cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Dynamin Mutant Defines a Superconstricted Prefission State.

Summary Dynamin is a 100 kDa GTPase that organizes into helical assemblies at the base of nascent clathrin-coated vesicles. Formation of these oligomers stimulates the intrinsic GTPase activity of dynamin, which is necessary for efficient membrane fission during endocytosis. Recent evidence suggests that the transition state of dynamin's GTP hydrolysis reaction serves as a key determinant of productive fission. Here, we present the structure of a transition-state-defective dynamin mutant K44A trapped in a prefission state at 12.5 A resolution. This structure constricts to 3.7 nm, reaching the theoretical limit required for spontaneous membrane fission. Computational docking indicates that the ground-state conformation of the dynamin polymer is sufficient to achieve this superconstricted prefission state and reveals how a two-start helical symmetry promotes the most efficient packing of dynamin tetramers around the membrane neck. These data suggest a model for the assembly and regulation of the minimal dynamin fission machine.
A DNA Polymerase-α·Primase Cofactor with Homology to Replication Protein A-32 Regulates DNA Replication in Mammalian Cells

α-Accessory factor (AAF) stimulates the activity of DNA polymerase-α·primase, the only enzyme known to initiate DNA replication in eukaryotic cells (Goulian, M., Heard, C. J., and Grimm, S. L. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 13221-13230). We purified the AAF heterodimer composed of 44- and 132-kDa subunits from cultured cells and identified full-length cDNA clones using amino acid sequences from internal peptides. AAF-132 demonstrated no homologies to known proteins; AAF-44, however, is evolutionarily related to the 32-kDa subunit of replication protein A (RPA-32) and contains an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold domain similar to the OB fold domains of RPA involved in single-stranded DNA binding. Epitope-tagged versions of AAF-44 and -132 formed a complex in intact cells, and purified recombinant AAF-44 bound to single-stranded DNA and stimulated DNA primase activity only in the presence of AAF-132. Mutations in conserved residues within the OB fold of AAF-44 reduced DNA binding activity of the AAF-44·AAF-132 complex. Immunofluorescence staining of AAF-44 and AAF-132 in S phase-enriched HeLa cells demonstrated punctate nuclear staining, and AAF co-localized with proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a marker for replication foci containing DNA polymerase-α·primase and RPA. Small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of AAF-44 in tumor cell lines inhibited [methyl-3H]thymidine uptake into DNA but did not affect cell viability. We conclude that AAF shares structural and functional similarities with RPA-32 and regulates DNA replication, consistent with its ability to increase polymerase-α·primase template affinity and stimulate both DNA primase and polymerase-α activities in vitro.
BCG vaccination and cancer mortality

The mortality rate from leukemia and other neoplastic diseases for the years 1957–1969 was compared in 85,356 BCG-vaccinated newborns at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, and 534,870 nonvaccinated population in Chicago (all black). All cases of cancer deaths under 20 years of age in the black population of Chicago were obtained from death certificates at the Chicago Board of Health. The total black population 20 years of age and under was determined by demographic means from the Chicago Board of Health birth records, adjusted for deaths under the period of study. There were 13 deaths among the vaccinated for a rate of 1.17/100,000/year and 306 deaths among the nonvaccinated for a rate of 4.39/100,000/year. The difference was statistically highly significant (p<0.001). This was a reduction of 74% in the vaccinated group as compared to the nonvaccinated. There were no deaths from malignancies in the under 1 year of age group in the vaccinated, but a drop in the rates to 50% or less in the later age groups (except 10–14 years) in the vaccinated as compared to the nonvaccinated. Thus revaccination at given intervals (1–2 years) is recommended. The National Cancer Institute checked death reports due to cancer elsewhere in the country in our vaccinated population. To reduce the possibility of β error, deaths due to trauma in the two groups were determined. No differences in the rates were found. The major categories of neoplasms for this age group were (1) leukemia, (2) central nervous system, (3) lymphoma, and (4) bone and connective tissue. This was a retrospective study. Statistically designed, controlled studies may provide definite conclusions.
Entscheidungsregeln für das optimale Verhalten in der Kraftfahrzeugversicherung

In der Kraftfahrzeughaftpflichtversicherung werden bei schadenfreiem Fahren Schadenfreiheitsrabatte und — falls technischer Uberschus vorhanden — Beitragsruckvergutungen gewahrt. Da bei Inanspruchnahme der Versicherung der Versicherte diese Vergunstigungen oder Teile davon verliert, steht er im verschuldeten Schadensfall vor der Frage, ob er die Versicherung in Anspruch nehmen soll oder nicht. Das Problem, Entscheidungsregeln fur das optimale Verhalten des Versicherungsnehmers abzuleiten, last sich durch ein System von Rekursionsgleichungen formulieren und wird mit Hilfe der Dynamischen Programmierung gelost. Der Ansatz ist durch ein Beispiel illustriert, und es konnte gezeigt werden, das die Entscheidungsregeln ziemlich unempfindlich sind gegenuber Variationen eines der wichtigsten Parameter: der Wahrscheinlichkeit, in zukunftigen Jahren Unfalle zu verursachen.
Computer Methods for Analyzing Genealogical Space1

