cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MCM ring hexamerization is a prerequisite for DNA-binding

The hexameric Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) protein complex forms a ring that unwinds DNA at the replication fork in eukaryotes and archaea. Our recent crystal structure of an archaeal MCM N-terminal domain bound to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) revealed ssDNA associating across tight subunit interfaces but not at the loose interfaces, indicating that DNA-binding is governed not only by the DNA-binding residues of the subunits (MCM ssDNA-binding motif, MSSB) but also by the relative orientation of the subunits. We now extend these findings by showing that DNA-binding by the MCM N-terminal domain of the archaeal organism Pyrococcus furiosus occurs specifically in the hexameric oligomeric form. We show that mutants defective for hexamerization are defective in binding ssDNA despite retaining all the residues observed to interact with ssDNA in the crystal structure. One mutation that exhibits severely defective hexamerization and ssDNA-binding is at a conserved phenylalanine that aligns with the mouse Mcm4(Chaos3) mutation associated with chromosomal instability, cancer, and decreased intersubunit association.
Performance analysis of local algorithms in large-scale disconnected networks

In pre-planned large-scale mobile networks, nodes cooperate to achieve the missions assigned to the networks. Due to the mobility of nodes, the common assumption that the contemporaneous path between any two nodes always exists cannot be made. Local algorithms, with the characteristics locality and simplicity, can make the disconnected systems robust and reliable. The recently proposed work [1] provides simple, local algorithms to let nodes perform local tasks while achieving global information delivery. In this paper, we study these algorithms by investigating the properties of node trajectories, such as their distribution and length. We also examine the performance of these algorithms under different networks and failure scenarios. The results reveal that the properties of the trajectories are critical indicators of the performance of the algorithms.
Variation of Hot Horizontal‐Branch Populations with Metallicity

We investigate how distributions of blue horizontal-branch (BHB) stars depend on metallicity. As HB distributions probably reflect the effects of red giant branch (RGB) mass loss (see, e.g., R. T. Rood, ApJ, 184, 815 [1973]; F. R. Ferraro et al., ApJ, 500, 311 [1998]), we attempt to study mass-loss efficiency as a function of metallicity for the HB through three projects. Using our stellar evolution code (B. Dorman, ApJS, 81, 221 [1992]), we computed RGB models including mass loss, over a wide range in metallicity. We assume mass loss followed Reimers’s formula (D. Reimers, AA N. L. D’Cruz et al. ApJ, 466, 359 [1996]). Such stars either form helium white dwarfs or undergo a helium flash at high temperatures forming extreme HB (EHB) stars. The hot flashing EHB stars form a “blue hook” at the blue end of the zero-age HB. EHB stars have envelope masses and 0.05 M, radiate copiously in the ultraviolet (UV). To understand how the number of EHB stars varies with metallicity in a stellar population we considered how the zero-age horizontal branch (ZAHB) is populated. We assumed the distribution of ZAHB stars to be driven by a distribution in the mass-loss efficiency (parameterized by ) rather than by a distribution in mass. hR For globular cluster abundances, the range of producing hR EHB stars was comparable to that producing normal HB stars. As metallicity is increased, the range and magnitude of hR corresponding to EHB stars varies slightly, whereas the range of producing mid-HB stars becomes very small, which imhR plies that the HB will be bimodal for a uniform distribution in that goes to sufficiently large values. hR To explore how might vary with metallicity, we obtained hR fiber spectra of BHB stars in the globular cluster q Centauri with the 3.9 m Anglo-Australian Telescope. We were able to obtain Teff, , and [Ca/H] for stars in the 7500–8200 K log g range. We find that these stars contain more lower metallicity stars than q Cen’s giants and RR Lyrae variables. Metal-rich stars may lie preferentially at higher temperatures. We used far-UV (1600 A) and V-band Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images to study the structure of the large population of hot HB stars discovered by the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope in q Cen (J. H. Whitney et al., AJ, 108, 1350 [1994]). Figure 1 shows the color-magnitude diagram of the data. The higher quality HST data confirm the presence of sub-HB stars at the hot end of the HB. These appear to be the “blue hook” stars predicted by our evolutionary models. EHB stars and their progeny make up 30% of the HB population. The HB is underpopulated for . The location 3.35 (1600 V ) 0.35 0
Overview of Somatic Cell Hybrid Mapping

This unit provides an introduction to the various types of hybrid panels in use and reviews the status of commercially available panels.
Evaluation of an infectivity standard for real-time quality control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 quantitative micrococulture assays

Quantitative microculture assays of cryopreserved human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected cell suspensions and culture supernatants were compared among seven assays sites. There was no significant change in titer during 1 year of storage. The overall standard deviation for infected cell suspensions was approximately 0.8 log10 virus titer. A method for detecting deviant assay results was developed and was used to identify two donor cell preparations (n = 54) that gave consistently low titers.
Using area-based presentations and metrics for localization systems in wireless LANs

