cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversion of a transcriptionally defective MHC class II-negative human B-cell mutant

Abstract RJ2.2.5, a mutant derived from the human B-lymphoma cell, Raji, is unable to express the MHC class II genes because of a recessive transcriptional defect attributed to the lack of an activator function. We report the isolation of a RJ2.2.5 revertant, namely AR, in which the expression of the mRNAs encoded by these genes is restored. Comparison of the binding of nuclear extracts or of partially purified nuclear preparations from the wild-type, the mutant and the revertant cells to a conserved MHC class II promoter element, the X-box, showed no alteration in the mobility of the complexes thus formed. However, in extracts from RJ2.2.5, and other MHC class II negative cell lines, such as HeLa, the amount of complex observed was significantly higher than in wild-type Raji cells. Furthermore, the binding activity exhibited by the AR revertant was lower than that of the RJ2.2.5 and higher than that of Raji. The use of specific monoclonal antibodies indicated that in all cases c-Jun and c-Fos or antigenically related proteins were required for binding. An inverse correlation between the level of DNA-protein complex formed and the level of MHC class II gene mRNA expressed in the three cell lines was apparent, suggesting that overexpression of a DNA binding factor forming complexes with class II promoter elements may cause repression of MHC class II transcription. A model which reconciles the previously ascertained recessivity of the phenotype of the mutation carried by RJ2.2.5 with the findings reported here is discussed.
Metal oxide targets produced by the polymer-assisted deposition method

Abstract The polymer-assisted deposition (PAD) method was used to create crack-free homogenous metal oxide films for use as targets in nuclear science applications. Metal oxide films of europium, thulium, and hafnium were prepared as models for actinide oxides. Films produced by a single application of PAD were homogenous and uniform and ranged in thickness from 30 to 320 nm. Reapplication of the PAD method (six times) with a 10% by weight hafnium(IV) solution resulted in an equally homogeneous and uniform film with a total thickness of 600 nm.
How big is the universe today

If one defines the size of the present universe in terms of a hypersurface of simultaneity generated by the spatial geodesies orthogonal to our world line today, then it is finite in all expanding Big Bang Friedmann models.
Elastic Differential Scattering of He + Ions by Ne and Ar and of Ar + Ions by Ar in the 10-600-eV Range

Absolute elastic differential scattering cross sections of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ on Ne and Ar and of ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ on Ar have been measured at relative energies ranging from 10 to 600 eV and scattering angles of 1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ on Ne and Ar cross sections are monotonically decreasing functions of angle and have a superimposed ripple structure which is attributed to curve-crossing effects. No rainbow-angle structure is evident on these curves. The ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$-on-Ar cross sections indicate both rainbow scattering and oscillations associated with symmetric charge exchange. From the values of the rainbow scattering angle, the estimated binding energy of $\mathrm{Ar}_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{+}$ is 1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 eV, assuming the general shape of the attractive potential resembles that of $\mathrm{He}_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{+}$.
A domain-based approach to predict protein-protein interactions

Knowing which proteins exist in a certain organism or cell type and how these proteins interact with each other are necessary for the understanding of biological processes at the whole cell level. The determination of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks has been the subject of extensive research. Despite the development of reasonably successful methods, serious technical difficulties still exist. In this paper we present DomainGA, a quantitative computational approach that uses the information about the domain-domain interactions to predict the interactions between proteins. DomainGA is a multi-parameter optimization method in which the available PPI information is used to derive a quantitative scoring scheme for the domain-domain pairs. Obtained domain interaction scores are then used to predict whether a pair of proteins interacts. Using the yeast PPI data and a series of tests, we show the robustness and insensitivity of the DomainGA method to the selection of the parameter sets, score ranges, and detection rules. Our DomainGA method achieves very high explanation ratios for the positive and negative PPIs in yeast. Based on our cross-verification tests on human PPIs, comparison of the optimized scores with the structurally observed domain interactions obtained from the iPFAM database, and sensitivity and specificity analysis; we conclude that our DomainGA method shows great promise to be applicable across multiple organisms. We envision the DomainGA as a first step of a multiple tier approach to constructing organism specific PPIs. As it is based on fundamental structural information, the DomainGA approach can be used to create potential PPIs and the accuracy of the constructed interaction template can be further improved using complementary methods. Explanation ratios obtained in the reported test case studies clearly show that the false prediction rates of the template networks constructed using the DomainGA scores are reasonably low, and the erroneous predictions can be filtered further using supplementary approaches such as those based on literature search or other prediction methods.
The influence of n sources and rates on soil n parameters related to strawberry production in Northern Idaho

Abstract Climatic conditions in northern Idaho dictate that N fertilizer efficiency be maximized in commercial strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) fields. A field experiment was initiated at Sandpoint, Idaho in May of 1981 to determine the effect of 3 rates of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and sulfur coated urea (SCU) on: (1) levels of available N in the surface 0–150, 150–300, and 300–450 mm soil zones, (2) plant soluble NO3‐N levels during full bloom, and (3) strawberry quality and yield. Greenhouse and laboratory studies were also initiated to determine the effect of N sources and rates on strawberry runner production and change in N availability over time at optimum soil moisture levels. Following fertilizer application, sulfur coated urea slowed the rate of N loss and increased available N in the surface 150 mm soil zone in the fall of 1981 and spring of 1982 when compared to ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate. Available soil N levels in the 150–300, 300–450 mm soil zones were largely unaffected b...
Robust recognition of zinc binding sites in proteins.

