cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mothers' perceptions of sibling adjustment and family life in childhood chronic illness

Abstract Researchers who study the effects of chronic illness on well siblings have generally focused on individual characteristics and their relationships with psychological adjustment. More recently, researchers suggest that sibling adjustment can be best understood within the context of the family. The purpose of this study was to examine variations in sibling behavioral adjustment in relation to mothers' perceptions of the illness experience and family life. Based on mothers' ratings on the behavior problem scale of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), five siblings considered poorly adjusted and five very well-adjusted siblings were compared with respect to mothers' reports of individual family member's response to illness, illness management, parenting philosophy, presence of other stressors, availability of social supports, and impact of illness on family members and family life. Two major differences were found between mothers who rated healthy siblings either poorly or very well adjusted: (a) effects of illness on the healthy sibling, the ill child, and the marital relationship and (b) perceived controllability of the chronic illness. Devising ways of helping mothers fell confident in managing their child's illness is integral to creating an environment that promotes optimal development of their ill child and the child's siblings.
Separation of cells from the rat anterior pituitary gland.

Various techniques for separating the hormone-producing cell types from the rat anterior pituitary gland are examined. The purity, viability, and responsiveness of the separated cells depend on the physiological state of the donor, the tissue dissociation procedures, the staining technique used for identification of cell type, and the cell separation technique. The chamber-gradient setup and operation, the characteristics of the gradient materials, and the separated cell analysis of velocity sedimentation techniques (in particular Staput and Celsep) are described. Consideration is given to the various types of materials used in density gradient centrifugation and the operation of a gradient generating device. The use of electrophoresis to separate rat pituitary cells is discussed.
Glycogen contributes to the environmental persistence and transmission of Vibrio cholerae

Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae cycle between the nutrient-rich human intestinal tract and nutrient-poor aquatic environments and currently few bacterial factors are known that aid in the transition between these disparate environments. We hypothesized that the ability to store carbon as glycogen would facilitate both bacterial fitness in the aquatic environment and transmission of V. cholerae to new hosts. To investigate the role of glycogen in V. cholerae transmission, we constructed mutants that cannot store or degrade glycogen. Here, we provide the first report of glycogen metabolism in V. cholerae and demonstrate that glycogen prolongs survival in nutrient-poor environments that are known ecological niches of V. cholerae, including pond water and rice-water stool. Additionally, glycogen contributes to the pathogenesis of V. cholerae in a transmission model of cholera. A role for glycogen in the transmission of V. cholerae is further supported by the presence of glycogen granules in rice-water stool vibrios from cholera patients, indicating that glycogen is stored during human infection. Collectively, our findings indicate that glycogen metabolism is critical for V. cholerae to transition between host and aquatic environments.
The split-virus influenza vaccine activates Fcγ receptors instead of Toll-like receptors (VAC2P.930)

Seasonal influenza vaccination is the most common medical procedure targeting the immune system and yet the extent to which influenza vaccination activates innate immunity in humans is not fully understood. Currently, the most prevalent formulations of the vaccine consist of degraded or “split” viral particles often prepared without any adjuvants. We sought to determine whether the unadjuvanted split influenza vaccine activates innate immune receptors—specifically Toll-like receptors. A mass-cytometry (CyTOF) based proteomic profiling platform was developed and used to compare signaling pathway activation and cytokine production between the split influenza vaccine and a prototypical TLR response in human whole-blood (ex vivo). This analysis revealed that the split vaccine rapidly and potently activates multiple immune cell types but yields a proteomic signature distinct from TLR activation. Importantly, vaccine induced activity was dependent upon the presence of human sera indicating that a serum factor was necessary for vaccine-dependent immune activation. We found this serum factor to be human antibodies specific for influenza proteins and therefore immediate immune activation by the split vaccine is immune-complex dependent. These studies demonstrate that influenza vaccine splitting inactivates any microbial adjuvants endogenous to influenza but potentially elicits a potent immune modulator by facilitating the rapid formation of immune complexes.
Fundamental Genetics: Reproduction of Viruses

Overview Viruses are acellular, intracellular parasites whose reproduction depends in part on the host's genetic machinery. Viral infection may kill a cell; at the very least viruses are a burden to their host. All organisms are susceptible to viral infection, and by conservative estimate there are 10 8 different kinds of virus. The ubiquity, variety, and destructiveness of viruses have motivated study of their reproduction. In addition, viruses are extremely useful per se in the study of genetics (replication, mutation, recombination, and gene expression), as tools in molecular biology, medicine, and agriculture, and as “windows” into the biology of the host organisms. This chapter summarizes viral life cycles. A virus's host and genetic material strongly influence its mode of reproduction; accordingly, the chapter is organized both by host and by genetic material – RNA or DNA, single-or double-stranded. A Little Terminology The (+) strand of an RNA virus genome can be translated into proteins, and the (-) strand is complementary to the (+) strand; essentially, the (+) strand is mRNA. The (+) strand of a DNA virus corresponds to the mRNA sequence, while the (-) strand is the template for RNA synthesis. The chromosome, which may be circular or linear, may contain a small amount of protein. Bacteriophages, the Viruses of Bacteria Bacteriophages (also simply phages ) are viruses that infect bacteria. Phages consist of a chromosome contained within a protein capsid, ranging in length between 10 and 300 nm.
Neighborhood Diversity and Segregation in the Chicago Metropolitan Region, 1980-2000

