cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous regulation of splicing events within protein 4.1 pre-mRNA during erythroid differentiation

Protein 4.1 is an 80-kD structural component of the red blood cell (RBC) cytoskeleton. It is critical for the formation of the spectrin/actin/protein 4.1 junctional complex, the integrity of which is important for the horizontal strength and elasticity of RBCs. We and others have previously shown that multiple protein 4.1 mRNA isoforms are generated from a single genomic locus by several alternative mRNA splicing events, leading to the insertion or skipping of discrete internal sequence motifs. The physiologic significance of these motifs: (1) an upstream 17-nucleotide sequence located at the 5' end of exon 2 that contains an in-frame ATG initiation codon, the inclusion of which by use of an alternative splice acceptor site in exon 2 allows the production of a 135-kD high-molecular-weight isoform present in nonerythroid cells; (2) exon 16, which encodes a 21-amino acid (21aa) segment located in the 10-kD "spectrin/actin binding domain" (SAB), the presence of which is required for junctional complex stability in RBCs. Previous studies by our group and others suggested that, among blood cells, this exon was retained only in mature mRNA in the erythroid lineage. Exon 16 is one of a series of three closely linked alternatively spliced exons, generating eight possible mRNA products with unique configurations of the SAB. In this communication, we report studies of the expression of both the translation initiation region and the SAB region during induced erythroid maturation in mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells. We have found that only two of eight possible combinatorial patterns of exon splicing at the SAB region are encountered: the isoform lacking all three exons, present in predifferentiated cells, and the isoform containing only exon 16, which increases in amount during erythroid differentiation. The protein isoform containing the 21aa segment encoded by exon 16 efficiently and exclusively incorporates into the membrane, whereas the isoform lacking this 21aa segment remains in the cytoplasm, as well as the membrane. In contrast with exon 16, the erythroid pattern of exon 2 splicing, i.e., skipping of the 17-base sequence at the 5' end, was found to be already established in the uninduced MEL cells, suggesting strongly that this regulated splicing event occurs at an earlier stage of differentiation. Our results demonstrate asynchronous regulation of two key mRNA splicing events during erythroid cell maturation. These findings also show that the splicing of exon 16 alters the intracellular localization of protein 4.1 in MEL cells, and appears to be essential for its targeting to the plasmalemma.
Should Early Prone Positioning Be a Standard of Care in ARDS With Refractory Hypoxemia? Wrong Question-Reply.

In reply: In this nicely written and well-intentioned letter, Dr Chertoff seems to miss the intent and message of the “controversy” format. Clearly, we agree that prone positioning has a definite place and is currently underutilized. Those points of agreement were explicit in the pro half of
Electronic cigarettes: the lesser of two evils, but how much less?

No legal habit has caused more morbidity and mortality than cigarette smoking which takes greater than 10 years away from the average smoker's life, being a major risk factor for the leading causes of mortality in both developed and low-income/middle-income countries, including coronary artery disease, cancers (especially lung cancer) and COPD.1–4 While cigarette smoking is increasing worldwide, we have made slow but steady progress in the USA reducing smoking prevalence to 18% of adults. Nicotine replacement therapy has assisted many smokers to quit; however, with the advent of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), investigators began to wonder to what extent vaporised nicotine is responsible for disease pathogenesis beyond its addictive properties. Nicotine modulates inflammation causing both inflammatory cell apoptosis5 and inflammatory cell chemotaxis.6 There is growing evidence that e-cigarettes increase the risk for oxidative burden and inflammation in the lungs of mice.7 The study by Garcia-Arcos et al 8 published in Thorax convincingly demonstrates that chronic exposure (4 months) of inhaled e-cigarettes in mice causes characteristic changes observed in COPD, including airway pathology, inflammation and emphysematous lung destruction. Are preclinical models of COPD sufficient to consider regulating the use of e-cigarettes? Murine models of disease are often criticised for lack of …
Interleukin-22 and Cyclosporine in Aggressive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) account for up to 10,000 deaths annually in the United States. Most of the more than 700,000 SCCs diagnosed are cured by excision with clear margins; however, metastasis can occur despite seemingly adequate treatment in some cases. Immune-suppressed organ transplant recipients are 60 to 100 times more likely to develop SCC than immune-competent individuals. Transplant-associated SCCs occur more frequently and behave more aggressively, showing higher risk of recurrence and metastasis. This article identifies a potential role for interleukin-22 in driving SCC proliferation, particularly in solid organ transplant recipients taking cyclosporine.
The structure of binding curves and practical identifiability of equilibrium ligand-binding parameters