We show the utility of WLAN localization using areas and volumes as the fundamental localization unit. We demonstrate that area-based algorithms have a critical advantage over point-based approaches because they are better able to describe localization uncertainty, which is a common theme across WLAN based localization systems. Next, we present two novel area-based algorithms. To evaluate area-based approaches, we introduce several new localization performance metrics. We then evaluate the two algorithms using our metrics with data collected from our local WLAN. Finally, we compare our area-based algorithms against traditional point-based approaches. We find that using areas improves the ability of the localization system to give users meaningful alternatives in the face of position uncertainty.
Optimal Rebalancing Strategy Using Dynamic Programming for Institutional Portfolios

Institutional fund managers generally rebalance using ad hoc methods such as calendar basis or tolerance band triggers. We propose a different framework that quantifies the cost of a rebalancing strategy in terms of risk-adjusted returns net of transaction costs. We then develop an optimal rebalancing strategy that actively seeks to minimize that cost. We use certainty equivalents and the transaction costs associated with a policy to define a cost-to-go function, and we minimize this expected cost-to-go using dynamic programming. We apply Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate that our method outperforms traditional rebalancing strategies like monthly, quarterly, annual, and 5% tolerance rebalancing. We also show the robustness of our method to model error by performing sensitivity analyses.
An Analysis of Multi-Point Crossover

Abstract In this paper we present some theoretical results on two forms of multi-point crossover: n-point crossover and uniform crossover. This analysis extends the work from De Jong's thesis, which dealt with disruption of n-point crossover on 2nd order hyperplanes. We present various extensions to this theory, including 1) an analysis of the disruption of n-point crossover on kth order hyperplanes; 2) the computation of tighter bounds on the disruption caused by n-point crossover, by handling cases where parents share critical allele values; and 3) an analysis of the disruption caused by uniform crossover on kth order hyperplanes. The implications of these results on implementation issues and performance are discussed, and several directions for further research are suggested.
Immunosuppressive Effects of l-Asparaginase

Summary The immunological effects of l-asparaginase were studied in man. l-Asparaginase suppressed the development of delayed hypersensitivity to primary antigens in cancer patients receiving therapeutic doses of the drug. The development of delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions was completely or partially suppressed in 5 out of 8 patients immunized with 2 mg keyhole limpet hemocyanin and in 5 out of 6 patients immunized with a synthetic amino acid copolymer of glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, and tyrosine. l-asparaginase did not change established delayed hypersensitivity skin reactivity. Production of antibodies to keyhole limpet hemocyanin was delayed and suppressed by l-asparaginase and 3 out of 8 patients did not produce any antibody to this antigen. Antibody production was delayed and antibody titers were lower compared to controls in the other 5. Production of antibodies to the synthetic amino acid copolymer of glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, and tyrosine was delayed by treatment. Lymphocytes of patients receiving l-asparaginase did not respond to phytohemagglutinin or specific antigens when cultured in media containing their own on-treatment serum, but responded at normal level when washed and cultured in media containing normal serum or their own pretreatment serum. Phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenic responses of lymphocytes from hematologically normal subjects were suppressed by the addition of serum from patients on l-asparaginase treatment.
Understanding the Semantics of Media

It is difficult to understand a multimedia signal without being able to say something about its semantic content or its meaning. This chapter describes two algorithms that help bridge the semantic understanding gap that we have with multimedia. In both cases we represent the semantic content of a multimedia signal as a point in a high-dimensional space. In the first case, we represent the sentences of a video as a timevarying semantic signal. We look for discontinuities in this signal, of different sizes in a one-dimensional scale space, as an indication of a topic change. By sorting these changes, we can create a hierarchical segmentation of the video based on its semantic content. The same formalism can be used to think about color information and we consider the different media’s temporal correlation properties. In the second half of this chapter we describe an approach that connects sounds to semantics. We call this semantic-audio retrieval; the goal is to find a (non-speech) audio signal that fits a query, or to describe a (non-speech) audio signal using the appropriate words. We make this connection by building and clustering high-dimensional vector descriptions of the audio signal and its corresponding semantic description. We then build models that link the two spaces, so that a query in one space can be mapped into a model that describes the probability of correspondence for points in the opposing space.
Metabolism of d-Arabinose by Escherichia coli B/r

The pathway for d-arabinose metabolism in Escherichia coli B/r has been determined. Evidence is presented to support the following metabolic scheme: d-arabinose d-ribulose right harpoon-up d-ribulose-5-phosphate d-xylulose-5-phosphate.
Phenotypic plasticity in complex environments: effects of structural complexity on predator‐ and competitor‐induced phenotypes of tadpoles of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica

Theoretical and empirical research has demonstrated that phenotypically plastic responses to one environment are dependent on other environmental attributes. Such research is critical considering the complexity of natural habitats, yet few studies have examined how multiple environments affect patterns of plasticity and the adaptiveness of the resulting phenotypes within complex habitats. The present study examines how wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles alter their behavioural and morphological phenotypes in response to predation risk from larval diving beetles (Dytiscus spp.), competition from conspecifics, and physical structural complexity. It also tests whether structure affects selection intensities by Dytiscus larvae on tadpole morphological traits. Predation risk and competition induced typical changes to tadpole behaviour and morphology. Structure did not induce changes to any phenotype, nor did it interact with predation risk or competition in affecting phenotypes. Furthermore, structure did not affect the predator selection intensities on any morphological trait. Dytiscus larvae selected for shallow, short tailfins, and large tail muscles, yet tadpoles only developed deep tail muscles when raised in the presence of predator cues. These apparently maladaptive responses may have been a result of correlations between phenotypes. The present study expands plasticity research by examining the adaptiveness of plastic responses in complex environments. Additionally, the present study demonstrates that not all environments induce plastic responses. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 105, 853–863.
DIAMINOPURINE-RESISTANT MUTANTS OF CULTURED, DIPLOID HUMAN FIBROBLASTS

Clones of cells resistant to 2,6-diaminopurine were detected in skin fibroblast cultures derived from 13 of 21 normal humans of both sexes from 17 unrelated families. Almost all of the cultures that yielded mutants were chosen for further study from among a total of 83 surveyed because they displayed a slight resistance to low concentrations of diaminopurine. The incidences of mutant colonies ranged between about 10-5 and 10-4 per cell surviving prior mutagenic treatment with MNNG. The incidences of spontaneous mutants were about 10-7 to 10-5 in three unrelated cultures. Most independent mutants had distinctly reduced activity of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase but some had apparently normal amounts of activity. Two mutants from unrelated boys had little or no detectable enzyme activity and were unable to effectively use exogenous adenine for growth when purine biosynthesis was blocked with azaserine. Most mutants could utilize exogenous adenine, just as most azaguanine-resistant fibroblast mutants can utilize exogenous hypoxanthine, even when their hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity is reduced. Diverse genetic changes conferred diaminopurine resistance but their specific natures are still undefined. Gross numerical or structural chromosome abnormalities were not observed in the mutants examined so far. Since at least one gene responsible for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase activity is on autosome No. 16 our results suggest that at least some of the cultures yielding mutants were heterozygous and that alleles conferring d;aminopurine resistance may be frequent enough to comprise a polymorphism.
Elastic and attenuation symmetries of simulated lunar rocks

Igneous and metamorphic rocks as simulated lunar rocks, determining elastic and attenuation symmetry by quasi-longitudinal pulse velocity and amplitude measurements on spherical specimens
Education and religion: Individual, congregational, and cross-level interaction effects on biblical literalism

Abstract Using ideas from cultural and organizational theory, I examine the interplay of individual and congregation-level educational attainment on biblical literalism. Data on 387 congregations and 100,009 worshippers (US Congregational Life Survey, 2001) are used to test hypotheses. Results indicate that the effects of congregational education and individual educational attainment are among the largest effects in models. This study is the first to show that regardless of an individual’s own education, affirmations of biblical literalism are less likely when persons with higher education dominate a congregation. This finding brings into relief the important role of social context in persons’ belief in biblical literalism. Additionally, congregational education amplifies the influence of individual education on biblical literalism such that the gap in belief between college/non-college education individuals widens in high education congregations. This finding suggests that high education persons more deeply absorb the influence of a more educated congregational context.
The Formulation of the Neuron Doctrine: The Island of Cajal

Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934), Spanish histologist, was the renowned formulator of the "neuron doctrine" and recipient of the 1906 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology for his work on the structure of the nervous system. In contrast to the then well-accepted "reticular theory," which held that the nervous system is arranged and functions as a continuous network of cellular material, Cajal's neuron doctrine envisioned each nerve cell as an autonomous entity, establishing contact--not continuity--with other nerve cells. Cajal's theory is as well a description fitting of Cajal's own temperament, as emerges from his profound memoirs Recuerdos de Mi Vida (Recollections of My Life). The recollections detail the life of the man known from his boyhood as "capricious," the term for the goat who lives alone in the hills. For Cajal, this need for solitude and autonomy was reflected in his choice of the adventurer Robinson Crusoe as a childhood hero. Throughout his life, Cajal's desire for independence formed both his social interactions and his scientific pursuits; in his research, he preferred to remain unfettered by the academic "reticulum" of his time. A close reading of his memoirs reveals that the neuron doctrine, which envisions each nerve cell as "free," is a theory shaped by Cajal's essence, by his solitary nature and unhindered personal spirit.
231 - Adsorption of Mixtures of Complementary and Non-Complementary Nucleic Acid Bases at the Mercury-Solution Interface

