cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of an adenine-nucleotide-binding site on interferon alpha2.

Using 32P-labeled 2-azidoadenosine 5′-triphosphate (2N3ATP) and 8-azidoadenosine 5′-triphosphate (8N3ATP), we have identified a site on human interferon α2 (IFN-α2) that binds adenine nucleotides. The results from saturation and competition experiments demonstrated the specificity of the nucleotide interaction. Half-maximal saturation of IFN-α2 was observed at 10 μM 2N3ATP or 35 μM 8N3ATP. ATP effectively decreased photoinsertion of both photoaffinity analogs of ATP. Photoinsertion of 8N3ATP was enhanced by MgCl2, independent of the ionic strength, and exhibited an optimum pH between 7.0 and 7.5. Immobilized-Al3+ affinity chromatography and HPLC were used to purify the modified peptides from IFN-α2 that had been photolabeled with 8N3ATP and digested with trypsin or chymotrypsin. Overlapping-sequence analysis localized the sites of photoinsertion to the region corresponding to Lys121-Tyr135 in the amino acid sequence of IFN-α2, which almost perfectly overlaps a nuclear-localization signal (R120KYFQRITLYLKEKKY135).
Numerical Solutions of Renewal-Type Integral Equations

The integral equation of renewal type has many applications in applied probability. However, it is rarely solvable in closed form. In this paper, we describe a numerical method for finding approximate solutions to integral equations of renewal type based on quadrature rules for Stieltjes integrals previously developed by the author. We provide error analyses for our numerical solution based on the trapezoid-like rule for Stieltjes integrals and describe computational experience with two solution algorithms based on the trapezoid-like and the Simpson-like rules for Stieltjes integrals. We discuss a link between discrete and continuous renewal theory that is illuminated by the numerical solution method. The proposed numerical method is simple, amenable to direct error analysis, performs better than previously proposed approximations in many cases of significant practical interest, and is capable of handling some cases on which other methods fail.
Case Report: Vibrio Cholerae Non-O1 Infection Presenting as Localized Cellulitis

Vibrio cholerae non-O1 characteristically causes gastrointestinal illness but can occasionally be responsible for extra-intestinal infections. The authors report an unusual case of a man presenting with extensive cellulitis that did not improve with conventional antimicrobial therapy. Vibrio cholerae non-O1 was later isolated from a cutaneous bulla. Although he had severe hepatic cirrhosis, the infection remained confined to the cutaneous tissues and he was never bacteremic. He improved dramatically with surgical debridement in conjunction with antibiotics. It is important to consider Vibrio cholerae non-O1 as a cause of cellulitis, especially in endemic areas.
Effect of Certain Nutritional Deficiencies on Various Phosphorus-containing Fractions of the Chick Brain.

Summary and ConditionsThe various fractions of chick brain, namely, the alcohol extract fraction, the trichloracetic acid extract fraction, and the fraction remaining after both extractions, were analyzed for their phosphorus content. In comparing the values obtained from chicks on a normal ration with those obtained from chicks receiving rations low in one of the essential factors (vitamin A, vitamin B4, and encephalomalacia) the following results were obtained.The ester phosphorus of the trichloracetic acid fraction was markedly reduced in the deficiency diseases, while the inorganic phosphorus was increased but not to the same extent as the former was reduced. The alcohol extract phosphorus fraction was only slightly increased. The phosphorus of the brain residue after alcohol and trichloracetic acid extractions as well as the total phosphorus content of brain was unaffected. Further, the amount of alcohol-soluble material of the brains was similar in both deficient and control chicks. Certain nutritio...
The reaction of hydrogen S-n-propyl methylphosphonothioic acid with acetaldehyde

Abstract The reaction provides a new phosphonylation procedure for simple alcohols. Results obtained in inert solvents are consistent with the intermediacy of a phosphorus hemiacetal.
Aldosterone: Review of its physiology and diagnostic aspects of primary aldosteronism

