cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Permissive replication of homologous murine rotavirus in the mouse intestine is primarily regulated by VP4 and NSP1

Homologous rotaviruses (RV) are, in general, more virulent and replicate more efficiently than heterologous RV in the intestine of the homologous host. The genetic basis for RV host range restriction is not fully understood and is likely to be multigenic. In previous studies, RV genes encoding VP3, VP4, VP7, nonstructural protein 1 (NSP1), and NSP4 have all been implicated in strain- and host species-specific infection. These studies used different RV strains, variable measurements of host range, and different animal hosts, and no clear consensus on the host range restriction determinants emerged. We used a murine model to demonstrate that enteric replication of murine RV EW is 1,000- to 10,000-fold greater than that of a simian rotavirus (RRV) in suckling mice. Intestinal replication of a series of EW × RRV reassortants was used to identify several RV genes that influenced RV replication in the intestine. The role of VP4 (encoded by gene 4) in enteric infection was strain specific. RRV VP4 reduced murine RV infectivity only slightly; however, a reassortant expressing VP4 from a bovine RV strain (UK) severely restricted intestinal replication in the suckling mice. The homologous murine EW NSP1 (encoded by gene 5) was necessary but not sufficient for promoting efficient enteric growth. Efficient enteric replication required a constellation of murine genes encoding VP3, NSP2, and NSP3 along with NSP1.
Roles of mental translation in first and foreign language reading

This study integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the roles that mental translation plays in reading classical Chinese and English as a foreign language among Taiwanese high school students. Gadamer’s theory of hermeneutic experience and the Vygotskian social-cultural theory provide the theoretical frameworks for this study. The quantitative data consist of reading comprehension tests and translation surveys, while the qualitative data are composed of think-aloud protocols and interviews with the participating students and their teachers. At least two prominent findings emerge from the data analyses: (1) mental translation appears to have positive and significant associations with reading comprehension across two languages; (2) ambivalent perceptions of and attitudes toward the employment of mental translation for reading classical literary Chinese and English are discerned. The findings support Gadamer’s contention that humans learn to translate as they are learning a language. The views and ideas expressed by the participating teachers and students uncover a sociocultural dimension of reading, as proposed by Vygotsky.
DDT Movement from Adipocyte to Muscle Cell during Lipid Utilization

STORAGE of organochlorine pesticides such as 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-chlorophenyl-ethane (DDT) in adipocyte lipid of avian1–4 and other species5–9 suggests that this is an effective detoxifying mechanism for these lipophilic biocides. Adipose tissue storage, however, is non-permanent because the normally slow release of DDT and its metabolites into the circulating fluids is probably increased during periods of accelerated lipid mobilization induced by starvation or increased energy expenditure6,10,11. Data in the literature demonstrate that starvation results in higher blood levels of DDT2,6,12, changes in tissue concentrations2,10,12,13 and increased excretion2,6,14. But neither the mobilization rate nor the fate of the mobilized DDT has been quantitatively defined in the existing literature.
TURING DEGREES OF CERTAIN ISOMORPHIC IMAGES OF COMPUTABLE RELATIONS

Abstract A model is computable if its domain is a computable set and its relations and functions are uniformly computable. Let A be a computable model and let R be an extra relation on the domain of A . That is, R is not named in the language of A . We define Dg A (R) to be the set of Turing degrees of the images f(R) under all isomorphisms f from A to computable models. We investigate conditions on A and R which are sufficient and necessary for Dg A (R) to contain every Turing degree. These conditions imply that if every Turing degree ⩽ 0″ can be realized in Dg A (R) via an isomorphism of the same Turing degree as its image of R, then Dg A (R) contains every Turing degree. We also discuss an example of A and R whose Dg A (R) coincides with the Turing degrees which are ⩽ 0′.
Neural representation during visually guided reaching in macaque posterior parietal cortex.

Visually guided hand movements in primates require an interconnected network of various cortical areas. Single unit firing rate from area 7a and dorsal prelunate (DP) neurons of macaque posterior parietal cortex (PPC) was recorded during reaching movements to targets at variable locations and under different eye position conditions. In the eye position–varied task, the reach target was always foveated; thus eye position varied with reach target location. In the retinal-varied task, the monkey reached to targets at variable retinotopic locations while eye position was kept constant in the center. Spatial tuning was examined with respect to temporal (task epoch) and contextual (task condition) aspects, and response fields were compared. The analysis showed distinct tuning types. The majority of neurons changed their gain field tuning and retinotopic tuning between different phases of the task. Between the onset of visual stimulation and the preparatory phase (before the go signal), about one half the neurons altered their firing rate significantly. Spatial response fields during preparation and initiation epochs were strongly influenced by the task condition (eye position varied vs. retinal varied), supporting a strong role of eye position during visually guided reaching. DP neurons, classically considered visual, showed reach related modulation similar to 7a neurons. This study shows that both area 7a and DP are modulated during reaching behavior in primates. The various tuning types in both areas suggest distinct populations recruiting different circuits during visually guided reaching.
Partial Saturation and Seismicity on Steep Reclaimed Slopes

