cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular complexity orchestrates modulation of phagosome biogenesis and escape to the cytosol of macrophages by Francisella tularensis

Summary Upon entry of Francisella tularensis to macrophages, the Francisella-containing phagosome (FCP) is trafficked into an acidified late endosome-like phagosome with limited fusion to the lysosomes followed by rapid escape into the cytosol where the organism replicates. Although the Francisella Pathogenicity Island (FPI), which encodes a type VI-like secretion apparatus, is required for modulation of phagosome biogenesis and escape into the cytosol, the mechanisms involved are not known. To decipher the molecular bases of modulation of biogenesis of the FCP and bacterial escape into the macrophage cytosol, we have screened a comprehensive mutant library of F. tularensis ssp. novicida for their defect in proliferation within human macrophages, followed by characterization of modulation of phagosome biogenesis and bacterial escape into the cytosol. Our data show that at least 202 genes are required for intracellular proliferation within macrophages. Among the 125 most defective mutants in intracellular proliferation, we show that the FCP of at least 91 mutants colocalize persistently with the late endosomal/lysosomal marker LAMP-1 and fail to escape into the cytosol, as determined by fluorescence-based phagosome integrity assays and transmission electron microscopy. At least 34 genes are required for proliferation within the cytosol but do not play a detectable role in modulation of phagosome biogenesis and bacterial escape into the cytosol. Our data indicate a tremendous adaptation and metabolic reprogramming by F. tularensis to adjust to the micro-environmental and nutritional cues within the FCP, and these adjustments play essential roles in modulation of phagosome biogenesis and escape into the cytosol of macrophages as well as proliferation in the cytosol. The plethora of the networks of genes that orchestrate F. tularensis-mediated modulation of phagosome biogenesis, phagosomal escape and bacterial proliferation within the cytosol is novel, complex and involves an unusually large portion of the genome of an intracellular pathogen.
Determinants of the Allocation of Volunteer Time: Church-Related versus Other Non-Market Activities

This paper analyzes the relative time allocation decisions of individuals who volunteer time to a religious institution. The most important factor influencing the amount of time spent in church ministry relative to other non-market activities is educational attainment. In general, religious volunteers who are college-educated are significantly more likely to spend relatively more time working in church ministry than devoting time to family responsibilities, engaging in spiritual practices, or volunteering time to civic/community organizations. The presence of school-aged children tends to diminish the relative amount of time spent volunteering in church ministry. The findings of this study suggest church ministry perceived as being child-friendly or strengthening one’s spirituality is more likely to attract relatively greater time commitments from its volunteers.
Confluence induced threonine41/serine45 phospho-β-catenin dephosphorylation via ceramide-mediated activation of PP1cγ

Abstract It was previously observed that cell confluence induced up-regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) and increased ceramide levels [Marchesini N., Osta W., Bielawski J., Luberto C., Obeid L.M. and Hannun Y.A. (2004) J. Biol. Chem., 279, 25101–11]. In this study, we show that, in MCF7 cells, confluence induces the dephosphorylation of phosphorylated-β-catenin at threonine41/serine45. The effect of confluence on β-catenin dephosphorylation was prevented by down regulation of nSMase2 using siRNA; reciprocally, exogenous addition of short or very long chain ceramides induced dephosphorylation of β-catenin. The serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid prevented β-catenin dephosphorylation during confluence. The specific phosphatase involved was determined by studies using siRNA against the major serine/threonine phosphatases, and the results showed that a specific siRNA against PP1cγ prevented dephosphorylation of β-catenin. Moreover, exogenous ceramides and confluence were found to induce the translocation of PP1cγ to the plasma membrane. All together these results establish: A) a specific intracellular pathway involving the activation of PP1 to mediate the effects of confluence-induced β-catenin dephosphorylation and B) PP1 as a lipid-regulated protein phosphatase downstream of nSMase2/ceramide. Finally, evidence is provided for a role for this pathway in regulating cell motility during confluence.
Dirac nodes and quantized thermal Hall effect in the mixed state of d-wave superconductors

We consider the vortex state of d-wave superconductors in the clean limit. Within the linearized approximation the quasiparticle bands obtained are found to posess Dirac cone dispersions (band touchings) at special pointsin the Brillouin zone. They are protected by a symmetry of the linearized Hamiltonian that we call T D i r a c . Moreover, for vortex lattices that possess inversion symmetry, it is shown that there is always a Dirac cone centered at zero energy within the linearized theory. On going beyond the linearized approximation and including the effect of the smaller curvature terms (that break T D i r a c ), the Dirac cone dispersions are found to acquire small gaps (0.5 K T - 1 in YBCO) that scale linearly with the applied magnetic field. When the chemical potential for quasiparticles lies within the gap, quantization of the thermal-Hall conductivity is expected at low temperatures, i.e., k x y /T=n(π 2 k 2 B /3h) with the integer n taking on values n=′2 and 0. This quantization could be seen in low-temperature thermal transport measurements of clean d-wave superconductors with good vortex lattices.
Gas-phase, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of propanoic acid, over supported group VIII noble metals: Metal and support effects

