cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of chain-linkage on the structure of phosphatidyl choline bilayers. Hydration studies of 1-hexadecyl 2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine

While hydrated dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) forms tilted chain L beta' bilayers in the gel phase, the ether-linked analogue dihexadecyl phosphatidylcholine (DHPC) exhibits gel phase polymorphism. At low hydration DHPC forms L beta' phases but at greater than 30% H2O a chain-interdigitated gel phase is observed (Ruocco, M. J., D. S. Siminovitch, and R. G. Griffin. 1985. Biochemistry. 24:2406-2411; Kim, J.T., J. Mattai, and G.G. Shipley. 1987. Biochemistry. 26:6599-6603). In this study we report the behavior of a phosphatidylcholine (PC) with both types of chain linkage, 1-hexadecyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (HPPC). HPPC has been investigated as a function of hydration using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction. By DSC, over the hydration range 5. 1-70.3 wt% H2O, HPPC exhibits two reversible transitions. The reversible main chain-melting transition decreases from 69 degrees C, reaching a limiting value of 40 degrees C at full hydration. X-ray diffraction patterns of hydrated HPPC have been recorded as a function of hydration at 20 degrees and 50 degrees C. At 50 degrees C, melted-chain L alpha bilayer phases are observed at all hydrations. At 20 degrees C, at low hydrations (less than 34 wt% H2O) HPPC exhibits diffraction patterns characteristic of bilayer gel phases similar to those of the gel phase of DPPC. In contrast, at greater than or equal to 34 wt% H2O, HPPC shows a much reduced bilayer periodicity, d = 47 A, and a single sharp reflection at 4.0 A in the wide angle region. This diffraction pattern is identical to that exhibited by the interdigitated phase of DHPC. Therefore, in the gel phase HPPC undergoes a hydration-dependent conversion from a regular bilayer structure to an interdigitated bilayer arrangement. Clearly, the presence of a single ether linkage (at the sn-i position) is sufficient to allow formation of the chain-interdigitated phase in a hydration-dependent way essentially identical to that of DHPC.
Chemical genetic approaches for the elucidation of signaling pathways

New chemical methods that use small molecules to perturb cellular function in ways analogous to genetics have recently been developed. These approaches include both synthetic methods for discovering small molecules capable of acting like genetic mutations, and techniques that combine the advantages of genetics and chemistry to optimize the potency and specificity of small-molecule inhibitors. Both approaches have been used to study protein function in vivo and have provided insights into complex signaling cascades.
A hovering flapping-wing microrobot with altitude control and passive upright stability

The Harvard RoboBee is the first insect-scale cflapping-wing robot weighing less than 100 mg that is able to lift its own weight. However, when flown without guide wires, this vehicle quickly tumbles after takeoff because of instability in its dynamics. Here, we show that by adding aerodynamic dampers, we can can alter the vehicle's dynamics to stabilize its upright orientation. We provide an analysis using wind tunnel experiments and a dynamic model. We demonstrate stable vertical takeoff, and using a marker-based external camera tracking system, hovering altitude control in an active feedback loop. These results provide a stable platform for both system dynamics characterization and unconstrained active maneuvers of the vehicle and represent the first known hovering demonstration of an insect-scale flapping-wing robot.
Constraining the primordial spectrum of metric perturbations from gravitino and moduli production

We consider the production of gravitinos and moduli fields from quantum vacuum fluctuations induced by the presence of scalar metric perturbations at the end of inflation. We obtain the corresponding occupation numbers, up to first order in perturbation theory, in terms of the power spectrum of the metric perturbations. We compute the limits imposed by nucleosynthesis on the spectral index n(s) for different models with constant n(s). The results show that, in certain cases, such limits can be as strong as n(s)<1.12, which is more stringent than those coming from primordial black hole production.
Chlorothiazide in hypertensive and normotensive patients.

This was one of Freis's first attempts to evaluate chlorothiazide, a new diuretic that acted to increase the excretion of water and salt, and therefore reduced fluid in blood volume and decreased blood pressure. Here, along with several colleagues from the Veterans Administration and Georgetown University, he recognized the promise that this antihypertensive agent held, noting that chlorothiazide was an "effective and well-tolerated" treatment.
A functional connection between RanGTP, NF-κB and septic shock

RanGTPase is importantly involved in diverse biological functions, such as nuclear transport, spindle formation during mitosis, DNA replication and cell division. This review summarizes yet another new role of Ran — control of the activity of NF-κB in host immune responses. Over-expression of a specific allele of Ran results in preferential accumulation of nuclear RanGTP, downmodulation of proinflammatroy cytokine production and protection against septic shock. Nuclear RanGTP interacts with Exportin1, which in turn binds to IκB. Nuclear IκB binds to NF-κB in the nucleus, inhibiting NF-κB transcriptional activation of proinflammatory cytokine genes. Nuclear IkB also functions as an adaptor between NF-κB and Exportin1/RanGTP, enhancing export of NF-κB to the cytoplasm and further reducing the magnitude of host immune responses. From this picture, it appears that modulation of host immune responses via RanGTPase will have an immense impact on a wide spectrum of emerging infectious diseases, cancer and other genetic diseases.
Classical conditioning of feeding in Aplysia: I. Behavioral analysis.

