cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plastic deformation in a metallic granular chain

Solitary wave response was investigated in a metallic granular chain–piston system using LS-DYNA. A power law hardening material model was used to show that localized plastic deformation is present in a metallic granular chain for an impact velocity of 0.5 m/s. This loss due to plastic deformation was quantified via impulse, and it was shown that the loss scales nearly linearly with impact velocity. Therefore, metallic grains may not be suitable for devices that require high-amplitude solitary waves. There would be too much energy lost to plastic deformation. One can assume that ceramics will behave elastically; therefore, the response of an aluminum oxide granular chain was compared to that of a steel chain.
From discharge to readmission: Understanding the process from the patient perspective

BACKGROUND Patient engagement is critical in delivering high-quality care. However, literature investigating patient perspectives on readmissions is lacking. OBJECTIVES To understand patients' beliefs and attitudes about 30-day readmissions and to elucidate areas for improvement aimed at reducing readmissions. DESIGN In person survey. SETTING Academic medical center and affiliated community hospital. PATIENTS Patients with 30-day readmissions to medicine and cardiology services. MEASUREMENTS Patient readiness, attitudes toward readmissions, discharge instructions, ambulatory resources, and follow-up care. RESULTS Of 479 eligible patients approached for interviews, 230 (48%) were interviewed. Of these, 28% reported not feeling ready for discharge, and this correlated with inadequate symptom resolution, poor pain control, and concerns about self-care. Sixty-five percent remembered reviewing discharge paperwork, but over 22% could not identify critical information on this paperwork. Eighty-five percent reported having a primary doctor; however, only 56% of patients who received a contact number on discharge called a physician before returning to the hospital. One-third of patients knew where to obtain same-day care outside of the emergency room. Lastly, patients reported feeling more relieved than burdened upon readmission (7.7 [standard deviation {SD} 2.8) vs 5.9 [SD 3.4]; P < 0.001, scale of 1–10). CONCLUSIONS By engaging readmitted patients we have illuminated areas for future interventions, including better symptom management and self-care planning before discharge, more clarity in discharge instructions, promoting awareness of outpatient resources, and improved alignment of patient and provider attitudes about readmissions. As the United States strives to reduce readmissions, attending to the patient perspective is critical in informing appropriate avenues for quality improvement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Mie Potentials for Phase Equilibria: Application to Alkenes

Transferable united-atom force fields based on Mie potentials are presented for alkenes. Monte Carlo simulations in the grand canonical ensemble, combined with histogram reweighting, are used to determine vapor–liquid coexistence curves, vapor pressures, heats of vaporization, boiling points, and critical properties for 1-alkenes from ethene to 1-octene. To assess the transferability of the optimized parameters, additional calculations are performed for the cis and trans isomers of 2-butene and 2-pentene and the dienes 1,3-butadiene and 1,5-hexadiene. Saturated liquid densities for the 1-alkenes, 2-pentenes, and 1,5-hexadiene are predicted to within 1 % of experimental data, while deviations of (2 to 5) % from experiment were observed for cis-2-butene and 1,3-butadiene, respectively. Vapor pressures for the alkenes are predicted to within (2 to 15) % of experiment, with errors increasing with chain length and at lower temperatures. Critical temperatures are predicted to within 1 % of experiment for all mo...
Talking to Gaymers: Questioning Identity, Community and Media Representation

With few exceptions, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are generally ignored in the realm of digital games. This ethnography of members of an online gay gamer, or gaymer, community allowed me to better understand their thoughts on LGBTQ representation in games, as well as the construction of the gaymer community. How gaymer identities are constructed, how this community is formed, and how its members discuss the representation of LGBTQ individuals in video games are discussed here. Gaymer identity was found to be more complex than the simple ‘homosexual gamer’ defi nition often used implies. Finding a space to express this identity was much more important to members than the invisibility of LGBTQ individuals in video game texts. The relative importance of in-game representation was tied to the context of play. The political implications of these fi ndings are discussed in the conclusion of this article.
Feeding Behavior and DDT Resistance of Epitrix cucumeris (Harris)

In laboratory tests resistant potato flea beetles ( Epitrix cucumeris (Harris) ) fed more on DDT-treated potato foliage, with less mortality, than the susceptible beetles. Both resistant and susceptible beetles preferred untreated to DDT-treated foliage. This preference was greater for susceptible beetles than it was for resistant ones. A positive response in feeding orientation was demonstrated for light, physical injury to the feeding surface, and increase in temperature. A negative response away from DDT, dieldrin and malathion was also demonstrated. Negative response to DDT was less where light and physical leaflet surface were used as antagonistic stimuli.
Comparison of micro-CT post-processing methods for evaluating the trabecular bone volume fraction in a rat ACL-transection model

