cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Mechanical Model for the Transfer Free Energy of Amino Acids in the Context of Membrane Protein OmpLA

Transfer free energy scale of amino acids is fundamental for understanding membrane protein folding and for predicting membrane protein structures. Several experimental studies have been carried out to measure the free energy of partitioning amino acids to artificial lipid bilayer or biological membranes in the context of model peptides. A recent study measured water-to-bilayer transfer free energy in the context of a native β-barrel transmembrane protein OmpLA[1]. Here we report the development of a computational free energy scale based on an empirical potential energy function and statistical mechanical model. Our energy function incorporates the energy contribution of single-body burial, inter-strand interaction and sequential nearest neighbor contact interaction. Using a statistical mechanical model with a reduced state space, we computed the full partition function of OmpLA and the relative insertion free energy of amino acids replacing Ala210. The computed relative free energy scale correlates well with experimental data (r2 =0.79 with water-to-bilayer scale[1] and r2=0.88 with translocon scale[2]). In addition, depth dependency profiles of Arg and Leu are in excellent agreement with those measured by Moon and Flemming [1]. We also obtained depth dependency profiles of all 20 amino acids which provide insight to the folding process of membrane protein. Furthermore, our model showed strong coopperativity of Arg-Arg, consistent with experimental founds[1]. We further predicted that Lys-Lys show significant cooperativity, which is subject to future experimental verification.1. Moon CP, Fleming KG (2011) Side-chain hydrophobicity scale derived from transmembrane protein folding into lipid bilayers. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA108:10174-101772. Hessa, T, Kim, H, Bihlmaier, K, Lundin, C, Boekel, J, Andersson, H, Nilsson, I, White, SH, von Heijne, G (2005). Recognition of transmembrane helices by the endoplasmic reticulum translocon. Nature, 433, 7024:377-81.
Gelatinisation of starch and wheat flour starch—A review

Abstract Gelatinisation of wheat starch is reviewed, making comparisons with other starches. Starch in wheat kernel endosperm is briefly described. Various aspects of gelatinisation of starch in water are considered, including swelling and interaction with water before the onset of gelatinisation, increase in consistency during gelatinisation, gelatinisation temperature, types of gelatinised system and gel and paste formation upon cooling. In addition, the traditional rationale of gelatinisation and gelatinisation from the viewpoint of water mobility are discussed. Experimental methods used to study gelatinisation are also reviewed, as are the effects of starch concentration, protein, pentosans, surface active agents, fats, salt and sugars on gelatinisation and shear rate on consistency.
Adrenocortical hormones and brain growth: Reversibility and differential sensitivity during development

The brain growth that follows adrenalectomy can be arrested by corticosterone replacement. Administered daily in combination with deoxycorticosterone, the brain and body conditions of intact rats are closely matched. Using this combination dose (corticosterone, 7.0 mg/kg; deoxycorticosterone, 1.0 mg/kg), hormonal replacement was systematically administered and withheld in a balanced design in order to assess the relative sensitivity of brain tissue to corticosteroids across time, and to determine if brain growth suppressed during one phase could recover upon hormone withdrawal during a second phase. Female forebrains were less sensitive to the hormones during an early phase which spanned ages 27 to 46 days. In contrast, 70 to 80% of potential growth was suppressed by replacement during a later period (ages 46 to 65 days). Brain size differences included weight and forebrain length, width, and depth. Hind brains were more sensitive to hormone replacement during phase 1. However, this suppressed growth was completely regained after hormone withdrawal during phase 2. On the other hand, growth that had occurred in the absence of adrenal steroids was not reversed, only arrested, by subsequent administration. We conclude that the rat brain became increasingly sensitive to the suppressive influence of adrenal steroids as females matured from juveniles to adults. Coupled with this sensitivity was the ability--apparently complete--to recover from steroid-induced brain growth suppression.
Chromosome 4 deletions are frequent in invasive cervical cancer and differ between histologic variants.

