cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Glycosylation of Polyprotein Precursors to the Internal Core Proteins of Friend Murine Leukemia Virus

Abstract Synthesis and post-translational processing of murine leukemia virus proteins were analyzed in a murine cell line (Eveline) that produces large amounts of Friend lymphatic leukemia virus. Immunoprecipitation of l-[35S]methionine-labeled cell extracts demonstrated that several different virus-specific proteins antigenically related to the virion core (gag) proteins p12 and p30 become radioactive within 1 min of labeling and exhibit labeling kinetics characteristic of primary translation products. The most abundant of these were proteins with molecular weights of 75,000 and 65,000. There were, in addition, two large glycosylated polyproteins with apparent molecular weights of 220,000 and 230,000, which were precipitated by antisera to p30 or p12 but not by antiserum to the major envelope glycoproteins gp69/71. Several lines of evidence, including labeling with d-[3H]glucosamine and binding to insolubilized lectins, suggested that the 75,000-dalton internal core polyprotein is slowly processed to form a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 93,000. On the contrary, the 65,000-dalton protein appeared to be an immediate precursor to the virion core proteins. Its processing can involve intermediates containing p30 and p12 antigens with molecular weights of 50,000 and 40,000; however, the latter did not appear to be obligatory intermediates. The detection of the 40,000-dalton protein suggested that the genes for p30 and p12 are adjacent on the viral genome. These results indicated that there are several pathways of synthesis and post-translational processing of polyprotein precursors to the gag proteins and that several of these polyproteins are glycosylated. A comparison of gag precursor processing in rapidly growing, slowly growing, and stationary cells indicated that different pathways are favored under different conditions of cell growth. Our analysis of envelope glycoprotein synthesis has confirmed the existence of two rapidly labeled 90,000-dalton glycoproteins, which appear to be precursors to the envelope glycoproteins gp69/71.
War Against the Idols: ICONOCLASM, REVOLUTION, AND THE REFORMATION IN SWITZERLAND AND GENEVA, 1527–1536

I t is one thing to preach against idolatry, and quite another actually to smash an altarpiece. As has already been pointed out, iconoclastic theology and iconoclastic policy were not always in agreement during the early days of the Reformation. We have seen how the policies of Karlstadt and Zwingli were reduced to practice in Wittenberg and Zurich. It is now time to examine the phenomenon of iconoclasm in greater detail. Older studies of the Reformation often display a keener awareness of the significance of iconoclasm than modern interpretations. J. H. Merle D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation , for instance, describes the spread of Protestantism in Switzerland largely through a narrative of iconoclastic acts; and in doing so, he only follows the lead established in the sixteenth century by chroniclers such as Johannes Stumpf and Jeanne de Jussie. Although these polemical histories generally lack precision, depth, and objectivity, they sometimes offer a perceptive understanding of revealing patterns. Iconoclasm is a phenomenon that allows us to analyze the process of the Reformation as do few other aspects of that age. It is not only the most visible change brought about by the religious crisis of the sixteenth century, but also one of the most radical and “democratic.” Even though there were different types of iconoclasm and various reasons for its occurrence, it is still safe to say that the destruction of Catholic cultic objects was perhaps the most intense popular expression of the revolt against Rome.
Creating a custom fabricated neoprene orthosis for optimal thumb positioning

Neoprene orthoses are used extensively in treating conditions of the hand when flexibility and support are sought. Devices such as these may be prefabricated from Neoprene alone or may include a thermoplastic or metal stay. Neoprene devices can also be custom fabricated by a practitioner in a time effective manner and at low cost. The custom fabricated orthosis described in this article is designed to support the thumb in a position of palmar abduction and opposition while maintaining CMC extension and an adequately open web space to prevent soft tissue contracture.
Availability of Cadmium in some Phosphorus Fertilizers to Field-Grown Lettuce

Although evaluations of the availability of cadmium (Cd) contaminants in phosphate fertilizers have been made, few have examined the transfer efficiency of Cd from fertilizers to plants, especially under field conditions. This 2-year field study determined the transfer of added Cd to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) (Royal Green) from a western phosphate rock (PR) and a triple superphosphate (TSP) as affected by liming and rate of fertilizer (or Cd) input. A readily soluble Cd salt, CdCl2, was included in the study for comparison. The cumulative amounts of Cd added from the fertilizers and CdCl2 over the 2-year period ranged from 0 to 1440 g ha−1. Lettuce yield increased with increasing TSP rates, but was unaffected by PR. Significant (P < 0.01) effects of Cd source and rate, lime, and year were found on Cd accumulation by lettuce. The transfer of the added Cd was consistently higher for CdCl2 than for the fertilizers regardless of lime rate. A contrasting year effect was also found between the two P fertilizers. In the second year of application, the Cd transfer efficiency increased in the soil treated with the PR, but decreased in the soil treated with the TSP. The Cd transfer efficiency for the plant was better measured with DTPA–Cd (r 2= 0.78 − 0.80) or CaCl2−Cd (r 2= 0.57 − 0.76) than with soil total Cd (r 2= 0.39 to 0.54) across all Cd sources and lime rates. This is because DTPA–Cd or CaCl2–Cd reflected the influences of the amount of Cd added, Cd source, and lime rate on Cd accumulation by the plant better than did the soil total Cd. Of the amount of Cd added from the fertilizers an average of 1.0% or less was accumulated in the harvested lettuce tissue. Applications of the fertilizers at high rates could result in increased Cd accumulation in the soil over time.
Sign languages are problematic for a gestural origins theory of language evolution