While traditional mine reclamation methods emphasize compaction to increase the strength of the materials and ensure stability of the restored slope, high compaction restricts the successful reforestation of reclaimed mine sites. The Forest Reclamation Approach (FRA), which uses low compaction in the uppermost 1.2–1.5 m of the surface has been shown to facilitate the establishment of healthy native forests. Stability analyses of three steep FRA slopes from the southern Appalachian region have shown that the long-term static stability is not compromised, and that the infinite slope method provides a rational method to evaluate the stability of steep FRA slopes. In this article, modifications of the infinite slope equation are utilized to (a) include the effects of matric suction due to unsaturated soil conditions and (b) evaluate the seismic performance of FRA slopes based on spectral accelerations. Monthly variation of the water content at three research sites demonstrated the seasonal stability variation of FRA slopes due to matric suction, while seismic analyses illustrated the conditions under which instability may occur.
Chemical selection of mutants that affect ADH activity in Drosophila. III. Effects of ethanol.

A chemical selection scheme is presented for the isolation of rare Adh-positive Drosophila. It makes use of the fact that flies lacking detectable ADH activity die as adults or larvae on relatively low concentrations of ethanol in the medium. We have demonstrated that this procedure is a practical one by crossing two Adh-negative alleles, screening 1.5×106 embryos, and isolating 14 Adh-positive survivors.
Diagenetic stabilization pathways of magnesian calcites

Stabilization of high magnesian calcites (>4 mole% MgCO3) to low magnesian calcite (0–4 mole% MgCO3) and dolomite involves a reduction in the solubility of these phases during diagenetic alteration. The solubility of a magnesian calcite is controlled not only by the Mg concentration, but also other chemical and physical properties of the solid. These other properties include the amount of: 1) trace element diluents other than Mg (e.g., sodium, sulfate, adsorbed or structural water); 2) carbonate ion positional or cation ordering: 3) microstructural and surface defects; and 4) adhered small particles. Crystal size also may affect the solubility of a magnesian calcite. A magnesian calcite may become more stable in the natural environment by a decrease in Mg concentration, by loss of other trace elements and/or changes in its physical properties. Few studies exist of magnesian calcites in sediments and limestones undergoing diagenetic alteration that can be used to document the typical stabilization pathways followed by magnesian calcites. Several stabilization pathways are proposed, based mainly on experimental and theoretical arguments, to encourage further investigation of magnesian calcite diagenesis.
Sequence analysis of leukocyte chemoattractant peptides secreted by periovulatory ovine follicles.

Abstract Cells of the white blood series infiltrate ovarian follicles during the ovulatory process. A segment of the wall of periovulatory ovine follicles was incubated and conditioned media subjected to ultrafiltration. Leukocyte chemoattractant activity of media was measured using a linear under-agarose migration assay. Bioactivity was recovered following filtration through a 3000 molecular weight cut-off membrane. Filtrate was then fractionated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Peptides recovered from two fractions with significant chemoattractant activity were sequenced. One fraction contained 16 amino acid residues with repeating triplets of Gly-X-Y, where X and Y were often proline and hydroxyproline, respectively. Because this motif is characteristic of α collagens, and since thecal collagen is degraded during the mechanics of ovulation, it appears that this chemoattractant is derived from the connective tissue matrix of the follicle. Peptide isolated from the other bioactive chromatographic fraction was 15 amino acids in length, and rich in glycine, but did not contain imino acids. To our knowledge this is the first report of purification of leukocyte chemoattractants of reproductive tissue origin. Resident follicular granulocytes and mononuclear cells are capable of secreting a broad spectrum of potent chemicals that could be involved in the mechanisms of ovulation and luteinization.
Differential profile analysis of urinary cytokines in patients with overactive bladder.

Introduction and hypothesis We hypothesize that overactive bladder (OAB) can produce inflammatory cytokines due to afferent neural plasticity or urothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to detect abnormal cytokine levels in urine of patients with OAB compared to urinary tract infections (UTI) and controls.
New results from the viking relativity experiment

The predicted general relativistic effect of solar gravity on the round-trip times of electromagnetic signals traveling between earth and Mars has been verified by means of radio ranging to the Viking spacecraft. The ranging measurements were found to be consistent with the predicted increases of up to 200 microsec in the travel times of the signals to within the estimated uncertainty of 0.2%.
Two cases of paradoxical hypothermia in a Sahara desert multi-stage ultramarathon