Abstract Objective. Patterns of discontinuous deletion of chromosome 4 have been described in histologic variants of lung carcinomas and may represent different "hotspot" targets for gene–environment interactions. Since similar environmental risks exist for cervical cancer, we investigated patterns of discontinuous deletion in two major histologic variants. Methods. Thirteen archival cases of squamous cell cancer (SCCA) and 11 cases of adenocarcinoma (AC) were precisely microdissected. Matched normal and tumor DNA were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analyses using 19 polymorphic markers spanning chromosome 4. Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection was determined by PCR using general and type-specific primers (HPV 16, 18). Differences in LOH between histologic tumor types and chromosomal regions were determined using Fisher's exact test. Results. Loss at any chromosome 4 locus occurred in 92% of all tumors studied, with the majority of deletions occurring on the long arm of the chromosome. Four discrete minimal regions of discontinuous deletion (R) were identified. For these regions, LOH frequencies were 76% (R1, 4q34–q35), 48% (R2, 4q25–q26), 36% (R3, 4p15.1–p15.3), and 26% (R4, 4p16). Loss in SCCA predominated at 4q (4q34–q35; 83%) and in AC at 4p (4p15.3; 50%). Overall LOH on the p arm was significant in AC (82%) compared to SCCA (31%) ( P = 0.02). HPV detection was similar in SCCA (85%) and AC (73%), and HPV 16/18 subtypes were similarly represented in both histologies. Conclusions. Chromosome 4 deletions are frequent in cervical carcinomas. Different patterns of deletion between SCCA and AC may represent gene regions targeted by different gene–environment interactions in these tumor subtypes.
CACNA1H mutations in autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social interaction, communication skills, and restricted and repetitive behavior. The genetic causes for autism are largely unknown. Previous studies implicate CACNA1C (L-type CaV1.2) calcium channel mutations in a disorder associated with autism (Timothy syndrome). Here, we identify missense mutations in the calcium channel gene CACNA1H (T-type CaV3.2) in 6 of 461 individuals with ASD. These mutations are located in conserved and functionally relevant domains and are absent in 480 ethnically matched controls (p = 0.014, Fisher's exact test). Non-segregation within the pedigrees between the mutations and the ASD phenotype clearly suggest that the mutations alone are not responsible for the condition. However, functional analysis shows that all these mutations significantly reduce CaV3.2 channel activity and thus could affect neuronal function and potentially brain development. We conclude that the identified mutations could contribute to the development of the ASD phenotype.
Prepubertal orchiopexy for cryptorchidism may be associated with lower risk of testicular cancer.

Purpose: Current indications for orchiopexy are to decrease the risk of infertility and to facilitate testicular self-examination. Although the increased risk of germ cell cancer in cryptorchid testes is undisputed, it is unclear whether orchiopexy affects the natural history of testis cancer development. We hypothesize that early orchiopexy is protective against subsequent development of testicular germ cell cancer.Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Studies pertaining to cryptorchidism and testicular cancer risk were retrieved by searching MEDLINE, BIOSIS and the Cochrane Library, using cryptorchidism as a keyword, combined with treatment, orchiopexy, testis and cancer. For data extraction exposure was dichotomized to orchiopexy before or after age 10 to 11 years, while outcome was defined as the development of testicular germ cell cancer. Summary risk measures were calculated using the random effects model.Results: Four studies met our criteria. ...
Coordination geometry and structural determinations of SmPO4, EuPO4 and GdPO4

Abstract SmPO 4 , EuPO 4 , and GdPO 4 crystallize in the monoclinic system conforming to space group P 2 1 / n (No. 14, Z = 4). The structures and coordination geometries of these three lanthanide orthophosphates have been determined by means of automated three-dimensional single crystal diffractometry using Mo Kα radiation. The lattice parameters of the three compounds are as follows: For SmPO 4 , a = 6.669(1), b = 6.868(2), c = 6.351(1) A, and β = 103.92(2)°; for EuPO 4 , a = 6.639(3), b = 6.823(3), c = 6.318(3) A and β = 104.00(4)°; and for GdPO 4 , a = 6.621(2), b = 6.823(2), c = 6.310(2) A, and β = 104.16(2)°. Final full-matrix least-squares refinements resulted in the following residual indices for SmPO 4 , EuPO 4 , and GdPO 4 , respectively: R = 0.034, 0.033, and 0.031 and R w = 0.034, 0.033, and 0.032. These results were based on 1103, 751, and 1073 reflections, respectively, for the three systems. The lanthanide atoms in this structure are coordinated to nine oxygen atoms forming a polyhedron, which has been described as a pentagonal interpenetrating tetrahedron. Important bond and contact distances and bond angles are presented along with ORTEP-II drawings that illustrate the coordination geometry.
Yeast Prions and Human Prion-like Proteins: Sequence Features and Prediction Methods

Prions are self-propagating infectious protein isoforms. A growing number of prions have been identified in yeast, each resulting from the conversion of soluble proteins into an insoluble amyloid form. These yeast prions have served as a powerful model system for studying the causes and consequences of prion aggregation. Remarkably, a number of human proteins containing prion-like domains, defined as domains with compositional similarity to yeast prion domains, have recently been linked to various human degenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This suggests that the lessons learned from yeast prions may help in understanding these human diseases. In this review, we examine what has been learned about the amino acid sequence basis for prion aggregation in yeast, and how this information has been used to develop methods to predict aggregation propensity. We then discuss how this information is being applied to understand human disease, and the challenges involved in applying yeast prediction methods to higher organisms.
AT-21FINAL RESULTS OF A PHASE 1 TRIAL OF AN ONCOLYTIC POLIO/RHINOVIRUS RECOMBINANT (PVSRIPO) AGAINST RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA (GBM)

