cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The heterophile antibody reaction in infants and children

Summary We present heterophile antibody agglutination results on 156 patients, 38of which were controls, in the age range from 10 days to 12 years. The control group was free of any acute infection, while the others were cases of acute upper respiratory infections admitted to the hospital during the winter of 1944–1945. Lymphadenopathy was noted in a large number of cases but no splenomegaly was found at any time. Differential blood studies revealed no atypical mononuclear cells as are found in infectious mononucleosis. A titer above the accepted normal of 1:160 (using Davidsohn's technique with slight modifications) was found in an appreciable number of cases of upper respiratory infections, while only one control revealed a titer above 1:160. The literature is briefly reviewed to show questions raised against acceptinghigh antibody titers as positive evidence of infectious mononucleosis in cases not presenting the so-called “atypical mononuclear cells,” and the suggestion offered by some authors that other conditions than infectious mononucleosis may cause high heterophile titers is brought out in the results on the 128 cases of upper respiratory infection the authors tested for heterophile agglutinins.
Canonical vector heights on K3 surfaces with Picard number three— An argument for nonexistence

In this paper, we investigate a K3 surface with Picard number three, and present evidence that strongly suggests a canonical vector height cannot exist on this surface.
Self-regulatory theory and weight-loss maintenance.

We examined the relationships between promotion and prevention focus and caloric consumption in reaction to a dietary lapse scenario among weight loss maintainers. Participants were 65 adult females who had attained and maintained a weight loss of 10 % or more for at least 1 month. After engaging in a dietary lapse in a feeding laboratory, participants completed a “bogus” taste test, during which they could consume as much food as they liked. It was hypothesized that promotion and prevention focus would predict caloric consumption, mediated by depressive and anxious affect. Prevention focus, but not promotion focus, was positively associated with proportion of daily calories consumed. Affect was not a mediator. Prevention focus may be deleterious for dietary maintenance following dietary lapses. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed in light of prior research. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research also are presented.
Non-Lipschitz continuous stabilizers for nonlinear systems with uncontrollable unstable linearization

Abstract Without imposing any growth condition, we prove that every chain of odd power integrators perturbed by a C1 triangular vector field is globally stabilizable via non-Lipschitz continuous state feedback, although it is not stabilizable, even locally, by any smooth state feedback because the Jacobian linearization may have uncontrollable modes whose eigenvalues are on the right half-plane. The proof is constructive and accomplished by developing a machinery – adding a power integrator – that enables one to explicitly design a C0 globally stabilizing feedback law as well as a C1 control Lyapunov function which is positive definite and proper.
Venous and arterial bypass grafts for difficult tumors, aneurysms, and occlusive vascular lesions: evolution of surgical treatment and improved graft results

OBJECTIVE: In the treatment of patients with cranial base tumors, unclippable aneurysms, or medically intractable ischemia, it may be necessary to use high-flow bypass grafts. The indications, surgical techniques and complications are discussed. METHODS: During a 10-year period, 99 saphenous vein grafts and 3 radial artery grafts were performed for 101 patients, i.e., 72 with neoplasms, 23 with aneurysms, and 6 with ischemia. Clinical follow-up monitoring of the patients was by direct examination or telephone interview, with a mean follow-up period of 41.2 months (range, 5-147 mo). Radiological follow-up monitoring was by magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, or three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography, with a mean follow-up period of 32 months (range, 1-120 mo). During the follow-up period, there was one late graft occlusion and one graft stenosis. RESULTS: The use of intraoperative angiography improved the patency rate from 90 to 98% and reduced the incidence of perioperative stroke from 13 to 9.5%. Ninety-two percent of the patients were in excellent or good neurological condition at the time of discharge from the hospital, compared with 95% before surgery. The perioperative mortality rate was 2%. Other complications included three intracranial hematomas, rupture of a vein graft in a patient with Marfan's syndrome, and five tumor resection-related problems. The long-term survival rates for patients who received grafts were excellent for patients with benign tumors, fair to poor for patients with malignant tumors, good for patients with aneurysms, and excellent for patients with ischemia. CONCLUSION: The results of saphenous vein and radial artery grafting have been greatly improved by the use of intraoperative angiography, improvements in surgical techniques, and improved perioperative treatment.
Development Of Teal Ruby Experiment Radiometric Test Requirements

The Teal Ruby Experiment (TRE) sensor presents unique problems to radiometric performance testing and calibration of a mosaic infrared sensor because of the large number of resolution elements; the wide range of spectral, temporal, and flux level operating regions; and the cryogenic operating conditions. This paper contains a summary of the Teal Ruby test facilities and requirements at the infrared charge-coupled device (IRCCD) detector array, zone assembly, focal plane assembly, and sensor levels. Automated test facilities and capabilities are presented to highlight the development requirements and approaches to testing. Key issues concern the complexity of testing, selection of test parameters, commonality of test algorithms and data presentation, data needs for acceptance testing, optimization and integration, and test equipment standards for accuracy, operating range, and contamination control.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Genetic mapping and isolation of two arc3 alleles in Arabidopsis

