cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spliced Spleen Necrosis Virus Vector RNA Is Not Encapsidated: Implications for Retroviral Replication and Vector Design

RNA splicing is a complex event in the retroviral life cycle and can involve multiple steps, as well as cis-acting sequences, to maintain a proper balance of spliced and unspliced viral RNA for translation and encapsidation. The retroviral RNA can be processed by cellular machinery and enables the removal of intronic sequences. We aimed to utilize the removal of a synthetic intron for targeted gene expression. To analyze intron removal and gene expression, we have constructed a novel self-inactivating gene-activating (SIGA) vector for potential universal gene therapy. New vectors for gene therapy are necessary for safe and effective gene delivery in humans. The SIGA vector is derived from spleen necrosis virus (SNV), which is an avian reticuloendotheliosis virus. The vector was designed so that expression of a therapeutic gene is blocked in helper cell lines due to an intervening sequence containing various blocks in transcription and translation. However, after one round of retroviral replication, the intervening sequence should be removed by the cellular machinery and the therapeutic gene will be selectively expressed in target cells. Our studies show that the intervening sequence in SIGA vector RNA is partially spliced. However, spliced vector RNA was not transduced to target cells. Previous studies showed that an infectious SNV vector enabled transduction of spliced RNA. However, yet-undefined differences in infectious and replication-deficient retroviral replication may have an effect on the transduction of spliced RNA. The results of this study present key information on spliced RNA and its encapsidation, as well as data for the construction of a new generation of SNV-derived retroviral vectors.
The properties and surface location of an enzyme oxidizing ascorbic acid in fungus spores.

Abstract 1. 1. Spores of the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria actively oxidize ascorbic acid. The enzyme is located at the surface of the spores and is easily extracted by grinding the spores, but is not released from intact spores in the presence of toluene or merthiolate. 2. 2. The enzyme differs from described ascorbic acid oxidizing systems in its resistance to inhibitors and in its specificity.
What trainers can learn from consulting

I argue in this paper that trainers can learn a lot from consulting experience even if they don't do much consulting. I will discuss some of the ways that training can benefit from our consulting and basic support experience.
Mutations in the alpha-helical region of the amino terminus of the Maize rayado fino virus capsid protein and CP:RNA ratios affect virus-like particle encapsidation of RNAs

Viral-based nanoplatforms rely on balancing the delicate array of virus properties to optimally achieve encapsidation of foreign materials with various potential objectives. We investigated the use of Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV)-virus-like particles (VLPs) as a multifunctional nanoplatform and their potential application as protein cages. MRFV-VLPs are composed of two serologically related, carboxy co-terminal coat proteins (CP1 and CP2) which are capable of self-assembling in Nicotiana benthamiana plants into 30nm particles with T=3 symmetry. The N-terminus of CP1 was targeted for genetic modification to exploit the driving forces for VLP assembly, packaging and retention of RNA in vivo and in vitro. The N-terminus of MRFV-CP1 contains a peptide sequence of 37 amino acids which has been predicted to have an alpha-helical structure, is rich in hydrophobic amino acids, facilitates CP-RNA interactions, and is not required for self-assembly. Amino acid substitutions were introduced in the 37 amino acid N-terminus by site-directed mutagenesis and the mutant VLPs produced in plants by a Potato virus X (PVX)-based vector were tested for particle stability and RNA encapsidation. All mutant CPs resulted in production of VLPs which encapsidated non-viral RNAs, including PVX genomic and subgenomic (sg) RNAs, 18S rRNA and cellular and viral mRNAs. In addition, MRFV-VLPs encapsidated GFP mRNA when was expressed in plant cells from the pGD vector. These results suggest that RNA packaging in MRFV-VLPs is predominantly driven by electrostatic interactions between the N-terminal 37 amino acid extension of CP1 and RNA, and that the overall species concentration of RNA in the cellular pool may determine the abundance and species of the RNAs packaged into the VLPs. Furthermore, RNA encapsidation is not required for VLPs stability, VLPs formed from MRFV-CP1 were stable at temperatures up to 70°C, and can be disassembled into CP monomers, which can then reassemble in vitro into complete VLPs either in the absence or presence of RNAs.
Far infrared optical properties of NbSe3

Abstract We have measured the far infrared reflectance of NbSe3 and used models of the frequency dependent conductivity to fit the data. General arguments show that at 2 K a charge density wave (CDW) energy gap exists between 120 and 190 cm−1, the relaxation time(s) of the free carriers and CDW pinned mode is >30×10−12 s, and the ratio of the free carrier concentration to band mass is
Figurative mosaics from flexible Truchet tiles