Exertional hypothermia in a hot environment, a seemingly contradictory state, is a clinical presentation that has not been previously described in the medical literature. We present two cases of symptomatic hypothermia of 34-35°C (95°F) which resolved with ingestion of calories in otherwise healthy men competing in a multi-stage ultramarathon in the Sahara desert, Egypt 2012 with ambient temperatures of approximately 38-39°C (100- 102°F). Hypothermia is well documented in the medical literature as a presenting sign of hypoglycemia in both conscious and comatose patients. The mechanism by which hypoglycemia contributes to hypothermia is poorly understood, but may represent a compensatory response that reflects a decrease in energy demand during glucose deprivation. Wilderness medicine practitioners at endurance events should be cognizant of hypothermia as a potential presenting sign of hypoglycemia, as it can be empirically treated and rapidly reversed.
The Effect of Osmotic Stimuli on Prolactin Secretion and Renal Water Excretion in Normal Man and in Chronic Hyperprolactinemia

An osmoregulatory role for prolactin (PRL) in man has been postulated, and PRL secretion has been reported to be influenced by osmotic stimuli. Clinical observation, however, does not support this notion. The effects of water loading, hypertonic saline infusion and nicotine on serum PRL and on renal water metabolism were investigated in 6 normal subjects and in 8 patients with chronic hyperprolactinemia (four with and four without demonstrable pituitary tumors). None of the patients had thyroid, adrenal or vasopressin deficiency. Renal water handling in these patients was indistinguishable from normal. Likewise, serum PRL was not affected by the stimuli employed in either the normal subjects or the patients. No correlation between degree or duration of hyperprolactinemia and renal water metabolism was found. It is concluded that PRL is not an important osmoregulatory hormone in man.
Parental and other factors associated with hydroxyurea use for pediatric sickle cell disease

Background Hydroxyurea (HU) is highly effective treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). While pediatric use of HU is accepted clinical practice, barriers to use may impede its potential benefit.
Modification of surface properties of oral streptococci by α-1,6 glucans

Abstract Several members of the genus Streptococcus, including S. sobrinus, S. cricetus, S. sanguis and S. mutans, are known to produce proteins capable of complexing with α-1,6 glucans. Of all the oral streptococcal groups, S. sobrinus and S. cricetus are the most readily aggregated by high molecular weight glucan (glucan T-2000), but the aggregation may be inhibited by low molecular weight glucans (glucan T-10). Some of the oral streptococci are also known to express surface hydrophobins, molecules which impart hydrophobic characteristics to their cell surfaces. When glucan T-10 was added to suspensions of S. cricetus or S. sobrinus, the bacteria were less able to adhere to hexadecane, to bind to plastics or to be aggregated by ammonium sulfate. It is concluded that the glucan rendered the bacteria more hydrophilic. In contrast, streptococci such as S. sanguis and S. mutans, incapable of aggregation by high molecular weight α-1,6 glucan, retained their hydrophobic characteristics in the presence of glucan T-10. Other bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibited their same abilities to bind to hexadecane, to adhere to plastics or to be aggregated by ammonium sulfate, regardless of the presence of α-1,6 glucan. When S. cricetus or S. sobrinus were grown under conditions to minimize expression of glucan-binding lectin or when glucan-binding lectin was denatured, glucan T-10 had no effect on their hydrophobic characteristics. It appears that the complexing of α-1,6 glucan by streptococci bearing glucan-binding lectin causes the bacteria to assume a more hydrophilic character.
Completing the Three Stages of Doctoral Education: An Event History Analysis

Doctoral programs have high dropout rates of 43% representing the highest among all post-baccalaureate programs. Cross sectional studies of doctoral students’ retention have showed the importance of financial aid in predicting degree completion. These studies however, do not estimate the labor market’s effect on doctoral student retention and neglect the longitudinal nature of doctoral study and the multiple requirements that make doctoral education a three-stage process. This research study examines the effect of various factors, including financial aid and labor market conditions, on the likelihood that doctoral students will complete the three stages of doctoral education: transition, development, and research. The results show that although financial aid as a whole is important, the type of financial aid received is even more significant and has differential impacts on doctoral students’ retention at each stage. The study concludes that research assistantships have the highest likelihood of degree completion compared to students with other forms of financial support. Labor market conditions are also an important factor affecting doctoral student retention with higher expected earnings motivating doctoral students in the later part of their programs to complete their degrees.
From Frontier To Empire: the Concept of the Frontier in Russia, Sixteenth-Eighteenth Centuries

At the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, an advertisement by the British Ministry of Defense asked readers: "Isn't it better to have our frontier on the Elbe than on Brighton beach?" In sixteenth-century Muscovy there were no readers to ask a similar question, but the answer was obvious all the same. It was incumbent upon the rising Orthodox Muscovite state to expand its frontier in the east, where neighboring lands populated by the non-Christian peoples could be easily vanquished, and to secure its frontier in the south in order to prevent devastating nomadic raids.
Adsorption and Decomposition of Chemisorbed Propylene on the Si(100)- (2x1) Surface: A Laser-Induced Thermal Desorption Study