Two new alleles of arc3 in Arabidopsis thaliana, arc3-4 and arc3-5, were isolated in the Columbia-0 ecotype. The mutants were characterized in detail using microscopy and molecular techniques. Chloroplasts are essential organelles for photosynthesis in plant cells. Division of chloroplasts is coordinated by the internal division machinery (mainly the tubulin-like FtsZ ring) and the external division machinery (mainly the dynamin-like ARC5 ring). Accumulation and replication of chloroplasts3 (ARC3) is important for the correct positioning of chloroplast division machinery. During evolution, ARC3 has probably replaced minicellC (MinC), an important factor involved in positioning of the division site in bacteria. However, the working mechanism of ARC3 is still unclear. Using forward genetic approaches, we isolated two new alleles of arc3 in Arabidopsis thaliana, arc3-4 and arc3-5, in which mutant loci differed from those of previously reported arc3 mutants. Microscopy analyses showed more detailed, and some new, phenotypes of arc3 mutants. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) results indicated that the mRNA of the ARC3 gene was unstable in arc3-4 and arc3-5 mutant plants. Also, RNA secondary structures of the ARC3 gene were predicted to differ between these two arc3 mutants and wild type. Our studies increase our understanding of the function of ARC3 in chloroplast division.
Diffusion in particles with pores of varying cross-section

Abstract Microscopic investigations of porous solids ahve in many cases revealed cellular pore structures with numerous large cavities interconnected through smaller neck pores. Such pore structures can be modelled by three-dimensional arrangements of elemental void spaces consisting of a single sphere that is connected to the neighboring ones by two cylindrical neck pores or constrictions. The problem of steady-state diffusion in such an elemental void space is solved analytically and the relationship between the flux across such a pore and its geometrical dimensions is established. The case of extremely small constrictions is also treated. These results are applicable to the prediction of effective diffusivities in char particles and polymer materials used for the controlled release of drugs.
Biologic Factors Influencing Osteonecrosis: Steroids, Statins, Ethanol, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Antiretroviral Therapy, and Smoking

Although the exact pathophysiology of osteonecrosis remains unknown, it has been associated with a wide range of conditions. Early detection and intervention are keys to salvaging the joint. Therefore awareness of well-established risk factors and associated disorders can assist in early detection and possible prevention of hip joint destruction. This review paper describes the current knowledge of the condition and analyzes the associated risk factors including steroids, statins, ethanol, HIV and antiretroviral therapy and smoking as well as discusses the strategies to minimize the morbidity.
Rational Design of a Plasmid Origin That Replicates Efficiently in Both Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

Background Most plasmids replicate only within a particular genus or family. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe an engineered high copy number expression vector, pBAV1K-T5, that produces varying quantities of active reporter proteins in Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, (all Gram-negative), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Leifsonia shinshuensis, Peanibacillus sp. S18-36 and Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive). Conclusions/Significance Our results demonstrate the efficiency of pBAV1K-T5 replication in different bacterial species, thereby facilitating the study of proteins that don't fold well in E. coli and pathogens not amenable to existing genetic tools.
Hydronephrosis in children: pelviureteric junction dysfunction

Abstract Hydronephrosis is commonly caused by dysfunction of the pelviureteric junction (PUJ). Other causes, which are usually associated with hydroureter as well hydronephrosis, include vesicoureteric reflux, vesicoureteric obstruction and bladder pathology. Common causes of PUJ dysfunction include intrinsic stenosis and aberrant lower pole vessels. Surgery, usually an Anderson–Hynes type pyeloplasty, is indicated in patients with pain, infection or haematuria. Surgery may be performed open or laparoscopically. Asymptomatic patients, often detected during antenatal screening, require a baseline MAG3 scan and serial monitoring with ultrasound scanning. Surgery is indicated in this cohort if there is increasing hydronephrosis with an anterior posterior diameter (APD) greater than 3 cm, function below 40% or a drop in function of more than 10% on serial MAG3 scans.
A Novel Batch Production Technique of Metal Embedded Thin Film Microsensors for Applications in Manufacturing