ANTHROPOLOGISTS have long been concerned with the genealogical analysis of systems of endogamic marriage, particularly with systems having some form of cousin marriage. Hitherto, however, it has been virtually impossible to do extensive analyses of actual marriages, and, therefore, the concern has been with such indirect indicators of marriage as expressed rules and preferences and kinship terminology (cf. e.g., Coult 1962a, 1962b, 1964; Coult and Hammel 1963; Hammel 1960; Homans and Schneider 1955; Levi-Strauss 1949; Needham 1962). The difficulty in analyzing actual marriages stems from the fact that any attempt to determine how spouses are related to one another, except as spouses, is an enormous task if manual methods of tracing relationships are employed. The magnitude of this task may be judged from the numbers of kin-types that occur at yarious genealogical levels. These numbers and the method of computing them are discussed below.
Research: A Tool to Promote Optimal Early Child Care and Education.

(1988). Research: A Tool to Promote Optimal Early Child Care and Education. Early Child Development and Care: Vol. 33, No. 1-4, pp. 1-9.
Baseline clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapy use, and viral load suppression among HIV-positive young men of color who have sex with men.

Abstract Given the continued high incidence of HIV infection in the United States among racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM), and an appreciation that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can provide personal and public health benefits, attention is needed to enhance the detection of HIV-infected youth and engage them in medical care and support services that encourage sustained HIV treatment and suppression of viremia. Poor retention in clinical care has been associated with higher mortality, an increase in HIV RNA, and decreased CD4 cell count. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the health care utilization and health outcomes of HIV-infected racial/ethnic minority YMSM enrolled in an outreach, linkage, and retention study funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB). We hypothesized that among racial/ethnic minority YMSM, baseline CD4 counts and usage of ART are influenced by age, race, drug and alcohol use, and mental health symptom...
DNA replication in dnaB mutants of Escherichia coli: gene product interaction and synthesis of 4 S pieces.

Abstract The DNA produced by several dnaB mutants has been examined both in vivo and in vitro. The alleles chosen for study had previously been shown to differ over a wide range in the apparent severity of their effects on DNA replication. Comparison of DNA replication between dnaB heteroallelic diploids and the constituent haploid strains indicates interaction between the dnaB products in the heteroallelic diploids. The data are consistent with a functional multimeric aggregate of dnaB gene products that is at least a tetramer. Alkaline sucrose gradient profiles of pulse-labeled DNA, synthesized by some of the mutants in vivo and by mutant lysates in vitro, exhibit a peak at about 4 S. The 4 S DNA is most apparent in those mutants in which replication is most severely restricted by temperature. This 4 S material can be chased in vitro into DNA larger than Okazaki pieces, and density transfer experiments indicate that these pieces are formed at the replication fork. Conversion of the 4 S material to large DNA is not altered by inhibition of polynucleotide ligase either by the presence of the lig-4 polA1 mutations in vivo or by the addition of nicotinamide mononucleotide in vitro. The in vitro observations suggest that 4 S pieces are formed on only one side of the replication fork.
On the relationship between controllability indexes, Eigenvector assignment, and deadbeat control

The subspaces, to which closed-loop generalized eigenvectors are restricted, are described in terms of the controllability indexes of the pair ( A, B ) and the polynomials of minimal degree that span ker[ A- \lambda I, B ]. This characterization of the eigenspaces is then used to calculate the deadbeat controller of minimum Frobenius norm.
A Non-Contact Waveguide Probe for On-Wafer $S$ -Parameter Measurements for Submillimeter-Wave to Terahertz Band

This paper presents a non-contact on-wafer S- parameter measurement method for submillimeter-wave and terahertz frequency range. The proposed method is based on using open-ended waveguide probes along with on-wafer waveguide transitions to measure the S-parameters of waveguide based components and devices. To enable non-contact measurements, an RF choke is designed and machined on the metallic cross section of the probes using electric discharge machining. Additionally, to enhance the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements, a probe aligner is micromachined over the on-wafer transition. In order to validate the measurement concept, a full-band transition operating at J-band (220-325 GHz) is designed and tested. To achieve high accuracy, the fabrication of the on-wafer waveguide and the transition is performed using silicon micromachining. It is shown that the designed back-to-back transition has a return loss of better than 15 dB and an insertion loss of less than 0.2 dB over the entire frequency band. The measurement results of the fabricated transition also show a good agreement with the simulated results.
Cytophotometric and autoradiographic evidence for functional apomixis in a gynogenetic fish, Poecilia formosa and its related, triploid unisexuals.

