cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who's Dominant?: Incumbent Longevity in Multiparty Regimes, 1950-2006

In dominant party systems, a single party or coalition continuously controls the national executive by winning contested elections over an extraordinary period of time. Studies of dominant party systems have proliferated in recent years, but cross-national research on this topic has been hindered by inconsistent definitions of dominance, a focus only on “successful,” long-lasting cases to the neglect of shorter-lived ruling parties, and a “small-N” problem that precludes probabilistic inference. In this paper I describe an original dataset of ruling party duration in all electoral autocracies and democracies that existed between 1950 and 2006. I use this data to identify more than 40 dominant party systems that occurred during this period. I find that the large majority of long-lived ruling parties were “first-movers” in the party system — they either founded the competitive regime or won the first elections, then retained power for several successive elections. A comparison of survival rates and median ruling party durations for both first-mover and non-first-mover parties shows that the median first-mover party lasts about twice as long. However, there is also enormous variation in first-mover duration — party origins by themselves do not explain why some initial incumbents endure much longer in power than others. The findings hold two important implications for large-N research on dominance: (1) most dominant parties are former monopolists who have done well at retaining market share, so the rate of decay of these initial advantages is a better way to operationalize the dependent variable, and (2) the comparison set for testing explanations of dominance should include all first-mover parties in electorally-contested regimes, rather than all ruling parties or only the most long-lived ones.
Ceramic - Bone Composite Implant: a New Method of Augmentation for Bone Regeneration

Bony defects in the alveolar bone, maxilla, paranasal region, and the floor of the nose were corrected in 75 consecutive patients with a composite bone graft. The composite bone graft is a mixture of a slurry of corticocancellous cranial bone, hydroxyapatite (R), and Bacitracin powder, and thrombin. The paste-like composite is used to pack the defect and correct the deformity. Complete bony immobilization, done externally or internally, is necessary during the healing phase of the bone composite. The patients were longitudinally evaluated, and the healing of the bone was assessed radiographically and clinically. Two major complications occurred during the healing phase at the recipient sites: one may have been indirectly related to the donor site, and the second was related to the age of the patient and the previous surgeries contributed to the partial loss. Composite bone grafts produce better results due to faster solidification of the grafts which acts acts as a strong inductive matrix. The graft is used in the alveolar ridge and in hard tissue augmentation of the bony structures in the maxilla. The prospectus for the future is to see more composites grafting, since it combines the advantages of the materials used.
p38 MAP kinase links CAR activation and inactivation in the nucleus via phosphorylation at threonine 38

Nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3), which regulates hepatic drug and energy metabolisms as well as cell growth and death, is sequestered in the cytoplasm as its inactive form phosphorylated at threonine 38. CAR activators elicit dephosphorylation, and nonphosphorylated CAR translocates into the nucleus to activate its target genes. CAR was previously found to require p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to transactivate the cytochrome P450 2B (CYP2B) genes. Here we have demonstrated that p38 MAPK forms a complex with CAR, enables it to bind to the response sequence, phenobarbital-responsive enhancer module (PBREM), within the CYP2B promoter, and thus recruits RNA polymerase II to activate transcription. Subsequently, p38 MAPK elicited rephosphorylation of threonine 38 to inactivate CAR and exclude it from the nucleus. Thus, nuclear p38 MAPK exerted dual regulation by sequentially activating and inactivating CAR-mediated transcription through phosphorylation of threonine 38.
Real-time ultrasound of the placenta in assessment of fetal pulmonic maturity

The use of ultrasound is a noninvasive method of assessing fetal maturity. However, in order for it to be a substitute for amniocentesis, a high degree of accuracy is required. Static ultrasound examination of placental development has revealed certain patterns of maturity which have suggested to be predictors of fetal pulmonary maturity. This study analyzes 100 patients near term for the accuracy of placental grade in predicting pulmonary maturity when measured by the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and by clinical development of the respiratory distress syndrome in the neonate. A mature placental grade (Grade III) determined by real-time sonography corresponded to fetal lung maturity in all cases (n = 15). Placental grade as determined by this methodology appeared to be an accurate predictor of fetal maturity in the population examined.
A Rational Approach to Failures of Lumbar Disc Surgery: The Orthopedist's Approach

Summary Persistence of symptoms following disc surgery is a perplexing and not uncommon condition. The approach to solution of the problem must be painstaking, methodical, and multidisciplinary. The only logical initial step is an attempt at diagnosis. We advise a thorough medical, orthopedic, neurologic, neurosurgical, and psychiatric evaluation using radiography, electromyography, myelography, and body cast immobilization as diagnostic aids. Mistaken original diagnosis is a very common cause of failure of disc surgery. This includes a variety of organic and emotional ailments, which must be recognized if present. Further treatment without diagnosis generally serves merely to perpetuate the patient's suffering. Once a diagnosis has been made, the indicated treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical. Surgical treatment may be neurosurgical exploration, or bone grafting, or both. If fusion is indicated, a posterolateral grafting technique, using autogenous iliac bone, is the most reliable procedure in our experience.
Timing Potentials of Loran-C

