cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The structure and function of CD26 in the T‐cell immune response

CD26 is a widely distributed 110 kD cell-surface glycoprotein with known dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) activity in its extracellular domain. This ecto-enzyme is capable of cleaving amino terminal dipeptides from polypeptides with either L-proline or L-alanine in the penultimate position. On human T cells, CD26 expression appears late in thymic differentiation and is preferentially restricted to the CD4+ helper/memory population, and CD26 can deliver a potent co-stimulatory T-cell activation signal. The cDNA sequence of CD26 predicts a type II membrane protein with only 6 amino acids in its cytoplasmic region, suggesting that, in addition to DPP-IV enzyme activity, other signal-inducing molecules may be associated with CD26. Considerable evidence exists that CD26 interacts, presumably in its extracellular domain, with both CD45, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, and adenosine deaminase (ADA), each of which is capable of functioning in a signal transduction pathway. In addition, CD26 is the receptor for ADA, and ADA on the cell surface is involved in an important immunoregulatory mechanism by which released ADA binds to the cell-surface ADA. This multifunctional molecule may be involved in cell migration and the HIV-1-associated loss of CD4+ cells through the process of programmed cell death. Thus, CD26 appears to play a key role in a number of aspects of lymphocyte function.
Studies of fluid exchanges between rat liver slices and simple media.

1. The exchange of fluid between slices of rat liver and solutions of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and sodium chloride has been studied in relation to the temperature of incubation. The point of apparent isotonicity (P.A.I.) of the tissue was defined as the concentration of the solution in which the slices neither gained nor lost weight after immersion for a period of 10 minutes. 2. In solutions of glucose, the P.A.I. of the slices was significantly lower at 4°C. than at 20°C. but similar at 20°C. and 37°C. Upon immersion for 15 to 60 minutes in 0.66 molar glucose the slices always swelled more at 37°C. than at 20°C. In solutions of sucrose change in the temperature of incubation was without effect on the hydration of the tissues. 3. In solutions of sodium chloride, the P.A.I. and the content of water, chloride, and sodium plus potassium were lower at 37°C. than at 20°C. 4. These findings emphasize the role of translocation of solute in providing an osmotic gradient for the movement of water between the tissue slices and the media.
Toxicity and Carcinogenicity Studies of Quercetin, a Natural Component of Foods

Quercetin is a naturally occurring chemical found in our daily diet in fruits and vegetables. Toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of quercetin were conducted in male and female F344/N rats, under conditions which allowed comparison to results of approximately 400 previously tested chemicals. The chemical was administered in the feed for 2-years at concentrations of 0, 1000, 10,000, or 40,000 ppm, and the estimated dose delivered was approximately 40-1900 mg/kg/day. There were no treatment-related effects on survival and no treatment-related clinical signs of toxicity. The high-dose groups had reduced body weight gain in comparison to controls during the last half of the study. At interim evaluations at 6 and 15 months, treatment-related toxic lesions were not observed, but at 2 years toxic and neoplastic lesions were seen in the kidney of male rats, including increased severity of chronic nephropathy, hyperplasia, and neoplasia of the renal tubular epithelium. Under the conditions of these 2-year studies quercetin showed carcinogenic activity in the kidney of the male rat, causing primarily benign tumors of the renal tubular epithelium. Quercetin did not cause tumors at other sites. Quercetin is a genotoxic chemical, but the neoplastic response observed in the kidney may be due in part to a combination of nongenotoxic and genotoxic events.
Evolution of microstructure in face-centered cubic metals during irradiation

Abstract When fcc metals and alloys are irradiated at elevated temperatures, they tend to evolve toward saturation microstructures that are independent of the starting state of the metal and the early details of irradiation history. This leads to property changes and rates of dimensional change that also eventually become independent of the starting state. The evolution of microstructure in complex alloys, especially during the transient regime, is usually determined by the complex interaction of many microstructural and microchemical processes. The more complex the alloy, the more difficult it is to identify and define the separate influence of each participating mechanism. The use of irradiation studies conducted on simple metals or model alloys assists in understanding the behavior of alloys of engineering relevance. A review of such studies shows that a number of prevailing perceptions of radiation-induced microstructural evolution are not universally correct.
Short-range force detection using optically-cooled levitated microspheres

We propose an experiment using optically trapped and cooled dielectric micro-spheres for the detection of short-range forces. The center-of-mass motion of a microsphere trapped in vacuum can experience extremely low dissipation and quality factors of ${10}^{12}$, leading to yoctonewton force sensitivity. Trapping the sphere in an optical field enables positioning at less than $1\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ from a surface, a regime where exotic new forces may exist. We expect that the proposed system could advance the search for non-Newtonian gravity forces via an enhanced sensitivity of ${10}^{5}--{10}^{7}$ over current experiments at the $1\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ length scale. Moreover, our system may be useful for characterizing other short-range physics such as Casimir forces.
Observation of the direct evidence of wave interference in chaotic microlasers