Sign languages exhibit all the complexities and evolutionary advantages of spoken languages. Consequently, sign languages are problematic for a theory of language evolution that assumes a gestural origin. There are no compelling arguments why the expanding spiral between protosign and protospeech proposed by Arbib would not have resulted in the evolutionary dominance of sign over speech.
Chronic foot shock induces hyperactive behaviors and accompanying pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in mice

Behavioral and accompanying physiological and immunological changes were investigated at various times during chronic irregular mild foot shock (CMFS) in adult male BALB/c mice. CMFS induced a significant hyperlocomotor activity in a familiar environment as well as increased consumption of chocolate milk (a favored drink) throughout the 5-week stress period. Unlike other chronic stress models, CMFS did not induce depressive-like behaviors. Hyperactivity was associated with transient elevations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha and IL-1beta) and IL-2 and more sustained (IL-10) or later (arginase activity) elevations in anti-inflammatory mediators in the spleen (serum levels below levels of detection) suggesting a transition from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state during CMFS. Similar increases in brain levels of IL-2 and arginase activity were also detected and may contribute to CMFS-induced hyperactivity as both of these mediators have been shown to induce hyperactivity. To our knowledge, this is the first time that increased arginase activity has been documented during a stress paradigm. Altogether, the data indicate that CMFS induces behavioral changes distinct from other chronic stress models. CMFS is associated with multiple dynamic immunological changes, suggesting involvement of multiple factors in chronic stress-induced behavioral changes.
Chronopotentiometric deposition and stripping of silver, lead and copper at platinum electrodes

Abstract The effect of pre-treatment (pre-oxidation, pre-plating, or platinization) of a platinum electrode on the chronopotentiometric deposition and stripping of silver, lead and copper in various media is considered. Depositions were found to occur less reversibly at a pre-oxidized electrode. Evidence for retention of some deposited metal, even at potentials considerably more positive than the reversible stripping potential is presented and possible mechanisms for this retention are suggested.
New concept for a high-power beam dump☆

Abstract A new concept for a dump for the ion and neutral beams used in the controlled nuclear fusion program uses thin sheets of a refractory metal such as tungsten formed into troughs having semi-circular cross sections. High-velocity water flowing circumferentially removes heat by subcooled nucleate boiling. Possible advantages are modular construction, relatively long sputtering lifetime, and a lower pressure drop than in tubular beam dumps. An example design calculation is shown for a dump estimated to be capable of absorbing an incident flux of 10 kW/cm 2 with reasonable safety factors.
An improved method for the addition of long-chain free fatty acid to protein solutions☆

Abstract FFA is transferred rapidly from fatty acid coated Amberlite, Celite, or Microthene particles into aqueous media containing protein. Solutions that contain a relatively high ratio of FFA to protein can be prepared by this technique.
Theory of reference frames and biological control

This article is aimed at introducing the theory of reference frames in mathematical psychology to the control theory community and to point out its relevance in understanding the differences between biological and engineering control systems. As an example, we discuss the problem of human posture control and point out how the reference frames theory lead to a natural solution which is in agreement with everyday observations on how a child learns to do posture control.
Audience Responses to Product Placement and Its Regulations: Focusing on Regulatory Conditions in the United States and Korea

ABSTRACT This cross-cultural study examined young adults’ perceptions of the regulations on product placement (PPL) and the effects of a wide array of individual-difference factors on audience responses to PPL in the United States and Korea. Results showed that both U.S. and Korean respondents expressed more positive attitudes toward weak PPL regulations rather than strong regulations. Some individual-difference factors, such as attitude toward advertising, ethical concerns about PPL, perceived realism, and materialism, had to do with the respondents’ attitudes toward PPL, PPL acceptability, and PPL-related behavior. However, the relative strength of the relationships between the individual-difference factors and responses to PPL varied between the two countries. Regulatory and managerial implications are discussed.
PERCOLATION DUE TO OVERLAPPING ITZS IN LABORATORY MORTARS? A MICROSTRUCTURAL EVALUATION