Abstract Aldosterone, the most potent mineralocorticoid known in man, is regulated by complex, multiple control systems. The major system appears to be renin-angiotensin, which responds to changes in extracellular volume and sodium balance. In normal man or when the renin system is suppressed as in primary aldosteronism, potassium can directly alter adrenal aldosterone secretion. ACTH, at least acutely, has a similar but less specific effect on the adrenal cortex than angiotensin II. Other control factors may also be operative, but their existence is suggested only by indirect studies. The absence of aldosterone binding in blood leads to a short chemical half-life, a high metabolic clearance (1600 liters/day), and hepatic extraction, and its lack of activity by mouth. Although much was learned about this hormone by measuring excretion rates in urine of metabolites, the measurement of blood levels and blood production rates are more representative of the hormone level reaching target tissues. Control of diet, posture, and time of day is necessary for interpretation. The clinical description of patients with primary aldosteronism remains similar to Conn's original report. Milder expressions of the disorder are now detected and neuromuscular symptoms are uncommon. Hypertension and hypokalemia with inappropriate kaliuresis remain the hallmarks of the disease. Normokalemia appears to be a rare variant as long as there is adequate dietary sodium and no technical or sampling errors. Except for the electrolyte acid-base disorder, primary aldosteronism is usually indistinguishable clinically from essential hypertension. Most PA patients will have unexplained frontal headaches and nocturia. Although there are many physiologic abnormalities, the key diagnostic test is the use of exogenous mineralocorticoid. Fludrocortisone (9α-fluorohydrocortisone) 0.6 mg/day × 3 orally will minimally suppress plasma or urinary aldosterone, while normals or patients with other types of hypertension will show marked suppression. Spironolactone will reverse the electrolyte abnormalities and usually improve the hypertension, although the latter effect is seen in lowrenin hypertension and is nonspecific for PA. Adrenal venography with adrenal vein measurements is very helpful in localization and distinguishing adenoma from bilateral hyperplasia. PA due to adenoma is generally treated surgically, while hyperplasia is currently thought to be best managed medically, since the hypertension is not reversed by adrenalectomy. The combination of inappropriate aldosterone levels and suppressed renin is diagnostic of PA; however, hypertension with low plasma renin per se is usually due to a type of essential hypertension rather than hyperaldosteronism.
Nonsmall-cell lung cancer: chemoprevention studies

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Tobacco is an addictive agent producing carcinogenic effects that have been extremely difficult to prevent or detect in a curable stage. Important randomized controlled studies have been published in "healthy" smokers (primary prevention); patients with early lesions, such as mucosal dysplasia/metaplasia (secondary prevention); and those who have already had definitive treatment for their first tobacco-related malignancy (tertiary prevention). To date, the results have been generally disappointing. It is critical to remember that lung cancer is usually diagnosed decades after the patient has begun or even stopped smoking. We must intervene with more effective agents or combinations of agents and do it earlier in the process of carcinogenesis. Approximately 10% of patients with lung cancer either never smoked or only were "passive" smokers due to their environment, workplace. These "never-smokers" may actually benefit from retinoids, while current smokers have not benefited from alpha-tocopherol, retinal, N-acetylcysteine, or isotretinoin. Smokers are actually harmed by the concurrent use of beta-carotene. We now have unprecedented knowledge regarding the control of cellular growth and senescence. New diagnostic tools also allow detection of smaller lesions. We must use all our knowledge of the cancer biology, new risk models, more refined intermediate markers, and modern detection tools to focus more clearly on the pathology of lung cancer and design research to ask more probing and relevant questions so we can begin to put an end to the worldwide scourge of this terrible killer.
Aquaporin water channels in gastrointestinal physiology

Fluid transport is a major function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with more than 9 litres of fluid being absorbed or secreted across epithelia in human salivary gland, stomach, the hepatobiliary tract, pancreas, small intestine and colon. This review evaluates the evidence that aquaporin-type water channels are involved in GI fluid transport. The aquaporins are a family of small (≈30 kDa) integral membrane proteins that function as water channels. At least seven aquaporins are expressed in various tissues in the GI tract: AQP1 in intrahepatic cholangiocytes, AQP4 in gastric parietal cells, AQP3 and AQP4 in colonic surface epithelium, AQP5 in salivary gland, AQP7 in small intestine, AQP8 in liver, pancreas and colon, and AQP9 in liver. There are functional data suggesting that some GI cell types expressing aquaporins have high or regulated water permeability; however, there has been no direct evidence for a role of aquaporins in GI physiology. Recently, transgenic mice have been generated with selective deletions of various aquaporins. Preliminary evaluation of GI function suggests a role for AQP1 in dietary fat processing and AQP4 in colonic fluid absorption. Further study of aquaporin function in the GI tract should provide new insights into normal GI physiology and disease mechanisms, and may yield novel therapies to regulate fluid movement in GI diseases.
Evaluating the triptans.

The debilitating effect of migraine has fueled the search for more specific agents to treat its characteristic and associated symptoms. Second-generation oral triptans have shown an improved efficacy profile in comparison with the pioneer sumatriptan and with the over-the-counter medications and prescription analgesics that have been staples of migraine treatment. Although all triptans exert effects through the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D receptors, each triptan has distinctive pharmacokinetic properties that determine its efficacy and tolerability profile. Empirical findings based on clinical trials have led to associations between triptan pharmacology and efficacy. With the expanded treatment choices, the onus is on healthcare providers (especially primary care physicians, who see the majority of patients with migraine) to determine which treatment has an efficacy profile that best suits the individual patient’s needs. Patients prefer pharmacotherapy with a rapid onset of action that facilitates complete pain relief and no recurrence. Data from published comparator trials, based on commonly used efficacy end points and pharmacokinetic properties underlying patient-preferred outcomes, are reviewed in this article.
Toward a framework for assembling broken pottery vessels