We observed the lasing emission intensity oscillates with wavelength in polymer microstadium lasers.sss Our simulation results indicate that such oscillation is coming from the wave interference induced quality factor changes in chaotic system.
Basic mass spectrometric investigations of amino acid-fluorescamine derivatives

Mass spectra of fluorescamine derivatives of seventeen of the naturally occuring amino acids have been studied using electron ionization mass spectrometry. Seven fragmentation processes of fluorophors are proposed and elucidated by accurate mass measurements, stable isotope incorpor-ation and low resolution spectra. Two major pathways contributed most of the predominant peaks in the mass spectra. All fragmentations involve specific rearrangements of the spiro ring, while some lose the amino acid sidechain. Identification of the amino acid is unequivocally established in the low resolution spectra. Loss of one oxygen atom from the dehydrated fluorophors was found for all compounds studied. The site of this loss was determined by incorporation of 18O into the carbonyl groups of fluorescamine.
Boko Haram in Retrospect

This article looks at the development of the Nigerian Islamic militant group Boko Haram from an historical perspective and attempts to locate Boko Haram within an historical pattern of dissent and factionalism in Northern Nigerian Islam. It argues that the nineteenth-century jihadist legacy of Uthman dan Fodio, and its rejection of things non-Islamic, accusations of bidʿa and muwālāt and the invocation of takfīr, continues to appeal to the present-day generation of Muslims. Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, who viewed himself as a reformer in the tradition of dan Fodio, and his Wahhabi-inspired anti-Sufi views, and the activism of the Izala movement, which is an outgrowth of Gumi's religious and ideological views, have perpetuated the separatist tradition. From limited reliable data, the article goes on to construct the rise of Boko Haram (itself an outgrowth of the Izala movement) and its ideology from within the ranks of the Salafi-Wahhabi trends in Northern Nigeria, arguing that Boko Haram, with its militancy agai...
The expressive power of the bounded-iteration construct

The bounded-iteration constructforeach x in R/p do t od is very commonly used in database programming, due to the fact that database programs are dominated by data retrieval and manipulation tasks rather than by complex computations. Hence in database programming language design, it is important to understand the expressive power of the bounded-iteration construct and its relationship with other language constructs. We study the bounded-iteration construct within the context of a simple database programming language called theiterative transaction language. The language is shown to have NPTIME expressive power, and the deterministic subclass of it has PTIME expressive power, without any extra machineries or restrictions. We show that the bounded-iteration construct is essential for achieving this expressiveness, by characterizing its relationship with other constructs in the language. We also identify another natural subclass of iterative transactions calledfirst-order transactions with exactly first-order expressive power. The complexity of first-order transactions in terms of nested iterations and intermediate states is connected further to the complexity of first-order updates in terms of quantification depth.
Shape control of circular plate with piezoelectric sheet actuators

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in using piezoelectric patches attaches to optical surfaces in hope of attaining high precision of optical mirrors with minimal additional weight. Based on results from preliminary investigations, the configuration of thin piezoelectric strip actuators placed in the radial and circumferential line directions of a circular plate (host structure of the mirror) is chosen to control the surface error of the mirror. The major challenges here is the two dimensional actuation effect of the actuator patches, which could induce high order modal deformations and increase the difficulty of surface error control. The purpose of this research is to investigate such effects and propose solutions. A simple model is first developed through Hamilton's principle and discretized using Galerkin's method, thus giving a set of differential equations describing the coupled mechanical and electrical systems. Form the equations, the coupling between the electrical and structural systems for each mode shape can be calculated, thus giving a means to maximize the coupling between the actuator and the mode shapes of interest by changing the actuator's properties. Likewise, the properties can be tailored such that excitation of the unwanted modes can be avoided or reduced. A more comprehensive finite element model is also derived to validate the observations obtained from the simple model. From the analysis, it si found that decoupling of the circumferential action from the radial action of the piezoelectric patches can dramatically improve the performance of the controller, thus achieving a greater reduction in the surface error. Methods to decouple the circumferential strain from the radial strain are then proposed.
Structural mechanisms of allostery and autoinhibition in JNK family kinases.

c-Jun N-terminal (JNK) family kinases have a common peptide-docking site used by upstream activating kinases, substrates, scaffold proteins, and phosphatases, where the ensemble of bound proteins determines signaling output. Although there are many JNK structures, little is known about mechanisms of allosteric regulation between the catalytic and peptide-binding sites, and the activation loop, whose phosphorylation is required for catalytic activity. Here, we compare three structures of unliganded JNK3 bound to different peptides. These were compared as a class to structures that differ in binding of peptide, small molecule ligand, or conformation of the kinase activation loop. Peptide binding induced an inhibitory interlobe conformer that was reversed by alterations in the activation loop. Structure class analysis revealed the subtle structural mechanisms for allosteric signaling between the peptide-binding site and activation loop. Biochemical data from isothermal calorimetry, fluorescence energy transfer, and enzyme inhibition demonstrated affinity differences among the three peptides that were consistent with structural observations.
Identification and clearance involved in the formation of glucuronides of RT-3003, a new peripheral blood flow enhancer, and its metabolite in rats.

