cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A G-Protein Coupled Receptor and Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The risk of AMD increases with age and is most common among the white population. Here, we discuss the convergence of factors related to race, pigmentation, and susceptibility to AMD, where the primary defect occurs in retinal support cells, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We explore whether the observed racial bias in AMD incidence is related to innate differences in the basal level of pigmentation between races, and whether the pigmentation pathway activity in the RPE might protect from retinal degeneration. More specifically, we explore whether the downstream signaling activity of GPR143, a G-protein coupled receptor in the pigmentation pathway, might underly the racial bias of AMD and be a target to prevent the disease. Lastly, we summarize the past findings of a large retrospective study that investigated the relationship between the stimulation of GPR143 with L-DOPA, the pigmentation pathway, and AMD, to potentially help develop new ways to prevent or treat AMD. The reader of this review will come to understand the racial bias of AMD, which is related to the function of the RPE.
Effect of calcium source, dietary calcium concentration, and gestation phase on various bone characteristics in gestating gilts,

Sixty gravid crossbred gilts were allotted to a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: two Ca sources (sun-cured alfalfa meal and CaC03), three dietary concentrations of Ca (50, 75, and 100% of NRC requirements), and two phases of gestation (55 and 105 d). The objectives were to determine the effect of Ca source, dietary Ca concen- tration, and gestation phase on bone characteristics (bone breaking strength, bone ash percentage, bone density, and bone ash density in the rib, thoracic, and coccygeal bones), to correlate bone responses to determine relative bone activity, and to determine reliability of the coccygeal bones as indicators of Ca status in the body. At 55 d, rib strength and coccygeal ash content were lower (P < .01) than at 105 d of gestation. A gestation phase x Ca concentration (P < .0 5 ) interaction occurred. As Ca concentration in- creased, thoracic strength and rib ash responded quadratically during each gestation phase, for which at 55 d a minima and at 105 d a maxima was produced at 75% of NRC. A Ca source x Ca concentra- tion (P < .05) interaction occurred. Gilts fed alfalfa had the lowest rib bone and ash density when fed 75% of NRC for Ca, whereas gilts fed CaC03 were highest at this level of Ca compared with the other concentra- tions. Generally, all bones were positively correlated with respect to their response to dietary Ca concentra- tion. Few negative correlations were observed. At this level of physiological maturity, there was no effect of Ca source and little effect of gestation phase on the bone variables measured at the dietary Ca concentra- tions used in this experiment. The rib and thoracic bones seem to be the most responsive to dietary Ca concentration.
Now or Later: Synchrony Effects on Electronic Word-of-Mouth Content

This research investigates how consumers’ electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) about consumption experiences is affected by whether the message is shared simultaneously during the experience or retrospectively, that is, after the experience has occurred. Building on the theories of synchrony, we suggest that two separates paths may impact the content of eWOM: (i) synchrony with social others and (ii) synchrony with the experience. In two field studies of tweets posted during televised events, our findings suggest that relative to retrospective messages, simultaneously shared messages are more likely to be associated with communal orientation, presumably due to an augmented feeling of synchrony with social others, even though these social others are not directly taking part in the consumption experience. In addition, we find that simultaneously shared messages have more affective content than those posted retrospectively, presumably due to synchrony with the experience. Based on these findings, we suggest that encouraging eWOM sharing during experiences can lead to an enhanced sense of community and engagement around the experience.
The Physical Characteristics of the Small-Scale Interstellar Structure towards Mu Crucis

We present HST/GHRS echelle observations of multiple interstellar lines of CI, MgI, CrII, and ZnII towards both stars in the mu Cru binary system. Despite large differences in the profiles of the neutral species, no significant variations between the stars are seen in the CrII and ZnII line profiles. In particular, the ZnII absorption observed at -8.6 km/sec towards mu Cru is constant despite greatly enhanced columns of the neutral species at this velocity towards mu^1 Cru. An analysis of the fine-structure excitation of CI in this cloud implies that the density is n_H < 250 cm^{-3}. From the lack of variation in the (optical) NaI D2 line profiles towards mu^1 and mu^2 Cru in spectra taken 21 months apart, we can place a lower limit to the size of the structures of ~10 AU. These results are discussed in the context of recent radio and optical studies of apparently pervasive high density small-scale interstellar structure.
Deterrence Theory and Batman

Deterrence theorists argue that people are rational and pursue their own interests, attempting to maximize their pleasure and minimize their pain. Deterrence theory suggests individuals engage in crime when they believe that crime maximizes their net benefits (benefits minus costs). The best way to prevent crime, therefore, is through punishments that are swift, certain, and appropriately severe, so that an individual makes the choice to engage in prosocial behavior to avoid the cost of punishment. After witnessing the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne created the Batman persona in order to seek justice against criminals in Gotham City. Dressed as a bat, he employed the constructs found in deterrence theory in a manner that instilled genuine fear for unlawful behavior and noncompliance with the law. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the many ways in which Beccaria’s theory cloaks itself in the cowl of the Caped Crusader character in order to provide a better understanding of Beccaria’s Batman, also known as The Dark Knight of Deterrence.
Childhood Overweight and Obesity and Pubertal Onset Among Mexican American Boys and Girls in the CHAMACOS Longitudinal Study.