This paper addresses how to automatically reconstruct pottery vessels from a collection of sherds using a variety of features and their comparisons. To solve the problem, we designed a computational framework that is founded on the primitive operations of “match” proposal and evaluation. A match defines the geometric relationship between a pair of sherds. This framework affords a natural decomposition of the computation required by an automatic assembly process and provides a concrete basis to evaluate the utility of different features and feature comparisons for assembly. Pairwise matches are proposed and subsequently evaluated by a series of independent feature similarity modules. Assembly strategies are abstracted from the feature-specific sherd details and operate solely in terms of the probabilistic output of pair-wise proposals and evaluations. Our framework, which is modular and extensible, paves the way for a system to automatically reconstruct pottery vessels. We demonstrate a greedy assembly strategy that predicts likely pairs and triples of sherds using a handful of proposal and evaluation modules. Previous attempts to automate the task of reconstructing pottery vessels have relied on a single feature, and sometimes user intervention, to direct the search (Ucoluk & Toroslu 1999), (Papaioannou, Karabassi, & Theoharis 2001), (da Gama Leito & Stolfi 1998). While (Cooper et al. 2001) accounts for more than one feature using complex parametric models, we propose a conceptually simpler and modular system for integration akin to (Pankanti, Jain, & Tuceryan 1994) and (Keim et al. 1999; Keim, Shazeer, & Littman 1999). Our framework and assembly strategy are similar to (Jepson & Mann 1999) where they search for a plausible scene interpretation.
Construction of the DHCAL

Abstract Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) have been proposed as a method of improving the jet energy resolution of future colliding beam detectors. PFAs require calorimeters with high granularity to enable three-dimensional imaging of events. The Calorimeter for the Linear Collider Collaboration (CALICE) is developing and testing prototypes of such highly segmented calorimeters. In this context, a large prototype of a Digital Hadron Calorimeter (DHCAL) was developed and constructed by a group led by Argonne National Laboratory. The DHCAL consists of 52 layers, instrumented with Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) and interleaved with steel absorber plates. The RPCs are read out by 1 x 1 cm2 pads with a 1-bit resolution (digital readout). The DHCAL prototype has approximately 480,000 readout channels. This talk reports on the design, construction and commissioning of the DHCAL. The DHCAL was installed at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility in fall 2010 and data was collected through the summer 2011.
Assessment of supporting electrolyte contributions in electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography.

Abstract This paper reports the results of an investigation on the role of the supporting electrolyte in separations using electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography (EMLC) with a porous graphitic carbon stationary phase. With respect to the identity of the supporting electrolyte, the elution strength of the electrolyte anion increased as F − OH − BF 4 − ClO 4 − PF 6 − for injections of negatively charged aromatic molecules, whereas a 10-fold increase in electrolyte concentration induced a 60% change in retention for the same solutes. Furthermore, both the concentration and composition of the supporting electrolyte affected retention in a manner that varied with the charge of the analyte and applied potential. This behavior is explained using Gouy–Chapman diffuse double layer theory, coupled with comparisons of this theory with closely related models for ion-pair chromatography. Insights into the retention mechanism reveal that an ion-exchange mechanism controls the retention of negatively charged solutes at applied potentials removed from the potential of zero charge (PZC). At potentials close to the PZC, the electrostatic model is less effective with the predominant retention mechanism likely involving hydrophobic interactions with the carbonaceous stationary phase. The combined effects of these findings are demonstrated by using a temporal gradient in supporting electrolyte concentration to optimize an EMLC separation.
Chemical Characterization of Liver Lipid and Protein from Cold‐Water Fish Species

The largest US harvests of marine fish for human consumption are from Alaska waters. Livers from these fish are combined with other fish offal and made into fish meal and oil or discarded. The purpose of this study was to characterize liver lipids and proteins from important commercial species including walleye pollock (WP), pink salmon (PS), Pacific halibut (PH), flat head sole (FS), and spiny head rock fish (RF), and underutilized species including arrow tooth flounder (AF) and big mouth sculpin (BS). Liver lipid content ranged from 50.3% in WP to 3.3% in PS. Protein content ranged from 7.7% in WP to 18.4% in BS. PS livers had the highest content of ω-3 fatty acids at 336 mg/g of oil and AF had the lowest content at 110 mg/g of oil. There were significant differences in the content of 9 amino acids with methionine and lysine values ranging from 2.66% to 3.43% and 7.19% to 9.45% of the total amino acids, respectively. Protein from the cold water marine fish livers was of high quality and the oils contained substantial quantities of ω-3 fatty acids. Fish livers had distinct chemical properties and can be used for the development of unique food ingredients.
Structural Studies of Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin during Regeneration from Solutions and Wet Fiber Spinning