A training protocol was developed to classically condition feeding behavior in Aplysia californica using tactile stimulation of the lips as the conditional stimulus (CS) and food as the unconditional stimulus (US). Paired training induced a greater increase in the number of bites to the CS than unpaired training or US-only stimulation. Memory for classical conditioning was retained for at least 24 hr. The organization of the reinforcement pathway that supports classical conditioning was analyzed in additional behavioral experiments. No evidence was found for the contribution to appetitive reinforcement of US-mediating pathways originating in the lips of the animals. Bilateral lesions of the anterior branch of the esophageal nerve, which innervates parts of the foregut, however, were found to attenuate classical conditioning. Thus, it appears likely that reinforcement during appetitive classical conditioning of feeding was mediated by afferent pathways that originate in the foregut. The companion paper ([Lechner et al., 2000][1]) describes two neurophysiological correlates of the classical conditioning. [1]: #ref-32
Treatment options for alopecia: an update, looking to the future

Introduction: Hair loss is a very common complaint. The diagnosis is based on clinical, dermoscopic and pathological examination. The treatment is usually continuous and requires strong compliance. Areas covered: This article aims to i) summarize current treatment options for the most common forms of hair loss; ii) update the literature on treatment options to emerge over the 3 years since the release of the first edition of this article in 2009; and iii) outline future strategies for treating alopecia. Expert opinion: There is good evidence-based information for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. There are very few good-quality randomized studies, and no information about long-term results for most of the available treatments for alopecia areata and cicatricial alopecias. Significant research success has been achieved over the past few years through i) discovering the genetic profile of alopecia areata; ii) working on follicular neogenesis in androgenetic alopecia; and iii) discovering the PPAR-γ pa...
Wrinkling membranes with compliant boundaries

Wrinkled patterns are useful for a wide variety of technological applications ranging from microfluidics to microelectronics. In order to use wrinkled patterns for these applications, both the location and the morphology, i.e. wavelength and amplitude of the wrinkled features, must be precisely controlled. In this paper, a surface was fabricated by placing a thin, flat, continuous glassy film on a topographically-patterned elastomeric substrate to control different wrinkling morphologies and mechanisms on a single surface. With this configuration, we achieved unique surfaces with two distinct regions of wrinkling morphology without changing the film material properties; a region where the film is unsupported and the wrinkling mechanics is dictated only by the film property and the pattern geometry, and a region where the film is supported and wrinkling length scales are dictated by the film and elastomer properties. We demonstrated that the wrinkling wavelength and amplitude scales with geometry and applied strain differently and can be independently controlled in each of the distinct regions.
A low voltage, rail-to-rail, class AB CMOS amplifier with high drive and low output impedance characteristics

This paper describes a CMOS rail-to-rail class AB operational amplifier designed to have extremely low output impedance and large current-drive capability. The amplifier uses an innovative output stage, having both source follower and common source stages working simultaneously throughout the output common-mode range. The source follower ensures low output impedance, which enables it to drive relatively large load capacitors, while the common-source gain stage provides high current drive. Furthermore, the circuit is fully functional with supplies as low as 1.5 V. The amplifier is capable of driving a maximum output current of /spl plusmn/7 mA with only 140 /spl mu/A of total quiescent current, making it power efficient, and thus appropriate for low voltage battery-powered applications.
Fibronectin matrix polymerization increases tensile strength of model tissue.

The composition and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) contribute to the mechanical properties of tissues. The polymerization of fibronectin into the ECM increases actin organization an...
Evidence for Frequent Recombination within Species Human Enterovirus B Based on Complete Genomic Sequences of All Thirty-Seven Serotypes

The species Human enterovirus B (HEV-B) in the family Picornaviridae consists of coxsackievirus A9; coxsackieviruses B1 to B6; echoviruses 1 to 7, 9, 11 to 21, 24 to 27, and 29 to 33; and enteroviruses 69 and 73. We have determined complete genome sequences for the remaining 22 HEV-B serotypes whose sequences were not represented in public databases and analyzed these in conjunction with previously available complete sequences in GenBank. Members of HEV-B were monophyletic relative to all other human enterovirus species in all regions of the genome except in the 5'-nontranslated region (NTR), where they are known to cluster with members of HEV-A. Within HEV-B, phylogenies constructed from the structural (P1) and nonstructural regions of the genome (P2 and P3) are incongruent, suggesting that recombination had occurred. Similarity plots and bootscanning analysis across the complete genome identified multiple sites at which the phylogeny of a given strain's sequence shifted, indicating potential recombination points. These points are distributed in the 5'-NTR and throughout P2 and P3, but no sites with >80% bootstrap support were identified within the capsid. Individual sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses suggest that members of HEV-B have recombined with one another on multiple occasions, resulting in a complex mosaic of sequences derived from multiple parental viruses in the nonstructural regions of the genome. We conclude that RNA recombination is a common mechanism for enterovirus evolution and that recombination within the nonstructural regions of the genome (P2 and P3) has been observed only among members of the same species.
Two Concepts of Secularism

