cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of endogenous avian retrovirus DNA and RNA: viral and cellular determinants of retrovirus gene expression.

Abstract We have characterized endogenous avian retrovirus DNAs and RNAs in uninfected white leghorn chicken embryos. The embryos we studied include representations of four phenotypic classifications of chickens (gs− chf− , gs+ chf+ , gs− chf+, and V+), and contained the endogenous proviruses evl, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 15. We confirmed the previously described phenotypes and restriction maps of evl, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 15, and we confirmed the phenotype for ev9 and derived a restriction map for this locus. Evaluation of the structure of the individual proviruses and characterization of the nuclear and cytoplasmic viral RNA isolated from embryos of defined genotype yielded the following major conclusions. (i) Viral RNA could not be detected for ev4, ev5, ev8, or ev15. (ii) The amount of stable RNA produced from evl, ev3, ev6, or ev9 varied over a range of at least 100- to 300-fold and was at least 10- to 1000-fold lower than the amounts found in cells productively infected with exogenous avian retroviruses. (iii) A deletion in the provirus at ev3 can account for three abnormalities: the production of a viral protein that results from fusion of internal regions of the gag and pol genes, the abnormal structure of a subgenomic viral RNA, and failure of the abnormal RNA to appear in the cytoplasm. (iv) A deletion in the provirus at ev6 gives rise to at least two major anomalies: the initiation of transcription at an upstream cellular promoter, and the abnormal metabolism of an ev6 viral RNA. (v) ev9 has an ostensibly normal structure; nevertheless, the metabolism of an RNA arising from this locus is aberrant. We conclude that the expression of endogenous retrovirus genes in chickens is subject to control by both viral and cellular determinants.
What strategic alignment, process redesign, enterprise resource planning, and e‐commerce have in common: enterprise‐wide computing

Unlike other purchases of information technology that have failed to deliver measurable improvements in corporate performance, enterprise‐wide information systems in the manufacturing industry have immediate and positive impact on the bottom line. The transition from strategic alignment as the basis for IT investment, to redesigned business processes as the critical elements of organizational strategic planning to which IT investments must be targeted, to the integration of these processes into enterprise‐wide systems, to e‐commerce is examined. With supply chain collaboration, information systems have exited corporate boundaries.
Cryopreservation of equine embryos by open pulled straw, cryoloop, or conventional slow cooling methods.

Abstract Cryopreservation of equine embryos with conventional slow-cooling procedures has proven challenging. An alternative approach is vitrification, which can minimize chilling injuries by increasing the rates of cooling and warming. The open pulled straw (OPS) and cryoloop have been used for very rapid cooling and warming rates. The objective of this experiment was to compare efficacy of vitrification of embryos in OPS and the cryoloop to conventional slow cool procedures using 0.25 mL straws. Grade 1 or 2 morulae and early blastocysts (≤300 μm in diameter) were recovered from mares on Day 6 or 7 post ovulation. Twenty-seven embryos were assigned to three cryopreservation treatments: (1) conventional slow cooling (0.5°C/min) with 1.8 M ethylene glycol (EG) and 0.1 M sucrose, (4) vitrification in OPS in 16.5% EG, 16.5% DMSO and 0.5 M sucrose, or (3) vitrification with a cryoloop in 17.5% EG, 17.5% DMSO, 1 M sucrose and 0.25 μM ficoll. Embryos were evaluated for size and morphological quality (Grade 1 to 4) before freezing, after thawing, and after culture for 20 h. In addition, propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to assess percent live cells after culture. There were no differences (P > 0.1) in morphological grade or percent live cells among methods. Mean grades for embryos after culture were 2.9 ± 0.2, 3.1 ± 0.1, and 3.3 ± 0.2 for conventional slow cooling, OPS and cryoloop methods, respectively. Embryo grade and percent live cells were correlated, r = 0.66 (P > 0.004). Thus OPS and the cryoloop were similarly effective to conventional slow-cooling procedures for cryopreserving small equine embryos.
The Effects of Exposure to Gang Violence on Adolescent Boys’ Mental Health

Gang violence is a growing public health concern in the United States, and adolescents are influenced by exposure to gang violence. This study explored the influence of exposure to gang violence on adolescent boys' mental health using a multi-method design. A semi-structured interview guide and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children were used to collect data from adolescents. Parents, primary caregivers, and community center employees completed the Child Behavior Checklist or Teacher Report Form. Ten adolescent boys, their parents or primary caregivers, and six community center employees participated in the study. Exposure to gang violence was common among these adolescents and they had a variety of reactions. Parents, primary caregivers, and community center employees had differing perceptions of adolescents' exposure to violence and their mental health. Adolescent boys' exposure to gang violence in the community is alarming. These adolescents encountered situations with violence that influenced their mental health.
Time-dose considerations in the treatment of anal cancer

