cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiphospholipid antibodies in heart transplant recipients

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPA) are found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, aPA syndrome, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The presence of aPA may predict recurrent events in certain victims of heart attack and stroke. Blood samples from 105 cardiac transplant recipients (81 men, 24 women) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the presence of IgG, IgM, and IgA aPA to phosphatidylserine (PS), cardiolipin (CL), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Patients' ages ranged from 17 to 70 years (mean 51 years). Collection times ranged from Day 1 to 9 years post transplant (mean 36 months). All patients received triple immunosuppressive therapy. We report our aPA ELISA results in multiples of the normal median (MoM) of the OD405 values calculated for 252 healthy individuals. A positive MoM is greater than the MoM that encompasses 95% of the controls; for example, above 3 MoM is considered positive for IgG anti-CL, IgA anti-PS, and CL. Above 4 MoM is positive for IgG anti-PS and PE and IgM anti-PS and CL. Thirty-nine patients had IgG anti-PS (range 4.1-14.8 MoM), 63 had IgG anti-CL (3.1-9.4 MoM), 7 had IgM anti-PS (4.1-12.1 MoM), 1 had IgM anti-CL (14 MoM), 47 had IgA anti-PS (3.1-13.1 MoM), and 58 had IgA anti-CL (3.1-11.5 MoM). In our patient population, the incidence of IgG and/or IgA aPA was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than IgM. Few patients showed specificity for either PS, CL, or PE, and many were positive with more than one antibody isotype. Because aPA were evaluated in these patients, we investigated pretransplant serum samples which are available from 79 of the 105 recipients, and found aPA in 52 of 79 (66%) patients before transplantation. Longitudinal studies were done in three patients: two had increasing IgA aPA, beginning on Days 13 and 26 post transplant, whereas the third patient showed an increased aPA on Day 8 but a decrease on Day 23. Studies are in progress to determine whether a correlation exists between the presence of aPA, immunocytochemical (biopsy) findings, and clinical outcome.
Optimal Precautionary Reserves for Low-Income Countries: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

This paper develops a cost-benefit approach that helps to quantify the optimal level of international reserves in low-income countries, focusing on the role of reserves in preventing and mitigating absorption drops triggered by large external shocks. The approach is applied to a sample of 49 LICs over the period 1980-2008 to yield estimates of the likelihood and severity of a crisis. The calibration results suggest that the standard metric of three months of imports is inadequate for countries with fixed exchange rate regimes. The results also highlight the role of overall policy frameworks and availability of Fund-support in determining optimal reserve levels, raising questions about the uniform applicability of standard rules of thumb across countries.
Conductometric titrations of organic acids in 2-ethoxyethanol

Alcohols have received much attention as media for acid-base determinations, but there have been few reports [l] of the use of Zethoxyethanol (cellosolve), although the cellosolves are excellent solvents for organic compounds. Potentiometric end-points are used frequently for acid-base titrations, but are not well-defined in some solvents, such as the cellosolves. These limitations can be overcome through conductometric titrations which are often used successfully in analyses for relatively weak acids and bases. Since studies of conductometric titrations in 2ethoxyethanol have not been reported, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of such methods.
A multiplicity jump trigger for fixed target charm and beauty experiments

Abstract Using the E791 spectrometer we have tested a multiplicity jump trigger that makes use of thin quartz plates to count the number of particles before and after a decay region just downstream of a thin tungsten target struck by a 500 GeV pion beam. The detector is sensitive to about 2.7 tracks being created between the plates at the 1 sigma level. This performance level may enhance charm events by a small amount, and should lead to an enrichment of well over 100 for B B events.
Synthesis of part of the antigenic repeating-unit of streptococcus pneumoniae type II

Abstract Condensation of methyl 4- O -acetyl-3- O -(2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl)-α- l -rhamnopyranoside with 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzyl-α- d -glucopyranosyl chloride gave a mixture of methyl O -[2,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzyl-α- ( 4 ) and -β- d -glucopyranosyl]-(1→2)- O -[(2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl)-(1→3)]-4- O -acetyl-α- l -rhamnopyranoside ( 9 ) in 43:7 proportion in 63% yield. After chromatographic separation, removal of the benzyl and acetyl groups gave methyl O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ O -α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α- l -rhamnopyranoside and the β anomer. Removal of benzyl groups of 4 was followed by tritylation, acetylation, and detritylation of the α- d -glucopyranosyl group, and finally condensation with benzyl (2,3,4-tri- O -benzyl- d -glucopyranosyl chloride)uronate gave a mixture of two tetrasaccharides ( 15 and 16 ), containing the α- and β- d -glucopyranosyluronic acid groups in the ratio 81:19, and an overall yield of 71%. After chromatographic separation, alkaline hydrolysis and hydrogenation of 15 gave methyl O -α- d -glucopyranosyluronic acid-(1→6)- O -α- d -glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ O -α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α- l -rhamnopyranoside. The β- d anomer was obtained by similar treatment of 16 . 6- O -α- d -glucopyranosyluronic acid-α,β- d -glucopyranose was synthesized as a model compound.
Oppenheimer's Heir: Morbius and Atomic Technology in Forbidden Planet