Looking back over the century just ended, it is not easy to assess the status and prospects of secularism and the secular ideal in the United States. As is so often the case in American history, when one sets out in search of the simple and obvious, one soon comes face to face with a crowd of paradoxes. The psychologist Erik Erikson once observed that Americans have a talent for sustaining opposites, and he could hardly have been more right. Such Janus-faced doubleness, or multiplicity, is virtually the American specialite de la maison.
The photosynthetic response of American chestnut seedlings to differing light conditions

Restoration attempts to reintroduce American chestnut trees to the eastern deciduous forest by means of a disease-resistant Chinese–American hybrid seed are in progress. Knowing the light condition...
VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY OF A PICOSECOND, STRUCTURALLY-RESTRICTED INTERMEDIATE CONTAINING A SEVEN-MEMBERED RING IN THE ROOM-TEMPERATURE PHOTOREACTION OF AN ARTIFICIAL RHODOPSIN

The vibrational degrees of freedom of the only photophysical intermediate formed during the photoreaction of an artificial rhodopsin (Rh) containing a retinal with a seven-membered ring blocking 11-cis isomerization (Rh7.10) is measured via picosecond time-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (PTR/CARS). PTR/CARS spectra are recorded with time delays ranging from 0 (8-ps cross correlation time) to 50 ps following the 3-ps, 500-nm excitation of Rh7.10. For time delays between 0 and 15 ps, an intermediate (P7.10) with a vibrational structure distinct from that of the ground electronic state Rh7.10 is observed. Although the formation time of P7.10 cannot be resolved from these PTR/CARS data, it is estimated to be ∼1 ps (i.e., slower than the 200-fs process proposed for native Rh). P7.10 completely reforms Rh7.10 with a decay time estimated to be ∼5−6 ps from the increasing intensities (via amplitudes from third-order, nonlinear susceptibility (χ(3)) analysis) in three major PTR/CARS features (at ...
Single Mode Fiber Array for Planet Detection using a Visible Nulling Interferometer

We report the design, fabrication, and testing of a coherent large mode field diameter fiber array to be used as a spatial filter in a planet finding visible nulling interferometer. The array is a key component of a space instrument for visible-light detection and spectroscopy of Earth like extrasolar planets. In this concept, a nulling interferometer is synthesized from a pupil image of a single aperture which is then spatially filtered by a coherent array of single mode fibers to suppress the residual scattered star light. The use of the fiber array preserves spatial information between the star and planet. The fiber array uses a custom commercial large mode field or low NA step-index single mode fiber to relax alignment tolerances. A matching custom micro lens array is used to couple light into the fibers, and to recollimate the light out of the fiber array. The use of large mode field diameter fiber makes the fabrication of a large spatial filter array with 300 to 1000 elements feasible. In this paper, we present the fabrication of a fiber array made with a custom small NA (-0.04) conventional single mode fiber to alleviate the problem associated with regular 0.1NA fiber array and 0.04NA PCF array
Amino acid composition of human scalp hair as a biometric classifier and investigative lead

Hair shaft analysis is becoming increasingly important in several applications of forensic science. Keratin is the key component of human scalp hair and is composed of all 21 known amino acids, albeit in very different proportions. The method for the amino acid determination included protein acid hydrolysis followed by trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization of the amino acids, and the subsequent quantitation using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The amino acid composition of scalp hair of 64 Jordanian subjects (33 males and 31 females) with ages ranging from 1 to 77 years have been analyzed. Statistical comparisons between classification groups were based on the abundance of 14 abundant and acid-resistant amino acids, and included classification of hairs with a fuzzy rule building system (FuRES). Using leave-one-individual-out cross-validation, the FuRES classification rate was 94% for sex, 83% for age group, and 61% for the region of origin. For predicting sex from amino acid concentration in hair, the essential amino acids Phe and Thr gave the most significant differences with respect to their F statistic (i.e., ratio of between-group to within-group variation), so they are the most discriminating for sex. Based on the same hair analyses, the non-essential amino acids Gly and Ala provide the largest loading scores classifying the subjects into two arbitrary age groups, 49 years. For region of origin classification, the amino acids Cys and Tyr had the highest loading scores in the classification rules and were therefore most discriminating. The techniques developed through this paper could complement the current methods of hair analysis, which include physical examinations and genomic or mitochondrial DNA analysis.
Surface water seal application to minimize volatilization loss of methyl isothiocyanate from soil columns.