This article examines how neighborhood racial diversity shaped segregation in Chicago from 1980 to 2000, utilizing data from the 1980, 1990, and 2000 United States censuses. Three questions framed this research project. First, how racially diverse were Chicago neighborhoods? Second, which neighborhood factors were associated with racial diversity? And third, how has the change in neighborhood racial diversity changed patterns of segregation in Chicago? The Theil entropy score and the Theil H index were used to create racial diversity scores for each census tract and global segregation scores, respectively. Evidence is presented that supports the thesis that racial diversity in census tracts increased, which fostered a decline in overall segregation. However, new patterns of segregation are emerging between the Latino and black populations that are creating new spatial divisions within the city and suburbs.
CO2 injectivity into brine aquifers: Why relative permeability matters as much as absolute permeability

Abstract For economic reasons operators of geologic storage projects are likely to inject CO2 at the largest possible rates into the smallest number of wells. Thus a typical CO2 injection well is likely to run at the largest bottomhole pressure that is safe. Operators will also tend to prefer thicker, higher permeability target formations. However, a constant-pressure well exhibits a varying rate of CO2 injection for two reasons: classical multiphase flow effects, and long-term injection of CO2 removes water from the nearwellbore region. Drying precipitates dissolved salts, so the permeability of the dry rock need not equal the initial aquifer permeability. Mobility of CO2 in the dried rock and mobility of CO2 and brine the two-phase flow region determine the variation of injectivity with volume of CO2 injected. We find a four-fold variation in injectivity when seven different CO2/brine relative permeability curves [B. Bennion, S. Bachu, Relative permeability characteristics for supercritical CO2 displacing water in a variety of potential sequestration zones in the western Canada sedimentary basin, Paper SPE 95547 at SPE Annual Technical Conference an Exhibition, Dallas, 2005] are used, holding all other reservoir parameters the same. Since the product of formation permeability and formation thickness is relatively easy to measure, once a well has been drilled, uncertainty in relative permeability will therefore be a large contribution to uncertainty in achievable rates in CO2 storage projects. We develop analytical expressions for the injectivity variation in terms of phase mobilities and the speeds of saturation fronts. Classical theory (Buckley–Leverett) does not account for the drying front; using only Buckley–Leverett yields both quantitative and qualitative errors. The expressions are consistent with detailed reservoir simulations using commercial software (CMG’s GEM) that account for the full physics and complete phase behavior. The expressions can refine the estimated number of wells needed for a target overall injection rate. This analysis also enables an operator to assess the value of retrieving core and measuring relative permeability in a prospective storage target.
Orienting, emotion, and memory: phasic and tonic variation in heart rate predicts memory for emotional pictures in men.

Arousal-related processes associated with heightened heart rate (HR) predict memory enhancement, especially for emotionally arousing stimuli. In addition, phasic HR deceleration reflects “orienting” and sensory receptivity during perception of stimuli. We hypothesized that both tonic elevations in HR as well as phasic HR deceleration during viewing of pictures would be associated with deeper encoding and better subsequent memory for stimuli. Emotional pictures are more memorable and cause greater HR deceleration than neutral pictures. Thus, we predicted that the relations between cardiac activity and memory enhancement would be most pronounced for emotionally-laden compared to neutral pictures. We measured HR in 53 males during viewing of unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant pictures, and tested memory for the pictures two days later. Phasic HR deceleration during viewing of individual pictures was greater for subsequently remembered than forgotten pictures across all three emotion categories. Elevated mean HR across the entire encoding epoch also predicted better memory performance, but only for emotionally arousing pictures. Elevated mean HR and phasic HR deceleration were associated, such that individuals with greater tonic HR also showed greater HR decelerations during picture viewing, but only for emotionally arousing pictures. Results suggest that tonic elevations in HR are associated both with greater orienting and heightened memory for emotionally arousing stimuli.
Origin of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane

Abstract Compositional analyses of milk fat globule membrane revealed that it differs from plasma membranes chiefly in that it contains higher levels of neutral lipids, particularly triglycerides. Previous work has shown that phospholipids and proteins of the fat globule and plasma membranes are virtually identical. Electron microscopic examination revealed a layer of material bound to one face of the isolated milk fat globule membrane. This bound material appears to be neutral lipid derived from the fat globule. This neutral lipid coating along one face of the membrane appears to be responsible for the morphological and compositional differences observed between the milk fat globule membrane and plasma membrane.
Changing Images of the Inclined Plane: A Case Study of a Revolution in American Science Education