Glucuronides of RT-3003 and its metabolite (9-OH-RT-3003), which was hydroxylated at the 9 position on the benzene ring, were separated by HPLC and identified by liquid chromatography (LC)/MS/MS and NMR. The conjugation sites of these glucuronides were determined by nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) irradiation; RT-3003 was conjugated at an alcoholic hydroxyl group of the hydroxymethyl moiety, and 9-OH-RT-3003 at a phenolic hydroxyl group on a benzene ring and at an alcoholic hydroxyl group of a hydroxymethyl moiety. On a reversed-phase HPLC of 9-OH-RT-3003, alcoholic glucuronide was eluted later than phenolic glucuronide, indicating the high hydrophobicity of alcoholic glucuronide. Clearance for the glucuronidation (Cl G ) of RT-3003 was lower than the summation of Cl G for two types of glucuronidation of 9-OH-RT-3003. Cl G of 9-OH-RT-3003 was high in phenolic glucuronide. The activity of UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UDPGT) for RT-3003 was 9.63 times that for 9-OH-RT-3003, and the activity ratio of the two types of glucuronidation of 9-OH-RT-3003 was similar to the ratio of the corresponding Cl G . The difference between Cl G and UDPGT activity is discussed in association with clearance for the hydroxylation and interaction of substrates with UDPGT.
Modelling and testing dynamic multivariate decision processes

Abstract This paper is concerned with several important methodological issues involved in modeling human dynamic, multivariate decision processes. Topics discussed and analyzed include combining data on several decision makers to produce a composite model, incorporating multiple and sequential decisions into the analysis framework, modeling learning by the decision maker, and various procedures for testing or validating the model.
Appetitively motivated general activity in rats with limbic lesions

Abstract During a preliminary pre- and post-operative phase, the general activity of rats with either septal or amygdaloid lesions was studied in relation to emotionality and the effect of recurrent changes in noise and light stimulation. Subsequently, general activity was measured while the animals were exposed to stimulation associated with feeding and after either 0 (satiety), 22 or 44 hr of food deprivation. Except for an early postoperative increase in activity, amygdaloid lesioned rats did not differ from controls. Septal lesions caused a transitory increase in emotionality coincident with reduced activity during the preliminary phase, and pronounced hyperactivity after experience with food-related stimulation. Septal lesion-induced hyperactivity was dramatically altered by changes in appetitive drive, i.e. absent immediately after extended feeding (satiety), and dissociated from a disturbance in discrimination learning. The results suggest that the hyperactivity of rats with septal lesions depended on the interacting effects of stimulation, which acquired arousal or motivational inducing properties through association with feeding, and a certain minimum of appetitive drive.
Plasmodium falciparum: Comparative analysis of antigens from continuous in vitro cultured and in vivo derived malarial parasites

A comparison of metabolically labeled proteins from continuous in vitro and in vivo derived Plasmodium falciparum revealed both similarities and differences. Metabolic labeling of synchronized cultures showed that the uptake of label increased as the parasites matured from the ring to the schizont stage in both cultures. Also, in both continuous in vitro and in vivo derived cultures, prominent high-molecular-weight proteins were synthesized during the late developmental stages. However, the continuous in vitro cultured parasites incorporated twice as much of the label at each stage as did the in vivo derived parasites. Immunoprecipitation with serum samples from vaccinated Aotus trivirgatus griseimembra monkeys revealed major differences involving protein antigens that migrated in the molecular weight regions of b (Mr = 152,000), c (Mr = 143,000), j (Mr = 82,700), and n (Mr = 57,400). These antigens were more readily detected in the continuous in vitro cultured schizonts than in the in vivo derived schizonts.
Reinvestigation of the branching ratio of the CN + O2 reaction.

The reaction of the CN radical with O2 was studied using infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Detection of NO and secondary N2O products was used to directly measure the product branching ratio. After consideration of possible secondary chemistry and comparison to kinetic modeling simulations, the branching ratio of the CN + O2 reaction into the NO + CO channel was determined to be φ (NO + CO) = 0.20 ± 0.02, with little or no temperature dependence over the range 296−475 K.
Possible three-photon couplings

One of the simplest modifications to quantum electrodynamics, if charge-conjugation invariance is abandoned, is the occurrence of direct coupling of three photons. This paper generalizes and extends Dolgov's phenomenological analysis of the consequences of such interactions and confirms that gauge invariance and Bose symmetry permit such interactions only if at least two of the photons are virtual. The effects of such couplings are considered for processes in which the third photon is real. The best present limit on the possible strength of such couplings is set by experiments on bremsstrahlung from e/sup +/e/sup -/ collisions.
Frequency of Spontaneous Ventricular Tachycardia in a Pediatric Population

