cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extrusion of the C-terminal Helix in Navel Orangeworm Moth Pheromone-Binding Protein (AtraPBP1) Controls Pheromone Binding

The navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker), is an agricultural insect pest that can be controlled by disrupting male–female communication with sex pheromones, a technique known as mating disruption. Insect pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) provide fast transport of hydrophobic pheromones through aqueous sensillar lymph and promote sensitive delivery of pheromones to receptors. Here we present a mutational analysis on a PBP from A. transitella (AtraPBP1) to evaluate how the C-terminal helix in this protein controls pheromone binding as a function of pH. Pheromone binds tightly to AtraPBP1 at neutral pH, but the binding is much weaker at pH below 5. Deletion of the entire C-terminal helix (residues 129–142) causes more than 100-fold increase in pheromone-binding affinity at pH 5 and only a 1.5-fold increase at pH 7. A similar pH-dependent increase in pheromone binding is also seen for the H80A/H95A double mutant that promotes extrusion of the C-terminal helix by disabling salt bridges at each end of the helix. The single mutants (H80A and H95A) also exhibit pheromone binding at pH below 5, but with ∼2-fold weaker affinity. NMR and circular dichroism data demonstrate a large overall structural change in each of these mutants at pH 4.5, indicating an extrusion of the C-terminal helix that profoundly affects the overall structure of the low pH form. Our results confirm that sequestration of the C-terminal helix at low pH as seen in the recent NMR structure may serve to block pheromone binding. We propose that extrusion of these C-terminal residues at neutral pH (or by the mutations in this study) exposes a hydrophobic cleft that promotes high affinity pheromone binding.
Malawimonas jakobiformis n. gen., n. sp. (Malawimonadidae n. fam.): A Jakoba‐like Heterotrophic Nanoflagellate with Discoidal Mitochondrial Cristae

Malawimonas jakobiformis n gen., n. sp., is established for a bacterivorous heterotrophic nanoflagellate isolated from the Malawi shore of Lake Nyasa (eastern Africa). Trophic stages observed were anteriorly biflagellate and naked. The posterior flagellum of a trophic cell resided in a conspicuous groove on the ventral surface, and bore a prominent vane. A Golgi stack and a mitochondrion with discoidal cristae were present anterior to the nucleus. The kinetid consisted of two short, slightly separated basal bodies, four microtubular roots, and associated fibers and bands. The three microtubular roots associated with the posterior basal body were associated with the ventral groove, while the single root associated with the anterior basal body gave rise to secondary cytoskeletal microtubules. Dividing cells became rounded, with persistent flagella. Cysts were uninucleate, and had thin organic walls without clearly differentiated apertures or ornamentation but with conspicuous attachment pads. Kinetid elements were present within cysts. On the basis of microscopical features, especially those of the kinetid, the nearest relatives of M. jakobiformis are the mitochondriate jakobid' protists (families Histionidae and Jakobidae) and the amitochondriate retortamonads. Malawimonadidae n. fam. is established to accommodate this species.
Management of rectal stenosis with endoscopic balloon dilatation

We present a rare case of female newborn that presented with atypical genitalia, vaginal atresia and a short segment rectal stenosis which was successfully managed in a minimally invasive fashion using urological endoscopic and balloon dilatation technology. We believe that this technique is safe and feasible for short rectal stenotic segments and might prevent the need for major reconstruction surgery.
Comparison of soluble and membrane polypeptides ofSynechocystis 6308 by two-dimensional electrophoresis

Two-dimensional electrophoresis was carried out on fractions of the cyanobacteriumSynechocystis 6308 (ATCC 27150). Phycobilisomes isolated fromSynechocystis in 0.75M potassium phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, (KPi) plus Triton X-100 showed 5 prominent polypeptides when examined by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Ultracentrifugation of cells broken in KPi lacking Triton yielded three fractions, a membrane-containing pellet, a green supernatant, and a less dense yellow supernatant. The three fractions yielded a total of 272 polypeptides visualized by silver staining of two-dimensional gels. Fourteen polypeptides were found only in the yellow fraction, 14 polypeptides were found only in the green fraction, and 16 polypeptides were found only in the membrane fraction; 23 polypeptides were found in all three fractions. The crude Triton-containing KPi extract contained 62, and a 50 mM HEPES extract contained 55, of the 272 polypeptides visualized in these fractions. Two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with subcellular fractionation may be useful tools for examining changes in polypeptide composition caused by nitrogen starvation.
Universal cell-free protein synthesis.