A critical but often overlooked question in the study of ligands binding to proteins is whether the parameters obtained from analyzing binding data are practically identifiable (PI), i.e., whether the estimates obtained from fitting models to noisy data are accurate and unique. Here we report a general approach to assess and understand binding parameter identifiability, which provides a toolkit to assist experimentalists in the design of binding studies and in the analysis of binding data. The partial fraction (PF) expansion technique is used to decompose binding curves for proteins with n ligand-binding sites exactly and uniquely into n components, each of which has the form of a one-site binding curve. The association constants of the PF component curves, being the roots of an n-th order polynomial, may be real or complex. We demonstrate a fundamental connection between binding parameter identifiability and the nature of these one-site association constants: all binding parameters are identifiable if the constants are all real and distinct; otherwise, at least some of the parameters are not identifiable. The theory is used to construct identifiability maps from which the practical identifiability of binding parameters for any two-, three-, or four-site binding curve can be assessed. Instructions for extending the method to generate identifiability maps for proteins with more than four binding sites are also given. Further analysis of the identifiability maps leads to the simple rule that the maximum number of structurally identifiable binding parameters (shown in the previous paper to be equal to n) will also be PI only if the binding curve line shape contains n resolved components.
Epoxy Adhesion to Copper, Part II: Electrochemical Pretreatment

Electrochemical methods of pretreating copper surfaces for adhesive bonding were studied. The objective of the electrochemical pretreatment was to control the oxide layer under the copper-coupling agent complex film, since this layer was found to be the locus of failure of copper/epoxy bonds aged in boiling water. Both cathodic and anodic pretreatments resulted in improved durability of the joint after exposure. Experiments were also performed to understand the mechanism of weakening of copper/epoxy bonds in boiling water.
Finding Anomalies with Generative Adversarial Networks for a Patrolbot

We present an anomaly detection system based on an autonomous robot performing a patrol task. Using a generative adversarial network (GAN), we compare the robot's current view with a learned model of normality. Our preliminary experimental results show that the approach is well suited for anomaly detection, providing efficient results with a low false positive rate.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Two Food Insecurity Screeners Recommended for Use in Health Care Settings

Objectives. To test the diagnostic accuracy of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended food insecurity screener.Methods. We conducted prospective diagnostic accuracy studies between July and November 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. We recruited convenience samples of adults from adult and pediatric emergency departments (12-month recall study: n = 188; 30-day recall study: n = 154). A self-administered survey included the 6-item Household Food Security Screen (gold standard), the validated 2-item Hunger Vital Sign (HVS; often, sometimes, never response categories), and the 2-item AAP tool (yes-or-no response categories).Results. Food insecurity was prevalent (12-month recall group: 46%; 30-day group: 39%). Sensitivity of the AAP tool using 12-month and 30-day recall was, respectively, 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 65%, 85%) and 72% (95% CI = 57%, 84%). The HVS sensitivity was significantly higher than the AAP tool (12-month: 94% [95% CI = 86%, 98%; P = .002]; 30-day: 92% [95% CI = 79%, 98%; ...
Interactive design center.

Sandia's advanced computing resources provide researchers, engineers and analysts with the ability to develop and render highly detailed large-scale models and simulations. To take full advantage of these multi-million data point visualizations, display systems with comparable pixel counts are needed. The Interactive Design Center (IDC) is a second generation visualization theater designed to meet this need. The main display integrates twenty-seven projectors in a 9-wide by 3-high array with a total display resolution of more than 35 million pixels. Six individual SmartBoard displays offer interactive capabilities that include on-screen annotation and touch panel control of the facility's display systems. This report details the design, implementation and operation of this innovative facility.
Defending the Socratic Interpretation of Plato’s Dialogues

This chapter provides an in-depth set of replies to several objections that either have been raised or might be raised to the Socratic Anti-Mouthpiece Interpretation of Plato’s dialogues. It is the goal of this chapter to defend the Socratic Anti-Mouthpiece Interpretation as the most plausible approach to Plato’s dialogues because it is the least problematic and because there are no discernible objections to it that render it implausible. This chapter also articulates the value of the Socratic Anti-Mouthpiece Interpretation in explaining their purpose as the Platonic Question raises the problem of Plato’s purpose in composing philosophy in mostly dialogue form.
The promise of magnetized fuel: High gain in inertial confinement fusion

At the third International Conference on Emerging Nuclear Energy Systems, we presented computational results which suggested that breakeven'' experiments in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) may be possible with existing driver technology. Our computations used a simple zero-dimensional model to survey the parameter space available for magnetized fuel. The survey predicted the existence of a totally new region in parameter space where significant thermonuclear fuel burn-up can occur. The new region is quite remote from conventional'' parameter space and is characterized by very low fuel densities, very low implosion velocities, and, most importantly, driver requirements reduced by orders of magnitude. Whereas our initial computations considered only the yield from a hot, magnetized central fuel, we have extended our simple model to include a cold fuel'' layer. In the same spirit as our earlier work, our extended model is intended to provide a starting point for more comprehensive investigations. Our extended model predicts that it is possible to obtain a large cold fuel burn-up fraction, leading to very high gain, and once again, the optimum parameter space is quite remote from that of conventional high gain targets. Although conventional drivers optimized for conventional targets are probably not optimum for magnetized fuel atmore » its extremes, there is a continuum between the conventional parameter space between the conventional parameter space and the new parameter space, suggesting a possible role for conventional drivers. However, it would appear that magnetized fuel warrants a complete rethinking of the entire driver/target configuration.« less
The ESS Maximum Principle as a Tool for Modeling and Managing Biological Systems