Abstract The electrosorption of two-base mixtures of adenine, uracil and 1,3-dimethyluracil at the mercury electrode|solution interface has been studied at pH 8.0. Mixtures of adenine or uracil with 1,3-dimethyluracil, i.e., non-complementary bases, exhibit an initial dilute region of adsorption where the bases adsorb in a flat orientation on the electrode surface. At critically defined bulk solution concentrations of adenine or uracil a surface reorientation occurs and the latter compounds adopt a perpendicular surface stance. The presence of 1,3-dimethyluracil has very little effect on the ability of adenine or uracil to undergo the latter surface reorientation process. However, mixtures of adenine and uracil, a complementary base pair, exhibit only a flat surface orientation. Even at bulk solution concentrations considerably greater than those required to observe the flat-to-perpendicular reorientation for the single bases the mixed base system does not exhibit such a surface phenomenon. It is proposed that one of the contributing factors to stabilization of the dilute (flat) adsorption layer in the mixed complementary base system is Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding between the base pairs on the electrode surface.
The Imperative for Building Value Reciprocity Between Society and City Hall: Implications for Local Government Ethics Building in Serbia and Montenegro

Beyond the role of providing public goods, local public organizations contribute to the governance process by influencing social inclusion and development (Brinkerhoff, 2008). Democracy building needs citizen input and accountability to ensure legitimization by society. Using survey data from public managers in local governments in Serbia and Montenegro, this study provides an analysis of the state of ethical systems in local governments. Organizational law and order were found to be the primary ethical focus while ethical outcomes often neglect social needs. Conclusions reveal that clear linkages between society and local public organizations can establish sustainable ethical behavior among local government managers.
Mutagens from the cooking of food. II. Survey by Ames/Salmonella test of mutagen formation in the major protein-rich foods of the American diet

The formation of mutagens in the major cooked protein-rich foods in the US diet was studied in the Ames Salmonella typhimurium test. The nine protein-rich foods most commonly eaten in the USA--ground beef, beef steak, eggs, pork chops, fried chicken, pot-roasted beef, ham, roast beef and bacon--were examined for their mutagenicity towards S. typhimurium TA1538 after normal 'household' cooking (deep frying, griddle/pan frying, baking/roasting, broiling, stewing, braising or boiling of 100-475 degrees C). Well-done fried ground beef, beef steak, ham pork chops and bacon showed significant mutagen formation. For chicken and beef steak high-temperature broiling produced the most mutagenicity, followed by baking/roasting and frying. Stewing, braising and deep frying produced little mutagen. Eggs and egg products produced mutagens only after cooking at high temperatures (the yolk to a greater extent than the white). Commercially cooked hamburgers showed a wide range of mutagenic activity. We conclude that mutagen formation following cooking of protein-containing foods is a complex function of food type, cooking time and cooking temperature. It seems clear that all the major protein-rich foods if cooked to a well-done state on the griddle (eggs only at temperatures above 225 degrees C) or by broiling will contain mutagens detectable by the Ames/Salmonella assay. This survey is a step towards determining whether any human health hazard results from cooking protein-rich foods. Further testing in both short- and long-term genotoxicity bioassays and carcinogenesis assays are needed before any human risk extrapolations can be made.
Laparoscopic Heminephroureterectomy: The Advantages of Pulsed Bipolar Diathermy (Plasmakinetic) for Vascular and Renal Control

Purpose We report our experience on the use of Plasmakinetic for vascular and renal control in laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy (HNU). Material and Methods From June 2003 to September 2009, 58 consecutive HNU were performed by the same surgeon (SH) in 57 children (37 F, 20 M), aged from 5 months to 11.5 years (median 1.8 y). Thirty-two were younger than 2 years of age, and 10 had a weight Results Access was transperitoneal in 4, lateral extraperitoneal in 4 and prone in 50 cases. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Plasmakinetic was used for vascular control in 51 procedures, and for kidney resection in 48. Average surgical time was 135 min (range 80-180 min). Mean hospital stay was 1.6 days (range 1-6 days). Vascular control was excellent in all with no need for transfusion. There were 2 major complications both in patients below 10 kg; one urinoma requiring drainage and 1 ureteral damage requiring corrective open surgery. At 1-6 months follow up ultrasound showed good vascular supply to the preserved moiety in all pts, and anechoic “cystic” collections (5 to 30 mm) in 10 cases (7/48 after Plasmakinetic and 3/10 with other devices). Conclusions HNU is a demanding laparoscopic procedure, not devoid of complications especially in infants. Plasmakinetic can facilitate vascular and especially renal control, reducing the risk of bleeding and urinary leakage from renal resection margin, and therefore the risk of complications.
Legionella pericarditis diagnosed by direct fluorescent antibody staining