Metals play a variety of roles in biological processes, and hence their presence in a protein structure can yield vital functional information. Because the residues that coordinate a metal often undergo conformational changes upon binding, detection of binding sites based on simple geometric criteria in proteins without bound metal is difficult. However, aspects of the physicochemical environment around a metal binding site are often conserved even when this structural rearrangement occurs. We have developed a Bayesian classifier using known zinc binding sites as positive training examples and nonmetal binding regions that nonetheless contain residues frequently observed in zinc sites as negative training examples. In order to allow variation in the exact positions of atoms, we average a variety of biochemical and biophysical properties in six concentric spherical shells around the site of interest. At a specificity of 99.8%, this method achieves 75.5% sensitivity in unbound proteins at a positive predictive value of 73.6%. We also test its accuracy on predicted protein structures obtained by homology modeling using templates with 30%–50% sequence identity to the target sequences. At a specificity of 99.8%, we correctly identify at least one zinc binding site in 65.5% of modeled proteins. Thus, in many cases, our model is accurate enough to identify metal binding sites in proteins of unknown structure for which no high sequence identity homologs of known structure exist. Both the source code and a Web interface are available to the public at http://feature.stanford.edu/metals.
Comparing Data Sets: Implicit Summaries of the Statistical Properties of Number Sets.

Comparing datasets, that is, sets of numbers in context, is a critical skill in higher order cognition. Although much is known about how people compare single numbers, little is known about how number sets are represented and compared. We investigated how subjects compared datasets that varied in their statistical properties, including ratio of means, coefficient of variation, and number of observations, by measuring eye fixations, accuracy, and confidence when assessing differences between number sets. Results indicated that participants implicitly create and compare approximate summary values that include information about mean and variance, with no evidence of explicit calculation. Accuracy and confidence increased, while the number of fixations decreased as sets became more distinct (i.e., as mean ratios increase and variance decreases), demonstrating that the statistical properties of datasets were highly related to comparisons. The discussion includes a model proposing how reasoners summarize and compare datasets within the architecture for approximate number representation.
Potential of telephonic and television technology for appraising and diagnosing neurogenic communication disorders in remote settings

Abstract Telephonic and television technology was employed in a simulation study to determine its potential for providing appraisal and diagnosis of patients who suffer neurogenic communication disorders and reside in remote settings. Traditional, face-to-face appraisal and diagnosis was compared with appraisal and diagnosis by closed circuit television and computer-controlled video laserdisc over the telephone. Significant agreement in diagnosis among the three appraisal conditions and essentially the same performance on appraisal measures in all conditions suggests either closed circuit television or computer-controlled video laserdisc over the telephone could be substituted for traditional, face-to-face appraisal and diagnosis to reach patients who reside where traditional services do not exist.
Concordance rates for cognitive impairment among older African American twins

Abstract Background There is significant attention to the growing elderly African American population and estimating who and how many within this population will be affected by cognitive impairment. Objective The etiology of cognitive impairment has not been well studied in African Americans and the contribution of genetic and environmental influences to cognitive impairment is not clear. Methods We calculated concordance rates and heritability for cognitive impairment in 95 same-sexed pairs of African American twins from the Carolina African American Twin Study on Aging (CAATSA). The sample had an average age of 59.6 years ( SD = 8.6 years, range 50-88 years) and 60% were female. The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) was used to assess cognitive impairment with a lower cutoff based on our previous research with African Americans. Results Thirteen of the monozygotic (MZ) twins (30.2%) and 9 of the dizygotic (DZ) twins (17.3%) were cognitively impaired. The concordance rate was 72% for MZ and 45% for DZ. We found the heritability for cognitive impairment to be 54%. Conclusions The study findings indicate that cognitive impairment is highly heritable, suggesting that genetics may play a relatively large role in the development of cognitive impairment in African American twins.
Cell-intrinsic innate immune control of West Nile virus infection

West Nile virus (WNV) is an enveloped positive-stranded RNA virus that has emerged over the past decade in North America to cause epidemics of meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis in humans. WNV has broad species specificity, and replicates efficiently in many cell types, including those of the innate immune and central nervous systems. Recent studies have defined the pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) and signaling pathways by which WNV is detected, and several effector mechanisms that contribute to protective cell-intrinsic immunity. This review focuses on recent advances in identifying the host sensors that detect WNV, the adaptor molecules and signaling pathways that regulate the induction of interferon (IFN)-dependent defenses, and the proteins that limit WNV replication, spread, and disease pathogenesis.
A contraceptive peptide vaccine targeting sulfated glycoprotein ZP2 of the mouse zona pellucida