Trabecular bone volume fraction assessments are likely sensitive to the analysis method and selection of the region of interest. Currently, there are several methods for selecting the region of interest to analyze trabecular bone in animal models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to compare three published methods for determining the trabecular bone volume fraction of the medial tibial epiphyses in ACL transected and contralateral ACL intact knees. Micro-computed tomography images of both knees were obtained five weeks post-operatively and evaluated using three methods: (1) the Whole Compartment Method that captured the entire medial compartment, (2) the centrally located Single Core Method, and (3) the Triplet Core Method that averaged focal locations in the anterior, central, and posterior regions. The Whole Compartment Method detected significant bone loss in the ACL transected knee compared to the ACL intact knee (p<0.001), with a loss of 15.2±3.9%. The Single Core and the Triplet Core Methods detected losses of 7.5±10.5% (p=0.061) and 14.1±13.7%(p=0.01), respectively. Details regarding segmentation methods are important for facilitating comparisons between studies, and for selecting methods to document trabecular bone changes and treatment outcomes. Based on these findings, the Whole Compartment Method is recommended, as it was least variable and more sensitive for detecting differences in the bone volume fraction in the medial compartment.
The New Weird

Inasmuch as so-called New Weird fiction defines itself in relation to what now presumably must be considered ‘Old Weird’ fiction, any discussion of the former must necessarily start with the latter—and, in keeping with the complicated and fascinating etymology of the term ‘weird’ itself, it is a discussion that spreads out in several directions. Contemporary English speakers are likely to use the term ‘weird’ as an adjective to characterise something odd, strange, abnormal or unexpected. The Old English wyrd, however, from which the contemporary usage is derived, was a noun signifying ‘[t]he principle, power, or agency by which events are predetermined; fate, destiny’ (‘weird, n.’ Oxford English Dictionary). The werdys were the Fates, the goddesses in charge of determining the course of human life—one hears this resonance in Shakespeare’s three ‘weird sisters’ in Macbeth—and someone’s ‘weird’ was their appointed destiny, that which was fated to happen to them. The use of ‘weird’ as an adjective originally derived from the noun and connoted the supernatural power to manipulate the destiny of human beings. From there, it generalised to convey a sense of the strange, unusual and fantastic.
Abstract 226: Platelet Mitochondria Regulate Thrombotic and Inflammatory Function

Introduction: Cells require energy provided by glycolytic and mitochondrial sources. Obesity, a health issue worldwide, affects mitochondrial function. Platelets possess mitochondria although their...
Chemical Analysis of Potential Initiating Fluid for Low-Speed Pre-ignition

Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) has become a major challenge for the light duty automotive industry. The movement to downsize engines and add turbocharging has improved performance and fuel economy, but the in-cylinder conditions created have led to this stochastic and destructive knocking behavior. Many researchers studying the LSPI phenomenon have hypothesized that it is caused, at least in part, by fluid which is ejected from the piston crevice region.
Ethnic Homogeneity and Community Policing: The Surprising Effects of Social Capital in Two Cape Town Neighborhoods

Under what conditions does coethnicity undermine mutually beneficial collective action? One of the most enduring hypotheses in a comparative political economy decade is that ethnic diversity tends to undermine public goods provision. Ethnically homogenous communities are assumed to have a distinct advantage in local goods provision because shared identities tend to facilitate cooperation among coethnics. However, one can observe variation in the success of local goods provision across homogenous communities. To explain this puzzling occurrence, I explore the relationship between coethnicity and social capital, examining how they interact differently in different contexts. Empirically, I conduct an analysis of my own fieldwork on community policing efforts in two ethnically homogenous communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates that, in some contexts, coethnicity facilitates the development of bonding social capital, a type of social capital that constricts opportunities for individual action by creating certain expectations about behavior. In the context of community policing, those expectations can discourage individuals from participating in collective efforts.
Canine and feline fundus photography and videography using a nonpatented 3D printed lens adapter for a smartphone.

Objective To describe an indirect funduscopy imaging technique for dogs and cats using low cost and widely available equipment: a smartphone, a three-dimensional (3D) printed indirect lens adapter, and a 40 diopters (D) indirect ophthalmoscopy lens. Methods Fundus videography was performed in dogs and cats using a 40D indirect ophthalmoscopy lens and a smartphone fitted with a 3D printed indirect lens adapter. All animals were pharmacologically dilated with topical tropicamide 1% solution. Eyelid opening and video recording were performed using standard binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy technique. All videos were uploaded to a computer, and still images were selected and acquired for archiving purposes. Fundic images were manipulated to represent the true anatomy of the fundus. Results It was possible to promptly obtain good quality images from normal and diseased retinas using the nonpatented 3D printed, lens adapter for a smartphone. Conclusions Fundic imaging using a smartphone can be performed with minimal investment. This simple imaging modality can be used by veterinary ophthalmologists and general practitioners to acquire, archive, and share images of the retina. The quality of images obtained will likely improve with developments in smartphone camera software and hardware.
Rapid Screen of Potential i-Motif Forming Sequences in DNA Repair Gene Promoters