Secular trends in earlier initiation of puberty have been observed in recent decades. One risk factor appears to be increases in adiposity, as measured by body mass index. This trend is particularly notable among Latino populations, who have higher rates of overweight/obesity compared to non-Latino White youth. Previous research has focused primarily on White girls, resulting in data gaps regarding male puberty and among potentially high-risk populations. Using data from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study, we examined BMI at age 5 (2005-2006) and multiple markers of pubertal onset, assessed repeatedly and longitudinally at 7 in-person visits, starting at age 9 through age 14 (2009-2015), among 336 Mexican-Americans in Salinas, CA. We observed no associations among boys, but found significantly earlier thelarche in overweight (HR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.7) and obese girls (HR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.4), menarche in overweight girls (HR = 1.6; CI: 1.0, 2.4) and pubarche in obese girls (HR = 1.9; CI: 1.2, 3.0), as compared to normal weight girls. This study examined an understudied population and included key covariates, such as birthweight and early adverse events, which are typically omitted in studies.
Aluminum-air batteries: A review of alloys, electrolytes and design

Abstract High theoretical energy densities of metal battery anode materials have motivated research in this area for several decades. Aluminum in an Al-air battery (AAB) is attractive due to its light weight, wide availability at low cost, and safety. Electrochemical equivalence of aluminum allows for higher charge transfer per ion compared to lithium and other monovalent ions. However, significant challenges have impeded progress towards commercialization, including formation of an aluminum hydroxide surface barrier, high aluminum corrosion rate, and self-discharge susceptibility. Addition of alloying elements is a widely used technique for mitigating these problems in aqueous electrolytes. A number of alloying elements have been evaluated, with typical characteristics such as higher nobility than aluminum, and high overpotential for hydrogen evolution. Over time, a large number of studies have examined alloys across a broad landscape of components and composition in aqueous and ionic liquid electrolytes. This manuscript first takes a broader look at metal-air battery performance before focusing on a summary of data and electrochemical performance for aluminum and aluminum alloys of indium, tin, and/or gallium, and surveys proposed mechanisms driving surface chemistry in alkaline electrolytes on aluminum alloy anodes comprising these materials. AAB performance of ionic liquid and solid-state electrolytes with aluminum anodes is also considered, as results to date support the idea that these designs have the potential to minimize corrosion and enable secondary capability for applications requiring rechargeability.
Design of metal-mediated protein assemblies via hydroxamic acid functionalities

The self-assembly of proteins into sophisticated multicomponent assemblies is a hallmark of all living systems and has spawned extensive efforts in the construction of novel synthetic protein architectures with emergent functional properties. Protein assemblies in nature are formed via selective association of multiple protein surfaces through intricate noncovalent protein-protein interactions, a challenging task to accurately replicate in the de novo design of multiprotein systems. In this protocol, we describe the application of metal-coordinating hydroxamate (HA) motifs to direct the metal-mediated assembly of polyhedral protein architectures and 3D crystalline protein-metal-organic frameworks (protein-MOFs). This strategy has been implemented using an asymmetric cytochrome cb562 monomer through selective, concurrent association of Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions to form polyhedral cages. Furthermore, the use of ditopic HA linkers as bridging ligands with metal-binding protein nodes has allowed the construction of crystalline 3D protein-MOF lattices. The protocol is divided into two major sections: (1) the development of a Cys-reactive HA molecule for protein derivatization and self-assembly of protein-HA conjugates into polyhedral cages and (2) the synthesis of ditopic HA bridging ligands for the construction of ferritin-based protein-MOFs using symmetric metal-binding protein nodes. Protein cages are analyzed using analytical ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. HA-mediated protein-MOFs are formed in sitting-drop vapor diffusion crystallization trays and are probed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and multi-crystal small-angle X-ray scattering measurements. Ligand synthesis, construction of HA-mediated assemblies, and post-assembly analysis as described in this protocol can be performed by a graduate-level researcher within 6 weeks.
Successful lung transplantation with graft recovered after thoracoabdominal normothermic perfusion from donor after circulatory death

Lung transplantation with lungs procured from donors after circulatory death (DCD) has been established as an alternative technique to traditional donation after brain death (DBD) with comparable outcomes. Recently, in situ thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) has emerged as a novel technique employed in the procurement of cardiac allografts after circulatory death. TA-NRP, in contrast to ex situ machine perfusion, has the advantage of allowing in situ assessment of donor organs prior to final acceptance. However, there are some concerns that this technique may adversely impact the quality of lung allografts. Here, we present a case of a successful bilateral sequential lung transplantation in a patient with postinflammatory pulmonary fibrosis due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with lungs procured after normothermic in situ lung perfusion. Apart from the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys were also successfully transplanted from this donor.
Environmental contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes.