Deuterated propylene (C 3 D 6 ) chemisorption and decomposition on the Si(100)-(2x1) surface has been studied in ultrahigh vacuum by using laser induced thermal desorption (LITD) and temperature programmed desorption techniques (TPD). Propylene was found to adsorb molecularly at 110 K and to remain as an undecomposed molecular adsorbate up to approximately 500 K. As the surface temperature is increased, the propylene can both thermally desorb and decompose, ultimately producing a SiC thin film. LITD was used to study C 3 D 6 and D 2 desorption as a function of surface temperature during temperature programming. Slow heating leads to strongly enhanced C 3 D 6 decomposition compared to fast heating by laser irradiation. The decomposition of propylene is apparently a multistep process because deuterium is released from the chemisorbed propylene (and its fragments) over a temperature range from approximately 450 to 850 K. D 2 desorption from the decomposition of C 3 D 6 occurs at higher temperatures compared to that observed for chemisorbed deuterium.
Sex differences, parental attachment, and juvenile delinquency

This study examined the relationship between parental attachment and delinquent behavior among adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18. 133 subjects completed self-report questionnaire packets, which included a demographic survey, an attachment inventory (assessing parental attachment and attachment to the father and mother separately), and a delinquency questionnaire. The relationship between sex, delinquency level, and attachment score was statistically tested using a multivariate analysis of variance. Results indicated a significant relationship between delinquency level and parental attachment, attachment to father, and attachment to mother, suggesting that the more attached adolescents are to their parents, the less delinquent they are. The effects of sex on attachment were not significant, nor were the effects of sex by delinquency on attachment. Mean attachment scores to the mother were not significantly higher than mean attachment scores to the father and females reported far less criminal activity, but more delinquent activity, than did males. Implications of the findings are discussed.
A Perspective on the Evolution of Marketing Management

Frederick E. Webster Jr. is Charles Henry Jones Professor of Management, Emeritus, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College (email: Frederick.Webster@Dartmouth.edu). As a field of study, marketing has not always been viewed from a management perspective. At different phases in its evolution, marketing thought leaders have variously emphasized commodities, institutions, functions, markets, consumers, management of firms, and society at large. Wilkie and Moore (2003) identify four eras of marketing thought development:
Surface plasmon resonance based kinetic studies of zinc finger-DNA interactions

Libraries of the zinc finger DNA binding protein, Zif268, have been constructed and selected for affinity and specificity toward DNA targets using the phage display technique (Wu et al., 1995). Mutant proteins were purified to homogeneity and were characterized for their ability to interact with their DNA targets using a real-time biomolecular interaction assay (BIA). One mutant protein, C7, bound the Zif268 consensus binding sequence with a 13-fold increase in affinity as compared to the wild-type Zif268 protein. Mutant proteins with moderate affinity for new DNA targets within a consensus sequence of HIV-1 have also been obtained. Surface plasmon resonance based BIA has provided invaluable kinetic information which offers insights into the mechanism of protein-DNA interactions.
Capillarity driven motion of solid film wedges

Abstract A solid film freshly deposited on a substrate may form a non-equilibrium contact angle with the substrate, and will evolve. This morphological evolution near the contact line is investigated by studying the motion of a solid wedge on a substrate. The contact angle of the wedge changes at time t = 0 from the wedge angle α to the equilibrium contact angle β, and its effects spread into the wedge via capillarity-driven surface diffusion. The film profiles at different times are found to be self-similar, with the length scale increasing at t 1 4 . The self-similar film profile is determined numerically by a shooting method for α and β between 0 and 180°. In general, we find that the film remains a wedge when α = β. For α β, the film extends. For α = 90°, the results describe the growth of grain-boundary grooves for arbitrary dihedral angles. For β = 90°, the solution also applies to a free-standing wedge, and the thin-wedge profiles agree qualitatively with those observed in transmission electron microscope specimens.
Beyond Resilience and PTSD: Mapping the Heterogeneity of Responses to Potential Trauma

The formal acceptance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a legitimate diagnostic category in the1980 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders stimulated a torrent of research onpsychological trauma. Not surprisingly, PTSD and its treatment had dominated that research. Anothercommon approach has been to measure the average impact of different potentially traumatic events, aswell as the factors that inform that impact. In this article, we consider the limitations of these perspectivesand argue for a broader theoretical approach that takes into account the natural heterogeneity of traumareactions over time. To that end, we review recent attempts to identify prototypical patterns or trajectoriesof trauma reaction that include chronic dysfunction, but also delayed reactions, recovery, and psycho-logical resilience. We consider the advantages but also the limitations and ongoing controversiesassociated with this approach. Finally, we introduce promising new research that uses relative sophis-ticated advances in latent growth mixture modeling as a means of empirically mapping the heterogeneityof trauma responses and consider some of the implications of this approach for existing trauma theories.Keywords: resilience, PTSD, trauma trajections, grief
How NOD2 and autophagy may be related to Crohn's disease? A view shifted from live microbes to luminal bacterial debris