Purpose: To analyze the impact of patient and treatment parameters in concurrent chemoradiation treatment for anal carcinoma. Methods and Materials: Retrospective review of 50 MO anal cancer patients treated from 1984-1994. Most patients received concurrent 5-FU, mitomycin, and radiation. Local control and disease-free/overall survival were determined and analyzed according to patient and treatment parameters. Results: With 43 month median follow-up, projected overall survival is 66% at 5 and 8 years. Disease-free survival is at 5 years and 59% at 8 years. Local control is 70% at 5 and 8 years. Doses of 254 Gy are associated with improved 5-year survival (84 vs. 47%, p = 0.02), disease-free survival (74 v. 56%, p = 0.09), and local control (77 vs. 61%) p = 0.04). Although local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were improved in patients whose overall treatment time was <40 days, this was not statistically significant. Outcome in the four patients with pretreatment hemoglobin (Hgb) <lO appeared worse with 3-year overall survival 50 vs. 68% 01 = 0.07), disease-free survival 0 vs. 67% (p = O.ll), and local control 0 vs. 74% (p = 0.05). Projected 5-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, and local control in 4 HIV( + ) patients is 0, 75, and 75%. Multivariate analysis reveals that dose @ = 0.02) and Hgb (p = 0.05) independently affect local control, dose (p = 0.02) affects disease-free survival, and dose @ = 0.01 ), Hgb @ = 0.03)) T-stage (p = 0.03), and HIV-status (0.07) independently influence overall survival. Conclusion: Radiation doses of ~54 Gy are associated with significantIy improved survival and local control in anal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation. Overall treatment times of less than 40 days are associated with a trend towards improved outcome, hut this is not significant. Pretreatment hemoglobin <lO is associated with worse treatment outcome. Survival of HIV (+) patient is poor, hut the majority of such patients in this series died of intercurrent disease with their anal carcinomas controlled by chemoradiation. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.
Intersubband Transitions in In 0.3 Ga 0.7 As/GaAs Multiple Quantum Dots of Varying Dot-Sizes

The optical absorption spectra of intersubband transitions in In 0.3 Ga 0.7 As/GaAs multiple quantum dots (MQDs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy were investigated. By varying the number of In 0.3 Ga 0.7 As monolayers deposited, a series of samples with varying dot sizes ranging from 10 – 50 monolayers were obtained. The quantum dots grown with size less than 15 monolayers or more than 50 monolayers did not yield any observable measurements of intersubband transition. This suggests that there exist a critical upper and lower limit of In 0.3 Ga 0.7 As quantum dots for infrared detectors. A wavelength range of 8.60 – 13.70 μm is achieved for structures grown with the above monolayers range. The theoretical line-shape of the intersubband transition absorption was compared to the experimental measurements. From the lineshape, it was deduced that bound-to-continuum transtition is present in thick quantum dots and bound-to-bound transition is present in thinly grown quantum dots.
Should beta-blockers be discontinued when a patient is admitted to the hospital with acutely decompensated heart failure?

Hard data on this topic are scant, but the answer depends on the patient’s perfusion status and vital signs.
Mechanically Deboned Pork Use in Fermented Meat Spreads

Proportions (25, 50 and 100%, w/w) of mechanically deboned pork (MDP) were evaluated for use in spreads fermented with Pediococcus pentosauceus or chemically acidified. Microbiological stability was examined at 2–4, 5, 8–10, and 24° C, with or without inoculated Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiological, color, texture, pH, TBA, and proximate composition were studied in relation to product formulation and processing. Fat retention and product spreadability were attained by combining up to 50% MDP, preemulsified with soy protein isolate (SPI) or sodium caseinate (SC), with pork and beef trimming preblended with NaCl and phosphate. These were fermented with Pendiococcus pentosauceus (40° C and 85% RH, 18 h). Potato starch (2%) was added and product was comminuted postfermentation. Unlike formulations with SPI, those containing SC exhibited good microbiological stability, with no Enterobacteriaceae, and S. aureus decreased.
Using the CBCL to determine the clinical status of children in state custody

Abstract This manuscript reviews information on past use of the CBCL to describe the clinical status of children in state custody and the results of a recent study of a representative statewide sample. The sample included a random sample of children in state custody, including those in foster care, kinship care, group residential facilities, and state institutions. One third (34%) of the children in state custody were reported as having significant behavior problems. The narrow band scales reflecting greatest difficulties included Aggressive, Delinquent, and Withdrawn behavior. The youngest teenage group was significantly more likely to have Internalizing problems in the clinical level, and those living in family homes were more likely to have scores in the non-clinical range than those in foster homes or group placements. There were no effects of gender, race, adjudication status, or length of time in custody. Implications for policy makers, caseworkers, and researchers are discussed.
Geophysical and geochemical signatures of Gulf of Mexico seafloor brines