Regenerated silk fibroin materials show properties dependent on the methods used to process them. The molecular structures of B. mori silk fibroin both in solution and in solid states were studied and compared using X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Some portion of fibroin protein molecules dissolved in formic acid already have a beta-sheet structure, whereas those dissolved in TFA have some helical conformation. Moreover, fibroin molecules were spontaneously assembled into an ordered structure as the acidic solvents were removed from the fibroin-acidic solvent systems. This may be responsible for the improved physical properties of regenerated fibroin materials from acidic solvents. Regenerated fibroin materials have shown poor mechanical properties and brittleness compared to their original form. These problems were technically solved by improving the fiber forming process according to a method reported here. The regenerated fibroin fibers showed much better mechanical properties compared to the native silk fiber and their physical and chemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, solid state (13)C NMR spectroscopy, SinTech tensile testing, and SEM.
The effects of gender and consequence upon perceptions of deceivers

This study examines the impact of gender combinations and consequences of deceptive acts upon perceptions held by uninvolved third party observers. Perceptions examined in this initial study were observer attitudes toward a specific act of deception and the deceiver's credibility and personal qualities. Results indicate the existence of both a gender effect and a consequence effect. Under certain conditions, females appear to be more sensitive to relational deception than males and report more negative attitudes and perceptions of the deceiver's character, competence, and sociability. The consequence for the target impacted both observer attitude toward the specific act of deception and perceptions of deceiver credibility. Paradigmatic research should be designed to yield additional information.
New applications of approved technology: an overview

Pushing the frontiers ofmedicine through research and development ofnew technologies has long been a standard of health care in the United States. Currently, the United States spends more than any other country on healthrelated research and development. In 1989 alone, health care research expenditures exceeded $1 .8 billion.1 Despite the magnitude of this cost, it continues to grow; national expenditures on health research increased by 50% inthe decade between 1983 and 1992.2
Salmonella enterica: Survival, Colonization, and Virulence Differences among Serovars

Data indicate that prevalence of specific serovars of Salmonella enterica in human foodborne illness is not correlated with their prevalence in feed. Given that feed is a suboptimal environment for S. enterica, it appears that survival in poultry feed may be an independent factor unrelated to virulence of specific serovars of Salmonella. Additionally, S. enterica serovars appear to have different host specificity and the ability to cause disease in those hosts is also serovar dependent. These differences among the serovars may be related to gene presence or absence and expression levels of those genes. With a better understanding of serovar specificity, mitigation methods can be implemented to control Salmonella at preharvest and postharvest levels.
Staging transformation: Spiritist liturgies as theatres of conversion in Afro-Cuban religious practice

Of the religious formations to have crystallised during the transatlantic slave trade, Espiritismo continues to be among the most popular. While most previous studies of its Cuban and Puerto Rican-style ceremonies have approached them as either a type of health care or field of cultural resistance, this article analyses Spiritist services as theatres of conversion for those not already interpellated by Kardecist discourse and persuaded of mediums' authority. Drawing on research among African-American practitioners of Lucumi, often called Santeria, it argues that Spiritist ceremonies have instructed participants in the reality of superhuman entities; the normative conditions of access to them; and the benefits of proper intercourse with the divine in both Yoruba- and Kongo-inspired initiatory traditions. In contrast to scholarship that treats ritual as drama, this article distinguishes Spiritist liturgies from plays in crucial respects and asserts that they more closely resemble modern operating theatres a...
Creating Culturally Responsive Literacy Programs in Inclusive Classrooms

This article intends to increase awareness of culturally responsive literacy instruction by describing components of a literacy program that effectively address the needs of diverse learners, speci...
Different Measures, Different Outcomes? A Systematic Review of Performance-Based versus Self-Reported Measures of Health Literacy and Numeracy

BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) and numeracy are measured by one of two methods: performance on objective tests or self-report of one’s skills. Whether results from these methods differ in their relationship to health outcomes or use of health services is unknown.
The Palladium-Catalyzed Trifluoromethylaiton of Vinyl Sulfonates.

The process can be carried out with either triflates or nonaflates and silanes (II) or (V) in combination with tBu-XPhos and a Pd source.
The Heat Shock Response Inhibits Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression by Blocking Iκ-B Degradation and NF-κB Nuclear Translocation

We investigated the mechanisms by which the heat shock response inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. Incubation of cultured murine lung epithelium (MLE-15) at temperatures ranging from 39 to 43 degrees C, for 1 h, demonstrated that only severe thermal stress (41 to 43 degrees C) was sufficient to induce the heat shock response. Thermal stress inhibited cytokine-mediated iNOS gene expression only when associated with induction of the heat shock response. Transient transfection assays with an iNOS promoter-reporter gene construct demonstrated that the heat shock response inhibited cytokine-mediated iNOS promoter activity. Electromobility gel shift assays demonstrated that the heat shock response inhibited cytokine-mediated NF-kappa B nuclear translocation. The heat shock response also inhibited cytokine-mediated I kappa-B degradation. These data suggest that the heat shock response inhibits iNOS gene expression by transcriptional mechanisms involving the NF-kappa B/ I kappa-B pathway.
Facilitating Democracy: Centers and Institutes of Public Deliberation and Collaborative Problem Solving.