Dear Sir, The link between NOD2 and autophagy and Crohn's disease (CD), and the association between NOD2 and autophagy and the intracellular detection and clearance of some pathogens, as well as the increased detection of some pathogens in CD made it a popular notion that CD may be caused by uncontrolled infection of some microbes, to which I expressed a different opinion.1 The highly effective treatments of CD by the immunosuppression agents but significantly increased risk of infection to bacteria, fungi, and virus would be a strong indication that CD is unlikely …
Determination of ticarcillin in human plasma and in urine by reversed-phase LC

A liquid chromatographic assay for ticarcillin (ticar.) in plasma and urine is described. For analysis, the internal standard cefoperazone (cfp) is dissolved in acetonitrile, which is used for precipitating the protein. The supernatant is evaporated, reconstituted in running mobile phase and injected directly onto the reversed-phase C18 column, with detection at 205 nm. The mobile phase is composed of water-acetonitrile-o-phosphoric acid-tetramethylammonium chloride (TMA). Coefficients of variation for reproducibility were in the range of 2.2-15.5% for extra-low, low, medium and high controls. Limits of detection were 0.5 microgram ml-1 for plasma and 1 microgram ml-1 for urine. No interference from other cephalosporins or other antibiotics was noted. This liquid chromatographic assay is simple, accurate, requires no extraction and overcomes previous problems related to the drug's peak splitting due to isomerization.
Comparison of sleds versus plankton nets for sampling fish larvae and eggs

Fish larvae and fish eggs were sampled from the inshore waters of eastern Lake Michigan from 1978 through 1980, using a benthic sled and a plankton net towed within 0.5 m of the lake bottom. Differences between estimates of ichthyoplankton abundance based on the benthic sled and those based on the plankton net towed near bottom were examined along with interactions between gear, bottom depth, and time of day. Time of day was determined to be an important factor in comparing these two gear, but data were inconclusive as to the effect of depth on gear differences. Abundance of fish eggs calculated using sled tow data was significantly higher than that for the plankton net. For nighttime collections, density of alewife Alosa pseudoharengus larvae sampled in the plankton net significantly exceeded that for the sled, whereas density of spottail shiner Notropis hudsonius larvae based on sled data was significantly higher than that based on the plankton net for day sampling. Overall, the plankton net appeared to be adequate for sampling abundance of alewife larvae, while the sled was preferred for sampling fish eggs, spottail shiner larvae, and the following less common, but apparently demersal larvae: trout-perch Percopsis omiscomaycus, johnny darter Etheostoma nigrum, ninespine stickleback Pungitius pungitius, and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus.
Vocal process granuloma and glottal insufficiency: an overlooked etiology?

Objectives/Hypothesis: Vocal process granuloma has been attributed to intubation, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and phonotraumatic/hyperfunctional vocal behaviors. Vocal process granuloma has recurrence rates following surgical excision approaching 92%. We hypothesize that a portion of persistent or idiopathic cases of vocal process granuloma result from underlying glottal insufficiency (GI) caused by paresis, scar, or atrophy. Our goal was to examine our vocal process granuloma population and determine the incidence of GI, treatment interventions, and outcomes. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Thirty-four patients with vocal process granuloma were divided into surgically or conservatively managed groups. Patients were identified if they carried a diagnosis of GI. The time to resolution and number of recurrences within the overall treatment period was recorded and compared between subgroups. Pre- and post-treatment Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) scores were compared. Results: Eighteen of 34 patients (53%) carried an underlying diagnosis of GI, 13/34 (38%) were treated surgically, and 8/13 (62%) surgical patients had underlying GI. VHI-10 and RSI scores significantly improved after disease resolution (P < .05). Conclusions: The incidence of GI among patients with vocal process granuloma was 53%. Conservative therapies including treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux and voice therapy may lead to resolution despite underlying glottal incompetence. If conservative measures fail, recognizing and treating glottal incompetence with true vocal fold augmentation may lead to a shorter surgical treatment course. Laryngoscope, 2010
Procedures for building quality into court mediation programs

In a follow-up to last month's article on the failure of good-faith rules to encourage best mediation practices, John Lande, of Columbia, Mo., presents a court mediation design system. He suggests ways that court programs can identify participants' interests and convert them into programs that help the practice—without the potential dangers of good-faith requirements. He presents five policy alternatives that potentially could be established by courts to deal with mediation issues.
Ice Particle Evolution in the Anvil of a Severe Thunderstorm during CCOPE