We have studied the in vitro stability of 25 potential i-motif-forming DNA sequences found within the promoter regions of 18 different human DNA repair genes. Three widely available methods of characterization were used to rapidly assess i-motif folding and stability and comprise a simple screen for preliminary identification of physiologically relevant i-motif forming sequences. Four highly pH-stable candidate sequences were identified exhibiting pH transitions (pH at which 50% of the oligodeoxynucleotides in solution are folded) at or above pH 6.6, thermal melting temperatures above 37 °C and isothermal UV difference spectra characteristic of 2'-deoxycytidine imino-nitrogen protonation. These newly identified i-motif forming sequences could represent novel targets for understanding and modulating human DNA repair gene expression.
Expressed Intergenic Fusions are Frequent Drivers of Adverse Outcomes in Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract Despite recent efforts to uncover the landscape of mutations that drive breast cancer pathogenesis, a substantial proportion of cases lack recognizable genomic alterations. We sought to uncover novel genetic drivers of hormone-receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer, employing a targeted next-generation sequencing approach for detecting expressed gene rearrangements without prior knowledge of the fusion partners. We identified intergenic fusions involving driver genes including PIK3CA, AKT3, RAF1 and ESR1 in 14% (24/173) of unselected patients with advanced HR+ breast cancer. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis confirmed the corresponding chromosomal rearrangements in both primary and metastatic tumors. Expression of multiple novel kinase fusions in non-transformed cells activates phosphoprotein signaling and dramatically deregulates cell proliferation and survival in 3-dimensional culture, while expression in models of HR+ breast cancer modulates estrogen-dependent growth and transcription, and confers resistance to hormonal therapy in vitro and in vivo. Strikingly, decreased time-to-recurrence and shorter overall survival were observed in patients with rearrangement-positive versus -negative tumors. Correspondingly, fusions were uncommon (
Concepts in Neural Stimulation: Electrical and Optical Modulation of the Auditory Pathways

Understanding the mechanisms of neural stimulation is necessary to improve the management of sensory disorders. Neurons can be artificially stimulated using electrical current, or with newer stimulation modalities, including optogenetics. Electrical stimulation forms the basis for all neuroprosthetic devices that are used clinically. Off-target stimulation and poor implant performance remain concerns for patients with electrically based neuroprosthetic devices. Optogenetic techniques may improve cranial nerve stimulation strategies used by various neuroprostheses and result in better patient outcomes. This article reviews the fundamentals of neural stimulation and provides an overview of recent major advancements in light-based neuromodulation."
Cost effectiveness of therapeutic drug monitoring for imatinib administration in chronic myeloid leukemia.

Background Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a first-line treatment option for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Patients who fail or are intolerant to IM therapy are treated with more expensive second and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Patients show wide variation in trough concentrations in response to standard dosing. Thus, many patients receive subtherapeutic or supratherapeutic doses. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may improve dose management that, in turn, may reduce costs and improve outcomes. However, TDM also adds to the cost of patient care. The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of TDM for generic IM therapy. Methods We developed a microsimulation model for the trough plasma concentration of IM which is related to a cytogenetic or molecular response. We compared two cohorts: one with TDM and one without TDM (NTDM). The lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the effectiveness measure. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results The lifetime cost and QALY of treatment with TDM were $2,137K [95% Ci: 2,079K; 2,174K] and 12.37 [95% CI: 12.07; 12.55], respectively. The cost and QALY of NTDM were $2,132K [95% CI: 2,091K; 2,197K] and 12.23 [95% CI: 11.96; 12.50], respectively. The incremental cost and QALY for TDM relative to NTDM was $4,417 [95% CI: -52,582; 32,097]) and 0.15 [95% CI: -0.13; 0.28]. The ICER for TDM relative to NTDM was $30,450/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that TDM was cost-effective relative to NTDM in 90% of the tested scenarios at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY. Conclusions Although the impact of TDM is modest, the cost-effectiveness over a lifetime horizon (societal perspective, ($30,450/QALY) falls within the acceptable range (< $100k/QALY).
Mitragynine, bioactive alkaloid of kratom, reduces chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in rats through α-adrenoceptor mechanism

