cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
α-Crystallin. Fractionation of subunits and sequence studies on an isolated polypeptide

α-Crystallin was carboxymethylated with radioactive iodoacetic acid in the presence of 7.6m-urea and then separated into six major fractions by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose in 7m-urea. Based on the amino acid compositions, specific radioactivities and sodium dodecyl sulphate–gel electrophoresis of the fractions, it was concluded that α-crystallin contains at least four different subunits: DU1A and DU1B, containing no cysteine; a third component represented by DU2B and DU3 containing one cysteine one cysteine residue per subunit; and DU4, which probably contains two residues of cysteine per subunit. Subunit DU1A was shown to be of sufficient purity for sequence studies. Cyanogen bromide cleavage yielded two peptides, CB-1 and CB-2, in approximately equal amounts as expected. The sum of the molecular weights and amino acid compositions of the peptides were both in excellent agreement with the results obtained for subunit DU1A. The amino acid sequence of the first sixteen residues of peptide CB-1 is: Ser-Leu-Thr-Lys-Asp-Phe-Asp-Glu-Val-Asn-Ile-Asp-Val-Ser-His-Phe-. The sequence of the first seventeen residues of peptide CB-2 is: Asp-Ile-Ala-Ile-Ser-His-Pro-Trp-Ile-Arg-Pro-Ser-Phe-Phe-Glu-Phe-His-. The N-terminal sequence of subunit DU1A was shown to be N-acetylmethionine followed by peptide CB-2.
Efficient electrical control of thin-film black phosphorus bandgap.

Recently rediscovered black phosphorus is a layered semiconductor with promising electronic and photonic properties. Dynamic control of its bandgap can allow for the exploration of new physical phenomena. However, theoretical investigations and photoemission spectroscopy experiments indicate that in its few-layer form, an exceedingly large electric field in the order of several volts per nanometre is required to effectively tune its bandgap, making the direct electrical control unfeasible. Here we reveal the unique thickness-dependent bandgap tuning properties in intrinsic black phosphorus, arising from the strong interlayer electronic-state coupling. Furthermore, leveraging a 10 nm-thick black phosphorus, we continuously tune its bandgap from ∼300 to below 50 meV, using a moderate displacement field up to 1.1 V nm−1. Such dynamic tuning of bandgap may not only extend the operational wavelength range of tunable black phosphorus photonic devices, but also pave the way for the investigation of electrically tunable topological insulators and semimetals. Layered black phosphorous has gained significant attention in the 2D materials community, and dynamical control of its bandgap is key to enable novel applications. Here, the authors demonstrate continuous electrical bandgap tuning using moderate displacement fields.
Do continuum beliefs reduce schizophrenia stigma? Effects of a laboratory intervention on behavioral and self-reported stigma.

Abstract Background and objectives Correlational research shows that belief in a continuum of psychiatric problems predicts decreased public stigma. However, the correlational findings fail to inform the stigma reduction prospects of manipulating continuum beliefs. All extant experimental work has been executed online. This study examined effects of a laboratory-based continuum intervention on behavioral and self-report measures of psychiatric stigma. Methods Sixty-nine undergraduates believed that they would meet a man with schizophrenia. They then read a bogus scientific article that attested to a categorical view of schizophrenia, a continuum view, or that merely described schizophrenia. Some participants then completed a task that required reflection on their differences from (categorical group) or similarities to (continuum group) the man with schizophrenia. Participants eventually moved to an adjacent room and sat in one of several seats that varied in their proximity to a seat ostensibly occupied by the man with schizophrenia. Results The continuum intervention decreased self-reported social distance and the categorical intervention increased endorsement of damaging stereotypes. Seat selection was unaffected by our manipulation, but we obtained evidence of significant links to validated stigma measures. Limitations Our sample was small, and our behavioral stigma measure could be modified to maximize variability in participants' seat selection. Conclusions The study offers modest support of the stigma reduction effect of continuum belief intervention. It offers new evidence of the pernicious consequences of interventions that inflate perceptions of the “otherness” of individuals with psychiatric problems. Finally, it shines new light on stigma-related behavior measurable in the laboratory.
Modeling chemical reactions in classical molecular dynamics simulations

An algorithm capable of incorporating multi-step reaction mechanisms into atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using traditional fixed valence force fields is proposed and implemented within the framework of LAMMPS (Large-scale Atomic Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator). This extension, referred to as fix bond/react, enables bonding topology modifications during a running MD simulation using pre- and post-reaction bonding templates to carry out a pre-specified reaction. Candidate reactants are first identified by interatomic separation, followed by the application of a generalized topology matching algorithm to confirm they match the pre-reaction template. This is followed by a topology conversion to match the post-reaction template and a dynamic relaxation to minimize high energy configurations. Two case studies, the condensation polymerization of nylon 6,6 and the formation of a highly-crosslinked epoxy, are simulated to demonstrate the robustness, stability, and speed of the algorithm. Improvements which could increase its utility are discussed.
Quality and Quantifiers

