studies to examine mental health need, mental health service use, and determinants by racial/ethnic subgroup. These findings suggest that a “one-size-fits-all approach” with regard to policies and practices aimed at reducing mental health disparities will not be effective for all racial/ethnic groups.
Finite-volume statistical mechanics of two-component Coulomb-like systems and the principle of macroscopic equivalence

Classical stable charge-symmetric two-component systems are discussed in a fixed domainΛ⊂ℝd. The limitN→∞ of the finite-N canonical Gibbs ensemble is compared with the results obtained from a discussion of the Gibbs measures on the space of infinite configurations (the states). A first-order phase transition in the Gibbs states is proved for a large class of interactions, including regularized Coulomb interactions ford≧3. In the latter case the transition is isomorphic to an implosion/explosion transition in regularized gravitational systems. Spherical symmetry is not assumed. A transition occurs for certain largedomain/low-temperature pairs (Λ,β∓1), but ceases to exist in the infinite-volume ensemble. The phase transition supports the conjecture that the standard thermodynamic-limit sequence can be nonuniform even for standardH-stable Hamiltonians. The results about the limit of the finite-N ensemble are less complete due to lack of sufficient control of the correlations. However, some notable differences between both descriptions are shown, which are cuased by noncommuting limits. Possible physical consequences and open questions are pointed out.
Three-dimensional structure of fluid conduits sustaining an active deep marine cold seep

[1] Cold seeps in deep marine settings emit fluids to the overlying ocean and are often associated with such seafloor flux indicators as chemosynthetic biota, pockmarks, and authigenic carbonate rocks. Despite evidence for spatiotemporal variability in the rate, locus, and composition of cold seep fluid emissions, the shallow subseafloor plumbing systems have never been clearly imaged in three dimensions. Using a novel, high-resolution approach, we produce the first three-dimensional image of possible fluid conduits beneath a cold seep at a study site within the Blake Ridge gas hydrate province. Complex, dendritic features diverge upward toward the seafloor from feeder conduits at depth and could potentially draw flow laterally by up to 103 m from the known seafloor seep, a pattern similar to that suggested for some hydrothermal vents. The biodiversity, community structure, and succession dynamics of chemosynthetic communities at cold seeps may largely reflect these complexities of subseafloor fluid flow.
Mineralogy and chemistry of some variable charge subsoils.

Abstract Colloidal mineralogy is one of the main characteristics of the steady state reached in developed soils. Surface charge and other chemical and physical properties of the soil depend on colloidal mineralogy. It is, therefore, very important to further investigate the clay mineralogy of acidic variable charge subsoils in order to understand better their unusual chemical behavior. The objective of this investigation was to characterize the inorganic colloid mineralogy, chemical (subsoil solution pH and electrical conductivity), and charge properties (PZNC and PZSE) in some variable charge subsoils. Subsoil materials were collected from the southeastern United States and other tropical and subtropical areas around the world. The clay fraction mineralogy in the majority of the subsoils was dominated by the quartet kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite, and hematite. They manifested, however, a significant diversity in their charge and other chemical characteristics because the proportions and contents of miner...
End-capped α-helices as modulators of protein function

Examination of complexes of proteins with other biomolecules reveals that proteins tend to interact with partners via folded subdomains, in which the backbone possesses secondary structure. α-Helices, the largest class of protein secondary structures, play fundamental roles in a multitude of highly specific protein–protein and protein–nucleic acids interactions. Herein, we describe the potential of a helix nucleation strategy to afford modulators of protein–protein interactions.
SYMMETRIC NONLINEAR REGRESSION

An estimation tool for symmetric univariate nonlinear regression is presented. The method is based on introducing a nontrivial set of affine coordinates for diffeomorphisms of the real line. The main ingredient making the computations possible is the Connes-Moscovici Hopf algebra of these affine coordinates.
Zero-sound determination of texture transitions in flowing superfluid 3 He-A

The conditions have been measured for which the texture of the order parameter of superfluid3He-A is uniform and aligned with an applied superflow. At finite superflows, a finite parallel magnetic field is required to disrupt the uniform aligned texture. The shape of the uniform texture's phase boundary in av s -H plane is similar to theoretical predictions, for which the state just outside of the phase boundary is a helical texture. However, substantial disagreements with the theory remain.
On optimal extreme-discrepancy point sets in the square

The optimal extreme-discrepancyN-point sets in the unit square are found forN?6. The point ordering is unique forN?3, but there are 14, 29 and 22 distinct orderings up to reflection about the diagonal forN=4, 5 and 6, respectively. The minimum discrepancy is less than, equal to, and greater thanN ?1 forN?3, 4?N?6 andN?7, respectively.
Comparative binding affinity of estrogens and its relation to estrogenic potency.