Ever since the advent of DDT and the discovery of mutant strains of mosquitoes immune to DDT, it has been public knowledge that ecosystems can and will evolve in response to our efforts at control. While differential equations have been in common use as management models, it is uncommon to find any such models that attempt to capture the evolutionary potential of the species being managed. Here, we will present an evolutionary game approach to modeling which should provide more realistic management models, and point out some areas of possible application. In order to include evolution into management models, we are faced with two fundamental questions: What is evolving? and Where is it evolving to? In the evolutionary game theory presented here, the “what” are parameters in the differential game model associated with characteristics of the species that are clearly adaptive (such as sunlight conversion efficiency for plants or body length in animals), which we will call strategies. The “where” is the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) to which these parameters can evolve. These strategies can be determined using the ESS maximum principle. This principle is extended here to include a wider class of models. The ESS maximum principle when used with appropriate models, has the capacity to predict the evolutionary response of biological systems subject to human inputs. These inputs can include physiographic changes, harvesting, and the introduction or removal of new species and/or resources. Results are discussed in terms of some typical managed ecosystems.
Restoration and Reciprocity: The Contributions of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Carol Crowe, an Algonquin ecologist, tells the story of explaining to one of her elders that she was traveling to a conference about sustainable development. The term was not familiar to him, so she explained the notion of managing resources in such a way that future generations would be able to obtain the same ecosystem services that are provided today, without impairment to the land. He was quiet for a time. The idea was hardly new to him. He then asked her to carry a message to the conference. He said, “This idea of sustainability sounds to me like the same old formula by which people simply continue to take from the earth. They just want to keep taking. You can’t just take. Tell them, that among our people our concern is not what we can take from the land, but what we can give.”
"Watch the Blood-Soaked Old General in Action": Blochian Atheism, Exodus, and Utopia in Doctor Who

This article reads the eighth series of modern Doctor Who alongside Ernst Bloch's Atheism in Christianity. Applying Bloch's motifs of utopianism, God on High, and God of Exodus, it suggests that Do...
Modeling Pulse Properties near the Bubble-to-Pulse Transition in Randomly Packed Beds

Traveling wave analysis of a recently developed two-fluid model for bubbly flow in lab-size packed beds is used to propose a constitutive closure for the effective viscosity, a nonzero parameter that is needed in the liquid momentum balance to avoid the prediction of disturbances with an infinite growth rate. Near-solitary wave profiles are predicted over a range of velocity parameters consistent with linear stability analysis. Centimeter-scale periodic disturbances are predicted in the near-pulsing regime. Preliminary estimates of average pulse properties compare well with typically reported experimental values. Initial comparison with time integration subject to periodic boundary conditions shows agreement of the liquid saturation profiles but differences in the liquid velocity profiles.
Continuous Multistage Synthesis and Functionalization of Sub-100 nm Silica Nanoparticles in 3D-Printed Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor Cascades.

The controlled and continuous production of nanoparticles (NPs) with functionalized surfaces remains a technological challenge. We present a multistage synthetic platform, consisting of 3D-printed ...
Impact of Soil Microbial Amendments on Tomato Rhizosphere Microbiome and Plant Growth in Field Soil

There is increased interest by the agricultural industry in microbial amendments that leverage natural beneficial interactions between plants and soil microbes to improve crop production. However, translating fundamental knowledge from laboratory experiments into efficient field application often has mixed results, and there is less clarity about the interaction between added microbes and the native microbial community, where microorganisms belonging to the same phylogenic clades often reside. In this study, four commercially available microbial amendments were examined in two greenhouse experiments using field soil to assess their impact on tomato plant growth and the native soil microbial communities. The amendments contained different formulations of plant growth-promoting bacteria (Lactobacilli, Rhizobia, etc.), yeasts, and mycorrhizal fungi. The application of the tested amendments in greenhouse conditions resulted in no significant impact on plant growth. A deeper statistical analysis detected variations in the microbial communities that accounted only for 0.25% of the total species, particularly in native taxa not related to the inoculated species and represented less than 1% of the total variance. This suggests that under commercial field conditions, additional confounding variables may play a role in the efficacy of soil microbial amendments. This study confirms the necessity of more in-depth validation requirements for the formulations of soil microbial amendments before delivery to the agricultural market in order to leverage their benefits for the producers, the consumers, and the environment.
The Effect of Fluoroscopy Control on Cannulation Rate and Fluoroscopy Time in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Training