Abstract Measurements from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Sabreliner aircraft are combined with a multiple Doppler radar synthesis of the wind field to investigate particle growth processes in the anvil region of a severe thunderstorm. The aircraft measurements, obtained in mid- to lower anvil levels at temperatures from −25° to −36°C, show than the size spectra broaden with decreasing altitude, yet ice water content values and other measurements indicate this to be a zone of evaporation. Aggregation—allowing particles to develop to sizes as 1 cm—accounts for this observed growth. Intensification of the storm over the observational period results in the development of increasingly large aggregates. Growth histories and trajectories of anvil particles are calculated using the wind field measurements and are compared to the hydrometeor measurements. Calculations show that particles forming the outer flanks of the anvil initiate in the upwind (relative to the midlevel wind) portions of the updr...
Disposition of polar and nonpolar residues on outer surfaces of transmembrane helical segments of proteins involved in proton translocation

Abstract “Helical wheel” projections of transmembrane helical segments of membrane proteins involved in proton translocation were constructed. The particular proteins studied were the uncF protein subunit of the Escherichia coli proton-ATPase, the uncE protein subunit of the E. coli proton-ATPase, and cytochrome oxidase subunit III. Clear demarcation of polar and nonpolar regions on surfaces of transmembrane helical segments was seen in the uncF protein and in uncE protein helical segment two, but not in uncE protein helical segment one. The transmembrane segment of cytochrome oxidase subunit III which includes the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD)-reactive residue was very similar to E. Coli uncE protein helical segment two. The DCCD-reactive residue in both was clearly located on a nonpolar surface.
Avian chemical defense: Toxic birds not of a feather

Birds, in fact, had not escaped notice as bearers of defensive chemicals before Dumbacher et al.'s investigations. While collecting and skinning birds in Egypt during 1941, the naturalist H. B. Cott (4) noted that hornets (Vespa orientalis) arriving on the scene differentially consumed the avian carcasses that he had discarded (Fig. 1). Stimulated by this observation, Cott conducted an extensive series of experiments on the palatability of bird flesh to hornets and domesticated cats. In addition, he examined the literature and queried field biologists to assess the acceptability of various birds for human consumption. The impression of widespread unpalatability that emerged from these studies inspired Cott to assert that conspicuous plumage might evolve as an aposematic feature signaling the distastefulness of birds …
Planting date effects on flowering, seed yield, and oil content of rape and crambe cultivars

Both crambe (Crambe abyssinicia, Hochst) and rape (Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapus L.) are cool season crops, thus they may have potential as irrigated, winter rotational crops in the low deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Currently, no information is available on the effects of fall planting date on the production of these crops. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effects of fall planting date on flowering patterns, seed yield, and oil content of crambe and two species of rape, and (2) to determine the suitability of rape and crambe as rotational crops for the low deserts of the southwestern United States. Nine cultivars of rape and one cultivar of crambe were planted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center on three dates in November and December of 1995 and four dates from October through December of 1997 on a variable Mohall sandy loam soil (fine-loamy, mixed hyperthermic, Typic Haplargid). Five of the rape cultivars were B. napus types and the remaining four were B. rapus. One was an industrial rape (R-500) and the other eight were Canola types. Seed yield, oil concentration, and seed weight were determined. In 1996, the percent of plants flowering was observed visually on a periodic basis. In 1998, detailed imaging of flowering was done periodically using a digital camera. Planting date affected water application by controlling the length of the growing season. Our plants were taller, oil content was higher, seed weights were comparable, days to flowering were more than doubled, and seed yields were lower than plants from spring plantings in the Northern Great Plains. In both years of the study, the highest yields were obtained when rape and crambe were planted in November, which would fit well with cotton harvest dates. Lodging was a serious problem in rape. Crambe was sensitive to frost and could fail in some years. Only R-500 matured early enough to be used in rotation with current cotton cultivars. In addition to the onset of flowering, the automated method for estimating flowering was able to detect differences between Brassica species and cultivars and to measure the duration of flowering. Each species had a distinctive flowering pattern. Planting dates also affected the pattern and efficiency of flowering. Reproductive efficiency appeared to change with planting date and in general, October and November planting dates produced seed with higher oil content and seed weights than December planting dates.
Visual diagnosis: A 5-year-old male who has an intensely pruritic maculopapular rash.