Effective monitoring and diagnosis of manufacturing processes is of importance in reducing operation costs, improving product quality, and reducing process time. If conditions of manufacturing tools are continuously monitored, problems can be detected and solved during the processing cycle, resulting in less tool damage, higher productivity, and less energy consumption. In-situ monitoring of the basic operating conditions (e.g. temperature and strain) of certain mechanical tools and components can be accomplished by placing microsensors in some critical locations. Thin film microsensors (e.g. thermocouple, strain gauge) have drawn considerable attention recently due to their small size, fast response and lower cost [1]. Since most tools and components in manufacturing process are metallic, metal embedded thin film microsensors are very attractive. A new batch fabrication technique based on electroplating and wet chemical etching of silicon has been developed. Microsensors were directly fabricated on an etch stop layer grown on silicon wafer. A multilayer dielectric is deposited to insulate sensor areas followed by seed layer deposition, and electroplating a thicker metal layer. After silicon wafer is etched out, the microsensors are transferred from silicon to electroplated metal substrate directly. After plasma etching of the etch stop layer, these sensors can be further embedded into another electroplated metal layer from the top after insulation by dielectric multilayer. Metal embedded strain gauge array was fabricated successfully. Thin film Ni/Cr strain gauges were fabricated on LPCVD silicon nitride layer grown on a 3-inch silicon wafer. Each strain gauge unit was insulated by Al2 O3 /PECVD Six Ny/Al2 O3 multilayer before seed layer deposition and electroplating a thick nickel layer on whole wafer. Si wafer was then etched out in KOH solution to transfer all microsensors to electroplated nickel layer. LPCVD nitride layer covering the sensors was dry etched and same multilayer dielectric was selectively deposited over the sensors except pad areas. These microsensors were finally embedded into another electroplated nickel layer leaving the pads uncovered for external connection. This process offers a novel way to realize batch production of metal embedded microsensors for use in hostile manufacturing environment.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Lasing action in periodic arrays of nanoparticles

We study the effect of nanoparticle (NP) array spacing on plasmon-enhanced lasing using a computational model that combines classical electrodynamics for arrays of gold NPs interacting with a four-level model of the laser dye photophysics. Parameters of the model are related to a laser system that was recently demonstrated experimentally, but in this work we consider arrays that tune away from the lattice plasmon resonance condition. We show that approximate matching of the lattice plasmon with the red branch of the dye emission spectrum leads to lower laser thresholds and higher intensities than can be achieved with plasmon excitation that does not satisfy the Bragg condition, even for anisotropic NPs. Surprisingly, there is a range of lattice spacings where both purely photonic enhancement of the bulk dye simulated emission and mixed photonic/plasmonic enhancement of emission by dye molecules within 50 nm of the NPs have comparable laser thresholds and intensities above threshold. We also show there is a tradeoff between sharpness of the lattice plasmon and overlap of the lattice mode with the dye emission maximum such that the highest intensity modes are not necessarily those with the highest plasmon enhancement.
Testing the Interactivity Principle: Effects of Mediation, Propinquity, and Verbal and Nonverbal Modalities in Interpersonal Interaction

Early channel reliance research compared different modes of communication to assess relationships among nonverbal and verbal cues. Emerging communication technologies represent a new venue for gaining insights into the same relationships. In this article, the authors advance a principle of interactivity as a framework for decomposing some of those relationships and report an experiment in which physical proximity—whether actors are in the same place (“co-located”) or interacting at a distance (“distributed”)—and the availability of other nonverbal environmental, auditory, and visual information in distributed modes is varied. Results indicate that both proximity and availability of nonverbal cues affect communication processes, social judgments participants make about each other, and task performance. The authors discuss implications about gains and losses due to presence of nonverbal features.
Laser raman scattering of glucosamine N-acetylglucosamine, and glucuronic acid

Abstract Laser Raman spectra of α- d -glucose, D-glucosamine · HCl, N- acetyl- d -glucosamine and d -glucuronic acid were obtained. The vibrations originating from OH and NH functional groups were identified on the basis of the deuterium exchange results. By comparing the spectra of α- d -glucose, d -glucuronic acid, d -glucosamine · HCl, and N- acetyl- d -α- glucosamine , the vibrations due to COOH, CH 2 , NH 3 + , and =NH groups were also identified.
Spatial ability of XY sex-reversed female mice

Perinatal gonadal hormones significantly affect subsequent sex differences in reproductive and non-reproductive behaviors in rodents. However, the influence of the sex chromosomes on these behaviors has been largely ignored. To assess the influence of the non-pseudoautosomal region of the Y chromosome, C57BL/JEi male and female mice and mice from the C57BL/6JEi-Y(POS) consomic strain were given behavioral tests known to distinguish males from females. The C57BL/6JEi-Y(POS) strain contains sex-reversed XY-females which, when compared to their XX-female siblings, allow assessment of the influence of the Y chromosome in a female phenotype. XX-females and XY-females did not differ on open-field activity, the Lashley maze, or active avoidance learning, but XY-females were significantly better than XX-females on the Morris hidden platform spatial maze. These findings suggest that males may have both a genetic and a hormonal mechanism to ensure visuospatial superiority.
Stability over time of patients’ attitudes toward ECT