Between 1880 and 1920 the way science was taught in American High Schools changed dramatically. The old “lecture/demonstration” method, where information was presented to essentially passive students, was replaced by the “laboratory” method, where students performed their own experiments in specially constructed student laboratories. National leadership in education was generally weak during this period, and the new method required significant investments by the schools, but within a few decades American science education was rapidly and completely transformed. Previous studies of this fundamental change have concentrated on the activities of organizations like the NEA, the Bureau of Education and a few major universities, but the way in which these groups were able to effect actual changes in classroom practice is not completely clear. This article attempts to broaden the existing narrative by integrating the rich and largely ignored material culture of science education—such things as textbooks, lab manuals, student notebooks, science teaching instruments and scientific instrument catalogs. Surprisingly, much of this story can be seen in changes to the depiction of a single, venerable and otherwise unremarkable teaching instrument: the inclined plane.
Walking While Talking: Effect of Task Prioritization in the Elderly

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of 2 instructions on the same walking while talking (WWT) task on task prioritization by nondisabled subjects. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with within subject comparisons. SETTING Community-based sample. PARTICIPANTS Older adults (N=189; mean age, 80.2+/-4.9y), who did not meet criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition, for dementia and were able to independently perform activities of daily living. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Verbal and gait measures on the same WWT task with 2 different instructions: paying attention to both talking and walking (WWT-C) and paying attention only to talking (WWT-T). RESULTS Task prioritization effects were seen on walking but not on talking. Compared with their baseline normal walking velocity (without talking), subjects slowed down more on WWT-T (median change, 28.3%) than WWT-C (median change, 26.4%). Comparing the 2 WWT conditions, velocity and cadence was slower during WWT-T compared with WWT-C, with longer stride length. Verbal output was not significantly different on the 2 conditions. CONCLUSIONS Changing instructions while maintaining the same cognitive and motor tasks on WWT in older adults result in task prioritization effects.
Near-field scanning optical spectroscopy of an InGaN quantum well

Near-field scanning optical microscopy is used to image photoluminescence (PL) in an InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) with spatial resolution of approximately 100 nm for temperatures between 50 and 295 K. Strong (∼50%) fluctuations in the quantum well photoluminescence as well as a tenfold enhancement of deep level-related emission at lower energies occur at large (∼500 nm diam) pits in the heterostructure. Regions of smaller (∼15%) fluctuations in the QW PL are not correlated with the presence of pits. The spectrum of the QW PL shows no significant variations on the length scales probed in this experiment. We thus find no spectroscopic signature of the recombination of strongly localized carriers at temperatures above 50 K.
Production of SVP-1/-3/-4 in Guinea Pig Testis CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL TRANSCRIPTS CONTAINING LONG 5′-UNTRANSLATED REGIONS AND MULTIPLE UPSTREAM AUG CODONS

The GP1G gene of the guinea pig codes for three of the four abundant seminal vesicle secretory proteins produced in this species. This gene is expressed at highest efficiency in the seminal vesicle (SV) from a promoter that contains a canonical TATA box and CCAAT box. However, GP1G gene transcripts and proteins have also been identified in other tissues. To investigate the structure of GP1G transcripts produced in the testis, cDNA clones were isolated by screening a testis library. Three unique cDNAs (TSM1-3) were isolated. Each of these clones contained a 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and coding region identical to that of the seminal vesicle transcript. However, the 5'-UTRs of the testis transcripts were significantly longer than that found on the SV mRNA (416-646 nucleotides compared with only 23 nucleotides for the SV). Each of these alternatively spliced 5'-UTRs incorporated the SV promoter elements into transcribed sequence, and each contained multiple upstream AUG codons predicted to abolish translation of the major open reading frame. Nevertheless, each of the testis transcripts was capable of directing the synthesis of GP1G-related proteins in vitro. Analysis of the translation products suggests that the extended 5'-UTR of the testis transcripts regulate both the choice of translation start site and the efficiency of translation in this system. Western blot analysis of testis proteins revealed that the protein products of GP1G are also synthesized by the testis in vivo.
Effect of perchlorate on the milk-plasma radioiodine ratio of intact and thyroidectomized goats.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of graded doses of sodium perchlorate upon the iodide-concentrating mechanism of mammary gland of intact and thyroidectomized goats given twice-daily doses of 125 I over extended periods. Perchlorate was given intravenously at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0mg/kg of body weight as a single dose or orally as twice-daily doses for extended periods. The regression equation of the milk/plasma radioiodine ratio on the single intravenous perchlorate dose was Y=49.5−32.0 log X with no difference between intact and thyroidectomized goats. The mammary gland iodide-concentrating mechanism can operate independently of the thyroid. Plasma nonbound iodide was described by the equation Y=32.3 + 61.2 log X for both classes of goats. When perchlorate was given in twice-daily oral doses for 7 days, the depression of the milk/plasma ratio at the end of this period was greater than after the single intravenous administration of perchlorate.
The value of institutions for financial markets: evidence from emerging markets

