cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Container Type Affects Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Oviposition Choice

Larvae of container-breeding mosquitoes develop in a wide range of container habitats found in residential neighborhoods. Different mosquito species may exhibit preference for different container types and sizes. Due to phenological differences, species composition in container habitats may change over time. We first conducted weekly neighborhood container surveys to determine the types of container habitats found in residential neighborhoods, and to determine mosquito species composition over time within these habitats. We then conducted an oviposition choice field assay to determine whether female mosquitoes of different species preferentially oviposit in different container types commonly found in neighborhoods. Halfway through the experiment, the largest container was removed at half the sites to test the hypothesis that incomplete source reduction alters oviposition preference among the remaining containers. In the neighborhood surveys, large containers had the greatest mosquito densities and the highest species richness. Aedes albopictus (Skuse), the most commonly collected mosquito, was found in all container types. The oviposition experiment indicated that Culex spp. females preferentially oviposit in large containers. When the largest container was removed, the total number of egg rafts decreased. Aedes spp. females preferred to oviposit in large- and medium-sized containers, but the total number of eggs laid did not change when the large container was removed. These results confirm that understanding habitat preferences of container-breeding mosquitoes is important to control efforts targeting vector species and that incomplete removal of container habitats may have unpredictable consequences for the distribution of juveniles among remaining habitats.
Clinical Decision Support and Implications for the Clinician Burnout Crisis.

Objectives: This survey aimed to review aspects of clinical decision support (CDS) that contribute to burnout and identify key themes for improving the acceptability of CDS to clinicians, with the goal of decreasing said burnout. Methods: We performed a survey of relevant articles from 2018-2019 addressing CDS and aspects of clinician burnout from PubMed and Web of Science™. Themes were manually extracted from publications that met inclusion criteria. Results: Eighty-nine articles met inclusion criteria, including 12 review articles. Review articles were either prescriptive, describing how CDS should work, or analytic, describing how current CDS tools are deployed. The non-review articles largely demonstrated poor relevance and acceptability of current tools, and few studies showed benefits in terms of efficiency or patient outcomes from implemented CDS. Encouragingly, multiple studies highlighted steps that succeeded in improving both acceptability and relevance of CDS. Conclusions: CDS can contribute to clinician frustration and burnout. Using the techniques of improving relevance, soliciting feedback, customization, measurement of outcomes and metrics, and iteration, the effects of CDS on burnout can be ameliorated.
Transcription factor activation and protein phosphorylation patterns are distinct for CD28 and ICAM-1 co-stimulatory molecules.

Abstract We examined signaling differences between two co-stimulatory molecules, CD28 and ICAM-1 by analyzing transcription factors and proteins that are activated downstream of these co-stimulations. We observed that FAST-1, a crucial protein in the TGFβ signaling pathway, was activated by only ICAM-1 co-stimulation, and not by CD28. We also observed that receptor tyrosine kinases Csk, Dtk, FGFR1 and ROR2 were phosphorylated upon CD28 co-stimulation and IGF-1R, HGFR, MuSK and EphA8 were phosphorylated upon ICAM-1 co-stimulation. Together, these findings suggest that these two co-stimulators induce the activation of different sets of proteins, suggesting that each co-stimulatory molecule has its unique signaling profile.
Fall-Related Eye Injury Among Older Adults in the United States

Purpose To identify common causes of emergency department–treated eye injury among older adults in the United States and to characterize fall-related ocular trauma in this population. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a nationally representative database of US emergency department–treated injuries, was used to assemble a cohort of adults ≥65 years of age with eye injuries between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019. Demographic information, diagnosis, disposition, injury location, and the consumer product associated with injury were collected. Narrative descriptions of all injuries were reviewed to identify eye injuries caused by falls. Results Four thousand nine hundred fifty-three eye injuries among older adults were reported from 2000-2019, a stratified probability sample representing approximately 238,162 injuries, with an average annual frequency of 12,000 injuries. Falls accounted for 11.5% of these injuries. Fall-related eye injuries commonly presented from home (66.5%) and were more likely to occur in the winter than eye injuries from other causes (28.1% vs 18.4%, P Conclusions Falls are an important mechanism of ocular trauma in older adults and are associated with worse outcomes compared with eye injuries from other causes.
Brief for 72 Professors of Intellectual Property Law as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondents in Oil States Energy v. Greene's Energy

