cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The in vivo effects of opioid peptides on the murine immune response.

Abstract We have previously reported that met-enkephalin has dual immunomodulatory properties in vitro . We have continued this investigation using an in vivo system. In this study, Alzet miniosmotic pumps were loaded with either met-enkephalin, DTLET or FK 33-824 and were surgically implanted into BAF 1 /J mice. Twenty-four hours after pump implantation, mice were challenged with sub-optimal, optimal or supraoptimal immunnizing doses of antigen. The immune response was assessed 4 or 5 days after primary immunization. FK 33-824, a met-enkephalin analogue, had no effect on the response of mice challenged with a suboptimal antigen dose. However, FK 33-824, at a pump concentration of 10 −3 M, suppressed the response against optimal challenge doses of antigen. At a pump concentration of 10 −8 M, FK 33-824 suppressed, enhanced or had no effect on the supraoptimal antigen dose-induced immune response. The supressive effect of FK 33-824 in mice immunized with either optimal or supraoptimal doses of antigen was blocked by naloxone. Met-enkephalin and its delta opioid receptor specific analogue, DTLET, had no effect on the immune response to optimal antigen immunization. These results indicate that FK 33-824 has in vivo immunomodulatory activity and provide and provide evidence that opioid peptides may either upregulate or downregulate the in vivo immune response depending on the strength of the response.
Measurements of the diurnal OH cycle by a 14 C-tracer method

The hydroxyl free radical, OH, is generally recognized as the primary oxidant for the removal of pollutants from the Earth's atmosphere. Measurements of OH concentrations are needed to test models of atmospheric photochemistry. We have used the 14C-tracer technique to measure five ambient diurnal OH concentration cycles in relatively pure and in polluted air. The early-to mid-October maximum midday OH concentrations for pure and polluted air were found to be, respectively, 2.4 × 106 and 9.5 × 106 radicals cm–3 (10–13–4 × 10–13 relative to air). Night-time OH concentrations of less than 2 × 105 radicals cm–3 were measured. Estimates of OH concentrations from photochemical models and trace gas lifetimes are consistent with our observations.
The “dynamics” of Leibnizian relationism: Reference frames and force in Leibniz's plenum

Abstract This paper explores various metaphysical aspects of Leibniz's concepts of space, motion, and matter, with the intention of demonstrating how the distinctive role of force in Leibnizian physics can be used to develop a theory of relational motion using privileged reference frames. Although numerous problems will remain for a consistent Leibnizian relationist account, the version developed within our investigation will advance the work of previous commentators by more accurately reflecting the specific details of Leibniz's own natural philosophy, especially his handling of the dynamical interactions of plenum bodies.
Sampling considerations for FT-Raman spectroscopy of polymers and solutions

The apparent absorption coefficient and optimal sample thickness for Fourier transform (FT)-Raman analysis of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose, and cyclohexane were experimentally determined. With the use of these results, a relationship was developed that permits the optimal sample thickness for FT-Raman measurements to be determined by simply measuring the absorbance spectrum of a sample whose thickness is known. For samples with an apparent absorption coefficient of less than 0.08 cm-1, the sampling depth is limited by the depth of view of the instrument. For samples with an apparent absorption coefficient greater than 0.08 cm-1, the samples' optical and physical properties limit the sampling depth. The results are discussed in the context of scattering theory, sampling considerations, and spectral artifacts. Sampling considerations include the application of FT-Raman spectroscopy to the study of coated materials and layered structures.
Development of retinal projections to the cat's lateral geniculate nucleus

Abstract In mammals, synaptic connections formed between axons of retinal ganglion cell and neurons of the lateral geniculate nucleus are complex and yet strikingly precise. This poses a formidable problem for the development of these connections. Research performed in a number of laboratories during recent years has provided glimpses into many of the interacting mechanisms that work to control this development. Because so much of the relevant research has been performed on cats, this brief review will concentrate on the normal and abnormal development of the retinogeniculate pathway in this species. The reader can find a more thorough discussion of the mammalian visual system and its development in several recent reviews 1−6 . The evidence discussed below is organized around the hypothesis that development of the cat's retinogeniculate pathway is largely (but not entirely) controlled by competitive interactions among developing axons. The competitive development can at least conceptually be divided into three partially overlapping and related processes. First is the overproduction of ganglion cells and their axons followed by the loss of those that fail to make appropriate connections in the lateral geniculate nucleus; second is the formation of clear lamination in the lateral geniculate nucleus during the same period that retinogeniculate axons develop extensive arbors within their appropriate laminae; and third is the shaping and pruning of arbors as they continue to develop. The first two processes occur mostly prenatally and the third extends several months into postnatal life, although different axonal classes seem to engage in these processes during somewhat different prenatal and postnatal periods. However, the actual evidence presently available makes only a circumstantial if at times compelling case that the overproduction and subsequent death of excess ganglion cells, the development of lamination, and the pruning of retinogeniculate axon arbors are consequences of competition.
Virucidal Effectiveness of Flexible Pouch Processing of Meat Products Prepared from Foot-and-Mouth Disease-Affected Cattle