In this study, we have mapped and characterized a B cell epitope of sulfated glycoprotein ZP2 (ZP2) as a step toward the development of a multi-epitope zona pellucida (ZP) vaccine. Recombinant polypeptides expressed by random deoxyribonuclease-digested fragments of ZP2 cDNA were screened for binding to IE-3, a monoclonal antibody to murine ZP2. Positive clones contained cDNA inserts encoding polypeptide corresponding to ZP2(103-134). When normal or ovariectomized female mice were immunized with three overlapping peptides that span this region of ZP2 (101-120, 111-130, 121-140), only ZP2(121-140) elicited IgG antibodies that reacted with mouse ovarian ZP, indicative of the presence of native B epitope and helper T cell epitope in ZP2(121-140). To more finely map the ZP2 B cell epitope, a random peptide display library was screened with the IE-3 antibody, and a consensus tetramer sequence VxYK that matched the ZP2(123-126) sequence VRYK was located. Competitive immunofluorescence analysis with single alanine-substituted VxYK peptides ranked the relative contribution of the three critical B cell epitope residues as Y > V > K. A chimeric peptide was constructed that contained the YRYK motif of ZP2 and a bovine RNase T cell epitope. Although (C57BL/6xA/J) F1 (B6AF1) female mice immunized with the chimeric peptide developed ZP antibody response, this peptide elicited antibody only in mice of the histocompatibility complex (MHC) H-2(k or b) haplotype. In contrast, ZP2(121-140) peptide elicited antibody in inbred mice with three additional mouse MHC haplotypes. Moreover, although ZP2(121-140) contained a T cell epitope, no oophoritis was observed after immunization of B6AF1 mice with ZP2(121-140) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). In a preliminary trial, female B6AF1 mice immunized with ZP2(121-140) in CFA had reduced litter sizes as compared with mice injected with CFA alone.
Advances in the genetic basis of coronary artery disease.

Exciting advances have been made recently in genetic studies of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemic stroke. One disease-causing gene for CAD and MI has been identified as MEF2A, which is located on chromosome 15q26.3 and encodes a transcriptional factor with a high level of expression in coronary endothelium. Approximately 1% to 2% of CAD patients may carry an MEF2A mutation. Four new susceptibility genes have been identified using genome-wide association studies or genome-wide linkage studies: LTA (encoding cytokine lymphotoxin-α) on 6p21.3 for MI; LGALS2 (encoding galectin-2, an LTA-interacting protein) on 22q12-q13 for MI; ALOX5AP (encoding 5-lipoxygenase activating protein involved in synthesizing potent proinflammatory leukotrienes) on 13q12-13 for MI and stroke; and PDE4D (encoding phosphodiesterase 4D) on 5q12 for ischemic stroke. These studies identify a new mechanism, the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) signaling pathway of vascular endothelium, for the pathogenesis of CAD, and also confirm the role of inflammation in the disease process.
Genetically directed preferential X-activation seen in mice

Abstract The nature of the O hv mutation of the X chromosome of the mouse is defined. This locus exerts a cis position effect upon the expression of genes Tfm and Blo mapping in the same region; genes on the same chromosome as the O hv mutation are preferentially activated and genes on the other X chromosome are usually inactive. Following the proportion of Tfm cells in the kidneys of heterozygotes confirms that the variegation seen of the locus Blo in the coat is matched in inner tissues. By introducing the sex reversal gene Sxr into these stocks, a situation can be created in which wildtype kidney cells have a selective advantage over Tfm cells in the embryonic Wolfflan duct and urogenital sinus. In spite of this difference in cell advantages, Blo coat variegation and Tfm Wolffian duct cell preponderance continue to exhibit a good correlation. This excludes the possibility that the variegation depends upon a selective advantage of cells carrying Tfm alleles after random X-inactivation and therefore reinforces the conclusion that the O hv mutation is directly concerned in the X-activation process. A model is presented in which this locus acts as a receptor site recognized by molecules which activate one X chromosome.
Vena caval occlusion after bird’s nest filter placement

Abstract Background: Inferior vena caval thrombosis as a result of intracaval barrier devices occurs in 6.5% of patients with Greenfield filters. The incidence is less well defined in patients in whom bird’s nest filters have been placed. We reviewed our experience with bird’s nest filters to determine the incidence of filter-induced caval thrombosis. Methods: The records of 140 patients with bird’s nest filters were reviewed, living patients were interviewed, and the inferior vena cava examined in 37 patients by duplex scanning. Results: Ninety-three patients were available for evaluation. Five of these patients were found to have caval thrombosis by duplex scanning and 2 had clinical symptoms and signs compatible with caval thrombosis. The majority of these patients were on anticoagulants at the time of filter thrombosis. Conclusion: The incidence of filter-induced vena caval thrombosis in patients with bird’s nest filters (7%) is comparable with that of Greenfield filters. Because of the catastrophic manifestations of this complication and the increasing application of vena caval filters, the role of these filters in the treatment of thrombotic disease needs further critical evaluation.
A Sensible Public: New Perspectives on Popular Opinion and Foreign Policy

