cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deletion mutation analysis of the adenovirus type 2 E3-gp19K protein: identification of sequences within the endoplasmic reticulum lumenal domain that are required for class I antigen binding and protection from adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Abstract Adenovirus E3-gp19K is a transmembrane glycoprotein, localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which forms a complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens and retains them in the ER, thereby preventing cytolysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The ER lumenal domain of gp19K, residues 1 to 107, is known to be sufficient for binding to class I antigens; the transmembrane and cytoplasmic ER retention domains are located at residues ca. 108 to 127 and 128 to 142, respectively. To identify more precisely which gp19K regions are involved in binding to class I antigens, we constructed 13 in-frame virus deletion mutants (4 to 12 amino acids deleted) in the ER lumenal domain of gp19K, and we analyzed the ability of the mutant proteins to form a complex with class I antigens, retain them in the ER, and prevent cytolysis by adenovirus-specific CTL. All mutant proteins except one (residues 102 to 107 deleted) were defective for these properties, indicating that the ability of gp19K to bind to class I antigens is highly sensitive to mutation. All mutant proteins were stable and were retained in the ER. Sequence comparisons among adenovirus serotypes reveal that the ER lumenal domain of gp19K consists of a variable region (residues 1 to 76) and a conserved region (residues 77 to 98). We show, using the mutant proteins, that the gp19K-specific monoclonal antibody Tw1.3 recognizes a noncontiguous epitope in the variable region and that disruption of the variable region by deletion destroys the epitope. The monoclonal antibody and class I antigen binding results, together with the serotype sequence comparisons, are consistent with the idea that the ER lumenal domain of gp19K has three subdomains that we have termed the ER lumenal variable domain (residues 1 to ca. 77 to 83), the ER lumenal conserved domain (residues ca. 84 to 98), and the ER lumenal spacer domain (residues 99 to 107). We suggest that the ER lumenal variable domain of gp19K has a specific tertiary structure that is important for binding to the polymorphic alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains of class I heavy (alpha) chains. We suggest that the ER lumenal conserved domain of gp19K may interact with some conserved protein, perhaps the highly conserved alpha 3 domain of class I heavy chains. Finally, the ER lumenal spacer domain may allow the ER lumenal variable and conserved domains to extend out from the ER membrane so that they can interact with class I heavy chains.
Human Prostate Cancer Cells Secrete Neuro-Protective Factors in Response to Cryotherapy

Cryoablation is one of the established treatment modalities for prostate cancer management. Although, it is target specific, it may still lead to damage to the nerve fibers around the prostate tumor. In this study, by directly exposing the co-cultures of prostate cancer cells, PC-3 and Schwann cell-Dorsal Root Ganglion neuron (SC-DRG) to cryo-shock and by exposing SC-DRG to cryo-shock conditioned media (CSCM) obtained from PC-3 cells, robust neuro-protective effects were observed. Since this neuro-protective effect originated from cryotherapy-treated PC-3 cells, the presence of putative factors secreted by PC-3 cells in the medium following cryo-shock was analyzed. Using human cytokine antibody array analysis, differential release of cytokines in CSCM was observed with induced release of cytokines involved in neuro-protection like IL-1α, MIP-4, MIP-5, Leptin, IL-15 and ICAM-1 with simultaneous inhibition of TNFRI and TNFRII that are implicated in killing of nerve cells. Further, using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time Of Flight (MALDI-TOF) sequencing, two proteins were identified namely, CypA (cyclophilin A) and NM23 (nonmetastatic protein 23) in the CSCM. CypA functions as a mediator of intracellular as well as extracellular neuro-protective mechanisms and NM23 has been implicated as a potential suppressor protein of tumor metastasis. Thus, this study revealed the presence of factors in CSCM that has the potential to protect normal neuronal cells and suppress metastasis.
On Product Liability and Quality Control

Abstract Product liability is one of the most costly and confusing problems facing manufacturing today. In this paper, models of the economic impact of both final acceptance sampling and process control on liability risk due to a manufacturing defect are presented. A numerical example reveals that selection of cost-effective quality control methods depends on assumed disposition of rejected lots.
IL-4 Enhances IL-10 Gene Expression in Murine Th2 Cells in the Absence of TCR Engagement

Both IL-4 and IL-10 are regulatory cytokines produced by Th2 cells that can down-regulate cell-mediated immune responses. The studies reported here examine the influence of various cytokines in the regulation of T cell IL-10 production. The results indicate that IL-10 gene expression by TCR transgenic Th2 cells is significantly up-regulated by IL-4 in the absence of TCR signals. IL-4 enhances both IL-10 mRNA levels and secreted protein, and this effect is not related to enhanced mRNA stability. TCR-mediated IL-10 gene expression is inhibited by cyclosporin A, but IL-4-mediated IL-10 expression is not. IL-4 also enhances IL-13 mRNA levels, to a lesser extent than IL-10, but does not significantly effect the expression of other cytokine mRNAs. Furthermore, IL-4 does not significantly enhance IL-10 expression in Th1 cells. IL-2 also enhances effector cytokine production in the absence of TCR signals, but in a subset nonspecific manner, increasing both Th2 IL-4 mRNA and Th1 IFN-γ mRNA. These data suggest that Th2 IL-4 production may contribute to the down-regulation of immune responses by directly enhancing Th2 IL-10 production. In addition, the data clearly demonstrate that exogenous cytokines can significantly influence effector cytokine production by effector T cells without the requirement for TCR signals.
Precursor‐Bound NifEN: Insights into Nitrogenase Cofactor Assembly