Thermal processing of ground beef, beef cubes or beef slices in commercially popular flexible pouches, effectively inactivated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus that had resulted from infection of cattle. Cooking the meat products at 75°C for 20 min or 80°C for 15 min was virucidal; however, FMD virus survived in ground beef products processed for shorter time periods and/or at lower temperatures. The processing schema described were limited to 200g samples of these meat products. Postmortem decrease of pH due to electrical stimulation of carcasses inactivated the virus in skeletal muscle but not in lymph mode tissue.
Controllable and reversible hot spot formation on silver nanorod arrays

Reversible hot spot formation is achieved for free-standing silver nanorod (AgNR) arrays fabricated by oblique angle deposition and modified with a hydrophilic surface coating.
The AV nodal Wenckebach phenomenon as a positive feedback mechanism.

Abstract The AV nodal Wenckebach phenomenon is a manifestation of the operation of a positive feedback mechanism. As AV conduction for a given beat is retarded relative to that for the preceding beat, the action potentials of critical cells in the AV node are prolonged. Hence, the next cardiac impulse arrives at these cells earlier in the relative refractory period, causing still slower AV conduction and still greater action potential prolongation. This process continues until an impulse is blocked, whereupon the cycle begins anew. The positive feedback system may be represented graphically by a curve of the P-R interval plotted as a function of the R-P interval and by a straight line representing the R-P interval as a function of the P-R interval. The curve of P-R as a function of R-P is the forward element of the positive feedback loop, whereas the straight diagonal line describing R-P as a function of P-R is the feedback element of the loop. When the curve intersects the diagonal line, AV conduction will be stable. However, when the curve and diagonal line are displaced so that they no longer intersect, the Wenckebach phenomenon will supervene. The diagonal line will be displaced only by changes in heart rate, whereas the curve will be displaced not only by changes in heart rate but also by variations in autonomic neural tone, electrolyte concentrations, and the levels of certain drugs.
Intuitionistically provable recursive well-orderings

Abstract We consider intuitionistic number theory with recursive infinitary rules (HA * ). Any primitive recursive binary relation for which transfinite induction schema is provable is in fact well founded. Its ordinal is less than e 0 if the transfinite induction schema is intuitionistically provable in elementary number theory. These results are provable intuitionistically. In fact, it suffices to consider transfinite induction with respect to one particular number-theoretic property.
The existence of 1-factors in line graphs, squares, and total graphs

Abstract The line graph L ( G ) of G is that graph whose vertex set corresponds to the edge set of G such that two vertices of L ( G ) are adjacent if and only if the corresponding edges of G are adjacent. The square G 2 of G has the same vertex set as G and two vertices are adjacent if and only if their distance in G is at most two. The total graph T ( G ) of G is the graph whose vertex set corresponds to the set of vertices and edges of G such that two vertices of T ( G ) are adjacent if and only if the corresponding elements of G are adjacent or incident. A 1-factor of a graph is a spanning 1-regular subgraph. For a connected graph G , it is shown that a necessary and sufficient condition that L ( G ) (respectively, G 2 ; respectively, T ( G )) have a 1-factor is that L ( G ) (respectively, G 2 ; respectively, T ( G )) have an even number of vertices.
Identifying the sources and uncertainties of ecosystem respiration in Arctic tussock tundra

Ecosystem respiration (ER) is the largest flux of carbon (C) from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere, yet our ability to model this aggregate flux lags considerably behind our ability to model photosynthesis. Arctic ecosystems hold large stocks of potentially labile soil C and are dominated by plants with high root: shoot ratios. However, simple models of Arctic tundra ER typically use only aboveground drivers, such as air temperature and leaf area index. To investigate this apparent discrepancy, we partitioned ER into its component fluxes in moist acidic tussock tundra, which is among the most widespread of Arctic ecosystems. To partition ER, we combined tissue-scale measurements of leaf, wood, moss, lichen, and root respiration with seasonal biomass estimates. Simple respiration models were fit to the data for each tissue type. Our results suggest that belowground respiration is a large proportion of ER and that its contribution increases over the course of the growing season with soil thaw. We estimated that bulk soil heterotrophic respiration made up approximately 40 %, root respiration made up 35 %, mosses contributed 8.5 % and all vascular plant leaves combined made up a mere 13.5 % of ER during the 2012 growing season. Our ability to model aboveground tissue respiration exceeded our ability to model belowground respiration. We hypothesize that effects of the aboveground climate on rhizosphere respiration, mediated by the production and delivery of photosynthate, may be a critical determinant of ER, as this would reconcile our results with simple models of ER.
Comparison of Polarization Inversion with Spin Exchange at Magic Angle and Geometric Analysis of Labeled Alanines Methods for Transmembrane Helix Alignment