Amounts of DNA in individual Feulgen-stained nuclei from squash preparations of ovaries and testes from wild-caught and laboratory-reared stocks of Poecilia spp. were determined with an integrating microdensitometer. The DNA content of primary spermatocytes (4C) at zygotene, pachytene, or at metaphase I (3.3–3.4 pg) was approximately twice that found in secondary spermatocytes (2C) and four times that found for young spermatids (1C). Rarely, mature sperm were found with 2C DNA amounts. Nuclei from follicular epithelium and oogonia from both bisexual and diploid unisexual fish contained about 1.6–1.7 pg DNA; whereas, the DNA content of primary oocyte nuclei was about 3.5–3.7 pg DNA, indicating that just one cycle of chromosomal replication had occurred in these cells during the period of DNA synthesis before the visible onset of meiotic prophase. Similar results were obtained for triploid unisexuals whose 6C primary oocyte nuclei contained 5.0–5.1 pg DNA, which was twice the DNA content of 3C oogonia and follicular epithelial cells (2.4–2.5 pg DNA). Autoradiographic studies, designed to monitor the incorporation of 3H-thymidine by oogonia and primary oocytes in vivo and in vitro, also showed that there is no additional synthesis of DNA during the course of meiotic prophase in these unisexual fish. Therefore, we conclude that apomixis, not endoreduplication, is the cytological basis of reproduction in Poecilia formosa and its related, triploid biotypes.
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus expresses an array of viral microRNAs in latently infected cells

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an endogenously encoded class of small RNAs that have been proposed to function as key posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression in a range of eukaryotic species, including humans. The small size of miRNA precursors makes them potentially ideal for use by viruses as inhibitors of host cell defense pathways. Here, we demonstrate that the pathogenic human herpesvirus Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes an array of 11 distinct miRNAs, all of which are expressed at readily detectable levels in latently KSHV infected cells. Individual KSHV miRNAs were expressed at up to 2,200 copies per cell. The KSHV miRNAs are expressed from what appears to be a single genetic locus that largely coincides with an ≈4-kb noncoding sequence located between the KSHV v-cyclin and K12/Kaposin genes, both of which are also expressed in latently infected cells. Computer analysis of potential mRNA targets for these viral miRNAs identified a number of interesting candidate genes, including several mRNAs previously shown to be down-regulated in KSHV-infected cells. We hypothesize that these viral miRNAs play a critical role in the establishment and/or maintenance of KSHV latent infection in vivo and, hence, in KSHV-induced oncogenesis. RNA interference viral pathogenesis viral latency
Antarctic regional ice loss rates from GRACE

Abstract Using recent improved time-variable gravity solutions from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), we estimate rates of Antarctic ice mass change for the period January 2003 through September 2006. Combined improvements in data and filtering techniques allow observation of ice loss in the northern Antarctic Peninsula (AP) and along the coast of the west and central Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE) in West Antarctica. There is also evidence of ice loss along the coast near the Stancomb–Wills (STA) and Jutulstraumen (JUT) glaciers in Queen Maud Land. Apparent rates are adjusted for influences of limited spatial resolution, filtering, and estimated postglacial rebound (PGR) to obtain ice loss rates for the northern AP, coastal ASE, and STA/JUT of − 28.8 ± 7.9, − 81 ± 17, and − 16.7 ± 9.7 km3/yr, respectively. This is the first estimate for the northern AP from satellite gravity data. The ASE estimate (− 81 ± 17 km3/yr) is consistent with a previous value (− 77 ± 14 km3/yr) using an earlier GRACE data release. These results indicate significant improvement in GRACE data quality, increased spatial resolution, and applicability of GRACE data to a wider class of problems than previously possible.
Permeabilization of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by human serum.

Abstract Human serum rapidly permeabilized Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to inorganic cations such as Rb + and Ca 2+ ; serum from several other species showed little or no activity. The effect of human serum was not reversed by washing the cells. Human serum, deficient in specific complement proteins, had no activity, but was reactivated by the addition of the missing complement component. Since Ca 2+ was not required for the permeabilization, the alternative pathway of complement activation was implicated. Human serum deficient in Factor B of the alternative pathway was ineffective, but permeabilizing activity was restored by addition of Factor B. Rb + uptake of several other cells was not inhibited by human serum. We conclude that an interaction between human complement and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is responsible for the membrane lesion observed.
RAG2 PHD finger couples histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation with V(D)J recombination