Background/Aim: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training requires varying degrees of staff assistance regarding operation of the fluoroscopy machine via a foot pedal. Efficiency is important to acquire during this training due to radiation risks. In this study, we evaluate the effect of controlling endoscopy and fluoroscopy unit on duct cannulation rates (CRs) and total fluoroscopy time (FT) for fellows in training. Methods: 204 patients undergoing ERCP were randomized to one of two groups: 1) “Endoscopist Driven” group in which the endoscopist controlled the foot pedal for fluoroscopy, and 2) “Assistant Driven” group in which attending or fellow controlled the foot pedal while the other team member controlled the endoscope. Various measures including selective duct CR and total FT were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in mean procedure duration between the two groups (32 minutes vs. 33 minutes, p=0.70). There was also no statistically significant difference in CR (83.7% vs. 77.4%, p=0.25) or FT (3.27 minutes vs. 3.54 minutes, p=0.48). Conclusions: ERCP is a technically challenging procedure which requires extensive supervision. This study demonstrates that CR and FT are not affected by who controls the fluoroscopy. Korean J Pancreas Biliary Tract 2021;26(1):43-48
The Passing of Fred Phelps and Challenges to First Amendment Freedom of (and From) Speech

JURIST Guest Columnist Kevin Govern of Ave Maria School of Law considers the life and times of the late First Amendment advocate-antagonist Fred Phelps.
Examining the measurement equivalence of the Maslach Burnout Inventory across age, gender, and specialty groups in US physicians.

Disparities in US physician burnout rates across age, gender, and specialty groups as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI) are well documented. We evaluated whether disparities in US physician burnout are explained by differences in the MBI’s functioning across physician age, gender, and specialty groups. We assessed the measurement equivalence of the MBI across age, gender, and specialty groups in multi-group item response theory- (IRT-) based differential item functioning (DIF) analyses using secondary, cross-sectional survey data from US physicians (n = 6577). We detected DIF using two IRT-based methods and assessed its impact by estimating the overall average difference in groups’ subscale scores attributable to DIF. We assessed DIF’s practical significance by comparing differences in individuals’ subscale scores and burnout prevalence estimates from models unadjusted and adjusted for DIF. We detected statistically significant age-, gender-, and specialty- DIF in all but one MBI item. However, in all cases, average differences in expected subscale-level scores due to DIF were < 0.10 SD on each subscale. Differences in physicians’ individual-level subscale scores and burnout symptom prevalence estimates across DIF- adjusted and unadjusted IRT models were also small (in all cases, mean absolute differences in individual subscale scores were < 0.04 z-score units; prevalence estimates differed by < 0.70%). Age-, gender-, and specialty-related disparities in US physician burnout are not explained by differences in the MBI’s functioning across these demographic groups. Our findings support the use of the MBI as a valid tool to assess age-, gender-, and specialty-related disparities in US physician burnout.
Helium Ion Microscopy with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Nanoscale Chemical Imaging and Analysis of Polyolefins

To date, chemical imaging of polymers and polymer blends has been primarily accomplished using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to directly visualize the distribution of co...
Spatial Frequency Filter Design for Interferometric Image Classification Without Image Reconstruction

We investigate the use of spatial frequency filtering to detect specific features and classify images without reconstructing a full image. Based on interferometric Fourier-domain imaging, filtering the spatial frequency information amounts to a data reduction at the input to the system, leading to lower computational complexity, less hardware requirements, and the ability to classify images without the need for full image reconstruction. The proposed application is the detection of man-made structures from interferometric microwave imagery of the ground. In the spatial frequency domain, man-made structures such as buildings and roads display discrete, high spatial-frequency signals, while natural scenes have a smoother spatial frequency profile. We present ring-shaped spatial frequency designs that can detect these features without full image reconstruction. Furthermore, the filters can potentially be implemented with a small set of antennas, leading to low-cost, fast classification imaging.
An Intelligent Decision Support System for Intrusion Detection and Response

The paper describes the design of a genetic classifier-based intrusion detection system, which can provide active detection and automated responses during intrusions. It is designed to be a sense and response system that can monitor various activities on the network (i.e. looks for changes such as malfunctions, faults, abnormalities, misuse, deviations, intrusions, etc.). In particular, it simultaneously monitors networked computer's activities at different levels (such as user level, system level, process level and packet level) and use a genetic classifier system in order to determine a specific action in case of any security violation. The objective is to find correlation among the deviated values (from normal) of monitored parameters to determine the type of intrusion and to generate an action accordingly. We performed some experiments to evolve set of decision rules based on the significance of monitored parameters in Unix environment, and tested for validation.
CAMS — Compact atmospheric multi-species spectrometer