Background SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in nursing homes (NHs) have been devastating and have led to the creation of COVID-19 units within NHs to care for affected patients. Frequency and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in these units has not been studied. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 in four Michigan NHs. Swabs from high-touch surfaces in COVID-19 infected-patient rooms were obtained at enrollment and follow-up. Demographic and clinical data were collected from clinical records. Primary outcome of interest was the probability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection from specific environmental surfaces in COVID-19 patient rooms. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess patient risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 contamination. Pairwise Phi coefficients were calculated to measure correlation of site-specific environmental detection upon enrollment and during follow-up. Results One hundred four patients with COVID-19 were enrolled (61.5% >80 yrs; 67.3% female; 89.4% non-Hispanic white; 51% short-stay) and followed for 241 visits. The study population had significant disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL; 81.7% dependent in four or more ADLs) and comorbidities, including dementia (55.8%), diabetes (40.4%), and heart failure (32.7%). Over the 3-month study period, 2087 swab specimens were collected (1896 COVID-19 patient rooms, 191 common areas). SARS-CoV-2 positivity was 28.4% (538/1896 swabs) on patient room surfaces and 3.7% (7/191 swabs) on common area surfaces. Nearly 90% (93/104) of patients had SARS-CoV-2 contamination in their room at least once. Environmental contamination upon enrollment correlated with contamination of the same site during follow-up. Functional independence increased the odds of proximate contamination. Conclusions Environmental detection of viral RNA from surfaces in the rooms of COVID-19 patients is nearly universal and persistent; more investigation is needed to determine the implications of this for infectiousness. Patients with greater independence are more likely than fully dependent patients to contaminate their immediate environment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Multimodal Thromboprophylaxis in Patients With a History of Venous Thromboembolism Undergoing Primary and Revision Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are at a high risk of postoperative VTE. Purpose: In this high-risk population, we sough...
The Marketability of Higher Education Aviation Graduates as Perceived by Regional Airline Pilots

The purpose of this study was to expose any perceived inadequacies in the higher-education aviation curricula and to propose changes needed to better qualify aviation students in the hiring process at regional air carriers. The research also addressed the assumption that higher education is necessary for advancing a pilot’s aptitudes and abilities to perform the highly technical tasks of a professional pilot in a regional airline environment. A survey was used to poll pilots from two regional airlines that were based in Texas. Analysis of the survey responses revealed the perceived quality of training that existed in higher education aviation programs. This confirmed the value of advising a path of higher education for students embarking on an aviation career as a pilot for a regional airline, and that 2-year colleges and 4-year universities with aviation programs are meeting the present demands required by regional airlines in the south-central United States.
Drug Review behind the Curtain: A Response to Professor Struve

The architecture of accident compensation does not mesh well with the architecture of regulatory product approval. Accident compensation, which occurs through public jury trials, is overtly adversarial and virtually transparent. In contrast, regulatory product approval,1 which occurs through specific negotiation between the product sponsor and the regulatory body, is cooperative and consciously opaque.2 Indeed, the content of regulatory negotiations remains hidden behind the curtain, shrouded in confidentiality rationales.3 Consequently, giving regulators a potentially determinative say in tort suits is highly problematic. A decade-old debate is raging in product liability law over the proper role of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of prescription drug designs and attendant warnings. Participants disagree about whether such approval establishes a “floor” or a “ceiling” that limits the sponsor’s duty of care.4 Into this debate steps Professor Catherine Struve, whose excellent article5 offers wall-to-wall coverage of the primary jurisdiction doctrine. Traditionally, regulatory product approval has set a floor, which is a minimum level for the sponsor’s duty of care.6 Accordingly, courts or juries in tort cases could find
The Structural Organization of NGO Publicity Work: Explaining Divergent Publicity Strategies at Humanitarian and Human Rights Organizations

This article examines the role of humanitarian and human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in producing global news content in light of legacy news media’s shrinking international footprint. Using original interviews, NGO documents, and content analysis, it finds that different types of funding, government relationships, organizational dynamics and desired impacts tend to be associated with divergent publicity strategies. In particular, some NGOs target the prestige press to engage with political elites, while others use the general news media to attract new audiences for fund-raising and educational purposes. The implications of these findings, both for international news and scholarly analysis of civil society, are discussed in the conclusion.
Peripherally Induced Tolerance Depends on Peripheral Regulatory T Cells That Require Hopx To Inhibit Intrinsic IL-2 Expression