Abstract The comparative affinity of steroidal and non-steroidal estrogens for binding sites in rabbit uterine cytosol was determined quantitatively using an in vitro assay system. It was found that with few exceptions relative binding affinity paralleled uterotropic activity. Binding affinity of steroids depended strongly on the phenolic hydroxyl and on substitutions in ring D. Additional substitutions of oxygen functions or unsaturation of the estra-triene nucleus were inhibitory. Synthetic estrogens competed and synthetic progestogens did not compete for cytosol binding sites. This binding assay may be used to determine estrogenic potency, though it must be borne in mind that binding does not distinguish between estrogens and competitive inhibitors.
An Ecological History of Agriculture, 10,000 B.C.-A.D.10,000

Uses information on environment, population, and available energy sources to survey preindustrial and early industrial agriculture and pastoralism on all inhabited continents and to project future agricultural evolution.
Modeling and experimental studies on thermosonic flip-chip bonding

Thermosonic flip-chip bonding is a new, solderless technology for area-array connections. It is a simple, clean, and dry assembly process using a bonding mechanism similar to thermocompression bonding, but with lower bonding pressure and temperature due to the introduction of ultrasonic energy. Modeling and experimental studies have been conducted to assist the development of this new bonding technology. The finite-element models can characterize the tool vibration as a function of length and mass. The important function of the model is to estimate the energy level propagated into the bonding tool corresponding to different lengths and masses. To verify the accuracy of the model, vibration amplitudes along the tool have been measured using a laser interferometer. The measured amplitudes for tool length of 4.28 cm were used to estimate the damping coefficient (/spl zeta/), and the amplitudes for a tool length of 3.31 cm were used to verify the prediction accuracy of the model. The model was used to determine the guideline for selecting the tool length for a better yield. The model is critical to an understanding of the proposed new thermosonic flip-chip bonding process. The model can also be used to characterize thermosonic wire bonding and tape automated bonding (TAB) processes. >
Maturity Effect on Yield and Quality of Spring Harvested Orchardgrass Forage

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) forage quality declines rapidly as plants mature. First harvest forage of 48 clones from «Pennlate» orchardgrass was evaluated for yield and forage quality parameters
Evaluation of the Relevance of Lymph Node Density in a Contemporary Series of Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

Purpose: Lymph node density, that is the ratio of positive nodes to the total number of nodes excised, has been suggested to better stratify patients with bladder cancer who have nodal metastasis. We evaluated its relevance in a contemporary series of patients treated with radical cystectomy and in the context of adjuvant chemotherapy.Materials and Methods: From 1993 to 2003, 150 patients had pN+M0 disease at cystectomy, of whom 108 who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy form the basis of this report. Statistical analyses were performed using standard methodology.Results: Five-year overall, disease specific and recurrence-free survival rates were 30.9%, 45.5% and 29.7%, respectively. The median number of lymph nodes removed was 12 and the median number of positive nodes was 2. Of the patients 70% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with a lymph node density of 25% or less had 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates of 37.3% and 38.1% compared with 18.7% and 10.6%, respectively in thos...
Long-run implications of industrial bond ratings as risk surrogates

Abstract The financial quality of industrial bonds is observed at two different times (1968 and 1976). Discriminant models, using pertinent financial ratios as input variables, are able to replicate approximately 70 percent of Moody's ratings for both years, thus indicating that ratings remain appropriate risk proxies for long periods, However, average levels of key ratios changed. Ratios measuring leverage, coverage, and profitability deterioriated over time, indicating increased absolute risk. But, since these deterioriations were fairly uniform across groups, there appears to be little change in the relative degree of riskiness across rating groups.
Dominant ionic mechanisms explored in spiking and bursting using local low-dimensional reductions of a biophysically realistic model neuron.