Campus-based centers and institutes serve as hubs for local dialogue, deliberation, and collaborative problem solving.
The ultrastructure of acoustic nerve tumors

An ultrastructural study of 50 acoustic neuromas was made. The dense, loose, and vacuolated areas of light microscopy, characteristic of these tumors, were composed of cells exhibiting two common ultrastructural features: a) The cytoplasm formed bundles of very thin, long processes in intimate contact with each other and/or with similar processes from neighboring cells. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum appears to be directly responsible for the formation of these processes; and b) All of these cells and their processes were consistently surrounded by a basement membrane. The extracellular space in many tumors appeared either “empty” or contained a fine granular material and a few small bundles of fine filaments. In every tumor studied the extracellular space, in the dense areas, contained banded fusiform fibers (Luse bodies) of 1,200 A repeating macroperiods. In only some tumors, the extracellular space of the loose areas contained native fibrous collagen. Fully myelinated and partially myelinated nerve fibers with hyperplastic Schwann cell cytoplasm were found in a few tumors. A tactoidal arrangement of cells and cell processes was also found in some tumors. A comparison between fetal human peripheral nerves and the tumors studied, led to the conclusion that the cells of Schwann and not fibroblasts form most, if not all the cells of acoustic nerve neoplasms. The perineurothelium, however, could not be excluded as a second site for the development of these tumors.
Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 expression is suppressed by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. A mechanism for the coordinate suppression of lipogenic genes by polyunsaturated fats.

Abstract Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) coordinately suppress the transcription of a wide array of hepatic lipogenic genes including fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Interestingly, the over-expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) induces the expression of all of the enzymes suppressed by PUFA. This observation led us to hypothesize that PUFA coordinately inhibit lipogenic gene transcription by suppressing the expression of SREBP-1. Our initial studies revealed that the SREBP-1 and FAS mRNA contents of HepG2 cells were reduced by 20:4(n-6) in a dose-dependent manner (i.e. EC50 ∼10 μm), whereas 18:1(n-9) had no effect. Similarly, supplementing a fat-free, high glucose diet with oils rich in (n-6) or (n-3) PUFA reduced the hepatic content of precursor and nuclear SREBP-1 60 and 85%, respectively; however, PUFA had no effect on the nuclear content of upstream stimulatory factor (USF)-1. The PUFA-dependent decrease in nuclear content of mature SREBP-1 was paralleled by a 70–90% suppression in FAS gene transcription. In contrast, dietary 18:1(n-9),i.e. triolein, had no inhibitory influence on the expression of SREBP-1 or FAS. The decrease in hepatic expression of SREBP-1 and FAS associated with PUFA ingestion was mimicked by supplementing the fat-free diet with the PPARα-activator, WY 14,643. Interestingly, nuclear run-on assays revealed that changes in SREBP-1 mRNA abundance were not accompanied by changes in SREBP-1 gene transcription. These results support the concept that PUFA coordinately inhibit lipogenic gene transcription by suppressing the expression of SREBP-1 and that the PUFA regulation of SREBP-1 appears to occur at the post-transcriptional level.
Rooted trees and iterated wreath products of cyclic groups

Let W"n","r denote the n-fold iterated wreath product of Z/rZ with itself. In this paper, we are interested in the tower of groups W"1","[email protected]?W"2","[email protected]?.... We show that the irreducible representations of W"n","r are indexed by a set of labeled rooted trees. By adding a partial order on this set of rooted trees, we obtain the Bratteli diagram for this tower of groups. In particular, we give the branching rules. This approach yields combinatorial rules for the decomposition of restricted and induced representations.
Ion irradiation-induced nano-scale polycrystallization of intermetallic and ceramic materials

Abstract Intermetallics such as U3Si and Zr3Al as well as many complex ceramic materials can easily be amorphized by energetic ions at room temperature. However, under certain irradiation conditions, single crystals of these materials can also be rendered polycrystalline at the nanometer scale. In this study, the transformation in Zr3Al and several ceramic materials was followed by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) during 1.5 MeV Kr ion irradiation using the HVEM-Tandem Facility at Argonne National Laboratory and examined in detail by high resolution TEM (HRTEM) after the irradiations. Irradiations of Zr3Al single crystals to 8.5×1015 ions/cm2 at ∼450°C resulted in a polycrystalline microstructure with grain sizes on the order of 10 nm. Similar phenomenon was observed in irradiated PLZT 9/65/35 [(Pb0.91La0.09)(Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3] single crystal with additional cavity formation. Randomly oriented nano-scale crystallites (∼ 5 nm in dimensions) were also found in partially amorphized olivine [(Mg0.88Fe0.12)2SiO4]. After a very low ion dose (2×1011 ions/cm2) and several days of aging at room temperature, a single crystalline neptunite [Na2KLi(Fe, Mn)2Ti2(SiO)8] was converted to a nanocrystalline phase with an average grain size of ∼ 8 nm. The irradiation-induced nano-scale polycrystallization of these materials is suggested to be the result of the competition between amorphization and crystalline recovery.
Comparison of the internal proteins of the T-even bacteriophages.