In 1704 Father Sebastien Truchet published an article, ‘Memoire sur les combinaisons’, that describes his mathematical and artistic investigations into how a simple set of square tiles, each divided by a diagonal into a white half and a black half, can be arranged to form an infinity of pleasing designs. In this paper, we describe how to modify Truchet’s tiles so that a collection of them can be used for halftoning, the reproduction of user-supplied greyscale target images in pure black and white. We do this by allowing the diagonals of the tiles to ‘flex’ or bend at their midpoints in accordance with the brightness of an individual pixel, or a collection of pixels, from the target image. We also present hexagonal variations, a similar scheme for the Truchet-like tiles – each decorated with two quarter-circle arcs centred at opposite corners of the square – proposed by Cyril Stanley Smith in 1987, and an extension that can be applied to all regular and semiregular tilings.
Optical feedback stabilization of the intensity oscillations in ultrahigh-frequency passively modelocked monolithic quantum-well lasers

The effect of optical feedback on the stability of the modelocking frequency of monolithic, passively modelocked semiconductor lasers at approximately 50 GHz is investigated. Optical feedback leads to linewidth narrowing, frequency pulling, and multiple modes of the intensity modulations in modelocked lasers, reminiscent of similar effects on the optical frequency in conventional continuous wave (CW) lasers. The narrowest observed line has a full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of 56 kHz, which represents close to two orders of magnitude reduction of the linewidth compared to the situation without feedback. The effects of the optical feedback vary periodically as the length of the feedback delay is varied, with a periodicity that roughly matches the mode-locking wavelength. This wavelength is on the order of millimeters, which makes the mechanical stability of the optical feedback loop relatively uncritical. >
The Theory and Practice of Econometrics

SAMPLING THEORY AND BAYESIAN APPROACHES TO INFERENCE. The Classical Inference Approach for the General Linear Model. Statistical Decision Theory and Biased Estimation. The Bayesian Approach to Inference. INFERENCE IN GENERAL STATISTICAL MODELS AND TIME SERIES. Some Asymptotic Theory and Other General Results for the Linear Statistical Model. Nonlinear Statistical Models. Time Series. DYNAMIC SPECIFICATIONS. Autocorrelation. Finite Distributed Lags. Infinite Distributed Lags. SOME ALTERNATIVE COVARIANCE STRUCTURES. Heteroskedasticity. Disturbance--Related Sets of Regression Equations. Inference in Models that Combine Time Series and Cross--Sectional Data. INFERENCE IN SIMULTANEOUS EQUATION MODELS. Specification and Identification in Simultaneous Equation Models. Estimation and Inference in a System of Simultaneous Equations. Multiple Time Series and Systems of Dynamic Simultaneous Equations. FURTHER MODEL EXTENSIONS. Unobservable Variables. Qualitative and Limited Dependent Variable Models. Varying and Random Coefficient Models. Non--Normal Disturbances. On Selecting the Set of Aggressors. Multicollinearity. Appendices.
KENOSIS AND EMERGENCE: A THEOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS

. Emergence, a hot topic of discussion for the last several years, has implications not only for the study of science but also for theology. I survey Philip Clayton's book Mind & Emergence, drawing from it and applying some of its philosophical principles to a theological interpretation of emergence. This theological interpretation is supplemented by a brief examination of relevant biblical usages of the term kenosis. From this exploration of kenosis, I assert that the Spirit is kenotically poured into creation, which onsets the long and laborious process of prebiotic evolution, leading to biological evolution toward increasing complexity. The complexification of matter, then, has its ontological origin in and through the agency of the Spirit of God. As such, the concept of creatio continua, continuing creation, is defended. The Spirit enables emergence by endowing creation and creatures with the ability to unfold by apparent natural processes according to their own inherent potentialities and possibilities. This essay contributes to a systematic theology of creation by constructing a theological synthesis between kenosis and emergence.
Benchtop synthesis and crystal structure determination of a monomeric N-heterocyclic carbene complex of copper(I) chloride

(1,3-Bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene)copper(I) chloride (1) was prepared by the reaction of 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolium chloride and copper(I) oxide in refluxing tetrahydrofuran. In contrast to previously published methods of preparation of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of copper(I) halides, this synthesis requires neither an inert atmosphere nor scrupulously dry solvents. The structure of 1 was determined by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The X-ray crystal data reveal linear coordination about the copper(I) center and linear chains of molecules formed with intermolecular head-to-tail C–H···Cl interactions.
Anti-inflammatory drugs promote polyspermic fertilization in sea urchins

Sea urchin eggs are known to release H2O2 during the cortical reaction at fertilization to help prevent polyspermy by inactivating excess sperm in the vicinity. This process resembles the peroxidatic killing of bacteria by phagocytic leukocytes during inflammation. Associated with these reactions in leukocytes, arachidonic acid is released from phospholipids and can be oxidized via the cyclooxygenase pathway to produce prostaglandins. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are cyclooxygenase inhibitors in somatic cells were used to determine whether Arbacia punctulata and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eggs use these processes to help prevent polyspermy. The potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin causes a dose (10–100 μM) and sperm density dependent induction of polyspermy if added before the egg completes the cortical reaction. It does not retard elevation of the fertilization envelope and does not promote polyspermy by protecting sperm from peroxidatic inactivation by egg-derived H2O2. Other potent cyclooxygenase inhibitors, flufenamate and meclofenamate, also induce polyspermy at 10–60 μM. Aspirin, a weak cyclooxygenase inhibitor in somatic cells, does not cause polyspermy at 5 mM. These findings provide evidence that prostaglandins or other cyclooxygenase-derived metabolites may help assure monospermic fertilization in sea urchins.
Content based searching of gene expression databases using binary fingerprints of differential expression profiles