Nuclear processes such as transcription, DNA replication and recombination are dynamically regulated by chromatin structure. Eukaryotic transcription is known to be regulated by chromatin-associated proteins containing conserved protein domains that specifically recognize distinct covalent post-translational modifications on histones. However, it has been unclear whether similar mechanisms are involved in mammalian DNA recombination. Here we show that RAG2--an essential component of the RAG1/2 V(D)J recombinase, which mediates antigen-receptor gene assembly--contains a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger that specifically recognizes histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3). The high-resolution crystal structure of the mouse RAG2 PHD finger bound to H3K4me3 reveals the molecular basis of H3K4me3-recognition by RAG2. Mutations that abrogate RAG2's recognition of H3K4me3 severely impair V(D)J recombination in vivo. Reducing the level of H3K4me3 similarly leads to a decrease in V(D)J recombination in vivo. Notably, a conserved tryptophan residue (W453) that constitutes a key structural component of the K4me3-binding surface and is essential for RAG2's recognition of H3K4me3 is mutated in patients with immunodeficiency syndromes. Together, our results identify a new function for histone methylation in mammalian DNA recombination. Furthermore, our results provide the first evidence indicating that disrupting the read-out of histone modifications can cause an inherited human disease.
Role of age, sex, and race on cardiac and total mortality associated with Super Bowl wins and losses.

Background Total and cardiac mortality rates in Los Angeles County, Califorina, increased after the 1980 Super Bowl loss (SBL), but there was an overall reduction in total mortality after the 1984 Super Bowl win (SBW). Hypothesis We hypothesized that age, sex, and race may have played a role in the Super Bowl related differences in death rates. Methods We compared mortality rates for SB-related days with non-SB control days assessing differences in demographics. We ran regression models predicting daily death rates per 100,000 including SB variable versus non-SB control days for age, sex, race, and interactions for these covariates. Results After the SBL, daily death rates increased for both males and females. People aged ≥65 years had a larger absolute increase in all cause mortality during the SBL days compared with those aged <65 years, with significant interaction between age and SBL-variable for all-cause and cardiac-related mortality. Whites and Hispanics had increased death rates on SBL days. There were trends suggesting less death in older patients and females associated with the SBW. Conclusion A SBL triggered increased deaths in both men and women and especially in older patients, whereas a SBW reduced death more in those aged ≥65 years and in women. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Counseling for Identity Renegotiation

Identity issues appear in many clinical theories, but identity interventions have typically focused on the stage-specific issues of adolescent clients. With changing social realities and renewed interest in identity as an academic focus, adult identities are increasingly being seen as a mental health concern. This article presents a theory-driven approach to identity-focused intervention across the life span, focusing on the co-construction of identities in personal relationships and larger social groups.
CP-225,917 and CP-263,114: Novel Ras Farnesylation Inhibitors from an Unidentified Fungus. 2. Structure Elucidation

The structure elucidations of new fungal products CP-225,917 and CP-263,114 are described. The structures, including relative stereochemistry, were established using a variety of analytical data and extensive NMR analysis. The compounds possess a bicyclo[4.3.1]deca-1,6-dien-10-one system in conjunction with a maleic anhydride moiety, a γ-lactol, and two alkenyl side chains. They are related to nonadrides, and their biosynthetic origins are proposed. The producing organism also yields zaragozic acid A, and both zaragozic acids and compounds CP-225,917 and CP-263,114 appear to be derived from the condensation of oxaloacetic acid and the corresponding monocarboxylic acid.
Aeroacoustic production of low-frequency unvoiced speech sounds

A theoretical approach to describing unvoiced speech sound production is outlined using the essentials of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. The focus is on the character and role of nonacoustic air motion in the vocal tract. An idealized picture of speech sound production is presented showing that speech sound production involves the dynamics of a jet flow, characterized by vorticity. A formal expression is developed for the sound production by unsteady airflow in terms of jet vorticity and vocal-tract shape, and a scaling law for the aeroacoustic source power is derived. The generic features of internal jet flows such as those exhibited in speech sound production are discussed, particularly in terms of the vorticity field, and the relevant scales of motion are identified. An approximate description of a jet as a train of vortex rings, useful for sound-field prediction, is described using the scales both of motion and of vocal-tract geometry. It is shown that the aeroacoustic source may be expressed as the convolution of (1) the acoustic source time series due to a single vortex ring with (2) a function describing the arrival of vortex rings in the source region. It is shown that, in general, the characteristics of the aeroacoustic source are determined not only by the strength, spatial distribution, and convection speed of the jet vorticity field, but also the shape of the vocal tract through which the jet flow passes. For turbulent jets, such as those which occur in unvoiced sound production, however, vocal-tract shape is the dominant factor in determining the spectral content of the source.
Crystal Structure Of Peroxide-bound Manganese Superoxide Dismutase