Unstructured translation-initiation sequences enable protein synthesis in cell extracts from multiple organisms.
A Standardized Method for 4D Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blockade and Catheter Placement

We present a standardized method for using four-dimensional ultrasound (4D US) guidance for peripheral nerve blocks. 4D US allows for needle tracking in multiple planes simultaneously and accurate measurement of the local anesthetic volume surrounding the nerve following injection. Additionally, the morphology and proximity of local anesthetic spread around the target nerve is clearly seen with the described technique. This method provides additional spatial information in real time compared to standard two-dimensional ultrasound.
INCREASED PULMONARY GRANULOCYTE ACTIVATION IN PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN PREMATURE INFANTS

INCREASED PULMONARY GRANULOCYTE ACTIVATION IN PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN PREMATURE INFANTS
The effects of chain conformations on the thermodynamics of polymeric systems: A mean-field theory

Many popular models for macromolecular system thermodynamics, such as the Flory model, assume that chain conformations decouple from system thermodynamics even though it is well known that these two factors are intimately connected. Here we present a single-chain–based, mean-field model that explicitly incorporates the coupling between the conformations of the chains and the thermodynamic behavior of the polymer solutions. The theory predicts a variation of chain conformation and system thermodynamics with polymer concentration, even for athermal solutions, in reasonable agreement with Monte Carlo simulations.
Cellular receptors for matrix proteins in normal human kidney and human mesangial cells.

Cellular receptors for matrix proteins in normal human kidney and human mesangial ceils. In the present study we evaluated the distribution of cell adhesion molecules, referred as very late antigens (VLA), in the normal human kidney and in mesangial cells in culture (MC). In addition, we assessed the functional properties of VLA proteins on MC. Normal human kidney and MC were stained by immunoperoxidase with mouse monoclonal antibodies to VLA proteins. We demonstrated that VLA-3, a protein that binds FN, laminin and collagen, is the predominant VLA protein in the human glomerulus and on MC. VLA-3 is located in the mesangium and on the glomerular visceral epithelial cell and endothelial cell surfaces in contact with the glomerular basement membrane. VLA-1 was demonstrated in the glomerular mesangium and VLA-5, an FN specific receptor, was present in the mesangium, on glomerular endothelial cells and on MC. VLA-2 and VLA-4 were not present in the normal glomerulus nor on MC. In functional studies we evaluated the binding of MC to FN coated surfaces and the binding and phagocytosis of FN coated fluorescent beads by MC. We showed that MC bind to FN coated surfaces and that the binding is inhibited by anti-FN antibodies, EDTA and peptides containing the amino acid sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). In addition, anti-VLA-5 but not anti-VLA-3 antibodies inhibited significantly the binding of MC to FN. MC demonstrated binding and phagocytosis of FN coated beads and, purified FN inhibited both phenomena. By affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation we demonstrated that MC FN binding proteins and MC VLA proteins are composed of two distinct protein chains that have M r characteristics similar to those of normal human fibroblasts VLA proteins. In conclusion, the glomerular distribution of VLA-3 suggests that this protein is primarily involved on the adhesion of glomerular cells to basement membranes and matrix. MC FN receptors (VLA-5) mediate the binding of MC to FN and could mediate the phagocytosis of FN coated antigen or immune complexes by mesangial cells.
Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis : A cost of being an erect biped or a clever adaptation ?

Spondylolysis refers to a separation in a vertebral arch between the body and the spinous process. Most spondylolysis seen in humans occurs in the lower lumbar region and is due to stress (fatigue) fracturing, usually through the isthmus between the superior and inferior articular processes. Referred to here as “typical” spondylolysis, it is related to erect posture and bipedal locomotion, and, as such, it is a uniquely hominid condition. It develops only after a child has begun to walk, and a developing lesion may heal or progress to complete separation. Seen more often in males than females, frequencies among populations vary widely. Certain activities have been suggested to put individuals performing them at greater risk to develop the condition. Although often approached as a pathological condition requiring corrective treatment, spondylolysis usually produces relatively mild symptoms if any at all, and may even provide the advantages of greater lower back flexibility. Complete bilateral spondylolysis separates the inferior articular processes from the body, thus allowing the body to slip forward relative to the vertebra below (spondylolisthesis). Another form of the condition, referred to as degenerative spondylolisthesis, allows a slow forward migration of one vertebra over another due to osteoarthritic remodeling of the posterior vertebral joints without any spondylolysis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide under periodic and transient operation

Abstract Periodic and transient operation of catalytic CO oxidation reactors has been studied more than any other reaction system. Large increases in global rates of reaction are observed with noble metal catalysts using forced cycling of the feed concentration between oxygen and carbon monoxide at frequencies between 0.02 Hz and 1 Hz. Smaller increases in rate of reaction are seen with metal oxide catalysts with much lower resonance frequencies. We review the past research in the area and outline the challenges and the unanswered questions for future research.
The Embodiment of Bhakti

Karen Prentiss offers an interpretive history of bhakti, an influential religious perspective in Hinduism. She argues that although bhakti is mentioned in every contemporary sourcebook on Indian religions, it still lacks an agreed-upon definition. "Devotion" is found to be the most commonly used synonym. Prentiss seeks a new perspective on this elusive concept. Her analysis of Tamil (south Indian) materials leads her to suggest that bhakti be understood as a doctrine of embodiment. Bhakti, she says, urges people towards active engagement in the worship of God. She proposes that the term "devotion" be replaced by "participation," emphasizing bhakti's call for engagement in worship and the necessity of embodiment to fulfill that obligation. The book ends with two appendices presenting translations of hymns and an important philosophical text.
Application of Neumann's Lemma to the minimum and characteristic polynomials

Abstract Conditions are determined under which the minimum and/or characteristic polynomials of a matrix have simple zeros.
Photocrosslinking detects a compact, active structure of the hammerhead ribozyme.