Abstract. Geophysical, temperature, and discrete depth-stratified geochemical data illustrate differences between an actively venting mud volcano and a relatively quiescent brine pool in the Gulf of Mexico along the continental slope. Geophysical data, including laser-line scan mosaics and sub-bottom profiles, document the dynamic nature of both environments. Temperature profiles, obtained by lowering a CTD into the brine fluid, show that the venting brine was at least 10°C warmer than the bottom water. At the brine pool, thermal stratification was observed and only small differences in stratification were documented between three sampling times (1991, 1997 and 1998). In contrast, at the mud volcano, substantial temperature variability was observed, with the core brine temperature being slightly higher than bottom water (by 2°C) in 1997 but substantially higher than bottom water (by 19°C) in 1998. Detailed geochemical samples were obtained in 2002 using a device called the "brine trapper" and concentrations of dissolved gases, major ions and nutrients were determined. Both brines contained about four times as much salt as seawater and steep concentration gradients of dissolved ions and nutrients versus brine depth were apparent. Differences in the concentrations of calcium, magnesium and potassium between the two brine fluids suggest that the fluids are derived from different sources, have different dilution/mixing histories, or that brine-sediment reactions are more important at the mud volcano. Substantial concentrations of methane, ammonium, and silicate were observed in both brines, suggesting that fluids expelled from deep ocean brines are important sources of these constituents to the surrounding environment.
Inverse Design Problems in Electromagnetics and Nano-Photonics

In the Photonic Crystal field, we must now concentrate on the numerical solution of inverse design problems. There are a number of inverse algorithms, including genetic algorithms, the error-propagation method, and simulated annealing, that can contribute toward photonic crystal design.
Luminal bacteria and proteases together decrease adherence of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites to Chinese hamster ovary epithelial cells: a novel host defence against an enteric pathogen.

BACKGROUND: Factors that prevent colonic mucosal invasion by pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica are not understood. A key initial step in pathogenesis of injury induced by amoeba is adherence to target cells mediated by a surface glycoprotein lectin on E histolytica. Mucin degrading bacteria normally present in the colon lumen produce glycosidases that degrade soluble or cell surface glycoconjugates. AIM: To determine whether glycosidases produced by mucin degrading bacteria, alone or in combination with proteases present in colon lumen, can decrease E histolytica adherence to target epithelial cells by degrading E histolytica adherence lectin. METHODS: The effects of exposure of E histolytica trophozoites strains HM1:IMSS and 200:NIH to faecal culture supernatant fluids, culture supernatant preparations of mucin degrading bacteria, and luminal proteases on their adherence to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were determined. The amount of surface adherence lectin on E histolytica trophozoites before and after treatment with glycosidases and proteases was determined by immunofluorescence. The effect of glycosidases and proteases on purified E histolytica lectin was determined by gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Incubation of E histolytica with culture supernatant preparations or proteases alone did not modify their CHO cell adherence. However, 24 hour incubation of trophozoites with culture supernatant preparations together with pancreatic proteases decreased CHO cell adherence of HM1:IMSS strain by 71.1% (p
Estimates and influences of reflective opposite-sex norms on alcohol use among a high-risk sample of college students: Exploring Greek-affiliation and gender effects

Reflective opposite sex norms are behavior that an individual believes the opposite sex prefers them to do. The current study extends research on this recently introduced construct by examining estimates and influences of reflective norms on drinking in a large high-risk heterosexual sample of male and female college students from two universities. Both gender and Greek-affiliation served as potential statistical moderators of the reflective norms and drinking relationship. All participants (N=1790; 57% female) answered questions regarding the amount of alcohol they believe members of the opposite sex would like their opposite sex friends, dates, and sexual partners to drink. Participants also answered questions regarding their actual preferences for drinking levels in each of these three relationship categories. Overall, women overestimated how much men prefer their female friends and potential sexual partners to drink, whereas men overestimated how much women prefer their sexual partners to drink. Greek-affiliated males demonstrated higher reflective norms than non-Greek males across all relationship categories, and for dating partners, only Greek-affiliated males misperceived women's actual preferences. Among women however, there were no differences between reflective norm estimates or the degree of misperception as a function of Greek status. Most importantly, over and above perceived same-sex social norms, higher perceived reflective norms tended to account for greater variance in alcohol consumption for Greeks (vs. non-Greeks) and males (vs. females), particularly within the friend and sexual partner contexts. The findings highlight that potential benefits might arise if existing normative feedback interventions were augmented with reflective normative feedback designed to target the discrepancy between perceived and actual drinking preferences of the opposite sex. Language: en
The Role of Secretory Immunity in Hepatitis A Virus Infection

Because the role of intestinal immunity remains uncertain in hepatitis A, samples of feces and saliva from infected primates and humans were tested for virus neutralizing activity. Only two of eight owl monkeys infected by the intragastric route developed neutralizing antibody detectable in extracts of feces collected up to 88 days after viral challenge, although serum neutralizing antibody was present in all monkeys by day 33. Similarly, neutralizing antibody was detected in fecal extracts from none of three experimentally infected human volunteers and only 1 of 15 naturally infected humans. The single positive human specimen contained occult blood. Only 2 of 19 saliva samples from naturally infected humans had significant viral neutralizing activity. In contrast, neutralizing antibody to type 2 poliovirus was present in most human fecal or saliva specimens tested. These data suggest that intestinal immunity does not play a significant role in protection against hepatitis A.
Ankyrin-B reduction enhances Ca spark-mediated SR Ca release promoting cardiac myocyte arrhythmic activity

