cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ATP induces the assembly of polyoma large tumor antigen into hexamers.

Abstract Using zone velocity sedimentation and nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we have determined that purified polyoma large tumor antigen (Py T Ag) consists of discrete forms ranging from more abundant monomers and dimers to several higher but clearly distinguishable oligomeric species. Addition of ATP and MgCl 2 to Py T Ag caused a dramatic increase in the appearance of Py T Ag hexames, a form that, based on its SV40 T Ag counterpart, is likely to play a crucial role in its DNA replication functions. Other nucleotides in addition to ATP, as well as a nonhydrolyzable ATP derivative, were capable of inducing hexamer formation. This approach may further elucidate the role(s) of different forms of Py T Ag in viral regulatory processes.
On the Detection of Water on the Moon

Abstract It has been suggested that a permafrost layer may exist beneath the surface of the Moon. If such a layer were present, H 2 O molecules would be outgassing from the lunar surface. These molecules could be detected by observations of fluorescent radiation from OH radicals produced from the H 2 O by radiative dissociation. It is shown that an outgassing rate from such a lunar permafrost layer as low as 3 × 10 7 molecules / cm 2 - sec could be detected from the surface of the Earth.
The impact of age, gender, and race on the relationship between depression and self-rated health in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine whether the prediction of baseline depression for subsequent changes in self-rated health is consistent across different age cohorts, gender, and racial groups. Data Sources and Study Setting: A total of 6,714 participants who were 65 years old or older and took part in both the first and the second wave of Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest-Old (AHEAD) national survey of community-dwelling older adults were examined. Study Design: A two-year prospective cohort study. Principle Findings: Baseline depression was an independent risk factor, which not only decreased the odds of having substantial improvement in self-rated health but also increased the possibility of having substantial decline in self-rated health in older men and women, and in Blacks and Whites of all age groups. Conclusions: Early prevention and treatment of depression among community-dwelling older adults may not only reduce their health decline but also promote their health.
The Utility of a DSM-III-R-based Checklist in Screening Child Psychiatric Patients

The Stony Brook Child Psychiatric Checklist, a parent completed rating instrument based on DSM-III-R, was used as part of a psychiatric inpatient admission evaluation. Data were collected on 63 5- to 13-year-old children. Checklist endorsements were compared with the same parent's responses to the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children-Epidemiologic Version structured interview for the most frequently occurring disorders. Sensitivity scores ranged from 0.69 to 0.93. Results suggest the checklist can be useful in alerting the clinician to diagnostic areas warranting further pursuit.
Apocalypse as a Secular Enterprise

At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people. There is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since the nations first came into existence.
3-4 Micron Spectroscopy of Seyfert 2 Nuclei to Quantitatively Assess the Energetic Importance of Compact Nuclear Starbursts

We report on 3-4 μm slit spectroscopy of 13 Seyfert 2 nuclei. The 3.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission is used to estimate the magnitudes of compact nuclear starbursts (on scales less than a few hundred parsecs) and to resolve the controversy over their energetic importance in Seyfert 2 nuclei. For three selected Seyfert 2 nuclei that have been well studied in the UV, the magnitudes of the compact nuclear starbursts estimated from the 3.3 μm PAH emission (with no extinction correction) are in satisfactory quantitative agreement with those based on the UV after extinction correction. This agreement indicates that the flux attenuation of compact nuclear starburst emission due to dust extinction is insignificant at 3-4 μm, and thus allows us to use the observed 3.3 μm PAH luminosity to estimate the magnitudes of the compact nuclear starbursts in Seyfert 2 nuclei. Based directly on our 3-4 μm slit spectra, the following two main conclusions are drawn: (1) except in one case, the observed nuclear 3-4 μm emission is dominated by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and not by starbursts, and (2) compact nuclear starbursts are detected in 6 out of 13 Seyfert 2 nuclei, but cannot dominate the energetics of the galactic infrared dust emission in the majority of the observed Seyfert 2 galaxies. For several sources for which Infrared Space Observatory spectra taken with larger apertures and/or soft X-ray data are available, these data are combined with our 3-4 μm slit spectra, and it is suggested that (3) extended (kpc scale) star formation activity is energetically more important than compact nuclear starbursts, and contributes significantly to the infrared luminosities of Seyfert 2 galaxies, although the AGN is still an important contributor to the luminosities, and (4) the bulk of the energetically significant extended star formation activity is of starburst type rather than quiescent normal disk star formation; the extended starbursts are responsible for the superwind-driven soft X-ray emission from Seyfert 2 galaxies. Finally, a correlation between the luminosities of AGNs and compact nuclear starbursts is implied; more powerful AGNs tend to be related to more powerful compact nuclear starbursts.
A new application of algebraic geometry to systems theory

Enough of the language of algebraic geometry is developed to state the "dominant morphism theorem." Two applications are developed, pole placement and Gaussian Elimination.
Thermomechanical Fatigue Behavior of a Quasi-lsotropic SCS-6/Ti-15-3 Metal Matrix Composite