Abstract In a commonly cited paper [Cem. Concr. Res. 22 (1994) 25], it was found that 28-day-old mortars of sand contents in excess of ∼48% by volume showed extra intruded pore space when examined by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The effect was attributed to ‘percolation’ of overlapping porous interfacial transition zones (ITZs), as modeled by a hard core/soft shell model. To examine the likelihood of this explanation, duplicate 28-day-old mortars were prepared with the same aggregate and cement using the same unusual mixing procedure and identical curing. The results of examination by backscatter mode SEM were not consistent with the ITZ interpretation. The hardened cement paste (hcp) in all mortars was found to consist of patches of brighter, dense, almost nonporous regions and dark, highly porous patches; the patches indifferently occupying both classical ‘ITZ’ and classical ‘bulk’ locations. Many sand grains were surrounded or partly surrounded by dense, almost nonporous hcp. The porous regions appeared to be visibly capable of supporting ready fluid transmission. In the lower sand content mortar, the porous regions were limited in extent and isolated from each other. In the higher sand content mortars, originally considered to percolate by virtue of overlapping ITZs, the proportion of porous hcp was greater and the porous hcp patches were visibly interconnected across the bulk of the mortar. Examination of recovered specimens of the original mortars, now 8 years old, showed the same microstructural features as these duplicate 28-day-old mortars. If percolation does in fact occur in the higher sand content mortars studied, it likely results from the interconnection or overlap of the coarsely porous hcp patches and not from overlap of ITZs.
The structure and use of the syntax directed compiler

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the structure and use of a compiling system in which the translator is independent of the translation rules and, hence, is independent of either the object or target language. It discusses the meta language in which the translation rules are expressed. It also presents a set of examples illustrating the use of the meta language to specify translations of an algorithmic language into the language of a hypothetical machine. The translator is a program that operates on a set of specifications already described and on a string of symbols in the object language for those specifications. It produces a string of symbols in the output language. The translator itself is completely independent of either language and may operate on any object language. The heart of the translator is a program that diagrams a string of input symbols by referencing the specifications. The output of this program is a linked list connecting selected definitions together. In the operation of the translator, this output list serves as input to a second program that forms the output string from the indicated sequences of definitions.
Osmotic and light-induced volume changes in chloroplast membrane fragments.

Abstract Isolated chloroplasts manifest structural changes upon illumination as measured by 90° light-scattering or absorbancy (1,2,3). These effects produced by actinic light have been correlated with volume changes by Itoh, Izawa, and Shibata (4), and others (5,6) in spinach chloroplasts. Osmotic volume changes of spinach chloroplasts in , vitro have also been observed by Nishida (7). It has also been observed that chloroplast membrane fragments (8) and chromatophore preparations from Rhodospirillum , rubrum show light-scattering changes similar to those seen for whole chloroplasts (9). These observations suggested that membrane fragments may also possess the ability to undergo volume changes, and that such phenomena may collectively account for the observed volume changes of intact chloroplasts. Hence an investigation was made to determine whether fragments of chloroplast membranes can undergo volume changes by osmotic and light-induced mechanisms.
Epidermal growth factor regulates NIKS keratinocyte proliferation through Notch signaling.

Abstract Background Cutaneous wound healing is a significant health issue in the US, often requiring skin grafts. StrataGraft (Stratatech Corporation, Madison, WI), a second-generation living human skin substitute created from NIKS human keratinocyte progenitors, was recently found to be a promising skin graft in phase I/II safety and efficacy clinical trial. NIKS proliferation is optimal in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Our preliminary data suggested that Notch signaling also plays a role in NIKS keratinocyte proliferation. Therefore, we hypothesized that EGF might stimulate NIKS proliferation by regulating Notch1 signaling. Method Notch1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels from NIKS cells in monolayer culture were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Notch1 protein levels were detected by Western blot. To determine the role of EGF on Notch1 regulation, cells were incubated in basal media and then treated with EGF (10 ng/mL). A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to test NIKS cell proliferation. Cells were grown in basal media supplemented with EGF for 72 h in the presence or absence of N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) (0–30 μM), an inhibitor of Notch1 signaling. Results Notch1 mRNA levels were cell confluence-dependent, being more abundant in a subconfluent cell monolayer. We detected a 2-fold decrease in Notch1 mRNA expression and a reduction in active Notch1 protein level in response to EGF. EGF treatment stimulated NIKS cellular proliferation. However, co-treatment with DAPT inhibited NIKS proliferation to basal levels. Blocking Notch1 activation by DAPT alone inhibited NIKS cellular proliferation (P Conclusion Our results suggest that Notch1 is an essential downstream mediator of NIKS cellular proliferation via the EGF signaling pathway.
Alkylhydrazine complexes of nickel (II)