Ankyrin-B (AnkB) loss-of-function may cause ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in humans. Cardiac myocytes from AnkB heterozygous mice (AnkB(+/-)) show reduced expression and altered localization of Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) and Na/K-ATPase (NKA), key players in regulating [Na](i) and [Ca](i). Here we investigate how AnkB reduction affects cardiac [Na](i), [Ca](i) and SR Ca release. We found reduced NCX and NKA transport function but unaltered [Na](i) and diastolic [Ca](i) in myocytes from AnkB(+/-) vs. wild-type (WT) mice. Ca transients, SR Ca content and fractional SR Ca release were larger in AnkB(+/-) myocytes. The frequency of spontaneous, diastolic Ca sparks (CaSpF) was significantly higher in intact myocytes from AnkB(+/-) vs. WT myocytes (with and without isoproterenol), even when normalized for SR Ca load. However, total ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated SR Ca leak (tetracaine-sensitive) was not different between groups. Thus, in AnkB(+/-) mice SR Ca leak is biased towards more Ca sparks (vs. smaller release events), suggesting more coordinated openings of RyRs in a cluster. This is due to local cytosolic RyR regulation, rather than intrinsic RyR differences, since CaSpF was similar in saponin-permeabilized myocytes from WT and AnkB(+/-) mice. The more coordinated RyRs openings resulted in an increased propensity of pro-arrhythmic Ca waves in AnkB(+/-) myocytes. In conclusion, AnkB reduction alters cardiac Na and Ca transport and enhances the coupled RyR openings, resulting in more frequent Ca sparks and waves although the total SR Ca leak is unaffected. This could enhance the propensity for triggered arrhythmias in AnkB(+/-) mice.
Association analysis-based transformations for protein interaction networks: a function prediction case study

Protein interaction networks are one of the most promising types of biological data for the discovery of functional modules and the prediction of individual protein functions. However, it is known that these networks are both incomplete and inaccurate, i.e., they have spurious edges and lackbiologically valid edges. One way to handle this problem is by transforming the original interaction graph into new graphs that remove spurious edges, add biologically valid ones, and assign reliability scores to the edges constituting the final network. We investigate currently existing methods, as well as propose a robust association analysis-based method for this task. This method is based on the concept of h-confidence, which is a measure that can be used to extract groups of objects having high similarity with each other. Experimental evaluation on several protein interaction data sets show that hyperclique-based transformations enhance the performance of standard function prediction algorithms significantly, and thus have merit.
Exploring the origin of the ion selectivity of the KcsA potassium channel

The availability of structural information about biological ion channels provides an opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the control of ion selectivity by biological systems. However, accomplishing this task by computer simulation approaches is very challenging. First, although the activation barriers for ion transport can be evaluated by microscopic simulations, it is hard to obtain accurate results by such approaches. Second, the selectivity is related to the actual ion current and not directly to the individual activation barriers. Thus, it is essential to simulate the ion currents and this cannot be accomplished at present by microscopic MD approaches. In order to address this challenge, we developed and refined an approach capable of evaluating ion current while still reflecting the realistic features of the given channel. Our method involves generation of semimacroscopic free energy surfaces for the channel/ions system and Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations of the corresponding ion current. In contrast to most alternative macroscopic models, our approach is able to reproduce the difference between the free energy surfaces of different ions and thus to address the selectivity problem. Our method is used in a study of the selectivity of the KcsA channel toward the K+ and Na+ ions. The BD simulations with the calculated free energy profiles produce an appreciable selectivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the trend in the selectivity in the ion current is produced by a computer simulation approach. Nevertheless, the calculated selectivity is still smaller than its experimental estimate. Recognizing that the calculated profiles are not perfect, we examine how changes in these profiles can account for the observed selectivity. It is found that the origin of the selectivity is more complex than generally assumed. The observed selectivity can be reproduced by increasing the barrier at the exit and the entrance of the selectivity filter, but the necessary changes in the barrier approach the limit of the error in the PDLD/S-LRA calculations. Other options that can increase the selectivity are also considered, including the difference between the Na+...Na+ and K+...K+ interaction. However, this interesting effect does not appear to lead to a major difference in selectivity since the Na+ ions at the limit of strong interaction tend to move in a less concerted way than the K+ ions. Changes in the relative binding energies at the different binding sites are also not so effective in changing the selectivity. Finally, it is pointed out that using the calculated profiles as a starting point and forcing the model to satisfy different experimentally based constraints, should eventually provide more detailed understanding of the different complex factors involved in ion selectivity of biological channels.
Menopausal hormone therapy and risk of colorectal cancer.