BACKGROUND: Metam-sodium (MS, sodium methyldithiocarbamate) has been identified as a promising alternative chemical to replace methyl bromide (MeBr) in soil preplant fumigation. One degradation product of MS in soil is the volatile gas methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) which controls soilborne pests. Inconsistent results associated with MS usage indicate that there is a need to determine cultural practices that increase pest control efficacy. Sealing the soil surface with water after MS application may be a sound method to reduce volatilization loss of MITC from soils and increase the contact time necessary for MITC to control pests. The objective of this research was to develop a preliminary soil surface water application amount that would potentially inhibit the off-gassing rate of MITC. RESULTS: Off-gassing rate was consistently reduced with increasing water seal application. The application of a 2.5–3.8 cm water seal provided significantly lower (71–74% reduction in MITC volatilization) total fumigant loss compared with no water seal. The most favorable reduction in MITC off-gassing was observed in the 2.5 cm water seal. CONCLUSION: This suggests that volatilization of MITC-generating compounds can be highly suppressed using adequate surface irrigation following chemical application in this soil type (sandy clay loam), based on preliminary bench-scale soil column studies. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Using Twentieth-Century U.S. Weather Modification Policy to Gain Insight into Global Climate Remediation Governance Issues

AbstractWith atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations increasing and binding agreements to reduce anthropogenic emissions wanting, interest in geoengineering as a climate remediation option to be used in tandem with climate change mitigation is growing. Solar radiation management (SRM), due to its relatively low financial cost and the potential for near-term reduction in average global temperature, is gaining particular attention despite the risks of its use, both identified and unanticipated. This paper considers the structure—the participants, positions, actions, outcomes, information, and positive and negative payoffs—of U.S. weather modification research and governance developed between 1947 and 1980, offering a case study that may be useful in thinking through how to move forward with SRM development and governance should a decision be made to contemplate augmenting mitigation and adaptation with geoengineering.
New Routes to Recruiting and Retaining Women in STEM: Policy Implications of a Communal Goal Congruity Perspective

Despite advances within a wide range of professional roles, women remain a minority in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and occupations. The gender gap in mathematics and science performance has converged, and so it is important to consider the motivational reasons that might underlie the differential STEM pursuits of women and men. The goal congruity perspective contends that a fundamental cause of gender gaps in STEM pursuits is the gender difference in communal motivation (i.e., an orientation toward others). STEM fields may be particularly likely to deter communally oriented individuals because these fields are thought to impede goals of directly benefitting others, altruism, or collaboration. In this review, we examine how the communal goal perspective might address the challenges of gender gaps in STEM pursuits from childhood through adulthood. We review the logic and evidence for the goal congruity perspective, and we examine two other deterrents to women in STEM—work-family challenges and stereotyping—from the perspective of this framework. We then examine particular recommendations for policy actions that might broaden participation of women and girls, and communally oriented people generally, in STEM.
Dynamic simulation of a linear variable reluctance motor using coupled network models

The objective of this paper is to simulate and study the dynamics of a linear variable reluctance motor using coupled network models. The need for an explicit functional expression to describe flux linkage has been eliminated, since the magnetic subsystem is coupled to, and simultaneously solved with, the dynamics of the electrical and mechanical subsystems. This paper focuses on the development of a coupled network model that incorporates the effects of magnetic saturation and spatial harmonics, and also includes the application of position control software interacting with the physical system.
Specific reverse transcription-PCR quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) splice variants by LightCycler technology.

Background: Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with increased angiogenesis, growth and invasion in solid tumors, and hematologic malignancies. The expression of isoforms of VEGF, which mediate different effects, can be discriminated by splice-variant-specific quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), but current methods have only modest sensitivity and precision and suffer from heteroduplex formation. Methods: We used a real-time RT-PCR assay on the LightCycler system. Applicability for detection of different VEGF mRNAs and total VEGF message was tested on seven healthy tissues (each pooled from healthy donors) and seven correlated malignant tissues. Results were normalized to β2-microglobulin mRNA. Amplification of VEGF splice variants was performed exclusively with variant-specific reverse primers, whereas forward primer and fluorescent probe were common to obtain similar RT-PCR kinetics. Results: Highly specific detection of VEGF splice variants was achieved with minor intra- and interassay variation (<0.22 threshold cycle). Total VEGF expression was higher in malignant tissues. In healthy tissues, the mRNA encoding diffusible variants VEGF121 and VEGF165 constituted on average 78% (SD = 9.3%) of the total VEGF message, and the cell-adherent variant VEGF189 constituted on average 22% (SD = 5.4%). In contrast, in malignant tissues VEGF121 and VEGF165 accounted for 94% (SD = 7.6%) and VEGF189 only 6% (SD = 3.7%). Conclusions: Because of the ability for quantification of VEGF splice variants with high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility, this new LightCycler assay is superior to conventional semiquantitative competitive RT-PCR and immunological assays and may contribute to better understanding of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis.
Are problems that contribute to divorce present at the start of marriage, or do they emerge over time?