ABSTRACTI examine three ‘anti-object’ metaphysical views: nihilism (there are no objects at all), generalism (reality is ultimately qualitative), and anti-quantificationalism (quantification over objects does not perspicuously represent the world). After setting aside nihilism, I argue that generalists should be anti-quantificationalists. Along the way, I attempt to articulate what a ‘metaphysically perspicuous’ language might even be.
Skating on thin ice: stimulant use and sub-optimal adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Author(s): Hojilla, J Carlo; Vlahov, David; Glidden, David V; Amico, K Rivet; Mehrotra, Megha; Hance, Robert; Grant, Robert M; Carrico, Adam W | Abstract: INTRODUCTION:Stimulant and heavy alcohol use are prevalent and associated with elevated risk for HIV seroconversion among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. In addition, each can pose difficulties for antiretroviral adherence among people living with HIV. Scant research has examined the associations of stimulant and heavy alcohol use with adherence to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM and transgender women. To address this gap in the literature, we evaluated the hypothesis that stimulant use and binge drinking are prospectively associated with sub-optimal PrEP adherence. METHODS:We analysed data from participants in a nested case-cohort in the iPrEx open label extension. Stimulant use (i.e. powder cocaine, crack-cocaine, cocaine paste, methamphetamine, cathinone) and binge drinking (i.e. ≥5 drinks in a single day) in the last 30ndays were assessed. Baseline urine was tested for stimulants using immunoassays to reduce misclassification. Sub-optimal adherence was defined as tenofovir drug concentrations in dried blood spots less than 700nfmol per punch, indicative of less than four doses per week. We tested the prospective association of stimulant use and binge drinking with sub-optimal adherence at the 4-week follow-up visit. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:Data from 330 participants were analysed. The majority of the participants were MSM (89%) with a median age at baseline of 29nyears (interquartile range 24 to 39). Approximately 16% (52/330) used stimulants and 22% (72/330) reported binge drinking in the last 30ndays. Stimulant users had fivefold greater odds of sub-optimal PrEP adherence compared to non-users in adjusted analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.04; [95% CI 1.35 to 18.78]). Self-reported binge drinking was not significantly associated with sub-optimal adherence after adjusting for stimulant use and baseline confounders (aOR 1.16 [0.49 to 2.73]). Depressive symptoms, being transgender, and number of sex partners were also not significantly associated with sub-optimal PrEP adherence (pngn0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Stimulant use is a risk factor for sub-optimal PrEP adherence in the month following PrEP initiation. Comprehensive prevention approaches that reduce stimulant use may optimize PrEP adherence. Creating adherence plans that specifically address PrEP dosing in the context of ongoing stimulant use should also be considered.
Space, time, and situational awareness in natural hazards: a case study of Hurricane Sandy with social media data

Various methods have been developed to investigate the geospatial information, temporal component, and message content in disaster-related social media data to enrich human-centric information for ...
The Non-Cartridge Printer with the Amorphous Silicon Photoconductor

A vast majority of page printers today require the replacement of toner cartridges which contain numerous components which could still be used, but most of these cartridges are disposed of after use. Although a small percentage of the used toner cartridges are recycled with the intent of saving resources and protecting the environment, these efforts clearly do not provide a complete solution. Using the amorphous silicon (a-Si) for the photoconductor, Kyocera have developed a printer which requires only a toner refill instead of complete cartridge replacement. This non-cartridge printer provides the highest level of environmental protection attainable when using page printers.
Secondary Trials After Myocardial Infarction: A Review

The case fatality rate in patients suffering a myocardial infarction (MI) is highest within the first 24 hours of onset of symptoms. The majority of these early deaths occur before any medical attention is received either as emergency care or after admission to a hospital. This fact underscores the great potential for primary prevention. The case fatality rate falls over the course of the hospital stay and it continues to decrease over the subsequent 3–6 months. After this critical period, survivors stabilize at a risk of dying 4–8 times that faced by a comparable non-coronary population. This points to the potential value of secondary prevention.
Hacer patria de David Blaustein: Reconstrucción colectiva e historia judeo-argentina reciente

David Blaustein nos lleva en un recorrido intimo por su familia migrante, el cual refleja la historia mas abarcadora de una nacion durante el siglo XX y XXI. Polonia, Argentina, Espana, Argentina. Blaustein y su familia hacen patria dandole a su identidad una maleabilidad en la que el judaismo se filtra para ser parte del collage argentino. Sin embargo, es esta marca judaica—visible en los abuelos, invisible pero latente en los nietos—la que empuja a los miembros de esta familia a seguir rondando el mundo en su exilio intergeneracional. Blaustein produce un documental en el que la inmigracion y el exilio desestabilizan a su familia a traves de los anos a la vez que la unen en un espacio argentino-judio donde las fronteras se encuentran dentro del propio clan. Lo caracteristico de este trabajo es lo colectivo del mismo: Es la inconfundible historia del inmigrante y, al mismo tiempo, es exclusivamente la historia de los Blaustein.
Emerging Technology in Positive Psychology