This paper investigates the value of political institutions for financial markets, using panel data from emerging market countries. We test the hypothesis that changes in political institutions, such as improvements in democratic rights and increased government accountability, have a direct effect on sovereign interest rate spreads. We find that financial markets value institutions over and above the economic and fiscal outcomes these institutions shape. Democracy and accountability generally lower sovereign spreads, political risk tends to increase them, and financial markets view election years negatively.
The Ca2(+)-binding glycoprotein SPARC modulates cell cycle progression in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) is an extracellular, Ca2(+)-binding protein associated with cellular populations undergoing migration, proliferation, and/or differentiation. Active preparations of SPARC bind to specific components of the extracellular matrix and cause mesenchymal cells to assume a rounded phenotype. In this study we show that SPARC modulates the progression of bovine aortic endothelial cells through the cell cycle. At a concentration of 20 micrograms/ml, SPARC inhibited the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into newly synthesized DNA by approximately 70%, as compared to control cultures within 24 hr after the release from G0 phase. The effect was dose-dependent and reached greater than 90% inhibition at 30 micrograms of SPARC per ml after 24 hr. A 20-residue synthetic peptide (termed 2.1) from a non-Ca2(+)-binding, disulfide-rich domain of SPARC also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]thymidine uptake in endothelial cells within 24 hr after release from G0 phase. An inhibition of 50% was seen with peptide 2.1 at a 0.4 mM concentration. Peptides from other regions of the SPARC protein did not produce this effect. Maximum inhibition of [3H]thymidine uptake by SPARC and peptide 2.1 occurred during the early-to-middle G1 phase of the endothelial-cell cycle. From 0-12 hr after release from G0 phase, cells exhibited delayed entry into S phase, which normally occurred at 24 +/- 2 hr. These results were further corroborated by flow cytometry. In the presence of SPARC at 20 micrograms/ml, 72% fewer cells were in S phase after a 24-hr period; a similar, but less marked, reduction was seen with peptide 2.1. Peptide 2.1 did not cause cell rounding, whereas peptide 1.1, a highly efficient inhibitor of endothelial-cell spreading, exhibited essentially no activity with respect to cell-cycle progression. It therefore appears that the transient, inhibitory effect of SPARC on the entry of endothelial cells into S phase does not depend on the overt changes in cell shape mediated through cytoskeletal rearrangement.
Statistical Short-Term Earthquake Prediction

A statistical procedure, derived from a theoretical model of fracture growth, is used to identify a foreshock sequence while it is in progress. As a predictor, the procedure reduces the average uncertainty in the rate of occurrence for a future strong earthquake by a factor of more than 1000 when compared with the Poisson rate of occurrence. About one-third of all main shocks with local magnitude greater than or equal to 4.0 in central California can be predicted in this way, starting from a 7-year database that has a lower magnitude cut off of 1.5. The time scale of such predictions is of the order of a few hours to a few days for foreshocks in the magnitude range from 2.0 to 5.0.
Effect of crystal content on the properties of willemite glass-ceramics

Abstract Helium permeability, thermal expansion properties, and density have been measured for a series of glass-ceramics based on willemite as a lone crystalline phase. These glass-ceramics were prepared such that the compositions of both the glassy and crystalline phases were fixed, and only the relative concentrations of glass and crystal varied. Results of this study demonstrate that the helium permeability and glass transformation temperature of glass-ceramics are controlled by the glassy phase composition, whereas the density, thermal expansion coefficient, and dilatometric softening temperature are a function of both phases. All of these conclusions can be explained readily by simple continuity and mixing arguments.
The Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, a Novel Addition to Staged Repair of Combined Symptomatic Cerebrovascular and Coronary Artery Disease

Five patients with severe symptomatic carotid and coronary artery disease were treated with staged carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under the protection of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) over a 56-month period. All patients presented with unstable angina and multiple ipsilateral transient ischemic attacks. Two of the four patients had four previous myocardial infarctions. Arteriography demonstrated three-vessel coronary artery disease and 80% to 95% stenosis of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery in all patients. An IABP was placed prior to uneventful carotid endarterectomy performed with vein patch angioplasty (three patients) or primary closure (two patients) under general anesthesia. All five patients had remarkably stable blood pressure and cardiac outputs while on the IABP. Twenty-four hours after carotid endarterectomy the patients underwent uneventful CABG of three or more vessels. No complications occurred with either surgical procedure. One patient required femoral embolectomy and repair of a small false femoral aneurysm following removal of the IABP. All patients were discharged home 7 to 13 days after CABG. This initial report suggests that IABP can be used safely in staged operations for carefully selected patients with unstable angina and severe symptomatic carotid artery disease.
Releasing carcinogenesis test results: timing and extent of reporting.