Abstract The internal proteins of the T-even bacteriophages were isolated and partially characterized. All were found to be basic, with isoelectric points above pH 9.0, and were composed of nearly 20% basic amino acids (lysine, arginine and histidine). The individual proteins isolated from the major bacteriophage strains (T4, T2H, T2L and T6) were, however, quite heterogeneous in terms of molecular weight classes, electrophoretic characteristics, antigenic properties and amino-acid compositions. Two species of internal proteins were isolated from bacteriophage T4 which had molecular weights of 21,000 and 10,000 daltons. Two molecular weight classes were found in T2L of 16,000 and 12,500 daltons, which gave three major bands on isoelectrofocusing polyacrylamide gels. T2H yielded a 21,000-dalton, a 16,000-dalton and a 12,500-dalton protein class. T6 appeared to possess only a 10,000-dalton class of proteins which gave one major band on isoelectrofocusing gels. Antisera were prepared against the internal proteins of T4B and T2L. Immunodiffusion assays demonstrated that the internal proteins of all the major strains of the T-even bacteriophages could be distinguished using these antisera. The two T4 internal proteins were immunologically distinct. The 21,000-dalton proteins of T4B and T2H were immunologically related. The low molecular weight proteins of T2H, however, were similar to the T2L proteins by the same assay. The T6 proteins failed to cross-react with any of the antisera prepared. The antisera against the T4 proteins were also used to examine the time of synthesis of the internal proteins during the infectious cycle. Both of the T4 proteins were synthesized in large amounts by five minutes after infection at 37 °C.
Unequal access, unequal participation: some spatial and socio‐economic dimensions of the gender gap in education in Africa with special reference to Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya

The question of unequal access to education among males and females appears to be universal in the developing world. However, females in Africa seem to suffer more discrimination in terms of access to education. This study revisits the question of gender disparities in educational access in Africa by analyzing data from recent comparative national surveys including the Demographic and Health Surveys, Living Standards Surveys, and World Bank data, focusing on Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya. It concludes that while substantial progress has been made in the last 40 years, female illiteracy rates are still high compared to males, and entrenched attitudes continue to keep females out of the educational system, thereby perpetuating the gender gap. Furthermore, while females are generally disadvantaged vis a vis their male counterparts, females living in the urban areas and some core regions tend to be better off than those living in the rural areas and peripheral regions. The paper suggests a number of policy recomm...
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and the Phylogeny of Cranes (Gruiformes: Gruidae)

ABSTRACT. We estimated phylogenetic relationships among all 15 extant species of cranes in the gruiform family Gruidae from complete sequences of their mitochondrial genomes. The gene order of crane mitochondrial genomes corresponds to that of the chicken and present few structural novelties compared with previously described birds. Sequences of the control region, particularly domains I and III, are highly divergent among species and include tandem repeats, duplications, and numerous indels. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the well-established, reciprocal monophyly of clades Balearicinae (crowned cranes) and Gruinae (anatomically derived cranes), as well as previously identified lineages within Gruinae: Leucogeranus and the species groups Anthropoides, Canadensis, Antigone, and Americana. As in previous molecular phylogenies, Leucogeranus is resolved as sister to all other gruines. In addition, the Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is resolved as sister to the Antigone species group, resulting in a Pacifi...
Crystallochemical characteristics of the inorganic phase of human calcific aortic valvar stenosis.

To determine the elemental composition of the mineral deposits found in human calcific aortic valvar stenosis and to verify by x ray diffraction crystal class previously reported by electron diffraction 138 quantitative energy dispersive analyses and x ray diffraction of pooled specimens were performed on samples of aortic valves excised from 12 patients. The principal components of the calcified portions of the valves were 38.15% calcium and 17.68% phosphorus. The weight percentage calcium to phosphorus ratio was 2.16 and an elemental distribution related to the simplest ideal unit cell formulation Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 was determined as: (Ca0.952Mg0.044Na0.097K0.005)10 (P0.952S0.025C0.023)6O23.96(Cl0.0184O0. 982H)2. The hexagonal unit cell was found to have an a axis of 9.424 A(0.9424 nm); c axis of 6.787 A(0.6787 nm); volume of 522 A3(0.522 nm3); and density of 3.2 g.cm-3. On the bases of the composition, the axial dimensions, and the density the material was classified as the dahllite form of apatite. There was no evidence of crystalline cholesterol. Variations in elemental composition showed no significant correlation with age or sex of the patient; statistically, neither the cusp involved nor the location on the leaflet affected the mineral composition.
Physical non-viral gene delivery methods for tissue engineering.