Few data exist on the incidence of spontaneously occurring ventricular tachycardia (VT) in an unselected pediatric population. The aim of this study was to define the incidence and outcomes of VT in a general pediatric population. A retrospective analysis was performed of all documented episodes of VT in children referred to a single center during a 10-year study period ending in December 2005. The study center drains a stable referral area with 252,000 children aged <16 years, with no other pediatric cardiologic or pediatric intensive care services available. Twenty-seven patients with spontaneously occurring episodes of VT were observed, accounting for a VT incidence of 1.1 episodes/100,000 childhood years. Thirteen patients had VT in the absence of structural heart disease, and 14 had VT in the presence of a wide range of underlying cardiac disease. Overall mortality was 5 of 27 patients (19%), but mortality was seen exclusively in patients with underlying heart disease; for this subgroup of patients, mortality was 36%. Idiopathic VT in children with structurally normal hearts carried a good prognosis, and treatment was required in a minority (20%) of these patients. In conclusion, this study highlights that VT in childhood is rare, and outcomes are highly dependent on the underlying pathologic substrate.
Riemann Problems for 5×5 Systems of Fully Non-linear Equations Related to Hypoplasticity

The equations of motion for two-dimensional deformations of an incompressible elastoplastic material involve five equations, two equations expressing conservation of momentum, and three constitutive laws, which we take in the rate form, i.e. relating the stress rate to the strain rate. In hypoplasticity, the constitutive laws are homogeneous of degree one in the stress and strain rates. This property has the consequence that although the equations are not in conservation form, there is nonetheless a natural way to characterize planar shock waves. The Riemann problem is the initial value problem for plane waves, in which the initial data for stress and velocity consist of two constant vectors separated by a single discontinuity. The main result is that, under appropriate assumptions, the Riemann problem has a scale invariant piecewise constant solution. The issue of uniqueness is left unresolved. Indeed, we give an example satisfying the conditions for existence, for which there are many solutions. Using asymptotics, we show how solutions of the Riemann problem are approximated by smooth solutions of a system regularized by the addition of viscous terms that preserve the property of scale invariance.
Analysis of protein phosphorylation: methods and strategies for studying kinases and substrates

Protein phosphorylation is a highly conserved mechanism for regulating protein function, being found in all prokaryotes and eukaryotes examined. Phosphorylation can alter protein activity or subcellular localization, target proteins for degradation and effect dynamic changes in protein complexes. In many cases, different kinases may be involved in each of these processes for a single protein, allowing a large degree of combinatorial regulation at the post-translational level. Therefore, knowing which kinases are activated during a response and which proteins are substrates is integral to understanding the mechanistic regulation of a wide range of biological processes. In this paper, I will describe methods for monitoring kinase activity, investigating kinase-substrate specificity, examining phosphorylation in planta and the determination of phosphorylation sites in a protein. In addition, strategic considerations for experimental design and variables will be discussed.
Evaluation of lifetime and analytical performance of gas chromatographic inlet septa for analysis of reactive semivolatile organic compounds

Abstract A comparison of septum degradation data obtained from a variety of standard GC septa, including the Thermogreen™ LB-2, AG3 (Green), Thermolite®, BTO® and the Merlin Microseal™ were evaluated. This study was conducted to determine analytical system lifetime between inlet maintenance based on chromatographic performance of reactive compounds as a function of septum aging through repeated injections. It is widely accepted that gas chromatographic septa degrade relative to the operating temperature of the injector and also based on the physical interaction with the syringe needle. This interaction may cause shedding of particles which then accumulate in the injection port liner, or possibly on the GC column in rare cases. This will likely lead to reactive compound breakdown in the injection port of flash-vaporizing inlets and thus reduce the amount of time that an instrument may be operated between inlet maintenance. Evaluations of the septa were based on the performance of the organochlorine compounds, endrin and 4,4′-DDT. These two compounds act as general indicators for the overall inertness of the GC injector, and their performance may be used to extrapolate to the performance of many other compounds. The average lifetime in terms of the number of injections for the studied septa was determined to range from 151 injections to nearly 2000 injections, depending on the septum. These values were found to be repeatable within the same septa material, or within class. The injection lifetime was found to be statistically different between different septa, however, indicating that not all septa are equivalent in terms of their durability to repeated injections. Additionally, some septa were found to predominately cause degradation of endrin, while others were found to cause reactivity of 4,4′-DDT, indicating that a difference in septa material may cause differences in what types of compounds become reactive in the GC inlet.
Microcirculation of a scald burn: An in vivo experimental study of the hairless mouse ear

Abstract This experimental model using the hairless mouse ear presents a new model for microcirculatory investigation of skin. It concludes that the scald burn injury to the microcirculation is progressive during the first 48 hours post burn and that platelet microthromboembolism appears to be a major cause of this progression.
Insights into the Mechanism of Fe(II) Adsorption and Oxidation at Fe–Clay Mineral Surfaces from First-Principles Calculations