As the speed of new aerospace vehicles pushes the supersonic and hypersonic envelopes, aerodynamic heating and structural strength and weight are becoming even greater design factors. Here, the response of a quasi-isotropic laminate of metal matrix composite, SCS-6/Ti-15-3 in a thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) environment was investigated. To achieve this, three sets of fatigue tests were conducted: (1) in-phase TMF (IP-TMF), (2) out-of-phase TMF (OP-TMF), and (3) isothermal fatigue (IF). The fatigue response was dependent on the test condition and the maximum stress level during cycling. The IF, IP-TMF, and OP-TMF conditions yielded shortest fatigue life at higher, intermediate and lower stress levels, respectively. Examination of the failure mode through the variation of strain or modulus during cycling, and post-mortem microscopic evaluation revealed that it was dependent on the fatigue condition and applied stress level. Higher stresses, mostly with IP-TMF and IF conditions, produced a primarily fiber dominated failure. Lower stresses, mostly with the OP-TMF condition, produced a matrix dominated failure. Also, an empirical model based on the observed damage mechanisms was developed to represent the fatigue lives for the three conditions examined here.
Ethanol-induced changes in the membrane lipid composition of Clostridium thermocellum

Abstract When ethanol is added to the growth medium of Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 and C9, a different membrane composition is observed after the period of growth arrest. Changes in fatty acid composition and some unsaturated, branched hydrocarbons have been monitored by GLC-MS. There is a marked increase in normal and anteiso-branched fatty acids at the expense of isobranched fatty acids and an increase in short and unsaturated fatty acids. Thus, an adaptive response to growth in the presence of ethanol induces a membrane containing fatty acids with lower melting points and produces a more ‘fluid’ membrane. The suggestion is made that these membrane changes may be maladaptive to the performance of C. thermocellum .
Fabrication of variable effective refractive index artificial media

Optical properties of periodic structures formed at the sub-wavelength scale differ significantly from those of the bulk materials in which these structures are formed. Prior research has shown that periodic structures at the subwavelength scale possess a polarization sensitive artificial effective refractive index. This effective index is dependent upon both the duty cycle for a constant period and the period to wavelength ratio. Artificial diffractive structures have been formed in structured media by spatially varying the duty cycle dependent refractive index variation. In this paper we describe a novel technique for the patterning and fabrication of sub-wavelength structures with the effective refractive index spatially varying across the optic using a combination of additive lithography and analog optics technology that our group has previously developed. A two dimensional grating was formed in the resist by delivering a partial exposure dose and superimposed with an analog intensity profile generated from a phase mask to saturate the resist exposure. The exposure was tailored such that the point of least intensity will still completely expose the photoresist in any of the holes in the array. The local size of the opening created upon development is dependent upon the amount of controlled over-exposure. The optic was then transferred into the desired substrate by dry etching. The exposure process is studied by modeling and diffractive and refractive structures with analog phase functions are demonstrated. The optical response of the fabricated structures as a function of duty cycle variation is analyzed by numerical modeling.
The Population Consumption Model, Alcohol Control Practices, and Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities

Abstract Background. More than 40% of urban traffic fatalities are alcohol related and the rate of such fatalities varies more than 10-fold across U.S. cities. These variations might be explained by differences in local alcohol control policies and practices. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of state Alcohol Beverage Control agencies and local city police departments in 107 cities that participate in the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. We examined the association of alcohol control practices in 1997 and alcohol-related traffic fatalities per daily vehicle miles traveled, 1995–1997. Results. Ninety-seven (91%) cities participated. Regulations related to alcohol accessibility, licensure of alcohol outlets, disciplinary procedures of alcohol outlets, and enforcement of blood alcohol concentration laws were associated with lower rates of fatalities. Cities with 9 or fewer of the 20 regulations had 1.46-fold greater alcohol-related traffic fatality rates than cities with 15 or more of these regulations, representing 392 excess deaths annually. Beer consumption was found to be a potential mediator of the effect of regulations on traffic fatalities. Conclusions. Alcohol beverage regulations are associated with alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Localities should consider greater restrictions on alcohol accessibility, stricter disciplinary measures for violations, and stricter licensure requirements as a potential means to reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
Resistance to pre-dispersal seed predators in a natural hybrid zone

Plant hybrids can be more, less, or equally resistant to herbivores compared to their parental species. These patterns in resistance can be critical determinants of the fitness of plant hybrids and may also influence distribution of the herbivore. We examined resistance to a pre-dispersal seed predator by natural and experimental hybrids between Ipomopsisaggregata and I.tenuituba. These species and their hybrid offspring differed primarily in ability to avoid oviposition by Hylemya sp. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) rather than in reducing damage to seeds by a developing larva. Plants of I.tenuituba had the lowest frequency of fly eggs and were thus the most successful at avoiding damage. Hybrids were either intermediate to or less resistant than both parental species. Because these patterns persisted in experimental arrays of interspersed potted plants, they cannot be attributed to ongoing differences in the environment between hybrid and parental sites. In experimental arrays, the frequency of fly eggs correlated positively with corolla width, a dimension of flower size that also influences the rate of pollination, suggesting seed predators can generate selection on reproductive traits of hybrids. Furthermore, in one of the arrays, oviposition on F2 hybrids exceeded the average for the F1 and the midparent. Our results underscore the need to consider genetic background of hybrids in assessing plant responses to herbivores.
Nitrogen-15 chemical shift anisotropy and 1H–15N dipolar coupling tensors associated with the phenylalanine residue in the solid state