We evaluated colorectal cancer risk associated with the duration and recency of specific menopausal hormone therapy formulations (i.e., unopposed estrogen versus estrogen plus progestin) and regimens (i.e., sequential versus continuous estrogen plus progestin use) among 56,733 postmenopausal women participating in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project follow-up study. Hormone therapy use and other risk factors were ascertained through telephone interviews and mailed questionnaires from 1979 to 1998. The final cancer group included 960 women who were identified from self-report, medical records, state registry data, and the National Death Index. Poisson regression was used to generate multivariable rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We observed a decreased risk of colorectal cancer among ever users of unopposed estrogen therapy (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.99). Among estrogen users, the largest reduced risk was observed for current users (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.54-1.05) and users of ≥ten years duration (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.96). We found a reduced risk among users of estrogen plus progestin therapy (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.60-1.02), with sequential regimen users (progestin <15 days per cycle) having the largest risk reduction (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.95). Past users of ≥5 years ago (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.98) had the largest risk reduction. In this study, estrogen plus progestin use, especially sequential regimen use, was associated with the largest overall reduction of colorectal cancer risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(1):196–203)
“Living high-training low”: effect of moderate-altitude acclimatization with low-altitude training on performance

Levine, Benjamin D., and James Stray-Gundersen.“Living high-training low”: effect of moderate-altitude acclimatization with low-altitude training on performance.J. Appl. Physiol. 83(1): 102–112, 19...
Pleiotropic QTL on chromosome 19q13 for triglycerides and adiposity: The HERITAGE family study

Motivated by strong correlations between plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) and adiposity traits, we conducted a series of bivariate genome-wide linkage analyses of TG with body mass index (BMI), total fat mass (FAT), percentage of body fat (FATPC), and abdominal subcutaneous fat (ASF). Maximum lod scores of 3.3, 3.0, 2.2 and 2.4, respectively, were found on chromosome 19q13. This linkage region includes the APOE gene, a predictor of variation in lipid-lipoprotein levels, and the hormone-sensitive lipase (LIPE) gene, a key enzyme in the mobilization of fatty acids from triglyceride stores. In addition, the adiposity measures together with the APOE marker showed significant association with TG levels (p = 0.02 to p = 0.03). In summary, these results suggest that one or more QTLs in the 19q13 region jointly influence TG levels and adiposity. Polymorphisms in the APOE gene, and possibly LIPE gene, appear to be strong candidates for the source of this pleiotropic QTL.
Information Desired and Acquired by Men With Prostate Cancer: Data From Ethnic Focus Groups

Informationand understandingare needed so that men with prostate cancer can effectively manage and cope with their disease. Although research has shown that cultural beliefs and practices influence the way people access health-related knowledge, little research has addressed how ethnicity affects the information desired and received among low-income men with prostate cancer. This research sought to (a) describe baseline knowledge at diagnosis, information subsequently received, information sources utilized, and knowledge believed to have been helpful and (b) explore differences in desired information among men of various ethnicities. Six ethnicityspecific focus groups among men diagnosed with prostate cancer were conducted. With content analysis, themes emerging from each focus group were identified and compared. Results highlight disparities in the pros tate cancer information desired and acquired by men of different ethnicities.
Optimal storage scheduling for minimizing schedule deviations considering variability of generated wind power

Incorporation of energy storage units with wind farms is being considered critical for wind farms to address variability in wind power generation and meeting committed generation schedules. However, operational constraints such as limited energy of storage units, in addition to the inherent variability of wind power, limit the maximum generation commitment that can be met reliably by a wind farm operating in combination with a storage plant. This paper presents a method for computing an optimal storage dispatch for a storage unit coupled with a wind farm over the period of one hour with the objective of minimizing generation schedule deviations and taking into consideration the uncertainties involved in wind power predictions. The optimization uses a stochastic dynamic programming framework in discrete time. The algorithm minimizes the total expected deviations from a steady power delivery schedule of the combined wind farm-energy storage plant. Tests on a simplified model of a wind-storage plant connected to a load verify the desired objectives. The deviations when generated wind power is known accurately are also presented as a special case. Results provide insights about the maximum generation commitment the combined wind-storage unit can meet without deviations over the scheduling horizon given the probabilities of power generation from wind.
NMR studies of p7 protein from hepatitis C virus

The p7 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays an important role in the viral lifecycle. Like other members of the viroporin family of small membrane proteins, the amino acid sequence of p7 is largely conserved over the entire range of genotypes, and it forms ion channels that can be blocked by a number of established channel-blocking compounds. Its characteristics as a membrane protein make it difficult to study by most structural techniques, since it requires the presence of lipids to fold and function properly. Purified p7 can be incorporated into phospholipid bilayers and micelles. Initial solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of p7 in 14-O-PC/6-O-PC bicelles indicate that the protein contains helical segments that are tilted approximately 10° and 25° relative to the bilayer normal. A truncated construct corresponding to the second transmembrane domain of p7 is shown to have properties similar to those of the full-length protein, and was used to determine that the helix segment tilted at 10° is in the C-terminal portion of the protein. The addition of the channel blocker amantadine to the full-length protein resulted in selective chemical shift changes, demonstrating that NMR has a potential role in the development of drugs targeted to p7.
Semiconductor nanocrystals for biological imaging