The biosynthesis of the iron–molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) of nitrogenase is one of the most complicated processes in metalloprotein biochemistry. Here we review the recent progress on the investigation of NifEN, an important scaffold protein for the maturation of an iron-only precursor to a molybdenum- and homocitrate-containing FeMoco. The recently solved crystal structure of the precursor-bound form of NifEN is discussed in detail, which provides important insights into the biosynthetic mechanism of nitrogenase. In addition, the functional and spectroscopic features of NifEN are discussed. 3D Structure Keywords: Mo nitrogenase; NifEN; FeMoco; precursor; L-cluster; MoFe protein; Fe protein; biosynthesis; Azotobacter vinelandii
Evaluation of sensor management systems

The authors outline a framework within which evaluation and comparison of sensor management systems should be performed. The four aspects of this framework are: (1) selection of numerical measures of performance (MOPs) which are relevant to the mission goals; (2) determination of the relative importance (weights) of each of these MOPs with respect to the mission goals; (3) definition of benchmark scenarios for evaluating the performance of the sensor management system with respect to these MOPs and mission goals; and (4) comparison of the performance of the sensor management system to the performances of several basic sensor management systems with respect to the benchmark scenarios. >
Mitochondrial Analysis of the Most Basal Canid Reveals Deep Divergence between Eastern and Western North American Gray Foxes (Urocyon spp.) and Ancient Roots in Pleistocene California

Pleistocene aridification in central North America caused many temperate forest-associated vertebrates to split into eastern and western lineages. Such divisions can be cryptic when Holocene expansions have closed the gaps between once-disjunct ranges or when local morphological variation obscures deeper regional divergences. We investigated such cryptic divergence in the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), the most basal extant canid in the world. We also investigated the phylogeography of this species and its diminutive relative, the island fox (U. littoralis), in California. The California Floristic Province was a significant source of Pleistocene diversification for a wide range of taxa and, we hypothesized, for the gray fox as well. Alternatively, gray foxes in California potentially reflected a recent Holocene expansion from further south. We sequenced mitochondrial DNA from 169 gray foxes from the southeastern and southwestern United States and 11 island foxes from three of the Channel Islands. We estimated a 1.3% sequence divergence in the cytochrome b gene between eastern and western foxes and used coalescent simulations to date the divergence to approximately 500,000 years before present (YBP), which is comparable to that between recognized sister species within the Canidae. Gray fox samples collected from throughout California exhibited high haplotype diversity, phylogeographic structure, and genetic signatures of a late-Holocene population decline. Bayesian skyline analysis also indicated an earlier population increase dating to the early Wisconsin glaciation (~70,000 YBP) and a root height extending back to the previous interglacial (~100,000 YBP). Together these findings support California’s role as a long-term Pleistocene refugium for western Urocyon. Lastly, based both on our results and re-interpretation of those of another study, we conclude that island foxes of the Channel Islands trace their origins to at least 3 distinct female founders from the mainland rather than to a single matriline, as previously suggested.
Scaffold-assisted synthesis of crystalline mesoporous titania materials

This work explores the scaffold-assisted synthesis of titania materials, in which the scaffold protects the titania's mesostructure during the calcination-induced crystallization that normally leads to its collapse. Two scaffold materials were examined: silica and alumina. The scaffolds were delivered either: (1) in the form of nanoparticles: Nanosol 3014D colloidal silica or Catapal A boehmite; or (2) through hydrolysis and condensation of suitable precursors: tetraethyl orthosilicate or aluminum isopropoxide. Titania was prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of titanium isopropoxide under acidic conditions, resulting in 4–8 nm TiO2 nanoparticles aggregated into mesoporous structures. Incorporation of even 10 wt% of the scaffold resulted in a substantial improvement of the structural properties and the higher scaffold amounts yielded even better results. It is shown that the structural properties of titania depend on the scaffold's structure: the nanoparticle-composed scaffolds are condensed and more suitable for development of large pore volume, whereas the precursor-generated scaffolds are more dispersed and better for achieving titania with large surface area. The final titania materials are crystalline (almost or exclusively anatase phase, depending on the scaffold) and possess a specific surface area reaching 260 m2 g−1 and pore volume reaching 0.60 cm3 g−1.
Avoiding calvarial defects in a Harrison's class IV thermally injured skull.