The Loran-C navigation system is capable of synchronizing and setting clocks to a relative accuracy of better than 1 ?sec throughout the system's service area. A Loran-C receiver functions as a slaved oscillator and a trigger generator. The generated triggers bear a time relationship to the triggers at the master transmitter, which is known to within a microsecond. Clocks operating from these sources are compared with clocks operating from independent free-running oscillators. A fundamental relationship between time and position is considered. Loran-C as a navigation and timing system can provide both position and time simultaneously. The East Coast Loran-C chain will be time synchronized. The national frequency standards and uniform time source located at Boulder will be used to monitor these signals. Time synchronization and time distribution have been demonstrated on the Atlantic Missile Range. Inter-range time synchronization and precise time for large areas of the world could be provided in the future. Appendix I describes briefly the results of ground wave measurements made on the Loran-C (Cytac) system. Appendix II describes the results of sky wave measurements made with the system.
How cardiomyocytes sense pathophysiological stresses for cardiac remodeling

In the past decades, the cardiovascular community has laid out the fundamental signaling cascades that become awry in the cardiomyocyte during the process of pathologic cardiac remodeling. These pathways are initiated at the cell membrane and work their way to the nucleus to mediate gene expression. Complexity is multiplied as the cardiomyocyte is subjected to cross talk with other cells as well as a barrage of extracellular stimuli and mechanical stresses. In this review, we summarize the signaling cascades that play key roles in cardiac function and then we proceed to describe emerging concepts of how the cardiomyocyte senses the mechanical and environmental stimuli to transition to the deleterious genetic program that defines pathologic cardiac remodeling. As a highlighting example of these processes, we illustrate the transition from a compensated hypertrophied myocardium to a decompensated failing myocardium, which is clinically manifested as decompensated heart failure.
Performance of maximum likelihood temperature/emissivity separation of hyperspectral images with correlated Gaussian downwelling radiance

Temperature/Emissivity separation (TES) techniques are desirable in hyperspectral image processing to extract the emissivity spectra and temperature of the materials in the image. We review a model for the hyperspectral image pixels that we have been developing, for which a maximum likelihood can be used for tem-perature/emissivity separation. Optimization of the ridge-like log likelihood function is accomplished using an “eigenstep” method, in which an eigenvector of the Hessian determines motion along the ride. We report on new testing performance, including bias, showing that bias can be reduced by increasing the number of image samples used.
Detection Thresholds for Amplitude Modulations of Tones in Budgerigar, Rabbit, and Human

Envelope fluctuations of complex sounds carry information that is ­essential for many types of discrimination and for detection in noise. To study the neural representation of envelope information and mechanisms for processing of this temporal aspect of sounds, it is useful to identify an animal model that can ­sensitively detect amplitude modulations (AM). Low modulation frequencies, which dominate speech sounds, are of particular interest. Yet, most animal ­models studied previously are relatively insensitive to AM at low modulation ­frequencies. Rabbits have high thresholds for low-frequency modulations, ­especially for tone carriers. Rhesus macaques are less sensitive than humans to low-frequency ­modulations of wideband noise (O’Conner et al. Hear Res 277, 37–43, 2011). Rats and ­chinchilla also have higher thresholds than humans for amplitude ­modulations of noise (Kelly et al. J Comp Psychol 120, 98–105, 2006; Henderson et al. J Acoust Soc Am 75, ­1177–1183, 1984). In contrast, the budgerigar has thresholds for AM detection of wideband noise similar to those of human listeners at low ­modulation frequencies (Dooling and Searcy. Percept Psychophys 46, 65–71, 1981). A ­one-interval, two-alternative operant conditioning procedure was used to estimate AM ­detection thresholds for 4-kHz tone carriers at low modulation ­frequencies (4–256 Hz). Budgerigar thresholds are comparable to those of human subjects in a comparable task. Implications of these comparative results for temporal coding of complex sounds are discussed. Comparative results for masked AM detection are also presented.
Food Insecurity and Aging Outcomes in Older Adults Living with HIV