Microarray technologies are commonly used for large scale measurement of gene expression. Microarray studies reveal information between different biological processes and produce hypotheses for further investigation. Availability and rapid growth of microarray databases has made integrated analysis of these databases computationally challenging. We present a new approach to content based searching in microarray databases, using a binary fingerprint approach that is inspired from the chemoinformatics field. Differential expression profiles are represented in concise bit vectors to allow rapid comparison of microarray experiments using bit-wise operations. We demonstrate that the fingerprint representation provides fast search times, while preserving accuracy when compared to the more commonly used correlation-based metrics.
Deterioration in Abstract Expressionist Paintings: Analysis of Zinc Oxide Paint Layers in Works from the Collection of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution

A recent visual survey of Abstract Expressionist-era paintings in the collection of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Smithsonian Institution revealed a particular type of paint layer separation. Earlier work by the authors showed that zinc oxide in oil paint is a contributing factor to the problem. Ten samples from five Abstract Expressionist-era paintings as well as twenty-three samples eight years or older from the Smithsonian Institution’s (SI) Materials Study Collection were analyzed by pyrolysis – gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), and unexpectedly significant amounts of oleic (cis-octadecenoic) acid were detected in samples containing high proportions of zinc oxide (25 % or greater by weight). In a typical fully cured oil paint, the oleic acid is oxidized to azelaic (nonanedioic) acid. Although the formation of zinc soaps in oil paints is well-known, the detection of zinc oleate in paints by Py-GC-MS has never been described. The close-packing of the oleate chains in the plate-like structure of zinc oleate prevents the oxidation of the cis-double bond, and therefore prevents the formation of azelaic acid. The detection of zinc oleate in paintings is an indication that the paint layers are at risk for future separation.
Removal of metal ions from wastewater with roadside tree leaves

This paper reports on research related to the removal of heavy metal ions, such as lead, nickel, and zinc from wastewater by using tree leaves. Twelve different kinds of tree leaves were tested at room temperature. The experiments were carried out with 2 g of 40-50 mesh leaves in 200 mL synthetic wastewater containing about 50 mg/L metal ions. The initial pH of the synthetic wastewater was about 5. The experiments showed that the highest removal rates were 96% for lead (Pb ++ ), 61.7% for nickel (Ni ++ ), and 71.3% for zinc (Zn ++ ), compared with 93.9% for lead, 68.5% for nickel, and 72.1% for zinc achieved by activated carbon. Tree leaves appear to beagoodadsorbent for metal ion removal from wastewater.
Test-retest strength reliability: Hand-held dynamometry in community-dwelling elderly fallers

Abstract Wang C-Y, Olson SL, Protas EJ. Test-retest strength reliability: hand-held dynamometry in community-dwelling elderly fallers. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:811-5. Objective: To determine the reliability of a standardized protocol by using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) to measure lower-extremity strength in community-dwelling elderly fallers. Design: Within-session test-retest reliability of the HHD. Setting: Balance laboratory of a university. Participants: A convenience sample of 41 community-dwelling elders (61-90y) who fell at least once in the previous year. Intervention: The strengths of 8 lower-extremity muscle groups bilaterally were tested twice, with an intervening rest period of 15 seconds. Main Outcome Measure: Maximal isometric force. Results: Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were high, generally ranging from.95 to.99 for 1 trial (ICC 2,1 ) and from.97 to 1.00 for the mean of 2 trials (ICC 2,2 ). There were no significant differences in strength values across trials ( P >.05). Men had significantly greater strength than women across all muscle groups ( P >.05). Right knee extensor strength demonstrated the largest trial-to-trial difference,.54kg using a single measurement and.39kg using the mean of both measurements. Among the 3 lower-extremity muscle groups, the ankle showed higher a coefficient of variation (CV=5.1%-7.4%) than the knee (CV=4.6%-5.1%) or the hip (CV=4.2%-6.3%) when using 1 measure. Conclusion: By using an HHD and a standardized measurement protocol, a novice tester can obtain reliable lower-extremity strength values in community-dwelling elderly fallers. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Flow Matching Results of an MHD Energy Bypass System on a Supersonic Turbojet Engine using the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) Environment