The hammerhead ribozyme has been intensively studied for approximately 15 years, but its cleavage mechanism is not yet understood. Crystal structures reveal a Y-shaped molecule in which the cleavage site is not ideally aligned for an S N2 reaction and no RNA functional groups are positioned appropriately to perform the roles of acid and base or other functions in the catalysis. If the ribozyme folds to a more compact structure in the transition state, it probably does so only transiently. We have used photocrosslinking as a tool to trap hammerhead ribozyme-substrate complexes in various stages of folding. Results suggest that the two substrate residues flanking the cleavage site approach and stack upon two guanosines (G8 and G12) in domain 2, moving 10-15 A closer to domain 2 than they appear in the crystal structure. Most crosslinks obtained with the nucleotide analogues positioned in the ribozyme core are catalytically inactive; however, one cobalt(III) hexaammine-dependent crosslink of an unmodified ribozyme retains catalytic activity and confirms the close stacking of cleavage site residue C17 with nucleotide G8 in domain 2. These findings suggest that residues involved in the chemistry of hammerhead catalysis are likely located in that region containing G8 and G12. The hammerhead ribozyme is a member of a class of small catalytic RNAs (including the hairpin, hepatitis ‰, Neuro- spora VS, and newly discovered bacterial GlmS ribozyme) (1), which carry out reversible cleavage of RNA, generating products containing 2',3'-cyclic phosphate and 5'-OH termini. The hammerhead cleavage reaction results in inversion of the configuration of the phosphate and thus is presumed to occur by deprotonation of the 2'-OH group, followed by in- line SN2 attack of the 2'-O - upon the phosphate (2, 3). The cleavage rate of hammerhead ribozymes increases in log-linear fashion with increasing pH, and thus, early investigations centered on the likelihood of a catalytic magnesium acting at the cleavage site (4). However, it was discovered that the cleavage reaction could be mediated (albeit at around a 10-40-fold reduced rate) by high concentrations of monovalent ions (5-7). These findings suggest that divalent ions serve primarily to promote folding of the ribozyme. A directly coordinated divalent ion might play a role in driving formation of the active ribozyme structure and/or in providing a favorable electrostatic envi- ronment at the active site. On the other hand, the activity of the ribozyme in monovalent ions suggests that a general acid-base mechanism may be utilized in the reaction and that important roles in the catalysis may be carried out by functional groups of the RNA itself.
Substance Use Disorders

Adolescent substance use disorders are common illnesses that will be encountered in the primary care setting. Though they have been decreasing in prevalence recently, they still manifest in significant public health costs and increase the chance for negative life outcomes. When identification and intervention occur at an early stage, many of the long-term consequences may be mitigated. Thus, identifying, preliminarily treating, and referring to subspecialty treatment when necessary are an important skillset for the primary care provider.
Paxos for System Builders: an overview

This paper presents an overview of Paxos for System Builders, a complete specification of the Paxos replication protocol such that system builders can understand it and implement it. We evaluate the performance of a prototype implementation and detail the safety and liveness properties guaranteed by our specification of Paxos.
Terahertz emitters based on intracenter transitions in semiconductors

Terahertz emitters are important for fundamental studies in an interesting frequency regime and for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to see-through imaging. A simple approach to THz emission from semiconductors is based on intracenter optical transitions in dopants and impurities in semiconductors. The centers can be excited either electrically or optically, and the THz emission occurs when carriers in the dopant upper energy states relax toward the ground state. Both n–type and p–type dopants as well as deep impurities can be used for THz emission from many host semiconductors including silicon, SiC, and GaN. Unlike with conventional p–n junction devices, the centers for THz emission must be occupied and not thermally ionized, which suggests the need for deep energy levels and/or low temperature operation. Significant center occupation at elevated temperatures favors the wide bandgap semiconductors such as SiC and GaN, in which the dopant ionization energy can greatly exceed the thermal energy k B T at room temperature. For example, electrically pumped THz emitters fabricated from nitrogen-doped SiC can operate at temperatures to about 250 K in pulse mode. The SiC emission spectra had peaks from 5 to 12 THz (20 to 50 meV), and these surface-emitting devices produced a peak power density of 30 milliwatt-cm -2 at 77 K, which is suitable for a wide range of high power THz applications. We report the characteristics and limitations of electrically pumped dopanttransition THz emitters, and their performance in several semiconductor systems.
Interactive influences of silvicultural management and soil chemistry upon soil microbial abundance and nitrogen mineralization