BACKGROUND: PVSRIPO is the live attenuated, oral (SABIN) serotype 1 poliovirus vaccine containing a heterologous internal ribosomal entry site stemming from human rhinovirus type 2. PVSRIPO recognizes nectin-like molecule-5, an oncofetal cell adhesion molecule and tumor antigen widely expressed ectopically in malignancy. We report results of a phase 1 trial evaluating PVSRIPO delivered intratumorally by convection-enhanced delivery (CED). METHODS: Eligible patients were adults with recurrent supratentorial GBM; solitary tumor 1-5cm in diameter; ≥4 weeks after chemotherapy, bevacizumab or study drug; adequate organ function; KPS > 70%; and positive anti-polio titer. The original two-step continual reassessment method dose escalation was amended to treat 6 patients at level 2 after observing prolonged steroid use in 5 of 7 patients treated on levels 3 to 5. RESULTS: Thus far, 13 patients have been treated (1 each levels 1 and 3, 5 level 2, 2 level 4, 4 level 5). One dose limiting toxicity was observed, grade 4 intracranial hemorrhage at catheter removal (level 5). Adverse events possibly related to study include: hemiparesis (grade 3, n = 3; grade 2, n = 1; grade 1, n = 1); lymphopenia (grade 3, n = 1); seizure (grade 3, n = 1; grade 2, n = 1; grade 1, n = 2); dysphasia (grade 2, n = 1; grade 1, n = 1); lethargy (grade 1, n = 4); headache (grade 2, n = 1; grade 1, n = 2); one each of grade 2 diarrhea, paresthesia and hyperbilirubinemia; and one each of grade 1 fever, cough, nasal congestion, memory impairment, thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea and vomiting. Ten patients remain alive, with pts #1 and #2 now 25 and 24 months post-PVSRIPO, respectively. Patients on levels 3 to 5 requiring prolonged steroid use were initiated on bevacizumab, allowing tapering down steroids. CONCLUSION: Infusion of PVSRIPO via CED is safe thus far and encouraging efficacy results are observed. Enrollment will be completed for the meeting.
Effects of Variations in Carbohydrate (CHO) Intake on Postprandial Gas Exchange, and Respiratory Frequency of Low Birth Weight (LBW) Infants

Effects of Variations in Carbohydrate (CHO) Intake on Postprandial Gas Exchange, and Respiratory Frequency of Low Birth Weight (LBW) Infants
Fuzzy real numbers as Dedekind cuts with respect to a multiple-valued logic

Abstract Viewing fuzzy set theory as a model of SET with respect to a given multiple-valued logic we establish the Dedekind-MacNeille completion of a partially ordered L-valued set. Contrary to other constructions in fuzzy set theory the completion is unique up to an order isomorphism. Specializing this situation to the set of all crisp rational numbers we obtain in a unique way the fuzzy Dedekind real numbers.
Decreasing the diameter of cycles

Alon, Gyarfas, and Ruszinko [1] established a bound for the minimum number of edges that have to be added to a graph of n ≥ n0 vertices in order to obtain a graph of diameter 2. Alon et al. approximated n0 by a polynomial function of the maximum degree of the initial graph. They conjectured that the minimum value for n0 is 12 for the case of Cn, as opposed to n0 = 274 obtained by calculations for the general case. In this paper we prove their conjecture. For the reduction to diameter 3 of a cycle, we also improve the bounds from [1] showing that the minimum number of edges that need to be added to the cycle Cn is between n - 59 and n - 8. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 43: 299–303, 2003
Relational Analysis: The Study of Social Organizations with Survey Methods

Survey research methods have often led to the neglect of social structure and of the relations among individuals. On the other hand, survey methods are highly efficient in bringing in a large volume of data—amenable to statistical treatment—at a relatively low cost in time and effort. Can the student of social structure enjoy the advantages of the survey without neglecting the relationships which make up that structure? In other words, can he use a method which ordinarily treats each individual as an isolated unit in order to study social structure?
Time-resolved structural analysis of K- and Ba-exchange reactions with synthetic Na-birnessite using synchrotron X-ray diffraction

Time-resolved Rietveld refinements using synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) have documented real-time changes in unit-cell parameters in response to cation substitution in synthetic Na-birnessite. Potassium- and Ba-birnessite, like Na-birnessite, were found to have triclinic symmetry. Rietveld analyses of the XRD patterns for K- and Ba-exchanged birnessite revealed decreases in the a , c , and β unit-cell parameters, with a decrease of 1.7 and 0.5%, respectively, in unit-cell volume relative to Na-birnessite. Fourier electron difference syntheses revealed that the changes in the configuration of the interlayer species, and the charge, size, and hydration of the substituting cations, serve as the primary controls on changes in unit-cell parameters. Split electron density maxima with centers at (0 0 0.5) were present for Na, K, and Ba end-members; however, with increased substitution of K+ for Na+, the axis connecting the split-site maxima rotated from an orientation parallel to the b -axis to along the a -axis. Substitution of Ba2+ for Na+ did not result in rotation, but splitting of the interlayer site was more pronounced.
Should we expect large game specialization in the late Pleistocene? An optimal foraging perspective on early Paleoindian prey choice