Abstract Introduction Harrison's class IV calvarial burns with greater than 75% exposure present a special problem in flame injury. This problem is compounded in small children and or those with a large total body surface area burn, thus limiting the possibility of local flaps and free tissue transfers for coverage and leaving only wound care and skin grafts as options for closure. The literature suggests trephination with a high speed drill until viable bone is reached, then autografting the subsequent granulation tissue. In the most severe cases when the calvarium is deeply thermally injured and drilling down to the level of the Dura does not yield any sign of viability; should the surgeon proceed with removal of the clearly compromised calvarium down to Dura or leave it in place? Methods At a pediatric burn center, we reviewed all Harrison's class IV flame burns to the head with more than 75% exposure of the calvarium for a 2.5-year period. Five cases fit our inclusion criteria. Results All five patients had drilling of the calvarium to debride dead bone. Three of the children had drilling that reached viable bone and were treated with a combination of early grafting and allowing granulation tissue to form then grafting. Two of the patients had extreme flame burns to the head with large areas having no clinical evidence of viability down to the Dura. The photographic record and CT reconstructions of these two cases are presented. The figures show the progression of healing of the calvarium in each child. A persistent calvarial defect only in the area of complete removal of calvarium to Dura is seen in each child's record. The remaining areas demonstrate progressive wound closure with remodeling of the skull in long term follow-up. Conclusion In deep massive calvarial burns to the head it is difficult to achieve wound closure. Trepanation with subsequent grafting and expectant management while awaiting granulation tissue bed is the current recommended treatment for this clinical problem. The aggressiveness of surgical debridement of dead bone is largely based on clinical appearance of the tissue. In the cases presented here, complete removal of clinically non-viable burned calvarium resulted in calvarial defects that were avoided when some deep calvarium was left in place despite its poor clinical appearance. The clinical challenge of closing calvarial defects in the reconstructive phase of care should not be underestimated. Therefore, avoidance of a defect if possible by allowing some bone to remain during trephination is recommended.
Artificially created holes in the ionosphere

The artificial creation of ionospheric holes by the release of highly reactive molecules into the F region is investigated. Through ion-atom interchange or charge transfer reactions, H2 or H2O reacts with O(+) to form OH(+) or H2O(+), respectively, which subsequently dissociatively recombines with electrons at a very rapid rate. The diffusion of H2 is also modified by chemical loss to the ambient atomic oxygen atmosphere. The limited spatial and temporal extent of the hole-making process allows several approximations to be made which permit three-dimensional analytic solutions of the continuity equations for the released particles, the O(+) and e(-) densities, and the intermediary molecular ions. A versatile formalism is developed whereby the hole-making capability of virtually any spatial-temporal configuration of released particles can be determined by convolving a set of destruction operators which can be viewed as Green's functions for the problem. As a specific application of the techniques developed, the modification of a winter nighttime ionosphere is described by simulating the release of 1000 kg of water vapor near a height of 300 km.
Personality correlates of accurate time perception.

The relationship between four Myers-Briggs personality indices and accuracy of autokinetic time perception was examined for 41 undergraduate Ss. Accurate perceivers scored significantly higher on the personality measures of extraversion and perceiving than inaccurate perceivers.
Fine‐needle aspiration of metastatic radiation‐induced cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma of the breast to the liver: A diagnostic dilemma

Radiation therapy is a significant risk factor for the development of angiosarcoma. With the increase in breast conservation treatment, the incidence of cutaneous radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast is rising. If the angiosarcoma demonstrates epithelioid features, the tumor cells may present a diagnostic dilemma on fine-needle aspiration cytology. We present a case of metastatic radiation-induced cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma of the breast to the liver and a review of the literature.
Transmembrane Helix 7 of the Endothelin B Receptor Regulates Downstream Signaling

Endothelin is a 21-amino acid peptide with a striking diversity of important biological responses, including, vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction, and mitogenesis. Endothelin-1 binding to the endothelin B receptor (ETB), a member of the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors, was associated with catalytic activation of the extracellular-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and stimulation of AP-1 transcriptional reporter activity. A panel of single point mutations in transmembrane helix 6 (TM6), intracellular loop 3, and transmembrane helix 7 (TM7) were developed to study the structural requirements for ETB activation. Point mutations within highly conserved regions of TM6 and intracellular loop 3 were without effect on agonist-stimulated ERK activation. However, mutations within TM7 of the ETB significantly impacted ligand-stimulated downstream signaling. For example, nine point mutations within TM7 of the ETB were identified that prevented endothelin-stimulated ERK activation. Interestingly, the TM7 mutants fell into two classes; several exhibited greatly decreased AP-1 activity, relative to wild type ETB, whereas others displayed augmented endothelin-stimulated AP-1 transcriptional activity relative to wild type ETB. Our results suggest that TM7 of the ETB is involved in its activation mechanism and regulates agonist-stimulated ERK activation.
Real-time data attack isolation for commercial database applications