Divorced individuals offer explanations for why their relationship ended, yet little is known about the development of these problems during the relationship. Problems that lead to divorce may exist at the beginning of the marriage (enduring dynamics model) or may develop over time (emergent distress model). We asked 40 divorced individuals about the reasons for their divorce and compared the development of problems that did and did not contribute to their divorce over the first few years of their marriage. Results support an emergent distress model for wives; they saw problems that lead to divorce increasing over time, whereas results for husbands indicated that they were less attuned to problems overall, suggesting that wives are the bellwether for relationship problems.
Acute procedural complications and in-hospital events after percutaneous coronary interventions: Eptifibatide versus Abciximab

Abstract Background: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists reduce peri-angioplasty ischemic complications and improve in-hospital outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Prior studies have demonstrated favorable results with both eptifibatide and abciximab. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there are any differences in rates of acute procedural complications and in-hospital events with the use of these two agents. Methods: A retrospective review of 359 elective PCIs from June 1998 to August 2000 identified 152 PCIs treated with eptifibatide (bolus 180 μg/kg, infusion 2 μg/kg/min for 12–48 h) and 205 PCIs treated with abciximab (bolus 0.25 mg/kg, infusion 10 μg/min for 12 h). All patients received IIb/IIIa antagonists at the initiation of the intervention. Results: The clinical demographics, the angiographic morphology, the indications, and the procedural details were similar in both groups. In the eptifibatide group, the maximum ACT was lower (235±45 vs. 253±40, P Conclusions: Eptifibatide is comparable to abciximab in regards to acute procedural complications and in-hospital events after PCI.
Electronic voltage ratchet (EVR): a high voltage source

A novel high voltage source called the electronic voltage ratchet (EVR) is described which utilizes a series resonant topology with silicon controlled rectifiers. Computer simulation revealed that the gain of a practical EVR was greater than that of a practical series resonant inverter (AC) or boost converter (DC). The output voltage waveform was either AC or DC. A prototype circuit was built and tested in the laboratory in order to confirm the theoretical predictions. >
Empirical analysis of auctioneer profitability in QuiBids penny auctions

Given the string of bankruptcies of penny auction websites over the past two years, we use empirical data to investigate whether QuiBids remains profitable. Although profitable on an auction-by-auction basis, penny auction sites have problems retaining users. In order to alleviate this problem, QuiBids has implemented a Buy-Now system, in which losing bidders can contribute money they already lost in the auction towards the purchase of the item at a slightly inflated price. We find that QuiBids makes only limited profit after accounting for Buy-Now, but is able to remain profitable due voucher bid pack auctions. We also show that a large proportion of QuiBids' revenues come from experienced bidders, suggesting that rules designed to promote consumer retention may be working as intended.
Local well-posedness of KP-I initial value problem on torus in the Besov space

ABSTRACTThe periodic KP-I initial value problem is locally well-posed in the Besov type space
Thermal Analysis—Theory and Applications in Metalcasting

Monitoring and adjusting the chemical composition and the nucleation potential of casting alloys melts is critical to the production of castings of consistent high quality. While other methods such as fractured test samples (e.g., the wedge test for gray iron) and spectrographic chemical analysis deliver useful information, thermal analysis (TA) (also called cooling curve analysis, CCA) can provide a more complete insight in the dynamic changes occurring upon melting and during melt treatment of casting alloys. Initially TA was used for the rapid evaluation of the carbon equivalent (CE) in cast iron, or the silicon content in Al-Si alloys. Extensive research then extended the capabilities of TA to the understanding of the solidification changes induced by compositional variations such as the Mn/S ratio, Ce and Mg additions. With the advent of ever faster computers, the first derivative of the cooling curve, which is the cooling rate, was added to the arsenal of data provided by TA, and a new technique, Computer Aided Cooling Curve Analysis (CA-CCA), was born. This technique evolved then into Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) without a reference sample. With this tool in hand the metallurgist ventured to predict not only the chemistry of the melt but also the nucleation potential (degree of inoculation), the shrinkage propensity, the dendrite arm spacing and the grain size, the graphite shape, the solidification microstructure, and even the room temperature microstructure. Currently, different TA techniques are used worldwide in the daily production of all grades of cast iron, as well as in monitoring the melting of aluminum and steel alloys. From this short introduction it should be obvious that the story of DTA/CCA is a long and exciting one. This paper will try to summarize the fascinating development and extraordinary success of this technique in the casting industry.
The relation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle to bacterial infection. I. The effect of malonate on Salmonella typhimurium infections in mice.