The four books reviewed here share a conviction that many important influences on the international behavior of nations flow from within them, that public opinion is a significant such influence and that, as a general rule, popular preferences are sensibly related to the sound conduct of foreign policy. As such, this body of recent literature should help the discipline of international relations free itself from the hold that political realism has had on it. A conception of rationality as “reasonableness” is one of its valuable contributions; another is the insight it provides into the relationship between public opinion, governmental interests, and media views. At the same time, this article suggests ways in which the study of public opinion and foreign policy could be directed in new theoretical directions.
Experimental active structural acoustic control of simply supported plates using a weighted sum of spatial gradients.

A limitation currently facing active structural acoustic control (ASAC) researchers is that an ideal minimization quantity for use in the control algorithms has not been developed. A novel parameter termed the “weighted sum of spatial gradients” (WSSG) was recently developed for use in ASAC and shown to effectively attenuate acoustic radiation from a vibrating flat simply supported plate in computer simulations. This paper extends this research from computer simulations and provides experimental test results. The results presented show that WSSG is a viable control quantity and provides better results than the volume velocity approach. The paper also investigates several of the challenges presented by the use of WSSG. These include determining a method to measure WSSG experimentally, an analysis of the influence of noise on WSSG control results and complications presented when degenerate modes exist. Results are shown and discussed for several experimental configurations.
Turner's syndrome and parietal lobe functions.

Summary Many girls with Turner's syndrome (irrespective of sex-chromatin type) exhibit a degree of space-form dysgnosia, directional-sense dysgnosia and mild numerical disability that suggests a developmental parietal lobe anomaly. It is presumably related to the chromosomal defect basic to the syndrome, perhaps by way of a fetal neurohormonal mechanism that might affect space perception as it pertains to the sex related mechanism of territorial behavior. A contrary developmental deficit has been identified in mildly retarded boys.
Site-directed mutations in the VDJ junctional region of a T cell receptor β chain cause changes in antigenic peptide recognition

In order to assess the importance of a conserved amino acid in the VDJ junctional region of the beta chain of T cell receptors (TCRs) specific for pigeon cytochrome c, we generated T cell transfectant clones that express either a TCR identical to that of the cytochrome c-specific clone D6 or a mutated form of the D6 TCR, in which the conserved residue was replaced by one of two other amino acids. We have found that one substitution alters antigen fine specificity, while the other substitution abolishes all detectable cytochrome c response. On the basis of these findings, we propose that this conserved amino acid is a key residue in determining the antigen specificity of the D6 TCR.
The paleoecology of the Upper Laetolil Beds, Laetoli Tanzania: A review and synthesis

Abstract The Upper Laetolil Beds of Laetoli, Tanzania (∼3.6–3.85 Ma) has yielded a large and varied faunal assemblage, including specimens of Australopithecus afarensis. In contrast with contemporaneous eastern African A. afarensis sites in Kenya and Ethiopia, there is no indication of permanent rivers or other large bodies of water at the site, and the apparently drier environment supported a quite different faunal and floral community as reconstructed from the fossil record. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the paleoecology at Laetoli can be illuminating for questions of habitat access and use by A. afarensis, as well as its behavioral flexibility. This paper reviews the substantial body of evidence accumulated that allows for a detailed reconstruction of the Pliocene paleoenvironment of Laetoli. A synthesis of the different lines of evidence suggests that the Upper Laetolil Beds was a mosaic of grassland–shrubland–woodland habitats with extensive woody vegetation in the form of shrubs, thickets and bush, as well as a significant presence of dense woodland habitats along seasonal river courses and around permanent springs. The vegetation during the Pliocene at Laetoli was likely impacted by the strongly seasonal availability of water and the volcanic ash falls that periodically blanketed the area. A comparison with the paleoenvironments of other A. afarensis sites and a review of its inferred dietary behavior suggest that A. afarensis was an ecological generalist that was able to consume a wide variety of dietary resources in mosaic habitats, although their differential abundances at different sites may be indicative of specific ecological requirements that impact their success in particular environments.
Induction of CD8 antigen and suppressor activity by glucocorticoids in a CEM human leukemic cell clone.