Abstract Background and Purpose Kratom is a coffee-like plant containing compounds that cause opioid and stimulant effects. The most prevalent bioactive alkaloid of kratom is mitragynine (MG). Opioid effects of MG are apparent (e.g. antinociception and nanomolar affinity for μ, κ and δ opioid receptors), but effects encompassing interactions with additional systems, such as adrenergic and dopaminergic, remain undefined. Given that enhanced adrenergic transmission is a mechanism common to most first-line neuropathic pain medications, we tested the hypothesis that MG reduces chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain through a mechanism involving α-adrenoceptor activation. Methods Rats were injected once with oxaliplatin (6 mg/kg IP) to induce allodynia and then treated with MG (0, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg IP) for 5–7 days. To investigate receptor mechanisms, a fixed dose of MG (5 mg/kg IP) was injected with yohimbine (5 mg/kg IP, α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), prazosin (5 mg/kg IP, α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), or naltrexone (5 mg/kg IP, opioid antagonist). Key Results MG (5, 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced mechanical sensitivity in oxaliplatin-injected rats. Anti-allodynic effects of MG were completely inhibited by yohimbine, and significantly reduced by prazosin and naltrexone. MG produced modest hyperlocomotion but only at a dose (30 mg/kg) higher than those required to reduce allodynia. Conclusion and Implication The finding that MG reduced neuropathic pain through a mechanism requiring active α-adrenoceptors indicates that the pharmacological profile of MG includes activation of adrenergic, as well as opioid, systems.
Immunogenicity and safety of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in patients with immunocompromising conditions: a review of available evidence

Immunocompromising conditions increase the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Vaccine uptake in patients with these conditions may be low in part because of concerns about decreased immunogenicity and safety in these high-risk groups. We conducted a literature search to identify publications describing antibody responses to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in immunocompromised individuals recommended for PCV13 vaccination by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This review summarizes immunogenicity data from 30 publications regarding the use of PCV13 comprising 2406 individuals considered at high risk for IPD by the ACIP. Although antibody responses to PCV13 in individuals with immunocompromising and high-risk conditions were variable and generally lower compared with healthy controls, the vaccine was immunogenic and was largely well tolerated. Based on these findings, concerns regarding immunogenicity and safety of PCV13 are not supported and should not be barriers to vaccination in high-risk populations.
Reflections on dealing with epistemically vicious students

As a philosophy instructor, I strive to get my students to think critically about the subject matter. However, over the years I have encountered many students who seem to deliberately want to avoid thinking critically. I am talking particularly about some students in my “Science and Religion” course, who subscribe to scientific creationism and endorse anti–scientific beliefs which seem to be irrational. In this essay, I will offer reflections of my experiences from these classes, and argue that individuals who subscribe to creationism exhibit a combination of epistemic vices that makes them prone to holding incorrect views. Employing Quassim Cassam’s framework on the epistemic vices of conspiracy theorists in his “Vice Epistemology”, I argue that the creationists’ beliefs can best be understood as resulting from similar vices. Subsequently, I move to consider the reasons why these students subscribe to creationism, using Katherine Dormandy’s analysis in her “Does Epistemic Humility Threaten Religious Beliefs?” as a springboard. Following Dormandy, I explore how epistemic vices (in particular the lack of epistemic humility) lead to someone holding false —even irrational— beliefs. Finally, I will consider strategies in dealing with vice–charging the epistemically vicious students in a way that avoids the practical difficulties noted by Ian James Kidd in his “Charging Others with Epistemic Vice”.
Education, environment, advocacy, research, and tools: an annotated bibliography

This annotated bibliography is a resource for educators in the field of environmental studies and sciences. The articles included provide a range of ideas and opportunities to promote civic engagement and advocacy in students. Educators are encouraged to adopt activism and civic engagement, encourage critical thinking, and convert their classrooms into centers of change. In this era of environmental uncertainty and climate change, the status quo must be questioned. Educators hold a unique position to encourage creative and effective methods for transforming students into actors capable of solving existential problems.
A new electrocardiographic concept: V1-V2-V3 are not only horizontal, but also frontal plane leads.

Abstract According to conventional teaching, the limb leads in the electrocardiogram (ECG) represent the frontal plane electrical vectors of the heart, whereas the chest leads signify the horizontal plane. The anterior chest leads V1-V2-V3, however, also have strong frontal plane representation which can result in morphological similarities in these leads to the augmented unipolar leads of the Einthoven triangle. This review highlights the significance of recognizing V1-V2-V3 as not only horizontal, but also as frontal plane leads. Appreciation of this phenomenon helps elucidate a colorful variety of clinically important but seemingly bizarre ECG manifestations that could not be explained otherwise.
Research Updates for Influenza Virus and Vaccine Development

While the scientific community has been focusing on combating novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, we also want to draw your attention to this Special Issue of Vaccines entitled "Influenza Virus and Vaccine Development" [...].
Improving Care for Childhood Obesity: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Obesity affected 13.7 million children in the United States in 2015. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers an evidence-based approach to obesity management, but adherence to recommendations is suboptimal. Our objective was to improve provider adherence to the AAP recommendations for care of patients with obesity by making systematic changes in our practice for patients of ages > 2 and younger than 19 years with a BMI > 95th percentile. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 417 qualifying encounters to assess adherence in the six months preceding the initiative. We measured adherence as a proportion of eligible patients who had (1) obesity on the problem list; (2) laboratory work offered; (3) counseling provided; (4) early follow-up recommended; (5) referral to a weight management program. In 2018, a multidisciplinary QI team conducted plan-do-study-act cycles to educate providers on the AAP recommendations and improve obesity-related care systems. The initiative lasted 18 months. Results During the initiative, we tracked 885 patient encounters via chart review. We witnessed continued improvement in 4 out of 5 measures. For early follow-up offered, we saw improvement after PDSA 1, followed by a decline after PDSA 3. Providers ordered laboratory tests in only 13% of encounters for eligible children ages younger than 6 years versus 45% for ages older than 6 years, an age-dependent disparity that persisted despite the QI initiative. Conclusion Our pediatric practice sustained improvement in adherence to AAP recommendations. There is a need to assess the reasons behind the care disparity based on patient ages.
Poisoning Deep Reinforcement Learning Agents with In-Distribution Triggers.