Abstract Nitrogen-15 chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) and 1 H – 15 N dipolar coupling tensors associated with the Phe-16 residue of the magainin2 peptide are reported in this Letter. The experimental results predict that the magnitudes of the 15 N CSA tensor are σ11N=55±2, σ22N=80±2 and σ33N=220±2 ppm. The results also suggest that the least shielded element, σ33N, is in the peptide plane making an angle of 22±3° with the N–H bond vector whereas σ11N and σ22N are 45±15° away from the peptide plane and the normal to the peptide plane, respectively. The magnitudes of the principal elements of the 15 N CSA tensors associated with 15 N -Phe-16 and 15 N -Gly-18 sites of the magainin2 peptide are significantly different while the orientation of the tensors in the molecular frame is the same.
Development of Incubation Temperature and Behavior in Thrushes Nesting at High Altitude

Abstract Onset of incubation was studied in three Hermit Thrushes (Catharus guttatus) and one American Robin (Turdus migratorius), all with four-egg clutches, at a high altitude site in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA. Behavior of laying females at the nest was measured from continuous recordings of internal egg temperatures of first-laid eggs. Full nocturnal nest attentiveness began immediately with the first egg. Daytime attentiveness increased steadily during laying as foraging time away from the nest decreased. On-off bouts by tending females in daytime increased in frequency and decreased in duration until the last egg was laid. Time on the nest could not be directly equated to occurrence of incubation because eggs were not uniformly warmed to exceed the temperature threshold required for embryonic development (physiological zero). Incubation began, both day and night, after laying of the second egg. It increased steadily thereafter with percentage of daytime devoted to incubation lagging well beh...
Mode of action of site-directed irreversible folate analogue inhibitors of thymidylate synthase

5,8-Dideazafolate analogues are tight binding but not irreversible inhibitors of thymidylate synthase (TS). However, when a chloroacetyl (ClAc) group is substituted at the N10-position of 2-desamino-2-methyl-5,8-dideazafolate (DMDDF), the resulting compound, ClAc-DMDDF, although still a reversible inhibitor (KI = 3.4 x 10(-3) M), gradually inactivates thyA-TS irreversibly at a rate of 0.37 min-1. The corresponding iodoacetyl derivative alkylated the enzyme somewhat slower (k3 = 0.15 min-1 ) than ClAc-DMDDF but was bound more tightly (KI = 1.4 x 10(-5) M), resulting in a second-order rate constant (k3/KI) of inactivation that was 100-fold greater than that of ClAc-DMDDF. A tryptic digest of the ClAc-DMDDF-inactivated enzyme yielded a peptide on HPLC, which revealed that cysteine-146, the residue at the active site that is intimately involved in the catalytic process, had reacted with ClAc-DMDDF to form a covalent bond. This derivative was confirmed indirectly by Edman analysis and more directly by mass spectrometry. Deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate, a substrate in the catalytic reaction, protected against inactivation. Similar to previously described Lactobacillus casei TS inhibition studies with sulfhydryl reagents [Galivan, J., Noonan, J., and Maley, F. (1977) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 184, 336-345], the kinetics of inhibition suggested that complete inhibition occurs on reaction of only one of the two active site cysteines, although sequence and amino acid analysis revealed that iodoacetate and ClAc-DMDDF had reacted with both active site cysteines. These studies demonstrate that a sulfhydryl reactive compound that is directed to the folate binding site of TS may diffuse to the active site cysteine, and form a covalent bond with this residue. How this inhibition comes about is suggested in a stereoscopic view of the ligand when modeled to the known crystal structure of Escherichia coli TS.
Rare twin linked to high-pressure phase transition in iron

At approximately 13 GPa, body-centered cubic alpha-iron undergoes a fully reversible, pressure-induced phase transition into hexagonal close-packed epsilon-iron. Microstructural evidence of this phase transition has been identified in the fully reverted alpha-iron as a large number of {3 3 2} 〈 1 1 3 〉 twins found primarily as secondary twins within {1 1 2} 〈 1 1 1 〉 primary twins. The {3 3 2} 〈 1 1 3 〉 twins were produced during high-pressure shock-loading of 1018 steel at a peak pressure above the alpha-epsilon phase transition pressure. The twins were identified using electron backscattered diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
Psychiatric Disposition of Patients Brought in by Crisis Intervention Team Police Officers