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes are important antioxidant agents that protect the cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS). The SOD family is responsible for catalyzing the disproportionation of superoxide to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. We report the first ever structure of a superoxide dismutase with bound hydrogen peroxide in the active site. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction data was collected from Escherichia Coli MnSOD crystals that were soaked in a cryosolution containing 0.008%(v/v) hydrogen peroxide and cryocooled to 100K. Structural refinement to 1.55 A and close inspection of the active site revealed electron density for hydrogen peroxide in three of the four active sites. The hydrogen peroxide molecules are sideways bonded to the manganese in the position normally assumed by water or inhibitory hydroxide. The hydrogen peroxide molecules are present in active sites B, C and D. It was observed that MnSOD enzymes could accommodate two hydrogen peroxide molecules per active site in an antiprismo coordination geometry. Comparison of the peroxide-bound active site with the wild-type trigonal bipyramidal form shows a shifting of the gateway residues Tyr34 and His30, thereby preventing the escape of the bound ligands. The peroxide-bound form more closely resembles the active-site geometry of six-coordinate octahedral form (1D5N), where hydroxide ligands were trapped in the active site by cryocooling.
Single chloride channel currents from canine tracheal epithelial cells

Patch-clamp techniques were used to characterize the properties of anion-selective channels in canine tracheal epithelial cells that had been maintained in primary culture. Gigaohm seals (10–30 GΩ) were obtained in single isolated cells or cells at the edge of a confluent sheet, and channels were studied in the cell attached or the inside-out, excised patch configuration. Pretreatment with isotonic KCl caused the cells to round-up and allowed us to have better success in obtaining good seals. Based on conductance, anion-cation selectivity and voltage-dependent kinetic properties, four anion channel types could be detected in symmetrical solutions of 0.15 M NaCl; (i) a 30–50 pS Cl− channel of high selectivity, active at negative potentials and inactivated by large positive potentials; (ii) an approx. 20 pS Cl− channel of high selectivity, active at positive potentials and inactivated at negative potentials; (iii) an approx. 250 pS channel of moderate selectivity (PClPNa = 4) that was not voltage-dependent, and (iv) an approx. 10 pS Cl− channel with characteristics similar to (iii) above, but remaining somewhat active at large negative voltages. All excised patches were exposed to relatively high calcium concentrations on the intracellular side. Channel activity was increased in tracheal cells treated with 1 mM cAMP, suggesting that at least one of these channels plays a role in the increase of the apical membrane Cl− conductance that is mediated by cAMP and elicited by agonists of active Cl− secretion.
Phenomena and modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesting from freely oscillating cylinders

We investigate energy harvesting from vortex-induced vibrations of a freely moving rigid circular cylinder with a piezoelectric transducer attached to its transverse degree of freedom. The power levels that can be generated from these vibrations and variations of these levels with the freestream velocity are determined. A mathematical model that accounts for the coupled lift force, cylinder motion, and harvested voltage is presented. Linear analysis is performed to determine the effect of the electrical load resistance of the transducer on the natural frequency of the cylinder and the onset of synchronization (the shedding frequency is equal to the cylinder oscillating frequency) region. The impact of the nonlinearities on the cylinder response and harvested energy is investigated. The results show that the load resistance shifts the onset of synchronization to higher freestream velocities. For two different system parameters, the results show that the nonlinearities result in a hardening behavior for some values of the load resistance.
Telecommunications Reform In Botswana: a Policy Model for African States

Abstract Since the mid-1990s, Botswana has pursued a policy of telecommunications liberalisation. This article, based on fieldwork conducted in Botswana in the summer of 2000, analyzes several notable aspects of the process of reform and denotes those worthy of emulation by other African states. The participation and protection of domestic telecommunication users, transparency in decision-making, the creation of an independent regulatory agency, and the introduction of competition in the form of private cellular service providers are among those policy features that are recommended for replication. Various facets of the tendering process and subsequent licences granted to the mobile operators as well as recent legislation are also examined and commended.
“I can't get no satisfaction:” The impact of personality and emotion on postpurchase processes

Emerging theory and empirics in personality psychology have related enduring traits with transient affective experiences or states. The research reported in this article integrates these findings with recent consumer research models linking consumption-based emotions with consumer satisfaction and postpurchase behaviors (including complaints, recommendations, and repeat purchase intentions). Our results support a model relating broad, fundamental personality traits to specific consumer behaviors via mediating affective experiences. These findings may help identify consumer segments inclined toward satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and consequently, toward loyalty, word of mouth, and complaining. Further, they suggest a general approach for relating broad traits to specific behaviors by incorporating mediating processes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: malignant proliferation of T-regulatory cells

Studies in an in vitro model of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) demonstrated that CTCL cell proliferation is stimulated by direct contact with autologous, immature dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting that CD4(+) CTCL cell division is driven by antigens presented by DC major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 2. We now report that the T-cell receptor (TCR) of the CD4(+) CTCL cells is triggered after interaction with DCs loaded with apoptotic CTCL cells, as shown by reduced membrane expression of CD3 and the TCR, up-regulation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and calcium mobilization. CTCL cells adopt a T-regulatory (Treg) phenotype expressing CD25/CTLA-4 and FoxP3 and secreting interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Treg CTCL cells suppress normal T-cell antigen-driven secretion of IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Blocking DC MHC class 2 expression or transport inhibited CTCL cell adoption of a Treg phenotype. Allogeneic CTCL cells or normal CD4 T cells served as sources of apoptotic material for CTCL cell conversion to a Treg phenotype. Conversion of CTCL cells to Treg cells may explain the anergic, immunosuppressive nature of the malignancy.
The effect of post cure temperature on fiber/matrix adhesion of T650/Cycom 5320-1 using the micro-droplet technique