In this paper, we propose a new data poisoning attack and apply it to deep reinforcement learning agents. Our attack centers on what we call in-distribution triggers, which are triggers native to the data distributions the model will be trained on and deployed in. We outline a simple procedure for embedding these, and other, triggers in deep reinforcement learning agents following a multi-task learning paradigm, and demonstrate in three common reinforcement learning environments. We believe that this work has important implications for the security of deep learning models.
Efficacy of a mobile technology-based intervention for increasing parents' safety knowledge and actions: a randomized controlled trial.

Leading causes of unintentional child injury such as poisoning and falls are preventable, and the majority occur in the home. Numerous home safety interventions have been developed and tested to increase safety behaviors; however, no smart phone-based applications (apps) have been developed and evaluated for this purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a mobile technology-based health behavior change intervention, the Make Safe Happen® app, was an effective tool to increase safety knowledge and safety actions/behaviors for the prevention of child unintentional injuries in and around the home. Data were collected in pretest and posttest online surveys from an existing nationwide population-based survey panel. Intervention subjects were randomized to organically (participant-driven) use the Make Safe Happen® app for 1 week, which provided home safety information and the ability to purchase safety products, while control participants were assigned to download and use an app about a topic other than home safety. The primary outcomes of safety knowledge and home safety actions were assessed by using linear mixed model regressions with intention-to-treat analyses. A total of 5032 participants were randomized to either the intervention (n = 4182) or control (n = 850) group, with 2055 intervention participants downloading and entering their participant IDs into the Make Safe Happen® app. The online posttest survey was completed by 770 intervention and 283 control subjects. Mean knowledge parent safety score increased at a greater rate for intervention than control subjects (p < 0.0001), and at posttest was significantly higher for intervention than control subjects (p < 0.0001). The percentage of intervention subjects who reported doing all one-time and repeated safety actions significantly increased from pretest to posttest (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively), but there was no change among the control subjects (p = 0.1041 and p = 0.9755, respectively). At posttest, this percentage was larger for intervention than control subjects only for repeated safety actions (p = 0.0340). The mobile application significantly improved safety knowledge and safety actions for participants using the Make Safe Happen® app, although loss to follow-up was a limitation. The results of this study indicate the usefulness of widespread distribution and use of the Make Safe Happen® app. Trial registration number NCT02751203 ; Registered April 26, 2016.
Star-cubing: computing iceberg cubes by top-down and bottom-up integration

Data cube computation is one of the most essential but expensive operations in data warehousing. Previous studies have developed two major approaches, top-down vs. bottom-up. The former, represented by the Multi-Way Array Cube (called MultiWay) algorithm [25], aggregates simultaneously on multiple dimensions; however, it cannot take advantage of Apriori pruning [2] when computing iceberg cubes (cubes that contain only aggregate cells whose measure value satisfies a threshold, called iceberg condition). The latter, represented by two algorithms: BUC [6] and H-Cubing[11], computes the iceberg cube bottom-up and facilitates Apriori pruning. BUC explores fast sorting and partitioning techniques; whereas H-Cubing explores a data structure, H-Tree, for shared computation. However, none of them fully explores multi-dimensional simultaneous aggregation. In this paper, we present a new method, Star-Cubing, that integrates the strengths of the previous three algorithms and performs aggregations on multiple dimensions simultaneously. It utilizes a star-tree structure, extends the simultaneous aggregation methods, and enables the pruning of the group-by's that do not satisfy the iceberg condition. Our performance study shows that Star-Cubing is highly efficient and outperforms all the previous methods in almost all kinds of data distributions.
Characterization of human loricrin. Structure and function of a new class of epidermal cell envelope proteins.