Abstract Nickel (II) forms complexes with methylhydrazine and ethylhydrazine in aqueous solution, but not with dialkylated hydrazines. These results are rationalized by considering steric factors in complexation.
AGU awarded grant to establish program on engaging 2‐year‐college students in research

Students at 2-year colleges are a critical part of the future Earth and space science workforce, and undergraduate research experiences provide a hook to retain and ultimately to graduate students in the field. AGU was awarded a planning grant by the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Geosciences (Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences award 1201578) to help launch a new initiative concerning these issues; education and public outreach staff are the principal investigators. This new initiative, titled Unique Research Experiences for Two-Year College Faculty and Students (URECAS), will begin with a planning workshop this summer (11–13 July). The workshop will bring together faculty from 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges and universities, and representatives from professional societies and federal organizations to learn more about how to support 2-year-college faculty and students engaged in Earth and space science research and to discuss the development of a program to strengthen the role of 2-year-college Earth and space science students in the future workforce
Entropy and irreversibility in noisy non-hamiltonian systems

Abstract A previous dicussion of entropy and irreversibility in non-hamiltonian systems is extended to situations where noise is present, in which the generalized Liouville equation is replaced by a corresponding Fokker-Planck equation. The rate of change of entropy, Ṡ, is evaluated for an arbitrary choice of the volume element d V = γ( x ) d x in the state space x H- theorem S ≥ 0 is obeyed only for the choice γ( x )= const ×ϱ ∞ ( x ), where ϱ ∞ ( x ) is the statio solution of the Fokker-Planck equation. This choice seems natural and appropriate for general use, in contrast to the noise-free case where ϱ ∞ ( x ) is singular for systems with attractors. Systems may be classified as reversible or irreversible according to whether Ṡ.; does or does not tend to zero in the limit of zero noise.
IgM-mediated enhancement of in vivo anti-sheep erythrocyte antibody responses: isotype analysis of the enhanced responses.

Abstract The direct splenic anti-sheep erythrocyte (anti-SRBC) responses as well as the serum IgG 1 , IgG 2a , IgG 2b , and IgG 3 anti-SRBC responses of CBA/CaJ mice were monitored 4–35 days after immunization with: (1) a suboptimal dose of SRBC, (2) a suboptimal dose of SRBC plus monoclonal IgM anti-SRBC, or (3) a high dose of SRBC. The direct plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses of mice in treatment group 2 were significantly higher than those in group 1 but similar to the responses in group 3. The serum anti-SRBC antibody responses of all IgG subclasses were significantly enhanced by IgM anti-SRBC and were generally even higher than the responses obtained with high doses of SRBC. The relative proportions of each serum IgG subclass were similar in all three groups. These data suggest that the enhancement of suboptimal anti-SRBC antibody responses by IgM anti-SRBC extends through IgM and all of the IgG subclasses and, further, that the isotype profile in antibody-enhanced responses is similar to that obtained with high doses of SRBC.
Effects of outdoor advertising: Does location matter?

The growth and success of outdoor advertising is in large part due to the medium's ability to reach an increasingly elusive and mobile consumer. However, this success has come with a price. Public pressure and regulation have begun to eliminate or curtail many outdoor advertising locations, leading practitioners to question the effectiveness of the remaining outdoor advertising sites. Using associative learning techniques, these studies investigate what effect, if any, the environment in which outdoor advertising appears has on the attitudes, beliefs, and purchase intent of the advertised brand. The results of four experiments presented here suggest that the background environment does not impact advertising effectiveness, and practitioner concern of such may be unfounded. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Adenosine A1 Receptor in the Perifornical-Lateral Hypothalamic Area in Sleep-Wake Regulation in Rats

The perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area (PF-LHA) has been implicated in the regulation of arousal. The PF-LHA contains wake-active neurons that are quiescent during non-REM sleep and in the case of neurons expressing the peptide hypocretin (HCRT), quiescent during both non-REM and REM sleep. Adenosine is an endogenous sleep factor and recent evidence suggests that adenosine via A(1) receptors may act on PF-LHA neurons to promote sleep. We examined the effects of bilateral activation as well as blockade of A(1) receptors in the PF-LHA on sleep-wakefulness in freely behaving rats. The sleep-wake profiles of male Wistar rats were recorded during reverse microdialysis perfusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and two doses of adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine (CPDX; 5 microM and 50 microM) or A(1) receptor agonist, N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 5 microM and 50 microM) into the PF-LHA for 2 h followed by 4 h of aCSF perfusion. CPDX perfused into the PF-LHA during lights-on phase produced arousal (F=7.035, p<0.001) and concomitantly decreased both non-REM (F=7.295, p<0.001) and REM sleep (F=3.456, p<0.004). In contrast, CPA perfused into the PF-LHA during lights-off phase significantly suppressed arousal (F=7.891, p<0.001) and increased non-REM (F=8.18, p <0.001) and REM sleep (F=30.036, p<0.001). These results suggest that PF-LHA is one of the sites where adenosine, acting via A(1) receptors, inhibits PF-LHA neurons to promote sleep.
The thermal transition of a non-hydroxylated form of collagen. Evidence for a role for hydroxyproline in stabilizing the triple-helix of collagen