Background: As part of an effort to improve police interactions with mentally ill citizens, and improve mental health care delivery to subjects in acute distress, the University of Louisville, in conjunction with the Louisville Metro Police, established the crisis intervention team (CIT). CIT is composed of uniformed officers who receive extensive training in crisis intervention and psychiatric issues and who are preferentially called to investigate police calls that may involve a mentally ill individual. Methods: In an effort to determine the characteristics of the individuals brought to the emergency psychiatric service (EPS) by CIT officers, a comparative (CIT vs. mental inquest warrant [MIW, a citizen-initiated court order to bring someone for psychiatric evaluation because of concerns regarding dangerousness] vs non-CIT/non-MIW), descriptive evaluation was performed. Results: With the exception of a higher rate of schizophrenic subjects brought in by CIT (43.0% vs. 22.1, non-CIT, P=.002), the demographics, diagnosis, and disposition of CIT-referred subjects were not different in any way from non-CIT patients. Subjects referred on MIWs were more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital than non-MIW patients (71.6 vs. 34.8, P <.0001), but CIT-referred hospitalization rates were not different from hospitalization rates of self-referred subjects (20.7 vs. 33.3, ns). Conclusions: CIT officers appear to do a good job at identifying patients in need of psychiatric care.
Effect of clothing layers in combination with fire fighting personal protective clothing on physiological and perceptual responses to intermittent work and on materials performance test results.

Personal protective clothing (PPC) shields firefighters from thermal and other occupational hazards; however, it also contributes to physiological and perceptual strain. This study examined the effect of clothing layers worn under structural fire fighting turnout gear (TOG) on physiological and perceptual responses during alternating work/recovery cycles and assessed the clothing ensembles’ (PPC + base layer) material performance. Values are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean. Ten men (age, 21 ± 0.3 yr; height, 1.74 ± 0.02 m; weight, 74.3 ± 2.3 kg; VO2max, 58.9 ± 2.0 mL/kg/min) completed a 110-min alternating work/recovery walking protocol (three 20-min exercise bouts/10-, 20-, and 20-min recovery sessions) in a thermo-neutral (21.0°C, 58.7% RH) laboratory while wearing a cotton t-shirt (COT) or COT and a station uniform (SU) shirt under fire fighting TOG (COT+TOG and COT+SU+TOG, respectively). Changes in heart rate (HR), core temperature (Tco), skin temperature (Tsk), rating of perceived exert...
Demonstration of a Fluidic Spray Control Orifice

F UEL sprays are vital components of many propulsion systems. Papers scattered sparsely through recent decades highlight how internal-flow structures, including cavitation, affect sprays. Recent research observing and predicting small-scale internal-flow cavitation has produced promising initial demonstrations of a new spray control method. Experiments have shown the following: 1) Unsteady cavitation is almost always present at, and downstream of, the inlet of the spray hole from 30 kPa [1] to 210 MPa [2]. 2) Changes in the internal flow either perturb the spray [3] or cause substantial changes in the droplet size distribution in the spray [4–6]. 3) A simple modification to the hole [7–10] changes the discharge coefficient [7–9], the cavitation [7,8], the spray patterns [10], and the distribution of drop sizes [7,8]. This Note reports on the demonstration of a miniature fluidic device designed to manipulate the internal cavitating flow, and therefore, droplet sizes. Unlike the step in the orifice wall [7,8], the fluidic device can be turned on and off and the magnitude can be modulated. There are likely a variety of needs for spray control in propulsion. For example, production methods using sprays may benefit from increased tolerance to daily variations in material properties of a biofuel or temperature and humidity of the ambient air. Or, fuel injectors might be made to adapt to changes in engine load, altitude, or other operating conditions. Reported here are the first internal-flow fluidic spray control results known to the authors. The geometry is based on knowledge gained from the initial operation of the unique step-orifice flow and should not be considered optimally designed. Similarities and discrepancies between the fluidic-control and the step-orifice results indicate that the intrinsically unsteady cavitating flow can be manipulated to the advantage of the spray user and that there likely remains room for substantial improvement in performance.
The effect of race/ethnicity on adverse perinatal outcomes among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine racial/ethnic differences in perinatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 32,193 singletonbirthsamongwomenwithgestationaldiabetesmellitusinCaliforniafrom2006,usingVitalStatisticsBirthandDeathCertificateandPatient DischargeData.Dataweredividedbyrace/ethnicity:white,black,Hispanic, orAsian.Multivariablelogisticregressionwasusedtoanalyzeassociations between race/ethnicity and adverse outcomes that were controlled for potential confounders. Outcomes included primary cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, neonatal hypoglycemia, preterm delivery, macrosomia, fetal anomaly,andrespiratorydistresssyndrome. RESULTS: Compared with women in other races, black women had higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47‐1.95), neonatal hypoglycemia (aOR, 1.79;95%CI,1.07‐3.00),andpretermdelivery37weeks’gestation (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33‐1.83). Asian women had the lowest odds of primary cesarean delivery (aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69‐0.82), large-forgestational-ageinfants(aOR,0.40;95%CI,0.33‐0.48),andneonatal respiratory distress syndrome (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40‐0.73).
Genetic control of sensitivity to hippocampal cell death induced by kainic acid: a quantitative trait loci analysis.