The purpose of this study was to determine whether soil acidification, a widespread, chronic mode of disturbance and forest thinning, a site specific acute disturbance, produced interactive effects capable of producing changes in more general ecosystem properties and processes. Two forested sites in the Daniel Boone National Forest, KY which were similar in history, management, and parent material but which differed in the degree of soil acidity were selected for study. In each forest site we sampled two plots that were experimentally thinned in the 1960's and two adjacent unmanaged plots for soil chemical characteristics, microbial abundances, N mineralization and nitrification. There were significant differences between forest sites and significant effects of management for all soil chemical parameters, fungal biomass, N mineralization (site only) and nitrification. Soils from managed plots were generally higher in pH, nutrient availability and nitrification rates. There were significant interactions between site and management for NO3, pH, Ca, Ca:Al ratio, and nitrification resulting from the greater magnitude of the management effect at the less acidified site. Additionally, there were interactive effects of site and management in organic C, NH4 and fungal hyphal length because plots at the two sites showed dissimilar effects of management. Modeling using path analysis determined that N mineralization was most strongly predicted by combinations of organic C, Al, Ca:Al ratio, and fungal:bacterial ratio, while inorganic N availability and Ca:Al ratio were the main factors for nitrification. Fungal hyphal length was most strongly predicted by Al and pH; in contrast, path analysis failed to produce a model for bacterial abundance. These results suggest (1) that acute and chronic modes of disturbance have the potential to interact in a significant and ecologically meaningful manner and (2) that research to assess forest health should be based on key ecosystem processes, such as N mineralization and nitrification.
Influence of metal substrates on the detection of explosive residues with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is a promising approach for explosive residue detection, but several limitations to its widespread use remain. One issue is that the emission spectra of the residues are dependent on the substrate composition because some of the substrate is usually entrained in the laser-induced plasma and the laser-material interaction can be significantly affected by the substrate type. Here, we have demonstrated that despite the strong spectral variation in cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) residues applied to various metal substrates, classification of the RDX residue independent of substrate type is feasible. Several approaches to improving the chemometric models based on partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) have been described: classifying the RDX residue spectra together in one class independent of substrate, using selected emission intensities and ratios to increase the true positive rate (TPR) and decrease the false positive rate (FPR), and fusing the results from two PLS-DA models generated using the full broadband spectra and selected intensities and ratios. The combination of these approaches resulted in a TPR of 97.5% and a FPR of 1.0% for RDX classification on metal substrates.
Some metabolic responses to intravenous tolbutamide in patients with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas

Abstract Following stimulation with intravenous tolbutamide, the plasma glucose, lactate and pyruvate of children with cystic fibrosis and of controls were analyzed by standard technics. Both groups included children with diabetes mellitus. The experiment had been prompted by the observation that children who have both cystic fibrosis and diabetes excrete less ketone in the urine than expected. Glucose, lactate and pyruvate were decreased in normal children, whereas only glucose and pyruvate were decreased in children with cystic fibrosis alone. The children with cystic fibrosis and diabetes responded the same as those with diabetes alone. The antiketogenic tendency cannot be explained on the basis of an abnormal accumulation of lactate or pyruvate. Further metabolic explorations in cystic fibrosis might reveal new manifestations of the underlying process.
Social marginality: The case of small board and care homes

Abstract Small board and care homes housing frail elders and other dependent adults are gaining attention of researches and policy makers. In this analysis, using data from a study of small homes and evidence from the literature, we show that such homes can be understood as being characterized by, and suffering from, social marginality. Evidence of three aspects of marginality are presented, with discussion of both positive and negative outcomes. Much of the negative reaction to board and care and difficulty in its operation may be seen to derive from its unrecognized marginal status. In developing regulations, policymakers should recognize the unique niche represented by small board and care homes.
Effect of maternal/fetal vitamin A deficiency on fetal rat lung surfactant protein expression and the response to prenatal dexamethasone.

Effect of Maternal/Fetal Vitamin A Deficiency on Fetal Rat Lung Surfactant Protein Expression and the Response to Prenatal Dexamethasone
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Training Workshop for the Collection of Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Interview Data by Research Support Staff

This paper describes the development and initial evaluation of a didactic curriculum to prepare research support staff with the core knowledge and skills required to collect patient-reported outcomes (PROs) via interviews. Research support staff members (N = 77) were recruited for eight separate workshops, each consisting of a didactic presentation followed by role-play scenarios with trained actors depicting common scenarios they may encounter as part of patient interaction. Trainees were observed and received feedback on their performance from trained facilitators and peers. In comparison to their pre-training assessment, trainees showed significant improvement in their confidence to conduct a research interview, handle a distressed participant, manage a wandering interview, ask participants sensitive questions, and handle irritated patients. Training research support staff in the effective collection of PROs via patient interviews can improve the confidence of these individuals in interacting with patients, which can ultimately lead to increased accuracy of data collection.
Movin' on up: Adipocytes become regulators of nutrient homeostasis