This is a brief of 72 IP professors opposing the claim in Oil States that the IPR procedure is unconstitutional. Petitioner argues that only a court – indeed, only a jury – has the power to decide that the United States Patent and Trademark Office erred in granting a patent. That argument flies in the face of the history of patent law and this Court’s precedents. Patents are a creature of statute: as early as 1834, this Court specifically recognized that there is no “natural” or common law right to a patent. Rather, under its Article I power to establish a patent system, Congress is charged with determining the contours of the patent grant. Congressional power to establish the terms and conditions of the patent grant includes the power to establish a system for administrative correction of erroneously granted patents. PTAB error correction is also narrow in scope, targeted towards bad patents that district court litigation would not address, and only a modest extension of prior administrative correction proceedings. Moreover, even this narrow scope is subject to significant appellate court control. PTAB review thus addresses the social cost of erroneous patent grants without threatening Article III values. The Seventh Amendment does not compel a different conclusion. While patent infringement cases were tried to juries at common law, both the government and judges retained the power to revoke patents in England and in the early United States. When patent validity questions were considered in American courts throughout history, they were frequently considered by judges, not juries. And court consideration of patent validity issues coexisted with actions by the legislative and executive branches to revoke patents, actions which of course did not require a jury. While this Court need not reach the Seventh Amendment issue in order to dispose of petitioner’s claims, should it reach that issue it should make clear that the Seventh Amendment does not create a right to jury trial on patent validity.
Who Becomes a Member of Congress? Evidence from De-Anonymized Census Data

We link future members of Congress to the de-anonymized 1940 census to offer a uniquely detailed analysis of how economically unrepresentative American politicians were in the 20th century, and why. Future members under the age of 18 in 1940 grew up in households with parents who earned more than twice as much as the population average and who were more than 6 times as likely as the general population to hold college degrees. However, compared to siblings who did not become politicians, future members of Congress between the ages of 18 and 40 in 1940 were higher-earners and more educated, indicating that socioeconomic background alone does not explain the differences between politicians and non-politicians. Examining a smaller sample of candidates that includes non-winners, we find that the candidate pool is much higher-earning and more educated than the general population. At the same time, among the candidate pool, elections advantage candidates with higher earnings ability and education. We conclude that barriers to entry likely deter a more economically representative candidate pool, but that electoral advantages for more-educated individuals with more private-sector success also play an important role. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Diminished Public Self-Awareness in Nature Contributes to the Positive Effects of Contact with Nature on Connectedness to Nature

A number of studies have demonstrated that contact with nature increases connectedness to nature. The precise psychological process through which this effect occurs, however, has been relatively un...
Attitudinal Scale of Vengeance: Translation and Psychometric Evaluation in Pakistan

The present study aimed at psychometric evaluation of Vengeance Scale, originally developed by Stuckless and Goranson (Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 7, 25–42, Stuckless and Goranson, Journal of Social Behavior and Personality 7:25–42, 1992), for the population of Pakistan in Urdu language. This was accomplished in three studies. In the first study, the items were translated in target language through forward and back-translation procedure followed by a pilot study to evaluate the comprehensibility and cultural equivalence of the items in Pakistani context. In the second study, the psychometric properties of the Urdu-translated Vengeance Scale were assessed on a sample of 316 bilingual university students. The results of factorial analysis suggested that the Urdu-translated Vengeance Scale is a two-dimensional measure of vengeance with an adequate internal consistency. The last phase of the study established the convergent validity of the scale by correlating it with recalled memories of adverse childhood experiences, emotional awareness, global self-esteem, and hurt feelings on a sample of 189 bilingual university students. Multiple regression analysis indicated global self-esteem and emotional awareness and regulation as strongest predictors of vengeance. Overall, the study demonstrated that the Urdu-translated Vengeance Scale is a psychometrically reliable and valid measure of vengeance in Pakistani population.
Leff to Right