Abstract The relationship between glucocorticoid effect and regulation of cell surface antigens was investigated in two models of leukemic cell lines, CEM C7 denoted (r+, ly+) and CEM C1 (r+, ly−). The reactivity of murine monoclonal antibodies, anti-CD4-FITC, anti-CD8-FITC, anti-CD2-FITC and anti-calla-FITC, were analyzed using flow cytometry. The suppressor function was determined using [3H]thymidine incorporation into phytohemagglutinin-activated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Dexamethasone treatment of a human leukemic cell clone CEM C7 caused an increase in a subset of cells expressing the surface antigen CD8, which is present on suppressor and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. By comparison, there was no modification of the expression of CD4 antigen, which is expressed at high levels in these cells. After two days of treatment with 5 × 10−8 M dexamethasone, CEM C7 cells showed a two-fold increase in suppressor activity compared to untreated cells. In contrast, there was no regulation by glucocorticoids of either the CD8 or CD4 antigens in the leukemic clone CEM C1. Furthermore, no modification of the suppressor function in CEM C1 cells by dexamethasone was observed. In the human leukemic cells studied here, the ability to induce CD8 antigen expression in a CD4+ cells correlates with the ability to induce cell lysis in a glucocorticoid receptor positive cell population.
Influence of dams on river-floodplain dynamics in the Elwha River, Washington

The Elwha dam removal project presents an ideal opportunity to study how historic reduction and subsequent restoration of sediment supply alter river-floodplain dynamics in a large, forested river floodplain. We used remote sensing and onsite data collection to establish a historical record of floodplain dynamics and a baseline of current conditions. Analysis was based on four river reaches, three from the Elwha River and the fourth from the East Fork of the Quinault River. We found that the percentage of floodplain surfaces between 25 and 75 years old decreased and the percentage of surfaces >75 years increased in reaches below the Elwha dams. We also found that particle size decreased as downstream distance from dams increased. This trend was evident in both mainstem and side channels. Previous studies have found that removal of the two Elwha dams will initially release fine sediment stored in the reservoirs, then in subsequent decades gravel bed load supply will increase and gradually return to natural levels, aggrading river beds up to 1 m in some areas. We predict the release of fine sediments will initially create bi-modal grain size distributions in reaches downstream of the dams, and eventual recovery of natural sediment supply will significantly increase lateral channel migration and erosion of floodplain surfaces, gradually shifting floodplain age distributions towards younger age classes.
Sumoylation of Kif18A plays a role in regulating mitotic progression

Kif18A, the kinesin-8 motor protein, plays an essential role in regulating alignment of bi-oriented chromosomes at the midzone during mitosis. Kinesin proteins, including Kif18A, are often deregulated in many types of cancers and are thought to play a critical role in cancer progression. However, little is known about the post-translational modifications of Kif18A and their effects on its biological activity. Kif18A was identified to be a SUMO2 acceptor by using Ni-IDA resin to precipitate proteins from cells stably expressing His6-SUMO2. To identify the potential lysine residues, multi-site directed mutagenesis together with transient transfection and Ni-IDA pull-down assay were carried out. The confocal time-lapse imaging and immunofluorescent staining were used to study the roles of SUMO2 modification on Kif18A’s activity during the cell cycle. Kif18A is covalently modified by SUMO2 during the cell cycle, and its sumoylation peaks at metaphase and then rapidly decreases upon anaphase onset. Mutational analysis identifies multiple lysine residues (K148, K442, K533, K660 and K683) as potential SUMO acceptors. The functional studies reveal that sumoylation of Kif18A has little effect on protein stability and subcellular localization. However, compared with the wild-type control, ectopic expression of SUMO-resistant mutants of Kif18A results in a significant delay of mitotic exit. Confocal microscopy shows that cells expressing SUMO-resistant Kif18A display a compromised dissociation of BubR1 from kinetochores after anaphase onset. Our studies reveal that sumoylation functions as an unidentified form of post-translational modification that regulates Kif18A activity during mitotic progression.
The packing measure of the trajectories of multiparameter fractional Brownian motion

Let X = {X(t), t ∈ RN} be a multiparameter fractional Brownian motion of index α (0 < α < 1) in R. We prove that if N < αd , then there exist positive finite constants K1 and K2 such that with probability 1, K1 ≤ φ-p(X([0, 1] )) ≤ φ-p(GrX([0, 1] )) ≤ K2 where φ(s) = s/(log log 1/s), φ-p(E) is the φ-packing measure of E, X([0, 1] ) is the image and GrX([0, 1] ) = {(t,X(t)); t ∈ [0, 1]N} is the graph of X, respectively. We also establish liminf and limsup type laws of the iterated logarithm for the sojourn measure of X. Running head: Yimin Xiao, The Packing Measure of Fractional Brownian Motion AMS Classification Numbers: Primary 60G15, 60G17; Secondary 28A78.
Hydrogen bonding increases packing density in the protein interior.