Interfacial reactivity of redox-active iron-bearing mineral surfaces plays a crucial role in many environmental processes including biogeochemical cycling of various elements and contaminants. Herein, we apply density functional theory (DFT) calculations to provide atomistic insights into the heterogeneous reaction between aqueous Fe(II) and the Fe-bearing clay mineral nontronite Fe2Si4O10(OH)2 by studying its adsorption mechanism and interfacial Fe(II)–Fe(III) electron transfer (ET) at edge and basal surfaces. We find that edge-bound Fe(II) adsorption complexes at different surface sites (ferrinol, silanol, and mixed) may coexist on both (010) and (110) edge facets, with complexes at ferrinol FeO(H) sites being the most energetically favorable and coupled to proton transfer. Calculation of the ET activation energy suggests that interfacial ET into dioctahedral Fe(III) sheets is probable at the clay edges and occurs predominantly but not exclusively through the complexes adsorbed at ferrinol sites and mig...
Private and public images: A study of photographic contrasts in postcard pictures of great basin Indians, 1898–1919

Drawing on John Berger's analytical distinction between the “private” and “public” photograph, this paper shows how the differing uses to which postcard pictures were put, and how the differing audiences which viewed them influenced the stereotypic as well as authentic ways in which Great Basin Indians were represented on the postcard from 1900 to 1920. In so doing, it offers a critical perspective for understanding the role that photography has played in fostering faithful as well as distorted images of the American Indian.
The synthesis and characterization of CmBa2Cu3O7

Abstract In order to help evaluate possible mechanisms of superconductivity, we have prepared a new member of the RBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 series, CmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . The X-ray powder diffraction pattern was obtained for a single phase compound, isostructural with the orthorhombic phase of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that CmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 is not superconducting. There is evidence of long-range magnetic ordering at 22 K. These results are compared with the behavior of PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 , the only other nonsuperconducting compound with the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 structure.
Physiological Response of Southern Appalachian High-Elevation Rock Outcrop Herbs to Reduced Cloud Immersion

ABSTRACT Cloud immersion experienced by high-elevation rock outcrop plants reduces the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (VPD), decreasing transpirational water loss. Frequent cloud immersion might ameliorate water stress in shallow-soil outcrop communities, increasing water use efficiency and growth. Current climate pattern predictions propose that Southern Appalachian cloud immersion frequency will decrease, potentially increasing water stress in rock outcrop plant populations. In this experiment, outcrop specialists Hydatica petiolaris (cliff saxifrage) and Solidago simulans (granite dome goldenrod) were grown in microcosms simulating current, reduced, and absent cloud immersion. Maximum photosynthetic rates, light saturation point and water use efficiency (WUE) increased, and transpiration decreased with decreasing immersion duration. Root mass, root-to-shoot ratio, and specific leaf mass were greatest in the reduced immersion treatment. Simulating nonimmersed abiotic conditions while measuring gas e...
Distribution and moment convergence of martingales

If \(S_{n,k} = \mathop \Sigma \limits_{1 \leqq i_1 < i_k \leqq m_n } X_{ni_1 } ...{\text{ }}X_{ni_k } \) where {Xn j,ℱn j1≦j≦mn↑∞, n≧1} is a martingale difference array, conditions are given for the distribution and moment convergence of Sn,k to the distribution and moments of \(\frac{1}{{k!}}H_k (Z)\) where Hk is the Hermite polynomial of degree k and Z is a standard normal variable. This is intimately related to an identity (*) for multiple Wiener integrals. Under alternative conditions, similar results hold for Sn, k/Unk and Sn, k/Vnk where \(U_n^2 = \sum\limits_{j = 1}^{m_n } {X_{n j}^2 }\) and Vn2Vn2 is the conditional variance.
Economics of robotics in urology

Purpose of review New technologies such as robotics are constantly introduced clinically without a complete understanding of benefits and costs. In order for urologists to optimize their care of patients, there is a need to understand the economic factors that impact on their ability to practice medicine. This review will discuss general concepts of health economics and apply them to the application of robotics to urologic procedures. Recent findings Utilization of robotic surgery, especially for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, has increased dramatically in recent years. The robot adds significant costs in terms of acquisition, maintenance, and daily instrument costs. These added costs, thus far, have not been associated with significant improvement in outcomes over ‘pure’ laparoscopy or open procedures. In order for the robot to be cost-effective, efficacy needs to be improved over alternative approaches and costs of the robot or instrumentation needs to be decreased. Summary Robotic application is not cost-effective compared with open or laparoscopic approaches and future studies will need to determine whether there are indirect benefits that will justify its use.
The isolated major histocompatibility complex class I α3 domain binds β2m and CD8αα dimers

Abstract The MHC class I molecule plays a crucial role in cytotoxic lymphocyte function. The heavy chain of the MHC class I molecule can form many non-covalent interactions with other molecules on multiple domains and surfaces. We have generated an isolated α3 domain of a murine MHC class I molecule and evaluated the contribution of this domain to binding with the MHC class I light chain, β2m, and CD8. The α3 domain binds β2m at a thousand-fold higher concentration than the whole MHC, and binds CD8αα with a dependence on the α3 CD loop. Our results are relevant for models of MHC folding and CD8–MHC function. The study of individual domains of complex molecules is an important strategy for understanding their dynamic structure and function.
Molecular Structure and Energy