Several recent studies employ foraging theory to model early Paleoindians as big game specialists who focused on hunting large bodied, high-return animals such as mammoths. In this paper, we evaluate the specialist model by identifying the range of handling times and encounter rates within which mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) specialization would occur. We continue by using allometric relationships between body size and population density in mammals to estimate encounter rates for mammoth and other North American species. Combining these two pieces of information allows for the construction of an optimal diet curve representative of late Pleistocene prey choice, given the inclusion of mammoth. Our results seriously question the model of early Paleoindians as megafaunal specialists and suggest that foragers should have pursued a wide array of taxa including not only mammoth, but the full range of ungulates and some smaller game as well. These results accord well with empirical data on prey choice from late Pleistocene archaeological contexts from across North America.
Phase II trial of recombinant leukocyte A interferon in patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract Recombinant leukocyte A Interferon Is a highly purified single molecular species of alpha-interferon prepared by recombinant DNA methods. In 1982, a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant leukocyte A Interferon for patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia was begun, and 19 patients were entered In this study. Patients received one of two dose schedules depending on their pretreatment platelet counts. Those with platelet counts greater than 100,000/mm 3 received 50 × 10 6 units/m 2 intramuscularly three times weekly, with dose reductions to 25 × 10 6 units/m 2 and 5 × 10 6 units/m 2 for unacceptable toxicity. Those with platelet counts less than 100,000/mm 3 received 5 × 10 6 units/m 2 intramuscularly three times weekly. Toxicity was dose-dependent and included fever, chills, fatigue, anorexia, myalgias, headache, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Response was evaluable in all but one of the patients entered In this study. Two of the 12 patients treated with 50 × 10 6 units/m 2 had a partial response, three had no response, and seven had progressive disease. Of the six patients starting at 5 × 10 6 units/m 2 in whom response was evaluable, two had no response and four had progressive disease. Five patients with progressive disease (three at 50 × 10 6 units/m 2 and two at 5 × 10 6 units/m 2 ) had an acceleration of disease while receiving recombinant leukocyte A Interferon. It Is concluded that the dose and schedule of recombinant leukocyte A interferon therapy tested in this study are not effective in previously treated patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
The importance of sensory nerve endings as sites of drug action.

The role that sensory nerve endings can play in drug action and the strategy used for its experimental analysis and proof is first exemplified by three effects of nicotine which are seen when the lowest effective doses of the drug are given intravenously in the cat: (1) a vasopressor effect due to arterial chemoreceptor stimulation; (2) a triad of bradycardia, hypotension and apnea, and (3) a depressant effect upon somatic motor activity, both of which are traced to vagal afferent endings in the pulmonary circulation. While receptors in the lung are responsible at least for the initial phase of the reflex responses listed in (2) and (3), sensory endings in heart, aorta, and carotid sinus region may be recruited into action as the drug reaches them. Several of these reflex effects can also be elicited by other sensory stimulant agents such as phenyldiguanide, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and veratrum alkaloids.
Action of Rennet on Casein as Influenced by Hydrogen Peroxide–Catalase Treatment

Abstract The effect of hydrogen peroxide-catalase treatment upon the release of glycomacro-peptide by rennet from casein in skimmilk and caseinate-ultrafiltrate systems and on clotting time of these materials was investigated. The hydrogen peroxide-catalase treatment of skimmilk and caseinate-ultrafiltrate systems retarded the release of glycomacro-peptide from κ -casein by rennin. The peroxide-catalase treatment also reduced the rate and the completeness of casein clotting by rennin in skimmilk and caseinate-ultrafiltrate systems. The peroxide-catalase treatment of skimmilk reduced the methionine content of isoelectric casein by about 19% but had no effect upon the methionine content of rennet curd prepared from skimmilk or caseinate-ultrafiltrate systems. Peroxide oxidation of methionine, the N-terminal amino acid in the glycomacropeptide moiety of κ -casein, was therefore implicated as a possible cause for retarding the primary action of rennin upon casein. Results indicate that the softness of cheese made from peroxide-catalase-treated milk may be due to the inhibitory effect of peroxide upon the primary action of rennin upon casein and on clot formation.
The roads to Stockholm: On the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament in Paris that specified details of five prizes to “those who during the past year have done humanity the greatest service”. For the past over 100 years, the Nobel Prizes have been forever linked to the supreme achievement of the modern world in science and literature. Winning the Nobel Prizes became dreams of many young and not so young people in science and literature. “How to win a Nobel Prize?” was an innocent question posed to Sydney Brenner recently by a Chinese student.……
Sampling large graphs for anticipatory analytics

The characteristics of Big Data - often dubbed the 3V's for volume, velocity, and variety - will continue to outpace the ability of computational systems to process, store, and transmit meaningful results. Traditional techniques for dealing with large datasets often include the purchase of larger systems, greater human-in-the-loop involvement, or more complex algorithms. We are investigating the use of sampling to mitigate these challenges, specifically sampling large graphs. Often, large datasets can be represented as graphs where data entries may be edges, and vertices may be attributes of the data. In particular, we present the results of sampling for the task of link prediction. Link prediction is a process to estimate the probability of a new edge forming between two vertices of a graph, and it has numerous application areas in understanding social or biological networks. In this paper we propose a series of techniques for the sampling of large datasets. In order to quantify the effect of these techniques, we present the quality of link prediction tasks on sampled graphs, and the time saved in calculating link prediction statistics on these sampled graphs.
Compensatory properties of visual information in the control of isometric force.