Abstract The catalytic, gas-phase hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of propanoic acid (PAc) over supported group VIII noble metals (M = Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Ni) was studied at 1 atm and 200-400 °C. The activity and selectivity as a function of the reaction temperature was investigated. The reaction activity based on the TOF follows the order: Pd > Ru > Pt > Rh > Ni. The reaction over Pd, Pt and Rh catalysts proceeds mainly via decarbonylation (DCN) and decarboxylation (DCX) pathways at each reaction temperature. For Ru and Ni catalysts, while decarbonylation and decarboxylation pathways were predominant at lower temperatures (e.g., 200–250 °C), at higher temperatures (>300 °C) the formation of diethyl ketone was observed. Additionally, the kinetics of Pd over different supports (carbon, SiO2 and TiO2) were examined. The activity based on the TOF decreases in the following order: Pd/SiO2 > Pd/TiO2 > Pd/C. The reaction orders in acid and H2 were found to be approximately 0.5 and zero, respectively, regardless of the support. The apparent activation energies studied in a temperature range of 200–240 °C, were 16.7 ± 0.6, 19.3 ± 1.6 and 11.7 ± 0.7 kcal/mole for Pd/C, Pd/TiO2 and Pd/SiO2 catalysts, respectively. The selectivity for Pd/C and Pd/SiO2 indicated mainly decarbonylation/decarboxylation and hydrogenation reaction pathways. In contrast, Pd/TiO2 at low temperatures (200 °C) could generate decarbonylation and esterification products.
CROSS‐NATIONAL MORAL BELIEFS: The Influence of National Religious Context

International surveys have documented wide variation in religious beliefs and practices across nations, but does this variation in the national religious context make a difference? Building on existing theory, we explain why religion should have both micro- and macro-level effects on morality not sanctioned by the state and why the effects of religion differ from other forms of culture. Using two international surveys and hierarchical linear modeling techniques we sort out the effects of national context and personal beliefs on morality with and without legal underpinnings. We find that national religious context, the respondent's age, and religious beliefs and practices are the most consistent predictors of the sexual morality index. For morality sanctioned by the state, however, the effects for personal beliefs and practices are attenuated, and the effects of the national religious context are no longer significant.
Effect of prostoglandins in arginase I expression

Abstract Introduction: Arginine deficiency occurs in trauma, and in cancer patients secondary to the up-regulation of the enzyme arginase I. Arginine is necessary for normal T lymphocyte function and for nitric oxide (NO) production. Its deficiency is associated with immune suppression. Arginase I expression is induced by Prostaglandin E2, a product from the metabolism of omega-6 fatty acids and by IL-13, a T helper 2 cytokine. The purpose of this study was to determine how different prostaglandins E1, E2, and E3 which are derived from borage oil, corn oil and fish oil respectively would affect the induction of arginase I and ultimately the utilization and availability of arginine. Methods: Macrophages (RAW264.7) were cultured with PGE1, PGE2, or PGE3 (0–10 μM). IL-13 (10 ng/ml) was added 24 hours later to induce arginase I. After twenty-four hours, cells were harvested and arginase activity was assayed by a Kornarska colorimetric method. In separate experiments, nitric oxide production was induced by adding endotoxin (LPS) and was measured using the Greiss reaction. Arginase I expression was evaluated by Western Blots (WB). Results: Arginase I activity (nmol/min/mg) and expression was induced by all prostaglandins but more by PGE1 and PGE2 than by PGE3 560.37(± 37.36), 473.06(± 59.64), and 242.65(± 21.05) respectively with control cells at 27.6(± 7.05) (p
Planning of education: Where do we go?

Abstract Dominated by economists' positivist paradigms, educational planning has rarely been an effective instrument of education management. The failure to take into account the diversity of local conditions, the complexity of the technical systems and the neglect of implementation issues are the principal reasons for the persistent planning mishaps of the past. The recommitment of the international community to education, in the wake of the recent World Conference on Education for All, makes it imperative to ensure that the new resources that can be expected to become available for educational development are well used. This means planning for change at the school level in the context of more organic management systems. In this environment the premises of deterministic planning models no longer hold. Operationally useable ‘interactive’ models will be essential. The dimensions of such models are beginning to be clear: (i) systematic learning; (ii) indirect intervention strategies; (iii) institutional analysis; and (iv) staff development.
Two Genes from Soybean Encoding Soluble Δ9 Stearoyl‐ACP Desaturases