Abstract The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of a specific carbon fiber/epoxy composite (T650/Cycom 5320-1) was investigated to determine how changes in post cure temperature affects the fiber/matrix adhesion. The degree of cure of the Cycom resin cured with the same post cure temperatures was also determined using a DSC technique. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the samples made from Cycom 5320-1 resin were also measured and related to the degree of cure. It was shown that the mechanical and viscoelastic properties changed as the curing temperature, and hence the degree of cure, increased. The results of the micro-droplet tests showed the interfacial adhesion increased with increasing the post cure temperature. This was attributed to the higher degree of cure and change in mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the resin, as well as the residual stresses as the post cure temperature increased.
An empirical study of EDI trading partner selection criteria in customer-supplier relationships

Electronic data interchange (EDI)-enabled trading partnerships are even more important now that EDI and electronic commerce-based technologies are underlying long-term strategic business partnerships. This study investigates the trading partner selection criteria used by firms in a customer-supplier dyad and their relative importance according to EDI implementation level is also established. Using the survey method implementing paired questionnaires for a dyad of customer-supplier firms, the study gathered data from 152 respondent firms. Factor analysis yielded six factors in trading partner selection: strategic commitment, trading partner flexibility, joint partnering for EDI, readiness for high-level EDI, EDI infrastructure, and communications. MANOVA and t-tests were used to test differences in the means of the responses of customer and supplier firms to the selection criteria. Overall, customer firms assigned higher means to all six factors than did the supplier firms. The gap between the two groups of firms were widest for the factors readiness for high-level EDI, trading partner flexibility, and communications.
Regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors by metabotropic glutamate receptor 7

Emerging evidence suggests that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are potential novel targets for brain disorders associated with the dysfunction of prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region critical for cognitive and emotional processes. Because N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) dysregulation has been strongly associated with the pathophysiology of mental illnesses, we examined the possibility that mGluRs might be involved in modulating PFC functions by targeting postsynaptic NMDARs. We found that application of prototypical group III mGluR agonists significantly reduced NMDAR-mediated synaptic and ionic currents in PFC pyramidal neurons, which was mediated by mGluR7 localized at postsynaptic neurons and involved the β-arrestin/ERK signaling pathway. The mGluR7 modulation of NMDAR currents was prevented by agents perturbing actin dynamics and by the inhibitor of cofilin, a major actin-depolymerizing factor. Consistently, biochemical and immunocytochemical results demonstrated that mGluR7 activation increased cofilin activity and F-actin depolymerization via an ERK-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, mGluR7 reduced the association of NMDARs with the scaffolding protein PSD-95 and the surface level of NMDARs in an actin-dependent manner. These data suggest that mGluR7, by affecting the cofilin/actin signaling, regulates NMDAR trafficking and function. Because ablation of mGluR7 leads to a variety of behavioral symptoms related to PFC dysfunction, such as impaired working memory and reduced anxiety and depression, our results provide a potential mechanism for understanding the role of mGluR7 in mental health and disorders.
Dietary Inclusion of Colicin E1 Is Effective in Preventing Postweaning Diarrhea Caused by F18-Positive Escherichia coli in Pigs

With worldwide concern over the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture and their contribution to the spread of antibiotic resistance, alternatives to conventional antibiotics are needed. Previous research in our laboratories has shown that colicin E1 is effective against some Escherichia coli strains responsible for postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in vitro. In this study we examined the efficacy of the dietary inclusion of colicin E1 in preventing experimentally induced PWD caused by F18-positive enterotoxigenic E. coli in young pigs. Twentyfour weaned pigs (23 days of age), identified by genotyping to be susceptible to F18-positive E. coli infections, were individually housed and fed diets containing 0, 11, or 16.5 mg colicin E1/kg diet. Two days after the start of the trial, all animals were orally inoculated with 1 10 9 CFU of each of two F18-positive E. coli strains isolated from pigs with PWD. The dietary inclusion of colicin E1 decreased the incidence and severity of PWD caused by F18-positive enterotoxigenic E. coli and improved the growth performance of the piglets. Additionally, the reduced incidence of PWD due to dietary colicin E1, lowered the levels of expression of the genes for interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor beta in ileal tissues from these animals. The dietary inclusion of colicin E1 may be an effective alternative to conventional antibiotics in the diets of weaning pigs for the prevention of PWD caused by F18-positive enterotoxigenic E. coli. Postweaning diarrhea (PWD) is a serious threat to the economic success of the swine industry both due to losses as a result of mortalities and due to the reduced growth performance of surviving pigs. It is estimated that 50% of piglet mortality due to diarrhea is attributable to the causative agent of PWD, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) (18). The ETEC strains most commonly associated with PWD possess either the F4 or the F18 fimibrial type (11, 39). As a result of the significant impact that F18-positive ETEC and other bacterial infections can have on pig production, prophylactic antibiotics are frequently included in the diets of young pigs in an attempt to prevent ETEC colonization and the resulting PWD. An estimated 78% of large swine farms in the United States include subtherapeutic concentrations of antibiotics in the diets for young pigs (36). Despite the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, 40.7% of these farms reported the occurrence of diarrhea caused by E. coli infections (36). The lack of the effective prevention of PWD with the use of prophylactic antibiotics is not surprising because of the frequency and spectrum of antibiotic resistance seen among ETEC strains (7, 23, 25). It is expected that antibiotic resistance will further increase among these strains, based on the overall increase in resistance to antibiotics by ETEC strains over the last 20 years (25).
I(CES)-Cubes: A Modular Self-Reconfigurable Bipartite Robotic System