Dendritic cells (DCs) can induce peripheral immune tolerance that prevents autoimmune responses. Ag presentation by peripheral DCs under steady-state conditions leads to a conversion of some peripheral CD4(+) T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs) that require homeodomain-only protein (Hopx) to mediate T cell unresponsiveness. However, the roles of these peripheral Tregs (pTregs) in averting autoimmune responses, as well as immunological mechanisms of Hopx, remain unknown. We report that Hopx(+) pTregs converted by DCs from Hopx(-) T cells are indispensible to sustain tolerance that prevents autoimmune responses directed at self-Ags during experimental acute encephalomyelitis. Our studies further reveal that Hopx inhibits intrinsic IL-2 expression in pTregs after antigenic rechallenge. In the absence of Hopx, increased levels of IL-2 lead to death and decreased numbers of pTregs. Therefore, formation of Hopx(+) pTregs represents a crucial pathway of sustained tolerance induced by peripheral DCs, and the maintenance of such pTregs and tolerance requires functions of Hopx to block intrinsic IL-2 production in pTregs.
Diacetyl Biosynthesis in Streptococcus diacetilactis and Leuconostoc citrovorum

Pyruvate was shown to be the precursor of diacetyl and acetoin in Streptococcus diacetilactis, but dialyzed cell-free extracts of S. diacetilactis and Leuconostoc citrovorum that had been treated with anion-exchange resin to remove coenzyme A (CoA) formed only acetoin from pyruvate in the presence of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) and Mg++ or Mn++ ions. The ability to produce diacetyl was restored by the addition of acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-phosphate did not replace the acetyl-CoA. Neither diacetyl nor acetoin was formed when the otherwise complete reaction system was modified by using boiled extract or by omitting the extract, pyruvate, TPP, or the metal ions. Free acetaldehyde was not involved in the biosynthesis of diacetyl or acetoin from pyruvate, dialyzed cell-free extracts of the bacteria produced only acetoin (besides CO2) from α-acetolactate, and acetoin was not involved in the biosynthesis of diacetyl. Only one of the optical isomers present in racemic α-acetolactate was attacked by the extracts, and there was no appreciable spontaneous decarboxylation of the α-acetolactate at the pH (4.5) used in experiments.
Biggest Corporate Failures, the Underlying Agency Problem, and the Corporate Governance Measures

Based on our study of the biggest corporate failures in history from Barings Bank to General Motors we contend that despite the seemingly varied reasons suggested by the media the underlying cause of corporate failures in majority of the cases was agency problem. The academic literature addresses this problem under the umbrella of corporate governance. Majority of the recent studies in this literature measure corporate governance using an index along the lines of G-index developed by Gompers, Ishii, and Metrick (2003). We show that the G-index and/or the entrenchment index of Bebchuk, Cohen, and Ferrell (2009) would have misclassified majority of the firms that we study as well-governed firms. However we also show that majority of the firms that ultimately failed showed deterioration in their corporate governance measure over time as they approached their ultimate demise. We therefore suggest that future studies rely not only on the level of G-index or entrenchment index as a measure of corporate governance but the change in these indices over time.
Extending Reed-Solomon codes to modules

Desmedt-Frankel (June 1991) presented an erasure code in which the entries of the codewords belong to any abelian group. We extend this work to error-correction.
Effects of iron deficiency on lead excretion in children with moderate lead intoxication.

The effect of iron status on calcium disodium edetate (CaNa 2 EDTA)-induced lead diuresis was examined in 112 children with moderate lead intoxication. Patients whose blood lead levels were between 25 and 55 μg/dl and who had erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations ≥35 μg/dl underwent provocative testing to determine the need for a full course of chelation therapy. A blood sample for lead, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and serum ferritin determinations was obtained immediately before the intramuscular administration of CaNa 2 EDTA, 500 mg/m 2 . Determination of urinary lead level was based on an 8-hour urine collection. Blood lead and ferritin levels were significantly correlated with urinary lead excretion: r =0.542 and 0.298, respectively, p 2 EDTA-induced lead diuresis. This effect may influence the interpretation of borderline provocative test outcomes. Although chelation therapy should not be withheld pending treatment of iron deficiency, lead stores should be reassessed after iron repletion.
How connective tissues temporally process mechanical stimuli