The delta9 stearoyl acyl-carrier protein desaturase (SACPD) gene of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] encodes a soluble enzyme that converts stearic to oleic acid. Understanding the regulation of SACPD expression and enzyme activity are thus important steps toward developing soybean lines with altered stearic or oleic acid content. Using primers designed to a G. max SACPD cDNA sequence, a 3648-bp product was cloned and sequenced from the genome of cultivar Dare. Comparison of the third SACPD exon protein sequence with other available Glycine SACPD sequences revealed unique amino acid variability at positions 310 and 313. Sequence-specific primers were designed for Real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) for this region of exon 3. Diagnostic and specific products were recovered with these primers using Dare cDNA template and Dare genomic DNA. Sequencing of a second genomic clone from Dare confirmed that there were two SACPD genes, designated A and B, in this cultivar. Survey of the genomes of 51 soybean lines and cultivars with PCR and the gene-specific primers indicated that all 51 had both A and B. Differences between SACPD-A and -B transcript abundance in soybean tissues, while quantifiable, were not dramatic. SACPD-A and -B transcript accumulation for three seed developmental stages between R5 and R6 was essentially equal. Biochemical analysis of the proteins encoded by these two SACPD genes may reveal whether the amino acid variability uncovered in this study has any relation to enzyme activity.
Morphogenesis and the Cytoskeleton: Studies of the Xenopus Embryo

The morphological transformation from oocyte to embryo is brought about by the structural components of the cell, the cytoskeleton. Cytoskeletal elements act to generate and maintain cellular asymmetries, cellular movement and morphologies, and to integrate signals and forces into morphogenetically coherent behavior. Because of its unique experimental accessibility, the Xenopus embryo provides a powerful model system in which to study the "body language" of early embryonic development.
Acute exposure from 222Rn and aerosols in drinking water

Abstract Radon-222 in water is released when the water is aerated. As a result, a temporary burst of 222Rn can appear, resulting in an acute exposure. This study looked at homes with 222Rn concentrations in water ranging from 29 600 Bq m−3 to 2 M Bq m−3 to determine the buildup of radon gas in a bathroom during showering. Samples from the tap and drain showed that between 58% and 88% of 222Rn in the water was released. The actual increase in 222Rn in the air was measured and ranged from 74 Bq m−3 to 4200 Bq m−3 in closed bathrooms (10 to 15 min showers, water flow rates from 3 L/min to 6 L/min). Significantly, these radon concentrations stayed approximately the same for up to 20 min after the water flow ceased. Additionally, filter samples of bathroom air were measured and showed an increase in 222Rn progeny, notably polonium-218 (218Po) and -214 (214Po), in the air after showering. These increases were gradual and were on the order of 18.5 Bq m−3 at the highest level after 10 min. Lastly, the percentage of radiation available in aerosols smaller than 7 μm was measured and showed that up to 85% of the radiation available in the aerosols is contained in these smaller, more respirable particles.
Good practices for identifying differential item functioning.

The articles addressing differential item functioning (DIF) and factorial invariance in this special issue of Medical Care1–9 are uniformly excellent and readers will find that each article makes an important contribution to the measurement literature. The suggestion to have researchers apply variou
gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase: catalytic, structural and functional aspects.

γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase catalyzes transfer of the γ-glutamyl moiety of glutathione to amino acids, dipeptides, and to glutathione itself; the enzyme also catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutathione to glutamate and cysteinyl-glycine. This review deals with the tissue distribution and localization of the enzyme in mammals, the catalytic properties of the enzyme (including its inhibition by reversible and irreversible inhibitors), structural studies on the enzyme, and new findings about its physiological function.
Hospital-Acquired Infective Endocarditis

• Nosocomial endocarditis occurred in 22 patients who were discharged from a university hospital, a veterans' hospital, and a community hospital during the period of January 1976 to December 1985. Nosocomial episodes were 14.3% of the total endocarditis cases seen. Fourteen (63.6%) of 22 nosocomial endocarditis episodes occurred in patients over the age of 60 years, compared with 39 (29.5%) of 132 episodes of community-acquired endocarditis during the same period. Nosocomial endocarditis was due predominantly to Staphylococcus aureus or coagulase-negative staphylococci (77.4%) and, less often, to streptococci (13.6%). Intravascular devices were the source of bacteremia in ten (45.5%) of the nosocomial endocarditis episodes. The overall mortality rate was 40.9%, 50% in patients over the age of 60 years. Improved care of intravascular devices or prophylaxis before procedures could probably have prevented endocarditis in 12 of the 22 patients. ( Arch Intern Med 1988;148:1601-1603)
A sensitive chemical procedure for monitoring the radiolytic oxidation of proteins at γ-ray dosages down to 1 Krad

Abstract The radiolytic degradation of proteins in oxygenated solution is initiated by the attack of OH radicals at a multiplicity of main-chain and side-chain loci to give a wide variety of oxidized protein sites. A major fraction of these oxidation reactions lead to the introduction of reactive carbonyl groups into the protein co-valent structure. With γ-rays the total carbonyl yield correspond to G(>CO)t ≃ 1 for a number of different proteins. Outlined here is a sensitive chemical-spectrophotometric procedure for quantitatively monitoring G(>CO)t over a dose range of interest in radiation biology (1 to 50 Krad). Data obtained with pepsin, α-chymotryps in and β-lactoglobulin are discussed.
Spontaneous Production and Use of Mnemonic Strategies in Older Adults