Traditional database security mechanisms are very limited in defending against data attacks. Authorized but malicious transactions can make a database useless by impairing its integrity and availability. This paper presents the design of a real-time data attack isolation system, denoted DAIS. DAIS isolates likely suspicious actions before a definite determination of intrusion is reported. In this way, the database can be immunized from many malicious transactions. DAIS is a COTS-DBMS-specific implementation of a general isolation algorithm that we developed [Liu P, Jajodia S, McCollum CD. Intrusion confinement by isolation in information systems. Journal of Computer Security, 2000;8(4):243-79]. In this paper, the design of the first DAIS prototype, which is for Oracle Server 9.2, is discussed. DAIS uses triggers and transaction profiles to keep track of the items read and written by transactions, isolates attacks by rewriting user SQL statements, and is transparent to end users. The DAIS design is very general. In addition to Oracle, it can be easily adapted to support many other database application platforms such as Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, and Informix.
Play Matters: So Play as if it Matters

Play scholarship is almost as prevalent and widespread as the phenomenon itself. Scientists, psychologists, behaviorists, theologians, philosophers, historians, poets, anthropologists, and sociolog...
FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH EDUCATION

Health education is "the process of providing or utilizing experiences for favorably influencing understanding, attitudes, and practices relating to individual, family, and community health. As an applied science it draws its content from a variety of sources. The paradigm which depicts the foundations of health education can be visualized as five vertical pillars consisting of sociocultural, educational, psycho-behavioral, legal, and scientific foundations supporting the work of the health educator. While the components within each pillar may be altered with new developments and advances over time, the model is broad enough in scope to incorporate the changes without altering its purpose. The foundations of health viewed in this light can easily display the depth of the health education profession and will serve to orient the novice and future health educators of the underpinnings of their profession. This framework could easily be adapted for study on the college level and should serve as an orientation to those students planning to major in health.
A Novel Human Antibody against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp120 Is V1, V2, and V3 Loop Dependent and Helps Delimit the Epitope of the Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Immunoglobulin G1 b12

The V1/V2 and V3 loops are proximal to the CD4 binding site (CD4bs) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 and undergo conformational change upon CD4 receptor engagement by the HIV-1 envelope spike. Nearly all of the reported monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the CD4bs exhibit a very limited capacity to neutralize HIV-1. However, one such human MAb, immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) b12, is uniquely able to neutralize primary isolates across subtypes with considerable potency. The molecular basis for the anti-HIV-1 activity of b12 is not fully understood but is relevant to vaccine design. Here we describe a novel human MAb, 4KG5, whose binding to monomeric gp120 is moderately enhanced by IgG1 b12. In sharp contrast, 4KG5 binding to gp120 is inhibited by soluble CD4 (sCD4) and by all other (n = 14) anti-CD4bs MAbs tested. 4KG5 is unable to recognize gp120 in which either V1, V2, or V3 has been deleted, and MAbs against the V2 or V3 loops inhibit the binding of 4KG5 to gp120. Moreover, 4KG5 is able to inhibit the binding of the CD4-induced MAbs 17b and X5 in the absence of sCD4, whereas 17b and X5 only weakly inhibit the binding of 4KG5 to gp120. Mutagenesis of gp120 provides further evidence of a discontinuous epitope of 4KG5 that is formed by the V1/V2 loop, the V3 loop, and a portion of the bridging sheet (C4). 4KG5 was isolated as a single-chain Fv from a phage display library constructed from the bone marrow of an HIV-1-seropositive subject (FDA2) whose serum neutralizes HIV-1 across subtypes. Despite its source, we observed no significant neutralization with 4KG5 against the autologous (R2) virus and several other strains of HIV-1. The results suggest a model in which antibody access to the CD4bs on the envelope spike of HIV-1 is restricted by the orientation and/or dynamics of the V1/V2 and V3 loops, and b12 avoids these restrictions.
Postpartum tubal ligation after pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Objective To determine the anesthetic and surgical morbidity associated with postpartum tubal ligation after pregnancy complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension. Methods Preoperative hemodynamic measurements, laboratory Results , choice of anesthetic technique, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, and postoperative morbidity were compared in 53 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (hypertensive group) and 53 controls who under-went postpartum tubal ligation between October 1992 and November 1995. We used a retrospective case-control design. Results Preoperative mean blood pressure (BP) measurements (± standard deviation) were greater in hypertensive women than in controls (158 ± 22/91 ± 12 versus 126 ± 13/71 ± 10 mmHg; P Conclusion The lack of profound hemodynamic responses during spinal or general anesthesia for postpartum tubal ligation supports the continued use of this procedure in selected women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Optimizing reactive volt-ampere regulating devices in transmission systems using a full three-phase representation

Abstract A technique is presented for optimizing the locations and sizes of reactive volt-ampere regulating devices in transmission networks or for optimal control of existing devices. The technique is based on linear programming concepts. It uses a full three-phase representation of the transmission network and is therefore capable of analysing systems with unbalanced loads. The technique is also capable of optimizing with both positive and negative variations in the values of the regulating devices. The new technique is applied to an example system and the results are presented.
On being allen’s student