Conventional organic fluorophores suffer from poor photo stability, narrow absorption spectra and broad emission spectra. Semiconductor nanocrystals, however, are highly photo-stable with broad absorption spectra and narrow size-tunable emission spectra. Recent advances in the synthesis of these materials have resulted in the generation of bright, sensitive, extremely photo-stable and biocompatible semiconductor fluorophores. Commercial availability facilitates their application in a variety of unprecedented biological experiments, including multiplexed cellular imaging, long-term in vitro and in vivo labeling, deep tissue structure mapping and single particle investigation of dynamic cellular processes. Semiconductor nanocrystals are one of the first examples of nanotechnology enabling a new class of biomedical applications.
Comparison of Earth Observing-1 ALI and Landsat ETM+ for crop identification and yield prediction in Mexico

This paper presents a comparison of Earth Observing 1 (EO-1) Advanced Land Imager (ALI) and Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images collected over an agricultural region in northwest Mexico. Across 115 fields with a range of cover types, radiance measurements collected by ALI were within 3% of ETM+ for all five common bands. Crop discrimination was significantly improved with ALI compared to ETM+, with an increase from 85% to 95% accuracy for distinguishing maize from wheat fields. This improvement was attributed to the greater SNR in ALI, as well as the unique information content of ALI band 4p (0.84-0.89 /spl mu/m), which may be due to sensitivity to canopy water content. Yield predictions from reflectance-calibrated data did not reveal significant differences between the sensors. The greatest distinction between ALI and ETM+ was observed in the panchromatic band, with ALI providing more detailed information on inter- and intrafield radiance differences, which show promise for precision agriculture applications. We conclude that ALI meets or exceeds ETM+ performance for agricultural applications evaluated here, thus providing a plausible option for continuity of the valuable Landsat record.
Changes in Concentration of Plasma Proteins Associated with Marek’s Disease

Abstract The agent of Marek’s disease (MD) has been demonstrated in the oral washings (Kenzy and Biggs, 1967), and feces (Witter and Burmester, 1967) of infected chickens and in the air (Sevoian et al., 1963) of their environment. Although conclusive evidence has not been presented, the herpes-type virus has been implicated as the causative agent of MD. The positive correlation between the presence of the herpes-type virus and infectivity of preparations from leukotic birds strongly suggests this implication is true (Churchill and Biggs, 1967 ; Witter et al., 1969). If a virus is the causative agent of MD, one might expect an antigen-antibody response, although the strong cell association of the virus may interfere with this response. Chubb and Churchill (1968), using an agargel technique, demonstrated a line of precipitation when an antigen prepared from chicken kidney cell cultures (infected with the MD isolate and showing the herpes-type cytopathic effect) was tested against sera from birds experimentally infected with MD.…
The Groucho-like transcription factor UNC-37 functions with the neural specificity gene unc-4 to govern motor neuron identity in C. elegans

Groucho and Tup1 are members of a conserved family of WD repeat proteins that interact with specific transcription factors to repress target genes. Here we show that mutations in WD domains of the Groucho-like protein, UNC-37, affect a motor neuron trait that also depends on UNC-4, a homeodomain protein that controls neuronal specificity in Caenorhabditis elegans. In unc-4 mutants, VA motor neurons assume the pattern of synaptic input normally reserved for their lineal sister cells, the VB motor neurons; the loss of normal input to the VAs produces a distinctive backward movement defect. Substitution of a conserved residue (H to Y) in the fifth WD repeat in unc-37(e262) phenocopies the Unc-4 movement defect. Conversely, an amino acid change (E to K) in the sixth WD repeat of UNC-37 is a strong suppressor of unc-37(e262) and of specific unc-4 missense mutations. We have previously shown that UNC-4 expression in the VA motor neurons specifies the wild-type pattern of presynaptic input. Here we demonstrate that UNC-37 is also expressed in the VAs and that unc-37 activity in these neurons is sufficient to restore normal movement to unc-37(e262) animals. We propose that UNC-37 and UNC-4 function together to prevent expression of genes that define the VB pattern of synaptic inputs and thereby generate connections specific to the VA motor neurons. In addition, we show that the WD repeat domains of UNC-37 and of the human homolog, TLE1, are functionally interchangeable in VA motor neurons which suggests that this highly conserved protein domain may also specify motor neuron identity and synaptic choice in more complex nervous systems.
ZOLEDRONIC ACID THERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH PAGET DISEASE OF BONE RESISTANT TO OR WITH UNSUSTAINED REMISSION FOLLOWING PRIOR BISPHOSPHONATE THERAPY.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) in patients with Paget disease (PD) who had not had a biochemical remission with prior bisphosphonate therapy or had a remission ≤12 months. Methods: The effects of ZA therapy were studied in 14 patients aged 54 to 90. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were elevated to at least 40% above the normal reference range, and glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) were ≥40 mL/minute. ZA (5 mg) was infused over 15 minutes. ALP and urine N-telopeptide/creatinine (NTx/Cr) were obtained before therapy and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and thereafter at 4-month intervals. Results: At baseline, ALP ranged from 141 to 1,009 U/L. In 13 patients, ALP fell to normal following ZA administration. Remissions occurred in 9 patients who had not previously had a remission. Remissions varied from 12 to 60 months and were more prolonged in 4 patients with prior remissions ≤12 months. ZA failed to induce a remission in 1 patient. Ten to 12 days after therapy in 3 asymptomatic patients, serum calcium levels fell to 7.9, 8, and 8.3 mg/dL. Other than flu-like symptoms in 3 patients after ZA infusion, there were no other adverse effects. Conclusion: Therapy with ZA induced remissions in 13/14 patients and induced more prolonged remissions in patients who previously had remissions ≤12 months. The lack of remission in 1 patient despite 2 courses of therapy is evidence of a continuing therapeutic challenge for some patients with a more resistant form of PD. Abbreviations: ALP = alkaline phosphatase Cr = creatinine NTx = N-telopeptide 25-OHD = 25-hydroxyvitamin D PD = Paget disease ZA = zoledronic acid
Moving Beyond Boundaries: Aminata Sow Fall, Douceurs Du Bercail (Comforts of the Fold)