By locally infecting epididymal adipocytes of obese diabetic mice with the uncoupling protein-1 transgene, Yamada et al. (2006 [this issue of Cell Metabolism]) unexpectedly induce leptin sensitivity with hypophagia and improvement in abnormal glucose and lipid abnormalities.
An arbitrary waveform generator based chirped pulse Fourier transform spectrometer operating from 260 to 295 GHz

The performance of a chirped-pulse Fourier transform millimeter-wave spectrometer operating from 260 to 295 GHz is described. The spectrometer uses a high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) to create both a chirped excitation pulse and the single-frequency local oscillator (LO) used for the final down conversion detection stage. The mm-wave excitation source is an active multiplier chain (factor of 24 frequency multiplication) with power output of greater than 10 mW across the 260–295 GHz frequency range. The LO, produced by a separate active multiplier chain (factor of 12 frequency multiplication), drives a subharmonic mixer which downconverts the molecular emission to the microwave region for digitization on a 100 GS/s digital oscilloscope. All frequency sources in the experiment are locked to a 10 MHz Rb-disciplined oscillator providing direct frequency calibration for molecular transitions in the Fourier transform frequency-domain spectrum. Benchmark measurements are presented on ethyl cyanide and 1-butyne and are used to illustrate advantages and tradeoffs compared with direct absorption millimeter-wave spectroscopy.
WAGE AND MOBILITY EFFECTS OF LEGALIZATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE NEW IMMIGRANT SURVEY*

ABSTRACT Using New Immigrant Survey data, we identify immigrants who were unauthorized to work prior to obtaining Legal Permanent Resident status, and examine whether lacking legal status to work in the United States constrains employment outcomes of illegal immigrants. The data reveal no evidence of improved employment outcomes attributable to legal status, except among the high-skilled. In light of evidence that unauthorized immigrants experienced increased wages as a result of receiving amnesty through the 1986 Immigration and Reform Control Act, we interpret the results as consistent with a reduced threat of employer sanctions combined with widespread availability of false work authorization documents.
Endoparasitic Nematodes of Ips Bark Beetles in Eastern Texas

East Texas Ips species contained 4 specific internal nematodes; I. avulsus (Eichhoff) were infected with Parasitylenchus avulsi Massey, I. grandicollis (Eichhoff) with Contortylenchus grandicolli (Massey) Ruhm, and I. calligraphus (Germar) with Contortylenchus elongatus (Massey) Nickle and Parasitaphelenchus sp. In all 3 bark beetles, infection peaked in July and August when 50–58% of adults from naturally attacked pine trees contained nematodes. Infection levels declined to 20–30% during January and February. Infected I. grandicollis and I. avulsus adults appeared lighter in color than noninfected adults. Nematode infection apparently delayed emergence of both sexes of I. grandicollis and females of I. avulsus . In I. grandicollis , nematode infection did not affect ability to construct egg galleries or number of offspring produced. Supercooling temperatures for infected I. grandicollis and I. calligraphus were no different than those of noninfected beetles.
Resonance tuning of a neuromechanical system with two negative sensory feedback configurations

Resonance tuning in a model of rhythmic movement is compared when the central pattern generator (CPG) consists of two endogenously bursting or two tonically spiking neurons that are connected with reciprocally inhibitory synapses. The CPG receives inhibitory and/or excitatory position feedback from a linear, one-degree-of-freedom mechanical subsystem. We show that resonance tuning is limited to frequencies that are greater than the intrinsic CPG frequency with endogenously bursting neurons. In contrast, with tonically spiking neurons, the resonance tuning range is expanded to frequencies that are below the intrinsic CPG frequency.
Equivalent-circuit parameters of a cylindrical-cavity resonator

In this letter, a new approach is used to determine the parallel-equivalent-circuit parameters and the Q factor of a cylindrical-cavity resonator in the TM010mode. By this approach, agreement is reached between equivalent-circuit considerations and field-energy methods.
Covalently Linked Au Nanoparticles to a Viral Vector: Potential for Combined Photothermal and Gene Cancer Therapy

Hyperthermia can be produced by near-infrared laser irradiation of gold nanoparticles present in tumors and thus induce tumor cell killing via a bystander effect. To be clinically relevant, however, several problems still need to be resolved. In particular, selective delivery and physical targeting of gold nanoparticles to tumor cells are necessary to improve therapeutic selectivity. Considerable progress has been made with respect to retargeting adenoviral vectors for cancer gene therapy. We therefore hypothesized that covalent coupling of gold nanoparticles to retargeted adenoviral vectors would allow selective delivery of the nanoparticles to tumor cells, thus feasibilizing hyperthermia and gene therapy as a combinatorial therapeutic approach. For this, sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide labeled gold nanoparticles were reacted to adenoviral vectors encoding a luciferase reporter gene driven by the cytomegalovirus promoter (AdCMVLuc). We herein demonstrate that covalent coupling could be achieved, while retaining virus infectivity and ability to retarget tumor-associated antigens. These results indicate the possibility of using adenoviral vectors as carriers for gold nanoparticles.
Benefit of transcription‐coupled nucleotide excision repair for gene expression in u.v.‐damaged Escherichia coli