1. Saad Siddiqui, MD* 2. Vimal Master Sanker Raj, MD* 3. Arthur N. Feinberg, MD* 1. *College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Kalamazoo, Mich A 5-year-old boy presents to the clinic having a 3-day history of rash and itching. The rash started in the periumbilical area and spread to both sides of the groin. The child has severe pruritus causing persistent crying and inability to sleep at night. There is no history of fever or systemic symptoms. No other family members are affected. Of note, the family recently went on a summer camping trip in northern Michigan. The child's general health has been good; he has no documented allergies and is receiving no medication. However, the family expressed concern about allergies (rhinitis) during the last health supervision visit and mentioned that there are several pets in the home. There is no known exposure to farm animals or grain. Physical examination reveals a red, maculopapular rash clustered in the periumbilical area (Fig. 1), with spread to the groin. Another lesion is in a finger web and a third in a toe web. There is no bleeding, excoriation, infection, or burrowing. There is no involvement of the face or buttocks. A clinical diagnosis is made. Figure 1. Erythematous, maculopapular rash clustered on trunk and periumbilical region. The clinical diagnosis was based on the physical findings of typical skin allergic/inflammatory reactions with absent burrowing on unexposed areas of the skin plus the history of outdoor exposure during warmer months. Ultimately, the patient's rapid recovery helped confirm the initial impression. ### Discussion There is little mention of chigger bites in standard pediatric textbooks. This case illustrates how to identify, treat, and prevent chigger bites. Pruritic skin rashes usually evoke consideration of eczema or urticaria. If insect bites are suspected, the clinician typically searches for an area of entry (punctum), but papular urticaria at the initial insect bite site may recur without puncta for months in the same areas. The phylum Arthropoda , …
Biomarker studies in reversed Barrett's esophagus.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use biomarkers to assess for cancer risk in Barrett’s esophagus patients with either squamous islands or complete reversal of their intestinal metaplasia to squamous epithelium. METHODS: The biomarkers included proliferation characteristic using Ki-67, p53 abnormalities using immunohistochemical methods with two antibodies, DO-1 and DO-7, and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity. RESULTS: Eleven patients had complete reversal produced by a combination of acid suppression and thermal injury (multipolar electrocoagulation). Ki-67 staining was indistinguishable from that of normal squamous esophageal epithelium, i.e., basal layer staining only. All 11 cases were negative for p53. ODC activity was low and in the range for normal squamous epithelium. Fourteen patients had squamous islands (partial reversal) after prolonged proton pump inhibitor therapy. Multilayer Ki-67 staining occurred in nine cases (64%), and six (43%) had areas of positive p53 staining. CONCLUSIONS: Initial biomarker studies suggest that completely reversed squamous epithelium is biologically similar to normal squamous epithelium and of low cancer risk. In contrast, partial reversal, manifest as squamous islands, is accompanied by biomarker abnormalities.
Tropomyosin is an interaction partner of the Drosophila coiled coil protein yuri gagarin.

Abstract The Drosophila gene yuri gagarin is a complex locus encoding three protein isoform classes that are ubiquitously expressed in the organism. Mutations to the gene affect processes as diverse as gravitactic behavior and spermatogenesis. The larger Yuri isoforms contain extensive coiled-coil regions. Our previous studies indicate that one of the large isoform classes (Yuri-65) is required for formation of specialized F-actin-containing structures generated during spermatogenesis, including the so-called actin “cones” that mediate spermatid individualization. We used the tandem affinity purification of a tagged version of Yuri-65 (the TAP-tagging technique) to identify proteins associated with Yuri-65 in the intact organism. Tropomyosin, primarily as the 284-residue isoform derived from the ubiquitously expressed Tropomyosin 1 gene was thus identified as a major Yuri interaction partner. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed this interaction. We have established that the stable F-actin cones of spermatogenesis contain Tropomyosin 1 (Tm1) and that in mutant yuriF64, failure of F-actin cone formation is associated with failure of Tm1 to accumulate at the cone initiation sites. In investigating possible interactions of Tm1 and Yuri in other tissues, we discovered that Tm1 and Yuri frequently colocalize with the endoplasmic reticulum. Tropomyosin has been implicated in actin-mediated membrane trafficking activity in other systems. Our findings suggest that Yuri–Tm1 complexes participate in related functions.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Genetic Variant rs5065 and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease in the General Community A 9-Year Follow-Up Study

We analyzed the phenotype associated with the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) genetic variant rs5065 in a random community-based sample. We also assessed and compared the biological action of 2 concentrations (10 −10 mol/L, 10 –8 mol/L) of ANP and ANP-RR, the protein variant encoded by the minor allele of rs5065, on activation of the guanylyl cyclase (GC)-A and GC-B receptors, production of the second messenger 3′,5′-cGMP in endothelial cells, and endothelial permeability. rs5065 genotypes were determined in a cross-sectional adult cohort from Olmsted County, MN (n=1623). Genotype frequencies for rs5065 were 75%, 24%, and 1% for TT, TC, and CC, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the C allele was associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular accident (hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.86; P =0.009) and higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–3.09; P =0.026). ANP-RR 10 −8 mol/L activated the GC-A receptor (83.07±8.31 versus no treatment 0.18±0.04 per 6 wells; P =0.006), whereas ANP-RR 10 −10 mol/L did not. Neither 10 −8 mol/L nor 10 −10 mol/L ANP-RR activated GC-B receptor ( P =0.10, P =0.35). ANP 10 −8 mol/L and ANP-RR 10 −8 mol/L stimulated 3′,5′-cGMP production in endothelial cells similarly ( P =0.58). Both concentrations of ANP-RR significantly enhanced human aortic endothelial cell permeability (69 versus 29 relative fluorescence units [RFUs], P =0.012; 58 versus 39 RFUs, P =0.015) compared with ANP. The minor allele of rs5065 was associated with increased cardiovascular risk. ANP-RR activated the GC-A receptor, increased 3′,5′-cGMP in endothelial cells, and when compared with ANP, augmented endothelial cell permeability.
High time resolution PFISR and optical observations of naturally enhanced ion acoustic lines