In 1979, Arthur Allen Leff wrote a law review article in the Duke Law Journal entitled, "Unspeakable Ethics, Unnatural Law," where he unveiled the normative abyss of modern jurisprudence. Rather simplistically, Leff struck down every normative claim that the law might impose with a two-word punch: "says who?" By this, Leff indirectly exposed the hazards of a human grounded legal system, a law grounded exclusively in power and coercion, not liberty and justice for all. The trouble with normative jurisprudence, as awakened by Leff, is not primarily an issue of locating a normative object (i.e., a law that ought to be obeyed), but locating a normative subject (i.e., someone capable of declaring law that ought to be obeyed). This struggle comes together in Leff's apex question: “Who among us ought to be able to declare law that ought to be obeyed?" Because of his convictions about the universe, Leff could not provide answers to the questions at which he so thoughtfully raised. But with different convictions, Leff's questions seem to find their answer.
Multi-omics analysis of multiple glucose-sensing receptor systems in yeast

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has long been used to produce alcohol from glucose and other sugars. While much is known about glucose metabolism, relatively little is known about the receptors and signaling pathways that indicate glucose availability. Here we compare the two glucose receptor systems in S. cerevisiae. The first is a heterodimer of transporter-like proteins (transceptors), while the second is a seven-transmembrane receptor coupled to a large G protein (Gpa2) and two small G proteins (Ras1 and Ras2). Through comprehensive measurements of glucose-dependent transcription and metabolism, we demonstrate that the two receptor systems have distinct roles in glucose signaling: the G protein-coupled receptor directs carbohydrate and energy metabolism, while the transceptors regulate ancillary processes such as ribosome, amino acids, cofactor and vitamin metabolism. The large G protein transmits the signal from its cognate receptor, while the small G protein Ras2 (but not Ras1) integrates responses from both receptor pathways. Collectively, our analysis reveals the molecular basis for glucose detection and the earliest events of glucose-dependent signal transduction in yeast.
Transitional Cell (Non-Squamous) Bladder Carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma is by far the most important type of cancer in the lower urinary tract, which occur anatomically anywhere in the urinary collection system, from the pelvis of the kidney down to the bladder and the urethra, where the urine exits the body. The most important current cause is cigarette smoking, and several genetic factors have been identified that slow the excretion of the carcinogens from tobacco smoke, thus prolonging contact with the bladder and increasing risk. A variety of occupational exposures also have been linked to bladder cancer, including aromatic amines such as benzidine, which are no longer used. Metal workers, rubber workers, smelter workers, and persons in a number of other occupations have been observed to be at high risk, and several different workplace exposures might be responsible. Arsenic exposure in the workplace, in medicines, and even in the water supply has been known to cause bladder cancer. This common cancer occurs less frequently in Los Angeles, and it is nearly three times as common among men as women, appears with increasing frequency in middle age, and is especially common among white men. It occurs less commonly among those of very low social class, and is decreasing in incidence in Los Angeles among both men and women.
Sustained effects of a visual prompt on dish storage in a hospital unit

We evaluated a strategy for decreasing improperly stored dishes in a hospital unit. A humorous sign and a neutral sign were posted to remind staff to store dishes properly, and follow-up data were collected to determine maintenance effects. Relative to baseline, fewer dishes were stored improperly when a sign was posted, regardless of sign content. These effects were maintained during a 4-month follow-up. Results of social validity questionnaires showed low acceptability for the humorous sign and moderate acceptability for the neutral sign.
Lithium isotope geochemistry of the Hawaiian plume: Results from the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project and Koolau Volcano