Expression of the lactose operon upon induction by IPTG was studied with Escherichia coli B/r and K-12 strains as a function of exposure to ultraviolet light. Patterns of expression inactivation were compared in cells with wild-type UvrABC nucleotide excision repair, with transcription-coupled excision repair (TCR) specifically defective because of a defect at mfd, or with excision repair (ER) and TCR eliminated by defects at uvrA or uvrC. Sets of inactivation patterns were also determined for cells expressing the lactose operon via the "UV5' promoter, an alternative to the wild-type promoter that eliminates dependence of expression on negative DNA supercoiling. The results demonstrated a major contribution by TCR to successful gene expression. Gene expression was more sensitive to u.v. inactivation when TCR was defective and similarly more sensitive when both ER and TCR were defective. Thus, TCR may be the only means of repairing transcription-blocking damage at active genes. Contrasting results with wild-type and UV5 promoters suggested that relaxed supercoiling might accompany repair and reduce expression even though a template lesion is removed. A test of mismatch repair defects on ultraviolet inactivation of gene expression found only limited interference with TCR as it benefits gene expression.
Low-power electrothermal actuation for microelectromechanical systems

Electrothermal actuation has been used in microelectromechanical systems where low actuation voltage and high contact force are required. Power consumption to operate electrothermal actuators has typically been higher than with electrostatic actuation. A method of designing and processing electrothermal actuators is presented that leads to an order of magnitude reduction in required power while maintaining the low voltage, high force advantages. The substrate was removed beneath the actuator beams, thereby discarding the predominant power loss mechanism and reducing the required actuation power by an order of magnitude. Measured data and theoretical results from electrothermally actuated switches are presented to confirm the method.
In vivo mapping of vascular inflammation using multimodal imaging.

Background: Plaque vulnerability to rupture has emerged as a critical correlate to risk of adverse coronary events but there is as yet no clinical method to assess plaque stability in vivo. In the search to identify biomarkers of vulnerable plaques an association has been found between macrophages and plaque stability—the density and pattern of macrophage localization in lesions is indicative of probability to rupture. In very unstable plaques, macrophages are found in high densities and concentrated in the plaque shoulders. Therefore, the ability to map macrophages in plaques could allow noninvasive assessment of plaque stability. We use a multimodality imaging approach to noninvasively map the distribution of macrophages in vivo. The use of multiple modalities allows us to combine the complementary strengths of each modality to better visualize features of interest. Our combined use of Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) allows high sensitivity PET screening to identify putative lesions in a whole body view, and high resolution MRI for detailed mapping of biomarker expression in the lesions. Methodology/Principal Findings: Macromolecular and nanoparticle contrast agents targeted to macrophages were developed and tested in three different mouse and rat models of atherosclerosis in which inflamed vascular plaques form spontaneously and/or are induced by injury. For multimodal detection, the probes were designed to contain gadolinium (T1 MRI) or iron oxide (T2 MRI), and Cu-64 (PET). PET imaging was utilized to identify regions of macrophage accumulation; these regions were further probed by MRI to visualize macrophage distribution at high resolution. In both PET and MR images the probes enhanced contrast at sites of vascular inflammation, but not in normal vessel walls. MRI was able to identify discrete sites of inflammation that were blurred together at the low resolution of PET. Macrophage content in the lesions was confirmed by histology. Conclusions/Significance: The multimodal imaging approach allowed high-sensitivity and high-resolution mapping of biomarker distribution and may lead to a clinical method to predict plaque probability to rupture.
Effect of pre-impact movement strategies on the impact forces resulting from a lateral fall

Approximately 90% of hip fractures in older adults result from falls, mostly from landing on or near the hip. A three-dimensional, 11-segment, forward dynamic biomechanical model was developed to investigate whether segment movement strategies prior to impact can affect the impact forces resulting from a lateral fall. Four different pre-impact movement strategies, with and without using the ipsilateral arm to break the fall, were implemented using paired actuators representing the agonist and antagonist muscles acting about each joint. Proportional-derivative feedback controller controlled joint angles and velocities so as to minimize risk of fracture at any of the impact sites. It was hypothesized that (a) the use of active knee, hip and arm joint torques during the pre-contact phase affects neither the whole body kinetic energy at impact nor the peak impact forces on the knee, hip or shoulder and (b) muscle strength and reaction time do not substantially affect peak impact forces. The results demonstrate that, compared with falling laterally as a rigid body, an arrest strategy that combines flexion of the lower extremities, ground contact with the side of the lower leg along with an axial rotation to progressively present the posterolateral aspects of the thigh, pelvis and then torso, can reduce the peak hip impact force by up to 56%. A 30% decline in muscle strength did not markedly affect the effectiveness of that fall strategy. However, a 300-ms delay in implementing the movement strategy inevitably caused hip impact forces consistent with fracture unless the arm was used to break the fall prior to the hip impact.
Phase and group index of the second photonic crystal band