Abstract This article argues that the character of Morbius in Fred Wilcox's 1956 film Forbidden Planet is representative of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist who is often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb.
Transmission of muscle force to fascia during exercise

Summary Objective As the muscle contracts, fibers get thicker, forcing the fascial tubular layers surrounding the muscle (endomysium, perimysium and epimysium) to expand in diameter and hence to shorten in length. We develop a mathematical model to determine the fraction of force generated by extremity muscles during contraction that is transmitted to the surrounding tubes of fascia. Methods Theory of elasticity is used to determine the modulus of elasticity, radial strain and the radial stress transmitted to the fascia. Results Starting with published data on dimensions of muscle and muscle force, we find radial stress is 50% of longitudinal stress in the soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and elbow flexor and extensor muscles. Conclusion Substantial stress is transmitted to fascia during muscular exercise, which has implications for exercise therapies if they are designed for fascial as well as muscular stress. This adds additional perspective to myofascial force transmission research.
Re: Inherited cardiomyopathies mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

[1] Shehata BM, Patterson K, Thomas JE, et al. Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy: three new cases and a review of the literature. Pediatr Dev Pathol 1998:56–69. [2] Vallance HD, Jeven G, Wallace DC, Brown MD. A case of sporadic infantile histiocytoid cardiomyopathy caused by the A8344G (MERRF) mitochondrial DNA mutation. Pediatr Cardiol 2004;25:538–40. [3] Burke A, Virmani R. Pediatric heart tumors. Cardiovasc Pathol 2008;17: 193–8.
Biochemical and Functional Properties of a Palindromic Sequence Motif within the Hepatitis B Virus Enhancer 1

Abstract The hepatitis B virus (HBV) enhancer 1 is a transcriptional element that contributes to the liver-specific regulation of HBV gene expression. We previously identified a novel protein binding site within the enhancer that contains an 8-bp palindromic sequence motif. This motif partially overlaps the binding sites for nuclear factor 1 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3β (HNF3β). Moreover, we demonstrated that this novel site is recognized by a protein or proteins, tentatively designated as palindrome-binding factor (PBF), that cooperatively interact with HNF3β. In the present work, we have further examined the biochemical and functional attributes of PBF. Protein–DNA interaction studies indicate that three thymidine residues located at the 3′-end of the palindromic sequence motif are important for maximal PBF-binding activity. When protein–DNA complexes were photocrosslinked by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, a prominent polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa was found to associate with the PBF-binding site. Furthermore, transient transfection studies support the hypothesis that PBF contributes to enhancer 1 activity by a combinatorial mechanism that involves at least one other cis -acting sequence motif, the HNF3β-binding site.
Effects of Diluents on Lifted Turbulent Methane and Ethylene Jet Flames

The effects of diluents on the liftoff of turbulent, partially premixed methane and ethylene jet flames for potential impact in industrial burner operation for multifuel operation have been investigated. Both fuel jets were diluted with nitrogen and argon in separate experiments, and the flame liftoff heights were compared for a variety of flow conditions. Methane flames have been shown to liftoff at lower jet velocities and reach blowout conditions much more rapidly than ethylene flames. Diluting ethylene and methane jets with nitrogen and argon, independently, resulted in varying trends for each fuel. At low dilution levels (∼5% by mole fraction), methane flames were lifted to similar heights, regardless of the diluent type; however, at higher dilution levels (∼10% by mole fraction) the argon diluent produced a flame which stabilized farther downstream. Ethylene jet flames proved to vary less in liftoff heights with respect to diluent type. Significant soot reduction with dilution is witnessed for both ethylene and methane flames, in that flame luminosity alteration occurs at the flame base at increasing levels of argon and nitrogen dilution. The increasing dilution levels also decreased the liftoff velocity of the fuel. Analysis showed little variance among liftoff heights in ethylene flames for the various inert diluents, while methane flames proved to be more sensitive to diluent type. This sensitivity is attributed to the more narrow limits of flammability of methane in comparison to ethylene, as well as the much higher flame speed of ethylene flames.
Homo religiosus and its brain : Reality, imagination, and the future of nature

Daddy, is God real or is he a part of people's imagination ? The brain constructs reality by bottom-up, genetically programmed mechanisms. Nature selected the human holistic, symbolically thinking, aesthetic brain using a mechanism of brain-language coevolution. Our religious nature and moral capabilities are rooted in this brain, and in the real images it constructs
A Ferroportin Transcript that Lacks an Iron-Responsive Element Enables Duodenal and Erythroid Precursor Cells to Evade Translational Repression

Ferroportin (FPN1), the sole characterized mammalian iron exporter, has an iron-responsive element (IRE) in its 5' untranslated region, which ensures that its translation is repressed by iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) in iron-deficient conditions to maintain cellular iron content. However, here we demonstrate that duodenal epithelial and erythroid precursor cells utilize an alternative upstream promoter to express a FPN1 transcript, FPN1B, which lacks the IRE and is not repressed in iron-deficient conditions. The FPN1B transcript encodes ferroportin with an identical open reading frame and contributes significantly to ferroportin protein expression in erythroid precursors and likely also in the duodenum of iron-starved animals. The identification of FPN1B reveals how FPN1 expression can bypass IRP-dependent repression in intestinal iron uptake, even when cells throughout the body are iron deficient. In erythroid precursor cells, we hypothesize that FPN1B expression enhances real-time sensing of systemic iron status and facilitates restriction of erythropoiesis in response to low systemic iron.
Using Google Street View to audit neighborhood environments.