Technological advances are providing the field of positive psychology with new means with which to potentially enhance well-being. Emerging interventions – such as those from psychopharmacology, noninvasive brain stimulation, apps, big-data computational linguistic analysis of social media, and virtual reality – often diverge in various ways from the primarily cognitive and psychosocial interventions more common in the extant positive psychology literature. This paper describes several of these emerging technologies and considers the effects that they may come to have on the science of well-being, and recommends that positive psychology discourse expand to more fully integrate biopsychosocial aspects of well-being.
Approximate Computing Techniques for Deep Neural Networks

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have emerged as a powerful and versatile set of techniques enabling unprecedented success on challenging artificial intelligence (AI) problems. However, the recent success of DNNs comes at the cost of high computational complexity using very large models, which often require 100s of MBs of data storage, ExaOps of computation, and immense bandwidth for data movement. Despite advances in computing systems, it still takes days to weeks to train state-of-the-art DNNs—which directly limits the pace of innovation. Approximate computing is gaining traction as a promising method to alleviate demanding computational complexity in DNNs. Exploiting their inherent resiliency, approximate computing aims to relax exactness constraints with the goal of obtaining significant gains in computational throughput while maintaining an acceptable quality of results. In this chapter, we review the wide spectrum of approximate computing techniques that have been successfully applied to DNNs.
The Practical Implications and Possibilities for Graphic Novels and Comic Books as a Component of the Literacy Experience: A Proposal

Through the multitude of media and other forms of visual, verbal, and physical representation that is the modern school curriculum, teachers must make calculated decisions about curriculum. These decision affect not only the extent or depth of a subject that they teach, but also in the pedagogy through which they do it. The development of a critical literacy skillset lies at the ultimate end of literacy or reading instruction. This critical literacy skillset represents an essential part of the voice that is being developed by each student (Morrell, 2007). Through this voice, students exercise the skillsets required to engage their communities and other social contexts and promote greater understanding and change. Teachers who work to this instructional end make use of a wide range of curricular vehicles and so the choice of these vehicles becomes of paramount importance (Moss, 2007). This researcher will make the argument, as have many before, that comic books and graphic novels represent a largely untapped resource for the degree of influence they have. This influence comes not only in the engaging nature of the medium, but also in the ability to use important elements of art and story in a symbiotic fashion. In this way, each draws the best from the other. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.17.11.4
An Updated Review on Liposome Bupivacaine

In this review, we discuss the evidence for the use of liposome bupivacaine during the perioperative period when used for surgical site infiltration or as part of a peripheral/epidural nerve block. There is sparse high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials that liposome bupivacaine is superior to traditional bupivacaine when surgically infiltrated. The evidence for liposome bupivacaine used as part of peripheral and epidural nerve blocks is promising, but its superiority is yet to be determined when compared to single-injection or continuous perineural infusions using unencapsulated (standard) long-acting local anesthetics. High-quality, adequately powered, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are still needed to adequately compare liposome bupivacaine to unencapsulated local anesthetic for peripheral nerve blocks and surgical site infiltration.
Grit Applied Within: Identity and Well-being

This study investigates how grit, perseverance in the face of challenges and focus on achieving goals, relates to identity development and how identity development mediates the relationship between...
Powerful templating effect in Rb/Pd/Se(x) promoted by crown ether-like [Rb(Se8)]+ coordination. Formation of Rb2[Pd(Se4)2] · Se8: A layered Pd polyselenide with 'encapsulated' eight-membered selenium rings

A novel layered Rb−Pd polyselenide has been synthesized by methanothermal reaction of Pd2+ with Sex2- (from Se2- + Se) in the presence of Rb2CO3. Rb2[Pd(Se4)2]·Se8 (I) reveals a unique structure with infinite [Pd(Se4)2]2- sheet polyanions acting as a host for neutral Se8 rings. The black shiny rectangular crystals of Rb2[Pd(Se4)2]·Se8 are insoluble in H2O and common organic solvents. The compound crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group P4b2 (No. 117) with a = 12.6748(8) A, c = 6.9273(7) A, Z = 2, and V = 1112.9(2) A3. The [Pd(Se4)2]2- sheet anion contains Pd2+ ions with a distorted square planar coordination geometry to four terminal Se atoms of Se42- chains. The cocrystallized neutral Se8 rings have a crown-like conformation as known from the elemental Se8 forms. Through coordination to Rb+ ions they build [Rb(Se8)+]n “cationic chains” running in the c direction. Rb2[Pd(Se4)2]·Se8 therefore differs fundamentally from its “neighboring” alkali metal Pd polyselenides, K2PdSe10 and Cs2PdSe8, whic...
Amino acid-linked platinum(II) compounds: non-canonical nucleoside preferences and influence on glycosidic bond stabilities