Abstract Protocollagen, a non-hydroxylated form of collagen, was extracted with cold 0.1 N acetic acid from embryonic tendon cells incubated with α,α′-dipyridyl and the protein was purified by controlled proteolytic digestion. The resulting modified protocollagen was shown to consist of polypeptides the same size as α1 and α2 chains of collagen and had a thermal transition by optical rotation similar to collagen. The T m however was 24°, a value which was 15° lower than the T m of an hydroxylated form of collagen from the same source. The results suggest that hydroxylated proline increases the thermal stability of collagen.
Analysis of effects of crack closure in shells

Abstract The effect of crack closure in a shell was studied using the finite element method. Elastic open cylindrical shells, containing through-wall-thickness stationary cracks under bending loads, were considered. Crack closure was modeled using the line closure model. Effects of crack closure were compared among shallow, moderately deep and very deep shells. Two bending moments, a positive moment and a negative moment, were also considered to find out the difference on the effect of crack closure for a very deep shell.
Night myopia and the intermediate dark focus of accommodation

The phenomenon of night myopia, the tendency to overaccommodate for distant objects as luminance is decreased, results from the passive return of accommodation to an individually determined intermediate resting or dark focus. More generally, accommodation is viewed as a compromise between the subject's individual resting focus and the accommodative stimulus. Under optimum viewing conditions, accommodation tends to correspond to the distance of the stimulus, but is biased progressively toward the dark focus as the adequacy of the accommodative stimulus is degraded by decreased luminance. Control experiments suggest that optical aberrations are not major factors that contribute to this effect.
The Weigert-Pal Technic for Staining Myelin

The writer gives a schedule for carrying out the Weigert-Pal technic by which three difficulties of the original technic are overcome: the tendency of the sections to become brittle; the difficulty of observing the extent of the reaction occurring in the permanganate solution; and the slowness with which the reaction takes place. By the method proposed as many as 300 sections may be stained and differentiated in the time it formerly took to handle 50.
The melting range of semicrystalline polymers and copolymers

An equation is derived for the weight-average crystallite length of crystallizable sequences between noncrystallizing copolymer units. This expression is used to estimate the depression of the melting point due to the subdivision of the crystalline regions into small crystallites. An explanation is given for the failure of the value of the heat of fusion calculated from the equation relating the freezing point lowering to the mole fraction to agree with observed values.
Changes in Self-Reported Incidence of Nocturnal Bruxism in College Students: 1966–2002

The frequencies of self-reported nocturnal bruxism in four large samples of college students were compared to assess change in the incidence of this disorder since 1966. Analysis showed incidence of nocturnal bruxism increased from 5.1% to 22.5% over this period. However, the increase from our 1989 sample was not statistically significant.
Model signal-to-noise comparison for CCD arrays versus film

By use of a simple model for the DQE of a CCD imaging array, the input/output imaging characteristics can be expressed in a manner which enables absolute comparisons to be made with any other image-acquisition technology. As an example a model comparison is made here between CCD-pixel-arrays and photographic-grain-arrays.In addition to DQE, it is demonstrated that other imaging parameters can be evaluated and compared in this way, including image noise, dynamic range, and output signal-to-noise ratio, and that these parameters can be related back to the respective detector mechanisms. Thus the roles played by the absolute pixel and grain dimensions and their quantum efficiencies can be identified and compared. Results of these comparisons confirm not only the obvious advantage of a multi-level mode of quantum-detection,but also present a basis for understanding the role of the CCD level-spacing function in order to fully exploit this advantage.
The costs and benefits of a satellite-based system for natural resource management

Abstract This paper presents the results of a two-year study commissioned by the Department of Interior to examine the costs and benefits of a remote data acquisition system for natural resource management. Because earlier experience with a number of experimental programs had been so favorable, it was felt that a full analysis should be undertaken. Subsequently, five areas were selected for detailed investigation: agriculture, land use, forestry, water resources, and rangeland. In each instance, the modeling was performed within the framework of a case study. Net benefits were derived from two sources: (1) cost savings at the data acquisition level; and (2) increased economic efficiencies at the operational level. Calculations were done parametrically to account for technological diffusion, uncertainties in implementation, and various assumptions concerning discount rates and cloud cover impacts. The results have shown that a two-satellite system will more than likely pay for itself over the program's planned ten year life.
Professional Development Schools: Stages in Collaboration

We describe the development of professional development schools at the University of South Carolina in terms of the five stages of collaboration identified by Kagan: formation, conceptualization, development, implementation, evaluation, and termination/reformation. Other research on the change process is also considered. In addition, lessons learned from the collaborative activities involving school personnel and university faculty are described.
Clinicopathologic correlation of lipidization and detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium.