A carcinogenic response in an animal bioassay is usually characterized by gradual accumulation of a tumor incidence significantly in excess in the treated versus the control animals. In some cases, a definite response is realized relatively early, prior to planned sacrifice. In others, positive results are found at termination. In both cases, a long delay may occur before the information is ready to reach the public due to the time needed to complete pathology, data analysis, and publication of a report. Since the finding that a chemical is carcinogenic may have serious implications for public health and technology, reports of carcinogenesis bioassays should be thoroughly and critically reviewed before being issued. A delicate ethical dilemma confronts scientists in selecting the proper timing and extent for the release of carcinogenesis test results. Early findings may not be confirmed and may cause technological and economic problems and unnecessary anxiety. On the other hand, delaying public notification of highly suspicious findings until a final, detailed report is published, may delay preventive actions that could protect exposed populations from unnecessary risks. To meet differing requirements in regard to timing and extent of reporting, procedures were developed to issue reports on National Cancer Institute (NCI) carcinogenesis bioassays when the findings are clearly identified and well documented in the following forms: a) reports of preliminary findings, when the evidence is strongly suggestive; b) summary reports of completed bioassays; and c) detailed technical reports. Availability of such reports, particularly for preliminary findings, will be announced in the Federal Register and in a press release. The reports will be submitted for publication in the scientific literature.
Scimitar Syndrome Complete Diagnosis by Transthoracic Echocardiography

A 56-year-old woman who underwent secundum atrial septal defect closure at the age of 25 years was referred to the Mayo Clinic for exertional dyspnea and symptomatic atrial fibrillation. On examination, she was acyanotic, with an irregularly irregular heart rate of 86 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 140/80 mm Hg. She had a fixed S2 split with a normal apical impulse. During the course of her work-up, transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated anomalous pulmonary venous return of the right upper and lower pulmonary veins to the inferior vena cava just above the diaphragm (Scimitar syndrome). The …
Some Optical Properties of MgO in the Vacuum Ultraviolet

The optical absorption and the excitation spectrum for luminescence of synthetic periclase crystals have been determined in the vacuum ultraviolet. From these measurements it is deduced that the width of the forbidden energy band of MgO is approximately 7.4 ev.
A primal DPG method without a first-order reformulation

Abstract We show that it is possible to apply the DPG methodology without reformulating a second-order boundary value problem into a first-order system, by considering the simple example of the Poisson equation. The result is a new weak formulation and a new DPG method for the Poisson equation, which has no numerical trace variable, but has a numerical flux approximation on the element interfaces, in addition to the primal interior variable.
The role of internal financial sources in firm financing and investment decisions

Abstract A set of simultaneous equations for external financing and investment spending is developed that tests the pecking order hypothesis (Myers, 1984) against a partial stock adjustment model (Jalilvand and Harris, 1984 and Taggart, 1977). Consistent with a partial adjustment model, firms appear to adjust slowly to long-run financial targets. However, additional financing needs follow a pecking order. This study also supports work by Fazzari, Hubbard, and Petersen (1988) and others showing that internal funds have an important influence in firm investment decisions. Finally, pecking order behavior is most (and partial adjustment behavior is least) pronounced in firms that have low long-run dividend payout policies. This suggests that long-run dividend policy reflects the extent to which firms face differential costs of external finance and liquidity constraints.
Mechanism of mechanical trauma to Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in vitro and its relationship to rapid intravascular death during metastasis.

Many, if not most, of the cancer cells arrested in the mi-crovasculature during metastasis appear to be rapidly killed by mechanical trauma, associated with shape-transitions, which require increases in cell surface area. The hypothesis has been advanced that such increases in surface area occur in 2 phases: First, there is an apparent increase due to surface unfolding, which is reversible and non-lethal. Second, there is a true increase, during which cell surface membranes are stretched, with an increase in membrane tension. When tension exceeds a critical level, the surface membranes rupture and this irreversible change is lethal. In the present study, cell surface area has been incrementally increased by a hypotonic environment. Down to approximately 70 mM/kg, a reversible, non-lethal increase in cell volume was observed, associated with electron microscopic evidence of unfolding. At and below 70 mM/kg, irreversible, lethal changes occurred, associated with increased susceptibility to the mechanical trauma associated with membrane-filtration. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis in question.
Glide: a new approach for rapid, accurate docking and scoring. 2. Enrichment factors in database screening.