Light propagation in slab photonic crystals can have a negative phase velocity and accumulate a negative optical path length. We present experimental results on guiding and dispersion properties when the phase index is approximately -1.
Privacy leakage in multi-relational databases via pattern based semi-supervised learning

In multi-relational databases, a view, which is a context- and content-dependent subset of one or more tables (or other views), is often used to preserve privacy by hiding sensitive information. However, recent developments in data mining present a new challenge for database security even when traditional database security techniques, such as database access control, are employed. This paper presents a data mining framework using semi-supervised learning that demonstrates the potential for privacy leakage in multi-relational databases. Many different types of semi-supervised learning techniques, such as the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) method, can be used to demonstrate privacy leakage. However, we also introduce a new approach to semi-supervised learning, hyperclique pattern based semi-supervised learning (HPSL), which differs from traditional semi-supervised learning approaches in that it considers the similarity among groups of objects instead of only pairs of objects. Our experimental results show that both the KNN and HPSL methods have the ability to compromise database security, although HPSL is better at this privacy violation than the KNN method.
Imaging of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

This chapter reviews the diagnostic imaging findings after vascular and endovascular surgery, including direct and indirect extracranial-intracranial revascularization, intracranial aneurysm wrapping, aneurysm clipping and hemostatic ligation clips, vascular malformation surgery, microvascular decompression, carotid endarterectomy, carotid body stimulation, adjustable vascular clamps, reconstruction of the great vessels, endovascular treatment for aneurysms, endovascular embolization of arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, endovascular deconstructive treatment for vessel sacrifice, endovascular deconstructive treatment for vessel sacrifice, endovascular deconstructive treatment for vessel sacrifice, endovascular sclerotherapy for head and neck lymphatic malformations, endovascular reconstructive treatment for acute ischemic stroke using intra-arterial thrombolysis or embolectomy, endovascular reconstruction for intracranial cerebrovascular stenoocclusive lesions, Angioplasty and intra-arterial spasmolysis for vasospasm, endovascular stent reconstructive treatment for extracranial cerebrovascular occlusive disease, endovascular reconstructive treatment for active extracranial hemorrhage or pseudoaneurysm, endovascular treatment for intracranial venous stenosis and occlusion, and complications related to endovascular procedures.
Recognizing gaze aversion gestures in embodied conversational discourse

Eye gaze offers several key cues regarding conversational discourse during face-to-face interaction between people. While a large body of research results exist to document the use of gaze in human-to-human interaction, and in animating realistic embodied avatars, recognition of conversational eye gestures - distinct eye movement patterns relevant to discourse - has received less attention. We analyze eye gestures during interaction with an animated embodied agent and propose a non-intrusive vision-based approach to estimate eye gaze and recognize eye gestures. In our user study, human participants avert their gaze (i.e. with "look-away" or "thinking" gestures) during periods of cognitive load. Using our approach, an agent can visually differentiate whether a user is thinking about a response or is waiting for the agent or robot to take its turn.
Peasant Rebellions of the Caspian Region during the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, 1906–1909

Despite a growing literature on peasant movements in the early 20th century, the story of the peasant rebellions of the Caspian region at the time of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution of 1906–11 has been little studied.1 A close look at three sets of materials—the newspapers of the Constitutional Revolution, among them Majlis (1906–1908), Anjuman (1906–1909), Habl al-Matīn (1907–1909), and Sūr-i Isrāfīl (1907–8); British diplomatic reports; and several regional studies and memoirs of the period—reveal that, during the First Constitutional Period of 1906–1908, a number of strikes and sit-ins were carried out by the peasants, often with the support of craftsmen and workers, who had initiated trade union activity. Such revolts were considerably more sustained and prominent in the northern areas of Gilan and Azerbayjan, which were directly influenced by the flow of radical ideas from the Russian Caucasus; they also benefited from a long history of social struggle among the craftsmen and small shopkeepers (pīshahvarāns), who maintained their guilds, and a tradition of alliances among the craftsmen, the urban poor, and the poor peasants.2
The SCARB1 gene is associated with lipid response to dietary and pharmacological interventions

The scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) gene is a key component in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway and thus plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Studies suggest that the SCARB1 gene may contribute to variation in plasma lipid levels at fasting; however, the results have been inconsistent, and it is unclear whether SCARB1 may also influence lipid response to dietary and pharmacologic interventions. In this study, we examined genetic variation in the SCARB1 gene in participants of the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study for associations with basal lipid levels, changes in lipid measures after dietary fat intake, and fenofibrate treatment. We found that the exon 1 variant SCARB1_G2S was significantly associated with postfenofibrate change for triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.004). Subjects bearing SCARB1_G2S minor allele A tend to have higher responsiveness to fenofibrate in lowering TG. In summary, our study suggested that the SCARB1 gene may serve as a useful marker that predicts variation in baseline lipid levels, postprandial lipid response, and response to fenofibrate intervention.
3D Visualization of Power System State Estimation