Legionella pericarditis is a rare and serious manifestation of Legionnaire's disease. A case is presented in which the diagnosis was established by direct fluorescent antibody staining on a pericardial tissue specimen. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was used safely and effectively in diagnosis and management in this case.
A Consideration of Diapause in Aedes nigromaculis and Other Aedine Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes nigromaculis (Ludlow), an inland pasture breeder, survives the principal adversities of its habitat by remaining dormant in the egg stage. Laboratory hatching experiments and field observations supported the hypothesis that its hibernation in Central California constitutes a true facultative diapause of the mature embryo within the egg. Temperature plays a major part in the development and termination of this diapause. Temperature gradients of descending values initiate diapause development in the fall and temperature gradients of ascending values cause the termination of diapause in the spring. Hence, because of the effect of temperature gradients, a single temperature value (particularly in the range of 60° to 70° F.) may tend to initiate diapause in the fall, but conversely, may tend to terminate diapause in the spring. Aedes dorsalis (Meigen), a coastal saltmarsh breeder, exhibits a facultative diapause similar in kind to that of A. nigromaculis. Aedes squamiger (Coquillett), another coastal marsh breeder, undergoes an obligatory diapause in the egg stage during the summer. Circumstantial evidence suggested that its diapause is terminated in the fall by temperatures of 40° F. or lower. Limited hatching responses by A. nigromaculis and A. dorsalis in distilled water, as well as observational data, indicated that a reduction of free oxygen in flooding media may not be required for the hatching of all Aedes eggs under all circumstances. In its capacity as a hatching stimulus, the reduction of free oxygen is considered to be independent of the diapause phenomenon in these species. However, in these cases the stimuli which inhibit or terminate facultative diapause commonly act in concert with a reduction of free oxygen when eclosion occurs in nature.
Fibroblast spreading induced by connective tissue stretch involves intracellular redistribution of α- and β-actin

Mechanical stretching of connective tissue occurs with normal movement and postural changes, as well as treatments including physical therapy, massage and acupuncture. Connective tissue fibroblasts were recently shown to respond actively to short-term mechanical stretch (minutes to hours) with reversible cytoskeletal remodeling, characterized by extensive cell spreading and lamellipodia formation. In this study, we have examined the effect of tissue stretch on the distribution of α- and β-actin in subcutaneous tissue fibroblasts ex vivo. Normal fibroblasts uniformly exhibited α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunoreactivity. Unlike cultured fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, α-SMA in these fibroblasts was not in F-actin form (indicated by lack of phalloidin co-localization) nor was it organized into distinct stress fibers. The lack of stress fibers and fibronexus was confirmed by electron microscopy, indicating that these cells were not myofibroblasts. In unstretched tissue, the pattern of α-actin was diffuse and granular. With tissue stretch (30 min), α-actin formed a star-shaped pattern centered on the nucleus, while β-actin extended throughout the cytoplasm including lamellipodia and cell cortex. This dual response pattern of α- and β-actin may be an important component of cellular mechanotransduction mechanisms relevant to physiologic and therapeutic mechanical forces applied to connective tissue.
Interaction of Two Actin-binding Proteins, Synaptopodin and α-Actinin-4, with the Tight Junction Protein MAGI-1

In an attempt to find podocyte-expressed proteins that may interact with the tight junction protein MAGI-1, we screened a glomerulus-enriched cDNA library with a probe consisting of both WW domains of MAGI-1. One of the isolated clones contained two WW domain-binding motifs and was identified as a portion of the actin-bundling protein synaptopodin. In vitro binding assays confirmed this interaction between MAGI-1 and synaptopodin and identified the second WW domain of MAGI-1 to be responsible for the interaction. MAGI-1 and synaptopodin can also interact in vivo, as they can be immunoprecipitated together from HEK293 cell lysates. Another actin-bundling protein that is found in glomerular podocytes and shown to be mutated in an inheritable form of glomerulosclerosis is α-actinin-4. We show that α-actinin-4 is also capable of binding to MAGI-1 in in vitro binding assays and that this interaction is mediated by the fifth PDZ domain of MAGI-1 binding to the C terminus of α-actinin-4. Exogenously expressed synaptopodin and α-actinin-4 were found to colocalize along with endogenous MAGI-1 at the tight junction of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The interaction and colocalization of MAGI-1 with two actin-bundling proteins suggest that MAGI-1 may play a role in actin cytoskeleton dynamics within polarized epithelial cells.
Systematic search as a source of technical innovation: An empirical test

The objective of the study is to increase the probability of identifying venture ideas with commercial potential. To accomplish that objective, we test competing search theories. Historically, the commonly accepted approach to discovery has been alertness, a state of heightened awareness during which one engages in boundaryless search. An emerging approach is constrained, systematic search, which is the application of rigorous search techniques within domains where an entrepreneur is most knowledgeable. We conduct an experiment in which we randomly assign 60 information technology professionals into 2 groups to evaluate these competing search theories. The findings suggest that systematic search is superior to alertness in discovering commercially viable innovations. We also found that systematic search may have pedagogical promise.
Mechanism of PhosphoThreonine/Serine Recognition and Specificity for Modular Domains from All-atom Molecular Dynamics