Connective tissues have the capacity to adapt to a changing mechanical environment. Considerable experimental evidence suggests, however, that tissues respond to only a small portion of mechanical loads they experience and thus ignore the majority of the load they experience. Evidence suggests that tissues 'temporally process' these external mechanical signals in specific ways: 1) they respond in a trigger-like manner after a relatively few events or cycles of loading; 2) they respond only to some window of strain magnitude; 3) they exhibit a refractory period after a response; 4) they have a memory for previous stimuli. These characteristics do not necessarily mirror distinct cellular phenomena but rather reflect typical features of experimental and theoretical models. The manner in which tissues temporally process mechanical signals can be explained by energy transfer over short periods of time from the matrix to the second messenger systems. Much of the energy input into connective tissues during deformation is recovered, and relatively little is 'lost' and thus potentially transferable to the cells. Since evolutionary principles suggest that a pathway of response needs to be defined by biologically optimal use of energy, it is logical that cells would have evolved mechanisms to respond to a small finite level of integrated stimuli in order to rapidly respond (fitness) especially in times of environmental duress.
Added resolution elements for greater informing power in tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract The concepts of information theory have been applied to tandem mass spectrometry. The roles of the added resolution elements which can increase the informing power for chemical analysis were investigated using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. It has been demonstrated that the added resolution elements in sample introduction and ionization as well as in the collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) process lead to increased sensitivity and selectivity for both structure elucidation and mixture analysis.
Studies on non-metals during irradiation — II. The formation and post-irradiation growth and decay of F centers in NaCl at 20°C☆

Abstract Typical NaCl F -center growth curves measured during gamma-ray irradiation at 20°C contain one linear and three saturating components. Following the termination of irradiation at low doses the coloring is constant, but at high doses, the curve contains one increasing saturating exponential, two decreasing exponentials, and one constant component. The resumption of irradiation after an interruption at low doses increases the coloring monotonically. At high doses, the resumption initiates a complex sequence of decreases and increases.
Self-Discrepancies Among Individuals with a History of Depression: The Role of Feared Self-Guides

This study examined self-discrepancies, self-guide expectancies, and self-guide importance in vulnerability to depression using a remitted depression design. Results indicated that individuals with past episodes of depression exhibited greater actual-feared self-guide congruence compared to their never depressed counterparts. In other words, previously depressed individuals viewed their actual selves as closer to what they feared becoming compared to individuals without a history of depression. Further, individuals with past episodes of depression believed that they would be more likely to embody feared self-guides in the future compared to their never depressed counterparts. These findings remained significant after statistically controlling for differences in current depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that feared self-guides may play an important role in vulnerability to episodes of depression.
Synthesis and conformational analysis of a coumarinic acid‐based cyclic prodrug of an opioid peptide with modified sensitivity to esterase‐catalyzed bioconversion

Abstract: The coumarinic acid-based cyclic DADLE (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-D-Leu-OH) prodrug 1a exhibited more favorable physicochemical properties than did DADLE for permeation across the intestinal mucosa. However, prodrug 1a, whose bioconversion to DADLE was slow, was subject to extensive biliary clearance when administered to rats in vivo. To increase the rate of esterase-catalyzed bioconversion of prodrug 1a, thus decreasing its biliary clearance, the oxymethyl-modified prodrug 1, in which an aldehyde equivalent is inserted between the phenolic group of the promoiety and the carboxylic acid group of the peptide, was synthesized from benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid 16 via a nine-step procedure. Briefly, phenacyl-protected 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-propynoic acid 17 was coupled with Boc-d-Leu-OCH2I 5 to give the intermediate 18, which was further elaborated and conjugated with tetrapeptide 4 to give linear precursor 2. Precursor 2 was then deprotected and cyclized to obtain compound 1 using a high dilution technique. In an attempt to investigate the effect of the physicochemical properties and the conformation of prodrug 1 on its permeation characteristics, we calculated its physicochemical parameters and determined its solution conformation using spectroscopic techniques (CD and NMR) and molecular dynamics simulations. Prodrug 1 showed a cLogP value and a molecular size similar to that of prodrug 1a. The deconvoluted CD spectra indicated that prodrug 1 has more random component (71%) than prodrug 1a (42%). 2D-NMR studies of prodrug 1 showed no signals for amide–amide hydrogen interactions and few ROE cross-peaks in ROESY spectra. Using distance restraints constructed from ROESY spectra, molecular dynamics simulations of prodrug 1 generated five conformation families. One family satisfied most of the distance restraints and all of the dihedral angles measured by NMR coupling constants. In summary, prodrug 1 showed favorable physicochemical properties for permeation of the intestinal mucosa. Prodrug 1 adopted a more random conformation in solution than prodrug 1a. These differences in solution conformation could affect the permeation of the prodrugs across the intestinal mucosa by passive diffusion and/or their ability to interact with efflux transporter(s) that would limit their transcellular permeation.
Electrokinetic shape changes of cochlear outer hair cells