Host genetic factors are likely to contribute to differences in individual susceptibility to seizure-induced excitotoxic neuronal damage. Similarly, inbred strains of mice differ in their susceptibility to the kainic acid (KA) model of seizure-induced cell death, but the genes responsible for the differences are not known. Here, we define the inheritance patterns of susceptibility to KA-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus by assessing 331 back-cross (N2) progeny of two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6 and FVB/N, previously shown to display resistance and sensitivity to KA-induced cell death, respectively. Results of phenotypic analysis suggest that the difference in susceptibility between these two strains is conferred by a single dominant gene. Therefore, we used an N2 back-cross between the inbred C57BL/6 and FVB/N strains for a genome-wide search for quantitative trait loci (QTLs), which are chromosomal sites containing genes influencing the magnitude of susceptibility. Genome-wide interval mapping in N2 progeny identified a locus on distal chromosome (Chr) 18 with a peak LOD score of 4.9 localized between D18Mit186 and D18Mit4 as having the strongest and most significant effect in this model. QTLs of minor effect were detected on Chr 15 (D15Mit174-D15Mit156) and Chr 4 (D4Mit264-D4Mit91), with peak LOD scores of 3.02 and 2.46, respectively. The three significant QTLs (Chrs 4, 15, 18) together account for nearly 25% of the trait variance for both genders combined. Reduced KA-induced cell death susceptibility was observed in a congenic strain in which the highly susceptible FVB/N strain carried putative resistance alleles from the C57BL/6 strain on Chr 18. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:96–107, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Short Yet Very Weak Dative Bond: Structure, Bonding, and Energetic Properties of N2―BH3

The structure, bonding, and energetic properties of the N(2)-BH(3) complex are reported as characterized by density functional theory (DFT) and post-Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations. The equilibrium structure of the complex exhibits a short B-N distance near 1.6 A, comparable to that of a strong acid-base complex like H(3)N-BH(3). However, the binding energy is only 5.7 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(2df,2dp) level of theory, which is reminiscent of a weak, nonbonded complex. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and atoms in molecules (AIM) analyses of the electron density from both DFT and post-HF calculations do indicate that the extent of charge transfer and covalent character in the B-N dative bond is only somewhat less than in comparable systems with fairly large binding energies (e.g., H(3)N-BH(3) and OC-BH(3)). Energy decomposition analysis indicates key differences between the N(2), CO, and NH(3) complexes, primarily associated with the natures of the lone pairs involved (sp vs sp(3)) and the donor/acceptor characteristics of the relevant occupied and virtual orbitals, both sigma and pi. Also, CCSD/6-311+G(2df,2dp) calculations indicate that the B-N distance potential is rather anharmonic and exhibits a flat, shelf-like region ranging from 2.1 to 2.5 A that lies about 1.5 kcal/mol above the minimum at 1.67 A. However, this region is more sloped and lies about 2.5 kcal/mol above the equilibrium region according to the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(2df,2dp)//CCSD/6-311+G(2df,2dp) potential. A 1D analysis of the vibrational motion along the B-N stretching coordinate in the CCSD/6-311+G(2df,2dp) potential indicates that the average B-N distance in the ground vibrational state is 1.71 A, about 0.04 A longer than the equilibrium distance. Furthermore, the vibrationally averaged distance obtained via an analysis of the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(2df,2dp)//CCSD/6-311+G(2df,2dp) potential was found to be 0.03 A longer than the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(2df,2dp) minimum.
Stereoselective synthesis of 3-substituted 2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid derivatives and their incorporation into short 12-helical β-peptides that fold in water

A stereoselective synthetic route is reported for the introduction of side chains at the 3-position of trans-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid (ACPC). Ring opening of the aziridine 2-benzyloxymethyl-6-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane with selected nucleophiles occurs in a regioselective manner and provides ACPC precursors with functional groups at the 3-position, trans to the 2-amino group. Oligomers composed of the 3-substituted ACPC residues maintain the 12-helical conformation displayed by the nonsubstituted analogues, as shown by their similar circular dichroism signatures. The added diversity of the new residues provides good dispersion of NMR signals, allowing the assignment of nearly all the NOE signals of a selected hexamer in aqueous solution. The NOEs between protons on nonadjacent residues are characteristic of the 12-helix. 3-Substituted ACPC residues allow one to arrange specific functional groups in a geometrically defined fashion, which should facilitate the design of β-peptides for biological appl...
Childhood multifocal osteosarcoma. Clinicopathologic and radiologic correlates