We have isolated and characterized a full-length cDNA clone encoding human loricrin. Curiously, this protein displays major differences from the recently described mouse loricrin (Mehrel, T., Hohl, D., Nakazawa, H., Rothnagel, J.A., Longley, M.A., Bundman, D., Cheng, C.K., Lichti, U., Bisher, M.E., Steven, A. C., Steinert, P.M., Yuspa, S.H., and Roop, D.R. (1990) Cell 61, 1103-1112). Although both proteins are glycine-serine-cysteine-rich, the sequences have not been conserved. However, analysis of the sequences reveals a common motif of quasi-peptide repeats of an aliphatic or aromatic amino acid residue followed by several glycine and/or serine and cysteine residues. These sequences are interspersed and flanked by short glutamine- or glutamine/lysine-rich peptides. Thus loricrins consist of a family of cell envelope proteins of highly variable sequences that nevertheless retain common structural elements. We show that unlike all other putative protein components of the cell envelope, loricrins are highly insoluble, due at least in part to cross-linking by disulfide bonds. Furthermore, we have isolated four peptides from purified human cell envelopes that contain recognizable loricrin sequences and which are cross-linked by the N epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine isodipeptide bond. The presence of such bonds thus affords an explanation for the extraordinary insolubility of loricrin by cross-linking to the cell envelope and can also explain the low steady-state levels of monomeric loricrin in cytoskeletal extracts of epidermis. This study represents the first report of this isodipeptide cross-link in a protein component of the cornified cell envelope. We propose a model for the structure of loricrin in which (i) the unusual glycine-serine-rich sequences adopt a flexible loop conformation, indexed on the recurrent aliphatic residues; (ii) inter- or intramolecular isodipeptide and disulfide cross-links induce or stabilize folding of loricrin so as to form a more compact rosette-like structure; and (iii) the presence of the flexible glycine-rich loops necessarily will impact a flexible character to the cell envelope and entire epithelium.
Anion exchange studies

Abstract A packed column method for the precision measurement of temperature coefficients of ion exchange equilibria has been developed and equipment suitable for operation up to 200° is described. Use of the equipment is illustrated with the bromide (tracer)-chloride anion exchange system in the range 0° to 150° for which the enthalpy change was found to be a linear function of temperature.
Relation Between Protein Synthesis and Phospholipid Synthesis and Turnover in Escherichia coli

Turnover of phospholipids occurred continuously in a fatty acid auxotroph of Escherichia coli, but in the wild-type parent strain significant turnover occurred only under conditions where protein synthesis was inhibited but lipid synthesis continued. Both strains gave a stringent response of ribonucleic acid accumulation to amino acid starvation, but only in the wild type was lipid synthesis also inhibited. A revertant strain of the auxotroph resembled the wild type in this respect. The phospholipid that accumulates in the culture medium as a result of the lipid turnover appears to be part of a loosely bound low-density complex arising from the cell envelope.
Formation of intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds in histidine-binding protein J of Salmonella typhimurium upon binding L-histidine. A proton nuclear magnetic resonance study.

Abstract Histidine-binding protein J of Salmonella typhimurium has been chosen as a model system for a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic investigation of binding protein-ligand interaction. This interaction is involved in the recognition step of the osmotic shock-sensitive active transport systems. When J protein binds l -histidine, four new, low-field, exchangeable proton resonances appear in the region +7 to +12 parts per million downfield from the water proton resonance (or +11.7 to +16.7 parts per million downfield from the methyl proton resonance of 2,2-dimethyl-2-silapentane-5-sulfonate). Due to their chemical shift range and other properties, they indicate the formation of both intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Experiments with 15 N-labeled compounds confirm this conclusion. The specificity of the hydrogen-bond formation is demonstrated by observing the effects of substrate analogs, temperature, pH, and mutations on the exchangeable proton resonances. Proton-proton nuclear Overhauser effect measurements suggest that two of these exchangeable proton resonances (at +7.2 and +10.6 parts per million from H 2 O) are most likely from intramolecular hydrogen-bonded protons, while the other two (at +7.1 and +9.5 parts per million from H 2 O) are intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Our finding of l -histidine-induced hydrogen-bond formation in histidine-binding protein J in the solution state is an excellent demonstration of the production of specific conformational changes in a periplasmic binding protein upon binding of ligand.
Splice site skipping in polyomavirus late pre-mRNA processing.

Abstract Polyomavirus late nuclear primary transcripts contain tandem repeats of the late strand of the viral genome, as a result of inefficient transcription termination and polyadenylation. Pre-mRNA processing involves the splicing of short noncoding late leader exons to each other (removing genome-length introns) and the splicing of the last leader to a coding body exon (such as for the major virion structural protein, VP1). As a result, cytoplasmic mRNAs contain 1 to 12 tandem leader exons at their 5' ends that are followed by a single coding exon. To understand more about how polyomavirus exons are spliced together, we studied a double-genome construct consisting of two tandem but nonidentical polyomavirus late transcription units. The alternating leader exons are distinguishable from one another but retain identical flanking RNA-processing signals, as for the alternating VP1 exons. We transfected this construct and derivatives of it into mouse cells and determined which leader exons are spliced to which others and which VP1 exons are utilized. Results showed that leader exons are almost never skipped during splicing and are spliced sequentially to one another. On the other hand, VP1 exons were often skipped, with the VP1 exon closest to the polyadenylation site splicing to the nearest upstream leader exon. Splice site replacement experiments showed that VP1 exon skipping is not due to a relative weakness of its 3' splice site or to any sequence upstream of the VP1 3' splice site. Exon skipping is also not the result of sequences within the VP1 exon. Rather, VP1 3' splice site skipping can be eliminated by replacing the inefficient late polyadenylation signal with an efficient one, or by inserting a 5' splice site between the VP1 3' splice site and the late polyadenylation site. Thus, sequences that compose the distal border of the VP1 exon can influence usage of the upstream 3' splice site.
Nuclear physics: Unexpected doubly magic nucleus