The integration of gene therapy into tissue engineering to control differentiation and direct tissue formation is not a new concept; however, successful delivery of nucleic acids into primary cells, progenitor cells, and stem cells has proven exceptionally challenging. Viral vectors are generally highly effective at delivering nucleic acids to a variety of cell populations, both dividing and non-dividing, yet these viral vectors are marred by significant safety concerns. Non-viral vectors are preferred for gene therapy, despite lower transfection efficiencies, and possess many customizable attributes that are desirable for tissue engineering applications. However, there is no single non-viral gene delivery strategy that “fits-all” cell types and tissues. Thus, there is a compelling opportunity to examine different non-viral vectors, especially physical vectors, and compare their relative degrees of success. This review examines the advantages and disadvantages of physical non-viral methods (i.e., microinjection, ballistic gene delivery, electroporation, sonoporation, laser irradiation, magnetofection, and electric field-induced molecular vibration), with particular attention given to electroporation because of its versatility, with further special emphasis on Nucleofection™. In addition, attributes of cellular character that can be used to improve differentiation strategies are examined for tissue engineering applications. Ultimately, electroporation exhibits a high transfection efficiency in many cell types, which is highly desirable for tissue engineering applications, but electroporation and other physical non-viral gene delivery methods are still limited by poor cell viability. Overcoming the challenge of poor cell viability in highly efficient physical non-viral techniques is the key to using gene delivery to enhance tissue engineering applications.
Mass flux effects in post-CHF swirl heat transfer

Abstract Heat transfer measurements were made in the post-CHF region of a boiling refrigerant under swirl flow conditions generated by twisted tape inserts inside of a vertical tube. The tube inside diameterswas 7.75 mm with a heated length of 3.66 m. Wall-superheats were relatively low below 60°C and the mass flux spanned the range of two previous investigations. Results are presented in a low mass flux range 214–425 kg/m 2 s and at a higher mass flux of 1001 kg/m 2 s. These tests represent the first reported that cover both of these mass flux ranges and significant differences were found in the data trends. The lower mass flux data were predicted by an existing heat transfer correlation equation while the higher mass flux data exhibited an increased drop-wall contribution to the heat transfer.
Policy transfer in mobile robots using neuro-evolutionary navigation

In this paper, we first present a state/action representation that allows robots to learn good navigation policies, but also allows them to transfer the policy to new and more complex situations. In particular, we show how the evolved policies can transfer to situations with: (i) new tasks (different obstacle and target configurations and densities); and (ii) new sets of sensors (different resolution). Our results show that in all cases, policies evolved in simple environments and transferred to more complex situations outperform policies directly evolved in the complex situation both in terms of overall performance (up to 30%) and convergence speed (up to 90%).
Serum IgG Concentrations after Intravenous Serum Transfusion in a Randomized Clinical Trial in Dairy Calves with Inadequate Transfer of Colostral Immunoglobulins

Background: Plasma transfusions have been used clinically in the management of neonates with failure of passive transfer. No studies have evaluated the effect of IV serum transfusions on serum IgG concentrations in dairy calves with inadequate transfer of passive immunity. Hypothesis: A commercially available serum product will increase serum immunoglobulin concentration in calves with inadequate transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. Animals: Thirty-two Jersey and Jersey-Holstein cross calves with inadequate colostral transfer of immunoglobulins (serum total protein <5.0 g/L). Methods: Thirty-two calves were randomly assigned to either control (n = 15) or treated (n = 17) groups. Treated calves received 0.5 L of a pooled serum product IV. Serum IgG concentrations before and after serum transfusion were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Results: Serum protein concentrations increased from time 0 to 72 hours in both control and transfused calves and the difference was significant between the control and treatment groups (P < .001). Mean pre- and posttreatment serum IgG concentrations in control and transfused calves did not differ significantly. Median serum IgG concentrations decreased from 0 to 72 hours by 70 mg/dL in control calves and increased over the same time interval in transfused calves by 210 mg/dL. The difference was significant between groups (P < .001). The percentage of calves that had failure of immunoglobulin transfer 72 hours after serum transfusion was 82.4%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum administration at the dosage reported did not provide adequate serum IgG concentrations in neonatal calves with inadequate transfer of colostral immunoglobulins.
When a G protein-coupled receptor does not couple to a G protein.

Classically, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) relay signals by directly activating heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). Increasing evidence indicates that GPCRs may also signal through G protein-independent pathways. JAK/STATs, Src-family tyrosine kinases, GRKs/β-arrestins, and PDZ domain-containing proteins have been suggested to directly relay signals from GPCRs independent of G proteins. In addition, our laboratory recently reported that the β2adrenergic receptor (β2AR) could switch from G protein-coupled to G protein-independent ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activation in an agonist dosage-dependent manner. This finding provides a novel mechanism for G protein-independent GPCR signaling. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding the mechanisms by which G protein-independent GPCR signaling occurs.
Tan Dun and Zhang Yimou between Film and Opera

Tan Dun's opera, The First Emperor—premiered in 2006 at the Metropolitan Opera and staged by the Chinese film director Zhang Yimou—was based on a preexistent film and was intended as a sequel to their 2002 film Hero. This cluster of films and performances, the intricate connections between Chinese opera and film, and Tan's and Zhang's prior work in both media offer an excellent opportunity for comparative study of the “operatic” and “cinematic” in musical and visual terms. The prominence of these figures and the charged context in which these works were created prompt investigation of their cultural and political implications as well.
The conceptual neutering of gender and the criminalization of sex.