THE difficulties with the Lewis-Langmuir theory expressed by Prof. Partington in NATURE of April 7 have been felt by the writer, and doubtless by others. They may, perhaps, be met in part by the following considerations:—
Temporal determinants of occasion setting in feature-positive discriminations

Three experiments examined the acquisition and transfer of Pavlovian feature-positive discriminations (XA+, A−) in rat subjects. To identify the nature of the associations formed in those discriminations, the form of the conditioned responses (CRs) was examined. If the feature,X, and common element, A, cues started and ended together onXA compoud trials, associations betweenX and the food unconditioned stimulus (US) were acquired. If the onsets and/or terminations ofX preceded those of A,X acquired the ability to set the occasion for responding to A, that is, A evoked CRs only onXA compound trials. The acquisition of occasion setting was favored when (1) the onset of X preceded that of A, (2) the interval betweenX and A and/or the US was relatively long, and (3) the termination ofX occurred prior to the onset of A. The occasion-setting power ofX was fairly specific to A:X did not modulate responding evoked by another cue that had been first trained and then extinguished or by a cue that had been paired with the US only a few times. However,X did enhance responding to a cue that had been a common element in another, identical feature-positive discrimination. That transfer was somewhat greater if theX and A terminated together than ifX terminated prior to the onset of A. Implications for theories of stimulus control in Pavlovian conditioning are discussed.
Thin film cracking and the roles of substrate and interface

Abstract Cracks in thin films caused by residual tension are examined. Attention is focused on film cracking, subject to either interface debonding or substrate cracking. For crack channeling along the film, the driving force is found to depend on the channel cross-section, as governed by the fracture properties of the interface and the substrate, in addition to known effects of film thickness, residual stress and elastic moduli. The critical film thickness needed to avoid cracking is determined to be lower if the crack extends into the substrate. Conditions for thin film spalling and constrained debonding are prescribed. Finally, the T-stress is used to account for crack branching in substrates.
4-Day waves in the Venus atmosphere

Ultraviolet albedo contrasts in the Venus atmosphere are probably large-scale atmospheric waves propagating slowly with respect to the rapid cloud-top zonal winds. Using a simple theoretical model and profiles of mean wind and thermal structure based on Pioneer Venus data, planetary-scale gravity waves with phase velocities matching the speeds of the UV markings are found. An upward-propagating wave, and waves trapped at cloud levels are proposed as candidates to explain the observed UV features.
Transverse dorsal arachnoid web and syringomyelia: case report.

Objective We present a case of syringomyelia attributed to a transverse thoracic arachnoid web at T4. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure caudal to the web was higher than the cerebrospinal fluid pressure rostral to the web, causing a syrinx in the thoracic and cervical spinal cord above the web. Clinical presentation A 43-year-old man presented with numbness and a burning pain in his left upper back and extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cervical-thoracic syrinx that terminated relatively abruptly at T4. Because of the abrupt termination of the syrinx at T4 and the slight ventral displacement of the spinal cord at this level, a dorsal arachnoid web was suspected. Intervention A T4 laminectomy was performed. Intraoperative ultrasound before opening of the thecal sac showed a pulsating transverse dorsal arachnoid web. The dura was opened and the web resected, thus widely communicating the dorsal subarachnoid space. The syrinx dramatically decreased in size and the patient's pain improved but did not resolve completely. Conclusion In patients with presumed idiopathic syringomyelia, imaging studies should be closely inspected for the presence of a transverse arachnoid web. Surgical resection of a transverse thoracic arachnoid web with syringomyelia can result in resolution of the syringomyelia and improvement in neurological function. Syrinx formation in patients with these webs may occur in the area of the spinal cord where there is lower cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which may be either rostral or caudal to the arachnoid web. We evaluate this hypothesis by comparing our case with other published cases.
Can Phaseolus PGIP inhibit pectic enzymes from microbes and plants

Abstract The effect of a polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP) isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris on the activities of pectic enzymes of microbial and plant origin was investigated. The PGIP inhibited all fungal endopolygalacturonases tested, but did not inhibit the activity of a bacterial endopolygalacturonase and a bacterial endopectate lyase. The protein was also unable to inhibit tomato endopolygalacturonase and exopolygalacturonases from water oak and sorghum pollen. Surprisingly, the protein inhibited exopolygalacturonase from corn pollen.
Structural Characterization of Multilayers Using X-ray Diffraction

Structural deviations from ideal layering of bulk constituents can have dramatic effects on the properties of multilayered materials. We discuss three examples of the use of x-ray diffraction in non-standard geometries to examine these effects. In Mo/Ni multilayers, we use asymmetric diffraction and grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) to deduce the strain and intermixing. We find that coherency stresses between the BCC Mo and FCC Ni planes play a major role. In the Fe/Cr system, we use rocking curves and asymmetric scans about the small angle superlattice lines to investigate the nature and extent of layer roughness. We find that conformai roughness dominates our best samples, while non-conformal roughness increases with sputter deposition pressure. In the Gd/Co system, we use in-situ GIXS to investigate amorphization reaction during deposition. We find a strong diffusional asymmetry and rapid reaction during growth.
Modeling software the alloy way