citric acid in the lungs, due to a blockage of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and, under the same conditions, inhibit the synthesis of influenza A virus administered by nasal insufflation. He previously had reported (1951b) that viral synthesis by tissues growing in vitro is inhibited by sodium malonate and by antimycin A, an antibiotic that inhibits the enzyme succinic dehydrogenase (Ahmad et al, 1950). A similar inhibition in the synthesis of the Lansing strain of poliomyelitis virus in mice given sublethal doses of fluoroacetate was reported by Ainslie (1952). If, according to Cohen (1949), viruses reproduce at the expense of the synthetic abilities of the parasitized cells, then the results of Ackermann and of Ainslie tie the Krebs cycle to this process and imply that energy made available by reactions of the cycle is utilized for synthesis of virus protein. These workers did not, however, determine whether the reduction of viral propagation following sublethal doses of fluoroacetate,
Promoter Escape by Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase

Promoter escape is the process that an initiated RNA polymerase (RNAP) molecule undergoes to achieve the initiation-elongation transition. Having made this transition, an RNAP molecule would be relinquished from its promoter hold to perform productive (full-length) transcription. Prior to the transition, this process is accompanied by abortive RNA formation—the amount and pattern of which is controlled by the promoter sequence information. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of abortive/productive transcription from several Escherichia coli promoters and their sequence variants led to the understanding that a strong (RNAP-binding) promoter is more likely to be rate limited (during transcription initiation) at the escape step and produce abortive transcripts. Of the two subelements in a promoter, the PRR (the core Promoter Recognition Region) was found to set the initiation frequency and the rate-limiting step, while the ITS (the Initial Transcribed Sequence region) modulated the ratio of abortive versus productive transcription. The highly abortive behavior of E. coli RNAP could be ameliorated by the presence of Gre (transcript cleavage stimulatory) factor(s), linking the first step in abortive RNA formation by the initial transcribing complexes (ITC) to RNAP backtracking. The discovery that translocation during the initiation stage occurs via DNA scrunching provided the source of energy that converts each ITC into a highly unstable "stressed intermediate." Mapping all of the biochemical information onto an X-ray crystallographic structural model of an open complex gave rise to a plausible mechanism of transcription initiation. The chapter concludes with contemplations of the kinetics and thermodynamics of abortive initiation-promoter escape.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL SCIENCE: DEVELOPING AN INTEGRATIVE TYPOLOGY

Advanced methodological and analytical techniques have been applied by now to most of the subfields of political science. Even Professor Herson's lost world of municipal government' has been reclaimed by the application of modern methodologies to the politics of state and local government.2 One subfield which has not received the professional attention it deserves is intergovernmental relations.3 In the growing intensity of professional interest in teaching and research involving state and local affairs, intergovernmental relations remains largely untouched-a kind of methodological Cinderella after
The Secretary-General's Role in Conflict Resolution: Past, Present and Pure Conjecture

The Secretary-General wears many hats, most being of his own design. He heads a large, far-flung bureaucracy. He is in loco regis when ceremonial functions must be performed on behalf of the world. But, primarily, in practice he has become the UN's 'good officer', performing the mediating and diplomatic functions necessary to resolve conflicts. The world, increasingly, has come to rely on these 'good offices': to stop wars before they begin, end them when the belligerents are stymied, and create the confidence-building mechanisms that permit parties to turn from confrontation to cooperation.
Short-Duration and Intensive Training Improves Long-Term Reaching Performance in Individuals With Chronic Stroke:

Previous studies have shown that multiple sessions of reach training lead to long-term improvements in movement time and smoothness in individuals post-stroke. Yet such long-term training regimens are often difficult to implement in actual clinical settings. In this study, we evaluated the long-term and generalization effects of short-duration and intensive reach training in 16 individuals with chronic stroke and mild to moderate impairments. Participants performed 2 sessions of unassisted intensive reach training, with 600 movements per session, and with display of performance-based feedback after each movement. The participants' trunks were restrained with a belt to avoid compensatory movements. Training resulted in significant and durable (1 month) improvements in movement time (20.4% on average) and movement smoothness (22.7% on average). The largest improvements occurred in individuals with the largest initial motor impairments. In addition, training induced generalization to nontrained targets, which persisted in 1-day and in 1-month retention tests. Finally, there was a significant improvement in the Box and Block test from baseline to 1-month retention test (23% on average). Thus, short-duration and intensive reach training can lead to generalized and durable benefits in individuals with chronic stroke and mild to moderate impairments.
Structural Types and Trap Features of Southwest Border of Southwest Depression in Talimu Basin