Abstract This study examined the stability of patients’ attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Surveys were administered to 64 study participants at 2 and 4 weeks post treatment. The survey responses were highly significantly correlated and not significantly different, which suggests that attitudes toward ECT are stable during this time.
Regulation of a S(trans-1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine-induced renal tubular toxicity by glutathione†

The nephrotoxin S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) is cleaved in the renal tubules to produce a reactive electrophilic intermediate. If this intermediate is responsible for the toxicity, addition of the nucleophilic scavenger glutathione (GSH) should decrease toxicity, and depletion of tubular GSH should enhance toxicity. GSH was added to isolated rabbit renal tubules simultaneously with, 15 min before, and 15 min after the addition of DCVC. The active accumulation of the organic anion para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) and organic cation tetraethylammonium bromide (TEA) was used as an index of renal toxicity. Incubation of renal tubules with 0.01-1 mM DCVC for 15 min decreased active transport, with complete inhibition at 1 mM. This was accompanied by a 50% decrease in non-protein sulfhydryl concentration. The addition of GSH (6 mM) simultaneously with DCVC completely prevented any decrease in active transport. The addition of GSH (6 mM) to tubules in which active transport was inhibited by DCVC reversed the inhibition to 80% of control. Similar enhancement of active transport occurred when tubules isolated 1 h after in vivo exposure to DCVC at 20-100 mg kg-1 were incubated with GSH (6 mM). Preincubation of renal tubules with GSH (5-15 mM) made them more refractory to the DCVC-induced decreased PAH and TEA transport. The inhibition of active transport by DCVC is enhanced if the tubular non-protein sulfhydryl is first lowered by diethyl maleate or glycidol. Thus, the tubular GSH concentration appears to be an integral component in regulating the alterations in active transport caused by DCVC.
Stoichiometry Considerations On Optical And Electrochromic Properties Of Sputtered Tungsten Oxide Films

Tungsten oxide films of varying stoichiometry were deposited by d.c. magnetron sputtering and their optical and electrochromic (EC) properties were investigated. Spectrophotometric transmittance characteristics of the films on Corning 7059 substrates were used to evaluate optical constants and determine absorption spectra of the samples. Films on conductive transparent layers were used to study the EC behavior of the films. Film stoichiometry was deduced from the effective medium model using optical frequency dielectric constants. Oxygen deficiency in W0 3 leads to an as deposited blue color, the result of a broad absorption band at - 1μm. This broad band has been resolved into three selective absorption bands and an impurity band model is presented as an explanation. It is postulated that lithium insertion/reduction in W0 3 leads to the same color appearance by creating the same absorption bands and that electrochromic performance in the visible region can be optimized by using a film that is slightly reduced as deposited. In this case the impurity bands are already established and less lithium reduction is required to cause a visible change. It is found that electrochromic performance is optimized in films of stoichiometry around WO 2.97 and that as deposited films reduced beyond WO 2.86 are not electro-chromic.
OCCULT POSTTRAUMATIC AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF HIP REVEALED BY MRI

Three hips with avascular necrosis in two patients had associated traumatic lesions noted on magnetic resonance imaging. Location of stress fracture in two femoral necks and acetabular contusion development prior to avascular necrosis favors these processes as being etiologic. These cases are particularly noteworthy in that nondisplaced fractures or other musculoskeletal trauma not visible on plain films has rarely been associated with subsequent development of avascular necrosis.
A plan for military intervention in Darfur : essays

This article contains a plan on how the African Union/United Nations hybrid force authorised by the UN Security Council in July 2007 could realistically and effectively use military power to save civilian lives in Darfur. It is envisaged that the international force, given its limited size, would mainly focus on protecting and policing refugee and internally displaced persons camps, rather than trying to stop all violence in the region. This intervention is unlikely to provoke a violent military reaction from the Sudanese government. In fact, a careful analysis of the conflict suggests that Khartoum has been engaged in a scorched-earth counterinsurgency rather than in an attempt to exterminate Darfur's ‘black’ population as an end in itself, and thus would stand to benefit from interveners' efforts to keep the camps demilitarised.
Improving bounds on link failure tolerance of the star graph

Determination of the minimum number of faulty links, f(n,k), that make every n-k-dimensional sub-star graph S"n"-"k faulty in an n-dimensional star network S"n, has been the subject of several studies. Bounds on f(n,k) have already been derived, and it is known that f(n,1)=n+2. Here, we improve the bounds on f(n,k). Specifically, it is shown that f(n,k)=<(k+1)F(n,k), where F(n,k) is the minimum number of faulty nodes that make every S"n"-"k faulty in S"n. The complexity of f(n,k) is shown to be O(n^2k) which is an improvement over the previously known upper bound of O(n^3); this result in a special case leads to f(n,2)=O(n^@62), settling a conjecture introduced in an earlier paper. A systematic method to derive the labels of the faulty links in case of f(n,1) is also introduced.
Time-resolved ultrafast spatial interferometric analysis of femtosecond laser-metal interactions