[1] We determined lithium isotopic compositions of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea basalts from the 3.1 km drill hole of the Hawaiian Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP); for comparison Li isotopic ratios were also determined for basalts from Koolau volcano. These two suites of samples define geochemical extremes in the range of Hawaiian shield lavas. The 400 Ka record of Mauna Kea in the HSDP core shows temporal fluctuations between low δ7Li (∼4‰ relative to the L-SVEC standard) and high δ7Li (5–6‰), suggesting that the source components in the Hawaiian plume are heterogeneous in Li isotopic composition. Based on SiO2 content and isotopic ratios of He, Li, Nd, Hf and Pb, three geochemical groups are identified in Mauna Kea lavas. Mauna Kea basalts between 1900 and 2500 mbsl have relatively low δ7Li of about 4‰. They are low SiO2 lavas distinguished by the highest 3He/4He and 208Pb/204Pb, and low 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd. Like basalt from Loihi seamount, this Mauna Kea group is considered to originate from the core of the plume. Above 1900 mbsl, high δ7Li lavas with high SiO2 contents appear in both the submarine and subaerial sections. They are marked by low 3He/4He and high 176Hf/177Hf. The 7Li-rich signature of some samples (δ7Li up to 5.7) is indicative of recycled oceanic crust in the plume. This magma group defines the Kea component. The low SiO2 lavas in the subaerial section have low δ7Li (∼4‰), 3He/4He and 208Pb/204Pb. Their δ7Li values overlap the range of δ7Li in unaltered mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) and are consistent with upper mantle material entrained by the plume or contamination of plume-derived magmas by the Pacific lithosphere. The δ7Li of Koolau lavas mostly fall within the range of 4.5 ± 0.3‰. Exceptions are two samples that have δ7Li of 2–3‰. The lightest isotopic values may indicate subducted Li that was isotopically fractionated during slab dehydration. In contrast to other isotopic systems, most Koolau samples, however, resemble Mauna Kea samples in Li isotopic composition. Mauna Loa samples have δ7Li values of 3.5 to 4.9‰, within the range of the Koolau and Mauna Kea lavas. Based on these data, the Loa trend volcanoes and Kea trend volcanoes have largely overlapping Li isotopic compositions. In summary, the Hawaiian plume is not highly variable in Li isotopic composition; δ7Li is typically ∼4‰ with perturbations by subducted components to lower and higher ratios (2.5 to 5.7‰). The overlap of most Hawaiian basalt and MORB in their range of Li isotopic ratios suggests minor influence of recycled oceanic crust in the plume and perhaps similar Li isotopic ratios in the upper and lower mantle.
Characterization of rhodopsin mis-sorting and constitutive activation in a transgenic rat model of retinitis pigmentosa.

Purpose To determine the extent to which rhodopsin mis-sorting and constitutive activation of the phototransduction cascade contribute to retinal degeneration in a transgenic rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. Methods Retinas from transgenic rats expressing truncated rhodopsin (Ser334ter) were examined by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry at several time points. Retinal degeneration in transgenic rats raised in darkness was evaluated by quantification of outer nuclear layer thickness and by electroretinography. Results Mutant rhodopsin was found at inappropriately high levels in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of Ser334ter rat photoreceptors. When the cell death rate was high this mis-sorting was severe, but mis-sorting attenuated greatly at later stages of degeneration, as the cell death rate decreased. The distributions of two other outer segment proteins (the cGMP-gated channel and peripherin) were examined and found to be sorted normally within the photoreceptors of these rats. Raising Ser334ter transgenic rats in darkness resulted in minimal rescue from retinal degeneration. Conclusions Because dark rearing Ser334ter rats results in little rescue, it is concluded that constitutive activation of the phototransduction cascade does not contribute significantly to photoreceptor cell death in this rat model. The nature of the rhodopsin sorting defect and the correlation between the severity of mis-sorting and rate of cell death indicate that truncated rhodopsin may cause apoptosis by interfering with normal cellular machinery in the post-Golgi transport pathway or in the plasma membrane.
NK Dendritic Cells Are Innate Immune Responders to Listeria monocytogenes Infection