We present the design, development, and field performance of an airborne mid-IR spectrometer configured for the simultaneous sensitive detection of CH2O (∼40 pptv, 1 Hz) and C2H6 (∼15 pptv, 1 Hz).
Stroing logical form in a shared-packed forest

To co~npactly represent sentences containing syntactic ambiguity until the necessary inform.ation has been processed t o refine the meaning, we have modified an all-path context-free grammar parser t o generate a shared-packed parse forest annotated with logical form. An annotated shared-packed forest cannot contain every representation of a highly ambiguous sentence without using an intractable amount of space. Hence, our progra,m stores procedure calls for creating all possible logical forms for a c.onstituent in the forest. The resulting forest contains the same number of nodes and is not much bigger than the original forest. Furthermore, the stored procedural information can be used by a program to construct representations for any of the constituents in. the forest for subsequent testing against a world model. After performing each test, the program can incrementally prune the forest of ambiguity.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Algebraizable Institutions

The framework developed by Blok and Pigozzi for the algebraizability of deductive systems is extended to cover the algebraizability of multisignature logics with quantifiers. Institutions are used as the supporting structure in place of deductive systems. In particular, the concept of an algebraic institution and that of an algebraizable institution are made precise using the theory of monads from categorical algebra and the notion of equivalence of institutions introduced by Voutsadakis. Several examples of algebraic and algebraizable institutions are provided.
Desquamative interstitial pneumonia in a child related to cigarette smoke

An 8-year-old white male was referred to our clinic for a 1-year history of decreased appetite and no weight gain. His entire workup failed to demonstrate cystic fibrosis, or any infectious or immune-related diseases. Chest imaging and clinical picture suggested parenchymal lung disease. Histopathology examination of the video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy of his lungs showed a desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP)-like pattern that resembled that of adult smokers with the same disease. Genes for surfactant proteins B and C and the transporter ABCA3 were all negative. Furthermore, lack of any genetic disorder for surfactant proteins, along with his history of heavy exposure to 10 pack-years of indoor secondhand smoke suggests that this child's DIP is due to secondhand cigarette exposure. He had nearly complete resolution of his symptoms after a year of treatments with pulse steroid and hydroxycholoroquine. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of cigarette smoke-related DIP reported in a child.
Impact of school gardens on student attitudes and beliefs

Current research on school gardens implies positive changes in student attitudes, however most of this research is focused on how students change their dietary behavior during short-term studies. This study provides baseline data for a long-term survey of student attitudes toward gardening, peer relationships, and students’ science efficacy. The population for this study was sixth to ninth grade students at Gifft Hill School, St. John, USVI. This school is participating in a five year school garden implementation program associated with the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. While the population is limited (N= 40), the implications of a long-term school garden program for middle school students could add significant data to the research available for student attitudes toward school gardens and the impact gardens have on science achievement. The participants in this study were confident in their ability to complete the science tasks presented in each grades respective science class. Students were also able to recognize the importance of maintaining plant health in the school garden. New students and returning students differed in the degree to which they believe they had the ability to grow and maintain a garden as adults; however they appear to be developing positive attitudes toward consuming fruits and vegetables from their school garden. The baseline data presented in this study will be used for comparison of future student responses to aid Gifft Hill School and Iowa State University with the implementation of this school garden program.
ATPase-promoting dead end inhibitors of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase is a bifunctional enzyme, catalyzing the phosphorylation of the serine and threonine residues in peptides and proteins (kinase activity) as well as the phosphorylation of water (ATPase activity). We have found that several peptides, which serve as inhibitors of the kinase reaction, will either maintain or enhance the ATPase reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. Positively charged dipeptides (e.g. Arg-Arg), as well as small guanidino-containing compounds (e.g. guanethidine) block protein kinase activity yet enhance ATPase activity up to 3.5-fold over that exhibited by the enzyme in the absence of these compounds. In contrast, several nonphosphorylatable peptides, whose primary sequences are based on that of a known substrate (i.e. Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly), such as Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ala-Leu-Gly, Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Phe-Leu-Gly, and Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Tyr-Leu-Gly, have little or no effect on the rate of the kinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of ATP. An exception to the latter observation is Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Cys-Leu-Gly, a cysteine-containing peptide that promotes the protein kinase-catalyzed ATPase reaction by 2.2-fold. We have also found that peptides that possess relatively large amino acid side chain moieties immediately following the arginine dyad (i.e. such as Phe, Tyr, Cys, or Asn at Xaa in Leu-Arg-Arg-Xaa-Ala-Leu-Gly) sharply reduce the rate of enzyme-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. This suggests that in the presence of peptides containing an -Arg-Arg-Ala- sequence, the enzyme-bound gamma-phosphate of ATP is relatively accessible to water. In contrast, when the latter alanine moiety is replaced by a larger residue, access by water to ATP appears to be hindered. These results indicate that certain structural features associated with the substrate or substrate analog have a profound influence on the manner by which these species interact with the protein kinase. Furthermore, the work described herein demonstrates that it is possible to block the physiologically important kinase reaction and simultaneously promote the energetically wasteful ATPase reaction.
Amplification of Proteus mirabilis chromosomal DNA using the polymerase chain reaction.