Background Research indicates that neighborhood environment characteristics such as physical disorder influence health and health behavior. In-person audit of neighborhood environments is costly and time-consuming. Google Street View may allow auditing of neighborhood environments more easily and at lower cost, but little is known about the feasibility of such data collection. Purpose To assess the feasibility of using Google Street View to audit neighborhood environments. Methods This study compared neighborhood measurements coded in 2008 using Street View with neighborhood audit data collected in 2007. The sample included 37 block faces in high-walkability neighborhoods in New York City. Field audit and Street View data were collected for 143 items associated with seven neighborhood environment constructions: aesthetics, physical disorder, pedestrian safety, motorized traffic and parking, infrastructure for active travel, sidewalk amenities, and social and commercial activity. To measure concordance between field audit and Street View data, percentage agreement was used for categoric measures and Spearman rank-order correlations were used for continuous measures. Results The analyses, conducted in 2009, found high levels of concordance (≥80% agreement or ≥0.60 Spearman rank-order correlation) for 54.3% of the items. Measures of pedestrian safety, motorized traffic and parking, and infrastructure for active travel had relatively high levels of concordance, whereas measures of physical disorder had low levels. Features that are small or that typically exhibit temporal variability had lower levels of concordance. Conclusions This exploratory study indicates that Google Street View can be used to audit neighborhood environments.
Recent risk rates of occupational fatalities, injuries, and illnesses in U.S. industries and their use in planning environmental controls.

Cost/benefit justifications are now required for new environmental regulations. The benefit is related to the difference between the currently existing health risk rate and the rate corresponding to the proposed permissible exposure limit. The adoption of many permissible exposure limits has been delayed by the lack of supporting human data and the use of animal data instead. This has resulted in difficulties and controversies not likely to be resolved soon. Meanwhile, a review of currently existing occupational risk rates can provide a perspective for best use of available funds. Tables and text are presented summarizing published occupational risk data for 1996. Transportation incidents cause 42 percent of occupational fatalities. Proper selection and training of workers and proper work rules should be costeffective, also especially in other listed dangerous industries. Annual risk rates per hundred workers for occupational non-fatal injuries and illness were surprisingly high: for manufacturing 10.6, a...
Endothelial Cell Injury in Cardiovascular Surgery: Ischemia-Reperfusion

Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion is a common occurrence in cardiovascular surgery patients. Acute ischemia results in a spectrum of derangements, which range from transient reversible stunning of the myocardium to severe irreversible abnormalities such as infarction. Many of these abnormalities are accentuated upon reperfusion with oxygenated blood. Recently, the endothelium has been shown to play a key role in the injury suffered after ischemia and reperfusion. When rendered hypoxic and then reoxygenated, endothelial cells become activated to express proinflammatory properties that include the induction of leukocyte-adhesion molecules, procoagulant factors and vasoconstrictive agents that increase vasomotor tone. These changes may contribute to the no-reflow phenomenon by promoting endothelial edema, neutrophil and platelet plugging, microthrombosis, and enhanced vasomotor tone. An increased understanding of the role that hypoxic endothelial cell activation plays in myocardial dysfunction after ischemia/reperfusion may allow therapies to be designed to further attenuate this response.
Mechanisms and relevance of arrhythmias induced by high-current programmed ventricular stimulation

Programmed ventricular stimulation was performed at 10 mA with up to 3 extrastimuli in 15 patients studied for indications other than sustained ventricular tachycardia and with no sustained arrhythmias induced at twice diastolic threshold. Stimulation with 10 mA produced 6 new instances of ventricular fibrillation (VF), 1 of which may have been clinically relevant. No sustained ventricular tachycardia was induced. VF was induced with triple extrastimuli in 5 of 6 cases. The increased arrhythmogenicity of 10-mA stimulation was related to shortened ventricular refractory periods (S2 267 +/- 21 vs 231 +/- 22 ms, p less than 0.0001; S3 217 +/- 15 vs 178 +/- 15 ms, p less than 0.0005) and did not occur without at least 2 extrastimulus coupling intervals being less than was possible at twice diastolic threshold. Stimulation with 10 mA also resulted in greater increments in extrastimulus local conduction time (27 +/- 19 vs 54 +/- 15 ms, p less than 0.001) and intraventricular conduction time (27 +/- 17 vs 45 +/- 18 ms, p less than 0.005) as coupling intervals were shortened from 360 ms to just beyond ventricular refractoriness. VF was induced more frequently in patients with cardiomyopathy (p less than 0.05). Thus, the increase in arrhythmogenicity with 10-mA stimulation with triple extrastimuli is predominantly manifest as VF, which occurs with considerable frequency and is of uncertain clinical significance. This technique should be used with great caution, and only after other stimulation modalities have been attempted.
Erratum to: “Factorization and the soft overlap contribution to heavy-to-light form factors” [Nucl. Phys. B 690 (2004) 249]