A 49-year-old woman had a few small drusen-like lesions and one larger area of depigmentation in the right fundus. The pinpoint lesions corresponded to single enlarged retinal pigment epithelial cells with lipid accumulation and the larger area represented a small, localized retinal pigment epithelial detachment (soft druse). Lipoidal degeneration of individual retinal pigment epithelial cells may be a mechanism of nodular drusen formation. The soft druse was associated with thickening of the basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium.
Allogeneic lymphocytes persist and traffic in feral MHC-matched Mauritian cynomolgus macaques

Background Thus far, live attenuated SIV has been the most successful method for vaccinating macaques against pathogenic SIV challenge; however, it is not clear what mechanisms are responsible for this protection. Adoptive transfer studies in mice have been integral to understanding live attenuated vaccine protection in models like Friend virus. Previous adoptive transfers in primates have failed as transferred cells are typically cleared within hours after transfer. Methodology/ Principal Findings Here we describe adoptive transfer studies in Mauritian origin cynomolgus macaques (MCM), a non-human primate model with limited MHC diversity. Cells transferred between unrelated MHC-matched macaques persist for at least fourteen days but are rejected within 36 hours in MHC-mismatched macaques. Cells trafficked from the blood to peripheral lymphoid tissues within 12 hours of transfer. Conclusions/Significance MHC-matched MCM provide the first viable primate model for adoptive transfer studies. Because macaques infected with SIV are the best model for HIV/AIDS pathogenesis, we can now directly study the correlates of protective immune responses to AIDS viruses. For example, plasma viral loads following pathogenic SIV challenge are reduced by several orders of magnitude in macaques previously immunized with attenuated SIV. Adoptive transfer of lymphocyte subpopulations from vaccinated donors into SIV-naive animals may define the immune mechanisms responsible for protection and guide future vaccine development.
Self-Rated Health, Activities of Daily Living, and Mobility Limitations Among Black and White Stroke Survivors

Objective. To explore racial differences in self-rated health (SRH) and its relationship to activities of daily living (ADLs) and mobility limitations among stroke survivors. Method. Data from 580 Black and White participants of the North Carolina Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) were used to assess relationships between SRH, ADLs, and mobility variables. Fisher's exact tests, t tests, and logistic regression with backward selection (p < .20) were used. Results. No racial difference in SRH was found. SRH was significant in predicting ADL status among Whites only (OR = 0.23; CI = 0.08-0.69; p < .01). Participants older than 75 years had a greater likelihood of being in the lowest functioning ADL categories (OR = 2.31; CI = 1.48-3.60; p < .01). Discussion. Though no racial differences in SRH were found, the relationship between SRH, ADLs, and mobility status was moderated by race. SRH was predictive of limitations in Whites only. Observed differences suggest SRH construct may differ by race.
Passive, wireless SAW OFC strain sensor

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology, when paired with orthogonal frequency coding (OFC), has proven to be a versatile platform for the design of passive, wireless sensors. This paper presents the design and demonstration of a passive, wireless SAW strain sensor that is uniquely identifiable in a multi-sensor system. A cantilever fabricated out of the SAW substrate acts as the strain sensing mechanism. Force applied at the end of the cantilever causes a strain distribution at the root of the beam. In turn, a measurable change in the SAW propagation delay occurs between the SAW transducer and OFC reflector bank. Relating SAW propagation delay changes to strain is accomplished by developing a simple 1-D model. This model assumes strain in only the Z direction (YZ-LiNbO 3 ) which allows the stiffness matrix to be ignored and an effective stiffness constant to be used instead. Derivations for strain coefficient as well as the strain and force equations needed to measure strain are given. The sensor test setup and experimental results are detailed and discussed. Additionally, a magnetic field sensor is demonstrated as an application for this design.
Effect of gate-to-source capacitance of high-power Si-LDMOS FET on the asymmetrical intermodulation and modulation bandwidth of base-station amplifiers