Glide's ability to identify active compounds in a database screen is characterized by applying Glide to a diverse set of nine protein receptors. In many cases, two, or even three, protein sites are employed to probe the sensitivity of the results to the site geometry. To make the database screens as realistic as possible, the screens use sets of “druglike” decoy ligands that have been selected to be representative of what we believe is likely to be found in the compound collection of a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company. Results are presented for releases 1.8, 2.0, and 2.5 of Glide. The comparisons show that average measures for both “early” and “global” enrichment for Glide 2.5 are 3 times higher than for Glide 1.8 and more than 2 times higher than for Glide 2.0 because of better results for the least well-handled screens. This improvement in enrichment stems largely from the better balance of the more widely parametrized GlideScore 2.5 function and the inclusion of terms that penalize ligand−protei...
Influence of sulfur dioxide on metabolism and distribution of benzo(a)pyrene in isolated perfused rabbit lung

An isolated perfused lung (IPL) preparation was used to investigate the effects of SO2 (1–2 ppm) on the metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a ubiquitous potent carcinogen that has been associated with the increased incidence of human brochiogenic carcinoma in occupational and urban populations. [14Cj BaP, with and without crude air particulate (CAP), was administered intratracheally to the IPL in conjunction with SO2 or after pretreatment of the whole animal with SO2. Metabolites were isolated from serial blood samples up to 3 h after the administration of /14C/BaP to the IPL. Metabolites were also isolated from lung tissue, washout fluid, macrophage, and trachea and bronchi at the end of the perfusion at 180 min. Patterns of BaP metabolites were determined by thin‐layer and high‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid scintillation counting. SO2 given in conjunction with BaP on the IPL or given to the whole animal followed by BaP on the IPL, in comparison with BaP only on the IPL, resulted in a twof...
Wavefront Distortion Introduced By Sampling With A Hole Grating

An exact analysis of the hole grating beam sampler with finite width and hole size is presented, based only on the approximations used in the diffraction integral. It is shown that no beam can be exactly reconstructed in the sampling process. The error introduced by the sampling is dependent on the frequency distribution in the sampled beam.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Degradation of polyuridylic acid by ribonuclease II: protection by ribosomes.

Abstract It has been suggested that both polynucleotide phosphorylase and the potassium-activated phosphodiesterase (RNase II) are involved in the degradation of messenger RNA in Escherichia coli . If this suggestion holds, it follows that a control mechanism which protects messenger RNA from degradation long enough for it to be translated into protein must also exist. One common proposal is that ribosomes may protect messenger RNA from degradation, and direct evidence for this notion is provided in this report. Polyuridylic acid is used as a model for messenger RNA. The experiments indicate that when polyuridylic acid is bound to the ribosomes in such a fashion that it does not readily dissociate, protection from degradation is observed. The requisite stability of the polyuridylic acid-ribosome complex can be achieved by low temperature (10 °C), by treating the complex with formaldehyde, or by the addition of transfer RNA to give a transfer RNA-poly U-ribosome complex. The experiments reported here indicate that RNase II and polynucleotide phosphorylase degrade poly U chains from the 3′-hydroxyl end of the chain to the point of ribosome attachment; the remainder of the polyribonucleotide is protected. Using these data along with current theories and knowledge on transcription and translation, a model for the control of messenger RNA degradation in E. coli is proposed.
The Role of BP-80 and Homologs in Sorting Proteins to Vacuoles

A recent article ([Miller et al., 1999][1]) and accompanying editorial ([Smith, 1999][2]) raised issues that are of substantial importance to those of us who putter in the pipes of the secretory pathway. Miller et al. ([1999][1]) convincingly showed that tobacco homologs of the vacuolar sorting
Vector finite element modeling of optical tweezers

It has been established that under certain conditions microscopic dielectric objects can be trapped by a tightly focused laser beam. This phenomena is commonly referred to as an optical tweezer, and it has important applications in biological instrumentation. In this paper we describe how the vector finite element method can be used to compute optical trapping efficiencies for arbitrarily shaped dielectric objects, and we present new results for trapping efficiencies versus dielectric constant.
The multifaceted role of transglutaminase in neurodegeneration: review article.

A critical role for transglutaminase [TGase] has been hypothesized in the pathogenesis of the CAG trinucleotide repeat diseases, characterized by proteins with abnormal expansions of a polyglutamine domain. In the last few years the involvement of TGase in neurodegenerative diseases [NDS], including its role in aggregate formation, has been broadened to include Alzheimer’s [AD] and Parkinson’s Disease [PD]. It is clear that reduction of TGase activity is beneficial for prolonged survival in mouse models of NDS. The pathological progression of these diseases might reflect in part increases of TGase induced aggregates, or changes in other pathways influenced by increases in TGase activity. Neurodegeneration may be influenced by increased TGase activity affecting apoptosis, modulation of GTPase activity and signal transduction. This review will focus on the leading hypotheses in relation to both old and new experimental results.
Estrogen receptor 1 gene polymorphisms and decreased risk of obesity in women

Estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) polymorphisms have been associated with several diseases, but whether they are associated with obesity is uncertain. To elucidate the role of genetic variation in the ESR1 gene with body mass index (BMI), 543 white women (median age, 63 years) from the Women's Health Study were examined. Most were postmenopausal (99.3%). The relationships between rs2234693 and rs9340799 genotypes and their associated haplotypes with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) and overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 ) were evaluated. Among women with the rs2234693 TT genotype, 18.3% were obese, whereas only 8.2% of those with the CC genotype were obese (P = .04). In a logistic regression model assuming additive inheritance, rs2234693 was associated with decreased odds of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) (crude odds ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval = 0.44-0.90, P = .01). For rs9340799, only an inverse trend was observed for BMI (P = .08). Haplotypes that included the variant C allele were associated with a reduced risk of obesity (crude odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval = 0.44-0.94, P = .02 for C-G). The rs2234693 C allele of ESR1 and its associated genotypes and haplotypes were inversely and consistently associated with obesity. One or more copies of the C allele were associated with decreased risk of obesity in white postmenopausal women.
Influence of host plant vs. natural enemies on the spatial distribution of a pine sawfly, Neodiprion autumnalis

.1. The pine sawfly, Neodiprion autumnalis, infests ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, growing at low densities near the bottom of an altitudinal gradient in Arizona, U.S.A. The relative importance of host-plant quality vs. natural-enemy effects in determining the spatial distribution of this sawfly was examined over a 3-year period. 2. Field and laboratory bioassays were conducted on all life stages of N. autumnalis at two forest stand densities (high ≥ 23 m2 ha–1, low ≤ 7 m2 ha–1) and at two elevations (bottom slope = 2390 m, top slope = 2540 m). These experiments were used for constructing life tables of N. autumnalis that compared the effects of host-plant quality on oviposition preference and progeny performance with the effects of natural enemies at different tree densities and elevations. 3. Life-table analyses determined that mortality attributed to host-plant effects during the egg and larval stages had the largest impact on fitness between tree densities and elevations. 4. Natural enemies caused a significant reduction in progeny survival, but their effects were similar across all tree densities and elevations during egg and larval life stages. However, cocoon-stage survival did vary between tree densities and elevations due to natural-enemy effects. 5. It was concluded that the observed oviposition preference for, and higher progeny performance on, trees at low densities and bottom slope elevations were caused primarily by host-plant effects. 6. These results further the argument that heterogeneity at the resource level (i.e. bottom-up forces) determines potential outcomes of multitrophic level interactions.
Linear stability of particle-laden thin films

Recent experiments [Zhou, Dupuy, Bertozzi, and Hosoi, Phys. Rev. Lett., 94 (2005)] of particle-laden film flow on an incline demonstrate new behavior distinct from the well-known clear fluid case, including the formation of a particle-rich ridge which can stabilize the advancing contact line with respect to “fingering" perturbations. We consider a model similar to that of Zhou et al. with the additional regularizing effect of shear-induced diffusion. A linear stability analysis demonstrates that particle settling moderately reduces the growth rate of unstable modes, while increasing the most unstable wavelength.
Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from 1987 and 1989 demonstrating heterogeneous resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin

Fifty isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, obtained during a multicenter clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of teicoplanin that was performed between 1987 and 1992, underwent glycopeptide susceptibility testing, and 2 isolates were found to be capable of growth on agar containing 4 or 8 mg/L of vancomycin. Both of these isolates were from patients that had received prolonged teicoplanin therapy and were deemed clinical failures. Extended susceptibility testing combined with mecA gene probing revealed that one isolate was susceptible to oxacillin, the other was resistant, and both were susceptible to a variety of nonglycopeptide agents. Population analyses revealed heterogeneous vancomycin- and teicoplanin-susceptibility profiles. Both strains were differentiated from recent glycopeptide intermediately resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates by pulse-field analysis and by the fact that the resistance phenotype was stable to multiple serial passages. To our knowledge, this is the earliest report of S. aureus clinical isolates having reduced vancomycin and teicoplanin susceptibility.
Assessing Overweight and Cardiovascular Risks Among College Students

Abstract Although studies regarding health issues and the obesity epidemic have increased in recent years, few of these studies target college-aged students. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in race/ethnicity with respect to prevalence of overweight/obesity (defined by body mass index or BMI) among college students attending an urban university. In addition, the demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risks between the overweight and obese group (n=138) were compared to the underweight and normal weight group (n=349). The study included 487 college students under 40 years of age who identified their origin as white (non-Hispanic), black (non-Hispanic), or Hispanic. There were 32.65% white, 33.26% Hispanic, and 34.09% black. The mean and median ages were 21 and 19 years, respectively. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 28.11%, with 23.91% (white), 34.06% (Hispanic), and 42.03% (black). Age-, gender-, and race-/ethnicity-adjusted cardiovascular risk leve...
Optimal Piecewise Polynomial L 2 Approximation of Functions of One and Two Variables

The problem of piecewise polynomial L2 approximation with variable boundaries is considered. Necdssary and sufficient conditions for local optima are derived. These suggest simple functional iteration, algorithms for locating the boundaries.
Remarkably volatile copper(II) complexes of N,N'-unsymmetrically substituted 1,3-diketimines as precursors for Cu metal deposition via CVD or ALD.