Little is known about food insecurity and its association with geriatric outcomes in older people living with HIV (PLWH). This was a cross-sectional study of 230 HIV-infected patients aged 50 and older recruited in December 2012 through June 2016. Poisson logistic regression models estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between food insecurity and the following geriatric outcomes: frailty, physical health and function, social support, mental health and cognition, and behavioral health. 157 (68%) participants were food secure, 35 (15%) had low food security, and 38 (17%) had very low food security. After adjusting the analyses for other significant covariates, at risk alcohol or drug use (PR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.75–5.64), being sedentary (PR = 3.30; 95% CI 1.09–10.00) depressive symptoms (PR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.13–2.76), and dependent instrumental activities of daily living (PR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.13–5.36) were significantly associated with very low food security. These results highlight a need for structural HIV interventions that incorporate targeted food assistance strategies for older PLWH.
Inference on network statistics by restricting to the network space: applications to sexual history data

Analysis of sexual history data intended to describe sexual networks presents many challenges arising from the fact that most surveys collect information on only a very small fraction of the population of interest. In addition, partners are rarely identified and responses are subject to reporting biases. Typically, each network statistic of interest, such as mean number of sexual partners for men or women, is estimated independently of other network statistics. There is, however, a complex relationship among networks statistics; and knowledge of these relationships can aid in addressing concerns mentioned earlier. We develop a novel method that constrains a posterior predictive distribution of a collection of network statistics in order to leverage the relationships among network statistics in making inference about network properties of interest. The method ensures that inference on network properties is compatible with an actual network. Through extensive simulation studies, we also demonstrate that use of this method can improve estimates in settings where there is uncertainty that arises both from sampling and from systematic reporting bias compared with currently available approaches to estimation. To illustrate the method, we apply it to estimate network statistics using data from the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uranium(VI) adsorption and surface complexation modeling onto vadose sediments from the Savannah River Site

Uranium U(VI) adsorption was measured as function of pH (3–10) on goethite, kaolinite, quartz, two binary mixtures of goethite and kaolinite, and a vadose zone sediment collected on The Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS), the clay mineral fraction of which is composed largely of kaolinite and goethite. Diffuse-layer surface complexation models were parameterized using the code PEST together with PHREEQC to fit U(VI) sorption data for the pure goethite, kaolinite, and quartz. U(VI) adsorption on kaolinite and goethite was modeled as the formation of two bidentate U(VI) complexes at mineral edge sites on a variable charge site. U(VI) adsorption on quartz was described using a one-site diffuse-layer with the formation of bidentate complex on a variable charge site. These models were used to predict U(VI) adsorption on the binary sorbent mixtures and the SRS sediment using a simple component-additivity approach. In general, the predicted adsorption edges were in good agreement with measured data, with statistically similar goodness of fit compared to that obtained for the pure mineral systems.
Trauma-informed supervision: Counselors in a Level I hospital trauma center

Trauma-informed counseling has increased in scope, including work in acute care hospital settings. In this article, we examine trauma-informed supervision, with particular attention to its implemen...
Caring for the school-aged athlete

Younger athletes are participating in more activities today than ever before. The primary care physician needs to fulfill the role of guiding these athletes into their activities safely with recommendations to help prevent injuries and other health conditions that may occur during their training and participation. Knowledge covering preparticipation examinations, cardiovascular concerns, nutrition, maturation, and general rehabilitation of injuries will be necessary for the care of these younger athletes. This article provides a general overview of these areas.
Aluminum: A new sensor for the potentiometric titration of fluoride, orthophosphate and aluminum(III)

Avantages de l'emploi de detecteur avec tiges et fils d'aluminium pour ces titrages et utilisation d'un detecteur avec fil d'alliage a 95,85% d'Al et d'un fil d'Al (a 99,99% d'Al)
Impact of Quetiapine Therapy on QTc Prolongation in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic commonly utilized for the management of delirium in critically ill patients. The impact of quetiapine on QTc in the critically ill population is ...
A Communication-Aware Mutual Information Measure for Distributed Autonomous Robotic Information Gathering

This letter investigates the computation of information measures for distributed communication-aware information gathering by robotic sensor networks. The mutual information between an unknown target state and measurements received over a lossy network is derived in order to combine sensing and communication into a single objective function that can be optimized by the robot sensor network. Communication is modeled as a packet erasure channel, leading to a formulation of the mutual information that scales exponentially in the number of agents and time horizon. Several approximations to reduce this computational complexity are introduced and evaluated. Further, sample-based methods are introduced in order to derive approximate solutions of the mutual information when the system is nonlinear and uncertainties have non-Gaussian distributions. Finally, the information measure is evaluated through simulation experiments of multiple aerial robots tracking stationary radio emitters.
Diagnosis of Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis in Adulthood.