In the classroom, Allen's lectures were things of beauty. We all appreciated the tremendous effort he put into his courses, and we worked extra hard to learn the material, both for our own benefit, and to show him that we cared. One semester he gave twice the usual number of problems, of which we were supposed to hand in our best 50%. Well, everyone handed in all the problems, and Allen was swamped trying to grade them. When he assigned the next problem set, he told us that although he'd still grade every submission (he never wanted to discourage hard work), he wouldn't choose the best 50% himself. Each person would get an average based on all the problems he or she submitted. He thought that would do the trick, since many of these problems were quite difficult, so there was a good chance of being penalized for handing in more than the minimum number. But it didn't work: everyone still handed in all the problems. Allen produced more Ph.D. students than anyone else in the history of the Michigan Mathematics Department. But I want you to know that beneath that gentle exterior lurked a very tough advisor! If you were his student, then under his guidance, you settled on your own topic, within which you found your own problem. And there was no guarantee that you could crack that problem. Allen kept to the sidelines but always made himself available to guide us to the literature, offer opinions, suggest options, lighten the mood with gentle wisecracks, and generally shout encouragement. Any student who got a degree with
Solar wind electron distribution functions inside magnetic clouds

[1] This paper presents a study of the kinetic properties of the electron velocity distribution functions within interplanetary magnetic clouds, since they are the dominant thermal component and can contribute as much as 50% of the total electron pressure within the clouds. The study is based on high time resolution data from the Goddard Space Flight Center Wind Solar Wind Experiment vector electron and ion spectrometer. Studies on interplanetary magnetic clouds have shown observational evidence of anticorrelation between the total electron density and temperature, which suggests a polytrope law Pe = αneγ for electrons with the constant γ ≈ 0.5 < 1. This anticorrelation and small γ values are interpreted in the context of the presence of highly non-Maxwellian electron distributions (i.e., nonthermal tails) within magnetic clouds. We have revisited some of the magnetic cloud events previously studied to quantify the nature of the nonthermal electrons by modeling the electron velocity distribution function using Maxwellian and kappa-like distribution functions to characterize the kinetic nonthermal effects. The results show that the electron density-temperature anticorrelation is not a unique feature of magnetic clouds. Within magnetic clouds, κ values are generally small, in the range of 1.6–5.4; however, such small values are also typical of regions outside the clouds. We have shown that the density-temperature anticorrelation of the electron moments is persistently consistent with similar density-temperature anticorrelation in the electron halo component of the velocity distribution function and essentially little or no correlation was obtained for the core component. This result clearly shows that the temperature and density of the suprathermal components play a significant role in the temperature-density anticorrelation because of a relative enhancement of the halo component abundance to the total density.
The Comparative Predictive Validities of High School Rank, The Ammons Quick Test, and Two Scholastic Aptitude Test Measures for a Sample of Black Female College Students.

In the prediction of college grade-point averages (GPA) for minority college students, researchers often have reported relatively low predictive validity for both the Mathematics and Verbal sections of the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-M and SAT-V) in comparison with that obtained for high school class rank (HSR). This circumstance has suggested the need for alternative predictors to replace SAT-V and SAT-M as admissions indicators, particularly in the instance of minority college applicants. One such potential replacement was thought to be the Ammons Quick Test (AQT), which requires ony a short time to administer (10 to 12 minutes). By means of a multiple regression analysis with data from a sample of 63 specially admitted Black female undergraduates, the relationship between the optimally weighted composite of predictors (SAT-V, SAT-M, HSR and AQT) and the criterion (GPA) was evaluated. The HSR, SAT-V, SAT-M, and AQT afforded predictive validity coefficients of .52 (p < .001), .28 (p < .05...
The effect of growth regulatory chemicals on abscission and IAA-oxidizing enzyme system of dwarf bean seedlings

The effects of certain carcinogenic agents, a growth retardant, and kinetin on abscission, IAA, IAA–oxidase and peroxidase on dwarf bean seedlings were studied. The results indicate significant changes in the levels of IAA, IAA–oxidase and peroxidase brought about by the treatment with the carcinogens, growth retardant, and kinetin.
Photodynamic therapy:Palliation and endoscopic technique in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is the primary malignancy arising from the biliary epithelium. The disease is marked by jaundice, cholestasis, and cholangitis. Over 50 percent of patients present with advanced stage disease, precluding curative surgical resection as an option of treatment. Prognosis is poor, and survival has been limited even after biliary decompression. Palliative management has become the standard of care for unresectable disease and has evolved to include an endoscopic approach. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) consists of administration of a photosensitizer followed by local irradiation with laser therapy. Several studies conducted in Europe and the United States have shown a marked improvement in the symptoms of cholestasis, survival, and quality of life. This article summarizes the published experience regarding PDT for cholangiocarcinoma and the steps required to administer this therapy safely.
Analysis of two genes encoding heat-labile toxins and located on a single Ent plasmid from Escherichia coli.