The sense of place which humanist geographer Yi Fu Tuan defines as a calm center of established values becomes elusive as displacement and exile become increasingly prevalent. In this vein, Aminata Sow Falls novel Douceurs du bercail (1998), offers important perspectives on both Senegalese emigration and the concept of home. When Asta, a Senegalese cadre en route to an international conference in Paris, is erroneously detained by French customs authorities, she finds herself incarcerated with a group of undocumented immigrants in a hangar at Charles deGaulle Airport in Paris. Awaiting deportation, Asta comes to understand the plight of Africans who, unlike her, chose exile in search of greater economic opportunity, and resolves to implement a cooperative in Senegal devoted to developing the land upon her return home. Through her vision and engagement, Asta attests to womens active participation in society, subverting the paradigm of the African woman defined in terms of her domestic role. I suggest in this reading that as Sow Fall broadens the concept of home to include the community and by extension the nation, she portrays a protagonist who assumes a transient subjectivity, moving beyond patriarchal domination and control, crossing metaphoricalif not physical borders.
Are Triptans safe in Basilar and Hemiplegic Migraine? A retrospective chart review (S23.002)

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to review the safety of triptans use in basilar and hemiplegic migraine. BACKGROUND: Triptans are class of first-line medications used to abort migraine headaches. Triptans are thought to work partly by causing blood vessels to remain constricted thus preventing migraines. Basilar and hemiplegic migraine are listed as a contraindications for use of triptans due to the theoretical risk of blood vessel constriction leading to stroke in these types of migraine. Triptans, however, are often used in these patient groups in clinical practice due to the lack of evidence showing that triptrans causes stroke. DESIGN/METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of all the patients with a diagnosis of basilar or hemiplegic migraine. An IRB for the chart review was obtained at the University of Utah and our study was exempted. Patients with diagnosis of basilar and hemiplegic migraine from January 2014 to October 2014 were identified by Epic report generator. The patient records were reviewed to identify patients who received triptans. RESULTS: There were 40 patients with basilar or hemiplegic migraine prescribed triptans in our clinic over a period of 10 months. The most common side effect of triptans in patients with basilar or hemiplegic migraine was dizziness. Other side effects included headache, flushing, and shortness of breath. None of the patients with basilar or hemiplegic migraine experienced stroke while taking the triptans.CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective study showed that Triptans are safe medication for use in both basilar and hemiplegic migraine and are not associated with stroke. Study Supported by: None Disclosure: Dr. Singh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sherman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zinkhan has nothing to disclose.
Transitional Care Interventions to Prevent Readmissions for Patients with Heart Failure.

Home visiting programs and multidisciplinary clinic interventions for adult patients with heart failure reduced all-cause readmissions and mortality over three to six months. Structured telephone support reduced heart failure–specific readmissions and mortality over three to six months. However, structured telephone support did not reduce all-cause readmissions over a similar period.
Modeling of a Membrane Mirror Strip Actuated Using a Piezoelectric Bimorph

This paper presents an improved model for the one-dimensional behavior of a membrane mirror strip actuated using a piezoelectric bimorph. This model specifically accounts for the changes in physical properties of the membrane strip at the location of the piezoelectric bimorph. The membrane strip is modeled as a pinned-pinned beam under tension and the finite element method (FEM) is used to represent the system mathematically. The frequency response obtained from the proposed model is shown to be in agreement with experiments. Furthermore, the importance of including local mass and stiffness effects is demonstrated.© 2006 ASME
Enhancement of oncolytic effect of Russian encephalitis virus.