Objectives We studied clinicopathologic features of congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) that could aid the diagnosis of this relatively rare condition during adulthood. Methods Five consecutive adult CHF cases were identified in a single institution. Results Clinical manifestations of CHF varied from asymptomatic to requiring liver transplantation. Three of five cases had other disease associations, including Joubert syndrome, Caroli disease, polycystic kidney disease, and congenital anomaly of hepatic vasculature. No unique common radiologic findings were found. Histologically, all cases showed characteristic abnormal interlobular bile ducts embedded in fibrotic portal stroma, with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. Conclusions While other disease associations and characteristic liver histomorphology are helpful clues to suspect the diagnosis of CHF in adult patients, other differential diagnoses should be excluded clinically and radiologically. This study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach by pathologists, radiologists, and hepatologists for the accurate diagnosis of CHF during adulthood.
Risk of surgical site infection after carpal tunnel release performed in an operating room versus a clinic-based procedure room within a Veterans Affairs medical center

Background Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is increasingly performed in a clinic-based procedure room (PR) environment, which is less restrictive than traditional operating rooms (ORs). It is unknown if there is an impact on surgical site infection (SSI) rates. Methods Records of patients who underwent clean, elective CTR from October 2014 to April 2017 at a single site were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes and charts reviewed using National Healthcare Safety Network SSI criteria. Procedure type and patient characteristics were assessed with multivariate logistic regression and costs compared using administrative data. Results A total of 312 procedures were included: 221 in OR and 91 in PR. SSI rate, including revisions, was 2.88% (nonrevision rate was 2.30%). Unadjusted SSI rate was 3.2% in OR and 2.2% in PR (P = .64). After adjusting for underlying risk factors, procedure setting was not associated with risk of SSI (P = .53; odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-5.94). Revision CTR was a predictor of SSI (P = .02; odds ratio, 28.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-434.57). The mean total cost of CTR in the OR was $4,254.21 and PR was $416.93. Conclusions There was no significant difference in SSI rates for CTR performed in OR and PR environments. CTRs performed in a PR led to a 10-fold cost savings. Based on our findings of PRs as both safe and cost-effective, we recommend that more facilities explore the use of PRs for CTR.
Phenomenology for the Holistic Nurse Researcher: Underpinnings of Descriptive and Interpretive Traditions:

Phenomenological research is increasing in popularity in nursing research for good reason. The qualitative research method allows an in-depth exploration of patient lived experience. This knowledge has the potential to enhance quality of holistic patient care. To undertake this method of inquiry, however, it is imperative that holistic nurse researchers understand the philosophical underpinnings of the method and are familiar with the two major types of phenomenology in order to approach the study in a scholarly manner. The purpose of this article is to explicate the method's historical roots of phenomenology, its evolution, its two major traditions and their differences, and some of the specialized terminology unique to phenomenology's jargon so that their studies can contribute to sound nursing science and complete patient care.
How Robust Are Graph Neural Networks to Structural Noise

Graph neural networks (GNNs) are an emerging model for learning graph embeddings and making predictions on graph structured data. However, robustness of graph neural networks is not yet well-understood. In this work, we focus on node structural identity predictions, where a representative GNN model is able to achieve near-perfect accuracy. We also show that the same GNN model is not robust to addition of structural noise, through a controlled dataset and set of experiments. Finally, we show that under the right conditions, graph-augmented training is capable of significantly improving robustness to structural noise.
Geographic Dispersion and Rural Versus Urban Utilization of CT Colonography in the United States.

Abstract Objective To assess the geographic dispersion of CT colonography (CTC) as well as differences in CTC utilization in rural versus urban areas in individuals with commercial insurance. Methods Claims data from approximately 18.5 million commercially insured individuals across the United States were used to determine CTC utilization based on geographic area. Geographic areas were defined as metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and statewide non-MSAs. Utilization rates per 100,000 covered person-years were calculated for each geographic area for both screening and diagnostic CTC using 2017 data (the most recent full-year data available). Differences in CTC utilization between MSAs (urban) and non-MSAs (rural) were evaluated using weighted multivariate logistic regression. Results CTC is widely dispersed across the United States with substantial geographic variability. Utilization of screening CTC was considerably lower among individuals residing in rural areas compared with those in urban areas (adjusted odds ratio = 0.353, P = .005). For individuals aged 50 to 64 years, screening CTC utilization was 2.38 per 100,000 in rural areas versus 6.67 per 100,000 in urban areas (P = .005). Utilization of diagnostic CTC was also lower in rural compared with urban areas, though this difference was not statistically significant (8.40 per 100,000 versus 13.11 per 100,000 respectively, P = .070). Conclusions Although CTC is performed widely across the United States, utilization is generally low and varies substantially based on geographic region. CTC utilization is lower among individuals in rural compared with urban areas.
There John Bull might be seen in all his glory: cross-Channel tourism and the British Army of Occupation in France, 1815–1818

Between 1815 and 1818, large portions of north-eastern France were occupied by a coalition of European allies. This Army of Occupation, arguably the first of its kind, was created to strengthen Lou...
Nucleofection of phiC31 Integrase Protein Mediates Sequence-Specific Genomic Integration in Human Cells