The large number of variables involved in many biophysical models can conceal potentially simple dynamical mechanisms governing the properties of its solutions and the transitions between them as parameters are varied. To address this issue, we extend a novel model reduction method, based on “scales of dominance,” to multi-compartment models. We use this method to systematically reduce the dimension of a two-compartment conductance-based model of a crustacean pyloric dilator (PD) neuron that exhibits distinct modes of oscillation—tonic spiking, intermediate bursting and strong bursting. We divide trajectories into intervals dominated by a smaller number of variables, resulting in a locally reduced hybrid model whose dimension varies between two and six in different temporal regimes. The reduced model exhibits the same modes of oscillation as the 16 dimensional model over a comparable parameter range, and requires fewer ad hoc simplifications than a more traditional reduction to a single, globally valid model. The hybrid model highlights low-dimensional organizing structure in the dynamics of the PD neuron, and the dependence of its oscillations on parameters such as the maximal conductances of calcium currents. Our technique could be used to build hybrid low-dimensional models from any large multi-compartment conductance-based model in order to analyze the interactions between different modes of activity.
Preventive Intervention for Preschoolers at High Risk for Antisocial Behavior: Long-Term Effects on Child Physical Aggression and Parenting Practices.

This article presents long-term effects of a preventive intervention for young children at high risk for antisocial behavior. Ninety-two children (M age = 4 years) were randomly assigned to an 8-month family intervention or no-intervention control condition and assessed 4 times over a 24-month period. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed significant intervention effects on observed child physical aggression, and significant intervention effects found at the end of the program were maintained at follow-up for responsive parenting, harsh parenting and stimulation for learning. Parent ratings of child aggression did not show significant effects of intervention.
Sexuality in a natural population of bacteria--Bacillus subtilis challenges the clonal paradigm.

Reproduction by binary fission necessarily establishes a clonal genotypic structure in bacterial populations unless a high rate of genetic recombination opposes it. Several genetic properties were examined for a wild population of Bacillus subtilis in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona to assess the extent of recombination in a natural population. These properties included allozyme variation revealed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, phage and antibiotic resistance, and restriction fragment length polymorphism with Southern hybridization. Evidence of extensive genetic recombination was found along “with evidence of modest clonal structure. Recombination must be frequent relative to binary fission in this population. This mixed population structure provides broader options for bacterial evolution than would a purely clonal structure.
Research on Transient Mechanics Behavior of Pumping Rod in Pumping System

More than 75% pumping rod well accounted is artificial lifting production well. With the development of the oilfield, eccentric wearing of rod is becoming the main problem. Numerous factors influencing eccentric wearing of rod heighten the difficulties in the prediction and comprehensive analysis. In the past, it is emphasized on the avoiding and curing measures application, and short of system analysis in respect of flectional reason, flectional conformation and influencing factors. In order to reduce eccentric wearing of rod and show the flectional conformation, the transient mechanics behavior research of pumping rod should be researched deeply. The pumping rod is the extra slender flexible rod. Its working state back and forth moving in the process of the pumping oil, the mechanics behavior is very complex including geometric nonlinear, contact nonlinear and dynamics state. The kinematics equations of pumping rod are deduced adopting the updating lagrange based on the finite deformed theory and the contact constraint equation is confirmed by contact theory. The discrete form of equations can be acquired by using the finite element method. The contact dynamics equation can be obtained by coordinates transformation and elements integration. It is shown the flectional modality and the contact state with the load incremental method and Newmark method utilized in the equation solved. Basing on the research, the swab parameters can be optimized and the centralizer can be rational installed to guarantee normal work and extend the inspecting pump cycle.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Living With Tics A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Improving Coping and Reducing Tic Severity in a Young Adult With Tourette Disorder

Available treatment for chronic tic disorders (CTD) focuses on the reduction of tics but often does not directly address the psychosocial impairment associated with tics. There is empirical support...
A fast hardware track-finder for the CDF central tracking chamber

Abstract We describe the design, construction, and preliminary operation of a hardware track-finder used in the trigger for the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF). The track-finder is a 19 stage digital pipeline which uses fast timing information from the central tracking chamber (CTC) to find high momentum tracks. It then transmits information about the tracks to the CDF trigger system for a final decision. The track finder has 8 programmable thresholds between 2.5 and 15 GeV. A search for all high momentum tracks in the central tracking chamber can be completed in an average of 2.5 μs per event. The momentum resolution is δP t / P t 2 = 3.5%, with a high efficiency that is independent of track density.
Aerodynamic and Structural Detuning of Supersonic Turbomachine Rotors