Nuclei with a 'magic' number of both protons and neutrons, dubbed doubly magic, are particularly stable. The oxygen isotope 24O has been found to be one such nucleus — yet it lies just at the limit of stability.
Businesses and the need for speed: The impact of broadband speed on business presence

Abstract Despite the widespread attention devoted to broadband and its anticipated impacts, surprisingly little is known regarding the linkages between broadband provision and establishment location. This is particularly true with respect to broadband speed. Given the understudied nature of this relationship, this study estimates econometric models to examine the linkages between broadband speed and firms using Ohio as a case study. Models results indicate broadband speed is most important to agricultural and rural firms. These findings provide case study support for policy and funding initiatives designed to improve the quality of broadband infrastructure in rural locations.
The crystal structure of cis-N-methylcarboxamido methylamine tetracarbonyl manganese(I), Mn(CO)4 (NH2CH3)(CONHCH3)

Abstract A single-crystal x-ray structure analysis of one form of a compound with empirical formula MnC7H9O5N2, previously postulated to be seven-coordinated, has been completed. The crystals are tetragona, space group I 4 1 a , 16 molecules per unit cell with unit cell dimensions a=b=19.91± 0.05 and c=11.09± 0.05A, and a calculated density of 1.45 g cm 3 . Using three dimensional scintillation-counter data and a full matrix anisotropic least-squares analysis, the refinement of all non-hydrogen atoms has yielded a final unweighted reliability index of 9.5% for 1315 observed reflections. The configuration about the manganese atom is approximately octahedral, the ligands being four carbonyl groups, one methylamine group, and oneN-methylcarboxamido group. The manganese-carbonyl distances are of two types, 1.847± 0.011 and 1.775± 0.013 A. The shorter distance occurs trans to the methylamine group. The N-Methylcarboxamido group is planar, due to partial double bond character of the C-N bond. All other bond distances and angles are reasonable when van der Waals interactions are considered.
Impact of air pollutants on athletic performance.

Human controlled and observational studies both lead to the conclusion of air pollution adversely affecting athletic performance during training and competition. The dosage of various air pollutants during exercise is much higher due to the marked increase in ventilatory rate and concomitant nasal and oral breathing. This is particularly true for sulfur dioxide which is a highly water-soluble gas and is normally absorbed in the upper airway during nasal breathing. With heavy exercise, oral pharyngeal breathing is the predominant mode of breathing and much larger amounts of sulfur dioxide are delivered to the lower airway resulting in significant impact upon the lower respiratory tract. More recently, several controlled human studies have shown that a combination of exercise and air pollutants such as ozone (O3) or sulfur dioxides (SO2) cause a significant increase in bronchoconstriction and air flow obstruction when compared to the same exposure at rest. In strenuous athletic competition such as the Olympic Games where small increments of time often determine the ultimate success of athletes, the impact of air pollutants and subsequent adverse ventilatory changes can affect athletic performance. 62 references.
Morphology of crystalline polyurethane hard segment domains and spherulites

Abstract Chemical staining of the unsaturated hard segment portion of a segmented polyurethane based on poly(propylene oxide)/4,4′-diphenyl methane-diisocyanate/butenediol (PPO/MDI/BEDO) permitted observation of the hard segment domains by electron microscopy. The hard segment phase forms (para)-crystalline domains which are fibrillar in nature. The fibrils are arranged radially into spherulite structures. The concentration of the hard segment is greatest at the centre of the largest spherulites suggesting the preferential agglomeration of molecules with the longest hard segment sequences at the beginning of the phase separation process from solution.
Thematic coverage of population and family planning efforts of India in the New York Times

It is alleged that the Western press coverage of developing nations is largely negative; it ignores the cultural, social and development activities and initiatives of disadvantaged countries. This study was undertaken to see how India's population control and family planning efforts were covered in the New York Times (between 1951 and 1990. The research method used was content analysis. The NYT was selected as the sample American newspaper. During the 40-year period under study, NYT published 249 population and family planning stories on India. Each of these news stories in the NYT categorized into different themes. The study identified 11 themes which were then classified into themes more or less likely to get covered based on Westem news values. NYT, by and large, covered India's family planning efforts when they were associated with themes such as politics, civil unrest and religious differences (in line with Western news values) and not as part of the process of national development.
Autosomal albinism affects immunocompetence in the chicken.