This letter presents the effect of the gate-to-source capacitance (Cgs) on the imbalance of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) and modulation bandwidth of Si-LDMOS field effect transistor (FET) high-power base-station PAs. It is revealed that the strong Cgs nonlinearity at the input gate of the LDMOS significantly contributes to the output intermodulation imbalance and plays an important role in determining the modulation bandwidth. The Volterra series analysis is used to qualitatively understand and describe the mechanism. The frequency-sensitive baseband impedance, which is presented to Cgs and is proven to be one of the main factors to the imbalance in the analysis, is experimentally changed by manipulating the bias circuitry. The output IMD imbalance behavior is examined with two-tone signals for the PA with the MRF5S18060 Si-LDMOS FET. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2448–2451, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24597
Designing After-School Learning Using the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

Digital games have become popular for engaging students in a range of learning goals, both in the classroom and the after-school space. In this article, I discuss a specific genre of video game, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMO), which has been identified as a dynamic environment for encountering 21st-century workplace skills (King, 2012). Rather than advocating for bringing MMOs directly into the classroom to deliver content, I focus on designing after-school programs. Starting with a description of the MMO, I define the game space as a digital platform where an array of interest-driven learning takes place. Then, based upon a 2-year, game-based after-school program for teenage boys, the Casual Learning Lab (Steinkuehler & King, 2009). Finally, I offer suggestions for program design highlighting the importance of involving teachers as colearners, and structuring reflection activities to assist participants in connecting gaming activities to 21st-century skills.
Chemical and Biological Reduction of the Radical SAM Enzyme CPH4 Synthase

The radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) superfamily is a large and growing group of enzymes that conduct complex radical-mediated transformations. A one-electron reduction of SAM via the +1 state of the cubane [4Fe-4S] cluster generates a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical, which initiates turnover. The [4Fe-4S] cluster must be reduced from its resting +2 state to the catalytically active +1 oxidation state by an electron. In practice, dithionite or the Escherichia coli flavodoxin (EcFldA)/ferredoxin (flavodoxin):NADP+ oxidoreductase (Fpr)/NADPH system is used. Herein, we present a systematic investigation of the reductive activation of the radical SAM enzyme CDG synthase (BsQueE) from Bacillus subtilis comparing biological and chemical reductants. These data show that either of the flavodoxin homologues encoded by the B. subtilis genome, BsYkuN or BsYkuP, as well as a series of small molecule redox mediators, supports BsQueE activity. With dithionite as a reductant, the activity of BsQueE is ∼75-fold greater in ...
Effects of Blade Tenderization and Proteolytic Enzymes on Restructured Steaks from Beef Bullock Chucks

Three studies were conducted to determine the effects of blade tenderization (BT), fungal protease, ficin and papain on sensory ratings, textural properties and frozen storage life of restructured steaks from beef bullock chuck. Neither blade tenderizing of chuck muscles prior to incorporating it into restructured steaks nor the use of 0.05% or 0.10% fungal protease had an effect on the amount of connective tissue or textural properties of the cooked product. The addition of 0.10% fungal protease to restructured steaks increased the frozen storage life of the restructured steaks from 82 days (0%) to 149 days and over 157 days for 0.05%. The addition of ficin and papain had a detrimental effect on texture, flavor and overall satisfaction ratings. The methods tested in the present study are not suitable treatments for reducing the amount of detectable connective tissue in restructured steaks from beef bullock chucks.
Synthesis, Dynamic Behavior, and X-ray Crystal Structure of [Li(tmed)]3[WH(C2H4)4]

Alkylation of W(OMe)3Cl3 with ethyllithium and N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmed) affords the tungsten ethene/hydride complex [Li(tmed)]3[WH(C2H4)4]. The anion possesses an approximate tri...
Rational Design of High Performance Conjugated Polymers for Organic Solar Cells

The research on the polymer-based solar cells (PSCs) has attracted an increasing amount of attention in recent years because PSCs pose potential advantages over mainstream inorganic-based solar cells, such as significantly reduced material/fabrication costs, flexible substrates, and light weight of finished solar cells. The research community has made great progress in the field of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells since its inception in 1995. The power conversion efficiency (PCE), a key parameter to assess the performance of solar cells, has increased from 1% in the 1990s to over 8% just recently. These great advances are mainly fueled by the development of conjugated polymers used as the electron-donating materials in BHJ solar cells. In this Perspective, we first briefly review the progress on the design of conjugated polymers for polymer solar cells in the past 16 years. Since a conjugated polymer can be arbitrarily divided into three constituting components—the conjugated backbone, the si...
Carmabins A and B, New Lipopeptides from the Caribbean Cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula

Carmabins A and B have been isolated as linear lipotetrapeptides from the BuOH extract of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula. The planar structures were elucidated by extensive 2D NMR analysis, including 1H−15N HMBC and HMQC−TOCSY experiments, together with MS measurements.
MicroRNAs Visit the ER

Little is known about where microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate their targets within the cell. In this issue, Li et al. identify a new player in the plant miRNA pathway that implicates the endoplasmic reticulum in miRNA-mediated gene silencing.
Farewell to Criteriology