Phosphopeptide-binding domains mediate many vital cellular processes such as signal transduction and protein recognition. We studied three well-known domains important for signal transduction: BRCT repeats, WW domain and forkhead-associated (FHA) domain. The first two recognize both phosphothreonine (pThr) and phosphoserine (pSer) residues, but FHA has high specificity for pThr residues. Here we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to reveal how FHA exclusively chooses pThr and how BRCT and WW recognize both pThr/pSer. The work also investigated the energies and thermodynamic information of intermolecular interactions. Simulations carried out included wide-type and mutated systems. Through analysis of MD simulations, we found that the conserved His residue defines dual loops feature of the FHA domain, which creates a small cavity reserved for only the methyl group of pThr. These well-organized loop interactions directly response to the pThr binding selectivity, while single loop (the 2nd phosphobinding site of FHA) or in combination with α-helix (BRCT repeats) or β-sheet (WW domain) fail to differentiate pThr/pSer. Understanding the domain pre-organizations constructed by conserved residues and the driving force of domain-phosphopeptide recognition provides structural insight into pThr specific binding, which also helps in engineering proteins and designing peptide inhibitors.
Pathogenesis of intraparenchymal epidermoid cyst in the brain: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Intracranial epidermoid cysts are relatively common; however, epidermoid cysts in the brain parenchyma are rare. In addition, the etiology of intraparenchymal epidermoid cysts is not clear. CASE DESCRIPTION A 61-year-old woman presented with convulsive seizures. CT and MRI revealed a mass lesion in the right parietal lobe. With low-grade glioma as a preoperative diagnosis, the tumor was totally excised, but the subsequent pathologic diagnosis was epidermoid cyst. CONCLUSION Exact preoperative diagnosis of this disease would be helpful in preventing chemical meningitis. The etiology is likely related to the time and locus of sequestration of ectodermal tissue during fetal development. Clarifying the pathogenesis will lead to effective preventive measures.
Mapping proteoglycan-bound water in cartilage: improved specificity of matrix assessment using multiexponential transverse relaxation analysis

Association of MR parameters with cartilage matrix components remains an area of ongoing investigation. Multiexponential analysis of nonlocalized transverse relaxation data has previously been used to quantify water compartments associated with matrix macromolecules in cartilage. We extend this to mapping the proteoglycan (PG)-bound water fraction in cartilage, using mature and young bovine nasal cartilage model systems, toward the goal of matrix component-specific imaging. PG-bound water fraction from mature and young bovine nasal cartilage was 0.31 ± 0.04 and 0.22 ± 0.06, respectively, in agreement with biochemically derived PG content and PG-to-water weight ratios. Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopic-derived PG maps normalized by water content (IR-PG(ww) ) showed spatial correspondence with PG-bound water fraction maps. Extensive simulation analysis demonstrated that the accuracy and precision of our determination of PG-bound water fraction was within 2%, which is well-within the observed tissue differences. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of performing imaging-based multiexponential analysis of transverse relaxation data to map PG in cartilage.
Ocean-load tides at the South Pole : a validation of recent ocean-tide models

Small diurnal and semidiurnal gravity tides are seen at the South Pole because of the loading by and attraction of the ocean tides. These data provide a check on the quality of ocean-tide models, especially in the southernmost ocean, which has historically been the most lacking in tidal data. Ocean-tide models developed in the 1980's did not predict the gravity tides at this location very well. Recently-developed models based on the Topex/Poseidon altimetric data and improved hydrodynamical modeling agree much better with the observations, provided that the tides beneath the ice shelves are included. The level of agreement at this remote location suggests that, loads from very local tides aside, the new generation of ocean-tide models can predict the loading tides to very high accuracy.
Cyclosporine in systemic sclerosis. results of a forty‐eight–week open safety study in ten patients

Objective. To evaluate safety and efficacy of cyclosporin A (CSA) treatment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Ten patients with ⩽60 months of SSc were entered into a 48-week open study of CSA. Patients with hypertension or azotemia were excluded. Concurrent use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents or diuretics was not permitted. The extent of cutaneous and visceral involvement at 48 weeks and at study entry were compared. Results. Adverse reactions (especially nephrotoxicity) were frequent, usually transient, often dose-limiting, and usually associated with CSA doses ⩾3–4 mg/kg/day. Skin thickening decreased significantly (P <0.001), while pulmonary and cardiac involvement remained unchanged. Conclusion. CSA should undergo blinded controlled study in patients with SSc.
Prediction of gel‐time in the cure of unsaturated polyester resins: Phenomenological modeling vs. statistical analysis

A series of kinetic and rheological measurements were carried out using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a Rheometrics Dynamic Analyzer (RDA). The effects of temperature, inhibitor level, initiator level, and initiator type on the curing of unsaturated polyester resins were investigated. Two models based on the free radical polymerization mechanism were developed for predicting the time to reach liquid-solid transition. These models adapted a concept that gelation occurred at a critical radical concentration. The applicability of these models was compared to that of a statistical analysis.
A strong homology exists between the active T-cell binding gp120 octapeptide of human immunodeficiency virus and the subtilisin cleavage peptide of bovine ribonuclease A.