The contribution of hydrogen bonds and the burial of polar groups to protein stability is a controversial subject. Theoretical stud- ies suggest that burying polar groups in the protein interior makes an unfavorable contribution to the stability, but experimental studies show that bury- ing polar groups, especially those that are hydrogen bonded, contributes favorably to protein stability. Understanding the factors that are not properly accounted for by the theoretical models would im- prove the models so that they more accurately describe experimental results. It has been suggested that hydrogen bonds may contribute to protein stability, in part, by increasing packing density in the protein interior, and thereby increasing the contribution of van der Waals interactions to pro- tein stability. To investigate the influence of hydro- gen bonds on packing density, we analyzed 687 crystal structures and determined the volume of buried polar groups as a function of their extent of hydrogen bonding. Our findings show that peptide groups and polar side chains that form hydrogen bonds occupy a smaller volume than the same groups when they do not form hydrogen bonds. For ex- ample, peptide groups in which both polar groups are hydrogen bonded occupy a volume, on average, 5.2 A 3 less than a peptide group that is not hydrogen
Possible role of cloudiness in the persistence of the Southern Oscillation

The Southern Oscillation (SO) exhibits persistence which can be explained by positive feedback between ocean and atmosphere1. The persistence exhibits an annual cycle, being weakest in the northern winter and spring. Analysis of a marine data set shows that sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial east Pacific is positively correlated with cloudiness in the northern winter but not in the summer and autumn. Because increased cloudiness favours a reduction in net incoming radiation, the relationship implies a reduced positive feedback on the SST in winter. I show here that this seasonal variation of the cloudiness feedback could be the main cause of the seasonal variation in persistence.
Morphology of melt-crystallized poly(vinylidene fluoride): influence of chain structure and polydispersity

The morphology of melt-crystallized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2) fractions and whole polymers is presented for a wide range of crystallization temperatures (Tc). In both cases, at each isothermal Tc an increase in size of α-spherulites with increase in head-to-head (H-H) defects of the chain was observed. However, at the same Tc, for some fractions with a higher concentration of defects (> 5.27% defects) the spherulitic radius decreased with increasing defect concentration, and in some cases a disordered morphology was also observed. Possible explanations are offered for these exceptions. When quenching from the melt to room temperature, a decrease in spherulitic size with increasing H-H defect content was found for both the fractions and the whole polymers. When comparing isothermally crystallized samples under the same undercooling, similar deterioration of spherulitic size and morphology with increasing defect structure in the chain was found. A general explanation involving the inclusion of H-H defects into the lamellae is suggested. The spherulites of whole polymers are larger than those of the fractions and a possible explanation for this is offered.
Relationship of the Wender Utah Rating Scale to objective measures of attention

Abstract The Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) is a 25-item self-report questionnaire for the retrospective assessment of childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms; high scores indicate greater symptoms. The current study used 35 male Veterans Affairs outpatients to determine if WURS scores were associated with objective measures of current attentional functioning, including the Trail Making Test, Gordon Diagnostic System, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised digit span and digit symbol subtests, and Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised mental control subtest. Participants included both adults diagnosed with ADHD (n = 14) and non-ADHD adults (n = 21). After Bonferroni correction, Pearson product moment correlation coefficients revealed that greater symptoms on the WURS were associated with poorer digit symbol performance ( r = −0.69, P R 2 = 0.59, P
Spectroscopic studies on the copper(II) complexes of carnosine

Abstract Carnosine complexes with copper(II) ions were studied with magnetic resonance techniques over a wide range of ligand to metal ratios at various pH values. Water proton relaxation rates increased with decreasing carnosine to copper ratios until a molar ratio of 48 was reached. Over the ratio range of 48–2 carnosine molecules per copper ion, the relaxation rate decreased so that in the 2:1 carnosine-copper(II) complex, the water-copper(II) distance was estimated to be 1.92 A. Proton NMR studies revealed the broadening of imidazole proton lines at high mole ratios followed by other histidyl protons as the ratio decreased. The β-alanyl methylene protons were the last to be broadened by the addition of copper(II) ions. Carbon to copper(II) distances were determined for the carnosine to copper mole ratios of 500:1 and 5000:1. EPR spectra obtained at 93°K revealed the probable existence of four carnosine imidazoles as the sole coordinated ligands to copper(II) at high dipeptide-to-metal ratios (>10). At mole ratios below four, nuclear hyperfine lines characteristic of both monomeric and dimeric carnosine-copper(II) forms were observed. These results reveal that imidazole from carnosine is the sole ligand contributed to copper(II) for coordination over the pH range 5 to 7 at high carnosine to copper(II) ratios
Book Review: Plastic Surgery, 3rd Edition: Volume 5: Breast