The authors reviewed the clinical charts and pathologic and radiographic materials of nine pediatric patients (mean age, 11.0 years) presenting with multiple skeletal foci of osteosarcoma. Four patients presented with pulmonary metastases, and five had osseous disease only. All had densely sclerotic, predominantly osteoblastic tumors, usually in metaphyseal locations. Evidence of aggressive tumor cell behavior--such as vascular, articular, epiphyseal, or soft-tissue invasion--was usually present in surgical specimens. Despite intensive chemotherapy, all patients died from 6 to 37 months after diagnosis (median survival, 12 months). Comparison of clinical and pathologic features for patients presenting with or without pulmonary metastases failed to disclose any notable differences between the two groups, indicating a common pathogenesis and evolution for their multifocal disease. The authors conclude that this variant of osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive form of the disease that may be accompanied by pulmonary metastases.
The major chemical-detoxifying system of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases requires regulated phosphorylation supported by protein kinase C.

Finding rapid, reversible down-regulation of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in LS180 cells following curcumin treatment led to the discovery that UGTs require phosphorylation. UGTs, distributed primarily in liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, inactivate aromatic-like metabolites and a vast number of dietary and environmental chemicals, which reduces the risk of toxicities, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis. Our aim here is to determine relevant kinases and mechanism(s) regulating phosphorylation of constitutive UGTs in LS180 cells and 10 different human UGT cDNA-transfected COS-1 systems. Time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of immunodetectable [33P]orthophosphate in UGTs and protein kinase Ce (PKCe), following treatment of LS180 cells with curcumin or the PKC inhibitor calphostin-C, suggested UGT phosphorylation is supported by active PKC(s). Immunofluorescent and co-immunoprecipitation studies with UGT-transfected cells showed co-localization of UGT1A7His and PKCe and of UGT1A10His and PKCα or PKCδ. Inhibition of UGT activity by PKCe-specific antagonist peptide or by PKCe-targeted destruction with PKCe-specific small interference RNA and activation of curcumin-down-regulated UGTs with typical PKC agonists verified a central PKC role in glucuronidation. Moreover, in vitro phosphorylation of nascent UGT1A7His by PKCe confirms it is a bona fide PKC substrate. Finally, catalase or herbimycin-A inhibition of constitutive or hydrogen peroxide-activated-UGTs demonstrated that reactive oxygen species-related oxidants act as second messengers in maintaining constitutive PKC-dependent signaling evidently sustaining UGT phosphorylation and activity. Because cells use signal transduction collectively to detect and respond appropriately to environmental changes, this report, combined with our earlier demonstration that specific phospho-groups in UGT1A7 determined substrate selections, suggests regulated phosphorylation allows adaptations regarding differential phosphate utilization by UGTs to function efficiently.
Initial-value problems for nonlinear diatomic chains

An analysis is made of the response of infinite diatomic chains to an initial velocity disturbance. An integral transform solution is obtained for the case of linear interaction force between neighboring particles. Restrictions on the form of the initial condition are indicated for a long-wavelength acoustic response. For nonlinear interactions between neighboring particles, a Korteweg-de Vries equation is obtained for the farfield response of each typical particle within a unit cell, with initial conditions for the Korteweg-de Vries equations obtained by matching to a near-field solution. Numerical solutions are obtained for the standingwave response to a spatially periodic initial condition of harmonic form, with solutions of the chain equations of motion compared to solutions of the Korteweg-de Vries equation. A close correspondence is shown between the two methods of solution for both particle velocity response and the discontinuous strains that occur in a unit cell of a general diatomic chain.
Home site advantage in two long-lived arctic plant species: results from two 30-year reciprocal transplant studies

Summary 1. Reciprocal transplant experiments designed to quantify genetic and environmental effects on phenotype are powerful tools for the study of local adaptation. For long-lived species, especially those in habitats with short growing seasons, however, the cumulative effects of many years in novel environments may be required for fitness differences and phenotypic changes to accrue. 2. We returned to two separate reciprocal transplant experiments thirty years after their initial establishment in interior Alaska to ask whether patterns of differentiation observed in the years immediately following transplant have persisted. We also asked whether earlier hypotheses about the role of plasticity in buffering against the effects of selection on foreign genotypes were supported. We censused survival and flowering in three transplant gardens created along a snowbank gradient for a dwarf shrub (Dryas octopetala) and six gardens created along a latitudinal gradient for a tussock-forming sedge (Eriophorum vaginatum). For both species, we used an analysis of variance to detect fitness advantages for plants transplanted back into their home site relative to those transplanted into foreign sites. 3. For D. octopetala, the original patterns of local adaptation observed in the decade following transplant appeared even stronger after three decades, with the complete elimination of foreign ecotypes in both fellfield and snowbed environments. For E. vaginatum ,d ifferential survival of populations was not evident 13 years after transplant, but was clearly evident 17 years later. There was no evidence that plasticity was associated with increased survival of foreign populations in novel sites for either D. octopetala or E. vaginatum. 4. Synthesis. We conclude that local adaptation can be strong, but nevertheless remain undetected or underestimated in short-term experiments. Such genetically based population differences limit the ability of plant populations to respond to a changing climate.
Leadership Change and Shareholder Value: How Markets React to the Appointments of Women