A Proteus mirabilis-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed and standardized. The origin of the primers was a recombinant clone that contained P. mirabilis-specific Hind III fragment DNA of 3.5-kilobase pairs. Based on the sequence data of P. mirabilis recombinant clone, two primers designated MMKAP 1 and MMKAP 2 were synthesized for use in the PCR. A P. mirabilis-specific 3.5-kb pair DNA product was amplified by the primers from 18 strains of P. mirabilis, but not from other Protease species and bacteria. The minimum amount of target DNA detected by P. mirabilis PCR was 10 fg using ethidium bromide/ultraviolet exposure of gels or Southern blot hybridization with a P. mirabilis recombinant DNA probe.
Physiology and biochemistry of vitamin D-dependent calcium binding proteins

The vitamin D-dependent calcium binding proteins (calbindins) are members of the troponin-C superfamily of proteins that occur in a number of calcium-transporting tissues such as the intestine, the distal tubule of the kidney, and the placenta. They are also present in other tissues such as the brain, peripheral nervous system, pancreas, parathyroid gland, and bone. In some tissues, such as the adult brain, the proteins occur in the absence of the vitamin. The proteins bind calcium in "EF" hand structures and are "calcium-sensitive" in that they undergo a conformational change on binding calcium. They appear to enhance transcellular calcium transport and are frequently present in tissues that contain the plasma membrane calcium pump.
Lipoproteins, nutrition, aging, and atherosclerosis.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk increases markedly with age in both men and women. Major risk factors for CHD in addition to diet and lifestyle factors include age, family history of CHD, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes, elevated low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (≥4.1 mmol/L, or 160 mg/dL), and decreased high-densitylipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (<0.9 mmol/L, or 35 mg/dL). A diet containing ≤30% of energy from fat, <10% from saturated fat, and <300 mg cholesterol/d for the general population for CHD risk reduction, and a further restriction of <7% of energy from saturated fat and < 200 mg cholesterol/d for hypercholesterolemic subjects has been recommended. Such diets have been shown to reduce CHD risk. Age-adjusted CHD mortality rates have declined by 50% over the past four decades, probably because of decreases in animal fats in the diet, better control of hypertension, and efforts at smoking cessation
Design of synthetic gene-metabolic circuits

The design approach in engineering has created industrial revolution and modern civilization. The basis of design is the understanding of key principles underlying the system of interest. Such an approach has not been explored in biology until recently. While much remained unknown in the cell, key functional paradigms and many molecular components have been extensively characterized. The design approach can now be used in the cell to explore possible applications of biological components beyond their natural configurations, much like the design of analog computers using well characterized modules. In addition, the design approach provides an alternative method to explore design principles used by nature.
Structural characterization of peptide fragments from hCD81–LEL

The solution conformation of two peptides [1: PSGSNIISNLFKED; 2: GSSTLTALTTSVLKNNL] from human CD81 (hCD81) large extra-cellular loop (LEL) with known importance in the hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2 (HCV-E2) binding interaction was characterized using circular dichroism spectroscopy. In addition, the solution structure of peptide 1 that contains a phenylalanine residue (F186 in hCD81) known to be critical in the binding interaction with HCV-E2 was determined using 1D and 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy. Both peptides are unstructured in water but begin forming significant helical conformation following the addition of 20% or more trifluoroethanol (v/v), a result consistent with their alpha-helical conformation found in the native protein. The CD data recorded as a function of pH and NaCl concentration are consistent with stabilization of the helical structure from electrostatic forces for both peptides. Peptide 1 is able to block the binding interaction of recombinant HCV-E2 (rHCV-E2) to hCD81 expressed on Molt-4 T cells at high concentrations (3.5 mM), a low affinity that we attributed to the random coil structure in water.
Fentanyl/alfentanil for pelvic laparoscopy.