Abstract We correct an argument about the SCET I → SCET II matching of the soft-overlap contribution to heavy-to-light form factors at large recoil.
Design Considerations for Lysimeters Used to Evaluate Alternative Earthen Final Covers

Alternative earthen final covers are being considered throughout North America as cost-effective alternatives to prescriptive covers. Regulatory agencies typically require field testing to demonstrate the equivalency of percolation rates from prescriptive and alternative covers. Lysimetry, which consists of collecting percolating water from the base of a test section, provides a direct measurement of the percolation rate, and can be used in equivalency demonstrations. This paper describes a modeling study that investigated how lysimeter geometry and boundary conditions affect lateral diversion and percolation rates measured using lysimeters. Lysimeters with various geometries were simulated with HYDRUS-2D using constant meteorological and vegetation data. Simulations showed that sidewalls, which are 0.35 m high, can minimize the lateral diversion of flow around the sides of the lysimeter. Up-slope and down-slope endwalls of lysimeters need to extend to the surface of the lysimeter, especially when the lys...
Mid- versus near infrared spectroscopic analysis of diversely treated feedstuffs

The objectives of this study were to determine the advantages and disadvantages of using mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy versus near infrared for the analysis of diversely-treated forages and by-products, and to compare the relative merits of calibration development using multi-linear regression versus partial least squares regression for such samples. Study samples (325) were randomly selected from 2808 possible sample–treatment combinations generated using 18 feedstuffs, 26 treatments (acids, bases, oxidising and reducing agents, heat etc.), and six levels of reagent for each treatment. Neutral detergent fibre and crude protein were determined on all samples and calculated on an organic dry matter basis. Neat samples were scanned (256 co-added scans) from 4000 to 400 cm−1 at 4 and 16 cm−1 resolutions on a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer equipped with a sample transport device, and in the near infrared (1100–2498 nm) using a scanning monochromator (64 co-added scans). Calibration re...
Acid-soluble nuclear proteins in developmental stages of Lytechinus variegatus.

Abstract Acid-soluble nuclear proteins extracted from different embryonic stages of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus were studied with the use of disc electrophoresis. Comparison of the banding patterns from fertilized eggs, blastulae, and plutei shows that there are qualitative changes in the acid-soluble proteins before blastulation, but that after that time the banding patterns are identical, with the major components showing the same electrophoretic mobility in the stages studied. Since both unfertilized and fertilized eggs show identical banding patterns, while the sperm pattern, apparently lacking in protamines, is entirely different, it would appear that these proteins in the sea urchin are only of maternal origin.
A causal model of the size distribution of family income

Through the use of a simultaneous equations framework, NR examined the direct and indirect effects that selected socio-economic and demographic variables have upon the size distribution of family income. From this examination, NR correctly identified the birth rate as “the single most important factor exacerbating family income inequality” [p. 38]. However, in their examination they failed to note the intermediary importance that the rate of net in-migration has, not only in channeling this exacerbating influence, but also in channeling the influence that other variables have on family income inequality.
Proximal Pulmonary Artery Banding Does Not Simulate a Systemic Afterload for Conditioning a Left Ventricle in Mustard Patients

Proximal Pulmonary Artery Banding Does Not Simulate a Systemic Afterload for Conditioning a Left Ventricle in Mustard Patients
Electronic government capacity and federal program performance: an analysis of OMB's part scores and executive branch management scorecard

This study analyzes the impact of e-government capacity and program management capacity on federal program performance by using two sets of performance data collected by Office of management and Budget -- the Performance Assessment Rating Tools and the Executive Branch Management Scorecard. The study results show that e-government capacity building creates a notable improvement in federal program performance. However, this effect was only observed when e-government capacity had reached a significant level of development. This finding implies that government organizations' investment in e-government should continue in order to develop e-government capacity in several critical areas: e-government planning, enterprise-wide architecture building, systems security assurance, implementation of projects on time and within budget, and provisioning services for diverse e-government service users. Consistent with the rationale behind the recent government reform efforts, this study also found that management capacities, including program design quality, program planning quality, and program management quality, are all significant antecedents of individual program performance.
Some special orbits in the two-body problem with radiation pressure

The motion has been studied of a particle in a gravitational field perturbed by radiation pressure. By combining the formulation in the physical space variables with the KS variables we obtained explicit evidence for the existence of a surface of stable circular orbits with centers on an axis through the primary body. Furthermore, the effects of a sharp shadow on the two-dimensional unstable parabolic orbits were investigated. It was found that they do not survive the introduction of a shadow.
Extracorporal membrane oxygenation for cardiopulmonary support after open heart surgery