Abstract A homology has been found between an octapeptide involved in attachment of the human immunodeficiency virus to helper/inducer T cells and an octapeptide segment of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A. This segment (residues 19 – 26) contains the sites for subtilisin cleavage of this enzyme into the S-peptide and S-protein. From the X-ray crystal structure of ribonuclease, this sequence is known to be exposed to solvent and interacts little with the rest of the protein. A structure for the human immunodeficiency virus attachment peptide can be deduced from this homology, as a well-defined structure has been determined for this sequence in ribonuclease. This can be readily accomplished using previously developed computer methods based upon conformational energy calculations. The calculated structure for human immunodeficiency virus peptide is identical to the ribonuclease segment (19 – 26) in backbone conformation. It is stabilized by internal interactions of nonpolar residues, and by exposure of polar hydroxyl groups. The results suggest that the T-cell human immunodeficiency virus receptor may be hydrophilic in nature and that conservation of the sequence in two presumably functionally unrelated proteins is related to the need for conservation of exposed structure.
The cost of procuring market-inalienable human organs

The principal regulatory instrument and the defining feature of organ procurement in the United States is a ban on markets. This study finds the average variable cost of procuring organ donations to have been $1,650 per organ in 1990. Virtually no difference is found between more and less successful procurement organizations in obtaining consent from next-of-kin; what distinguishes successful organizations is their ability to generate more and better quality referrals. These data suggest that procuring organs by donation may be cheap and that more procurement effort might yield more donations. The findings imply that it may be the obstacles to adequate effort, rather than the inefficiency of appeals to donor altruism, that are responsible for shortages.
Atomic reorientation rates in liquid chalcogenide glasses: NMR in Se and As2Se3

Abstract Temperature dependence of the NMR spectrum in liquid Se indicates that atomic reorientation in this molten ring-chain structure glass is governed by a distribution of correlation times with a median of τ ∗ = 5 × 10 −5 sec at 220°C . In liquid layer structure glasses at equivalent viscosity, atomic reorientation rates are not sufficient to narrow observed NMR spectra. SeSe and AsSe bonds in glassy Se and As2Se3 are distinguishable on the basis of their chemically shifted Se77 NMR spectra.
Improved convexity cuts for lattice point problems

The generalized lattice point (GLP) problem provides a formulation that accommodates a variety of discrete alternative problems. In this paper, we show how to substantially strengthen the convexity cuts for the GLP problem. The new cuts are based on the identification ofsynthesized lattice point conditions to replace those that ordinarily define the cut. The synthesized conditions give an alternative set of hyperplanes that enlarge the convex set, thus allowing the cut to be shifted deeper into the solution space. A convenient feature of the strengthened cuts is the evidence of linking relationships by which they may be constructively generated from the original cuts. Geometric examples are given in the last section to show how the new cuts improve upon those previously proposed for the GLP problem.
Incorporating Uncertainty into Transportation Decision Making: Sustainability-Oriented Approach

Incorporating uncertainty into transportation decision making has become a more important activity as evidenced by the popularity of scenario-based approaches in the regional transportation planning process. Particularly in decision making to promote sustainability, uncertainty and risk factors can be important elements because they can influence which alternative is perceived as the most desirable depending on a wide range of parameters. The objective of the study is to demonstrate how some of these uncertainties can be incorporated when a multiple-criteria decision-making method is used to choose the most desirable among competing alternatives. Using data from the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan region, this paper examines the sensitivity of the relative desirability of competing transportation and land use plans to changes in regional priorities and weights for sustainability parameters. Throughout the study, sensitivity analysis is used as a tool to incorporate the variability in criteria weights and concurrent variation in the sustainability evaluation results and final decision. These exercises could help decision makers determine how changing the emphasis on different regional priorities could most effectively result in desired regional outcomes.
Poor patient knowledge regarding family history of colon polyps: implications for the feasibility of stratified screening recommendations.