NK dendritic cells (NKDC) are recently described immunologic cells that possess both lytic and Ag-presenting function and produce prolific quantities of IFN-γ. The role of NKDC in innate immunity to bacterial infection is unknown. Because IFN-γ is important in the immune response to Listeria monocytogenes (LM), we hypothesized that NKDC play a critical role during LM infection in mice. We found that LM increased the frequency and activation state of NKDC in vivo. Using in vivo intracellular cytokine analysis, we demonstrated that NKDC are a major source of early IFN-γ during infection with LM. Adoptive transfer of wild-type NKDC into IFN-γ-deficient recipients that were subsequently infected with LM decreased bacterial burden in the liver and spleen and prolonged survival. In contrast, NK cells were depleted early during LM infection, produced less IFN-γ, and conferred less protection upon adoptive transfer into IFN-γ-deficient mice. In vitro, LM induction of IFN-γ secretion by NKDC depended on TLR9, in addition to IL-18 and IL-12. Our study establishes NKDC as innate immune responders to bacterial infection by virtue of their ability to secrete IFN-γ.
Nbs1 ChIP-Seq Identifies Off-Target DNA Double-Strand Breaks Induced by AID in Activated Splenic B Cells

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is required for initiation of Ig class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) of antibody genes during immune responses. AID has also been shown to induce chromosomal translocations, mutations, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) involving non-Ig genes in activated B cells. To determine what makes a DNA site a target for AID-induced DSBs, we identify off-target DSBs induced by AID by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) for Nbs1, a protein that binds DSBs, followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq). We detect and characterize hundreds of off-target AID-dependent DSBs. Two types of tandem repeats are highly enriched within the Nbs1-binding sites: long CA repeats, which can form Z-DNA, and tandem pentamers containing the AID target hotspot WGCW. These tandem repeats are not nearly as enriched at AID-independent DSBs, which we also identified. Msh2, a component of the mismatch repair pathway and important for genome stability, increases off-target DSBs, similar to its effect on Ig switch region DSBs, which are required intermediates during CSR. Most of the off-target DSBs are two-ended, consistent with generation during G1 phase, similar to DSBs in Ig switch regions. However, a minority are one-ended, presumably due to conversion of single-strand breaks to DSBs during replication. One-ended DSBs are repaired by processes involving homologous recombination, including break-induced replication repair, which can lead to genome instability. Off-target DSBs, especially those present during S phase, can lead to chromosomal translocations, deletions and gene amplifications, resulting in the high frequency of B cell lymphomas derived from cells that express or have expressed AID.
The role of aldosterone antagonism agents in diabetic kidney disease.

SUMMARY Background Diabetic kidney disease is a common consequence of the development of diabetes. In the United Kingdom 18–30% of chronic kidney disease cases and 44% of end-stage renal disease cases in the United States have been attributed to complications of diabetic kidney disease. Angiotensin blockade using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers is the standard for slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Evidence suggests that aldosterone antagonism added to standard therapy may be beneficial. Aim of Review This paper aims to explore the pathophysiological contribution of aldosterone in diabetic kidney disease and review available literature for aldosterone antagonism through mineralocorticoid receptor blockade. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Results were analysed and summarised. Results Nine trials evaluating a total of 535 patients with diabetic kidney disease were identified that evaluated the use of aldosterone antagonists for reducing the signs of diabetic kidney disease. All trials demonstrated a marked decrease in urinary protein excretion when compared to, or added to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition or angiotensin receptor blockade. The most commonly reported side effect in all of the trials was hyperkalaemia, which occurred in 6.1% of all patients evaluated. Aldosterone antagonists were generally well tolerated in the evaluated patient populations. Conclusion Aldosterone antagonism may represent a safe and effective complimentary therapy to the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, or angiotensin receptor blockade, for slowing the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
Theoretical Orientation and Responses to Abuse in Nursing Homes

Abstract Nursing home ombudsmen are often the first agents to learn of cases of elder abuse and neglect. As such, they are in a critical position in the response system. In this research, we surveyed 203 ombudsmen from 26 states to examine: the process used to address allegations of abuses against older persons; how ombudsmen define abuse; what problems they confront; and how they explain the existence of elder abuse and neglect. Findings suggest that they (1) investigate and refer cases to a range of aging, social welfare, health, and criminal justice agencies, (2) confront numerous problems in investigating and determining case outcome, (3) define elder abuse in ways similar to nursing home professionals, and (4) see elder abuse in a complex framework. Their definitions were individualized and rights-centered rather than criminal justice based. Their perceptions about causality had only minor influence on their responses to, and definitions of, elder abuse. Implications are provided.
BASIS OF STABILITY OF AMINE SALTS OF LINOLEIC ACID