Abstract Immune responsiveness of three neonatal and juvenile phenotypes, determined by the albinotic C locus, was evaluated. The phenotypes included normally pigmented (C+/−), recessive white ( c c a ), and completely amelanotic albinos ( c a c a ). No differences in: (1) primary agglutinin levels directed against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) or Brucella abortus (BA), or (2) cell-mediated immunity, as estimated by in vivo mitogen stimulation, were associated with the albino phenotype. The significant suppression of secondary SRBC or BA agglutinins observed in albino chicks was limited and of questionable biological significance. Acquisition of passively transferred maternal BA agglutinins was significantly impaired in albino progeny irrespective of dam genotype. No differences in agglutinin levels were associated with dam genotype. In addition, uptake of yolk sac contents was retarded significantly in albino chicks at hatch. These data suggest that an impaired ability to absorb maternal antibody and not the capacity to mount an active immune response contributes to neonatal mortality in albino chicks.
A ruthenium complex with 1,5-diphenyl-3-thiocarbazone (dithizone) as monodentate ligands: bis(2,2'-bipyridyl-kappa(2)N,N')bis(dithizonato-kappaS)ruthenium(II).

The title compound, [Ru(C 13 H 11 N 4 S) 2 (C 15 H 8 N 2 ) 2 ], has C 2 symmetry, with bidentate 2,2'-bipyridyl ligands dictating a cis geometry around the Ru II center. The monodentate S -bonded dithizone ligands are almost planar, except for one of the phenyl rings, which is twisted by 34.2 (4)&#x00B0 from the N/N/C(S)/ N/N plane. The RuÐS bond length is 2.4140 (13) &#x00C5, and the RuÐN bond lengths are 2.048 (4) and 2.074 (4) &#x00C5.
Cloned genes of storage proteins

The compi la t ion of the c loned and sequenced p lant s torage pro te in genes was pe r fo rmed on Release 14 of the EMBL da tabase ( H a m m & Cameron , 1986). This list includes only those genes that have been cloned, sequenced, and submit ted to the database. We used the sequence analysis package f rom the Genet ics C o m p u t e r Group, GCG version 5.1 of Devereux et al. (1984) run on a Digital Sys tems Vax 11/785 min icompu te r . Specifically, the prog ram "Strings" was used to locate all sequences that had the character s t r ing storage or seed in their documen ta t i on . All ent r ies that ma tched the str ing seed but not storage were checked to see if they were indeed storage prote in genes; those that were not were eliminated. The data f rom this list of sequences was extracted and concatena ted into a single file using the p rog ram "Fetch" of the GCG package. The re levan t data of in teres t was then ex t rac ted us ing the p rog ra m "Features" (wri t ten by S.I.), and format ted into a table us ing the p r o g r a m "make_table" (wri t ten by S.I. and K.O.E.). In o rde r to e l iminate dupl icat ions, the data f rom Genbank and EMBL databases were cross referenced using the spreadsheet p rog ram Excel on a MacIntosh SE. Addit ional searches were done using names of k n o w n storage proteins as strings; e.g., zein. This app roach can be genera l ized to fo rmula te lists of any class of genes rep resen ted in the EMBL database. We should note that the EMBL da tabase is d i rec t ly accessible "online" via the BitNet compute r network.
Regenerating urban space: putting highway airspace to work

As cities are reaching critical densities of urban fabric, they face the dual problem of rising real estate values and vast areas of land in valuable locations occupied by highways and railways along with their supporting operations. Rights‐of‐way of both highways and railways, slicing through dense urban fabric, often act as barriers to growth. Further, they tend to generate edges which are problematic to use in positive ways and that physically delineate social separation. An answer to this phenomenon may be the joint development of air rights associated with urban transportation corridors by providing a means to reknit disrupted neighbourhoods and communities.
The galloping instability of ice coated poles

Abstract A wind tunnel investigation of the lift and drag of cylinders over Reynolds Numbers (Based on diameter) from 50,000 to 500,000 for ice thicknesses from 1.5 to 25% of cylinder diameter has been performed. The study revealed that for typical 120° circumferential coverages there is a critical ice thickness (3–6% of the diameter) that can result in a negative Den Hartog coefficient of −10 with a total negative change in lift coefficient of about 1.0 near zero angle of attack. The consequences of this finding in terms of the design of poles is discussed and a few comparisons between predicted and measured amplitudes made.
Autofocusing of Through-the-Wall Radar Imagery Under Unknown Wall Characteristics

The quality and reliability of through-the-wall radar imagery is governed, among other things, by the knowledge of the wall characteristics. Ambiguities in wall characteristics smear and blur the image, and also shift the imaged target positions. An autofocusing technique, based on higher order statistics, is presented which corrects for errors under unknown walls. Simulation results show that the proposed technique provides high-quality focused images with target locations in close proximity to true target positions.