Rapid mechanical changes have been associated with electrical activity in a variety of non-muscle excitable cells1–5. Recently, mechanical changes have been reported in cochlear hair cells6–8. Here we describe electrically evoked mechanical changes in isolated cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) with characteristics which suggest that direct electrokinetic phenomena are implicated in the response. OHCs make up one of two mechanosensitive hair cell populations in the mammalian cochlea; their role may be to modulate the micromechanical properties of the hearing organ through mechanical feedback mechanisms6–10. In the experiments described here, we applied sinusoidally modulated electrical potentials across isolated OHCs; this produced oscillatory elongation and shortening of the cells and oscillatory displacements of intracellular organdies. The movements were a function of the direction and strength of the electrical field, were inversely related to the ionic concentration of the medium, and occurred in the presence of metabolic uncouplers. The cylindrical shape of the OHCs and the presence of a system of membranes within the cytoplasm—laminated cisternae11—may provide the anatomical substrate for electrokinetic phenomena such as electro-osmosis12,13.
The anomalous Mössbauer fraction of ferritin and polysaccharide iron complex (PIC)

Mossbauer studies of the ubiquitous protein molecule ferritin and its synthetic “biomimic” polysaccharide iron complex (PIC) exhibit an anomaly in the Mossbauer spectrum wherein the recoil free fraction orf-factor has a sharp drop with respect to temperature as the temperature rises above 30 K for mammalian ferritin and 60 K for PIC. The anomaly coincides with the disappearance of hyperfine splitting, which is due to superparamagnetic relaxation above the blocking temperature. Different absorbers were used to experimentally investigate the effect of absorber thickness on the Mossbauer spectrum. The anomaly persists for thin absorbers. Also, spectra treated with FFT procedures to eliminate the thickness effect still exhibit this anomaly. Motion of the core with respect to the protein shell was also eliminated as a possible source for this phenomenon, by comparing the Debye temperature obtained from the temperature dependence of thef-factor and the isomer shift. A comparison of the magnetic anisotropy constants from magnetization studies with those obtained by relating the hyperfine fieldH of the Mossbauer spectra to the fluctuations of the magnetization imply that the ferritin and PIC molecules possess magnetic anisotropy energy which may not be strictly uniaxial. This, we believe, may be intimately connected with the mechanism causing thef-factor anomaly.
Redundant DNA of Neurospora crassa

Approximately 20% of the DNA of Neurospora crassa consists of redundant sequences. This is calculated from the reassociation rate of fragmented, denatured DNA as measured by hydroxyapatite column chromatography. The redundant DNA has a complexity of 105 base pairs and a repetition frequency of up to 60 copies per genome. Its buoyant density in CsCl is 1.720 g/ml and its hypochromicity 20–24%. Base composition determination shows 54% GC content like Neurospora nuclear DNA. DNA-RNA hybridization studies indicate that rRNA and tRNA cistrons make up 2.3 and 1.2%, respectively, of the redundant fraction. Pulse-labeled RNA is shown to hybridize with both redundant and unique DNA fractions, suggesting that both fractions are transcribed.
Light-cone cuts of I + for charged-Kerr geometry.

By integrating the equations for null geodesics we obtain the light-cone cuts of null infinity for the charged Kerr geometries.
Vibrational Relaxation in β-Carotene Probed by Picosecond Stokes and Anti-Stokes Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

Picosecond time-resolved Stokes and anti-Stokes resonance Raman spectra of all-trans-β-carotene are obtained and analyzed to reveal the dynamics of excited-state (S1) population and decay, as well as ground-state vibrational relaxation. Time-resolved Stokes spectra show that the ground state recovers with a 12.6 ps time constant, in agreement with the observed decay of the unique S1 Stokes bands. The anti-Stokes spectra exhibit no peaks attributable to the S1 (2Ag-) state, indicating that vibrational relaxation in S1 must be nearly complete within 2 ps. After photoexcitation there is a large increase in anti-Stokes scattering from ground-state modes that are vibrationally excited through internal conversion. The anti-Stokes data are fit to a kinetic scheme in which the CC mode relaxes in 0.7 ps, the C−C mode relaxes in 5.4 ps and the C−CH3 mode relaxes in 12.1 ps. These results are consistent with a model for S1−S0 internal conversion in which the CC mode is the primary acceptor, the C−C mode is a minor a...
Development of fully functional proteins with novel glycosylation via enzymatic glycan trimming

Recombinant glycoproteins present unique challenges to biopharmaceutical development, especially when efficacy is affected by glycosylation. In these cases, optimizing the protein's glycosylation is necessary, but difficult, since the glycan structures cannot be genetically encoded, and glycosylation in nonhuman cell lines can be very different from human glycosylation profiles. We are exploring a potential solution to this problem by designing enzymatic glycan optimization methods to produce proteins with useful glycan compositions. To demonstrate viability of this new approach to generating glycoprotein-based pharmaceuticals, the N-linked glycans of a model glycoprotein, ribonuclease B (RNase B), were modified using an α-mannosidase to produce a new glycoprotein with different glycan structures. The secondary structure of the native and modified glycoproteins was retained, as monitored using circular dichroism. An assay was also developed using an RNA substrate to verify that RNase B had indeed retained its function after being subjected to the necessary glycan modification conditions. This is the first study that verifies both activity and secondary structure of a glycoprotein after enzymatic glycan trimming for use in biopharmaceutical development methods. The evidence of preserved structure and function for a modified glycoprotein indicates that extracellular enzymatic modification methods could be implemented in producing designer glycoproteins. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:2581–2591, 2009
Traction BIE solutions for flat cracks