Nucleobases serve as ideal targets where drugs bind and exert their anticancer activities. Cisplatin (cisPt) preferentially coordinates to 2'-deoxyguanosine (dGuo) residues within DNA. The dGuo adducts that are formed alter the DNA structure, contributing to inhibition of function and ultimately cancer cell death. Despite its success as an anticancer drug, cisPt has a number of drawbacks that reduce its efficacy, including repair of adducts and drug resistance. Some approaches to overcome this problem involve development of compounds that coordinate to other purine nucleobases, including those found in RNA. In this work, amino acid-linked platinum(II) (AAPt) compounds of alanine and ornithine (AlaPt and OrnPt, respectively) were studied. Their reactivity preferences for DNA and RNA purine nucleosides (i.e., 2'-deoxyadenosine (dAdo), adenosine (Ado), dGuo, and guanosine (Guo)) were determined. The chosen compounds form predominantly monofunctional adducts by reacting at the N1, N3, or N7 positions of purine nucleobases. In addition, features of AAPt compounds that impact the glycosidic bond stability of Ado residues were explored. The glycosidic bond cleavage is activated differentially for AlaPt-Ado and OrnPt-Ado isomers. Formation of unique adducts at non-canonical residues and subsequent destabilization of the glycosidic bonds are important features that could circumvent platinum-based drug resistance.
Does Identity Theft Insurance Undermine Risk Perceptions and Increase Risky Behavioral Intentions

A survey was conducted to study the impact of identity theft insurance on consumer risk perceptions and their risky behavioral intentions. By using the data collected from this survey, we were able to elicit and estimate subjects’ risk perceptions toward identity theft and also their intentions to engage into risky online shopping activities which may endanger their personal identity. The results show that identity theft insurance, as a curative remedy, does undermine individual risk perceptions of being victimized by the identity theft. Additionally, we also demonstrate that having identity theft insurance surprisingly increases consumer intentions to involve into the activities that could put personal identity at risk. Identity theft insurance, which is believed by consumers to protect their personal information, does have unintended impact with negative consequences on consumer welfare. This research provides valuable and deep insights for consumers, marketers, and government agencies to understand the identity theft insurance.
The intensity of COVID-19 outbreaks is modulated by SARS-CoV-2 free-living survival and environmental transmission

COVID-19 has circled the globe, rapidly expanding into a pandemic within a matter of weeks. Lacking an effective vaccine or proven, pharmaceutical therapy, countries have enacted an unprecedented series of non-pharmaceutical interventions to combat this disease. However, the potential for variation in free-living virus survival to modulate the efficacy of these interventions remains unclear. Using an empirically determined understanding of SARS-CoV-2 natural history and detailed, country-level case data, we elucidate how variation in free-living virus survival influences key features of COVID-19 epidemics. Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 basic reproductive number (R0) and other key signatures of outbreak intensity are modulated by transmission between infected individuals and the environment. In addition, country-level outbreaks vary in the degree to which environmental transmission appears to modulate COVID-19 dynamics. Summarizing, we propose that informed models of sit and wait, environmental transmission are essential in emerging outbreaks, as they highlight how variation in environmental transmission may explain observed differences in disease dynamics from setting to setting, and can inform public health interventions.
Evaluation of the Intelligent Sprayer System in Peach Production

Air-blast sprayers are routinely used to apply pesticides in commercial peach orchards, with growers using both conventional air-blast and ultrasonic sensor-driven models. Even with advanced spray technologies, there are still concerns with the amount of chemicals used and lost to drift. Our study evaluated a laser sensor-based variable-rate sprayer system in three experimental peach orchards for pest and brown rot disease control, spray volume output, spray coverage, and spray drift. A single 378-liter air-blast sprayer was used for both the conventional air-blast and the Intelligent Sprayer (iSprayer) treatments. Treatments were started at the phenological stage of bloom and continued through final swell. The iSprayer treatment was as effective in controlling pests and brown rot disease as the conventional air-blast treatment. Compared with the conventional air-blast treatment, the iSprayer treatment reduced the spray volume (liters/hectare) in cultivar PF23 by 71% at bloom, 62% at pit hardening, and 55% at final swell. For Juneprince, the spray volume reduction was 50% at bloom, 40% at pit hardening, and 13% at final swell. Spray drift was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced only at bloom in the iSprayer treatment. Spray coverage was increased by 50.13 and 26.67% in the iSprayer treatment at bloom and pit hardening, respectively, but not at final swell. Our results show that the iSprayer maintained pest and disease control efficacy in peach orchards while reducing spray volume and drift compared with the conventional air-blast treatment.
An Assessment of the Treatment Effect in Treatment of Physician Choice Trials

In treatment of physician choice (TPC) trials, patients randomized to the control arm are treated with one of several drugs which are predetermined prior to the initiation of the trial. Statistical...
Promising and Upcoming Treatments in Myositis