Thirty years ago the term gender was borrowed from philology for use in sexological psychology in a paper on hermaphroditism (Money, 1955). As originally defined, gender role consists of both introspective and the extraspective manifestations of the concept. In general usage, the introspective manifestations soon became separately known as gender identity. The acronym, G-I/R, being singular, restores the unity of the concept. Without this unity, gender role has become a socially transmitted acquisition, divorced from the biology of sex and the brain. Sex and gender have been partitioned between body and mind, respectively. The desexualization of gender is in accord with the Zeitgeist of contemporary sexual politics together with victimology and an expanding criminalization of sex. The funding of sexological research is being diverted to victimology, which is, de facto, a branch of law enforcement. Victimologists—and sexological professionals among them—are vulnerable to a backlash of being themselves criminalized. This happens as a result of false accusations of various types of malpractice, including sexual abuse of clients, especially children. Under Hitler, there was an historical parallel when the destruction of sexology was effected by the application of the theory of social eugenics and racial purity which sexologists had endorsed. They were among the first of Hitler's victims.
An Expert System for Miscible Gasflooding

The input data sets for compositional simulators include a large number of parameters that must be assigned carefully to represent the petroleum reservoir with an appropriate model and to make accurate and efficient simulations. With emerging expert-system technology, The University of Texas Input Parameter Selection Expert System (UTINPUT) has been developed on a workstation using NEXPERT OBJECT, an expert-system shell. C and a hybrid approach combining rules and objects were used. A customized user interface was developed and integrated with the expert system by use of NEXPERT's delivery system, NEXPERT FORMS. The resulting expert system is interactive, user-friendly, and efficient and provides the necessary expertise to create input data sets for UTCOMP. A major part of this research was accumulating expertise through literature, simulation experts, and, to a much greater extent, detailed simulation studies with emphasis on reservoir fluid characterization, selection of timestep size, and design of miscible gasfloods. The authors research shows that expert system technology can be used effectively in conjunction with reservoir simulators to simulate such complex processes as miscible gas flooding and to preserve and transfer such expertise.
Raleigh leaves Lamont for Hawaii

Barry Raleigh, director of Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory for the past 8 years, has left that job to become Dean of the University of Hawaii's new School of Oceans, Earth Sciences, and Technology. A search committee chaired by Lamont geochemist Charles Langmuir has been formed to find Raleigh's successor, and committee member Lynn Sykes, a seismologist at Lamont, said “We expect to have a short list drawn up by the end of the calendar year.”
Protective modification of freeze stress in plant tissue

Abstract Arabinoxylan mucilages from cell walls of hardy winter cereal plants inhibit the initial growth of ice crystals. These polymers affect the kinetics of freezing by adhesion to ice through interfacial liquid. The energy of polymer hydration decreases the latent heat of freezing by reducing the activation energy of melting. The decrease is a measure of adhesion energy. Other hydrated substances including the plasmalemma also equilibrate with freezing by adhesive interactions. Adhesion can produce lethal stress by −10°C. The adhesive stress can be reduced to osmotic stress by release of solutes from the protoplasts into the intercellular space. The interfacial tension in winter cereal plants is reduced by hydrolysis of fructan to sugars.
EFFECT OF GROWTH AND LIGHT/DARK CYCLES ON DIATOM LIPID CONTENT AND COMPOSITION1

Total extractable lipid (TEL) and lipid composition were studied throughout the growth cycle in three freshwater diatoms-Cyclotella meneghiniana Kutz., Melosira varians C. A. Ag., and Stephanodiscus binderanus (Kutz.) Krieg under three light regimes (16:8 h LD, 20:4 h LD, and 12:12 h LD) at 20°C. Two of the diatoms demonstrated strong daylength preferences for growth; C. meneghiniana grew best under long-day (20: 4-h LD) conditions, whereas S. binderanus grew best under short-day (12:12-h LD) conditions. The lipid composition of the diatoms was similar throughout the growth cycle. Aged (2-month-old) cells were high in total lipid and triacylglycerols. Before the onset of active growth and during the early part of active growth, there was a reduction in total neutral lipids, primarily triacylglycerols, and an increase in all polar lipids, including chlorophyll a, acetone-mobile polar lipids, and phospholipids. While cell numbers were still increasing, triacylglycerols increased and polar lipids decreased to levels near those found in aged cultures, Results suggest that increased triacylglycerol content of freshwater diatoms is not necessarily indicative of senescent populations.
Analysis of stiffened shear-flexible orthotropic panels

Abstract A modified Ritz method is presented for the analysis of stiffened shear-flexible orthotropic panels subjected to mixed boundary conditions. The method is based on a modified version of the principle of minimum potential energy, which, in contrast to the classical principle, does not require the independent variables to a priori fulfill all geometric boundary conditions Because of this, relatively simple trial functions can be used even for the most complex support conditions. Efficiency and reliability of the method are demonstrated on the basis of several representative examples.