In this manuscript, we introduce I(CES)-Cubes, a class of 3D modular robotic system that is capable of reconfiguring itself in order to adapt to its environment. This is a bipartite system, i.e. a collection of (i) active elements capable of actuation, and (ii) passive elements acting as connectors between actuated elements. Active elements, called links, are 3-DOF manipulators that are capable of attaching/detaching themselves to/from the passive elements. The cubes can then be positioned and oriented using links, which are independent mechatronic elements. Self- reconfiguration property enables the system to performed locomotion tasks over difficult terrain. For example, the system would be capable of moving over obstacles and climbing stairs. These task are performed by positing and orienting cubes and links to form a 3D network with required shape and position. This paper describes the design of the passive and active elements, the attachment mechanics, and several reconfiguration scenarios. Specifics of the hardware implementation and result of experiments with current prototypes are also given.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Meat, fish and egg intake and risk of breast cancer.

Intakes of animal protein, meat, and eggs have been associated with breast cancer incidence and mortality in ecological studies, but data from long-term prospective studies are limited. We therefore examined these relationships in the Nurses' Health Study. We followed 88,647 women for 18 years, with 5 assessments of diet by food frequency questionnaire, cumulatively averaged and updated over time. We calculated the relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for risk of developing invasive breast cancer, over categories of nutrient and food intake. During follow-up, 4,107 women developed invasive breast cancer. Compared to the lowest quintile of intake, the RR and 95% CI for the highest quintile of intake were 1.02 (0.92-1.14) for animal protein, 0.93 (0.83-1.05) for red meat and 0.89 (0.79-1.00) for all meat. Results did not differ by menopausal status or family history of breast cancer. We found no evidence that intake of meat or fish during mid-life and later was associated with risk of breast cancer.
Selective inhibition of initiator versus executioner caspases using small peptides containing unnatural amino acids.

Caspases are fundamental to many essential biological processes, including apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammation. Unregulated caspase activity is also implicated in the development and progression of several diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and sepsis. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine exactly which caspase(s) of the 11 isoforms that humans express is responsible for specific biological functions. This lack of resolution is primarily due to highly homologous active sites and overlapping substrates. Currently available peptide-based inhibitors and probes are based on specificity garnered from peptide substrate libraries. For example, the canonical tetrapeptide LETD was discovered as the canonical sequence that is optimally recognized by caspase-8; however, LETD-based inhibitors and substrates promiscuously bind to other isoforms with equal affinity, including caspases-3, -6, and -9. In order to mitigate this problem, we report the identification of a new series of com...
Cardiac Evaluation for Structural Abnormalities May Not Be Required in Patients Presenting With Syncope and a Normal ECG Result in an Observation Unit Setting

Study objective Patients with syncope are frequently managed in observation units and receive serial examinations, monitoring for arrhythmias, and structural analysis of the heart. The primary aim of this study is to determine the utility of structural analysis of the heart in syncope patients who are being managed in an observation unit and have a normal ECG result. Methods This is a retrospective, observational chart review of all consecutive adult patients observed during 18 months at an urban, academic medical center. A case report form with demographics, ECG interpretations, and structural analysis of the heart data was generated and all variables were defined before data extraction. Subjects with an ECG demonstrating any arrhythmia, premature atrial contraction, premature ventricular contraction, pacing, second- and third-degree blocks, and left bundle branch block were excluded from the normal ECG group. An abnormal cardiac structure was defined as an ejection fraction less than 45%, severe hypertrophy, or severe valvular abnormality. Ten percent of cases were evaluated by a second extractor to verify accuracy. Descriptive statistics with confidence intervals (CIs) and interquartile ranges (IQRs; 25%, 75%) are used. Results Three hundred twenty-three subjects were managed in the observation unit for syncope, 48% were men, and their median age was 66 years (25%, 75% IQR 52, 80). Two of 323 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.2% to 2.2%) had an arrhythmia; 1 of 323 had a non–ST-segment myocardial infarction (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1% to 1.7%). Of the 323 patients, 267 had a normal ECG result and 235 (88%) had their cardiac structure evaluated. Forty-eight percent of the normal ECG group were men, and the median age was 65 years (25%, 75% IQR 52, 79). Zero of 235 patients (0%; 95% CI 0% to 1.6%) had a structural abnormality identified on evaluation, and 2 of 18 (11%; 95% CI 3.1% to 32.8%) had an abnormal stress echocardiogram result. Conclusion Structural abnormalities are unlikely in syncope patients with a normal ECG result. Care should focus on excluding arrhythmias and acute coronary syndrome.
Two new techniques for generating exactly incompressible approximate velocities