The phage-derived phiC31 integrase is a useful tool for mediating sequence-specific genomic integration in mammalian cells, recombining donor plasmids bearing the attB recognition site with introduced genomic attP sites or endogeneous pseudo-attP sites having partial identity to attP. In most prior studies, phiC31 integrase has been introduced as plasmid DNA or mRNA. The current report examines whether phiC31 integrase functions efficiently in mammalian cells when co-nucleofected as a purified protein, along with attB-containing donor plasmids or PCR fragments. We describe preparation of phiC31 integrase protein and evidence that it can mediate genomic integration in human 293 cells, including PCR evidence for integration at an endogenous pseudo-attP site. This work demonstrates for the first time the ability of 605- and 613-amino-acid versions of phiC31 integrase protein to mediate efficient, site-specific integration into the genome of human cells when co-nucleofected with full-sizedattB-containing donor plasmids or linear 2.5-kb PCR fragments. This protein-mediated approach may be especially useful for integration of exogenous sequences into valuable therapeutic target cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells or T cells, that are sensitive to introduced DNA.
Determination of vibrational band positions in the E-hook of β-tubulin.

Abstract Raman spectral characterization of the β-TUBB2A E-hook hexapeptide, EGEDEA, is determined through experimental analysis combined with full geometry optimizations and corresponding harmonic vibrational frequency computations employing DFT methods. The hexapeptide is first broken down into di- and tetrapeptide fragments which are analyzed both quantum chemically and experimentally, and then combined to achieve an energetic minimum of the large EGEDEA hexapeptide. The Raman spectral characterization of EGEDEA band positions are then verified via the literature and comparison to the small fragment's similarly located band positions. The approach employed provides further evidence for the use of fragments as a helpful tool in characterization of the vibrational band positions of large peptides. Statement of significance To investigate β-TUBB2A E-hook hexapeptide, a unique approach is employed whereby the hexapeptide is broken into fragments, EG, ED, EA, EGED, and EDEA and analyzed via experimental Raman spectroscopy of the crystalline solids. The experimentally observed vibrational band positions are compared to those computed using and scaled from DFT methods and Pople's 6-311+G(2df,2pd) basis set. The reported vibrational band positions are also confirmed by previously reported bands of similar peptides in the literature. This methodology facilitates differentiation between the behaviors of various side chains and their influence on the structure of the hexapeptide, providing insight into not only the nature of the peptide but also defining regions for potential protein and cytoplasmic interactions, without requiring excessive computing resources or overly-sensitive experimental methods.
The clinical impact of removing rectal gas on high-dose-rate brachytherapy dose distributions for gynecologic cancers

PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of gas removal on bladder and rectal doses during intracavitary and interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRB) for gynecologic cancers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen patients treated with definitive external beam radiation followed by HDRB for gynecologic cancers for a total of 21 fractions, presented with a significant amount of rectal gas at initial CT imaging (CTGAS ) after implantation. The gas was removed via rectal tubing followed by subsequent scan acquisition (CTCLINICAL ), which was used for planning and treatment delivery. To assess the effect of gas removal on dosimetry, both bladder and rectum volumes were recontoured on CTGAS . In order to evaluate the clinical impact on the total Equivalent-Dose-in-2Gy-fraction (EQD2 ), each fraction was also replanned to maintain clinically delivered target coverage (HRCTV D90). EQD2 D2cm3 for bladder and rectum were compared between plans. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to evaluate statistically significant differences for all comparisons (P < 0.05). RESULTS Mean rectum and bladder Dmax , D0.1cm3 , D1cm3 , D2cm3 , and D5cm3 were significantly different between CTGAS and CTCLINICAL . The mean percent increases on CTGAS for bladder were 12.3, 8.4, 9.9, 10.2, and 9.5% respectively and for rectum were 27.0, 19.6, 18.1, 18.5, and 19.4%, respectively. After replanning with CTGAS to maintain HRCTV D90 EQD2 , bladder and rectum EQD2 D2 cm3 resulted in significantly higher doses. The mean EQD2 D2 cm3 difference was 2.4 and 4.1 Gy for bladder and rectum, revealing a higher impact of gas removal on rectal DVH. CONCLUSION Rectal gas removal resulted in statistically significant differences for both bladder and rectum. The resulting larger EQD2 D2 cm3 for bladder and rectum demonstrates that if patients were treated without removing gas, target coverage would need to be sacrificed to satisfy the rectum constraints and prevent toxicities. Therefore, this study demonstrates the importance of gas removal for gynecologic HDRB patients.
How Movies Think: Cavell on Film as a Medium of Art