Mnemonic strategy use in older adults has been measured a number of ways, and although strategy measurement has received considerable attention, little work has been done to compare various types of subjective strategy reporting. The authors compared self-generated and endorsed strategies for memory tasks in a sample of 85 African-American and Caucasian older adults and investigated demographic characteristics related to each strategy measurement and the relationship between strategy use and memory performance. Across memory measures, significantly more strategies were endorsed than self-generated. Race, favoring Caucasians, was the most salient demographic predictor of mnemonic strategy usage. Although strategic behavior was associated with ability performance on most memory measures, specific strategies for optimal performance were identified for number and story recall only. Findings highlight the importance of measuring both self-generated and endorsed strategies and confirm previous work on the relationship between strategy use and memory performance.
Alternative approaches to infrared multiphoton dissociation in an external ion reservoir

In this work we present variations on in-hexapole infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) for the characterization of modified oligonucleotides using an ESI-FTICR spectrometer. We demonstrate that IRMPD in the external ion reservoir provides a comprehensive series of fragments allowing thorough characterization of a wide range of oligonucleotides containing alternative backbones and 2′ substitutions. An alternative pulse sequence is presented that allows alternating MS and IRMPD MS/MS spectra to be acquired on a chromatographic timescale without loss in ionization duty cycle. Ions are excited to a larger cyclotron radius such that they “dodge” the IR laser beam that travels through the center of the trapped ion cell and impinges on the external ion reservoir creating IRMPD fragments that will be detected in the next scan. An alternative approach for directing IR radiation into the external ion reservoir using a hollow fiber waveguide as a photon conduit is presented. This approach offers a simple and robust alternative to the previously utilized on-axis scheme and may allow effective implementation with lower power lasers owing to the inherent increase in power density achieved by focusing the nascent laser beam into the hollow fiber waveguide.
The Role of Insurance and Training in Dental Decision Making

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate (1) the differences in treatment planning decisions between dental general practitioners and specialists and (2) the role of patients' insurance and/or type of treatment in decision making. Methods One hundred eighty subject charts were selected from 1,740 dental charts. Two specialists examined radiographs and reviewed the charts and then independently generated treatment plans. If there was disagreement between the 2 specialists, they discussed all aspects of the case until a consensus was reached. Results Four subjects were excluded. Thus, 176 patients were evaluated. A statistically significant difference ( χ 2 = 202.303, P = .0001) was found between treatment plans designed by GPs and those designed by specialists. Patients' insurance status did not influence the degree of agreement between specialists and GPs. The odds ratio for Medicaid was 0.431 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.103–1.801; P = .249), and for self-pay, it was 0.801 (95% CI, 0.328–1.955; P = .627). However, logistic regression analysis showed that the type of treatment plan designed by GPs (ie, endodontic treatment, endodontic retreatment, and extraction followed by implant placement) was significantly related to the degree of disagreement with the specialists (odds ratio = 4.522; 95% CI, 1.378–14.84; P = .013). Conclusions Insurance did not play a role in the decision-making portion of the treatment plan. However, the type of treatment was found to be significant. Implant cases had the highest disagreement between the specialists and the general dentists.
THE SOLUBILITY OF HYDROGEN IN NI3AL

Abstract The solubility of H in single crystals and polycrystalline samples of Ni 3 Al has been measured in equilibrium with H 2 gas at atmospheric pressure. In all cases the solubility exhibits a maximum at ∼ 750 K. This behavior has been related to the temperature dependence of the site occupation energy.
Accuracy of rhythm classification using a data log system in implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Because the presence or absence of symptoms alone may be insufficient to correctly diagnose the rhythm for which implantable Cardioverter defibrillator therapy is delivered, we hypothesized that the addition of data Jog information available in Telectronics ATP 4210 may improve the accuracy of rhythm classification. With this system the recorded ventricular electrogram cycle length is reported on a beat-to-beat basis immediately before, during, and after the tachyarrhythmia is detected. Using this information recorded from the data log in 32 separate tachyarrhythmia episodes in 20 patients, we compared the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy of rhythm classification on the basis of symptoms alone, data Jog alone, and data Jog combined with symptoms. While classification based on symptoms alone is highly specific (10/10 episodes), it is insensitive and has an overall predictive accuracy of 53%. By contrast, data log is sensitive (90%) and specific (91%) with better predictive accuracy (94%) than symptoms alone (P = 0.002). The addition of symptoms to information on beat-to-beat cycle length from data log resulted in a slight increase in predictive accuracy.
Asymmetric Wage Indexation