Abstract. Observations of naturally enhanced ion acoustic lines (NEIALs) taken with the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) using a mode with very high time resolution are presented. The auroral event took place over Poker Flat, Alaska on 8 February 2007 at 09:35 UT (~22:00 MLT), and the radar data are complemented by common-volume high-resolution auroral imaging. The NEIALs occurred during only one of the standard 15-s integration periods. The raw data of this time show very intermittent NEIALs which occur only during a few very short time intervals (≤1 s) within the 15-s period. The time sampling of the raw data, ~19 ms on average, allows study of the time development of the NEIALs, though there are indications that even finer time resolution would be of interest. The analysis is based on the assumption that the NEIAL returns are the result of Bragg scattering from ion-acoustic waves that have been enhanced significantly above thermal levels. The spectra of the raw data indicate that although the up- and down-shifted shoulders can both become enhanced at the same time, (within 19 ms), they are most often enhanced individually. The overall power in the up-and down-shifted shoulders is approximately equal throughout the event, with the exception of one time, when very large up-shifted power was observed with no corresponding down-shifted power. This indicates that during the 480 μs pulse, the strongly enhanced ion-acoustic waves were only traveling downward and not upward. The exact time that the NEIALs occurred was when the radar beam was on the boundary of a fast-moving (~10 km/s), bright auroral structure, as seen in the high resolution auroral imaging of the magnetic zenith. When viewed with high time resolution, the occurrence of NEIALs is associated with rapid changes in auroral luminosity within the radar field of view due to fast-moving auroral fine structures.
Three-dimensional solution structure of conotoxin psi-PIIIE, an acetylcholine gated ion channel antagonist.

The three-dimensional structure of conotoxin ψ-Piiie, a 24-amino acid peptide from Conus purpurascens, has been solved using two-dimensional (2D) 1H NMR spectroscopy. Conotoxin ψ-Piiie contains the same disulfide bonding pattern as the μ-conotoxins, which target skeletal muscle sodium channels, but has been shown to antagonize the acetylcholine gated cation channel through a noncompetitive mechanism. Structural information was obtained by the analysis of a series of 2D NOESY spectra as well as measurement of coupling constants from 1D 1H and PE-COSY NMR experiments. Molecular modeling calculations included the use of the distance geometry (DG) algorithm, simulated annealing techniques, and the restrained molecular dynamics method. The resulting structures are considerably similar to the previously published structures for the μ-conotoxins Giiia and Giiib, despite the lack of sequence conservation between conotoxin ψ-Piiie and the μ-conotoxins. The structure consists of a series of tight turns, each turn o...
Environment and Empire

Abstract On multiple fronts, the issue of environment as influenced by British governance across its late empire is afforded comprehensive treatment, employing a series of key case studies from the late eighteenth through the top of the twenty-first century. The environment itself is seen as a site for an extraordinary array of discussions including hunting, wildlife, conservation, sheep pastures, forests, irrigation, rubber and oil extraction, urbanisation, indigenous reappropriation and disease. Four overarching framing themes have been identified by the authors as of particular importance: Environmental Causation; Environmental Impacts; Conservationism; and Indigenous Societies and Local Knowledge. At the heart of the book is the term ‘commodity frontier’, to give substance to what is at stake on the colonial periphery, in regions as far flung as Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, East Africa, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Africa (the last the prominent focus of this review). The...
Reflectors and immersion lenses for detectors of diffuse radiation

The possibility of using reflectors or immersion lenses to enhance the output of detectors of diffuse (homogeneous and isotropic) radiation encountered in scatter communication systems is examined. Reflectors can yield no optical gain, whereas immersion lenses can provide gain equal to n2, where n is the index of refraction of the immersion medium. The conditions necessary to approach this theoretical maximum are examined from the point of view of geometrical optics. The general conclusions are verified by computer simulations for the spherical geometry. Experiments have been performed with spherical and hemispherical immersion lenses, thus confirming the theoretical predictions.
Circadian drinking rhythms in SHR and WKY rats : effects of increasing light intensity

This study sought to define the generality of a previous finding that the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat strains differ in free-running circadian period when maintained in running-wheel cages under constant light. Circadian drinking rhythms were monitored in SHRs and WKYs housed without access to running wheels under an increasing series of light intensities beginning with constant darkness. Strain differences in circadian period were seen only at relatively high light intensities, indicating that SHRs and WKYs differ in circadian light sensitivity. Since SHRs and WKYs differ in circadian period with or without access to running wheels, this strain difference is not likely to depend on differential locomotor activity levels. SHRs and WKYs also differed in spectral profile and circadian waveform, but only under low light intensities. At higher intensities, dissociation of rhythmicity was seen in both strains.