This experiment investigated the effects of spatial (gain) and temporal (frequency) properties of visual feedback on the control of isometric force output. Participants performed an index finger isometric force production task with five different levels of visual gain and four feedback frequencies. There was a significant effect of gain on mean and standard deviation (SD) of the force output, whereas feedback frequency significantly affected the force SD and root-mean square error. Significant effects of gain and frequency and a gain × frequency interaction on the approximate entropy (ApEn) of the force revealed the effect of visual feedback uncertainty on the force fluctuation dynamics. The combined effects of the spatial and temporal properties of visual feedback on ApEn were approximated by a sum of quadratic functions, indicating their compensatory effect on the informational content of the dynamics of isometric force.
On the origin of the rotational state dependence of the decay of intermediate case molecules. Role of angular momentum selection rules in intersystem crossing

Abstract Experimental and theoretical studies of the role of angular momentum in the decay behavior of 1 B 3u pyrazine show that the strong rotational state dependence has its origin in the breakdown of the ΔP = 0 (Δ K = ±1) selection rule for intersystem crossing. Some possible reasons for this are discussed.
Switchable holograms recorded in liquid crystalline monomers

ABSTRACT Holographic gratings recorded by photopolymerization of liquid crystalline monomers have beenimmediately and reversibly developed, or switched, by application of electric fields. Diffraction efficiencymodulation has exceeded 200-fold, with maximum efficiency about 13% in the on state for 10 im samples.Fixing of the holograms in the more efficient state has been accomplished by short exposure to a single writingbeam. Microscopic images of the switching gratings recorded on videotape have provided information aboutgrating structure and supported our proposed mechanism for the recording and switching effects. 1. INTRODUCTION The anisotropic properties of liquid crystals, most notably their birefringence and controllablealignment, have made them indispensable components in common household appliances as liquid crystaldisplays (LCDs) and in research tools as liquid crystal televisions (LCTVs), spatial light modulators, and otheroptical elements. However, relatively few uses of liquid crystals in holography' have been reported, andcommercialization is yet to come. Several recent reports have shown that the use of liquid crystals inholographic recording media can allow modulation of diffraction efficiency, or switching.2'3'4 This reportdescribes the recording of switchable holograms by photopolymerization of liquid crystalline monomers.45
Wirelessly controllable inflated electroactive polymer (EAP) reflectors

Inflatable membrane reflectors are attractive for deployable, large aperture, lightweight optical and microwave systems in micro-gravity space environment. However, any fabrication flaw or temperature variation may results in significant aberration of the surface. Even for a perfectly fabricated inflatable membrane mirror with uniform thickness, theory shows it will form a Hencky curve surface rather than the desired parabolic or spherical surface. Precision control of the surface shape of extremely flexible membrane structures is a critical challenge for the success of this technology. Wirelessly controllable inflated reflectors made of electroactive polymers (EAP) are proposed in this paper. A finite element model was configured to predict the behavior of the inflatable EAP membranes under pre-strains, pressures and distributed electric charges on the surface. To explore the controllability of the inflatable EAP reflectors, an iteration algorithm was developed to find the required applied electric field distribution for correcting the aberration of a Hencky curve to the desired parabolic curve. The correction capability of the reflectors with available EAP materials was explored numerically and is presented in this paper.
Conversational sensitivity: Further validation and extension

The relationship between an individual's ability to differentiate communication with his or her sensitivity to conversation was examined. Results support a link between conversational sensitivity and cognitive complexity; reliability of Daly, Vangelisti and Doughton's (1987) measure of conversational sensitivity was also obtained.
Closed site complexes of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase from Giardia lamblia reveal a mechanism of ribosyl migration.