To highlight new and emerging treatment targets in myositis. The landscape of novel therapeutics in myositis has vastly changed in the past 5 years. This is largely due to a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of myositis and validation of more robust outcome measures that standardize the ability to assess treatment response. Clinical trials in dermatomyositis are leading the way with ongoing multicenter, international phase 3 clinical trials. Proof-of-concept studies targeting the JAK/STAT pathway have also showed early promise in treating refractory dermatomyositis in adults and children. This review highlights that the future armamentarium of therapeutic drugs will likely be larger and more selective in treating different subgroups of myositis.
Resilience Analysis and Cascading Failure Modeling of Power Systems under Extreme Temperatures

In this paper, we propose an AC power flow based cascading failure model that explicitly considers external weather conditions, extreme temperatures in particular, and evaluates the impact of extreme temperature on the initiation and propagation of cascading blackouts. Based on this model, careful analysis is performed on the resilience of the power system under extreme temperatures. Specifically, load and dynamic line rating changes are modeled due to temperature disturbance, the probabilities for transmission line and generator outages are evaluated, and the timing for each type of events is carefully calculated to decide the actual event sequence. It should be emphasized that the correlated events, in the advent of external temperature changes, could together contribute to voltage instability. Besides, we model undervoltage load shedding and operator re-dispatch as control strategies for preventing the propagation of cascading failures. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by simulation results on the RTS-96 3-area system and it is found that temperature disturbances can lead to correlated load change and line/generator tripping, which together will greatly increase the risk of cascading and voltage instability. Critical temperature change, critical area with temperature disturbance, identification of most vulnerable buses, and comparison of different control strategies are also carefully investigated.
Evaluating the Quality of High-Resolution Private Sector Data for Providing Nonfreeway Travel Times

AbstractTravel time to a destination is a key piece of information that motorists desire. Traditionally, transportation agencies collect traffic state information with costly measurement sensors. I...
The GPCR-β-arrestin complex allosterically activates C-Raf by binding its amino terminus.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) convert external stimuli into cellular signals through heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) and β-arrestins (βarrs). In a βarr-dependent signaling pathway, βarrs link GPCRs to various downstream signaling partners, such as the Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascade. Agonist-stimulated GPCR-βarr complexes have been shown to interact with C-Raf and are thought to initiate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway through simple tethering of these signaling partners. However, recent evidence shows that in addition to canonical scaffolding functions, βarrs can allosterically activate downstream targets, such as the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src. Here, we demonstrate the direct allosteric activation of C-Raf by GPCR-βarr1 complexes in vitro. Furthermore, we show that βarr1 in complex with a synthetic phosphopeptide mimicking the human V2 vasopressin receptor tail that binds and functionally activates βarrs also allosterically activates C-Raf. We reveal that the interaction between the phosphorylated GPCR C terminus and βarr1 is necessary and sufficient for C-Raf activation. Interestingly, the interaction between βarr1 and C-Raf was considerably reduced in the presence of excess activated H-Ras, a small GTPase known to activate C-Raf, suggesting that H-Ras and βarr1 bind to the same region on C-Raf. Furthermore, we found that βarr1 interacts with the Ras-binding domain of C-Raf. Taken together, these data suggest that in addition to canonical scaffolding functions, GPCR-βarr complexes directly allosterically activate C-Raf by binding to its amino terminus. This work provides novel insights into how βarrs regulate effector molecules to activate downstream signaling pathways.
Competing with Clean Air: Pollution Disclosure and College Desirability

Starting in 2013, China's pollution information disclosure program raised public awareness of air quality. This study seeks to analyze the impact of information disclosure on college desirability. To that end, I assemble a comprehensive dataset on admission scores for all colleges in China for eight years. In an event study setting, I find pollution information drives down cutoff scores for colleges in dirty cities by 0.3% for the arts track and 0.6% for the science track, equivalent to 20 thousand and 30 thousand high school graduates per year. While first- and second-tier colleges see large and robust effects, third-tier colleges are not affected by this amenity information shock. The effect is mainly driven by the increased competition for clean colleges, and is more prominent for journalism, economics and environment-related majors. My findings confirm the importance of environmental information and are consistent with people's avoidance behavior against pollution.
Synthesis and Application of Solution-Based II–VI and IV–VI Semiconductor Nanowires

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) possess unique optical and electrical properties due to their anisotropic shape as well as their size-tunable electronic structure. In this chapter, we discuss the solution phase synthesis of II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor nanowires (e.g. ZnSe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, PbS, PbSe, and PbSexS1−x) as well as NW-based heterostructures involving core/shell and metal nanoparticle-decorated morphologies. We subsequently discuss the application of these materials within the context of nanowire yarns, nanowire-functionalized cotton textiles, and renewable energy applications involving nanostructured solar cells and photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Inhibition of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Antigen Presentation in Pig and Primate Cells by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 ICP47