Arterial-venous extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a rescue tool in acute heart failure after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) when separation from CPB cannot be achieved by conventional means (volume, inotropes, intra-aortic counterpulsation IABP). The role of ECMO in this scenario is far from clear and factors predicting a poor outcome are lacking. However, such indices would be helpful to find a reasonable approach.
Adiponectin Stimulates Production of Nitric Oxide in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Adiponectin is secreted by adipose cells and mimics many metabolic actions of insulin. However, mechanisms by which adiponectin acts are poorly understood. The vascular action of insulin to stimulate endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO), leading to vasodilation and increased blood flow is an important component of insulin-stimulated whole body glucose utilization. Therefore, we hypothesized that adiponectin may also stimulate production of NO in endothelium. Bovine aortic endothelial cells in primary culture loaded with the NO-specific fluorescent dye 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2 DA) were treated with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) (a calcium-releasing agonist) or adiponectin (10 μg/ml bacterially produced full-length adiponectin). LPA treatment increased production of NO by ∼4-fold. Interestingly, adiponectin treatment significantly increased production of NO by ∼3-fold. Preincubation of cells with wortmannin (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor) blocked only adiponectin- but not LPA-mediated production of NO. Using phospho-specific antibodies, we observed that either adiponectin or insulin treatment (but not LPA treatment) caused phosphorylation of both Akt at Ser473 and endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) at Ser1179 that was inhibitable by wortmannin. We next transfected bovine aortic endothelial cells with dominant-inhibitory mutants of Akt (Akt-AAA) or AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (AMPKK45R). Neither mutant affected production of NO in response to LPA treatment. Importantly, only AMPKK45R, but not Akt-AAA, caused a significant partial inhibition of NO production in response to adiponectin. Moreover, AMPK-K45R inhibited phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1179 in response to adiponectin but not in response to insulin. We conclude that adiponectin has novel vascular actions to directly stimulate production of NO in endothelial cells using phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent pathways involving phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1179 by AMPK. Thus, the effects of adiponectin to augment metabolic actions of insulin in vivo may be due, in part, to vasodilator actions of adiponectin.
Cloning and disruption of the beta-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase gene (LEU2) of Pichia stipitis with URA3 and recovery of the double auxotroph.

Transformation of Pichia stipitis is required to advance genetic studies and development of xylose metabolism in this yeast. To this end, we used P. stipitis URA3 (PsURA3) to disrupt P. stipitis LEU2 in a P. stipitis ura3 mutant. A highly fermentative P. stipitis mutant (FPL-DX26) was selected for resistance to 5′-fluoroorotic acid to obtain P. stipitis FPL-UC7 (ura3-3). A URA3:lacZ“pop-out” cassette was constructed containing PsURA3 flanked by direct repeats from segments of the lacZ reading frame. The P. stipitis LEU2 gene (PsLEU2) was cloned from a P. stipitis CBS 6054 genomic library through homology to Saccharomyces cerevisiae LEU2, and a disruption cassette was constructed by replacing the PsLEU2 reading sequence with the PsURA3:lacZ cassette. FPL-UC7 (ura3-3) was transformed with the disruption cassette, and a site-specific integrant was identified by selecting for the Leu− Ura+ phenotype. The ura3 marker was recovered from this strain by plating cells onto 5′-fluoroorotate and screening for spontaneous URA3 deletion mutants. Excision of the flanked PsURA3 gene resulted in the Leu−Ura− phenotype. The double auxotrophs are stable and can be transformed at a high frequency by PsLEU2 or PsURA3 carried on autonomous-replication-sequence-based plasmids.
The miller fisher syndrome: an infranuclear cause of diffuse ophthalmoplegia.

(2001). The Miller Fisher Syndrome: An Infranuclear Cause of Diffuse Ophthalmoplegia. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 132-136.
Aggregation of chymotrypsinogen: portrait by infrared spectroscopy

Changes in the secondary structure and aggregation of chymotrypsinogen were investigated by infrared difference spectroscopy in conjunction with temperature and pressure tuning IR spectroscopy; both the amide I′ band and side chain bands were studied. A prominent component of the amide I′ band in the difference spectrum obtained upon cooling a chymotrypsinogen solution, or increasing the hydrostatic pressure, was observed in the region between 1627 and 1622 cm−1. Under denaturing conditions a white gel was formed, which is attributed to irreversible self-association or aggregation. This process was accompanied by the appearance of two new amide I′ bands in the infrared spectrum of the protein: a very strong band at 1618 cm−1 and a weak band at 1685 cm−1. These bands are assigned to peptide segments with anti-parallel aligned β-strands.
Prices, Expectations and the Changing Housing Market: a Commentary and Discussion