Abstract The adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRTase) from Giardia lamblia was co-crystallized with 9-deazaadenine and sulfate or with 9-deazaadenine and Mg-phosphoribosylpyrophosphate. The complexes were solved and refined to 1.85 and 1.95 A resolution. Giardia APRTase is a symmetric homodimer with the monomers built around Rossman fold cores, an element common to all known purine phosphoribosyltransferases. The catalytic sites are capped with a small hood domain that is unique to the APRTases. These structures reveal several features relevant to the catalytic function of APRTase: 1) a non-proline cis peptide bond (Glu61–Ser62) is required to form the pyrophosphate binding site in the APRTase·9dA·MgPRPP complex but is a trans peptide bond in the absence of pyrophosphate group, as observed in the APRTase·9dA·SO4complex; 2) a catalytic site loop is closed and fully ordered in both complexes, with Glu100 from the catalytic loop acting as the acid/base for protonation/deprotonation of N-7 of the adenine ring; 3) the pyrophosphoryl charge is neutralized by a single Mg2+ ion and Arg63, in contrast to the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferases, which use two Mg2+ ions; and 4) the nearest structural neighbors to APRTases are the orotate phosphoribosyltransferases, suggesting different paths of evolution for adenine relative to other purine PRTases. An overlap comparison of AMP and 9-deazaadenine plus Mg-PRPP at the catalytic sites of APRTases indicated that reaction coordinate motion involves a 2.1-A excursion of the ribosyl anomeric carbon, whereas the adenine ring and the 5-phosphoryl group remained fixed.G. lamblia APRTase therefore provides another example of nucleophilic displacement by electrophile migration.
The semantics of slurs: a refutation of pure expressivism

Abstract In several recent contributions to the growing literature on slurs, Hedger, 2012 , Hedger, 2013 draws upon Kaplan’s (1999) distinction between descriptive and expressive content to argue that slurs are expressions with purely expressive content. The distinction between descriptive and expressive content and the view that slurs are expressions with purely expressive content has been widely acknowledged in prior work (e.g., Kaplan, 1999 ; Kratzer, 1999; Potts, 2003 , Potts, 2005 , Potts, 2007 , Potts and Kawahara, 2004 , Pullum and Rawlins, 2007 , Potts et al., 2009 ), and Hedger, 2012 , Hedger, 2013 aims to contribute to this tradition of scholarship by offering novel arguments in support of his “pure expressivist” account of slurs (henceforth PE). But the account that PE offers is explanatorily inadequate, resting on suspect a priori intuitions which also commit one to denying many basic facts about slurs, such as that slurs largely display systematic differential application and that slurs can be used non-offensively between in-group speakers. In this article I provide clear reasons for rejecting PE, arguing particularly against Hedger, 2012 , Hedger, 2013 as one of PE’s most explicit and recent proponents. In showing that PE is inadequate in at least 11 ways, I argue in favor of a mixed or hybrid approach.
Sternal Repair with Bone Grafts Engineered from Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Purpose: We aimed at determining whether osseous grafts engineered from amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) could be used in postnatal sternal repair. Methods: Leporine aMSCs were isolated, identified, transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP), expanded, and seeded onto biodegradable electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds (n = 6). Constructs were dynamically maintained in an osteogenic medium and equally divided into 2 groups with respect to time in vitro as follows: 14.6 or 33.9 weeks. They were then used to repair full-thickness sternal defects spanning 2 to 3 intercostal spaces in allogeneic kits (n = 6). Grafts were submitted to multiple analyses 2 months thereafter. Results: Chest roentgenograms showed defect closure in all animals, confirmed at necropsy. Graft density as assessed by microcomputed tomographic scans increased significantly in vivo, yet there were no differences in mineralization by extracellular calcium measurements preimplantation and postimplantation. There was a borderline increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in vivo, suggesting ongoing graft remodeling. Histologically, implants contained GFP-positive cells and few mononuclear infiltrates. There were no differences between the 2 construct groups in any comparison. Conclusions: Engineered osseous grafts derived from amniotic mesenchymal stem cells may become a viable alternative for sternal repair. The amniotic fluid can be a practical cell source for engineered chest wall reconstruction.
Effects of −196 and −76° C. Storage on the Resistance of Bull Sperm to Three Repeated Freeze-Thaw Treatments

Summary To determine the effects of three repeated freeze-thaw treatments on spermatozoon survival at −196 and −76°C. immediately after the initial freezing and after a 6-mo. storage period, a total of 30 ejaculates, three from each of ten Holstein bulls, were employed. The number of progressively motile sperm per milliliter of extender during the immediate and 6-mo. freeze-thaw treatments (−196 and −76°C.) were significantly different (P
The Fifty-Eighth William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition

(1998). The Fifty-Eighth William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 105, No. 8, pp. 744-755.
Incidence of ovarian cancer by race and ethnicity in the United States, 1992-1997.

*This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among U.S. women. An estimated 23,400 new cases were expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2001. As is the case for breast and endometrial cancers, ovarian cancer is more common among women in northern and central Europe, and North America compared with Africa, South America, and Asia. In the U.S., substantial racial and ethnic variations also are observed in the incidence of ovarian cancer. rates reportedly are highest among non-Hispanic white and American Indian women, and are lower among Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Asian women. Among white women in the U.S., there has been a gradual decline in the incidence and mortality from ovarian cancer since 1973, whereas rates among black women during this time period have been fairly stable. The epidemiology of ovarian cancer was discussed in the article by Goodman and How.
CBCL behavior problems of post-institutionalized international adoptees.