To enhance the volatility of the copper precursor in the copper deposition process, it was envisioned that N,N‘-unsymmetrically substituted 1,3-diketimines should be more volatile than their symmetrically substituted counterparts. A variety of Cu(II) (N,N‘-unsymmetrically substituted 1,3-diketiminate) complexes have been synthesized and have proven to be much more volatile than their symmetrical counterparts. This makes the new materials particularly attractive to the ALD and CVD processes. Among the new compounds, 8-a and 8-b are sublimable even at room temperature.
Anatomical observations on the renal veins and inferior vena cava at magnetic resonance angiography

Purpose To describe the renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) anatomy found at abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) angiography.
The effects of Org 2766 on the performance of sham, neocortical, and hippocampal-lesioned rats in a food search task.

Abstract The behavioral effects of an ACTH4−9 variant, Org 2766, given for one week postoperatively at a dose of 1 μg/rat daily, were evaluated in animals given hippocampal, neocortical, or “sham” lesions. After the week during which the injections were given, the animals were tested for 5 days in a food-search task in which food was hidden in two recessed holes in the floor. On the next day the ability of the rats to find food in these same two baited holes was tested in the presence of 14 additional holes that were not baited. On the following day, the animals were tested again, this time with all 16 holes baited. To assess the long-term effects of Org 2766 treatment, the animals were tested once again 2–3 months later in the same apparatus with 16 empty holes. In general, rats with lesions restricted to the neocortex were severely impaired in the task and were unaffected by prior treatment with Org 2766. Animals with hippocampal damage quickly learned the task and were hyperactive. During the test session with 16 baited holes they showed differential behavioral changes suggesting attentional deficits not seen in “sham” operated rats. These deficits were attenuated by prior Org 2766 treatment, whereas the lesion-induced hyperactivity was not. Treatment with Org 2766 impaired all aspects of performance of “sham” operated animals.
Hospital Mortality of Late Preterm Infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Aim: We evaluated the effect of late preterm (born 34-36 weeks) delivery on hospital mortality of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).
An Engineered Pathway for the Formation of Protein Disulfide Bonds

We have engineered a pathway for the formation of disulfide bonds. By imposing evolutionary pressure, we isolated mutations that changed thioredoxin, which is a monomeric disulfide reductase, into a [2Fe-2S] bridged dimer capable of catalyzing O2-dependent sulfhydryl oxidation in vitro. Expression of the mutant protein in Escherichia coli with oxidizing cytoplasm and secretion via the Tat pathway restored disulfide bond formation in strains that lacked the complete periplasmic oxidative machinery (DsbA and DsbB). The evolution of [2Fe-2S] thioredoxin illustrates how mutations within an existing scaffold can add a cofactor and markedly change protein function.
A summary of graphics terminal requirements based on application studies

Decreasing costs of graphics hardware, improvements in graphics software, and establishment of online data bases are increasing the interest in computer graphics. For new applications of computer graphics to be developed and used, the graphics terminal must meet the requirements of users and applications. Because many of the users will be nonprogrammers and the interactions will involve pictures, the applications are significantly different from those currently supported by batch computing or alphanumeric terminals. Studies of users, applications, and implementations of interactive computer graphics systems have resulted in thirty specific requirements for the display screen, the associated hardware for input, output, processing and storage, the interaction rates, the terminal packaging, and the support of the applications programmer. Comparison of existing graphics terminal alternatives in terms of the requirements indicates that eighteen of the thirty requirements are provided inadequately. Comparison of the relative importance of the requirements for different classes of applications indicates that color, image mixing, hard copy output, portability, upward compatibility, and reduced reflection, glare, and noise would be the most useful terminal improvements for developing new applications of computer graphics.
Reconstruction of the subglottic larynx with a myoperiosteal flap: Clinical and experimental study

The literature describes numerous techniques for reconstruction of the subglottic larynx. The use of rigid bone grafts or flaps has been associated with problems because the rigid bone cannot conform to the defect and form an airtight seal. We have performed subglottic reconstruction using the sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap with very optimistic results on long-term follow up. The sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap is a relatively simple procedure that can be used for a large variety of defects. The pliable periosteal flap used for closing the defect can be molded over a stent to form an airtight seal. We have demonstrated bone formation in the periosteum which is crucial to the stability of the airway and long-term success of the procedure. The sternocleidomastoid myoperiosteal flap yields a pliable, durable tissue capable of airtight closure and a tension-free suture line. This technique will make the closure of subglottic defects a much more practical task.