We have used two-dimensional ultrafast microscopic interferometry to observe the hydrodynamic motion and the time dependent changes in the optical properties of two metals (6061-T6 aluminum and ASTM 336 1018 steel) illuminated with 130 fs 800 nm laser pulses. We hve also observed the electron dynamics in optically excited aluminum, gallium, and gold at a metal-glass interface using the same technique. The interferometric technique allows construction of the two-dimensional spatial profile for laser pumped materials with a temporal resolution of < 300 fs and out-of-plane spatial resolution of 0.5 nm using 130 fs probe pulses. Best fits to the diamond turned aluminum data were obtained by assuming physically motivated functional forms for the expected hydrodynamic motion and the time-dependent complex index of refraction. Extraction of changes in the index of refraction provides evidence for melting in the gold targets. These experiments offer a new path for the observation of phase changes and/or for temperature measurements in shocked or laser excited materials, by allowing a determination of the complex index under dynamic conditions and comparing the measured values to those obtained under static conditions.
Light rail vehicles and running safety

The basic standard US LRV structural designs are virtually unchanged from those adopted 25 years ago based on a modified European subway car. With only one exception, these have not been significantly updated for or adapted to the high levels of in-street running found more and more on new light rail systems or for increased passenger safety in general. Today in Europe, the overall structural design approach for LRVs is to absorb initial collision energy without any structural damage. To evaluate this approach, the four most common vehicle collision scenarios are first identified and quantified. Then European operational experience, particularly as regards accidents, is presented and analyzed. From these, one can see that further improvements to US rail vehicle design safety, especially to interior spaces, are both overdue and inevitable. Recent US LRV structural safety standard developments are considered and recommendations are proposed for incorporation into new light rail vehicle designs.
Fluorescent peptides to investigate amyloid self-assembly using two-photon microscopy

While the growth and structure of amyloid fibers with s-sheet secondary structure has been widely investigated in recent years, the mechanism of self-assembly remains poorly understood. Multiple intermediate species have been proposed to play important roles in the self assembly process, yet many of these remain poorly defined or have not been clearly observed. Fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy should provide powerful tools to amyloid formation mechanisms, although given the tight packing of molecules within amyloid structures one must be concerned about the extent to which the coupling of fluorescent probes will interfere with the amyloid formation process. We have performed systematic characterization of the self assembly and interactions between a model amyloid forming peptide, residues 16-22 from the amyloid beta peptide, together with two different rhodamine conjugated forms of this same peptide sequence. We observe that in some cases, the fluorescent dye does appear to alter the morphology of assembled amyloid structures. We also report on amyloid formation using mixtures of labeled and unlabeled peptides which does not perturb the morphology of the amyloid fibers and tubes, and appears to provide an excellent system for further investigation of amyloid formation.
Zeolite-supported organorhodium fragments: essentially molecular surface chemistry elucidated with spectroscopy and theory.

Structures of zeolite-anchored organorhodium complexes undergoing conversions with gas-phase reactants were characterized by infrared spectra bolstered by calculations with density functional theory and analysis of the gas-phase products. Structurally well-defined zeolite-supported rhodium diethylene complexes were synthesized by chemisorption of Rh(C2H4)2(acac) (acac = CH3COCHCOCH3) on dealuminated Y zeolite, being anchored by two Rh−O bonds, as shown by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. In contrast to the nonuniformity of metal complexes anchored to metal oxides, the near uniformity of the zeolite-supported species allowed precise determination of their chemistry, including the role of the support as a ligand. The anchored rhodium diethylene complex underwent facile, reversible ligand exchange with deuterated ethylene at 298 K, and ethylene ligands were hydrogenated by reverse spillover of hydrogen from support hydroxyl groups. The supported complexes reacted with CO to form...
Photochemical dissolution of organic matter from resuspended sediments: Impact of source and diagenetic state on photorelease

Abstract Sediments exposed to simulated solar radiation release dissolved organic carbon (DOC). However, it is unclear how the provenance of sedimentary organic matter (OM) impacts this photorelease. In the first geographically extensive study of this kind, twenty three size fractionated, fine grained sediments ( FA ) indicated that terrestrially derived sediments exhibited relatively greater DOC photorelease. The long chain carbon preference index (CPI 24–34 ) indicated that diagenetically unaltered terrestrial OM photoreleased more DOC than diagenetically altered terrestrial OM. The short chain carbon preference index (CPI 14–22 ) demonstrated that sediments containing diagenetically altered planktonic or algal derived OM had a greater photorelease rate of DOC than fresh algal OM. This suggests that humic substances (humus and/or adsorbed humic and fulvic acids) play an important role in the photochemical dissolution of OC regardless of whether or not they are imported from upstream (i.e. terrestrial humics) or generated within the depositional or sedimentary environment (i.e. humification of algal dissolved OM).
Assignment of a human melanoma associated gene MG50 (D2S448) to chromosome 2p25.3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization

To identify the chromosomal locus encoding this gene, 1 {mu}g of a human genomic clone (G23MG5), which is 17.25-kb and contains at least 2 exons corresponding to D2S448, was labeled with biotin and hybridized to human metaphases chromosomes as previously described. A total of 44 metaphase cells were examined, and 42 of these had double fluorescent signals, one on each chromatid over the distal short arm of chromosome 2.
The interpretation of protein structures: Total volume, group volume distributions and packing density

Following the general procedure of Bernal & Finney (1967) using Voronoi polyhedra, volumes occupied by all the atoms, or groups of atoms, in lysozyme and ribonuclease S have been estimated from the atomic co-ordinates provided by crystal structure studies. The average packing density for the interior of both proteins is close to 0.75, which is in the middle of the range found for crystals of most small organic molecules. For all atom types the mean packing densities fall between 0.7 and 0.8 with standard deviations between ± 0.1 and ± 0.2. It is suggested that simple geometrical packing considerations may provide useful criteria in guiding and evaluating trial structures in theoretical studies of protein folding, especially the association of distant parts of a peptide chain. Packing densities averaged over a relatively small number of atoms (5 to 15) appear to vary substantially in different parts of the same protein. Low densities representing packing defects may permit relatively easy motions, for example in an active site. Surrounding areas of high density may serve as relatively incompressible regions which transmit or correlate motions over considerable distances. The total volume of each of these two proteins as derived from the co-ordinate list appears to be larger than that estimated from the partial specific volume by 7 to 10%. If this volume difference is attributed to a change in the packing of water in a monolayer surrounding the protein, it would correspond to an average decrease, relative to bulk water, of 1 to 2 A3 per water molecule in this monolayer. Such a change is about half of the decrease that occurs on the melting of ice.
Abstract ES05-2: Divergent trends in breast cancer subtypes, a manifestation of cancer heterogeneity

Recent studies in the United States show an unexpected divergence of ER positive and ER negative breast cancer incidence rates (JNCI 103: 1397-1402, 2011). ER positive cancers have risen while ER negative cancers have declined over the long-term. Divergent ER-specific trends might reflect statistical anomalies, lower assay thresholds for classifying breast cancers as ER positive, and/or the implementation of widespread screening mammography with increased sensitivity for ER positive cancers. However, the analysis of secular trends in Denmark, where there was better control of these potentially confounding factors, showed similar trends as in the United States (IJC 133: 2201-2206, 2013). ER positive cancers had increased among middle-aged and older Danish women in earlier birth-cohorts (or generations), implying a confluence of risk factor exposures during the peri- and the post-menopausal time periods of a woman9s lifetime. In contrast, ER negative cancers had decreased among younger women in more recent birth-cohorts during the premenopausal time periods. Divergent ER-specific trends among different birth-cohorts in younger and older generations is consistent with breast cancer heterogeneity due to distinct etiologic pathways for ER positive and ER negative breast cancers, which could be due to trends in environmental and lifestyle risk factors with dual effects by ER expression. Two such possible risk factors are pregnancy (or parity) and obesity, which are decreasing and increasing, respectively, in both the United States and Denmark. For example, parity tends to reduce breast cancer risk for ER positive cancer and to increase risk for ER negative cancers. In fact, new breast cancer cases appear to be rising worldwide due to the consequences of changing reproductive, hormonal, and dietary risk factors. For this reason, it is plausible that the same risk factors or at the least risk factors acting through common mechanisms in the United States and Denmark may foreshadow a common pattern worldwide. This is good news since ER negative breast cancers are the most difficult to treat subtypes of breast cancer, especially the so-called triple negative cancers. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr ES05-2.
A review of literature on drug use in Sub-Saharan Africa countries and its economic and social implications.