Models of wage indexation uniformly have been based on the simplifying assumption that nominal wages adjust upward or downwrd symmetrically with unexpected price increases or decreases. Indexation typically is asymmetric in actual contracts, however. Wages are indexed to price increases but not to price reductions. This paper analyzes a macroeconomic model with asymmetric indexation. On the one hand, this paper finds that when stable equilibria supporting use of such asymmetrically indexed contracts exist, the result is an unambiguous downward bias in the base contract wage, because workers must pay a premium for insurance against real wage reductions that unexpected inflation otherwise would induce. On the other hand, the paper concludes that the likelihood of existence of stable equilibria supporting positive wage indexation generally declines as aggregate demand variability rises relative to the variability of aggregate supply. This may help explain why relatively low levels of wage indexation actually are observed in nations with relatively contained aggregate demand volatility.
Seeds of the Word: Orthodox Thinking on Other Religions – John Garvey

Book reviewed: Seeds of the Word: Orthodox Thinking on Other Religions, John Garvey, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press 2005 (0-88141-300-3), 130 pp., pb $9.95
Motilin acts within the CNS to inhibit urinary bladder contractions

Although peripheral actions have been shown for the brain-gut peptide, motilin, its localization in the CNS of mammals suggests some physiological role at this site. In the present experiments intracerebroventricular or intrathecal, but not peripheral, administrations of motilin produced a dose-related and naloxone reversible inhibition of the micturition reflex. Cross-tolerance was demonstrated between motilin and morphine in this respect. These data suggest a physiological role for motilin within CNS to alter urinary bladder motility, possibly through an enkephalinergic or naloxone-sensitive link.
The Bernstein polynomial basis: A centennial retrospective

One hundred years after the introduction of the Bernstein polynomial basis, we survey the historical development and current state of theory, algorithms, and applications associated with this remarkable method of representing polynomials over finite domains. Originally introduced by Sergei Natanovich Bernstein to facilitate a constructive proof of the Weierstrass approximation theorem, the leisurely convergence rate of Bernstein polynomial approximations to continuous functions caused them to languish in obscurity, pending the advent of digital computers. With the desire to exploit the power of computers for geometric design applications, however, the Bernstein form began to enjoy widespread use as a versatile means of intuitively constructing and manipulating geometric shapes, spurring further development of basic theory, simple and efficient recursive algorithms, recognition of its excellent numerical stability properties, and an increasing diversification of its repertoire of applications. This survey provides a brief historical perspective on the evolution of the Bernstein polynomial basis, and a synopsis of the current state of associated algorithms and applications.
Dynamics of experimentally simulated microbursts

Laboratory-simulated microbursts are used to study the behavior of buoyancy-driven downdrafts and their associated low-altitude wind shears. The microburst flowfield is simulated by releasing an axisymmetric volume of heavy liquid into a less dense ambient surrounding and allowing it to impinge on a horizontal surface. Using particle image velocimetry, normalized horizontal and vertical velocity fields are extracted at different stages during the evolution of the flow. The leading edge of the falling fluid rolls up into a vortex ring, which then impacts on the ground and expands radially outward. After the ring impinges on the surface, unsteady adverse pressure gradients cause the low-momentum boundary layer to separate and roll up into secondary vortices just ahead of the main vortex. Interaction of the primary and secondary vortices, as well as azimuthal instabilities, can produce sharp spatial variations in velocity, especially near the surface. Particle image velocimetry results show that the largest radial velocities occur close to the surface. The radial velocities decay gradually with altitude and are very small at the height of the vortex ring core. The results are scaled to and compared with previously studied atmospheric microbursts that occurred on June 30, 1982, and July 11, 1988. The experimental data generally agree well with observed and numerically simulated microbursts. Thus, it appears that the results can be used in the development and modification of ground-based and airborne microburst detection systems.
Lateral wall histopathology and endocochlear potential in the noise-damaged mouse cochlea.

Noise exposure damages the stria and spiral ligament and may contribute to noise-induced threshold shift by altering the endocochlear potential (EP). The aim of this study was to correlate lateral wall histopathology with changes in EP and ABR thresholds. CBA/CaJ mice were exposed to octave band (8–16 kHz) noise for 2 h at intensities ranging from 94 to 116 dB SPL and evaluated 0 h to 8 weeks postexposure. EP in control mice averaged 86 and 101 mV in apical and basal turns, respectively. The 94 dB exposures caused a 40 dB temporary threshold shift (TTS), and there was with no corresponding change in EP. The 112 and 116 dB exposures caused >60 dB threshold shifts at 24 h, and EP was transiently decreased, e.g., to 21 and 27 mV in apical and basal turns after 116 dB. By 1 week postexposure, EP returned to control values in all exposure groups, although those exposed to 112 or 116 dB showed large permanent threshold shifts (PTS). Cochleas were plastic-embedded and serial-sectioned for light microscopic and ultrastructural analysis. Acute changes included degeneration of type II fibrocytes of the spiral ligament and strial edema. The strial swelling peaked at 24 h when significant EP recovery had taken place, suggesting that these changes reflect compensatory volume changes. In the chronic state, massive loss of type II fibrocytes and degeneration of strial intermediate and marginal cells was observed with drastic reduction in membrane surface area. The results suggest that EP shifts do not occur with TTS and also do not add significantly to PTS in the steady state. However, EP loss could contribute to acute threshold shifts that resolve to a PTS. EP recovery despite significant strial degeneration may be partly due to decreased transduction current caused by hair cell damage.
Gauge Transformation and Vertex Models:. a Polynomial Formulation