Stanley Cavell’s writing about movies, from the more theoretical and general The World Viewed (1971) to the later works on specific genres (Pursuits of Happiness, Contesting Tears), has a unifying theme: some movies as (successful) art investigate conditions of accomplished selfhood and interest in experience in medium-specific ways. This claim is explained and defended by explicating the details of the medium-specificity of the moving photographic image (and its history of uses) and by focusing on Michael Verhoeven’s film The Nasty Girl (1990). Though the very ideas of accomplished selfhood and interest in experience naturally prompt some suspicion in a commercialized, pluralistic society, our responses to some movies show that we continue to aspire to a life that embodies them.
Semiconductor Device Simulation

One of the available methodologies to simulate substrate coupling is a semiconductor device simulator such as TMA MEDICI [3.2] or MEDUSA [3.4] which employs numerical techniques to analyze semiconductor device action. In this chapter we discuss an overview of such an approach, its significance and its attributes [3.1].
Location and Orientation of minK within the IKsPotassium Channel Complex

The slowly activating cardiac potassium current (IKs) is generated by a heteromultimeric potassium channel complex consisting of pore-forming (KvLQT1) and accessory (minK) subunits belonging to the KCNQ and KCNEgene families, respectively. Evidence indicating that minK residues line the IKs pore originates from the observation that two minK cysteine mutants (G55C and F54C) render IKsCd2+-sensitive. We have identified a single cysteine residue in the KvLQT1 S6 segment (Cys-331) that contributes to Cd2+ coordination in conjunction with cysteine residues engineered into the minK transmembrane domain. This observation indicates that minK resides in close proximity to S6 in the IKs channel complex. On the basis of homology modeling that compares the KvLQT1 S6 segment with the structure of the bacterial potassium channel KcsA, we predict that the sulfhydryl side chain of Cys-331 projects away from the central axis of the KvLQT1 pore and suggest that minK resides outside of the permeation pathway. A preliminary model illustrating the orientation of minK with S6 was validated by successful prediction of a novel Cd2+ binding site created within the IKs channel complex by engineering additional cysteine residues into both subunits. Our results indicate the location and orientation of minK within the IKs channel complex and further suggest that Cd2+ exerts its effect on IKs through an allosteric mechanism rather than direct pore blockade.
Energetics of gramicidin hybrid channel formation as a test for structural equivalence. Side-chain substitutions in the native sequence.

Abstract To determine whether amino acid side-chain substitutions in linear gramicidins alter the structure of membrane-spanning channels formed by the modified peptides, we have developed a quantitative measure of structural equivalence of the peptide backbone among gramicidin channels based on functional (single-channel) measurements. The experiments exploit the fact that gramicidin channels are symmetrical dimers, and that channels formed by different gramicidin analogues can be distinguished on the basis of their single-channel current amplitudes or durations. It is thereby possible to determine whether hybrid channels can form between chemically dissimilar peptides, i.e. whether the peptides can adapt to each other. Further, since the relative rates of channel formation as well as the relative concentrations of pure and hybrid channel types can be measured in the same membrane, these experiments provide a quantitative measure of the energetic cost of hybrid channel formation relative to the formation of the pure channels. For a wide variety of different side-chains, we find that substitutions as extreme as glycine to phenylalanine at position 1, at the join between the two monomers in a membrane-spanning dimer, incur no energetic cost for channel formation, which implies that channels formed by each of the modified peptides are structurally equivalent. In addition, the average durations of the hybrid channels (except those having tyrosine or hexafluorovaline at position 1) are intermediate to the average durations of the respective pure channel types, thus providing further evidence for structural equivalence among channels formed by sequence-substituted gramicidins.
Probability One Separation of the Boolean Hierarchy

As a natural extension of P and NP, the Boolean closure of NP has attracted much attention recently. Many interesting properties of the class BH were discussed in [CH86] and [Wag85].
Effective String Theory of Vortices and Regge Trajectories

Starting from a field theory containing classical vortex solutions, we obtain an effective string theory of these vortices as a path integral over the two transverse degrees of freedom of the string. We carry out a semiclassical expansion of this effective theory, and use it to obtain corrections to Regge trajectories due to string fluctuations.
Assembly of the mitochondrial membrane system: partial sequence of a mitochondrial ATPase gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of mitochondrial DNA of a cytoplasmic "petite" mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reported. The DNA has a repeat length of 1060 base pairs and contains a genetic marker (oli-1) for the ATPase proteolipid. The nucleotide sequence reveals the presence of part of the structural gene of the subunit-9 proteolipid of the ATPase complex and an extended A+T-rich region adjacent to the carboxyl-terminal end of the gene. The structural gene sequence agrees with the primary structure of the protein. These studies point out the feasibility of using the DNA of appropriately marked "petite" mutants to obtain the sequence of mitochondrial genes.
Temporal Relations of Column Water Vapor and Tropical Precipitation