SummaryBy continuous passage in the transplantable mouse tumor sarcoma 180 it has been possible to increase the ability of the virus of Russian encephalitis to destroy this tumor. Conversely, continuous passage in the mouse brain resulted in a loss of oncolytic activity. In other experiments the virus of Russian encephalitis was changed by continuous passage in the Wagnar osteogenic sarcoma so that it caused destruction of this hitherto resistant tumor.
Defect production mechanisms during keV ion irradiation: results of computer simulations

MD simulations have been employed to investigate damage processes during keV bombardment of metal targets. For self-ion irradiations of Au, Cu, and Pt in the range of 5-20 keV, we have found that both the amount and the character of the damage created in the surface depends sensitively on the details of the energy deposition along individual ion trajectories. In all of these cases, significantly more damage is produced and more atomic mixing takes place relative to corresponding recoil events in the crystal interior. In some cases, enormous craters are formed in an explosive event, while in others a convective flow of atoms to the surface leaves dislocations behind. The results of these simulations will be summarized and their significance for damage studies of ion irradiated materials, discussed.
Fatty Acids in Lipid Fractions of Early and Late-Stage Larvae of Heliothis zea and in the Diet

The fatty acids in the phospholipids, miscellaneous lipids, triglycerides, and sterol esters of early- and late-stage larvae of the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and in the larval diet, as determined with gas liquid chromatography, showed significant differences. In general, percentage of palmitoleic, stearic, and oleic acids was higher in the insect than in the diet and increased as the insect matured, except that the amount of linoleic and linolenic acids decreased. This decrease seemed to be related to the synthesis of the fatty acids by the insect. Also, fatty acids were not evenly distributed between the phospholipids and triglycerides. The phospholipids contained less palmitic and oleic acids, but more stearic, linoleic, and linolenic acids; the reverse was true of the triglycerides. In addition, the distribution of fatty acids in the phospholipids and triglycerides of early- and late-stage larvae was different.
Tuning the structure and solubility of nanojars by peripheral ligand substitution, leading to unprecedented liquid–liquid extraction of the carbonate ion from water into aliphatic solvents

Nanojars, a novel class of neutral anion-incarcerating agents of the general formula [Cu(II)(OH)(pz)]n (Cun; n = 27-31, pz = pyrazolate anion), efficiently sequester various oxoanions with large hydration energies from water. In this work, we explore whether substituents on the pyrazole ligand interfere with nanojar formation, and whether appropriate substituents could be employed to tune the solubility of nanojars in solvents of interest, such as long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (solvent of choice for large-scale liquid-liquid extraction processes) and water. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive study using 40 different pyrazole ligands, with one, two or three substituents in their 3-, 4- and 5-positions. The corresponding nanojars are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and/or electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The results show that Cun-nanojars with various substituents in the pyrazole 4-position, including long chains, phenyl and CF3 groups, can be obtained. Straight chains are also tolerated at the pyrazole 3-position, and favor the Cu30-nanojar. Homoleptic nanojars, however, could not be obtained with phenyl or CF3 groups. Nevertheless, if used in mixture with the parent non-substituted pyrazole, sterically hindered pyrazoles do form heteroleptic nanojars. With 3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles, only heteroleptic nanojars are accessible. The crystal structure of novel nanojars (Bu4N)2[CO3⊂{Cu30(OH)30(3,5-Me2pz)y(pz)30-y}] (y = 14 and 15) is presented. We find that in contrast to the parent nanojar, which is insoluble in aliphatic solvents and water, nanojars with alkyl substituents are soluble in saturated hydrocarbon solvents, whereas nanojars based on novel pyrazoles, functionalized with oligoether chains, are readily soluble in water. Liquid-liquid extraction of carbonate from water under basic pH is presented for the first time.
Clinical Characteristics of 109 Children with Newly Diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed as childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus.Methods One hundred and nine cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus firstly diagnosed in children′s hospital of medical school of Zhejiang university were collected from Jan.1st,1999 to Apr.30th,2004.The clinical characteristics recorded on diagnosis were analyzed.Results The duration of history, hospitalization and the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were lower in non-ketoacidosis group than those in ketoacidosis group in cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus.The cases induced by infection were 19.3%; the ratio of hypokalemia in non-ketoacidosis group and ketoacidosis group were 55.3% and 35.5% respectively; there were significant difference in the ratio of hypokalemia between two groups. The incidence of palpitation-stuffy and fatigue in hypokalemia group and non-hypokalemia group were 35.4%,39.6% and 16.4%,11.5% ,respectively.There were differences of the above symptoms between two groups. All patients were rescued after treatment, but the out-hospital therapy compliance was different.Conclusions Infections may be involved in the onset and progress of childhood type 1 diabetes. The cases of diabetes with hypokalemia may not have typical signs and symptoms; more efforts should be made to educate the patients,their parents and more perfect medical insurance systems are needed to improve the patient′s compliance.