Abstract A clinical isolate of Escherichia coli harbored two copies of the heat-labile toxin (LT) -encoding gene (elt) on a 157-kb plasmid. The arrangement of the gene copies is different from the cholera toxin-encoding gene duplication described for some strains of Vibrio cholerae. The nucleotide sequences of the elt alleles are not identical (differing by 2 bp) and the duplicated region flanking the alleles extends 314 bp on one side and 1122 bp on the other side of each copy. Different partial copies of IS600 were identified 280 bp 3' to the stop codon of each allele. Partial and complete copies of other IS were also identified near the elt alleles. The data suggest that the regions surrounding the genes are hot spots for IS which would account for the observed heterogeneity in DNA flanking elt genes.
Chloroplast and Cytoplasmic Enzymes: IV. Pea Leaf Fructose 1,6-Diphosphate Aldolases.

Several peaks of aldolase activity are found in the isoelectric focusing pattern of pea (Pisum sativum) leaf chloroplast extracts. One peak, separated by 0.5 pH unit from the major chloroplast aldolase peak, is found when cytoplasmic extracts are focused. The chloroplast and cytoplasmic enzymes have a pH 7.4 optimum with fructose 1,6-diphosphate. The Michaelis constant for fructose-1,6-diphosphate is 19 μM for the chloroplast, 21 μM for the cytoplasmic enzyme, and for sedoheptulose 1,7-diphosphate, 8 μM for the chloroplast enzyme, 18 μM for the cytoplasmic enzyme. Both enzymes are inhibited by d-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and by ribulose 1,5-diphosphate. The similarity in the catalytic properties of the isoenzymes suggests that both enzymes have an amphibolic role in carbon metabolism in the green leaf.
Bioinformatics. Current limitations and insights for the future.

The field of biology has undergone several rounds of transformation in the approaches taken, ranging from theoretical to experimental perturbation to discovering molecular components. In the next decades to come, I believe it will take on another transformation to bioinformatical, where
A new endometrial applicator

Abstract A newly designed afterloading applicator in the management of carcinoma of the endometrium is described. This applicator allows a wide range of adjustment of the dose distribution and permits the irradiation of both the uterus and the vagina in one step. A standardized computerized dosimetry and dose evaluation is also described.
Simplifying algorithm learning using serious games

Algorithm Visualization using Serious Games (AVuSG) is an algorithm learning and visualization approach that uses serious computer games to teach algorithms. It visualizes an algorithm to be learned in four forms: a text, a flowchart, a game demo, and a game. Moreover, (AVuSG) method integrates learning theories and models in addition to motivation theory to introduce three learning models that simplify algorithm learning.
ON THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CLUSTERING AND SPATIAL CO-LOCATION PATTERN MINING

The goal of spatial co-location pattern mining is to find subsets of spatial features frequently located together in spatial proximity. Example co-location patterns include services requested frequently and located together from mobile devices (e.g., PDAs and cellular phones) and symbiotic species in ecology (e.g., Nile crocodile and Egyptian plover). Spatial clustering groups similar spatial objects together. Reusing research results in clustering, e.g. algorithms and visualization techniques, by mapping co-location mining problem into a clustering problem would be very useful. However, directly clustering spatial objects from various spatial features may not yield well-defined co-location patterns. Clustering spatial objects in each layer followed by overlaying the layers of clusters may not applicable to many application domains where the spatial objects in some layers are not clustered. In this paper, we propose a new approach to the problem of mining co-location patterns using clustering techniques. First, we propose a novel framework for co-location mining using clustering techniques. We show that the proximity of two spatial features can be captured by summarizing their spatial objects embedded in a continuous space via various techniques. We define the desired properties of proximity functions compared to similarity functions in clustering. Furthermore, we summarize the properties of a list of popular spatial statistical measures as the proximity functions. Finally, we show that clustering techniques can be applied to reveal the rich structure formed by co-located spatial features. A case study on real datasets shows that our method is effective for mining co-locations from large spatial datasets.
The wise teacher: A developmental model of teaching

(1999). The wise teacher: A developmental model of teaching. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 38, Redefining Teacher Quality, pp. 12-17.
Unexpectedly robust assembly of the Axin destruction complex regulates Wnt/Wg signaling in Drosophila as revealed by analysis in vivo.