Flow matching has been successfully achieved for an MHD energy bypass system on a supersonic turbojet engine. The Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) environment helped perform a thermodynamic cycle analysis to properly match the flows from an inlet employing a MHD energy bypass system (consisting of an MHD generator and MHD accelerator) on a supersonic turbojet engine. Working with various operating conditions (such as the applied magnetic field, MHD generator length and flow conductivity), interfacing studies were conducted between the MHD generator, the turbojet engine, and the MHD accelerator. This paper briefly describes the NPSS environment used in this analysis. This paper further describes the analysis of a supersonic turbojet engine with an MHD generator/accelerator energy bypass system. Results from this study have shown that using MHD energy bypass in the flow path of a supersonic turbojet engine increases the useful Mach number operating range from 0 to 3.0 Mach (not using MHD) to a range of 0 to 7.0 Mach with specific net thrust range of 740 N-s/kg (at ambient Mach = 3.25) to 70 N-s/kg (at ambient Mach = 7). These results were achieved with an applied magnetic field of 2.5 Tesla and conductivity levels in a range from 2 mhos/m (ambient Mach = 7) to 5.5 mhos/m (ambient Mach = 3.5) for an MHD generator length of 3 meters. Nomenclature γ = specific heat ratio for air ηN(a) = enthalpy addition ratio of the MHD accelerator ηN(g) = enthalpy extraction ratio of the MHD generator ηs(a) = isentropic efficiency for the MHD accelerator ηs(g) = isentropic efficiency for the MHD generator πa = stagnation pressure ratio of the MHD accelerator πg = stagnation pressure ratio of the MHD generator πp = stagnation pressure ratio of the pre-ionizer σ = electrical conductivity χ = fraction of MHD generator power diverted to pre-ionizer Ag = cross sectional area of the MHD generator B = magnetic field intensity Cp = constant pressure specific heat K = Faraday loading parameter L = length of the MHD generator m
A MotN Mutant of Ralstonia solanacearum Is Hypermotile and Has Reduced Virulence

Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne plant pathogen that causes bacterial wilt disease on many plant species. We previously showed that swimming motility contributes to virulence of this bacterium in the early stages of host invasion and colonization. In this study we identified a new negative regulator of motility, named motN, that is located in a cluster of motility-related genes. A motN mutant was hypermotile both on 0.3% agar motility plates and in rich and minimal medium broth. However, like its wild-type parent, it was largely nonmotile inside plants. The motN mutant cells appeared hyperflagellated, and sheared cell protein preparations from motN contained more flagellin than preparations from wild-type cells. The motN strain was significantly reduced in virulence in a naturalistic soil soak assay on tomato plants. However, the motN mutant had wild-type virulence when it was inoculated directly into the plant vascular system. This suggests that motN makes its contribution to virulence early in disease development. The motN mutant formed weaker biofilms than the wild type, but it attached normally to tomato roots and colonized tomato stems as well as its wild-type parent. Phenotypic analysis and gene expression studies indicated that MotN directly or indirectly represses transcription of the major motility regulator FlhDC. MotN was also connected with other known motility and virulence regulators, PehSR, VsrBC, and VsrAD, via uncertain mechanisms. Together, these results demonstrate the importance of precise regulation of flagellum-mediated motility in R. solanacearum.
Katrina Consequences: What Has the Government Learned?

Eleven months ago, the nation witnessed Hurricane Katrina, perhaps the worst "natural" disaster to have occurred on American soil. The failures at all levels of government to cope, in a minimally competent way, with the suffering of the residents of one of America's great cities was broadcast in real time to shocked citizens of this country and people around the world. Comprehensive governmental breakdowns occurred despite the fact that an event like Katrina had been predicted for years. The government was fully aware that a category three or greater hurricane might strike the Gulf Coast near New Orleans, and that, in such an event, flooding might occur. In fact, the scope of the problem was "gamed" only a year before in a planning exercise, named Hurricane Pam, attended by hundreds. Yet when the predicted hurricane arrived, governmental support collapsed.
FE modeling of plasmonic nanoantennas with realistic 3D roughness and distortion

Metal nanoantenna arrays1,2 are typically designed and simulated using an ideal (smooth) geometry, and degraded experimental performance due to surface roughness, interior defects, and other effects are taken into account through a single value, a material ‘loss factor’; although a 2-D roughness has been introduced in simulations for plasmonic metamagnetics3. Here, we aim to treat roughness independently from other types of loss by introducing a controlled roughened geometry into the FE model. The effect of various geometric defects on the resulting electromagnetic model, specifically, transmission and reflection spectra, will be presented.
Augmenting hand animation with three-dimensional secondary motion

Secondary motion, or the motion of objects in response to that of the primary character, is widely used to amplify the audience's response to the character's motion and to provide a connection to the environment. These three-dimensional (3D) effects are largely passive and tend to be time consuming to animate by hand, yet most are very effectively simulated in current animation software. In this paper, we present a technique for augmenting hand-drawn animation of human characters with 3D physical effects to create secondary motion. In particular, we create animations in which hand-drawn characters interact with cloth and clothing, dynamically simulated balls and particles, and a simple fluid simulation. The driving points or volumes for the secondary motion are tracked in two dimensions, reconstructed into three dimensions, and used to drive and collide with the simulated objects. Our technique employs user interaction that can be reasonably integrated into the traditional animation pipeline of drawing, cleanup, inbetweening, and coloring.
Yeast Origins Establish a Strand Bias for Replicational Mutagenesis