Using the model α-helical peptide acetyl−GGALW5LALALALALALALW19LAGA−ethanolamide (“GWALP23”), we have compared the polarization inversion with spin exchange at magic angle method and geometric analysis of labeled alanines method for estimating the transmembrane helix orientation. For GWALP23 in bilayers of a short lipid, dilauroylphosphatidylcholine, we find general agreement between the two methods, with a static helix tilt of about 11°−13° with respect to the bilayer normal.
Smash products and outer derivations

LetR be a prime ring andL a Lie algebra acting onR as “Q-outer” derivations (if charR=p≠0, assume thatL is restricted). We study ideals and the center of the smash productR #U(L) (respectivelyR #u(L) ifL is restricted) and use these results to study the relationship betweenR and the ring of constantsR L . More generally, for any finite-dimensional Hopf algebraH acting onR such thatR #H satisfies the “ideal intersection property”, we useR #H to study the relationship betweenR and the invariant ringR H .
Anomalous crystal chemistries of the 111In-->111Cd and 181Hf-->181Ta probes in rutile TiO2 studied using perturbed-angular-correlation spectroscopy.

We have used perturbed-angular-correlation (PAC) spectroscopy to measure nuclear-electric-quadrupole interactions at the Ti site in ceramic samples of rutile ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$. To investigate differences in the probe crystal chemistry, we used two chemically different PAC probes, $^{111}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{111}$Cd and $^{181}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{181}$Ta, and we measured the temperature dependences of the electric-field-gradient parameters, ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{z}\mathit{z}}$, \ensuremath{\eta}, and \ensuremath{\delta} over a temperature range from 290 to 1300 K. The results of these PAC measurements are compared to the results of $^{47,49}\mathrm{Ti}$ nuclear-magnetic-resonance measurements. Significant differences are found in the temperature dependences of ${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{z}\mathit{z}}$ and \ensuremath{\eta} that cannot be explained in terms of simple considerations such as ionic size and charge. These effects are discussed in terms of differences in directional bonding that the PAC probes could exhibit.
Cx43/β-Gal Inhibits Cx43 Transport in the Golgi Apparatus

A connexin construct consisting of bacterial β-galactosidase fused to the C-terminus of connexin43 (Cx43/β-gal) was used to examine Cx43 assembly in NIH 3T3 cells. Cx43/β-gal is retained in a perinuclear compartment and inhibits Cx43 transport to the cell surface. The intracellular connexin pool trapped by Cx43/β-gal was retained in a compartment that co-localized with a medial Golgi apparatus marker by immunofluorescence microscopy and that was readily disassembled by treatment with brefeldin A. Further analysis by sucrose gradient fractionation showed that Cx43 and Cx43/β-gal were assembled into a sub-hexameric complex, and that Cx43/β-gal expression also inhibited Cx43 assembly into hemichannels. While this is consistent with Cx43 hemichannel assembly in the trans Golgi network (TGN), these data also suggest that the dominant negative effect of Cx43/β-gal on Cx43 trafficking may reflect a putative sub-hexameric assembly intermediate formed in the Golgi apparatus.
Time course of the effects of adrenalectomy and corticosterone replacement on 5-HT1A receptors and 5-HT uptake sites in the hippocampus and dorsal raphe nucleus of the rat brain: an autoradiographic analysis

Previous studies have shown that adrenalectomy (ADX) increases the binding of3H-DPAT to 5-HT1A receptors in the hippocampus (HIP) and this effect is partially overcome by corticosterone (CORT) replacement. The present study investigated the time course of the effects of ADX with or without CORT replacement on serotonin (5-HT) pre- and postsynaptic systems in the HIP and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) by quantitative autoradiography. In the HIP, ADX for 7, 10 or 14 days caused a significant increase in3H-DPAT binding in the CA1 region (pyramidal layer), CA2,3 region (molecular and pyramidal layers) and in the dentate gyrus (molecular and granular layers) which returned to control levels when measurements were made 35 days post-ADX. A decrease in3H-DPAT binding was observed 14 days after ADX in the DR but not in the median raphe nucleus (MR). Although replacement with CORT did not lead to a reversal in3H-DPAT binding at early time points, binding was restored to control levels 7–28 days after CORT replacement in all regions of the HIP. In the DR, CORT did not cause a reversal in3H-DPAT binding at any of the time points examined. In contrast to the effects seen on the 5-HT1A receptor subtype, no significant change was noted on the binding of3H-CN-IMI to uptake sites for 5-HT in the HIP or DR after ADX or CORT replacement. The results of this study indicate that long-term alterations in the HPA axis lead to changes in the 5-HT1A receptor system that are both region-specific and time-dependent.
Distance Education and the Long Bus Ride Home

This article ponders Tracy Rone's assertion that field trips offer an immediate and compelling methodology for understanding our pasts and our relationships to those histories. It examines the way taking students to historic sites in diverse learning communities can facilitate what Rone calls “an intensive, experiential history lesson” and can give students deeper understandings of history and lasting access to their own learning.
Explaining Seat Changes in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1950–98