Abstract Secreted proteins in the Wnt family regulate gene expression in target cells by causing the accumulation of the transcriptional activator β-catenin. In the absence of Wnt, a protein complex assembled around the scaffold protein Axin targets β-catenin for destruction, thereby preventing it from transducing inappropriate signals. Loss of Axin or its binding partners APC and GSK3 results in aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling response. We have analyzed the effects of mutant forms of Drosophila Axin with large internal deletions when expressed at physiological levels in vivo, either in the presence or absence of wild type Axin. Surprisingly, even deletions that completely remove the binding sites for fly APC, GSK3 or β-catenin, though they fail to rescue to viability, these mutant forms of Axin cause only mild developmental defects, indicating largely retained Axin function. Furthermore, two lethal Axin deletion constructs, AxinΔRGS and AxinΔβcat(ΔArm), can complement each other and restore viability. Our findings support a model in which the Axin complex is assembled through cooperative tripartite interactions among the binding partners, making the assembly of functional complexes surprisingly robust.
Kant as ethical naturalist

Dans les Fondements de la Methaphysique des Moeurs, et la Critique de la Raison Pratique Kant essaie d'etablir la moralite comme mode de pensee different de tous les autres. Mais l'essentiel est que l'etre humain est guide par la nature, qu'aucun organe comme en biologie n'existe qu'en vue d'une fin. La morale a ainsi pour fin l'action bonne et suppose la connaissance des pouvoirs naturels de l'homme a la fois comme etre raisonnable et comme etre de desir. Ceci est a rapprocher de la teleologie que la Critique du Jugement decouvrait dans la nature.
The Central Limit Theorem and the Law of Large Numbers for Pair-Connectivity in Bernoulli Trees

Consider the standard network reliability model in which each edge of a given (n, m)-graph G is deleted, independently of all others, with probability q = 1– p (0 <p < 1). The pair-connectivity random variable X is defined to be the number of connected pairs of vertices that remain in G. The mean of X has been proposed as a measure of reliability for failure-prone communications networks in which the edge deletions correspond to failures of the communications links. We consider deviations from the mean, the law of large numbers, and the central limit theorem for X as n → ∞. Some explicit results are obtained when G is a tree using martingale difference sequences. Stars and paths are treated in detail.
Transferability and genetic relatedness of high-level gentamicin resistance among enterococci.

Abstract Gentamicin resistance in six enterococcal species was investigated. Transfer of resistance was observed for the donors E. faecium UC 79, E. avium CC 54, and E. gallinarum B 51, but not for E. raffinosus UC 78 or E. casseliflavus UC 73. Except for E. casseliflavus UC 73, homology was observed between the E. faecalis aac6'-aph2" gene and DNA from other species. Whereas 2.6-kb HindIII fragments encoded resistance in E. faecalis UC 244, its transconjugant, and E. raffinosus UC 78, 3.4-kb fragments encoded resistance in E. faecium UC 79, E. gallinarum B 51, and their transconjugants. A 3.4-kb fragment encoded resistance in E. avium CC 54, but 2.6-kb fragments encoded resistance in the transconjugants. Although many similarities were found among the strains, the heterogeneity in gentamicin resistance exhibited by some isolates indicates diversity among these determinants.
CMOS low power baseband chain for a GSM/DECT multistandard receiver

A CMOS low power baseband chain for an integrated GSM/DECT multistandard receiver is presented. The chain uses a low power class AB digitally controlled filter and variable gain amplifier blocks to provide a low power, DSP controllable design solution. The chain and the building blocks are fabricated using standard N-well CMOS technology. Measurement results indicate that the chain can operate in GSM or DECT mode with a total standby current consumption less than 1.5 mA, while providing a gain control range from −6 dB to 23 dB in 1 dB steps. The chain achieves an input referred noise less than 31 nV/√(Hz) and an out-of-band IIP3 of more than 30 dBm.
B16-G4F mouse melanoma cells: An MSH receptor-deficient cell clone

The two mouse melanoma cell lines B16-F1 and B16-G4F retain their melanogenic capacity when cultured in vitro. Melanotropic peptides such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) induce formation and release of melanin pigment in B16-F1 cells. In contrast, B16-G4F cells do not respond to α-MSH. Using receptor-binding analysis and photoaffinity crosslinking we demonstrate that the lack of response of B16-G4F cells to α-MSH is due to the absence of functional MSH receptors from the cell surface. Northern blot analysis of receptor mRNA revealed that MSH receptor mRNA is not expressed in B16-G4F cells. These cells represent a new tool for the study of signal pathways related to the control of melanogenesis in melanoma cells.
Gene flow among seed plant populations

Gene flow is a critical determinant of population genetic structure, playing an important role in both evolutionary and applied plant population genetics. Four methods have been used to estimate rates of gene flow among plant populations. I review and reconcile the data collected by these methods. The following generalization emerges: although gene flow varies substantially among species, populations, seasons, and even individual plants, at physical isolation distances of hundreds to thousands of meters, gene flow levels are frequently sufficient to counteract genetic drift and moderate levels of directional selection. This pattern suggests the genetic structure of natural plant populations is more dynamic than generally supposed. Furthermore, substantial and variable gene flow has implications for plant breeding, conservation genetics, and the potential for the escape of engineered genes.
Moving beyond dichotomous psychological evaluation: the Cleveland Clinic Behavioral Rating System for weight loss surgery