To determine whether replicational mutagenesis in the yeast genome is influenced by the positions of active origins, a reporter gene was placed in two orientations at multiple locations within a 39,000 bp region of chromosome III possessing two strong origins. The frequency of mutations resulting from misincorporation of adenine opposite 8-hydroxyguanine in one strand and 6-hydroxylaminopurine opposite cytosine in the other strand differed by 3- to 10-fold, depending on the gene orientation and its distance from the origins. The observed patterns indicate that active origins establish a strand bias for mutations that is maintained over thousands of base pairs and results from lower nucleotide selectivity and/or less efficient proofreading or mismatch repair during leading strand DNA replication.
Bigger Homes & Recipes: How Recipe Calories Have Increased Over the Years

of increased amounts with reduced effects (21.6%), and withdrawal (12.6%). Eight percent met criteria for both clinical impairment and diagnosis of food addiction. Students identified 3.8 2.5 problem foods, most commonly: ice cream (34.7% of respondents), chocolate (34.7%), cookies (33.7%), chips (28.6%) and pizza (28.6%). Conclusions and Implications: Screening for food addiction offers the potential for early risk identification, education, and treatment. Future studies should evaluate the effects of nutrition education on addictive food behaviors in college students. Funding: None.
Di-μ-bromido-bis-({bis-[2-(2-pyrid-yl)eth-yl]amine}copper(II)) bis-(perchlorate).

Each Cu atom in the dinuclear centrosymmetric title complex, [Cu2Br2(C14H17N3)2](ClO4)2, is ligated in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry (τ = 0.31) by a tridentate bis­[2-(2-pyrid­yl)eth­yl]amine ligand, and by two bridging Br atoms. In addition, the dinuclear species is stabilized by two hydrogen-bonded perchlorate anions.
Small-Magnitude Earthquakes in North-Central Wyoming Recorded during the Bighorn Arch Seismic Experiment

We took advantage of a high‐density seismic array deployed coincident with USArray to study small‐magnitude seismicity patterns in northern Wyoming. We detected and located a total of 89 earthquakes ranging in magnitude from −0.5 to 2.4 during the six‐month period of April to September 2010. Most events were located shallower than 25 km in the crust, with a few events as deep as 39 km and one very deep earthquake below the Moho, at 63 km. We also detected and recorded 1563 mining explosions in the area. We computed focal mechanism solutions for 14 earthquakes and observed dominantly normal faulting. Stress inversions obtained from these focal mechanisms show extension oriented ∼N20° E that matches borehole breakout data collected in the area. Though wastewater injection wells were active in the region, we see no evidence of induced seismicity in this catalog. The seismicity pattern shows earthquakes occurring beneath areas of high topography in the Bighorn and Owl Creek Mountain ranges. This may indicate a preference to slip on pre‐existing weaknesses created during mountain building. The absence of earthquakes between 39 and 63 km depths represents an aseismic zone in the lower crust that may indicate a rheological change between brittle and ductile behavior in the crust, and a strong mantle capable of brittle failure. Online Material: Maps of earthquake catalogs, figures of depth versus misfit, time of day histograms for earthquakes and mine explosions, earthquake density, and location of class II disposal wells relative to earthquakes.
Impacts of Ion Segregation on Local Optical Properties in Mixed Halide Perovskite Films.

Despite the recent astronomical success of organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the impact of microscale film inhomogeneities on device performance remains poorly understood. In this work, we study CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films using cathodoluminescence in scanning transmission electron microscopy and show that localized regions with increased cathodoluminescence intensity correspond to iodide-enriched regions. These observations constitute direct evidence that nanoscale stoichiometric variations produce corresponding inhomogeneities in film cathodoluminescence intensity. Moreover, we observe the emergence of high-energy transitions attributed to beam induced iodide segregation, which may mirror the effects of ion migration during PSC operation. Our results demonstrate that such ion segregation can fundamentally change the local optical and microstructural properties of organic–inorganic perovskite films in the course of normal device operation and therefore address the observed complex and unpr...
An assessment of eight African universities: Contradictory functions, knowledge production and pacts