This study examines whether the appointment of women into senior leadership positions has a more positive effect on share price than the appointment of men into equivalent positions. Our dependent variable is the degree of change in share price following the announcement of men and women into senior leadership positions. Although market reactions to corporate events represent a complex process, we argue that changes in stock price represent a barometer for how investors assess the decision's potential effect on a corporation's short- and long-term economic viability. We find a significant spike in stock price following the announcement of women into top leadership positions. The size and direction of change in stock price, however, is moderated by the gender composition of the industry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospects for producing low carbon transportation fuels from captured CO2 in a climate constrained world

Abstract The climate implications of technologies that capture CO 2 to produce transportation fuels (CCTF) are investigated by studying two examples: Biodiesel from microalgae and Sandia National Laboratory’s S2P process. Simple performance and economic models for each technology are examined in the context of a bifurcated–“pre-CCS” vs. “post-CCS”–climate regime in which CCTF uses CO 2 that is, respectively, captured from power plant flue gases or taken from CCS pipelines. CCTF promises to improve domestic energy security by converting sunlight and waste CO 2 into transportation fuels; in addition, these fuels are roughly climate neutral when CO 2 is captured from either flue gases or directly from the atmosphere. However, after the power sector becomes largely decarbonized under a stringent climate policy, large point sources of concentrated CO 2 are likely to be relatively rare, and unfortunately, fuels made from pipeline CO 2 destined for storage do not have markedly reduced net GHG emissions. Thus, absent the development of economical CO 2 capture from air, it’s difficult to see how CCTF can play a significant long term role in decarbonizing the US transportation sector (and thus reaching US climate goals).
Diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatitis C: An update

This document has been approved by the AASLD, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American College of Gastroenterology.
Implications of extensional flows in polymer fabrication processes

The various types of extensional flows and extensional viscosities are defined and methods of measurement discussed. The role that each of these extensional viscosities plays in various polymer fabrication processes is discussed with examples. Finally, it is shown how engineering analyses of these complex flow fields are conducted using simplified phenomenological equations for the rheological behavior. This approach is recommended for use until such time as tensorially correct, mathematically tractable constitutive equations that are based on molecular theory are available.
Regenerating the injured kidney with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes

Transplantation of adult stem cells is being used to facilitate repair or regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues. However, in many cases, the therapeutic effects of the injected stem cells are mediated by factors secreted by stem cells and not by differentiation of the transplanted stem cells. Recent reports have identified a class of microvesicles, termed exosomes, released by stem cells that are able to confer therapeutic effects on injured renal and cardiac tissue. In this issue of Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Zhou and colleagues demonstrate the ability of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs), but not non-stem cell-derived exosomes, to improve acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats. The authors demonstrate that hucMSC exosomes can reduce cisplatin-mediated renal oxidative stress and apoptosis in vivo and increase renal epithelial cell proliferation in culture. These results suggest that stem cell-derived exosomes, which are easy to isolate and safer to use than the parental stem cells, could have significant clinical utility.
Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking Among U.S.–Mexico Border and Non‐Border Mexican Americans

Background: This paper examines differences in drinking and binge drinking between Mexican Americans living along the U.S.-Mexico border and those living in 2 metropolitan areas away from the border (Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California). Methods: Respondents in the non-border area (Houston and Los Angeles) constitute a multistage probability sample (N = 1,288), who were interviewed as part of the 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS). Respondents in the border area (N = 1,307) constitute a household probability sample of Mexican Americans living on the U.S.-Mexico border. In both surveys, data were collected during computer-assisted interviews conducted in respondents' homes. The HABLAS and the border sample response rates were 76 and 67%, respectively. Results: There were no differences between border and non-border Mexican American men in the proportion of drinkers, the proportion who binge drink at least once a year, and volume of alcohol consumption. However, within each location, there were significant differences in drinking by age, indicating that younger men drank more than men who were older. Border women showed significant differences across age-groups in the proportion of drinkers, in binge drinking, and volume of alcohol consumption, which were not seen among non-border women. Conclusions: Women's drinking seems to be more affected than men's by their residence on or off the U.S.-Mexico border. This is seen most clearly among young women 18 to 29 years old, and it is associated with an increased proportion of drinkers, a higher volume of drinking, and an increased proportion of women who report binge drinking. Increased drinking in this group of younger women seems to be associated with drinking in Mexico. Language: en
Synergistic Fitness Interactions and a High Frequency of Beneficial Changes Among Mutations Accumulated Under Relaxed Selection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Spontaneous mutations were accumulated for ∼4800 generations in 48 lines of yeast protected from effective selection by frequent passage through single-cell bottlenecks. Changes in fitness were evaluated by direct competition with matched parental stocks differing only at a selectively neutral marker locus. Average fitness declined by ∼5% over the course of the experiment. The rate of change increased sharply in later generations, strongly suggesting synergistic epistasis. Divergence among lines increased rapidly relative to the change in average fitness and also at an accelerating pace. Both results are well matched by a model assuming that fitness cost increases exponentially (approximately second order) with the number of accumulated mutations. This result is consistent with fitness loss due primarily to interactions between specific pairs of gene products. I also estimate that ∼25% of the mutations with detectable fitness effects were beneficial. This result can be explained by the fact that the effects of most mutations are small relative to the distance from a local fitness optimum.
Coyote: an XML-based framework for Web services testing