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) express an immediate-early protein, ICP47, that effectively inhibits the human transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP), blocking major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation to CD8+ T cells. Previous work indicated that the mouse TAP is relatively resistant to inhibition by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 ICP47 proteins (ICP47-1 and ICP47-2) and that mouse cells infected with HSV-1 are lysed by anti-HSV CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Therefore, mice are apparently not suitable animals in which to study the in vivo effects of ICP47. In order to find an animal model, we introduced ICP47-1 and ICP47-2 into cells from various animal species—mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, pigs, cows, monkeys, and humans—and measured TAP activity in the cells. Both proteins were unable to inhibit TAP in mouse, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit cells. In contrast, ICP47-1 and ICP47-2 inhibited TAP in pig, dog, cow, and monkey cells, and the TAP in pig and dog fibroblasts was often more sensitive to both proteins than TAP in human fibroblasts. These results were extended by measuring CD8+-T-cell recognition (CTL lysis) of cells from various species. Cells were infected with recombinant HSV-1 constructed to express murine MHC class I proteins so that the cells would be recognized and lysed by well-characterized murine anti-HSV CTL unless antigen presentation was blocked by ICP47. Anti-HSV CD8+ CTL effectively lysed pig and primate cells infected with a recombinant HSV-1 ICP47− mutant but were unable to lyse pig or primate cells infected with a recombinant HSV-1 that expressed ICP47. Therefore, pigs, dogs, and monkeys may be useful animal models in which to test the effects of ICP47 on HSV pathogenesis or the use of ICP47 as a selective immunosuppressive agent.
An Artifact or a Memorial: The Latin Cross and the Establishment Clause

This comment proposes a new, unified approach to practically apply the Establishment Clause to public displays of religious symbols. The use of a particularized set of factors will lead to more consistent and coherent court decisions. The proposed method is considered and applied to the integration of the Latin cross in war memorials, with a focus on the Mount Soledad Memorial in San Diego. Recently, the Second Circuit issued an opinion holding that the Cross at Ground Zero could remain where it stands in the 9/11 museum, and in doing so, the court interpreted the religious symbol in a different way than the Ninth Circuit had regarding the Mount Soledad cross. The use of the new, unified approach will at least partially relieve courts of this surmountable task of interpreting what exactly a cross means. The test will allow courts to determine whether the cross is related to the display in a way that allows the religious symbol to stand as an integrated part of a secular display. The proposed approach considers whether (1) a state actor erected the symbol; (2) the symbol had a legitimate secular purpose; (3) the history and context of the symbol supported the secular purpose; (4) the government’s use of the symbol is coercive; and (4) excessive entanglement of government and religion. These factors are designed to allow lower courts to continue using a fact-intensive analysis, but the application of these factors clarifies the analysis and the results. Most likely, the Supreme Court will chose to clarify the Establishment Clause jurisprudence, and this proposed approach incorporates pieces of each of the four tests — the Lemon Test, the Endorsement Test, the Coercion Test, and the Van Orden Test — to clarify the convoluted doctrine.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Older Adults Residing in Long‐Term Care Facilities and in the Community

Objectives: To examine the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in older adults hospitalized for invasive pneumococcal disease who are living in the community and in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in the United States. Design: Analysis of 2,402 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization in 2000 and 2001 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Active Bacterial Core Surveillance collected in nine states. Setting: Hospital. Participants: Hospitalized LTCF residents and community-living older adults in the United States. Measurements: Age- and residence-specific pneumococcal disease incidence rates per 100,000 persons, case-fatality rates, and trends in antimicrobial resistance. Results: Nationally, the rate of invasive pneumococcal disease in LTCF residents was 194.2 cases per 100,000 persons aged 65 and older and 44.6 for community-living older adults (relative risk=4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=4.2–4.5). Compared with community-living older adults, case-fatality rates were 1.9 times higher (30.8% vs 16.0%, 95% CI=1.5–2.5). Pneumococcal strains from LTCF residents were significantly more likely to be nonsusceptible to levofloxacin than strains from community- living older adults (5.7% vs 0.4%, P<.001). Conclusion: Older adults living in LTCFs are at a higher risk for invasive pneumococcal disease and death than are community-living older adults. Additionally, fluoroquinolone resistance is significantly higher in older adults living in LTCFs and may provide clues to emerging antimicrobial resistance in the general population.
A COMPARISON OF TWO ELECTROFISHING PROGRAMMES USED TO MONITOR FISH ON THE ILLINOIS RIVER, ILLINOIS, USA