We consider vertex models on an arbitrary graph and propose a new polynomial formulation for its gauge transformation under which the partition function is invariant. Our formulation recovers in a simple way various, previously obtained results including the condition under which the vertex model is equivalent to an Ising model.
Hairpin Formation of d(CGCG-TA-CGCG), d(CGCG-TG-CGCG) and Their Cytosine Methylated Analogs

Hairpin formations of decamers d(CGCG-TA-CGCG), d(CGCG-TG-CGCG), and their m5dC analogs are evidenced by the existence of biphasic absorbance melting profiles in which the lower transition temperature increases with increasing oligomer concentration, whereas the higher melting temperature is concentration independent. The corresponding temperature dependent CD intensity at 285 nm exhibits a maximum around 55 degrees C. These observations are consistent with the interpretation that the lower temperature transition corresponds to the duplex to hairpin transformation while the melting of hairpins into single strands constitutes the higher temperature transition. The CD spectrum of the hairpin conformation appears to be characterized by a couplet with nearly equal positive and negative intensities at 285 and 255 nm, respectively, while a significantly smaller intensity at 285 nm is apparent for the duplex form. The hairpin conformation is suspected to contain a two-nucleotide loop. Titrations with NaCl further suggest that, in contrast to the TA sequence, the TG sequence with wobble base pairing favors Z formation under high salt conditions.
Lane Position Maintenance by Automobile Drivers on Two Types of Highway

Lane position maintenance was studied by using a photoelectric device that, when mounted on an automobile, made it possible to record the vehicle's track in real-world driving. Twelve subjects were tested on four-lane and two-lane highways during the daytime. Results showed that, in general, the drivers tended to stay almost exactly in the centres of their lanes; and that dispersions of positions about the centre in ind ividual tracks were small in size and nearly normal in shape. More small oscillations near the centre were rocorded on the two-lane highway than on the four-lane highway, but otherwise driving patterns were almost identical on the two. One of the most interesting findings was that intrasubject and intersubject variation were extremely small.
Combination of Candidate Microbicides Cellulose Acetate 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylate and UC781 Has Synergistic and Complementary Effects against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

The combination of two candidate microbicides, cellulose acetate 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate (CAP), a polymer that blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry by targeting gp120 and gp41, and UC781, a tight-binding HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor (RTI), resulted in effective synergy for inhibition of MT-2 cell infection by HIV-1 IIIB , a laboratory-adapted virus strain. The 95% effective concentration values for the combination were reduced about 15- to 20-fold compared with those corresponding to the single compounds. The combination of CAP and UC781 is also synergistic in inhibiting infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by a primary HIV-1 isolate, 92US657. Combinations of CAP with other RTIs, such as efavirenz or zidovudine, also had significant synergistic effects on the inhibition of HIV-1 infection. In addition, CAP and UC781 had complementary effects against HIV-1 infection since (i) CAP inhibited infection by the UC781-resistant strain HIV-1 IIIB A17 and (ii) pretreatment of MT-2 cells with UC781, but not CAP, abolished subsequent infection after removal of the compound. This suggests that the combination of CAP and UC781 represents a promising candidate microbicide for prevention of sexual transmission of HIV-1.
The Pediatrician's Role in Caring for the Developmentally Disabled Child

Definition The term "developmental disabilities" is used to describe a broad array of conditions that delay development and includes individuals who have "mental retardation." In 1992, the American Association on Mental Retardation defined mental retardation as an intelligence quotient (IQ) less than 70 or 75, with onset before age 18 years and limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skills: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, and work. This definition assumes that the testing performed was sensitive to differences in culture, language, communication, and behaviors and that the child9s broadly defined environment was considered. Developmental disabilities may be isolated, as in the child whose vision is impaired, or may be multiple, as in the child whose fine motor, gross motor, and social functioning are delayed. Epidemiology Mental retardation has a prevalence of 10 in 1000 children. Specific common conditions and their prevalence per 1000 children include: cerebral palsy, 2; Down syndrome, 1; hearing impairment, 1; visual impairment, 1; and fragile X syndrome, 1. Delayed development is more frequent among children from low socioeconomic conditions. Developmental disabilities are encountered commonly in pediatric practice: Horwitz et al found that 5.3% of the patients encountered in a study of pediatric practices had cognitive and language disorders and that 4.0% had motor abnormalities.
Family Interventions with Incarcerated Youth: A Review of the Literature:

Juvenile delinquency is a widespread societal problem threatening the well-being of families and communities throughout the country. In 1997, approximately 125,000 juveniles were incarcerated in public and private residential facilities as a result of a law violation. The rearrest rate for juveniles illustrates the need to develop effective interventions for incarcerated youth and their families. Although treatments focusing on the family as a unit may be more effective than individual treatment with delinquent youth, it is often difficult to involve families in the treatment process while juvenile offenders are incarcerated. This article discusses familial influences on delinquent and antisocial behavior, provides a review and critique of the literature related to family intervention models for juvenile offenders, and discusses treatment dilemmas in working with incarcerated juvenile offenders. A pilot project comparing the effectiveness of a conjoint family intervention and a systemic individual interve...
Insights into hominin phenotypic and dietary evolution from ancient DNA sequence data

Nuclear genome sequence data from Neandertals, Denisovans, and archaic anatomically modern humans can be used to complement our understanding of hominin evolutionary biology and ecology through i) direct inference of archaic hominin phenotypes, ii) indirect inference of those phenotypes by identifying the effects of previously-introgressed alleles still present among modern humans, or iii) determining the evolutionary timing of relevant hominin-specific genetic changes. Here we review and reanalyze published Neandertal and Denisovan genome sequence data to illustrate an example of the third approach. Specifically, we infer the timing of five human gene presence/absence changes that may be related to particular hominin-specific dietary changes and discuss these results in the context of our broader reconstructions of hominin evolutionary ecology. We show that pseudogenizing (gene loss) mutations in the TAS2R62 and TAS2R64 bitter taste receptor genes and the MYH16 masticatory myosin gene occurred after the hominin-chimpanzee divergence but before the divergence of the human and Neandertal/Denisovan lineages. The absence of a functional MYH16 protein may explain our relatively reduced jaw muscles; this gene loss may have followed the adoption of cooking behavior. In contrast, salivary amylase gene (AMY1) duplications were not observed in the Neandertal and Denisovan genomes, suggesting a relatively recent origin for the AMY1 copy number gains that are observed in modern humans. Thus, if earlier hominins were consuming large quantities of starch-rich underground storage organs, as previously hypothesized, then they were likely doing so without the digestive benefits of increased salivary amylase production. Our most surprising result was the observation of a heterozygous mutation in the first codon of the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor gene in the Neandertal individual, which likely would have resulted in a non-functional protein and inter-individual PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) taste sensitivity variation, as also observed in both humans and chimpanzees.
Thermodynamics of nucleotide binding to actomyosin V and VI: a positive heat capacity change accompanies strong ADP binding.

We have measured the energetics of ATP and ADP binding to single-headed actomyosin V and VI from the temperature dependence of the rate and equilibrium binding constants. Nucleotide binding to actomyosin V and VI can be modeled as two-step binding mechanisms involving the formation of collision complexes followed by isomerization to states with high nucleotide affinity. Formation of the actomyosin VI-ATP collision complex is much weaker and slower than for actomyosin V. A three-step binding mechanism where actomyosin VI isomerizes between two conformations, one competent to bind ATP and one not, followed by rapid ATP binding best accounts for the data. ADP binds to actomyosin V more tightly than actomyosin VI. At 25 °C, the strong ADP-binding equilibria are comparable for actomyosin V and VI, and the different overall ADP affinities arise from differences in the ADP collision complex affinity. The actomyosin-ADP isomerization leading to strong ADP binding is entropy driven at >15 °C and occurs with a large, positive change in heat capacity (¢CP°) for both actomyosin V and VI. Sucrose slows ADP binding and dissociation from actomyosin V and VI but not the overall equilibrium constants for strong ADP binding, indicating that solvent viscosity dampens ADP-dependent kinetic transitions, presumably a tail swing that occurs with ADP binding and release. We favor a mechanism where strong ADP binding increases the dynamics and flexibility of the actomyosin complex. The heat capacity (¢CP°) and entropy (¢S°) changes are greater for actomyosin VI than actomyosin V, suggesting different extents of ADP-induced structural rearrangement.
Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-1 in Arterial Wall Cells Promotes Atherosclerosis

Objective— Mechanisms by which tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) contributes to atherosclerosis remain largely obscure. We therefore sought to determine the role of the arterial wall TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) in atherogenesis. Methods and Results— Carotid artery-to-carotid artery interposition grafting was performed with tnfr1 −/− and congenic (C57Bl/6) wild-type (WT) mice as graft donors, and congenic chow-fed apolipoprotein E-deficient mice as recipients. Advanced atherosclerotic graft lesions developed within 8 weeks, and had 2-fold greater area in WT than in tnfr1 −/− grafts. While the prevalence of specific atheroma cells was equivalent in WT and tnfr1 −/− grafts, the overall abundance of cells was substantially greater in WT grafts. WT grafts demonstrated greater MCP-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression at both early and late time points, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression at early time points. Aortic atherosclerosis was also reduced in 14-month-old apoe −/− / tnfr1 −/− mice, as compared with cognate apoe −/− mice. In coculture with activated macrophages, smooth muscle cells expressing the TNFR1 demonstrated enhanced migration and reduced scavenger receptor activity. Conclusions— TNFR1 signaling, just in arterial wall cells, contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by enhancing arterial wall chemokine and adhesion molecule expression, as well as by augmenting medial smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration.
Risk, judgment and fairness in research incentives.