Until recently, those who taught mathematical modeling (or “formal methods”) faced daunting challenges. First, most modeling tools used seemingly esoteric notations that were hurdles for many students. Even if the notation could be tamed, the tools themselves were rarely more than syntax checkers, possibly with support for simple expression evaluation. Venturing beyond this requires understanding of proof theories and strategies well beyond that typical of other engineering disciplines. What is more, the tools worked at a much lower level than that of the domain itself; it was easy for students to miss the forest for the trees. The development and release of the Alloy from MIT has improved the situation dramatically. With Alloy, instructors now have a tool that supports formal structural and behavioral modeling (using C-like syntax), along with state space exploration and property verification using relational logic, predicates, and assertions The tradeoff involved - only first order systems over finite domains can be analyzed - is not problematic in practice. The workshop will introduce Alloy - both the language and support tool - to faculty interested in formal methods and mathematical modeling. After a brief introduction to Alloy concepts, the tool and language will be explored by interactively developing a simple software system model. This approach mirrors the way Alloy is taught and used within RIT's undergraduate software engineering program.
334 CONSTRUCTION OF A GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PIG EXPRESSING GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (GFP)-LABELLED PROTEASOMES

Proteasomes are large protein complexes involved in protein degradation in eukaryotes and undergo dynamic redistribution between cellular compartments. Characterising the cellular localization of proteasomes at various stages of development and in response to stimuli is of interest. We hypothesised that porcine proteasomes could be visualised in vivo via a ubiquitously expressed transgene fusion comprising a proteasomal subunit and green florescent protein (GFP). The full-length sequence for porcine PSMA-1 was first constructed in silico from public data and was used to retrieve a GenBank expressed sequence tag (EST) sequence that appeared to be full length (accession CO946059; kind gift from R. S. Prather). Primers were designed to remove the stop codon and create homology for cloning with InFusion (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA, USA). The amplimer was inserted into pCAG-CreGFP (Addgene plasmid 13776) in place of the Cre coding region. The resulting plasmid (pKW14) was screened via restriction digest and sequenced for confirmation. This plasmid was confirmed functional in porcine fetal fibroblasts. After removal of the plasmid backbones, pKW14, a G418 resistance cassette (NEO), and the chicken egg white matrix attachment region were co-electroporated into male fetal fibroblasts (10 μg of total DNA, 5:2:2 ratio, respectively). Cells were grown in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and selection was initiated 36 h after transfection. Following 12 days of selection at 400 mg L–1 G418, colonies were screened by epifluorescence. Positive colonies were harvested and confirmed transgenic for all 3 input DNAs. Positive colonies were randomly pooled as sets of 3 independent integration events. Embryos were reconstructed via SCNT and transferred to 2 recipients. The fusion rates were 70 and 78%, respectively, with transfer numbers of 120 and 125 fused couplets being transferred into synchronized recipients on Day 0 of heat. Both recipients became pregnant and delivered 2 piglets each on Day 114 by Caesarean section. One live piglet was produced from each litter. Of the 2 live-born piglets, 1 survived beyond Day 3 and continues to be healthy. Transgenic status was verified by PCR. Expression was confirmed by epifluorescence of GFP-labelled proteasomes. This founder will be used to establish a model to evaluated cellular localization of proteasomes in vivo and in culture.
Oral cancer: A survey of 566 cases from the University of Connecticut Oral Pathology Biopsy Service, 1975–1986

A survey of the University of Connecticut Oral Pathology Biopsy Service was undertaken to analyze cases of oral cancer accessioned during the 12-year period, 1975 through 1986 inclusive. Of 33,429 total specimens accessioned, there were 546 malignant oral neoplasms diagnosed and reported. Sixty-five (11.5%) originated from out of state. Invasive intraoral squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant tumor (69.7% of total), whereas lip cancer constituted only 2.8% of all malignancies. Minor salivary gland adenocarcinomas accounted for 11% of total malignancies whereas verrucous carcinoma, carcinoma in situ, and miscellaneous other forms of oral cancer accounted for the remainder (4.6%, 5.3%, and 6.6%, respectively). Cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma were further analyzed by year, sex distribution, location subsite, age at diagnosis, and histologic grade. With the exception of histologic grading, we found that the characterization of cases of squamous cell carcinoma within the biopsy service tended to parallel results from a separate but related statewide analysis of both oral cancer and intraoral squamous cell carcinoma from Connecticut over a much longer time span. We concluded that the picture of oral cancer as characterized by cases within the University of Connecticut Oral Pathology Biopsy Service is generally reflective of the disease on a statewide level.
Aqua-[2,6-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-4-ol]sulfatocopper(II) dihydrate