: Recent U.S. House elections have challenged existing models of congressional elections, raising the question of whether or not processes thought to govern previous elections are still at work. Taking Marra and Ostrom's (1989) model of congressional elections as representative of extant theoretical perspectives and testing it against recent elections, we find that the model fails. We augment Marra and Ostrom's model with new insights, constructing a model that explains elections from 1950 to 1998. We find that, although presidential approval ratings and major political events continue to drive congressional elections, the distribution of open seats must also be taken into account.
Poisoning effect of ethylcarbazole on hydrodesulfurization of 4,6-diethyldibenzothiophene

Abstract This study aims to gain a quantitative understanding of the poisoning effect of 3-ethylcarbazole (3ECBZ) on the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of 4,6-diethyldibenzothiophene (46DEDBT) in a fixed bed of a sulfided CoMo/Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 catalyst. A nonequilibrium, one-parameter model reproduces experimental results and quantifies how the traveling sulfur wave, nitrogen wave, and catalyst surface interact inside the reactor as the poisoning process proceeds. While 3ECBZ's adsorptivity is about nine times that of 46DEDBT, its heteroatom removal reactivity is far lower than that of 46DEDBT. The catalyst can adsorb 3ECBZ at a rate at least 17-fold faster than it can denitrogenate. Thus even a trace amount of feed nitrogen can substantially retard the HDS rate. The model extracts adsorption and surface reaction rate constants and identifies two dimensionless groups governing the poisoning process. Fundamental and pragmatic implications of the results are discussed.
Lower extremity work is associated with club head velocity during the golf swing in experienced golfers.

While the golf swing is a complex whole body movement requiring coordination of all joints to achieve maximum ball velocity, the kinetic contribution of the lower extremities to club head velocity has not been quantified, despite the perception that the legs are a primary source of power during the swing. Mechanical power at the hips, knees, and ankles was estimated during the downswing phase of a full swing with a driver using a passive optical motion capture system and 2 force plates for adult males across a range of age and self-reported skill levels. Total work by the lower extremities was calculated by integrating the powers of all 6 joints over the downswing. Regression analyses showed that total lower extremity work was a strong predictor of club head velocity (R=0.63). Secondary analyses showed different relationships to club head velocity in lead and trail leg lower extremity joints, but none of these were as predictive of club head velocity as the total work performed by the lower extremities. These results provide quantitative evidence that the lower body’s kinetic contribution may be an important factor in achieving greater club head velocity, contributing to greater driving distance and overall golf performance.
A clinical evaluation of acetazolamide (Diamox) in the treatment of epilepsy in children

Summary Fifty-six patients with epilepsy refractory to standard anticonvulsive therapy were treated with Diamox. Seizures were completely controlled in 62.5 per cent (35 cases); 16 per cent (9 cases) were improved well over 50 per cent; 21.4 per cent (12 cases) were unchanged. Despite the tendency for development of tolerance, the prompt control of many cases of epilepsy of diverse types with few side effects makes Diamox a valuable drug in the clinical management of epilepsy.
Lateral heterogeneity in the seismic structure of the oceanic crust inferred from velocity studies in the Bay of Islands ophiolite, Newfoundland

Received 1981 June 26; in original form 1980 October 17 Summary. In the Bay of Islands ophiolite complex of Western Newfoundland, Lower Ordovician crust and upper mantle are exposed in four massifs. Two of these, the Blow-Me-Down and North Arm massifs, contain complete or nearly complete ophiolite successions ranging from clastic sediments at the top, through pillow basalts, sheeted dykes, gabbros, and peridotites at the base. The detailed velocity structure of the North Arm massif has been reconstructed from compressional and shear wave velocity measurements to confining pressures of 6 kbar and low pore pressures for 125 cores collected from $3 sites of known stratigraphic level and is compared with the previously determined seismic structure of the Blow-Me-Down massif. Within the upper 2km of North Arm, compressional wave velocities increase from 5.0 to 7.0 km s-' and shear wave velocities increase from 2.8 to 3.8 km s-'. Velocities at this level in the Blow-Me-Down massif are higher due to the presence of pumpellyite. In both massifs, the top of layer 3 occurs within the sheeted dyke complex at a depth of approximately 1.5 km and marks the transition from greenschist to amphibolite facies metadolerites. High level gabbros and plagiogranites at depths of between 2 and 4 km are responsible for velocity inversions. In North Arm, Poisson's ratios at this depth are relatively high (0.3 1-0.34); whereas in Blow-Me-Down, abundant quartz-rich plagiogranites give rise to low Poisson's ratios (0.25-0.27). The lowest crustal unit in North Arm, which consists primarily of gabbro and amphibolite, has average compressional and shear wave velocities of 7.0 and 3.8 km s-', respectively. Within this section (4-6 km) the velocities decrease slightly with increasing depth in North Arm, but increase abruptly at 5.5 km depth in Blow-Me-Down. In the North Arm massif, the transition from crust to mantle is rather gradual due to the presence of a relatively thick mixed zone of gabbro and ultramafics.
Post-transcriptional Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase mRNA Stability by Rho GTPase