Abstract Background Most bariatric programs require a preoperative psychological evaluation. The criteria for such decision-making and acceptance rates have been well described in published reports. Most programs have made categorical distinctions of accept, reject, or delay, although this limits utility. Methods Bariatric surgery candidates (n = 389; 77.1% women; 74.3% white; mean ± SD BMI 49.84 ± 11.51 kg/m 2 ) were evaluated using the CCBRS across 8 domains of interest in the psychological bariatric literature. Each domain was graded using a 5-point scale (poor, guarded, fair, good, excellent). A summary assessment was also given. The in-patient length of stay and preoperative, 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month BMI changes were assessed in the subset (n = 241) who had undergone surgery. Results The CCBRS had excellent internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha=.88) and good consistency across providers (test-retest for overall determination r = .82). Most candidates were deemed acceptable, but 25.7% were initially considered guarded or poor candidates. Only 2.6% of the sample was unable to achieve the goals to improve their candidacy and undergo surgery. Hierarchical regression analyses on the overall CCBRS score demonstrated that unemployment, less education, greater BMI, smoking, and psychiatric medication use were associated with lower assessment scores. Guarded candidates spent significantly longer in the hospital and fair candidates had less preoperative BMI change than guarded or good candidates, although no significant postoperative BMI changes were demonstrated. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that the CCBRS is an internally consistent and useful tool for multidimensional psychological assessment of preoperative bariatric candidates.
A physico-chemical theory of sweet and bitter taste excitation based on the properties of the plasma membrane

This paper is concerned with physical and chemical changes occurring in the taste buds due to the presence of sapid substances, and not with the nervous mechanism transmitting impulses to the brain. From this standpoint taste phenomena are closely allied with general cell physiology or pharmacology. It has been shown that the great majority of anesthetic or toxic substances have a bitter taste and it is considered that the same structural changes occur in the cell membranes in taste buds as in other cells of the body when such substances are present. From consideration of a large amount of experimental data on the taste of organic compounds it is shown that thesweet and bitter substances are chemically very closely related and there is no line of demarcation between them. In many homologous series there is a continuous (rather than discontinuous) transition from sweet to bitter. Sweet substances having a bitter after-taste are also common.It has been pointed out that it is a general property of anesthetics to be stimulants (i. e. to accelerate cell activities)when in low concentrations. The continuous transition from stimulant to narcotic action is correlated with the sweet-bitter transition. FollowingClowes, Lillie and others the cell membrane is looked upon as a balanced emulsion partly of the water in oil type and partly of the reverse type.The phenomena cited above have been explained in terms of adsorption and surface tension action of substances on this emulsion system and the consequent changes in cell membrane permeability due to changes in the phase ratio of the emulsion types.
Technical Advances and Clinical Applications of Quantitative Myocardial Blood Flow Imaging With Cardiac MRI

The recent FAME 2 study highlights the importance of myocardial ischemia assessment, particularly in the post-COURAGE trial era of managing patients with stable coronary artery disease. Qualitative assessment of myocardial ischemia by stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has gained widespread clinical acceptance and utility. Despite the high diagnostic and prognostic performance of qualitative stress CMR, the ability to quantitatively assess myocardial perfusion reserve and absolute myocardial blood flow remains an important and ambitious goal for non-invasive imagers. Quantitative perfusion by stress CMR remains a research technique that has yielded progressively more encouraging results in more recent years. The ability to safely, rapidly, and precisely procure quantitative myocardial perfusion data would provide clinicians with a powerful tool that may substantially alter clinical practice and improve downstream patient outcomes and the cost effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This may also provide a surrogate endpoint for clinical trials, reducing study population sizes and costs through increased power. This review will cover emerging quantitative CMR techniques for myocardial perfusion assessment by CMR, including novel methods, such as 3-dimensional quantitative myocardial perfusion, and some of the challenges that remain before more widespread clinical adoption of these techniques may take place.
Universal epitopes of influenza virus hemagglutinins

The influenza virus has proved an elusive target in the development of broadly protective vaccines. A new study identifies an antibody with broad neutralizing activity against influenza viruses of different subtypes. The antibody recognizes a highly conserved region on the viral hemagglutinin that may be targeted to prevent infection.
The Influence of Disclosure and Ethics Education on Perceptions of Financial Conflicts of Interest

This study explored how disclosure of financial conflicts of interest (FCOI) influences naive or “lay” individuals’ perceptions of the ethicality of researcher conduct. On a between-subjects basis, participants read ten scenarios in which researchers disclosed or failed to disclose relevant financial conflicts of interest. Participants evaluated the extent to which each vignette represented a FCOI, its possible influence on researcher objectivity, and the ethics of the financial relationship. Participants were then asked if they had completed a college-level ethics course. Results indicated that FCOI disclosure significantly influenced participants’ perceptions of the ethicality of the situation, but only marginally affected perceptions of researcher objectivity and had no significant influence on perceptions of the existence of FCOIs. Participants who had previously completed a college-level ethics course appeared more sensitive to the importance of FCOI disclosure than those who lacked such background. This result suggests that formal ethical training may help individuals become more critical consumers of scientific research.