The Illinois River Biological Station monitors fish communities in the Illinois River using two different electrofishing programmes, one using three-phase alternating current [AC; The Long Term Illinois Fish Population Monitoring Program or long-term electrofishing (LTEF)] and the other pulsed direct current [DC; The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP)]. In 2001, we replicated three-phase AC sampling sites with pulsed-DC electrofishing gear to test for differences between the two collection methods and programmes. Electrofishing runs at each site were standardized by length and time, with 48 samples collected for each gear. Our objective was to test for differences in fish catch rates using total catch, species richness, fish size ranges, and sample composition and structure. Total catch was significantly greater for LTRMP electrofishing (4368 total fish, mean = 91.0 fish per sample) compared with LTEF electrofishing (1423 total fish, mean = 29.6 fish per sample). Species richness also was significantly greater for LTRMP electrofishing (50 total species, mean = 12.9 species per site) compared with LTEF electrofishing (38 total species, mean = 7.9 species per site). Size ranges of fishes, composed of 100-mm-length groups, showed higher total catches for the LTRMP within all length groups. Although our analyses suggest that collections from the LTRMP were significantly greater in most instances, a consistent pattern of species composition between the two programmes was not evident. Our results suggest that caution must be taken when attempting to compare fish community composition and structure information between these programmes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface Characterization of Virulent Treponema pallidum

Abstract Characterization of the surface of Treponema pallidum was accomplished by [125I]lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of intact organisms and sensitive radioimmunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis technology. At least 11 outer membrane proteins with molecular weights ranging from 89,000 (89K) to 20K were identified, and all elicited high titers of antibody in experimentally infected rabbits. Proteins of 89.5K, 29.5K, and 25.5K previously implicated as ligands involved in attachment (J. B. Baseman and E. C. Hayes, J. Exp. Med. 151:573-586, 1980) were found to reside on the treponemal surface. Low levels of the 89.5K treponemal protein were released by high salt concentrations, whereas the remaining comigrating material was neither radioiodinated nor released with selective detergents. Other lower-molecular-weight (60K, 45K, and 30K) surface proteins were extracted with octyl glucoside detergent, suggesting their hydrophobic interaction with the external membrane. The molecular organization of surface proteins was studied by employing the cross-linker dithiobis(succinimidyl)-propionate, and data suggested the presence of a highly fluid envelope resulting in random collisions by the surface proteins. The biological function of the treponemal outer envelope proteins was evaluated using, as the indicator system, adherence of T. pallidum to monolayer cultures of eucaryotic cells. Trypsin treatment of motile, freshly harvested organisms decreased the extent of surface parasitism to normal rabbit testicular cells, reinforcing the idea of the proteinaceous nature and role of treponemal ligands for attachment. Other data supported functional and antigenic relatedness among the implicated ligands. Finally, brief periodate treatment of human epithelial (HEp-2) and normal rat testicular cells as well as casein-elicited rabbit peritoneal macrophages significantly reduced the extent of treponemal parasitism, suggesting a role of specific host membrane molecules as mediators of attachment.
Illuminated near card assessment of potential visual acuity

Abstract Purpose: To determine the accuracy of predicting potential visual acuity in patients having neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy using a new device, the illuminated near card (INC). Setting: Private practice, New York, New York. Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive patients having Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy were studied prospectively by comparing the postoperative distance Snellen acuity to the visual acuity obtained preoperatively using (1) a near vision reading card, (2) the INC, and (3) the INC viewed through a pinhole. Results: Patients reported that the INC was easy to use; none with a visual acuity better than 20/200 had difficulty finding the illuminated letters through the pinhole. In eyes with a precapsulotomy distance acuity of better than 20/200, the correlation between precapsulotomy and postcapsulotomy acuities was statistically significant (P .05). In patients with a precapsulotomy distance acuity of 20/200 or worse, the INC with pinhole, the INC, or the near card did not predict postoperative acuity (P > .05). Conclusion: In eyes with a precapsulotomy distance acuity better than 20/200, the INC with pinhole predicted postoperative distance acuity within one Snellen line in 97% of eyes (29/30), which is comparable to reports using other potential acuity testers. The INC viewed through a pinhole improves image resolution by the stenopaic hole without the low light intensity of the reduced aperture.
Wood cookstoves in Fiji