This study of higher education in eight sub-Saharan nations in Africa was built around a research project of the Higher Education Research and Advocacy Network in Africa (HERANA). It was initiated by the Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET) in 2007 and includes data on these institutions from two different surveys, the second completed in 2013/2014. The study shows a great deal of thought and care in its preparation, a difficult task in its undertaking, data gathering, and presentation, and is an impressive and useful study which will be of interest to most scholars of Africa. It is an important addition to the literature on higher education in Africa. The effort to assess the relationship between higher education and development, economics and democracy in Africa is timely and well-conceived, and provides a wealth of very useful information on higher education in Africa. There has been evidence of this research by Cloete et al. over the last few years and it was with great anticipation that I read the final result of their efforts. It was well worth the wait. The eight higher education institutions that are the focus of this research are in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda and provide an excellent representation of the status of higher education in sub-Saharan Africa.
How sensitive is the deltoid moment arm to humeral offset changes with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty commonly treats cuff-deficient or osteoarthritic shoulders not amenable to rotator cuff repair. This study investigates deltoid moment arm sensitivity to variations in the joint center and humeral offset of 3 representative reverse total shoulder arthroplasty subjects. We hypothesized that a superior joint implant placement may exist, indicated by muscle moment arms, compared with the current actual surgical implant configuration. Methods Moment arms for the anterior, lateral, and posterior aspects of the deltoid muscle were determined for 1521 perturbations of the humeral offset location away from the surgical placement in a subject-specific musculoskeletal model with motion defined by subject-specific in vivo abduction kinematics. The humeral offset was varied from its surgical position ±4 mm in the anterior/posterior direction, ±12 mm in the medial/lateral direction, and −10 to 14 mm in the superior/inferior direction. Results The anterior deltoid moment arm varied in humeral offset and center of rotation up to 20 mm, primarily in the medial/lateral and superior/inferior directions. The lateral deltoid moment arm varied in humeral offset up to 20 mm, primarily in the medial/lateral and anterior/posterior directions. The posterior deltoid moment arm varied up to 15 mm, primarily in early abduction, and was most sensitive to humeral offset changes in the superior/inferior direction. Discussion High variations in muscle moment arms were found for all 3 deltoid components, presenting an opportunity to dramatically change the deltoid moment arms through surgical placement of the reverse shoulder components and by varying the overall offset of the humerus. Level of evidence Basic Science Study; Computer Modeling
Glycosylation and disulfide bond analysis of transiently and stably expressed clade C HIV-1 gp140 trimers in 293T cells identifies disulfide heterogeneity present in both proteins and differences in O-linked glycosylation.

The HIV-1 envelope protein (Env) mediates viral entry into host cells to initiate infection and is the sole target of antibody-based vaccine development. Significant efforts have been made toward the design, engineering, and expression of various soluble forms of HIV Env immunogen, yet a highly effective immunogen remains elusive. One of the key challenges in the development of an effective HIV vaccine is the presence of the complex set of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on Env, namely, glycosylation and disulfide bonds, that affect protein folding, epitope accessibility, and immunogenecity. Although these PTMs vary with expression systems, variations in Env’s PTMs due to changes in the expression method are not yet well established. In this study, we compared the disulfide bond network and glycosylation profiles of clade C recombinant HIV-1 Env trimers, C97ZA012 gp140, expressed by stable and transient transfections using an integrated mass mapping workflow that combines collision induced dissoci...
Overwintering sites and survival of the carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Overwintering sites and survival of the carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis (LeConte), in various habitats were investigated. Adult weevils overwintered in field borders, but also in the field itself, distributed roughly in proportion to population densities the previous summer. Survival rate was high (70%) through February, and did not differ significantly from that of a laboratory population kept at ca. 20°C, although field soil temperatures were frequently below 0°C Survival in the field decreased markedly in March, demonstrating the importance of duration of cold temperatures. For this reason, damage in the field may be related to time of occurrence of warm weather in the spring. There was no apparent effect of age of adult or habitat (weedy border, unharvested crop, or harvested crop) on survival.
The Potential Danger of Eating Wild Lettuce: A Brief Review of Human Rat Lungworm Infection

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the causative agent of human rat lungworm disease, is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide and is endemic throughout Asia Pacific. It is acquired through the consumption of infected freshwater mollusks or contaminated produce. Human angiostrongyliasis is usually a self-limited disease presenting with headache and various neurologic sequelae varying from cranial nerve palsies to radiculitis and/or paresthesias. Fatal cases are rare, and manifest as fulminant meningomyeloencephalitis. The diagnosis is made through the use of clinical history, exam, and laboratory data including peripheral blood counts, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations, and serologic or molecular diagnostic techniques. Medical therapy is largely focused on symptomatic relief, and includes analgesics, lumbar puncture, and corticosteroids. In resource-limited settings, prevention is key, and the use of analgesics can provide symptomatic relief after infection. Efforts to increase disease awareness have been made in endemic areas, as evidenced by the recent Rat Lungworm Disease Scientific Workshop which was held in Honolulu in 2011. The proceedings of the workshop were published in a supplement to this journal (Hawaii J Med Public Health. Jun 2013;72(6):Supp 2). However, wilderness medicine and travel medicine specialists must also be aware of the disease, how it is contracted, its presentation, and treatment options should they encounter a patient who is in or has returned from an endemic area. This brief review highlights eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis, including an example case, an overview of its clinical presentation, treatment options, and prevention.
TISSUE CULTURE IN THE STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The surge of interest in the use of cell culture systems to study atherosclerosis is perhaps best evidenced by the presence at this meeting of two workshop sessions specifically devoted to reports and discussions of cell culture systems. Among the factors that have contributed to this sudden interest in cell culture are arealization of the distinct limitations of other experimental systems (e.g., whole animals, organ perfusion, tissue slices); standardization of techniques and materials which has taken the “black magic” out of cell culture methodology; and the development of techniques making it possible to obtain and maintain differentiated cells such as vascular cells that are highly relevant to the atherosclerotic process.
Systems analysis of the prostate transcriptome in African–American men compared with European–American men