The mechanism by which 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitors increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression is unknown. To determine whether changes in isoprenoid synthesis affects eNOS expression, human endothelial cells were treated with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, mevastatin (1-10 microM), in the presence of L-mevalonate (200 microM), geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP, 1-10 microM), farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP, 5-10 microM), or low density lipoprotein (LDL, 1 mg/ml). Mevastatin increased eNOS mRNA and protein levels by 305 +/- 15% and 180 +/- 11%, respectively. Co-treatment with L-mevalonate or GGPP, but not FPP or LDL, reversed mevastatin's effects. Because Rho GTPases undergo geranylgeranyl modification, we investigated whether Rho regulates eNOS expression. Immunoblot analyses and [35S]GTPgammaS-binding assays revealed that mevastatin inhibited Rho membrane translocation and GTP binding activity by 60 +/- 5% and 78 +/- 6%, both of which were reversed by co-treatment with GGPP but not FPP. Furthermore, inhibition of Rho by Clostridium botulinum C3 transferase (50 microg/ml) or by overexpression of a dominant-negative N19RhoA mutant increased eNOS expression. In contrast, activation of Rho by Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factor-1 (200 ng/ml) decreased eNOS expression. These findings indicate that Rho negatively regulates eNOS expression and that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors up-regulate eNOS expression by blocking Rho geranylgeranylation, which is necessary for its membrane-associated activity.
Modeling and Evaluation of Carbon-Nanotube-Based Integrated Power Inductor for On-Chip Switching Power Converters

This paper presents a nanotechnology-based high power-density and low-power-loss on-chip power inductor for dc-dc switching power converters. This power inductor utilizes a composite of bundled multiwalled (concentric) carbon nanotubes (BMWCNTs) and Fe (iron) in order to achieve high performance in a small size. Titanium (Ti) is then added as a coating material on the BMWCNT-based power inductor. The BMWCNT-based power inductor with a single layer and three turns occupies an area of 200 μm × 200 μm. It exhibits an inductance of 206 nH, a quality factor of 427 at 20 MHz, and a dc rated current of 100 mA. The power inductor size and the performance characteristics are competitive with state-of-the-art power inductors. The design, analysis, modeling, and simulation results of the BMWCNT-based power inductor are presented and compared with state-of-the-art conventional power inductors from the literature.
Respondent Debriefings Conducted by Experts: A Technique for Questionnaire Evaluation:

This article explores the use of expert respondent debriefings to evaluate the quality of survey data. In this case study, subject matter experts observed 169 interviews and conducted qualitative r...
Access to outpatient specialty care: solutions from an integrated health care system

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest integrated health care delivery system in the United States, has transformed itself over the past 15 years from a hospital-centered health care system to one that has a robust primary care infrastructure and access points throughout the United States.
Effect of atrial overdrive pacing on obstructive sleep apnea in patients with systolic heart failure.

Abstract Background and purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular disease. Preliminary studies suggested breathing improvement in patients with apnea and heart disease when atrial overdrive pacing was applied during sleep. However, more recent studies do not show significant beneficial effect for atrial overdrive pacing in OSA. To further investigate this relationship, we conducted a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of atrial overdrive pacing on sleep-related breathing events in subjects with OSA and systolic heart failure. Patients and methods: We screened 33 subjects with symptoms consistent with OSA. On a screening overnight polysomnography (PSG), 15 subjects with mean age of 74 years (standard deviation (SD) 6.6) and ejection fraction of 38% (SD 14.4%) had OSA defined as having an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of ⩾15 per hour of sleep. These subjects underwent additional PSGs including a night with atrial overdrive pacing (O), a night with pacemaker rate set at 40–50 beats per minutes (N), and a positive airway pressure titration night. The O and N nights were consecutive and the order was randomized. For O, the pacemaker rate was set at 15 beats higher than the average nightly heart rate (determined from the screening night). Results: At baseline, mean AHI was 34.8 (15.5) and mean SaO 2 nadir was 85% (3.2%). Average heart rate was significantly higher on O nights compared to N nights ( p p 2 saturations did not differ significantly between O and N nights. Interestingly, AHI improved statistically significantly on O nights in younger subjects. Conclusions: While statistically reliable, the small pacing-related reduction in sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) events is of unknown clinical significance. By contrast, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) dramatically improved AHI, AI, respiratory arousal index, and O 2 saturation. Thus our data suggest that overdrive pacing exerts a mild effect on respiratory events in some heart failure patients with OSA; however, atrial overdrive pacing was not therapeutically effective for improving airway patency and sleep-related respiratory function.
Selective Modification of Adenovirus Replication can be Achieved Through Rational Mutagenesis of the Adenovirus Type 5 DNA Polymerase