James Grotting , ed. Breast. 3rd ed. Plastic Surgery; vol 5. Peter C. Neligan , series ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2012. ISBN-10: 1455710563. ISBN-13: 978-1455710560. The arrival of the latest edition of the most hallowed plastic surgery textbook series is an auspicious occasion. The day I matched in plastic surgery, I bought “McCarthy.” How I loved that regal green binding and the heavily serifed fonts, which harkened back to the old world of Viennese medical education! Doing credit to the legendary dynasty of Drs Converse and McCarthy is a Herculean task, and Plastic Surgery series editor Dr Peter C. Neligan and volume 5, Breast , editor Dr James Grotting do not disappoint. This impressive volume (the third edition) is much larger than the original edition; the book explodes with colorful illustrations and beautiful photos, and each page is marked with indices at the top. Although I was obviously excited by my initial McCarthy purchase, the books ended up being of little use, as they contained too much history and not enough practical information about the field. For instance, the cleft lip chapter was extensive but did not provide information necessary to be prepared in the operating room. The chapter featured 1 old drawing of a cleft lip repair, one following adhesion. I was astounded that this ostensibly authoritative book did not clearly show the steps of the operation. With this new edition, I was excited to realize how far we have come in our specialty and how much the editors have improved this volume. Each textbook of the newly edited Plastic Surgery series is $285; the price for the entire 6-volume … Corresponding Author: Steven Teitelbaum, MD, FACS, 1301 20th Street, #350, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA. E-mail: steve{at}drteitelbaum.com
Instabilities of Multihump Vector Solitons in Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations

Spectral stability of multihump vector solitons in the Hamiltonian system of coupled nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equations is investigated both analytically and numerically. Using the closure theorem for the negative index of the linearized Hamiltonian, we classify all possible bifurcations of unstable eigenvalues in the systems of coupled NLS equations with cubic and saturable nonlinearities. We also determine the eigenvalue spectrum numerically by the shooting method. In case of cubic nonlinearities, all multihump vector solitons in the nonintegrable model are found to be linearly unstable. In case of saturable nonlinearities, stable multihump vector solitons are found in certain parameter regions, and some errors in the literature are corrected.
Relationship between an Organization's Actual Human Resource Efforts and Employee Attitudes

Personnel management theorists and practitioners have assumed that human resource activities have a positive effect on employee attitudes. The present study is an empirical investigation of this assumption. It is hypothesized that an organization's actual human resource programs affect employee perceptions of the organization's commitment to human resource efforts, which in tum affect general employee work attitudes. The results of a field survey of two autonomous organizations supports this hypothesis. Practical implications of these results are discussed and suggestions for further research are offered.
Antibody-based detection of ERG rearrangements in prostate core biopsies, including diagnostically challenging cases: ERG staining in prostate core biopsies.

Context.—Fusions of androgen-regulated genes and v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (avian) (ERG) occur in approximately 50% of prostate cancers, encoding a truncated ERG product. In prostatectomy specimens, ERG rearrangements are greater than 99% specific for prostate cancer or high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia adjacent to ERG-rearranged prostate cancer by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Objective.—To evaluate ERG staining by immunohistochemistry on needle biopsies, including diagnostically challenging cases. Design.—Biopsies from a retrospective cohort (n = 111) enriched in cores requiring diagnostic immunohistochemistry and a prospective cohort from all cases during 3 months (n = 311) were stained with an anti-ERG antibody (clone EPR3864). Results.—Among evaluable cores (n = 418), ERG staining was confined to cancerous epithelium (71 of 160 cores; 44%), high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (12 of 68 cores; 18%), and atypical foci ...
Funerals of the Unaffiliated

Over one-third of Americans do not claim membership in a religious congregation, but the vast majority of the “congregationally unaffiliated” continue to mark major life events, such as death, thro...
Dilemma of the untreated control group in applied research: a proposed solution.

Among the various impediments to controlled research in applied settings are the difficulties attendant upon the withholding or withdrawal of treatment that might prove beneficial to subjects and the inability of researchers to present simultaneously treatment conditions to all subjects. The multiple pretest-posttest control group design is introduced as an efficient and effective remedy to the problems with special focus upon controls for internal and external validity threats. Several variations of this basic strategy, including the alternating model, the staggered model, and the multiple pretest-posttest replications design, are illustrated and discussed. Finally, the arrangement of factors for statistical analysis is presented for both the case of analysis of covariance with posttest scores and analysis of variance using corrected gain scores.
Acute effects of a pedicled omental graft on cold-induced brain oedema in cats

When used as a phrophylactic measure and in chronic experiments, omental transposition has been shown to reduce ischaemic and traumatic oedema in the spinal cord and ischaemic oedema in the brain. We designed this experiment to evaluate the acute effects of a pedicled omental graft on cold-induced brain oedema in cats. Focal oedema was induced in the left frontoparietal region of the brain of nine anaesthetized cats. In five cats, a laparotomy was done and a pedicled omental graft was placed on the lesioned left hemisphere immediately after the cold lesion was made. All cats were sacrificed 72 hours later, and the water content of the white matter was determined in the lesioned and the normal hemispheres. The mean water content of the lesioned hemisphere of the treated group of animals was not significantly different from that of the control group. We conclude that a pedicled omental graft failed to reduce vasogenic oedema in an acute model and probably has no role in the acute management of brain oedema.
Including history in the study of psychological and political power