Aim: African–Americans (AA) have increased prostate cancer risk and a greater mortality rate than European–Americans (EA). AA exhibit a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. We examined the global prostate transcriptome in AA and EA, and the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation. Patients & methods: Twenty-seven male subjects (ten AA and 17 EA), slated to undergo prostatectomy were enrolled in the study. Fourteen subjects received vitamin D3 (4000 IU daily) and 13 subjects received placebo for 2 months prior to surgery. Results: AA show higher expression of genes associated with immune response and inflammation. Conclusion: Systems level analyses support the concept that Inflammatory processes may contribute to disease progression in AA. These transcripts can be modulated by a short course of vitamin D3 supplementation.
Preoperative Aspirin Does Not Increase Transfusion or Reoperation in Isolated Valve Surgery.

Objective Preoperative aspirin has been studied in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, there is a paucity of clinical data available evaluating perioperative aspirin in other cardiac surgical procedures. This study was designed to investigate the effects of aspirin on bleeding and transfusion in patients undergoing non-emergent, isolated, heart valve repair or replacement. Design Retrospective, cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Participants A total of 694 consecutive patients having non-emergent, isolated, valve repair or replacement surgery at an academic medical center were identified. Interventions Of the 488 patients who met inclusion criteria, 2 groups were defined based on their preoperative use of aspirin: those taking (n = 282), and those not taking (n = 206) aspirin within 5 days of surgery. Measurements and Main Results Binary logistic regression was used to examine relationships among demographic and clinical variables. No significant difference was found between the aspirin and non-aspirin groups with respect to the percentage receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, mean RBC units transfused in those who required transfusion, massive transfusion of RBC, or amounts of fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, or platelets. Aspirin was not associated with an increase in the rate of re-exploration for bleeding (5.3% v 6.3%, p = 0.478). Major adverse cardiocerebral events (MACE), 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rates were not statistically different between the aspirin-and non-aspirin-treated groups. Conclusions Preoperative aspirin therapy in elective, isolated, valve surgery did not result in an increase in transfusion or reoperation for bleeding and was not associated with reduced readmission rate, MACE, or 30-day mortality.
Ribosome Mediated Quinary Interactions Modulate In-Cell Protein Activities

Ribosomes are present inside bacterial cells at micromolar concentrations and occupy up to 20% of the cell volume. Under these conditions, even weak quinary interactions between ribosomes and cytosolic proteins can affect protein activity. By using in-cell and in vitro NMR spectroscopy, and biophysical techniques, we show that the enzymes, adenylate kinase and dihydrofolate reductase, and the respective coenzymes, ATP and NADPH, bind to ribosomes with micromolar affinity, and that this interaction suppresses the enzymatic activities of both enzymes. Conversely, thymidylate synthase, which works together with dihydrofolate reductase in the thymidylate synthetic pathway, is activated by ribosomes. We also show that ribosomes impede diffusion of green fluorescent protein in vitro and contribute to the decrease in diffusion in vivo. These results strongly suggest that ribosome-mediated quinary interactions contribute to the differences between in vitro and in vivo protein activities and that ribosomes play a ...
Responsibility, Taint, and Ethical Distance in Business Ethics

Much light can be shed on events which characterize or underlie scandals at firms such as Enron, Arthur Andersen, Worldcom, ImClone, and Tyco by appealing to the notion of ethical distance. Various inquiries have highlighted the difficulties in finding or identifying particular individuals to blame for particular events, and in the context of situations as complex as these it can sometimes be helpful to investigate the comparative ethical distance of various participants in these events. In this essay I offer a characterization of ethical distance in terms of moral responsibility, and in doing so I describe and illustrate the rough inverse correlation between moral distance and degrees of moral responsibility. I urge that the concept of ethical distance is capable of shedding light upon situations in which several people are involved in bringing about a state of affairs. I then argue that moral responsibility cannot do justice to all situations involving ethical distance. When the distance between a person and a state of affairs grows sufficiently large, a different type of treatment is called for, and I introduce the notion of moral taint to describe the moral status of agents in these situations.
Abnormal sodium channel mRNA splicing in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Our previous studies showed that in ischemic and nonischemic heart failure (HF), the voltage-gated cardiac Na + channel α subunit (SCN5A) mRNA is abnormally spliced to produce two truncated transcript variants (E28C and D) that activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). We tested whether SCN5A post-transcriptional regulation was abnormal in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Material and methods Human heart tissue was obtained from HCM patients. The changes in relative abundances of SCN5A, its variants, splicing factors RBM25 and LUC7A, and PERK, a major effector of the UPR, were analyzed by real time RT-PCR and the expression changes were confirmed by Western Blot. Results We found reduced full-length transcript, increased SCN5A truncation variants and activation of UPR in HCM when compared to control hearts. In these patients, real time RT-PCR revealed that HCM patients had decreased SCN5A mRNA to 27.8±4.07% of control ( P P Conclusions These data suggested that the full-length SCN5A was reduced in patients with HCM. This reduction was accompanied by abnormal SCN5A pre-mRNA splicing and UPR activation. These changes may contribute to the arrhythmic risk in HCM.
Multilayer graphene nanoribbon based BioFET sensor design