Criteriology is the quest for permanent or stable criteria of rationality founded in the desire for objectivism and the belief that we must somehow transcend the limitations to knowing that are the inevitable consequence of our sociotemporal perspective as knowers. The project of criteriology has, in turn, shaped our way of thinking about the epistemology of social inquiry. This article offers a way of redefining social inquiry without recourse to criteriology. It presents a view of social inquiry as practical philosophy and discusses the vision that enables that practice, the conditions that sustain that practice, and the place of such a practice in society.
Feasibility study of a randomized controlled trial of a telephone-delivered problem-solving-occupational therapy intervention to reduce participation restrictions in rural breast cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy

Objective: Breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy often experience functional effects of treatment that limit participation in life activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a novel intervention for these restrictions, determine acceptability of the intervention, and preliminarily assess its effects. Methods: A pilot RCT of a telephone-delivered Problem-solving and Occupational Therapy intervention (PST-OT) to improve participation restrictions in rural breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Thirty-one participants with Stages 1–3 breast cancer were randomized to 6 weekly sessions of PST-OT (n = 15) and usual care (n = 16). The primary study outcome was the feasibility of conducting the trial. Secondary outcomes were functional, quality of life and emotional status as assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Of 46 patients referred 31 were enrolled (67% recruitment rate), of which 6 participants withdrew (81% retention rate). Twenty-four participants completed all study-related assessments (77%). Ninety-two percent of PST-OT participants were highly satisfied with the intervention, and 92% reported PST-OT to be helpful/very helpful for overcoming participation restrictions. Ninety-seven percent of planned PST-OT treatment sessions were completed. Completion rates for PST-OT homework tasks were high. Measures of functioning, quality of life, and emotional state favored the PST-OT condition. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that an RCT of the PST-OT intervention is feasible to conduct with rural breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and that PST-OT may have positive effects on function, quality of life, and emotional state. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Context-dependent secondary structure formation of a designed protein sequence

Protein secondary structures have been viewed as fundamental building blocks for protein folding, structure and design. Previous studies indicate that the propensities of individual amino acids to form particular secondary structures are the result of a combination of local conformational preferences and non-local factors. To examine the extent to which non-local factors influence the formation of secondary structural elements, we have designed an 11-amino-acid sequence (dubbed the 'chameleon' sequence) that folds as an alpha-helix when in one position but as a beta-sheet when in another position of the primary sequence of the IgG-binding domain of protein G (GB1). Both proteins, chameleon-alpha and chameleon-beta, are folded into structures similar to native GB1, as judged by several biophysical criteria. Our results demonstrate that non-local interactions can determine the secondary structure of peptide sequences of substantial length. They also support views of protein folding that favour tertiary interactions as dominant determinants of structure.
A study of three anaerobic methanogenic bioreactors reveals that syntrophs are diverse and different from reference organisms

Calibrated antibody probes for homoacetogenic, syntrophic acetogenic, and sulfate-reducing Bacteria were generated and used, along with probes for methanogenic Archaea, to elucidate the bacterial biofilm population of three fluidized bed bioreactors fed with different substrates. The new probes were for Clostridium formicoaceticum, Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. wolfei, Syntrophospora bryantii, Syntrophococcus sucromutans strain S195, and Desulfobulbus propionicus strain 1pr3. Microscopic and electron microscopic analyses showed a complex microbial flora in the three bioreactors. This was confirmed by the antigenic fingerprinting method which showed a diversity of methanogens and syntrophs. The subpopulations that could be identified were only moderately or weakly related to reference immunotypes, and were quantitatively small. Thus, these and the major populations from the quantitative and functional standpoints, belong to as yet uncharacterized immunotypes, and possibly include new strains and species.
Novel Expression Patterns of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway Components in Colorectal Cancer

Background The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway plays a critical role in the growth and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of our study was 2-fold: (1) to determine the expression levels of several key components of this pathway, including p85α, Akt1, Akt2, p-mTORSer2448, and p-p70S6KThr389 in CRCs; and (2) to correlate the expression of these proteins with cancer stage and location (left versus right side). Study Design Immunohistochemistry for p85α, Akt1, Akt2, p-mTORSer2448, and p-p70S6KThr389 was performed on normal colon and CRCs from 154 patients. Results All proteins investigated were significantly overexpressed in CRCs compared with matched normal colonic tissue from the same patient (p Conclusions The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway components, p85α, Akt1, Akt2, p-mTORSer2448, and p-p70S6KThr389 are highly overexpressed in CRCs, providing the rationale for targeting this pathway therapeutically in CRC patients. The increased expression of p85α in the adjacent normal mucosa of stage IV patients suggests an important field defect, which may contribute to the growth and progression of these cancers.