A mathematical model is developed to predict the unstalled torsion mode flutter of an aerodynamically and structurally detuned rotor operating in a supersonic inlet flowfield with a subsonic leading-edge locus. Alternate blade structural detuning is considered. The aerodynamic detuning is accomplished by alternating the circumferential spacing of adjacent rotor blades. The unsteady aerodynamics are defined in terms of influence coefficients. To demonstrate the effects of aerodynamic and structural detuning on supersonic unstalled torsiohal flutter, a 12 bladed rotor based on Verdon's cascade B flow geometry is considered. Aerodynamic and structural detuning are individually shown to enhance the stability of the baseline rotor, although neither technique stabilizes the rotor over the complete reduced frequency range considered. The greatest stability enhancement, with the resulting rotor stable over the complete reduced frequency range, results from combined aerodynamic and structural detuning.
Induction of apoptosis by alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Induction of apoptosis by α1-adrenoceptor antagonists in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
Neurophysiological mechanisms involved in photo‐entrainment of the circadian rhythm from the Aplysia eye

An attempt was made to identify the neurophysiological processes involved in entrainment of the circadian rhythm of spontaneous optic nerve potentials from the Aplysia eye by determining whether pharmacological agents or ion substitutions could block phase shifts produced by single light pulses. Knowing which physiological processes are involved in entrainment should help define the morphological pathway traveled by entrainment information. A secretory step does not appear to be involved in the flow of entrainment information from the environment to the circadian oscillator. A treatment (HiMg LoCa) capable of inhibiting secretion did not interfere with phase shifting by light. Furthermore, treating eyes with putative transmitters or extracts of eyes did not phase shift the free running rhythm. Also, the phase shifting information is not translated into action potentials before reaching the oscillator since TTX–HiMg LoCa solutions did not block the light-induced phase shift. The photoreceptor potential does seem to be important for light-induced phase shifts. A correlation was found between the effects of treatments on the ERG and their effects on the light-induced phase shift. Solutions which decreased the ERG by 90% or more blocked phase shifting whereas solutions which decreased the ERG by less than 74% had no effect on phase shifting by light. The results from these studies are consistent with two pathways for the flow of phase shifting information to the circadian oscillator. The circadian oscillator may be associated with receptor cells and the entrainment pathway would include a step involving the photoreceptor potential. Alternatively, the circadian oscillator may be associated with secondary cells and receive entrainment information via the photoreceptor potential and passive spread of current through a gap junction. Higher order cells than second-order ones are probably not involved in the entrainment pathway.
Inhibition of T-cell proliferation by a MYB antisense oligomer is accompanied by selective down-regulation of DNA polymerase alpha expression.

Abstract We recently found that inhibition of MYB protein synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) exposed to human c-myb (designated MYB) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides prevents entry into S phase and cell proliferation. To determine the mechanism(s) by which down-regulation of human c-myb protein (MYB) synthesis interferes with DNA synthesis, we analyzed mRNA levels of DNA polymerase alpha and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), transcripts of two genes required for DNA synthesis, in normal and leukemic T lymphocytes exposed to MYB antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. Expression of DNA polymerase alpha was inhibited both in normal T lymphocytes progressing from G0 to S phase and in exponentially growing CCRF-CEM leukemic cells, whereas expression of PCNA was inhibited only in mitogen-stimulated PBMC and remained essentially unaffected in the leukemia T-cell line. The functional link between expression of MYB and DNA polymerase alpha mRNAs was further demonstrated by analyzing DNA polymerase alpha mRNA levels in a temperature-sensitive (ts) fibroblast cell line (TK-ts13; TK is thymidine kinase) constitutively expressing human MYB mRNA driven by the simian virus 40 (SV40) promoter. In the MYB-expressing TK-ts13 cells, DNA polymerase alpha mRNA levels were unaffected following shift to the nonpermissive temperature of 39.6 degrees C, whereas in the parental line, DNA polymerase alpha mRNA levels were readily down-regulated. These findings indicate that the expression of MYB is related to that of DNA polymerase alpha in cells expressing MYB at high levels and suggest that there is a functional link between c-myb and DNA polymerase alpha mRNA expression during cell cycle progression of normal T lymphocytes.