Mutations that reduce the efficiency of deoxynucleoside (dN) triphosphate (dNTP) substrate utilization by the HIV-1 DNA polymerase prevent viral replication in resting cells, which contain low dNTP concentrations, but not in rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells, which contain high levels of dNTPs. We therefore tested whether mutations in regions of the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) DNA polymerase that interact with the dNTP substrate or DNA template could alter virus replication. The majority of the mutations created, including conservative substitutions, were incompatible with virus replication. Five replication-competent mutants were recovered from 293 cells, but four of these mutants failed to replicate in A549 lung carcinoma cells and Wi38 normal lung cells. Purified polymerase proteins from these viruses exhibited only a 2- to 4-fold reduction in their dNTP utilization efficiency but nonetheless could not be rescued, even when intracellular dNTP concentrations were artificially raised by the addition of exogenous dNs to virus-infected A549 cells. The fifth mutation (I664V) reduced biochemical dNTP utilization by the viral polymerase by 2.5-fold. The corresponding virus replicated to wild-type levels in three different cancer cell lines but was significantly impaired in all normal cell lines in which it was tested. Efficient replication and virus-mediated cell killing were rescued by the addition of exogenous dNs to normal lung fibroblasts (MRC5 cells), confirming the dNTP-dependent nature of the polymerase defect. Collectively, these data provide proof-of-concept support for the notion that conditionally replicating, tumor-selective adenovirus vectors can be created by modifying the efficiency with which the viral DNA polymerase utilizes dNTP substrates.
Measuring Geotourism Developing and Testing the Geotraveler Tendency Scale (GTS)

Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place, including its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a scale measuring geotraveler tendencies (GTS). The GTS consists of 35 items across eight subscales measuring both attitudes and behaviors of travelers. Confirmatory factor analysis tested each scale for construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity, and demonstrated that all eight scales of the GTS were valid and reliable measures of the dimensions of geotourism. Standardized factor loadings ranged from .52 to .92 and construct reliability scores ranged from .72 to .94 for the eight attitudinal and behavioral scales. For destinations interested in promoting geotourism, the GTS provides a tool to determine if visitors traveling to their area embrace geotourism values of sustaining and enhancing the geographical character of place.
Beam-exposure dependence and mechanisms of photon-stimulated desorption from alkali fluorides

Photon-stimulated desorption experiments were performed on the (001) face of LiF for photon energies near the F(2s) and Li(ls) edges (from 37 to 72 eV). There are structures in the F{sup +} yield above the F(2s) edge which are absent in the Li{sup +} spectrum, differences in detail in the Li{sup +} and F{sup +} yields near the Li(1s) edge, and considerable broadening of the desorption yields as compared to the bulk photoabsorption spectrum. The first observation of a strong x-ray, and visible, beam exposure dependence of ion yields from LiF and NaF is also presented. These results are discussed in terms of electronic and defect properties of alkali halides.
Mechanism for coordinated RNA packaging and genome replication by rotavirus polymerase VP1.

Summary Rotavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase VP1 catalyzes RNA synthesis within a subviral particle. This activity depends on core shell protein VP2. A conserved sequence at the 3′ end of plus-strand RNA templates is important for polymerase association and genome replication. We have determined the structure of VP1 at 2.9 A resolution, as apoenzyme and in complex with RNA. The cage-like enzyme is similar to reovirus λ3, with four tunnels leading to or from a central, catalytic cavity. A distinguishing characteristic of VP1 is specific recognition, by conserved features of the template-entry channel, of four bases, UGUG, in the conserved 3′ sequence. Well-defined interactions with these bases position the RNA so that its 3′ end overshoots the initiating register, producing a stable but catalytically inactive complex. We propose that specific 3′ end recognition selects rotavirus RNA for packaging and that VP2 activates the autoinhibited VP1/RNA complex to coordinate packaging and genome replication.
Fat metabolism in higher plants. LVI. Distribution and nature of biotin in chloroplasts of different plant species.

Abstract A number of bacteria, algae, and higher plant chloroplasts were examined to determine the nature of their biotin-protein complexes. In all tissues studied, the major fraction of the total biotin was bound to protein(s) through a lysine bridge and these proteins accepted 14 CO 2 to form carboxybiotinyl protein(s). The biotinyl protein was present in the soluble protein fraction in the procaryotic organisms, Escherichia coli and Rhodospirillum rubrum . In eucaryotic organisms, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardi and chloroplasts from higher plants, biotinyl protein was associated with chloroplast membranes. The blue-green alga, Anacystis nidulans , showed an intermediate condition, while the filamentous blue-green alga, Anabaena flos-aquae , resembled the higher plant chloroplasts. Although on a chlorophyll basis, stroma lamellae fractions enriched in Photosystem I had a higher biotin protein content than did the grana lamellae fractions, on a protein basis, the biotinyl protein content was rather evenly distributed between the different membrane systems. In dormant embryos of barley and wheat acetyl CoA carboxylase was a soluble protein localized in the proplastids. During germination the biotin protein(s) became associated with the lamellar membrane fraction.
Changing our culture: adopting the military aviation safety system