We consider the problem of generating exactly incompressible finite element approximations of the velocity, that is, of approximations which are pointwise divergence-free inside each element and whose normal component is continuous across inter-element boundaries. This problem has remained open since the beginning of the finite element simulation of incompressible fluid flow and has only been recently solved by means of two techniques: The first is a post-processing technique and the second a hybridization procedure. This paper is a short review of these techniques.
Measurement of Reactive Vasodilation During Cold Gel Pack Application to Nontraumatized Ankles

Conflicting results regarding local vascular response during cryotherapy have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether application of a cold pack reduced blood volume in a nontraumatized ankle. Thirteen subjects ranging in age from 18 to 30 years (X = 22; SD = 3.9) participated in the study. An impedance plethysmograph, in combination with venous occlusion, was used to measure the changes in local blood volume at the ankle over a 20-minute period for the following three conditions: rest, room-temperature gel pack application, and cold gel pack application. A significant reduction in local blood volume was found for the cold gel pack condition in comparison with the resting condition. This reduction was attributed to a combination of pressure from the weight of the cold gel pack and the pack's temperature. Maximum decrease in blood volume occurred at 13.5 minutes after cold gel pack application. Reactive vasodilation was not observed. The results lend support to the clinical use of a cold gel pack when a reduction in local circulation is desired, such as in the management of acute-phase soft tissue trauma.
2,4,4‐Trimethyl‐2‐oxazoline

[1772-43-6] C6H11NO (MW 113.18) InChI = 1S/C6H11NO/c1-5-7-6(2,3)4-8-5/h4H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = HZRZMHNRCSIQFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N (a masked ethyl acetate equivalent; generation of the anion with n-BuLi followed by treatment with electrophiles affords homologated acetic acids and esters, β-hydroxy esters, β-keto esters, α,β-unsaturated esters, and γ-butyrolactones1) Alternate Names: 4,5-dihydro-2,4,4-trimethyloxazole. Physical Data: bp 112–113 °C. Form Supplied in: commercially available. Preparative Method: can be prepared by the thermal condensation (98–110 °C) of acetic acid and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol in 73% yield (eq 1).2 (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: no special precautions are warranted.
Plasticity of the Reproductive Axis Caused by Social Status Change in an African Cichlid Fish: II. Testicular Gene Expression and Spermatogenesis

Reproduction in all vertebrates is controlled by the brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG) axis, which is regulated socially in males of the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni. Although social information influences GnRH1 neurons at the apex of the BPG axis, little is known about how the social environment and dominance affects the cellular and molecular composition of the testes to regulate reproductive capacity. We created an opportunity for reproductively suppressed males to ascend in status and then measured changes in gene expression and tissue morphology to discover how quickly the perception of this opportunity can influence the testes. Our results show rapid up-regulation of mRNA levels of FSH receptor and several steroid receptor subtypes in the testes during social ascent. In contrast, LH receptor was not elevated until 72 h after ascent, but this increase was coincident with elevated circulating androgens and early stages of spermatogenesis, suggesting a role in steroidogenesis. The spermatogenic...
A novel rate adaptation scheme for 802.11 networks

We develop a rate adaptation scheme for 802.11 networks termed SRC that is based on a novel combination of sequential hypothesis testing and short-term loss ratios. The underlying design of SRC represents a fundamental departure from previous rate adjustment strategies that employ fixed-size observation windows and seemingly-intuitive rate increase guidelines. Through extensive simulation results, SRC is shown to be robust to dynamic characteristics of the wireless channel and to significantly increase network throughput over existing mainstream rate adaptation solutions. SRC does not require any type of specialized hardware or modifications to the existing 802.11 standard.
Biological and biochemical properties of solubilized histocompatibility-2 (H-2) Alloantigens.

Glycoproteins form a major part of the cell surface. Included among these glycoproteins are the important histocompatibility antigens—the major systems being H-2 in the mouse and HL-A in man—principally involved in tissue rejection.
Removing roadblocks to deep sequencing of modified RNAs

By removing modified nucleotides that block reverse transcriptase, two methods have now made tRNAs amenable to RNA-seq.