Atfentanil, a new narcotic analgesic, was compared to fentanyl in a technique of balanced anaesthesia using thiopentone 5 mg·kg-1 for induction of anaesthesia, and pancuronium 60 µg·kg-1 to facilitate intubation. The study group consisted of 80 female patients scheduled for pelvic laparoscopy. The total dose of alfentanit averaged 2.06 mg (range 1.5-2.5 mg) whereas the dose of fentanyl averaged 0.21 mg (range 0.1-0.25 mg). There was no significant difference between the two groups in duration of anaesthesia, time to extubation, verbal response time or time to orientation to person, place and time. Following intubation, there was a significant rise in heart rate and blood pressure (p < 0.01) in both groups, but, again, there was no difference between groups. Post-operatively, the respiratory rate was not below 12 per minute for any patient in the study and was comparable for the two groups. The only significant side effect was postoperative nausea which occurred in over 40 per cent of patients and was not significantly different between the two groups.
Reframing “Morality Pays”: Toward a Better Answer to “Why be Moral?” in Business

This paper revisits the “morality pays” approach to answering the “Why be moral?” question in business. First I argue that “morality pays” is weakest when it needs to be strongest, and thus inadequate to the task. Then I examine and reject a proposed virtue-ethics alternative, arguing that it either collapses into “morality pays” or else introduces a new problem. After sketching an account of moral reasons, I go on to argue that “morality pays” can be reframed, not so much as an answer to “Why be moral,” but as a prescription for reforming corporate institutions.
Differentiation of nucleic acids by staining at controlled pH and by a Schiff-methylene blue sequence.

Fixation with Bouin's fluid preserves cytoplasmic and nucleolar ribonucleic acid (UNA) particularly well. RNA may be demonstrated preferentially in Bouin fixed tissue by staining with 0.02% thiazine dye in aqueous McIIvaine phosphate-citrate buffer between pH 3 and 4. Methylation blockage of basophilia other than that of nucleic acids permits staining of RNA with thiazine dyes near neutrality. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of chromatin undergoes a Feulgen type hydrolysis in the tissue block during 24 hr fixation with Bouin's fluid. This hydrolysis by picric acid permits Schiff staining of the DNA wthout further acid hydrolysis. Consequently after Bouin fixation it is possible to demonstrate DNA and RNA specifically by a Schiff-methylene blue sequence. Thus a Schiff stain without further acid hydrolysis followed by 0.02% methylene blue in phosphate-citrate buffer at pH 3.0 to 3.5 colors DNA magenta in contrast to the blue of RNA.
Characterization of electrooxidized Pittsburgh No. 8 Coal

Abstract A combination of spectroscopy methods (SEM, EDX, XRD, IR, and XPS) was used to study the morphology of Pittsburgh No. 8 Coal after electrolysis in 1.5 M H 2 SO 4 /100 mM Fe 2+ /100 mM Fe 3+ . The experiments were performed galvanostatically at different operating temperatures (40, 60, and 80 °C) in a continuous coal electrolytic cell. Pt–Ir–Rh plated on carbon fibers was used as anode. The results showed that the activity of the coal appears to increase with the temperature. Deactivation of electrooxidized coal seems to be associated with the formation of products on the surface of the coal. Differences in morphology and mineral composition were found in the coal electrolyzed by using SEM–EDX analysis. The minerals identified in the original coal sample by XRD, FTIR, and XPS were quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, and hematite. After electrooxidation illite and siderite were identified on the surface of coal.
Shirazi scholars and the political culture of the sixteenth-century Indo-Persian world

This article studies the career of Fath Allah Shirazi who matriculated in Shiraz with some of the most prominent scholars of the age, and subsequently moved to India as his specific network lost po...
Radiotherapy using a water bath in the treatment of Bowen's disease of the digit.

Abstract Purpose Bowen's disease (BD), a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, can transform into invasive squamous cell carcinoma and should be treated aggressively. Although standard treatment for BD is electrodessication and curettage, radiotherapy (RT) can be used for those patients who are poor surgical candidates or when surgery could result in a poor cosmetic and functional outcome. Surgical treatment of BD of the digit can result in poor function and sometimes amputation. Here, we report our experience using a unique water bath technique to treat BD of the digit. Materials and methods This retrospective review evaluates the outcomes and toxicity of nine consecutive patients with BD of the digit treated with RT between 1999 and 2004. Fourteen digit lesions were immersed in a water bath and treated with photon irradiation. The median radiation dose delivered was 50Gy (range 25–66Gy) in 2.5Gy fractions (range 2–3Gy). Results The median age of the patients treated was 77 years (range 29–87 years). Three patients (33%) had more than one digit treated. With a median follow-up of 25 months (range 0.4–52 months), all 14 digit lesions are locally controlled. The majority of lesions demonstrated mild to moderate erythema, desquamation, or edema (grade 1–2) acutely following RT which resolved within one month of treatment. Two digits (14%) developed ulcers (grade 4) which healed following RT. The only long-term toxicity was decreased sensation and strength in one patient who had three circumferential lesions. This toxicity was limited and did not appear to influence the patient's daily activities (grade 2). Conclusions These preliminary results demonstrate high rates of tumor control with minimal morbidity following definitive RT in the treatment of BD of the digit, and suggest that RT may be a viable treatment alternative to surgery for selected lesions. Through a multidisciplinary assessment, treatment of BD of the digit can be individualized to optimize patient care.
Sequence, mapping and disruption of CCC2, a gene that cross-complements the Ca(2+)-sensitive phenotype of csg1 mutants and encodes a P-type ATPase belonging to the Cu(2+)-ATPase subfamily.