By many people’s standards, £2,000 is a sizable chunk of change. In some medical trials, it may even be enough to offset the costs and risks of participating. It is also true that by standards of some very rich people, Michael Jordan and Adam Sandler for instance, £2,000 is a niggling sum, hardly worth the paper it is written on. The very rich, we might assume, would have little time or interest in participating in a medical trial that offered such insignificant incentives. By still other people’s standards, however, £2,000 is the difference between providing for oneself and one’s family and depending on others. These people, we might further assume, could be willing to take substantial risks to acquire such money. The familiar observation here relates to the diminishing marginal utility of wealth because the value of a dollar to a poor man is greater than the value of a dollar to a rich man. Given the diminishing marginal utility of wealth, consider also the Rawlsian claim that to be just a practice must be fair. Rawls’ second principle of justice proposes that social and economic inequalities should be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least well off. The central idea is that the rights of all individuals must be respected, and that the surest way to guarantee that the rights of each are respected is to endorse principles that are sensitive to the proclivities of the least well off. If enticement incentives function in the manner explained previously, such that they entice wayward souls into accepting them even when it is against their self-interest, then such incentives can be said to be not only irrational and unreasonable, but unfair, unjust, and undue. Taken together, these principles suggest that the problem with money in the TeGenero trial might not be that participants did not have all of the facts, nor that all of the human subjects protection procedures were not followed properly, nor even that coercion was somehow involved, but that some participants were probably more willing to engage in a risky trial precisely because a reward was offered, despite the facts and despite the procedures. The participants in the trial were arguably members of an economically vulnerable population; members who, presumably, would have made a different decision had they been
Trends and singularities in the mean temperature‐data of Saint‐Louis, Missouri

The results of a number of investigations in the past 20 years have aroused discussion [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] regarding the significance of certain climatic trends and singularities. During a recent study of mean temperature-data of the Saint Louis University Observatory some notes were compiled which may be of interest relative to these questions.
Variability and Predictability of a Three-Dimensional Hurricane in Statistical Equilibrium

AbstractThe internal variability and predictability of idealized three-dimensional hurricanes is investigated using 100-day-long, statistically steady simulations in a compressible, nonhydrostatic, cloud-resolving model. The equilibrium solution is free of the confounding effects of initial conditions and environmental variability in order to isolate the “intrinsic” characteristics of the hurricane.The variance of the axisymmetric tangential velocity is dominated by two patterns: one characterized by a radial shift of the maximum wind, and the other by intensity modulation at the radius of maximum wind. These patterns are associated with convectively coupled bands of anomalous wind speed that propagate inward from large radii with a period of roughly 5 days, the strongest of which is associated with an eyewall replacement cycle. The asymmetric tangential wind is strongest radially inward of the radius of maximum wind. On average, asymmetries decelerate the azimuthal-mean tangential wind at the radius of m...
Cherry-MP: Correctly Integrating Checkpointed Early Resource Recycling in Chip Multiprocessors

Checkpointed early resource recycling (Cherry) is a recently-proposed microarchitectural technique that aims at improving critical resource utilization by performing aggressive resource recycling decoupled from instruction retirement, using a checkpoint/rollback mechanism to recover from occasional incorrect execution. In this paper, we explore correctness and performance issues that arise when Cherry-enabled processors are used in chip multiprocessor architectures. We propose mechanisms to address cache coherence, memory consistency, and forward progress issues in such environments. We also provide quantitative insight on the performance impact of the Cherry mechanism on parallel processing.
Identifying and reducing early complications of surgical central lines in infants and toddlers

Abstract Background Hospitalized infants >1 y old often require central venous catheters (CVC) for prolonged therapy. There are limited data describing the complication profile for this young population. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes associated with CVC insertion in this high-risk group and compare them to those in older children to develop directed quality improvement projects. Materials and methods Patients receiving their first CVC, a tunneled central line or port-a-cath, from 2007–2010 were included. Femoral, non-tunneled, and hemodialysis catheters were excluded. Patients aged 0–12.0 mo (infants) were compared with those 12.1–36 mo (toddlers). Complications ( Results We identified 115 infants and 129 toddlers who underwent CVC insertion during the study period. Complication rates were higher in the infant group than in the toddler group, as was the operative exchange rate. Higher infection rates in the infant group appeared to contribute to the difference in early complications and exchange rates. A survival analysis indicated improved catheter duration in toddlers (P = 0.001). Conclusions In this cohort study, infants had a higher early complication rate, mostly attributable to infection, than their older counterparts. This difference could be explained by increased use of a tunneled central line for daily total parented nutrition in infants with gastrointestinal anomalies, as opposed to port-a-cath for chemotherapy infusion in older children. These data have prompted a number of targeted quality improvement initiatives to address relevant complications in this infant population.