The structural types and trap features in the area were studied according to geological and seismic data. It is held that the traps developed in the studied area are mainly structural traps, the structure can be classified into two types and six sub-types, the structural traps and petroleum accumulation were formed mainly in Hercynian and Himalayan periods. The relationships between trap distribution and petroleum accumulation in every second-order structural units were also studied, and the favorable trap types and oil and gas exploration area were suggested.
Sentinel surveillance results of female sex workers in Hechi City in 2011

[Objective]To understand the HIV infection status among female sex workers(FSWs) and the characteristics of this group,and provide reference for subsequent propaganda intervention.[Methods] Questionnaire survey was adopted on objects which were randomly selected,and their venous blood were collected for serological test.[Results] A total of 391 FSWs were investigated,1 was confirmed AIDS antibody ?positive.Most samples were collected from the foot massage parlors/hair salon,hotel,roadside shop/ small restaurant.The province household register rate was 89.77%,and 57.29% were married.In cultural background,most had junior middle school level,accounting for 64.96%.FSWs knew 6 and above of 8 issues about AIDS knowledge accounted for 99.23%.The rate of receiving counseling and testing and condom propaganda and dissemination during the last year was 94.37%.[Conclusion]It is necessary to enhance further publicity and education,to expand the coverage of interventions,and strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation to effectively curb the spread of AIDS in Hechi City.
Abstract B063: Unsaturated fatty acids cause CD8+ T cell exhaustion in melanoma

Remarkable progress in cancer immunotherapy has revealed the power of harnessing immunity to combat cancer. However, the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment remains a fundamental challenge to improving immune-based anti-cancer therapies. We aim to develop new immunotherapies by studying the nutrient utilization of immune cells in the tumors. Using an inducible Braf/Pten melanoma model, we found that tumors contain higher amounts of available free fatty acids (FFAs) and lower amounts of glucose than the blood. Exposure to high concentration of FFAs induced an exhaustion-like phenotype of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, mice deficient of FFA transporter CD36 developed smaller tumors compared to wild-type control mice. Tumor-infiltrating Cd36-/- CD8+ T cells expressed lower level of inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1 and LAG-3. This study highlights an important role of lipid metabolism in regulating T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment and reveals CD36 as a potential drug candidate for immunotherapy. Citation Format: Guoliang Cui, Susan Kaech. Unsaturated fatty acids cause CD8+ T cell exhaustion in melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B063.
Transporting Sculptures and Transferring Prestige: Hoysaḷa-Style Reuse in the Belur Āṇḍāḷ Shrine

The Āṇḍāḷ shrine of Belur, Karnataka, located in the compound of the Hoysaḷa-period Cenna Kēśava temple, is a visually striking building, its exterior walls lined with large sculptural blocks featuring figural imagery carved in the Hoysaḷa style of the twelfth century. The shrine, however, is a later construction, and the visual characteristics of its reused blocks are unmatched in the archaeological record of Hoysaḷa-period Belur. In this essay, I argue that the Āṇḍāḷ shrine dates to the sixteenth century, when Bēlūr-based Nāyakas governed the region, and that its most sculptural blocks were brought to Belur from the ruin of the Nagarēśvara temple compound in Halebidu, site of the Hoysaḷa capital. These distinctive sculptural blocks were associated with a glorified past and their arrangement within the shrine demonstrates a visual interest in Hoysaḷa-style temples. I suggest that along with their historical resonance and aesthetic value, the reused sculptural blocks from Halebidu carried a resonance of p...
Interhospital transfer of children in respiratory failure: a clinician interview qualitative study.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the decision making underlying transfer of children with respiratory failure from level II to level I pediatric intensive care unit care. Methods Interviews with 19 eligible level II pediatric intensive care unit physicians about a hypothetical scenario of a 2-year-old girl in respiratory failure: Baseline : Ventilator settings: rate 25, peak inspiratory pressure 28, positive end-expiratory pressure 8, fraction of inspired oxygen (F io 2 ) 100% Escalation Point (EP) 1 : after 8 hours. Higher ventilator settings; oxygenation index (OI) 32 EP 2 : 3 hours later. OI 40 Results At baseline, indices critical to management were as follows: OI (53%), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (Pa o 2 )/F io 2 (32%), and inflation pressure (16%). Poor clinical response was signified by high OI, inflation pressure, and F io 2 , and low Pa o 2 /F io 2 . At EP 1, 18 of 19 respondents would initiate high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and 1 would transfer. At EP 2, 15 of 18 respondents would maintain high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, 9 of them calling to discuss transfer. All respondents would transfer if escalated therapies failed to reverse the patient's clinical deterioration. Conclusion Interhospital transfer of children in respiratory failure is triggered by poor response to escalation of locally available care modalities. This finding provides new insight into decision making underlying interhospital transfer of children with respiratory failure.
A high-fat diet differentially regulates glutathione phenotypes in the obesity-prone mouse strains DBA/2J, C57BL/6J, and AKR/J