We have isolated, sequenced, mapped and disrupted a gene, CCC2, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This gene displays non-allelic complementation of the Ca2+-sensitive phenotype conferred by the csg1 mutation. Analysis of the CCC2p amino acid sequence reveals that it encodes a member of the P-type ATPase family and is most similar to a subfamily thought to consist of Cu2+ transporters, including the human genes that mutate to cause Wilson disease and Menkes disease. The ability of this gene, in two or more copies, to reverse the csg1 defect suggests that Ca2+-induced death of csg1 mutant cells is related to Cu2+ metabolism. Cells without CCC2 require increased Cu2+ concentrations for growth. Therefore CCC2p may function to provide Cu2+ to a cellular compartment rather than in removal of excess of Cu2+. The sequence of CCC2 is available through GenBank under accession number L36317.
Characterization of cobalt‐modified polyimides

Preparation par addition de chlorure de cobalt (II) a une solution contenant une des diamines oxy-4,4' dianiline ou diamino-4,4' phenylsulfure et un des dianhydrides benzophenone tetracarboxylique dianhydride ou bis(dicarboxy-3,4 phenoxy) diphenylsulfure dianhydride et caracterisation par des methodes thermiques, spectres UV-visible, mesures de resistivite electrique et spectroscopie photoelectronique RX et electronique Auger
How Sensitive are Low Income Families to Health Plan Prices

As health care reform moves forward in the United States, one common feature of virtually all proposals is to expand coverage for low income populations not through a traditional public insurance model, but rather through a “defined contribution exchange” mechanism. Under this approach, low income individuals would have a choice of a number of options for their insurance coverage. Individuals would receive a subsidy to purchase insurance that was tied to the lowest-cost plan (or some index of low-cost plans) and would pay some part of the difference if they chose a more expensive plan. This major departure from the traditional free/single-choice public payer model raises a number of important questions, but the key initial question is: How price-sensitive will lowincome consumers be in choosing across plans? While there is now a sizable literature evaluating plan choice in the context of employerprovided insurance, there are no previous studies of how these very low income populations will respond to choice in publicly financed insurance programs. In this paper, we study the plan choice of low-income enrollees in Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Care program that was established as part of the state’s health reform in April 2006. Enrollees in Commonwealth Care were given a choice of up to four Medicaid Managed The MassachuseTTs healTh Insurance experIMenT: early experIences †
India's Colonial Encounter: Essays in Memory of Eric Stokes

Eric Stokes (10 July 1924-5 February 1981) Eric Thomas Stokes, 1924-1981 Pre-Colonial Indian Merchants & Rationality India & Henry Maine Resistance & Acquiescence in North India: Muslim Responses to the West Tribal Society in Transition: Eastern India, 1757-1920 The Life of a Text & Its Meanings: Reflections on Sahajanand Saraswati's Mera Jivan Sangharsh The Sepoy Mutinies Revisited Race, Religion & Realm: The Political Theory of 'The Reigning India Crusade', 1857 The Muslims of Upper India & the Shock of the Mutiny Colonial Urban Transformation in India The British Town-Planners & India: A Postscript to Eric Stokes' The English Utilitarians & India Structural Change in the Industrial Base of Colonial Cities: The Calcutta Hinterland 1881-1921 Agricultural Rents in India c. 1900-1960 Agrarian Production & Colonial Policy in Punjab Aspects of Peasant Differentiation in Bihar in the Late Nineteenth & Early Twentieth Centuries Towards an Understanding of Famine: Northern Madhya Pradesh, 1891-1901 Gardens & Paddy Fields: Historical Implications of Agricultural Production Regimes in Colonial Malabar The Imprint of Ambiguity: Britain & India in the early 1930s.
Effects of Dietary Protein Concentration and l-Carnitine on Growth, Processing Yield, and Body Composition of Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish F1 Hybrids

Abstract A study was conducted in earthen ponds to evaluate effects of dietary protein concentration and l-carnitine supplementation on feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), processing yield, and body composition of hybrid catfish (female channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male blue catfish I. furcatus). Hybrid catfish fingerlings with a mean initial weight of 66 g/fish were stocked into twenty 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a density of 17,290 fish/ha. Five ponds were randomly allotted to each dietary treatment in a complete randomized design. Fish were fed one of three practical diets containing 28, 32, or 36% crude protein without l-carnitine and a 28% protein diet containing l-carnitine at 500 mg/kg once daily to apparent satiation for a 151-d growing season. Dietary protein levels ranging from 28% to 36% did not affect feed consumption, weight gain, or FCR of catfish hybrids fed to apparent satiation. Fish fed the 36% protein diet had a higher fillet yield than fish fed the 28% pro...