The drug problem in Africa cannot be seen as an isolated phenomenon but rather as part of the larger narcoscape which partakes of the fluid yet disjunctive qualities of Appadurai's landscapes. In this volatile environment, the transformation of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) nations from transit points in an international drug network to consumer countries seems inevitable. At the same time, Africa has undergone rapid economic and social changes that have facilitate this shift. A review of the literature reveals that there is a pressing need to investigate current trends and patterns of drug use in the countries of SSA. These nations, struggling with the consequences of AIDS, famine, refugees, and political unrest, could ill afford to address the consequences of widespread drug use. It is critical, therefore, that they address the drug problem before it reaches crisis proportions. To do so, they need information describing the magnitude of the problem as well as a firm understanding of the relationships between...
Effect of immune T cells derived from mucosal or systemic tissue on host responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of immune T cells derived from mucosal and systemic tissues on specific humoral responses to the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and to determine the effect these responses have on periodontal bone loss in an experimental rat model. T cells were derived from either the spleen or Peyer's patches of conventional Fischer rats given live P. gingivalis by the oral route and were adoptively transferred into groups of nude Fischer rats. A group of nude rats to which no T cells were transferred served as control. Within 24 h of the adoptive cell transfer, animals from all groups were orally challenged with live P. gingivalis. Serum and salivary responses were seen in rats given immune T cells, whereas a low, variable serum IgM and no serum IgG or salivary IgA response was detected in the control nude rats, indicating that the major host responses to P. gingivalis whole-cell antigens were T-cell dependent. Rats given immune Peyer's patch-derived T cells exhibited a different serum IgG and salivary IgA immune response pattern than animals given immune splenic T cells. A higher serum IgG, especially IgG2b, antibody response and less horizontal bone loss was seen in rats given splenic than Peyer's patch-derived T cells. Although some differences were seen in the levels of salivary IgA early in the study in the two experimental groups, the levels of IgA were comparable by the termination of the experimental period. Furthermore, no difference was seen in the amount of vertical bone support in these two groups, which was greater than in the controls. These results suggest a role for serum IgG and salivary IgA in periodontal disease protection. The presence of high serum IgG2b antibody activity suggest the involvement of Th1-like cells in the response, whereas salivary IgA antibodies indicates the participation of Th2-like cells. These results suggest that the balance between Th1 and Th2-like cells within the systemic and mucosal compartments and the humoral immune responses to P. gingivalis they mediate are important in determining whether the responses induced are protective against experimental bone loss after oral challenge with the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis.
New Hampshire's tax-base limits: An example of the Leviathan model

This study views the lack of an income tax on wages and salaries and a general sales tax in New Hampshire as tax-base limits. I use the Leviathan model to analyze the differences between the fiscal system in New Hampshire and the fiscal systems in Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts do not have the tax-base limits that New Hampshire has. From 1957 to 1989, New Hampshire had lower state and local government tax and expenditure levels than the other three states, more rapid population growth, lower welfare expenditures but comparable levels of expenditures for several of the major public services, and a more competitive structure of state and local government.
Verbally expressed modes of transformation in the fantasy play of Black preschool children.

McLOYD, VONNIE C. Verbally Expressed Modes of Transformation in the Fantasy Play of Black Preschool Children. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1980, 51, 1133-1139. Black, low-income children's verbalized fantasy transformations during a 20-min free-play session were examined. 18 samesex dyads, 6 33,-year-old, 6 5-year-old, and 6 mixed-age dyads composed of a 3/1and 5-year-old partner, equally divided by sex, were observed. Approximately one-half of the girls' and onethird of the boys' utterances represented fantasy transformations, the most frequent of which were animation, reification, and situational attribution, respectively. Children made significantly more object than ideational transformations. Significant sex but no dyad age effects were found. Girls made significantly more transformations overall and significantly more substitution, object realism, and role-attribution transformations than boys. Proportional analyses indicated that girls made relatively more object realism and role-attribution transformations than boys. Boys made relatively more attribution of object property transformations than girls. Results suggest need for further examination of cultural and sex differences in play as a transformational and representational activity.
Local income taxation in an urban area

Abstract This paper indicates the response of a metropolitan area to the levying of a local income tax. The analysis is focused on a central city and its surrounding suburbs but allows for migration to and from the metropolitan area. Of primary interest are the spatial effects of local income taxation and the associated welfare costs derived from additional transportation expenditures. The analysis indicates the forms of compensation to central city high-income households for the fiscal deficit they bear. Changes in wage rates and land rentals are derived and the question of full capitalization is considered.
Isolated pediatric hemihyperplasia requiring surgical debulking of the thigh

Abstract Isolated Hemihyperplasia (IHH) is a rare disorder that results in the enlargement of a portion of a limb, a complete limb or an entire half of an individual's body. We describe an 11 year-old girl with isolated hemihyperplasia of her right upper and lower extremities, breast, and vulvar region. A mass consisting of asymmetric enlargement and fatty infiltration of the right adductor compartment was first noticed at approximately 4 years of life and progressed dramatically to severely affect her gait. We surgically debulked the thigh and resected the excess skin to restore symmetry. The patient did well postoperatively, achieved excellent cosmesis, and restoration of gait.
Genome‐wide transposon tagging reveals location‐dependent effects on transcription and chromatin organization in Arabidopsis