Isaac Prilleltensky's (2003) concept of psychopolitical validity stresses the need to consider both the political and the psychological nature of power in the study of wellness, oppression, and liberation. The authors advocate that psychopolitical validity would be strengthened if it included an explicit appreciation of historical context. The inclusion of historical knowledge offers a greater insight into how power has been exercised to promote and maintain oppression, as well as helps to identify methods for working towards social justice. The authors illustrate how the dynamics of power change over time by using examples of how the field of psychology (including community psychology) treated two historically oppressed groups: African Americans and women. Consistent with epistemic validity, investigation into the history of these two groups demonstrates how the role of psychological research has both contributed to the oppression of others, as well as promoted social change. Consistent with transformative validity, these examples illustrate how marginalized groups can work within an oppressive system to challenge the status quo and, in turn, change their position in society. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management dilemmas in the individual with cystic fibrosis and diabetes

Abstract As their life expectancy has improved, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have experienced an increasing incidence of diabetes. Hyperglycemia may adversely influence weight, pulmonary function, and development of microvascular complications. Strict control of blood glucose has not universally been sought, however. A program of multiple daily insulin injections and self-monitoring of blood blucose with an aim of normoglycemia is described in this article. The typical cystic fibrosis diet is variable in quantity and features a preponderance of simple carbohydrates; this is contrary to the usual diabetes meal plan. We describe the use of a flexible meal-planning system to establish individualized carbohydrate targets with specific insulin boluses titrated to each meal to control postprandial blood glucose excursions. Records of 22 patients followed for more than 1 year are reviewed. Mean (±standard error of the mean) glycosylated hemoglobin was reduced from 11.3±3.1% (at baseline) to 8.1±1.8% (at 1 year). Mean percent of ideal body weight also increased from 95.4±15.2 to 100±17.1. We conclude that strict metabolic control is an attainable goal in patients with cystic fibrosis and is associated with positive weight gain.
Dynorphin A toxicity in striatal neurons via an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate receptor mechanism

Abstract Dynorphin A (1-17) is an endogenous opioid peptide that is antinociceptive at physiological concentrations, but in excess can elicit a number of pathological effects. Both κ-opioid and N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonists modulate dynorphin toxicity, suggesting that dynorphin is acting directly or indirectly through these receptor types. We found in spinal cord neurons that the neurotoxic effects of dynorphin A and several dynorphin-derived peptide fragments are largely mediated by N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors. Despite these findings, aspects of dynorphin A toxicity could not be accounted for by opioid or N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor mechanisms. To address this issue, neurons enriched in κ-opioid, N -methyl- d -aspartate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptors were isolated from embryonic day-15 mouse striata and the effects of extracellularly administered dynorphin A (1-17) and (13-17) on neuronal survival were examined in vitro . Unlike spinal cord neurons, N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors mature later than α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate receptors in striatal neurons, thus providing a strategy to elucidate non– N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor-mediated mechanisms of toxicity. Time-lapse photography was used to repeatedly follow the same neurons before and during experimental treatments. Dynorphin A (1-17 or 13-17; 10 μM) caused significant neuronal losses after 48 to 72 hours versus untreated controls. Dynorphin A or A (13-17) toxicity was unaffected by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (10 μM) or by dizocilpine (10 μM). In contrast, the AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline- 2,3-dione (10 μM) significantly attenuated only dynorphin A (1-17)-induced neuronal losses and not that induced by dynorphin A (13-17). Dynorphin A (1-17) toxicity was accompanied by a proportional loss of R2 and R3 subunits of the AMPA receptor complex, but not non– N -methyl- d -aspartateR1, expressing neurons and was mimicked by the ampakine 1-(1,4-benzodioxan-6-ylcarbonyl)piperidine. Although it is unclear whether dynorphin A activates α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate receptors directly or indirectly via glutamate release, our culture conditions do not support glutamate retention or accumulation. Our findings suggest that dynorphin A (1-17) can exert toxic effects on striatal neurons via an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate/kainate receptor mechanism.
The scapegoat effect on food aversions after chemotherapy

The effects of consuming a novel food (halva) versus a familiar food (cookies) before gastrointestinal (GI) toxic chemotherapy on patients' preference for familiar foods consumed after chemotherapy treatment were compared. The development of aversions to the novel and familiar foods was also assessed. Patients with a history of posttreatment nausea consumed either a novel or a familiar food before chemotherapy and were asked to keep a food record through the next breakfast and to rate their preference for these foods. Patients who consumed halva before treatment were significantly more likely to increase their ratings for foods consumed after chemotherapy than patients who consumed familiar cookies. Aversions to the novel food were significantly more frequent than aversions to the familiar food. These findings provide evidence that a novel but not a familiar food consumed before chemotherapy can act as a scapegoat to prevent items in the regular diet consumed after chemotherapy from decreasing in preference. Providing patients with a novel food before chemotherapy is a useful clinical intervention to reduce the likelihood of forming aversions to familiar foods consumed after chemotherapy.