High performance biofunctionalized field effect transistors (BioFETs) use nanoscale electronic materials such as silicon nanowires (SiNWs), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene for the sensing application. Specific focus will be on high-performance, low-cost, scalable, and reliable biofunctionalized field effect transistor (BioFET) based on graphene. We attempted to build the graphene based sensing device on silicon substrate. We are proposing a biosensor where graphene could be used as a channel material and extended gate for ion detection. The idea is to combine existing concepts of biosensors based on ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) and chemically modified field-effect transistors (CHEMFET), and implement it on a new Graphene nanoribbons (GNR) based BioFET. Both ISFET and CHEMFET concepts are based on floating-gate transistor operation similar to that of Flash memory design. In this paper, we will explore regular transistor based graphene FET (GFET) intended for biosensing application.
Arginine 123 of apolipoprotein A-I is essential for lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity

ApoA-I activates LCAT that converts lipoprotein cholesterol to cholesteryl ester (CE). Molecular dynamic simulations suggested earlier that helices 5 of two antiparallel apoA-I molecules on discoidal HDL form an amphipathic tunnel for migration of acyl chains and unesterified cholesterol to the active sites of LCAT. Our recent crystal structure of Δ(185–243)apoA-I showed the tunnel formed by helices 5/5, with two positively charged residues arginine 123 positioned at the edge of the hydrophobic tunnel. We hypothesized that these uniquely positioned residues Arg123 are poised for interaction with fatty acids produced by LCAT hydrolysis of the sn-2 chains of phosphatidylcholine, thus positioning the fatty acids for esterification to cholesterol. To test the importance of Arg123 for LCAT phospholipid hydrolysis and CE formation, we generated apoA-I[R123A] and apoA-I[R123E] mutants and made discoidal HDL with the mutants and WT apoA-I. Neither mutation of Arg123 changed the particle composition or size, or the protein conformation or stability. However, both mutations of Arg123 significantly reduced LCAT catalytic efficiency and the apparent Vmax for CE formation without affecting LCAT phospholipid hydrolysis. A control mutation, apoA-I[R131A], did not affect LCAT phospholipid hydrolysis or CE formation. These data suggest that Arg123 of apoA-I on discoidal HDL participates in LCAT-mediated cholesterol esterification.
The Physical Nature of Planar Bilayer Membranes

A major part of the general strategy for defining the structure-function relationships of ion channels is to reconstitute isolated channel proteins into planar lipid bilayer membranes separating two aqueous compartments. In principle, this part of the strategy allows one to manipulate the lipid and aqueous environments of the protein to elucidate their roles in channel assembly and function in vivo. Its success depends on how well one can use the natural physicochemical behavior of the bilayer system to control the reconstitution process and the composition and properties of the lipid bilayer itself. Consequently, the serious student of reconstitution must come to terms with the physical chemistry of these bilayers variously referred to as planar lipid bilayers, black lipid membranes, or thin lipid films.
Reforming Tax Systems: Key Policy Considerations from South and South-West Asia

In South and South-West Asia, tax systems face several challenges which are reflected in poor efficiency in trying to mobilize and manage public financial resources. The complexity of tax structures and the granting of exceptions undermine effectiveness, introduce regressiveness in tax systems and hinder the social contract, all of which take a toll on tax morale and promote informality. Tax reforms are necessary to avoid this vicious circle, while streamlining the tax systems to make them simpler, faster and more effective. Special attention should be paid to coordination of tax administration at different administrative levels, increasing the tax base and strengthening transparency to deter corruption—which may thrive due to the many possibilities for interpreting tax systems. Reforms may not be easy to undertake because the costs of implementing them are borne in the short term, but their benefits are realized in the medium to long run. However, reforms will be the only way to go if South and South-West Asia is to implement the 2030 Agenda.
Media and methods for isolation and enumeration of the Enterococci.

Publisher Summary In this chapter, an overview on the media and methods for isolation and enumeration of the enterococci is illustrated. A comprehensive comparison of media and methods representative of all of those presently available is urgently needed. These media and methods should be utilized simultaneously, using the same samples or subsamples. Subsamples would probably be necessary because the study should include interlaboratory or, preferably, intercontinental collaboration. Isolation and quantification of the fecal streptococci in natural materials of all types should be examined. Only when such experiments are completed, optimum procedures can be selected for specific applications with a reasonable degree of confidence. This chapter briefly explains the types of media available, and also the comparative studies of media and methods.