The paper deals with the numerical solution techniques for the traction boundary integral equation (BIE), which describes the opening (and sliding) displacements of the surface of the traction loaded crack or arbitrary planform embedded in an elastic infinite body (buried crack problem). The traction BIE is a singular integral equation of the first kind for the displacement gradients. Its solution poses a number of numerical problems, such as the presence of derivatives of the unknown function in the integral equation, the modeling of the crack front displacement gradient singularity, and the regularization of the equation's singular kernels. All of the above problems have been addressed and solved. Details of the algorithm are provided. Numerical results of a number of crack configurations are presented, demonstrating high accuracy of the method.
Bayesian latent variable regression via Gibbs sampling: methodology and practical aspects

Bayesian latent variable regression (BLVR) aims to utilize all available information for empirical modeling via a Bayesian framework. Such information includes prior knowledge about the underlying variables, model parameters and measurement error distributions. This paper improves upon the existing optimization-based BLVR (BLVR-OPT) method [1] by developing a sampling-based Bayesian latent variable regression (BLVR-S) method that relies on Gibbs sampling. Use of the sampling-based framework not only provides point estimates, but its ability to generate samples that represent the posterior distribution of the unknown variables, also readily provides error bounds. Features and advantages of this method are demonstrated via examples based on simulated data and real Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy data. Practical aspects of Bayesian modeling such as determining when the extra computation may be worth the effort are addressed by an empirical study of the effects of the amount of training data and signal to noise ratio (SNR). The benefits of BLVR seem to be most significant when the number of measurements is limited and when noise in output variables is relatively large. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Heuristic Text Analytic Approach for Classifying Research Articles

Classification of research articles is fundamental to analyze and understand research literature. Underlying concepts from both text analytics and concept mining form a foundation for the development of a quantitative heuristic methodology, the Scale of Theoretical and Applied Research (STAR), for classifying research. STAR demonstrates how concept mining may be used to classify research with respect to its theoretical and applied emphases. This research reports on evaluating the STAR heuristic classifier using the Business Analytics domain, by classifying 774 Business Analytics articles from 23 journals. The results indicate that STAR effectively evaluates overall article content of journals to be consistent with the expert opinion of journal editors with regard to the research type disposition of the respective journals.
Neurofilaments are obligate heteropolymers in vivo

Neurofilaments (NFs), composed of three distinct subunits NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H, are neuron-specific intermediate filaments present in most mature neurons. Using DNA transfection and mice expressing NF transgenes, we find that despite the ability of NF-L alone to assemble into short filaments in vitro NF-L cannot form filament arrays in vivo after expression either in cultured cells or in transgenic oligodendrocytes that otherwise do not contain a cytoplasmic intermediate filament (IF) array. Instead, NF-L aggregates into punctate or sheet like structures. Similar nonfilamentous structures are also formed when NF-M or NF-H is expressed alone. The competence of NF-L to assemble into filaments is fully restored by coexpression of NF-M or NF-H to a level approximately 10% of that of NF-L. Deletion of the head or tail domain of NF-M or substitution of the NF-H tail onto an NF-L subunit reveals that restoration of in vivo NF-L assembly competence requires an interaction provided by the NF-M or NF-H head domains. We conclude that, contrary to the expectation drawn from earlier in vitro assembly studies, NF-L is not sufficient to assemble an extended filament network in an in vivo context and that neurofilaments are obligate heteropolymers requiring NF-L and NF-M or NF-H.
Between borderlands and bioregionalism: Life‐place lessons along a polluted river

Considered one of the most polluted rivers in North America, the New River, overlapping the desert border region of Baja California and Southern California, symbolizes neglect, uneven development, and struggle for residents who live nearby. Ranging between their mid-30s and mid-60s, the twelve men and women whose interviews are the focus of this analysis demonstrate the process by which they have come to distance themselves from, yet, relate to the New River. Facilitated by a bioregional vision and borderlands scholarship, I propose that the process of detachment from the toxic river is possible because of an existing degree of binational, bioregional consciousness and lifeways articulated by individual respondents. Indeed, ecological crises such as the toxic New River and subsequent human disconnection from the environment contextualize much of bioregional scholarship and activism. In the face of ecological crisis, how has the New River pollution problem shaped the way individual border residents conceptualize and relate to their environment? How might border thinking inform the sense of place and ecological awareness articulated by the individuals interviewed? I contend that the sense of loss and despair among all of the respondents in this study, while an indication of the negative impacts of river pollution on community health, also signifies the characterization of a social problem. The very act of naming the problem of the contaminated river means that its current state has yet to become a normalized, accepted, or invisible disposition. Indeed, respondents indicate a fragmented and transregional sense of place. From a collection of individual border residents' perspectives and experiences, I extrapolate the possibilities for bioregional reinhabitation, or reconnecting with the environment, through problem-naming and increased public participation as crucial steps toward environmental sustainability.
Celiac Artery Aneurysm Embolization by Coil Occlusion