SUMMARY— The mechanism and generality of the known stabilization against autoxidation conferred on linoleic acid by certain basic amino acids, such as lysine and arginine, was investigated. Basic amino acids were the only class of compounds found to confer the effect. However, the smallest basic amino acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, was not effective, nor was αβω-diaminc acid, 3,6-diaminohexanoic acid, although a simple isomer of lysine. The stabilization was observed only in the solid phase. Inclusion of sodium chloride in the solid matrix was deleterious to the effect. A large number of physical and chemical observations were made and correlated but it has not been possible to draw detailed conclusions about the mechanism of stabilization, nor can a detailed structure of the stabilized complex be suggested. The cause of the phenomenon appears to be closely associated with the physical arrangement of the ions in the crystal lattice.
Integrating Aesthetic and Usability Factors in the Design of Mobile Phones

Modern society has come to rely on mobile phones, devices of great functional value and aesthetic importance. Interactive Genetic Algorithms (IGAs) have previously been used to allow individuals to...
Sepsis: Revising definitions of sepsis

The traditional definition of sepsis requires the presence of at least two systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria in addition to a suspected or proven infection. A recent large retrospective study, however, suggests that the requirement for two SIRS criteria excludes one in eight patients with severe sepsis.
A subgrid parameterization of orographic precipitation

Estimates of the impact of global climate change on land surface hydrology require climate information on spatial scales far smaller than those explicitly resolved by global climate models of today and the foreseeable future. To bridge the gap between what is required and what is resolved, we propose a subgrid-scale parameterization of the influence of topography on clouds, precipitation, and land surface hydrology. The parameterization represents subgrid variations in surface elevation in terms of probability distributions of discrete elevation classes. Separate cloud, radiative, and surface processes are calculated for each elevation class. Rainshadow effects are not treated by the parameterization; they have to be explicitly resolved by the host model. The simulated surface temperature, precipitation, and snow cover for each elevation class are distributed to different geographical locations according to the spatial distribution of surface elevation within each grid cell. The subgrid parameterization has been implemented in the Pacific Northwest Laboratory's climate version of the Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Model. The scheme is evaluated by driving the regional climate model with observed lateral boundary conditions for the Pacific Northwest and comparing simulated fields with surface observations. The method yields more realistic spatial distributions of precipitation and snow cover in mountainous areas and is considerably more computationally efficient than achieving high resolution by the use of nesting in the regional climate model.
A histochemical study of the adrenergic innervation of the rat pineal gland: evidence for overlap of the innervation from the two superior cervical ganglia and for sprouting following unilateral denervation.

Abstract The rat pineal gland receives sympathetic innervation, via the right and left internal carotid nerves, from neurons whose cell bodies are located in the two superior cervical ganglia. Using fluorescence microscopy, we have examined the density and distribution of fluorescent profiles in the pineal gland after lesioning of the internal carotid nerves. Thirty-two hours after sectioning both internal carotid nerves, the density of the fluorescent profiles was 3% of that seen in sham-operated controls, indicating that the lesioned fibers had degenerated. Thirty-two hours after sectioning one internal carotid nerve, the density of the processes was decreased to approximately 50% of the control value. The magnitude of the decrease following a unilateral lesion was similar on both the right and left halves of the gland. Thus, the results suggest that each internal carotid nerve innervates both sides of the pineal gland. The implications of this overlap in the innervation from the two internal carotid nerves for recovery of pineal function after a unilateral lesion are discussed. Sections of pineal glands were also analyzed at later time points after a unilateral lesion. Two weeks after cutting one internal carotid nerve, the density of the fluorescent profiles had increased to greater than 80% of the control value. When the contralateral internal carotid nerve was cut 2 weeks after a unilateral lesion and the pineal gland was examined 32 h later, the density of the fluorescent profiles had decreased to 2% of the sham value. This suggests that all of the compensatory increase in adrenergic processes that takes place following the unilateral lesion is due to sprouting of the contralateral internal carotid nerve rather than to regeneration of the lesioned internal carotid nerve or to sprouting and ingrowth of other adrenergic neurons. It remains to be determined what, if any, functional significance this sprouting has, since the neurally dependent circadian rhythm in serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity in the pineal gland is restored to normal within 32 h after a unilateral lesion; that is, before significant sprouting has occurred.
Chloride-driven electromechanical phase lags at acoustic frequencies are generated by SLC26a5, the outer hair cell motor protein.