Web services received significant attention recently and several important Web service platforms such as .NET are now available. The testing and evaluation of Web services are important for both service providers and subscribers. This paper proposes an XML-based object-oriented testing framework Coyote to test Web services rapidly. Coyote consists of two parts: test master and test engine. The test master allows testers to specify test scenarios and cases as well as performing various analyses such as dependency analysis, completeness and consistency, and converts WSDL specifications into test scenarios. The test engine interacts with the Web services under test, and provides tracing information. The test framework incorporates concepts from object-oriented application frameworks so that it is relatively easy to change test scenarios/cases. Due to the distributed nature of Web services, Coyote focuses on integration testing instead of module testing.
Using Student-Led Seminars and Conceptual Workshops to Increase Student Participation

This article examines the use of two strategies designed to increase student participation in a teacher education class: student-led seminars and conceptual workshops. Quantitative data, collected by a graduate student observer, showed increased student participation in classroom discussion and activities. Also, qualitative findings collected through a third party interview revealed students’ perceptions of in-depth understanding, practical application, and synthesis.
B7-H1 Expression on Old CD8 + T Cells Negatively Regulates the Activation of Immune Responses in Aged Animals

T cell responses are compromised in the elderly. The B7-CD28 family receptors are critical in the regulation of immune responses. We evaluated whether the B7-family and CD28-family receptors were differentially expressed in dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from young and old mice, which could contribute to the immune dysfunction in the old. Although most of the receptors were equally expressed in all cells, >85% of the old naive CD8(+) T cells expressed B7-H1 compared with 25% in the young. Considering that B7-H1 negatively regulates immune responses, we hypothesized that expression of B7-H1 would downregulate the function of old CD8(+) T cells. Old CD8(+) T cells showed reduced ability to proliferate, but blockade of B7-H1 restored the proliferative capacity of old CD8(+) T cells to a level similar to young CD8(+) T cells. In vivo blockade of B7-H1 restored antitumor responses against the B7-H1(-) BM-185-enhanced GFP tumor, such that old animals responded with the same efficiency as young mice. Our data also indicate that old CD8(+) T cells express lower levels of TCR compared with young CD8(+) T cells. However, following antigenic stimulation in the presence of B7-H1 blockade, the levels of TCR expression were restored in old CD8(+) T cells, which correlated with stronger T cell activation. These studies demonstrated that expression of B7-H1 in old CD8(+) T cells impairs the proper activation of these cells and that blockade of B7-H1 could be critical to optimally stimulate a CD8 T cell response in the old.
Safety of Completion Thyroidectomy Following Unilateral Lobectomy for Well‐Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Objectives When a diagnosis of thyroid cancer is returned following unilateral lobectomy, removal of the contralateral lobe is frequently necessary. Morbidity for completion thyroidectomy includes a reported 2% to 5% risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and an 8% to 15% incidence of hypoparathyroidism. In this study, to determine morbidity following completion thyroidectomy, we reviewed our results of reoperative surgery among patients with thyroid cancer. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods Between 1997 and 2000, 36 consecutive patients, 32 females and 4 males, with a mean age of 43.6 years (range, 19–59 y), underwent completion thyroidectomy. Preoperative fine-needle aspiration revealed follicular derived neoplasm in 32 patients (88.9%), indeterminate in 3 patients (8.3%), and Hurthle cell neoplasm in 1 patient (2.8%). The interval between the first and second operation was a mean of 43.3 days (range, 2–103 d). Results At the primary surgery, 29 patients (80.6%) had a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, 6 (16.7%) had follicular carcinoma, and 1 (2.8%) had Hurthle cell carcinoma. Of these, 14 had multifocal disease. In the completion lobe, 20 patients (55.6%) had evidence of thyroid carcinoma. There was a 0% incidence of RLN injury, and the mean pre- and post-completion thyroidectomy serum calcium was 8.9 mg/dL and 8.6 mg/dL, respectively. There was one postoperative hematoma, requiring re-exploration. Five patients (13.9%) had a transient postoperative serum calcium (Ca) <8.0 mg/dL, with one being symptomatic. None required vitamin D or prolonged calcium supplementation. Conclusions When completion thyroidectomy is necessary for the treatment of thyroid malignancy, the procedure can be performed safely with low morbidity and is effective for diagnosing and removing occult disease in the remaining thyroid.