Abstract The last decade of housing price fluctuation, crises of housing affordability and the turmoil of housing foreclosures brought housing, and housing markets, closer to centre stage in the debates over the future of the global economy. As part of the renewed interest in housing some recent papers have questioned whether we have an adequate model for understanding housing prices and housing market behaviour more broadly. Specifically, is the expected utility model of housing market behaviour, and the associated hedonic housing price model, still relevant in an increasingly uncertain housing market? Certainly the recent rapid escalation in housing prices and the behaviour of agents in the housing market has further stimulated rethinking of our models of housing markets. Analysts are asking about the future behaviour of and in housing markets, and how the housing market will function in the post housing market bubble decade. It is a useful time to take another look at how the housing market behaves and...
A Novel ESX-1 Locus Reveals that Surface-Associated ESX-1 Substrates Mediate Virulence in Mycobacterium marinum

EsxA (ESAT-6) and EsxB (CFP-10) are virulence factors exported by the ESX-1 system in mycobacterial pathogens. In Mycobacterium marinum, an established model for ESX-1 secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, genes required for ESX-1 export reside at the extended region of difference 1 (RD1) locus. In this study, a novel locus required for ESX-1 export in M. marinum was identified outside the RD1 locus. An M. marinum strain bearing a transposon-insertion between the MMAR_1663 and MMAR_1664 genes exhibited smooth-colony morphology, was deficient for ESX-1 export, was nonhemolytic, and was attenuated for virulence. Genetic complementation revealed a restoration of colony morphology and a partial restoration of virulence in cell culture models. Yet hemolysis and the export of ESX-1 substrates into the bacteriological medium in vitro as measured by both immunoblotting and quantitative proteomics were not restored. We show that genetic complementation of the transposon insertion strain partially restored the translocation of EsxA and EsxB to the mycobacterial cell surface. Our findings indicate that the export of EsxA and EsxB to the cell surface, rather than secretion into the bacteriological medium, correlates with virulence in M. marinum. Together, these findings not only expand the known genetic loci required for ESX-1 secretion in M. marinum but also provide an explanation for the observed disparity between in vitro ESX-1 export and virulence.
Does Artistic Creativity Decline during Elementary School

Some psychologists have argued that artistic creativity declines during the elementary school years. This hypothesis was tested by having 108 students in kindergarten and Grades 3, 4, and 5 produce collages which were then judged for creativity using a consensual assessment technique. Contrary to the hypothesis of a creative decline, artistic creativity on this collage-making task as rated by 18 undergraduate art education students was higher among older elementary school students.
Differential Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Proliferation, Cell Surface Antigen Expression, and Cytokine Interactions in Malignant Gliomas

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine produced by astrocytes in vivo and in vitro, was tested for its effects on two malignant astrocytoma cell lines (A-172, U-87). Both lines were immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, Class I antigens, and interleukin-6. The lines differed in their expression of Class II and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) antigenic determinants: A-172 cells were negative for both Class II and ICAM-1 antigens, while U-87 cells were intensely positive for Class II and weakly positive for ICAM-1. When these astrocytoma cell lines were exposed to TNF-alpha, A-172 growth was stimulated while U-87 growth was inhibited. Furthermore, in U-87 cells, TNF-alpha enhanced both ICAM-1 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) expression, and decreased immunoreactivity for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) protein. In contrast, in the presence of TNF-alpha, A-172 cells remained negative for IL-1 beta and TGF-beta, but showed an increased expression of ICAM-1. These results demonstrate that TNF-alpha can induce changes in growth rate, cytokine production, and surface antigen expression in malignant astrocytomas; however, the nature of these changes is dependent on the specific characteristics of these malignant astrocytomas. The resultant variability in the immunological microenvironment of these tumors may reflect differences in their growth potential.
A metasurface-enabled low-profile wearable antenna

In this paper, we present the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a low-profile and compact metasurface-based conformal wearable antenna operating in the medical body area network (MBAN) band. In particular, a metal backed finite-sized metasurface consisting of a two by two array of I-shaped resonators was employed to replace the conventional ground plane, which enables a low-profile and unidirectionally radiating antenna when it is integrated with a planar monopole placed on top. The resulting integrated conformal antenna is only 0.028 λ 0 thick with a footprint of around 0.15 λ 0 2 , all while accomplishing a broadside gain higher than 6 dBi, a front-to-back ratio larger than 23 dB, and a VSWR <; 2 bandwidth of around 5.5%. The antenna performance is well maintained with the presence of human body loading, making it highly useful for various wearable systems.
Stability enhancement and traction control of road vehicles

An algorithm that enhances the stability and traction of a road vehicle (which may be steering) during ‘acceleration’ (meaning either braking or accelerating) is presented. This algorithm has two domains: partial-effort acceleration and maximum-effort acceleration. During partial-effort acceleration, stability enhancement requires only proper distribution of longitudinal traction forces. During maximum-effort acceleration, stability enhancement requires distribution and reduction of longitudinal traction forces. The algorithm attempts to provide the desired levels of acceleration while it simultaneously constrains trajectory disturbance of the vehicle. The algorithm uses total information about the road surface characteristics, the driver's actions, and the vehicle's design and dynamic states. It fully accommodates non-linear vehicle dynamics and tyre force characteristics. The algorithm has the form of a linear program and its operation is traced in a series of graphs where the geometry of linear program...
Hospital Readmissions in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Recipients: Analysis of Bridge to Transplant (BTT) and Destination Therapy (DT)

Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed our prospective database of patients receiving a Heartmate II (HM II) LVAD from 2005-2012 & evaluated readmissions from 1/1/2008 to 6/1/2012. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were analyzed by standard statistical methods. Primary diagnosis for readmission was recorded. Heart transplant admissions were excluded. Results 200 patients recieved HM II LVAD during the study period; of these, 155 were BTT and 45 DT. There were a total of 300 BTT and 92 DT readmissions. DT patients were older (68 vs. 52 years) as compared to BTT patients (p Table 1 . Conclusions Patients who received DT LVAD were significantly older, but rate of readmissions was not different from BTT patients. Infection and bleeding were the most frequent cause for readmission. Strategies to reduce hospital readmissions are important to improve outcomes as well as quality of life in LVAD recipients. BTT DT p Age (Years) 52±16 68±14 .09 Gender (%M) 81.4% 57.8% .009 Infection 37 40 .6 All bleeding/anemia 25 33 .7 Hemolysis/thrombosis 14 13 .5 Arrhythmia 4.5 2.2 .2 Pacer/ICD issue 12 6.7 0.2 Pump controller malfunction 7.1 4.4 .3 CHF exacerbation 16 20 .6
Predicting the accuracy of ligand overlay methods with Random Forest models.

The accuracy of binding mode prediction using standard molecular overlay methods (ROCS, FlexS, Phase, and FieldCompare) is studied. Previous work has shown that simple decision tree modeling can be used to improve accuracy by selection of the best overlay template. This concept is extended to the use of Random Forest (RF) modeling for template and algorithm selection. An extensive data set of 815 ligand-bound X-ray structures representing 5 gene families was used for generating ca. 70,000 overlays using four programs. RF models, trained using standard measures of ligand and protein similarity and Lipinski-related descriptors, are used for automatically selecting the reference ligand and overlay method maximizing the probability of reproducing the overlay deduced from X-ray structures (i.e., using rmsd ≤ 2 A as the criteria for success). RF model scores are highly predictive of overlay accuracy, and their use in template and method selection produces correct overlays in 57% of cases for 349 overlay ligands...
Molecular mechanisms of resistance to HER2-targeted therapy.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2, also known as ErbB-2) is amplified in 20 to 25% of invasive breast cancers. HER2 overexpression has been associated with poor survival rates [1]. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a monoclonal antibody directed against domain IV of the extracellular domain of HER2. Lapatinib (Tykerb) is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted against the intracellular domain of HER2 (ATP binding site). Both agents produce objective response rates in 20 to 30% of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Efficacy is improved when these targeted therapies are combined with chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. However, the majority of patients that respond to trastuzumab or lapatinib develop progressive disease within 1 year of treatment initiation. Trastuzumab has been shown to improve survival rates in women with early-stage breast cancer. Approximately 15% of patients develop metastatic breast cancer despite adjuvant trastuzumab, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy [2]. Potential molecular mechanisms of HER2-targeted therapy include increased signaling via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K) pathway through overexpression or cross-talk between HER2 and the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor or PTEN loss. Decreased interaction between trastuzumab and HER2 may be caused by steric hindrance of the HER2 receptor by MUC-4, or by the presence of a truncated HER2 protein, which may block inhibitory actions of trastuzumab [3]. One of the mechanisms of action of trastuzumab is the induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, which may play an important role in the adjuvant setting. In patients with metastatic breast cancer, continuation of trastuzumab beyond progression resulted in prolongation of the time to progression [4]. The mechanism of action of trastuzumab in this setting is not known. Novel therapies targeted against these aberrant molecular pathways are being studied in laboratory and clinical settings, and offer hope that the efficacy and duration of response to trastuzumab can be greatly improved. These include pertuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets domain II of the HER2 extracellular domain and prevents heterodimer formation between HER2 and HER3 or EGFR; trastuzumab-DM1, a potent antibody–drug conjugate that is effective in the setting of resistance to multiple lines of HER2-directed therapy; Hsp90 inhibitors that degrade the HER-2 protein (for example, 17-AAG); irreversible small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for example, HKI-272); and IGF-IR inhibitors. Indirect approaches include immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy. Understanding mechanisms of resistance in vivo will help us identify what is the optimal treatment for individual patients.
Beneath acceptance: dimensions of family affect towards former mental patients.