Background In 2008, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) modified its colorectal screening guidelines regarding patients with family histories of colorectal polyps, specifically highlighting the importance of obtaining detailed history that includes the number, type, and size of adenomas found in a patient's relative. This information is then used to guide screening recommendations for these patients. Objective To assess the proportion of patients undergoing screening colonscopy for a family history of polyps who have knowledge of their family members' colonoscopy findings. Design Retrospective, single-center cohort pilot study. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Patients Patients who presented for screening colonoscopy between 2008 and 2010 with an indication of family history of polyps. Interventions Obtain detailed history regarding patient's family history of polyps, including which family member, age of family member at diagnosis, size, type and number of polyps found. Main Outcome Measurements Knowledge of family history. Results Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Their knowledge of their family histories of polyps showed the following: 23.2% (17/73; 95% CI, 14%-35%) did not know which family member had polyps, 42.5% (31/73; 95% CI, 31%-55%) did not know the age at diagnosis, 71.2% (52/73; 95% CI, 59%-81%) did not know the polyp type, 90.4% (66/73; 95% CI, 81%-96%) did not know the number of polyps found, and 97.3% (71/73; 95% CI, 90%-100%) did not know the polyp size. Limitations Retrospective study at a single tertiary referral center. Conclusions Patients' knowledge regarding the details of their family histories of polyp data appears often unknown or incomplete. Thus, at present, it may not appear feasible or practical to incorporate this level of information in colon cancer screening guidelines.
Import vulnerability of defense-related industries: An empirical model

Abstract This paper provides an examination of the concept of “foreign dependency,” with focus on defense-industry usage. The topic has taken on a new urgency as of late when it has been noted that the very hi-tech weapons, generally given credit in Desert Storm, consist of critical components and subsystems that are not, and perhaps cannot be produced in the United States. The problem is a relevant one across the technological spectrum. Thus, it may be as difficult for the United States to assure an adequate supply of chemically treated boots, as to provide the latest microchip sensors. We develop an empirical methodology that allows for a quantitative determination, resulting in a ranking of import dependence or vulnerability of products. This method takes into account most existing industrial plants, import surges, and the relative weight of defense usage in total national apparent consumption. It yields unique dependence profiles, identifying bottlenecks along the breakdown analysis dimension (i.e., subassemblies, components down to raw materials). The method is demonstrated in several applications across the technological spectrum.
Women and minority gains in a rapidly changing local labor market: The San Francisco Bay area in the 1980s

Abstract The 1980s in the United States were a decade of significant labor market gains for women of all races and ethnic groups in the context of increased wage inequality. This paper shows that in one important California labor market higher incomes paid to women (especially Anglo women) came primarily not from sectoral shifts but from broad-based (across all economic sectors) incorporation of women into high-skilled jobs within sectors and from higher incomes paid to women within occupational categories. Such changes were part of a more general move by industries to hire lower-cost female labor into previously white male-dominated professional and managerial jobs. The moves generally favored Anglo women over Latinas and women of Asian origin.
Clustering algorithm based on mutual K-nearest neighbor relationships

Clustering algorithms for data with varying densities have been investigated in the past and there are some data situations and clustering needs that are not handled well by these algorithms. We present here an algorithm for such situations in which multiple, possibly overlapping, clusters exist and need to be identified by their density as the defining characteristic. In this paper, we define the idea of mutual K-nearest neighbors (MKNN) relationship based on inter-point affinities and use it as a basis for discovering the above-mentioned types of clusters. With a synthetic and two real-world datasets we show that our algorithm delivers the type of clustering results and robustness that we seek to achieve, and the performance is better than what is achievable by other algorithms. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 2012 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of habituation and conditioning trials on hippocampal EEG

Comparison of hippocampal EEG during habituation of a neutral stimulus (CS), habituation of a reinforcing stimulus (US), and classical conditioning showed significantly different spectra for these three treatments. It was also demonstrated that spectra of hippocampal EEG data sampled randomly were different from those sampled immediately following either the CS or US.
A prospective longitudinal study of neuropsychological and psychosocial factors in asymptomatic individuals at risk for HTLV-III/LAV infection in a methadone program: preliminary findings.

To test the hypothesis that cognitive impairment may be present early in the course of HTLV-III/ LAV infection, intravenous drug abusers (IDVAs) without overt symptoms of AIDS related illness were tested with standard neuropsychological and psychosocial measures. This study is the bas-line for a prospective longitudinal study of the natural history of HTLV-III/LAV infection in this high risk population. Of 211 subjects initially evaluated, 70 (33 %) were HTLV-III/LAV seropositive and 141 (67%) were seronegative. At the baseline, by univariate analysis, the seropositive IVDAs were significantly (p<.05) more impaired than seronegatives on 4 of 8 measures: Finger Tapping — dominant, hand, Digit Span Forward, Trail making A and WAIS-Similarities. However, by multivariate analysis the seropositives were significantly more impaired only on the WAIS-Similarities and Wechsler — Associative Learning tests. Multiple factors such as drug use and psychological stress may have influenced test performance. These prelim...
Distinguishability of Conductivities by Electric Current Computed Tomography

We give criteria for the distinguishability of two different conductivity distributions inside a body by electric current computed tomography (ECCT) systems with a specified precision. It is shown in a special case how these criteria can be used to determine the measurement precision needed to distinguish between two different conductivity distributions. It is also shown how to select the patterns of current to apply to the body in order to best distinguish given conductivity distributions with an ECCT system of finite precision.