Abstract Empirical studies using satellite data and radiosondes have shown that precipitation increases with column water vapor (CWV) in the tropics, and that this increase is much steeper above some critical CWV value. Here, eight years of 1-min-resolution microwave radiometer and optical gauge data at Nauru Island are analyzed to better understand the relationships among CWV, column liquid water (CLW), and precipitation at small time scales. CWV is found to have large autocorrelation times compared with CLW and precipitation. Before precipitation events, CWV increases on both a synoptic-scale time period and a subsequent shorter time period consistent with mesoscale convective activity; the latter period is associated with the highest CWV levels. Probabilities of precipitation increase greatly with CWV. Given initial high CWV, this increased probability of precipitation persists at least 10–12 h. Even in periods of high CWV, however, probabilities of initial precipitation in a 5-min period remain low en...
Protein aggregation in disease: a role for folding intermediates forming specific multimeric interactions

For many decades, clinicians have been aware of the formation of insoluble protein aggregates in particular diseases. For example, in sickle cell disease, the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin into fibrils in the deoxygenating environment of the microvasculature causes sickling of red cells and vaso-occlusion (1). In the most common form of α1-antitrypsin deficiency (see Perlmutter, this Perspective series, ref. 2), the presence of α1-antitrypsin inclusions in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hepatocytes is associated with deficient release of the enzyme into the circulation, placing both the inclusion-laden liver and the antitrypsin-deficient lung at risk for damage (3). In Alzheimer disease (see Selkoe, this series, ref. 4), the presence in the CNS of β-amyloid–containing plaques is associated with neurodegeneration and dementia (5). Similarly, other neurodegenerative diseases have recently been discovered to involve protein aggregation. For example, prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy are associated with amyloid deposits of the PrP protein (6). Polyglutamine repeat diseases such as Huntington disease are likewise associated with neuronal cytosolic and intranuclear inclusions (7). These inclusions are composed of fibrils that stain similarly to amyloid (8). Finally, in Parkinson disease, inclusions known as Lewy bodies, found in the cytoplasm of cells of the basal ganglia, include amyloid-like aggregates of the protein α-synuclein (9, 10).
Do patterns of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) diet, population trend and cetacean occurrence reflect oceanographic domains from the Alaska Peninsula to the central Aleutian Islands?

Shipboard surveys were conducted along the Aleutian Islands in 2001 and 2002 to assess the influence of a suite of biophysical parameters on regional patterns in the distribution of cetaceans and Steller sea lions (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus). Distributions of four large whale species: fin (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke (B. acutorostrata) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) aligned with proposed metapopulation breaks in diet and population trend of SSLs. Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) and killer whales (Orcinus orca) were widely distributed throughout the study area, and killer whales were particularly prevalent along the north Aleutian Island coastlines between Unimak Pass and Samalga Pass. Biopsies determined that most killer whales (92%) were of the piscivorous (resident) ecotype as opposed to the mammal-eating (transient) ecotype observed in 2002 only. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to explore relationships between these multispecies patterns in distribution, oceanographic variables (salinity, temperature, fluorescence and depth) and proximity to six Aleutian passes. The GAMs indicated the best-fit models and most significant correlations as determined by the Akaike function and Cp-statistics were: depth and proximity to the nearest measured pass for SSLs and all cetaceans, respectively; frequencies of herring and salmon in SSL diet with population trend; fluorescence in the top 50 m with occurrence of humpback, minke, and killer whales; and surface temperature with occurrence of humpback, killer, and sperm whales. Results of the GAM analyses suggest foci for future investigation of relationships between physical variables and interspecific patterns of marine mammal distribution.
Has the Use of Peer Groups Contributed to Higher Pay and Less Efficient Compensation

We provide empirical evidence on how the practice of competitive benchmarking affects CEO pay. We find that the use of benchmarking is widespread, and has a significant impact on levels and changes in CEO compensation. The practice is controversial and one view is that it is inefficient because it can lead to increases in executive pay that are not tied to firm performance. A contrasting view is that benchmarking can be a practical and efficient mechanism to gauge the market wage necessary to retain valuable human capital. Our empirical results provide some support for the latter view. We find that firms use competitive benchmarking to gauge the reservation wage necessary for retention. Our analysis also provides an alternative explanation for the documented asymmetry in the relationship between CEO pay and luck, which has previously been attributed to rent seeking behavior.
The benefits of exercise training in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration within the CNS. This damage of CNS structures leads to deficits of body functions, which, in turn, affect patient activities, such as walking, and participation. The pathogenesis and resulting consequences of MS have been described as concepts within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model--an international standard to describe and measure health and disability. Evidence suggests that exercise training in people with MS has the potential to target and improve many of the components outlined in the ICF model. Although the body of research examining the effects of exercise training on depression, cognition and participatory outcomes is not sufficiently developed, some preliminary evidence is promising. Exercise training is proposed to affect inflammation, neurodegeneration, and CNS structures, but current evidence is limited. In this Review, we discuss evidence from clinical trials that suggests beneficial effects of exercise training on muscle strength, aerobic capacity and walking performance, and on fatigue, gait, balance and quality of life. Issues with current studies and areas of future research are highlighted.
Food restricted Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) nestlings increase vocal activity during handling without modulating total or free corticosterone