With the increase in international adoptions during the last decade, many researchers have investigated the developmental outcomes of these adoptees, including their extreme behaviors. Collectively, these results have not always appeared consistent across studies, perhaps because studies have used children reared in institutions or not, the institutional environments vary in severity, children spend different lengths of time in the institution and are assessed at different ages, and studies use different outcome measures. In an attempt to discern more order in the literature, this review focuses on 18 studies, each of which used the Child Behavior Checklist, and their outcomes are viewed with respect to these parameters. Results suggest that the major factor contributing to extreme behaviors is age at adoption, with those adopted after 6/18 months having more behavior problems, especially Internalizing, Externalizing, and Attention problems. Generally, samples of post-institutional children have more problems than samples of mixed or non-institutional internationally adopted children, and some problems are more likely to be manifest in adolescence, suggesting the effects of deficient early experiences are not simply the persistence of learned behavior but more general dispositions that become more noticeable or severe during adolescence. Findings are discussed in terms of early deficient social–emotional caregiver–child interactions that characterize most institutional environments as a possible major cause of later difficulties in post-institutionalized children.
Mixed lineage kinase (MLK) family members are not involved in androgen regulation of prostatic proliferation or apoptosis

BACKGROUND Once paracrine growth factors are secreted by androgen receptor expressing prostatic stromal cells, they diffuse across the basement membrane of glandular acini, where they bind to epithelial cell surface receptors. This binding stimulates signaling pathways that regulate both the rate of proliferation and apoptosis of prostate epithelial cells. In the present studies, the role of mixed lineage kinases (MLKs) in these signaling processes were studied using a pharmacological approach. METHODS The indolocarbazole CEP-1347 (KT 7515) is a potent inhibitor of kinase activity of MKLs. Male rats were treated with CEP-1347 (1 mg/kg of body weight/day) to determine whether inhibition of the MLKs can prevent androgen ablation (i.e. castration) induced apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells, using as indexes total ventral prostatic DNA content and the percentage of ventral prostatic epithelial cells whose DNA can be terminal transferase end-labeled. In addition, animals previously castrated a week earlier were treated daily with either vehicle or CEP-1347 and exogenous androgen replacement to induce the proliferative re-growth of the prostatic epithelial cells. After 1 week of treatment, the total ventral prostatic DNA content in the vehicle vs. CEP-1347 groups was compared. RESULTS Using the National Center for Bio-Informatics data bank, MLK2, MLK3, and DLK members of the MLK family are expressed by the normal prostate. Inhibition of the MLKs with CEP-1347 did not affect the kinetics of apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cells induced by androgen ablation. In addition, such MLK inhibition did not prevent androgen replacement induced proliferative regrowth of the prostate epithelium in castrated animals. CONCLUSIONS Signaling through the MLK family is not involved in either the androgen-induced proliferation or the androgen ablation-induced apoptosis of prostatic epithelial cell in the rat. Prostate 48:67–70, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Robustness of disaggregate oil and gas discovery forecasting models

Abstract The trend in forecasting oil and gas discoveries has been to develop and use models that allow forecasts of the size distribution of future discoveries. From such forecasts, exploration and development costs can more readily be computed. Two classes of these forecasting models are the Arps-Roberts type models and the ‘creaming method’ models. This paper examines the robustness of the forecasts made by these models when the historical data on which the models are based have been subject to economic upheavals or when historical discovery data are aggregated from areas having widely differing economic structures. Model performance is examined in the context of forecasting discoveries for offshore Texas State and Federal areas. The analysis shows how the model forecasts are limited by information contained in the historical discovery data. Because the Arps-Roberts type models require more regularity in discovery sequence than the creaming models, prior information had to be introduced into the Arps-Roberts models to accommodate the influence of economic changes. The creaming methods captured the overall decline in discovery size but did not easily allow introduction of exogenous information to compensate for incomplete historical data. Moreover, the predictive log normal distribution associated with the creaming model methods appears to understate the importance of the potential contribution of small fields.
Stability of Jets in a Divergent Barotropic Fluid

Abstract The stability of a two-layer incompressible fluid system on a rotating earth is investigated. The upper layer has infinite depth and is inert; the lower layer has finite depth and a basic west to east zonal velocity of form sech2y. The linearized potential vorticity equation is used for the stability investigation. It is found that both the beta effect due to the curvature of the earth and the divergence tend to stabilize the jet if the winds are from west to cast everywhere. However, if there are easterly winds away from the center of the jet, the divergence may not be stabilizing. This stability theory is applied to a jet at 45 deg latitude in the atmosphere. The maximum wind is 60 m sec1 and the half-width of the jet is 1000 km. For the case of no divergence the most unstable wavelength is 5500 km and this disturbance has an e-fold amplification in 1.8 days. If we include divergence, the most unstable wavelength is again 5500 km but the e-fold amplification time is 14 days. The theory can also...
Efficacy and safety of higher dose stereotactic radiosurgery for functional pituitary adenomas: a preliminary report.