Abstract In almost all rural areas of the Pacific Island Nations cooking is predominantly accomplished using wood fires. Many attempts have been made by aid agencies and benevolent organizations to introduce improved woodstoves. The main reasons were to conserve wood fuel and to provide a healthier environment in the kitchen area. The present paper details a study of eight rural villages in Fiji to investigate cooking habits and wood stove cooking experience. The results suggest that in actual practice stoves are not more efficient than open fires and that the management of the fireplace is the key to overall fuel efficiency. More emphasis should be placed on providing more accessible fuel by concentrating on fuelwood lots close to the villages and to looking at the kitchen environment as an integrated whole and not just focussing on the cooking stove.
The in vitro effect of different implant angulations and cyclic dislodgement on the retentive properties of an overdenture attachment system.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The retentive capacity of ball attachments may be altered by a change in implant angulations. PURPOSE The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of cyclic dislodgement on the retention of an overdenture attachment system when 2 implants were placed at angulations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 degrees. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve acrylic resin blocks were fabricated and divided into 6 groups of 2 pairs each. In each of the 6 groups, 1 acrylic resin block was used to house the implants (block A), while the other (block B) was used to house the overdenture attachments. Two implants positioned at 0/0 degrees, with a standard plastic component(white) designed for 0-degree angulations, served as a control (CTRL), while the other 5 pairs of implants were placed in 5 different angulations: 0D: 0/0 degrees, 5D: 5/5 degrees, 10D: 10/10 degrees, 15D: 15/15 degrees, 20D: 20/20degrees (n=5). The extended range (green color) attachment was used for all groups except the control group. Implants(4.3 mm x 13 mm, internally hexed) were placed in blocks B. All angled implants were mesially tilted. Thirty pairs of attachments (Locator) were used. Dislodging cycles were applied to the overdenture attachment system. The initial retentive forces among the groups were not identical. The cycles required for the retentive forces of the attachments to decrease from the initial values to 60 N, and then to 40 N and 20 N, were recorded for standardization purposes.One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were used to analyze the difference in retention loss among the 6 groups(alpha=.05). A regression analysis (alpha=.05) was also performed to investigate the relationship between the implant angulation,the retentive force, and the logarithm of the number of cycles required for ball attachment retention decrease. RESULTS The 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD tests revealed significant differences for the number of cycles required by different implant angulation groups for the initial retentive values to decrease to 60 N, 40 N, and 20 N (P<.001).The 0D and 5D groups required the longest time for retention loss, while 20D and CTRL groups demonstrated the shortest time for retention loss. The results of the regression analysis of the logarithmic number of cycles on retentive force and implant angulation demonstrated a significant effect (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Implant angulations negatively affect attachment retention longevity. (J Prosthet Dent 2009;102:140-147)
Application of data flow concepts to a multigrid solver for the Euler equations

In this study a multigrid solver for Euler equations (FLO52R) was examined to determine its performance potential on a hypothetical computer using a data flow architecture. The proposed computer would require massive parallelism to realize its design performance. On the other hand this parallelism would be more easily realized than with a conventional vector processor such as the Cray-1S. Several changes to the proposed design substantially alleviated most of the remaining bottlenecks to parallel processing. Other changes allowed clearer definition of memory access and disk I@?O. Finally a portion of the algorithm was rewritten to improve parallel performance. With these changes, performance levels approaching that of a Cray-1S may be possible for a computer costing far less. Estimates are given for overall speed, memory, and network bandwidth, and for instruction memory requirements.
In Vivo Imaging of α-Synuclein in Mouse Cortex Demonstrates Stable Expression and Differential Subcellular Compartment Mobility

BACKGROUND Regulation of alpha-synuclein levels within cells is thought to play a critical role in Parkinson's Disease (PD) pathogenesis and in other related synucleinopathies. These processes have been studied primarily in reduced preparations, including cell culture. We now develop methods to measure alpha-synuclein levels in the living mammalian brain to study in vivo protein mobility, turnover and degradation with subcellular specificity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We have developed a system using enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-tagged human alpha-synuclein (Syn-GFP) transgenic mice and in vivo multiphoton imaging to measure alpha-synuclein levels with subcellular resolution. This new experimental paradigm allows individual Syn-GFP-expressing neurons and presynaptic terminals to be imaged in the living mouse brain over a period of months. We find that Syn-GFP is stably expressed by neurons and presynaptic terminals over this time frame and further find that different presynaptic terminals can express widely differing levels of Syn-GFP. Using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique in vivo we provide evidence that at least two pools of Syn-GFP exist in terminals with lower levels of mobility than measured previously. These results demonstrate that multiphoton imaging in Syn-GFP mice is an excellent new strategy for exploring the biology of alpha-synuclein and related mechanisms of neurodegeneration. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In vivo multiphoton imaging in Syn-GFP transgenic mice demonstrates stable alpha-synuclein expression and differential subcellular compartment mobility within cortical neurons. This opens new avenues for studying alpha-synuclein biology in the living brain and testing new therapeutics for PD and related disorders.
Limited-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Optimal Chemotherapy and the Role of Radiotherapy

Approximately 90% of patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) will be cured with first-line therapy. Chemotherapy alone or combined-modality therapy are both acceptable standard treatment options for nonbulky early-stage HL. Combined-modality therapy is associated with more serious late effects and, in at least one study, showed inferior survival rates compared with chemotherapy alone. Modern radiotherapy fields and doses are likely to result in fewer complications, but given the common involvement of the mediastinum in HL, complete avoidance of the heart, lungs, and breasts in the radiotherapy field is unlikely. In patients receiving chemotherapy alone, four to six cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD), with fewer cycles being given to those with an early complete remission, is recommended. Three cycles of ABVD may be adequate in those with an early negative PET, but these results have been published only in abstract form. Current standards for combined-modality therapy include two cycles of ABVD and 20 Gy of involved field radiotherapy in those with a favorable risk profile and four cycles of ABVD plus 30 Gy for unfavorable HL in early-stage patients. Standard of care for bulky early-stage HL remains combined-modality therapy. Whether an interim PET will allow selection of patients with nonbulky HL who will benefit most from consolidative radiotherapy is still under investigation.