In some species, corticosterone (CORT) appears to play a role in the control of begging behavior. Because of the potentially high costs associated with chronic elevation of CORT, it has also been proposed as a mechanism to ensure begging is an honest signal. We determined the effects of moderate food restriction (50% of high calorie treatment) on vocal behavior during handling, and on baseline levels of both total and ‘free’ unbound CORT in Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) nestlings. Chick vocalizations during handling were similar to begging calls, and we assumed they were representative of begging behavior. We also measured total and free CORT in free-living Tufted Puffin chicks to determine if hormone levels in our experiment were comparable to natural levels. We found no effect of caloric restriction on either total or free baseline CORT, yet food-restricted nestlings vocalized more intensely during handling than chicks in the high calorie group. Mean plasma concentrations of total and free CORT in experimentally manipulated birds did not differ from levels in free-living nestlings. These results suggest that CORT does not play a role in modulating begging behavior in this species.
Genome-wide Lineage-Specific Transcriptional Networks Underscore Ikaros-Dependent Lymphoid Priming in Hematopoietic Stem Cells

The mechanisms regulating lineage potential during early hematopoiesis were investigated. First, a cascade of lineage-affiliated gene expression signatures, primed in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and differentially propagated in lineage-restricted progenitors, was identified. Lymphoid transcripts were primed as early as the HSC, together with myeloid and erythroid transcripts. Although this multilineage priming was resolved upon subsequent lineage restrictions, an unexpected cosegregation of lymphoid and myeloid gene expression and potential past a nominal myeloid restriction point was identified. Finally, we demonstrated that whereas the zinc finger DNA-binding factor Ikaros was required for induction of lymphoid lineage priming in the HSC, it was also necessary for repression of genetic programs compatible with self-renewal and multipotency downstream of the HSC. Taken together, our studies provide new insight into the priming and restriction of lineage potentials during early hematopoiesis and identify Ikaros as a key bivalent regulator of this process.
Evaluating expert opinion and spatial scale in an amphibian model

Abstract When ecological models are used to guide conservation decisions, these models should be based upon substantial data and should be applied at appropriate spatial scales. Yet, ecologists are usually faced with scarce data and must often make subjective choices about scale. To handle limited data, the use of expert panels to parameterize models has become common. However, few studies evaluate the success of expert panels in improving models. In this study, I examine a recent resistant kernel model designed to prioritize amphibian breeding habitat for conservation. I compare the predictive ability of the model as originally parameterized by an expert panel to the predictive ability of simpler models. I optimize parameter values for spatial scale and landscape resistance using 896 ponds from 5 studies of spotted salamanders ( Ambystoma maculatum ) and wood frogs ( Lithobates sylvaticus ) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In predicting amphibian distributions, models examined in this study that relied upon expert-derived resistance values performed worse than null models with uninformative resistance values. The failure of the resistant kernel model offers support for the use of simple models in the face of complex ecological problems. The best scale for measuring upland habitat in these models was in the range of 1000–3000 m, an order of magnitude larger than the salamander migration scale previously proposed for wetland buffer zones.
Hypothyroid neuropathy and myopathy: clinical and electrodiagnostic longitudinal findings.

The clinical and electrodiagnostic findings before und during 6 years of therapy are reported in a 59-year-old man with severe hypothyoidism. He had severe sensory neuropathy, carpal and tarsal tunnel syndromes, mild motor neuropathy and moderately severe myopathy. The sensory signs and symptoms disappeared in the 3rd and 4th years of treatment, respectively. Muscle cramps and pain subsided within 2 years, but mild proximal muscle weakness and atrophy persisted. The sensory distal latencies remained slightly prolonged and the electromyographic changes improved. This case shows that thyroid hormone replacement eliminates the neuropathic manifestations of severe hypothyroidism. in contrast, the myopathic features, such as weakness and muscle wasting, may persist despite maintenance of the euthyroid state.
Incorporation of dispersion into the theory of electrophoresis of DNA and its complexes

Incorporation of the dispersion coefficient into the theory of the mobility-shift assay for DNA-protein complexes was highly successful largely due to increased mathematical rigor. A model simulating electrophoretic migration of DNA across the phase boundary between the initial zone of macromolecule and the gel lane predicts the peak asymmetry observed experimentally. It also predicts that, under the agency of the dispersion coefficient, the peak will become progressively more symmetrical during migration along the gel lane.