Change is in the air. Problems are brewing throughout the profession of medicine, but especially in our surgical practices. Reimbursements are down. People with no experience practicing medicine are, more and more, deciding what standards of practice will be. ‘Metrics’—developed particularly by the federal government—are being created to judge us: to evaluate our competence, our adverse event rate and even to decide upon whether an adverse event constitutes criminal behavior. Bureaucrats will justify their judgments because complication indices —for example, infection rates, operating on the wrong site, medication errors and, particular for our specialty, errors of judgment—have remained painfully constant over the years.1–8 Why should not we—the physician/surgeons of our specialty—again be the leaders? I mean leaders in changing our culture. The continuing and preventable errors rate, which has not significantly changed over the last decades, demands a change, a change that must come from us before it is imposed upon us by an uncaring administration or federal bureaucracy. Ask yourself: how often has the federal government, once accruing power, ever relinquished it? As background for this leadership—our leadership—premise, I invite you to go back to the early papers of the 1960s and early 1970s, papers written before there were any national societies or even a recognized specialty dedicated to our work. You will likely realize that we were the ones who developed what eventually came to be called ‘minimally invasive surgery’. We also performed the first image-guided surgery. Was our work not the origin of robotic surgery? Look at the early papers by Amundsen et al ,9 Boulos et al ,10 Doppman et al ,11 Newton et al ,12 Hillal et al 13 and Djinjian et al .14 Now we are living through another time of great change. This time, though, the federal …
Fabrication processes for high performance InAs-based HBTs

InAs-based HBT technology was discussed. Several of the available fabrication processes were presented, as well as the device performance obtained from some of the options.
Status, distribution, and genetics of Blair's fencing crayfish, Faxonella blairi (Decapoda: Cambaridae)

Abstract During a multi-year study of the rare Blair's fencing crayfish (Faxonella blairi Hayes and Reimer), we made 87 collections in 10 counties throughout the West Gulf Coastal Plain of southwestern Arkansas. Intensive searches throughout these counties revealed the presence of 36 new populations of F. blairi in Little River, Miller, and Sevier counties. In each of these counties, F. blairi was found to be a locally abundant crayfish. New county records from museum collections were documented for Columbia and Howard counties, Arkansas, and Cass County, Texas. Additionally, we surveyed genetic variation in F. blairi and found them to be a monophyletic group with a sister relationship to Faxonella clypeata but with clear genetic distinctiveness from this sister taxon. There was modest genetic variation within Arkansas, and this genetic variation was greater than that across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas for F. blairi. Faxonella blairi should be considered as currently stable due to its more widespread di...
Manufacturing and Agricultural Production Functions and International Trade: United States and Northern Europe

The usefulness of the production possibility curve for the empirical testing of international trade theory is demonstrated. Agricultural and manufacturing production functions are estimated for the United States and Northern Europe by use of techniques suggested by Griliches. The estimates show decreasing returns to capital and labor in agriculture and approximately constant returns in manufacturing. These estimates of the production function are used to derive production possibility curves for the United States and West Germany. International trade theory leads to the conclusion that the United States has, vis‐a‐vis West Germany, a comparative advantage in the relatively capital‐intensive farming and a comparative disadvantage in the relatively labor‐intensive manufacturing.
RFID-BASED AUTOMATIC BUS TICKETING: FEATURES AND TRENDS

Recent advancements in various technologies have made remarkable developments in various fields for public welfare and public transport is one such area. In the near future public bus transport system with advanced technologies like Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), GSM, GPS, ZigBee and RF modules will gain spotlight due to their advantage of higher convenience and greater life standards as compared to the conventional bus systems. In this paper, a comprehensive review of all several proposed bus ticketing and bus information methods has been presented in detail. The study brings out improved solution in terms of cost, convenience, user satisfaction and future implementation. The choice of working modules and their efficient performance has been discussed along with the highlighted importance of the need of technology for welfare of common public and visually impaired.
Micropatterning Facilitates the Long‐Term Growth and Analysis of iPSC‐Derived Individual Human Neurons and Neuronal Networks

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their application to patient-specific disease models offers new opportunities for studying the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. However, current methods for culturing iPSC-derived neuronal cells result in clustering of neurons, which precludes the analysis of individual neurons and defined neuronal networks. To address this challenge, cultures of human neurons on micropatterned surfaces are developed that promote neuronal survival over extended periods of time. This approach facilitates studies of neuronal development, cellular trafficking, and related mechanisms that require assessment of individual neurons and specific network connections. Importantly, micropatterns support the long-term stability of cultured neurons, which enables time-dependent analysis of cellular processes in living neurons. The approach described in this paper allows mechanistic studies of human neurons, both in terms of normal neuronal development and function, as well as time-dependent pathological processes, and provides a platform for testing of new therapeutics in neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Impact of Ethnicity on Values: An Exploratory Study of Blacks, Whites and Hispanics Using the List of Values

Chi-square analysis, Spearman Rank Correlation, and Kruskal- Wallis One-Way ANOVA are utilized to examine the impact of ethnicity and income on respondent’s values, as measured by the List of Values. Both similarities and differences are found between the groups. Intragroup differences are also evident.
Handbook of Radiobiology

handbook of Radiobiology , handbook of Radiobiology , کتابخانه دیجیتالی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی و خدمات درمانی شهید بهشتی
SENP8 limits aberrant neddylation of nedd8 pathway components to promote cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase function