This paper presents the results of a project which is undertaken in order to develop a flexible visualization tool to be used mainly by power system operators. The project concentrated on two application functions, namely the power flow and the state estimation. One of the essential goals of the envisioned tool is to aid system operators by providing images of the system with easily identifiable characteristics related to violations of various operating limits. In addition, the tool is expected to illustrate deficiencies associated with the existing metering system both from the point of view of metering design as well as accuracy. The result is a user-friendly 3D graphic interface for the stated two power system applications. In power flow analysis mode, animation and bus contouring technique is used for visualizing power flows and bus voltages. In state estimation mode, color contour is used to visualize different observable islands and bad measurements which are identified through the largest normalized residuals test. Effectiveness of the tool is illustrated via different scenarios which are created using the IEEE 118 bus system as an example.
Thermal Radiation Theory and Atmospheric Transmission

Every object whose temperature is not absolute zero emits what is loosely called “thermal radiation”. We will be concerned here only with that thermal radiation emitted in the 3 to 14 μm wavelength region for two reasons. First, most of the energy emitted by an object at terrestrial temperatures is emitted within this spectral wavelength band in an energy exchange between the electromagnetic field and the thermally-excited vibration-rotation electron energy level states of the body. Second, there are transmissive atmospheric windows in this band which permit signal detection over comparatively long ranges.
Transmit Beamforming with Power Adaptation in Downlink Multi-User Systems

This paper addresses power adaptation in the context of beamforming in the downlink of a cellular system. Specifically, we consider a system consisting of a base station (BS) with multiple antennas and multiple users each with a single antenna, in which the BS selects the user with the best channel for transmission. Compared to the scheme minimizing the bit error rate (BER) using a fixed instantaneous power, the BER performance can be further improved by adapting the instantaneous power according to the channel of the selected user. The optimal power adaptation (OPA) policy is derived, and its BER is compared with the case of a sub-optimal policy called channel inversion (CI). With a novel analytical approach, the BER performances of OPA and CI are quantified and CI is shown to be near-optimal for a multi-user multi-antenna system at moderate to large SNR, unlike the single-user single-antenna case. Finite peak power constraint is also considered for both OPA and CI.
Development of bio-inspired chelates with hydrogen bond donors: synthesis and structure of monomeric metal acetate complexes with intramolecular hydrogen bonds

The synthesis of the new multidentate tripodal compounds bis[(N′-tert-butylureido)-N-ethyl]-2-pyridylmethylamine (H41) and bis[(N′-tert-butylureido)-N-ethyl]-N-methylamine (H42) is described. These ligands contain two urea-ethylene arms that when deprotonated and bound to a metal ion, position two hydrogen bond donors near the metal center so that formation of intramolecular H-bonds with other coordinated species is possible. The complexes K[MII(H21)(η1-OAc)] and K[MII(H22)(η2-OAc)] (MII = Co and Fe) have been isolated and characterized. The multidentate ligands mediate the mode of acetate coordination: the [MII(H21)(η1-OAc)]− complexes have a monodentate coordination, whereas in [MII(H22)(η2-OAc)]− the acetate binds in a bidentate manner. X-Ray diffraction studies reveal that all complexes have trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometries with one of the acetate oxygen atoms being nearly trans to the amine nitrogen donor. All the complexes have relatively long M–O bond lengths in comparison with other MII–OAc complexes characterized previously. The complexes exhibit intramolecular H-bonds from the urea NH groups to one of the coordinated oxygen atoms of the acetate, causing a lengthening of the MII–OAc bond distances. The NH⋯O bond lengths and vibrational energies in these acetate complexes support weaker H-bonds than the H-bonding interactions in similar ligand complexes with hydroxo ligands.
Racial Democracy in the Americas A Latin and U.S. Comparison

The “racial democracy” (Iberian exceptionalism) thesis claims that racial prejudice in Latin America is not only lower than that found in the United States but is essentially absent altogether. We explored the plausibility of this thesis by the use of both explicit and implicit prejudice measures among Blacks and Whites from the United States and three Caribbean nations. In general, the results showed significant racial prejudice against Blacks and in favor of Whites in all four nations. African Americans were the only participants not to show significant implicit prejudice either in favor of or against Blacks. In addition, North Americans (i.e., participants from the United States) displayed lower implicit and explicit racial prejudice than participants in each of the three Latino nations. Overall, the results clearly contradicted the thesis of racial democracy and suggest that Latin America may not be nearly as egalitarian as some have argued.
Toward a definition of roles for physicians in quality assurance.

This paper presents a role analysis of physicians working in the quality assurance field. Although spe cific activities vary from organization to organiza tion, eight roles seem to be generic. Four are defined as leading roles: fact finder, technical specialist, col laborator in problem solving, and alternative identi fier. Four roles are secondary: process specialist, re flector, trainer/educator, and advocate. Examples of role performance are presented. Additional concep tional and empirical research needs are identified.