The CuII ion of the title complex, [Cu(SO4)(C15H11N3O)(H2O)]·2H2O, exhibits a square-pyramidal coordination geometry, defined by the three N-atom donors of a 2,6-bis­(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-4-ol ligand and an O atom of a sulfate group in the basal plane, and by an aqua ligand in the apical position.
Characteristics of patients undergoing supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia

Abstract Objective To examine the characteristics of patients undergoing supraglottoplasty for the treatment of laryngomalacia and to better understand the features of laryngomalacia that may predispose patients to the need for supraglottoplasty. Methods Review of patients who underwent supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia at our academic tertiary care children's hospital between 2005 and 2012 examining demographic information, medical comorbidities, symptoms, indications for surgery, operative findings and procedure, site of laryngeal obstruction, operative techniques, and surgical success rates. Results Seventeen patients with laryngomalacia underwent nineteen procedures. The most common indications for supraglottoplasty were persistent stridor beyond 18 months of age (64.7%), difficulty feeding (47%), and failure to thrive (29.4%). The most common comorbidities were gastroesophageal reflux (88.2%) and cardiopulmonary disease (35.3%). Operative findings included shortened aryepiglottic folds in sixteen patients (94.1%), retropositioned epiglottis in sixteen (94.1%), and prolapsed arytenoid mucosa in five (29.4%). Fifteen patients (88.2%) underwent division of the aryepiglottic folds and four underwent ablation of arytenoid mucosa (23.5%). Of the seventeen patients who had followed up at the time of study conclusion, sixteen (94.1%) had symptom improvement and twelve (70.6%) had complete resolution of their symptoms. Conclusions Supraglottoplasty is an effective treatment for laryngomalacia. Outcomes in our patients are similar to those reported in prior literature. The findings of shortened aryepiglottic folds and a retropositioned epiglottis appear to be disproportionately represented in our cohort of patients undergoing supraglottoplasty.
The Radical Reconstructionist Rationale for Social Education

Abstract This is the first of two articles dealing with the reconstructionist rationale for social education. The first article examines the development of the most “radical” reconstructionist proposals as they emerged in the writing of George Counts and Theodore Brameld. This includes an examination of the reconstructionist criticisms of progressive education, and their views on ideology and indoctrination as they relate to social education. The second article examines several dominant rationales for social education and compares and contrasts them with the reconstructionist rationale. The discussion focuses on the relevance of radical reconstructionism and the extent to which it is reflected in modern social education.
Residual Sulfur Metabolites in Isolated Soy Proteins: Sulfite to Cysteine

ABSTRACT: Mean methanethiol headspace concentrations above aqueous slurries of isolated soy proteins (ISP) increased 17-to 36-fold over the controls with the addition of L-cysteine. Corresponding hydrogen sulfide levels were also greatly increased. Dithiothreitol, sodium sulfite, and glutathione increased headspace methanethiol from aqueous ISPs 23-to 44-fold, 8-to 9-fold, and 5-fold, respectively, but did not elevate hydrogen sulfide. These observations, along with the effects from the addition of dithiothreitol/O-acetyl-serine, the addition of a pyridoxial phosphate inhibitor and the intrinsic sulfite content of ISP samples (22 to 31 ppm), indicate that methanethiol from soy proteins is formed by way of components of a sulfite-to-cysteine pathway.
Probiotic ‘glow of health’: it's more than skin deep

Radiant skin and hair are universal indicators of good health. It was recently shown that feeding of probiotic bacteria to aged mice rapidly induced youthful vitality characterised by thick lustrous skin and hair, and enhanced reproductive fitness, not seen in untreated controls. Probiotic-treated animals displayed integrated immune and hypothalamic-pituitary outputs that were isolated mechanistically to microbe-induced anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and neuropeptide hormone oxytocin. In this way, probiotic microbes interface with mammalian physiological underpinnings to impart superb physical and reproductive fitness displayed as radiant and resilient skin and mucosae, unveiling novel strategies for integumentary health.
Calculation of partition coefficients by the charge density method

A new method is presented for the calculation of partition coefficients of solutes in water lipid systems. Log P values are calculated based on the charge densities of the atoms as determined by quantum mechanical methods. In this article, the results have been obtained from charge densities calculated by two methods: MINDO/3 and Huckel-type calculation based primarily on topology. Results are favorably compared with those obtained by fragment analysis.
Measurement of estradiol--challenges ahead.

In their recent Endocrine Society position statement on the measurement of estradiol, Rosner et al (1) provide a good overview of the current status of estradiol assays in the context of their clinical and research applications. The position statement includes both published data and the expert opinions of the authors, and it is long overdue because estradiol assay methods that lack accuracy and precision are being used in many clinical and research settings (2, 3). Problems of inaccuracy are particularly found when measuring the low estradiol levels commonly seen in prepubertal children, postmenopausal women, and men, as well as in patients treated with aromatase inhibitors. The position statement outlines the many challenges associated with standardizing estradiol measurements using mass spectrometry assay methodology. The purpose of the present commentary is to point out: 1) the relevant populations in which estradiol measurements are critical; and 2) the problematic ranges of these measurements.