NEDD8 is a ubiquitin-like modifier most well-studied for its role in activating the largest family of ubiquitin E3 ligases, the cullin-RING ligases (CRLs). While many non-cullin neddylation substrates have been proposed over the years, validation of true NEDD8 targets has been challenging, as overexpression of exogenous NEDD8 can trigger NEDD8 conjugation through the ubiquitylation machinery. Here, we developed a deconjugation-resistant form of NEDD8 to stabilize the neddylated form of cullins and other non-cullin substrates. Using this strategy, we identified Ubc12, a NEDD8-specific E2 conjugating enzyme, as a substrate for auto-neddylation. Furthermore, we characterized SENP8/DEN1 as the protease that counteracts Ubc12 auto-neddylation, and observed aberrant neddylation of Ubc12 and other NEDD8 conjugation pathway components in SENP8-deficient cells. Importantly, loss of SENP8 function contributes to accumulation of CRL substrates and defective cell cycle progression. Thus, our study highlights the importance of SENP8 in maintaining proper neddylation levels for CRL-dependent proteostasis.
The Effect of Therapy on High Grade B Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified and Outcomes in Comparison with Double Hit Lymphoma

Background: High grade B cell lymphoma (HGBL) is a heterogeneous entity with morphologic and genetic features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Many patients with HGBL also have concurrent MYC, BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements documented by FISH, the so-called double-hit lymphoma (DHL), which has now been defined as a separate entity in the updated WHO classification in 2016 as HGBL with rearrangements of MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6. Other HGBL without MYC and BCL2 or BCL6 have been termed HGBL, NOS. HGBL, NOS and DHL are considered clinically aggressive. The best therapeutic approach for HGBL, NOS is unclear, and outcomes of patients with DHL in comparison to HGBL, NOS are not well established. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe the outcomes and practice patterns for patients with HGBL, NOS. Additionally, we compared the survival of patients with HGBL, NOS to those with DHL. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. All patients identified as HGBL by pathology review at the University of Pittsburgh Hematopathology Department from 2010-2014 were included. Outcomes between standard therapy with R-CHOP and high intensity therapies with either R-EPOCH or R-HyperCVAD were compared for those patients with HGBL. Survival curves were generated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and overall survival was compared using the log-rank test. Cox-regression analysis was used to adjust for covariates. Results: 50 patients with newly diagnosed HGBL without a double-hit genotype were identified. Of these patients, 38 received R-CHOP (63%), R-EPOCH (21%) or R-HyperCVAD (16%). Baseline characteristics between treatment groups (Table 1) revealed an older age (p=0.033) and more frequent germinal center genotype (p=0.023) in those treated with R-CHOP. Median follow-up for this group was 18 months. There was no difference in the overall survival (OS) between R-CHOP and higher intensity regimens (p=0.540) (Figure 1). Median survival was not reached in either group. 2-year survival was 76%. Only a high-risk IPI score retained prognostic significance with OS in multivariate analysis (p=0.022). This compares favorable to 13 cases of DHL treated with R-CHOP, R-EPOCH, or R-HyperCVAD during a similar time period for whom the median overall survival was 8.9 months (p=0.016) Conclusion: Both standard therapy with R-CHOP and higher intensity therapies appear to be effective in the treatment of HGBL without double-hit genotype. IPI score remains prognostically significant. Outcomes in patients with HGBL, NOS appear favorable in comparison with patients with DHL. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Insulin Injections: Does This Mean Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Everyone?

The editorialists discuss the findings, what we know about the benefits of CGM in patients with type 1 diabetes, and the potential role of CGM in selected patients with type 2 diabetes in light of ...
The trillion planet survey: an optical search for directed intelligence in M31

In realm of optical SETI, searches for pulsed laser signals have historically been preferred over those for continuous wave beacons. There are many valid reasons for this, namely the near elimination of false positives and simple experimental components. However, due to significant improvements in laser technologies and light-detection systems since the mid-20th century, as well as new data from the recent Kepler mission, continuous wave searches should no longer be ignored. In this paper we propose a search for continuous wave laser beacons from an intelligent civilization in the Andromeda galaxy. Using only a 0.8 meter telescope, a standard photometric system, and an image processing pipeline, we expect to be able to detect any CW laser signal directed at us from an extraterrestrial civilization in M31, as long as the civilization is operating at a wavelength we can “see” and has left the beacon on long enough for us to detect it here on Earth. The search target is M31 due to its high stellar density relative to our own Milky Way galaxy. Andromeda is home to at least one trillion stars, and thus at least one trillion planets. As a result, in surveying M31, we are surveying one trillion planets, and consequently one trillion possible locations of intelligent life. This is an unprecedented number of targets relative to other past SETI searches. We call this the TPS or Trillion Planet Survey.