The ubiquitous tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is a critical component of the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Tissue GSH concentrations and redox status (GSH/GSSG) are genetically controlled, but it is unclear whether interactions between genetic background and diet affect GSH homeostasis. The current study tested the hypothesis that a high-fat diet regulates GSH homeostasis in a manner dependent on genetic background. At 4 months of age, female mice representing 3 obesity-prone inbred strains-C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2J (D2), and AKR/J (AKR)-were randomly assigned to consume a control (10% energy from fat) or high-fat (62% energy from fat) diet for 10 weeks (n=5/diet per strain). Tissue GSH levels, GSSG levels, and GSH/GSSG were quantified, and hepatic expression of GSH-related enzymes was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The high-fat diet caused a decrease in hepatic GSH/GSSG in D2 mice. In contrast, B6 mice exhibited a decrease in GSSG levels in the liver and kidney, as well as a resultant increase in renal GSH/GSSG. AKR mice also exhibited increased renal GSH/GSSG on a high-fat diet. Finally, the high-fat diet induced a unique gene expression response in D2 mice compared with B6 and AKR. The D2 response was characterized by up-regulation of glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and down-regulation of glutathione reductase, whereas the B6 and AKR responses were characterized by up-regulation of glutathione peroxidase 1. Two-way analysis of variance analyses confirmed several diet-strain interactions within the GSH system, and linear regression models highlighted relationships between body mass and GSH outcomes as well. Overall, our data indicate that dietary fat regulates the GSH system in a strain-dependent manner.
State and Local Public Pension Finances and Reform Proposals: Are Lump-Sum Payout Offerings a Solution?

Some states and municipalities are in difficult financial straits. Many more have severely underfunded defined benefit pension plans for their past and current employees. At the intersection of these two sets, it is likely that the pension plans are not sustainable and cuts are inevitable, affecting even the benefits of current retirees. But in many of these states and municipalities, the courts have not allowed changes to the pension plan. Therefore, we propose that all government pension plan participants be given accurate information about the funded status of their pensions. Furthermore, we propose that, at the discretion of the plan sponsor, retirees and older workers be given the voluntary option to take their pensions as a lump sum, discounted according to the funded status of the plan.
Utility of Serum Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Stratification of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective The objective was to compare test characteristics of a single serum concentration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100β, and ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), obtained within 6 hours of head injury, to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in head-injured subjects. Methods Adults aged 18 to 80 years who presented to one of seven EDs with a blunt closed head injury underwent head CT within 4 hours of injury and had blood drawn for biomarker analysis within 6 hours of injury were eligible. Subjects were considered to have mTBI if they had an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) > 13 and met one or more of the following criteria: loss of consciousness (LOC), posttraumatic amnesia, or confusion. Subjects with mTBI and an abnormal head computed tomography (CT) scan were categorized as complicated mTBI; those with a normal head CT were categorized as uncomplicated mTBI; and subjects with a GCS = 15, no LOC, no posttraumatic amnesia, and no confusion were considered to not have a mTBI. Biomarker concentration measurements for GFAP and UCH-L1 were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. S-100β concentration was determined using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Median biomarker concentration for each group was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression was used to determine area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for each of the three biomarkers. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative and positive likelihood ratios (LRs) for the three biomarkers to differentiate between complicated mTBI, uncomplicated mTBI, and no mTBI were calculated. Results A total of 247 subjects were enrolled and had adequate clinical and biomarker information for analysis. A total of 188 met criteria for mTBI, with 34 (18.1%) having an acute abnormality on CT (complicated mTBI). The mean (±SD) age of the study population was 45.8 (±17.3) years, and 59.9% were male. Median serum concentrations for all biomarkers were significantly different between groups, lowest in the no mTBI group, and progressively increasing in the uncomplicated and complicated mTBI groups (p < 0.0001). All three biomarkers were significant classifiers of mTBI versus no mTBI, with the following AUCs: GFAP, 0.70; S-100β, 0.69; and UCH-L1, 0.65 (p = 0.17). Sensitivity for mTBI was highest for S-100β (96.5%). NPVs ranged from 31% for UCH-L1 to 35% for GFAP. PPVs ranged from 75.5% for S-100β to 96.5% for GFAP. Negative LR ranged from 0.59 for GFAP to 0.71 for UCH-L1, with positive LR ranging from 1.0 for both UCH-L1 and S-100β to 8.7 for GFAP. Conclusion A single serum concentration of GFAP, UCH-L1, or S-100β within 6 hours of head injury may be useful in identifying and stratifying the severity of brain injury in emergency department patients with head trauma, but cannot reliably exclude a diagnosis of concussion. A positive GFAP was associated with the presence of concussion.