We present here an extremely rare case of celiac artery aneurysm treated by embolization coil occlusion and review the literature on celiac artery aneurysm and its treatment. This case documents how celiac artery aneurysms can be successfully treated in a single setting with a good long-term outcome. In this unique case the technical and clinical details specific to this very complex and unusual aneurysm embolization are highlighted.
Immune mechanisms in HIV infection.

Recent advances in immunobiology have led to a greater understanding of the healthy immune system and the complex pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the decrease in CD4+ T cells is rapidly evolving as a result of new assays, genetic advances, and recombinant DNA technologies. Studying the immune responses of long-term nonprogressors is also providing insight into the immunopathology of HIV. Trials using highly active antiretroviral therapy and immune modulators have shown that it may be possible to reverse damage to the immune system and increase CD4+ T-cell numbers. Current and future findings might provide the knowledge necessary to identify effective HIV drugs and vaccines with acceptable toxicity profiles and to determine whether it will be possible to fully restore immune system function in patients with HIV disease.
Kinetics of oligonucleotide hybridization to DNA probe arrays on high-capacity porous silica substrates.

We have investigated the kinetics of DNA hybridization to oligonucleotide arrays on high-capacity porous silica films that were deposited by two techniques. Films created by spin coating pure colloidal silica suspensions onto a substrate had pores of ∼23 nm, relatively low porosity (35%), and a surface area of 17 times flat glass (for a 0.3-μm film). In the second method, latex particles were codeposited with the silica by spin coating and then pyrolyzed, which resulted in larger pores (36 nm), higher porosity (65%), and higher surface area (26 times flat glass for a 0.3-μm film). As a result of these favorable properties, the templated silica hybridized more quickly and reached a higher adsorbed target density (11 vs. 8 times flat glass at 22°C) than the pure silica. Adsorption of DNA onto the high-capacity films is controlled by traditional adsorption and desorption coefficients, as well as by morphology factors and transient binding interactions between the target and the probes. To describe these effects, we have developed a model based on the analogy to diffusion of a reactant in a porous catalyst. Adsorption values (ka, kd, and K) measured on planar arrays for the same probe/target system provide the parameters for the model and also provide an internally consistent comparison for the stability of the transient complexes. The interpretation of the model takes into account factors not previously considered for hybridization in three-dimensional films, including the potential effects of heterogeneous probe populations, partial probe/target complexes during diffusion, and non-1:1 binding structures. The transient complexes are much less stable than full duplexes (binding constants for full duplexes higher by three orders of magnitude or more), which may be a result of the unique probe density and distribution that is characteristic of the photolithographically patterned arrays. The behavior at 22°C is described well by the predictive equations for morphology, whereas the behavior at 45°C deviates from expectations and suggests that more complex phenomena may be occurring in that temperature regime.
Evaluation of Functional Group Contributions to Excess Volumetric Properties of Solvated Molecules

We develop extensions to a previous methodology for evaluating the excess compressibility of solvation. These extensions make it possible to analyze solution compressibilities in terms of the hydration shell model of solvation. The methodology is applied to three model soluteswater, methane, and methanolin water. We find that the compressibility is accounted for by localized effects of the solute on the solvent. In addition, for the case of methanol, we find that the localized effects of one solute functional group are independent of the effects of the other. This creates the opportunity for estimation of group-additive contributions to the compressibility, and we illustrate a technique for the extraction of such contributions from molecular dynamics simulation data. The technique is easily generalized for examination of large solutes, including biologically important macromolecules.
Enzymic incorporation of deoxyribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleic acid by mammalian testis

Abstract Testicular enzymes which catalyze the incorporation into DNA of deoxyribonucleotides derived from deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates are most abundant in the supernatant fluid obtained after ultracentrifugation of rat testis homogenates. Studies on the incorporation of deoxyribonucleotides by fractions obtained from such crude soluble extracts by precipitation with ammonium sulfate suggest that the principal type of enzyme involved is a “replicative” DNA nucleotidyl transferase (DNA polymerase). The enzymic reactions exhibit a requirement for all four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates, Mg ++ , and DNA (preferably heat-denatured). Attention is given to effects of glycerol on the stability of the enzymic activity and on the priming of the reactions by native and heat-denatured DNA's. Other factors influencing the deoxyribonucleotide incorporations are discussed. The DNA polymerase activity of the newborn rat testis is very high, and declines markedly at puberty. In adult rats, DNA polymerase levels are lowered in unilaterally cryptorchid testes.