Abstract This paper is an exploration into the affective dimensions of the familial reactions to former mental patients, articulated through a survey research format. A form of the Incomplete Sentence Blank Test (ISB) is presented as an instrument to reach beyond the unidimensional restrictions of standard measures, which tend to ask respondents about abstract, hypothetical mental patients, rather than the actual, specific former patients. Data are analyzed and implications and deficiencies of the ISB for mental health research are explained.
Conformational analysis of cyclic tetrapeptides by molecular mechanics calculations

Molecular mechanics calculations of the cyclic tetrapeptide ring system for the cis, trans, cis, trans amide bond sequences for cyclo tetraglycine and cyclo tetraalanine have been carried out. A systematic search of conformational space was carried out by using Still's RINGMAKER in an attempt to find the global minimum for each amide bond sequence. Ring system structures were optimized by using the BAKMOD program. A comparison of 11 experimentally determined cyclic tetrapeptide conformations with the lowest energy calculated conformations showed that only 4 of 11 known cyclic tetrapeptides adopted the lowest energy conformation. However, when the destabilization energy between cyclo tetraalanine and cyclo tetraglycine was calculated, 10 of the 11 experimentally determined conformations for cyclic tetrapeptides with alternating cis, trans, cis, trans amide bond sequences adopted the conformations with the least de-stabilization energy. The relationship between the molecular mechanics calculations and empirical rules for predicting cyclic tetrapeptide conformations is discussed.
The derivation and characterization of neuronal cell lines from rat and mouse brain

This study shows that permanent cell lines can be established from rat and mouse brain by direct tissue culture methodology without the aid of exogenous chemical or viral transforming agents. These cells were derived from specific areas of the brain, such as the cerebellum and hippocampus, at chosen times during fetal and neonatal development. Success in establishing neuronal cell lines was dependent upon the use of selection pressures designed to keep the background of glial cells and fibroblasts at a minimum. These manipulations included care in the choice and processing of the original tissue, utilization of cytotoxic anti-glial sera, and continuous manual isolation of cells with neuronal morphology. Slow-growing nerve cells were thus allowed to adapt spontaneously to culture with a minimum of competition from faster-adapting cell types. Many of these cell lines are judged to be neuronal on the basis of their electrical excitability and their characteristic surface antigens. The cells respond positively in a sodium flux assay which has been shown to correlate well with the ability to generate an action potential, and also express one or more of three antigens previously found to be specific for nerve cells.
Maccaffertium wudigeum, A New Species of Ephemeroptera (Heptageniidae) From North Carolina

ABSTRACT A new species of flat-headed mayflies (Heptageniidae) is described as Maccaffertium wudigeum McCafferty and Lenat, n. sp. The species is based on larvae taken from western North Carolina. It is morphologically most similar to some M. mediopunctatum (McDunnough) larvae, but does not possess any of the distinguishing markings associated with the latter and also differs from it in habitat.
Quantitative chromatography of polyamines and related compounds with cation-exchange resin paper

Abstract Good resolution of aliphatic polyamines and other compounds related to the arginine pathway was obtained on paper strips impregnated with strong cation-exchange resin after chromatography with high molarity acidic buffers or hydrochloric acid. Quantitative estimation was achieved after eluting the spots with strong acid and dinitrophenylation. Recovery of acid-soluble pools from bacterial cells was monitored with radioactive markers which also served for spot location by scanning or autoradiography. These procedures share some of the advantages of paper and column chromatography.
Technical Innovation in the Pacific Coast Trawl Fishery: The Effects of Fishermen's Characteristics and Perceptions on Adoption Behavior

The adoption/nonadoption of technical innovations was examined in the Pacific Coast trawl fishery using a model based on recent conceptual issues raised in the innovation diffusion literature. Included in the model were variables measuring each fisherman's personal characteristics and situation, attitudes about fishing, and perceptions of each innovation's characteristics. Data were collected in 83 personal interviews during spring 1984, a period of economic crisis in the fleet. The results indicate that a different subset of independent variables explained the adoption of each innovation. This appears to be due to the innovation-by-innovation differences in the match between the potential adopter and the innovation. The effect of variables on adoption/nonadoption varied across innovations. The characteristics of potential adopters and the characteristics of the innovations, as perceived by the potential adopters, were both important determinants of adoption/nonadoption.
Magnetic Fields Associated with Solar Flares

An investigation of strong magnetic fields associated with flares was made with the 61 cm vacuum telescope and spectroheliograph at the San Fernando Observatory. Magnetograms of the longitudinal component of the field were made daily during the period of September 25–29, 1969. Observations were also made during this same period of the enhanced radio emission at 3.3 mm wavelength. On September 27 an importance class 3 or 4 flare occurred in the region studied. Total magnetic flux was determined for September 25, 26, 28 and 29 for the region which included the flare. In an area of about 190 arc s by 250 arc s the flux values for these dates were respectively 2.4, 2.5, 2.2 and 2.8 × 1022 Mx. Following the flare of September 27 the flux decreased significantly. Magnetic energy change in the region of the flare can be determined if an appropriate height is known. Following Howard and Severny (Astrophys. J. 137, 1242, 1963) a height of 109 cm was used. This yields a value of 5 × 1031 ergs for the decrease of magnetic energy in the longitudinal component of the field.
Increased oxidative stress in lambs with increased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension: role of NADPH oxidase and endothelial NO synthase

Although oxidative stress is known to contribute to endothelial dysfunction-associated systemic vascular disorders, its role in pulmonary vascular disorders is less clear. Our previous studies, usi...