Objective Single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a common adjuvant therapy for hormonally active pituitary adenomas when surgical resection fails to control tumor growth or normalize hypersecretory activity. Marginal doses of 20–24 Gy are used at many centers and here we report our outcome data in patients treated with a higher marginal dose of 35 Gy. Methods Thirty-one patients with secretory pituitary adenomas (adrenocorticotropic hormone, n = 15; growth hormone, n = 13; prolactin, n = 2; thyroid-stimulating hormone, n = 1) were treated with 35 Gy to the 50% isodose line, and had a mean follow-up time of 40.2 months (range = 12–96). All patients were evaluated post-SRS for time to hormonal normalization, time to relapse, as well as incidence and time course of radiation-induced hypopituitarism and cranial neuropathies. Results Initial normalization of hypersecretion was achieved in 22 patients (70%) with a median time to remission of 17.7 months. After initial hormonal remission, 7 patients (32%) experienced an endocrine relapse, with a mean time to relapse of 21 months. New endocrine deficiency within any of the five major hormonal axes occurred in 10 patients (32%). One patient (3%) developed new-onset unilateral optic nerve pallor within the temporal field 3 years after SRS. Three patients (10%) reported transient new or increasing frontal headaches of unclear etiology following their procedures. Conclusion Time to endocrine remission was more rapid in patients treated with 35 Gy, as compared to previously reported literature using marginal doses of 20–24 Gy. Rates of endocrine remission and relapse, post-SRS hypopituitarism, and radiation-induced sequelae were not increased following higher dose treatment.
Object-based auditory and visual attention

Theories of visual attention argue that attention operates on perceptual objects, and thus that interactions between object formation and selective attention determine how competing sources interfere with perception. In auditory perception, theories of attention are less mature and no comprehensive framework exists to explain how attention influences perceptual abilities. However, the same principles that govern visual perception can explain many seemingly disparate auditory phenomena. In particular, many recent studies of 'informational masking' can be explained by failures of either auditory object formation or auditory object selection. This similarity suggests that the same neural mechanisms control attention and influence perception across different sensory modalities.
Status and solidarity in social comparison: Agentic and communal values and vertical and horizontal directions.

Social comparison involves positioning the self relative to others on a vertical or status dimension (ranging from upward to downward comparisons) and a horizontal or solidarity dimension (ranging from contrastive to connective comparisons). Across 3 studies in which 389 undergraduates recorded everyday social comparisons (n = 4,417), downward and connective comparisons were rated as more helpful and mood enhancing than upward and contrastive comparisons. The effects of horizontal comparisons were greater for people for whom solidarity was an important value; however, the effects of vertical comparisons were not greater for people who valued status. The roles of the comparison target, topic, and situation were also explored; for example, noticing undesirable features of the target enhanced status but undermined solidarity.
Perspectives for practice: translating estimated average glucose (eAG) to promote diabetes self-management capacity.

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to facilitate translation of the Consensus Statement to practice for diabetes educators and other professionals who contribute to the care of individuals with diabetes.MethodsThe 2007 Consensus Statement from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) called for the standardization of glycated hemoglobin measurement in reporting and use of average glucose values in clinical practice.ResultsConversion of glycated hemoglobin percentage to average blood glucose was anchored historically in early laboratory techniques linked to disease outcomes rather than to definitive laboratory standardization. Recently, the A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) study demonstrated that A1C values can be accurately expressed as estimated average glucose (eAG) and endorsed eAG as the best way to standardize the expres...
Model-based benchmarking with application to laboratory buildings

The most common method of benchmarking energy use in buildings is to compare the energy use of the building under consideration with the energy use of a population of like buildings. Usually there is some empirical compensation for features and factors that affect energy use such as the size of the building and the weather conditions. Two fundamental limitations of this approach are: (1) only similar kinds of buildings can be compared; and (2) the entire population may be inefficient, which would cause many inefficient buildings to be rated as efficient. The first limitation is important when benchmarking laboratory buildings because there is no public database of energy use and building features that can be used to construct empirical benchmarks for laboratories. The second limitation is also important because there is evidence that energy-consuming processes in laboratory buildings, especially HVAC systems, are inefficient because of highly conservative design practices. This paper describes a benchmarking method that is fundamentally different than the method described above. The principle of the new method is to construct a benchmark that represents the minimum amount of energy required to meet a set of basic functional requirements of the building. These requirements include code-compliant environmental controls, adequate lighting, etc. The benchmark is computed based on idealized models of equipment and system performance. Using idealized models produces a benchmark that is independent of design and easy to compute. Once the benchmark has been computed for a single building, an effectiveness metric is computed by dividing the model-based benchmark by the actual consumption. This metric, or its inverse, can be compared with the metrics of other buildings. Since functional requirements have been incorporated into the benchmark, it is possible to compare the performance of dissimilar buildings, or buildings that have rare or unique functional requirements. The performance of the model-based benchmarking method was compared with two alternative methods based on the ability to predict actual energy use. Using building energy data from the UC Berkeley campus, it was shown that the model-based benchmarking method was more accurate when a combination of laboratory and non-laboratory buildings was analyzed.