The interphase nucleus exists as a highly dynamic system, the physical properties of which have functional importance in gene regulation. Not only can gene expression be influenced by the local sequence context, but also by the architecture of the nucleus in three-dimensions (3D), and by the interactions between these levels via chromatin modifications. A challenging task is to resolve the complex interplay between sequence- and genome structure-based control mechanisms. Here, we created a collection of 277 Arabidopsis lines that allow the visual tracking of individual loci in living plants while comparing gene expression potential at these locations, via an identical reporter cassette. Our studies revealed regional gene silencing near a heterochromatin island, via DNA methylation, that is correlated with mobility constraint and nucleolar association. We also found an example of nucleolar association that does not correlate with gene suppression, suggesting that distinct mechanisms exist that can mediate interactions between chromatin and the nucleolus. These studies demonstrate the utility of this novel resource in unifying structural and functional studies towards a more comprehensive model of how global chromatin organization may coordinate gene expression over large scales.
3D modeling of new-generation (1999–2010) resistivity logging tools

Electromagnetic (EM) logging is an im-portant method of formation evaluation because of its sensitivity to resistivity, which is a function of fluid saturation and fluid properties. Conventional induction and propagation resistivity logging tools excite the geological formation by axial magnetic dipole transmitter(s). Axial re-ceivers measure the formation response, reflecting the medium resistivity. Such axial measurement has no azimuthal sensitivity and is insensitive to the anisotropy and many other details of the formation.
Holoprosencephaly: A developmental field defect

Holoprosencephaly refers to a spectrum of craniofacial malformations including cyclopia, ethmocephaly, cebocephaly, and premaxillary agenesis. Etiologic heterogeneity is well documented. Chromosomal, genetic, and teratogenic factors have been implicated. Recognition of holoprosencephaly as a developmental field defect stresses the importance of close scrutiny of relatives for mild forms such as single median incisor, hypotelorism, bifid uvula, or pituitary deficiency.
KCNE4 Juxtamembrane Region Interacts with Calmodulin and is Necessary for KCNQ1 Modulation

Voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels are modulated by the KCNE family of single transmembrane proteins. A membrane-based yeast two-hybrid screen to discover KCNE4 interacting proteins identified calmodulin (CaM) as a candidate. Previous studies demonstrated that CaM binding to KCNQ1 is required for functional expression of KCNQ1-KCNE1 channels in vitro, and increasing concentrations of intracellular calcium stimulate KCNQ1-KCNE1 channels in Xenopus oocytes in the presence of wild-type CaM but not mutant CaM that cannot bind calcium. We have tested the functional consequences of the interaction between KCNE4 and CaM with the hypothesis that KCNE4 modulation of KV currents may depend on its interaction with CaM. We validated the biochemical interaction between KCNE4 and CaM using CaM-agarose pull-down, and tested KCNE4 mutants that targeted putative CaM binding sites. Mutation of a juxtamembrane site (L[69-72]A) exhibited near complete disruption of CaM binding, whereas biotinylation studies performed in CHO cells confirmed expression of the mutant protein at the cell surface. The ability of L[69-72]A to modulate KCNQ1 was then studied using whole-cell patch clamp recording to determine if functional consequences accompany the loss of CaM binding. Wild-type KCNE4 completely inhibits potassium current in CHO cells transiently co-transfected with KCNQ1, but cells co-expressing KCNQ1 with L[69-72]A exhibited KCNQ1-like currents. Mean (± SEM) current density (measured during step to +60 mV from holding potential of −80 mV) in cells expressing KCNQ1 alone was 37.0 ± 4.25, not significantly different from cells co-expressing KCNQ1 with L[69-72]A (32.1 ± 3.3), but significantly different from cells co-expressing KCNQ1 with wild-type KCNE4 (3.3 ± 0.35). These studies suggest that a juxtamembrane region in KCNE4 is critical for its interaction with CaM and is necessary for modulation of KCNQ1.
Advances in the application of nanotechnology in enabling a ‘hydrogen economy’

Hydrogen is gaining a great deal of attention as an energy carrier as well as an alternative fuel. However, in order to fully implement the so called ‘hydrogen economy’ significant technical challenges need to be overcome in the fields of production and storage of hydrogen and its point of use especially in fuel cells for the automotive industry. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss recent advances in the use of nanomaterials for solar hydrogen production and on-board solid state storage of hydrogen. The role of nanotechnology in enhancing the efficiency of fuel cells and reducing their cost is also discussed.
Operational satellites and the global monitoring of snow and ice

The altitudinal dependence of the global warming projected by global climate models is at least partially attributable to the albedo-temperature feedback involving snow and ice, which must be regarded as key variables in the monitoring for global change. Statistical analyses of data from IR and microwave sensors monitoring the areal coverage and extent of sea ice have led to mixed conclusions about recent trends of hemisphere sea ice coverage. Seasonal snow cover has been mapped for over 20 years by NOAA/NESDIS on the basis of imagery from a variety of satellite sensors. Multichannel passive microwave data show some promise for the routine monitoring of snow depth over unforested land areas.