Outer hair cells (OHC) possess voltage-dependent membrane bound molecular motors, identified as the solute carrier protein SLC26a5, that drive somatic motility at acoustic frequencies. The electromotility (eM) of OHCs provides for cochlear amplification, a process that enhances auditory sensitivity by up to three orders of magnitude. In this study, using whole cell voltage clamp and mechanical measurement techniques, we identify disparities between voltage sensing and eM that result from stretched exponential electromechanical behavior of SLC26a5, also known as prestin, for its fast responsiveness. This stretched exponential behavior, which we accurately recapitulate with a new kinetic model, the meno presto model of prestin, influences the protein’s responsiveness to chloride binding and provides for delays in eM relative to membrane voltage driving force. The model predicts that in the frequency domain, these delays would result in eM phase lags that we confirm by measuring OHC eM at acoustic frequencies. These lags may contribute to canceling viscous drag, a requirement for many models of cochlear amplification.
General Classes of Influence Measures for Multivariate Regression

Abstract Many of the existing measures for influential subsets in univariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis have natural extensions to the multivariate regression setting. Such measures may be characterized by functions of the submatrices H I of the hat matrix H, where I is an index set of deleted cases, and Q I , the submatrix of Q = E(E T E)−1 E T , where E is the matrix of ordinary residuals. Two classes of measures are considered: f(·)tr[H I Q I (I − H I − Q I ) a (I − H I ) b ] and f(·)det[(I − H I − Q I ) a (I − H I ) b ], where f is a scalar function of the dimensions of matrices and a and b are integers. These characterizations motivate us to consider separable leverage and residual components for multiple-case influence and are shown to have advantages in computing influence measures for subsets. In the recent statistical literature on regression analysis, much attention has been given to problems of detecting observations that, individually or jointly, exert a disproportionate ...
Visual Training in Soccer

Summary.-A recent study by MacLod purports to provide evidence that Eyerobics training benefits eye-dependent motor skills including soccer-related skills. The evidence is weak for the former and does not warrant such a conclusion for the latter. Recently, MacLeod (1) described the results of a test of a training regimen (Eyerobics) which is thought to improve performance on hand-eye and foot-eye mediated tasks. Here, we highlight some features of his data that tend to cast doubt on the efficacy of this regimen, particularly for soccer-related tasks. MacLod measured abilities on four tasks, two general and two soccer-specific, for both test and control groups. Test subjects were given 12 half-hour sessions of Eyerobics over a four-week span while controls were not. Average score for each group improved in three tasks (although no more than would be expected on the basis of regression toward the mean) but declined on the soccer dribble task for the control group. Improvement in the wall-volley task (a foot-eye task using a soccer ball) was greater for controls than for test subjects, suggesting a practice effect. Our problem with the interpretation of these data does not rest on the incomplete design (it would have been nice to do a crossover wherein the control group received training), or on the lack of masking (both subjects and observers knew who were test subjects and who were controls), or on the small size of improvements observed (in each case comparisons are only just significant and we are not presented the individual data so as to judge whether improvements are across the board or apply to single individuals). Instead, our problem is with the results on the two soccer-related tasks. They go the wrong direction to support the view that Eyerobics helps soccer skills. Consider the dribble test, where a slight advantage is enjoyed by the test group. This is a task for which only peripheral vision is relevant, if at all. Good soccer players (MacLeod's subjects were the very best in Canada that year) rarely look at the ball while dribbling. Now consider the wall-volley test on which controls improved more than test subjects (though not significantly). This task requires especially acute foot-eye coordination without any doubt, but no training-related improvement was seen. Eyes are increasingly thought of as critical to performance in a number of sports. It is likely that some visual ability can be trained and further research in this area is warranted. Nonetheless, we are forced to conclude that, while Eyerobics may benefit certain eye-linked
Effect of topical glyceryl trinitrate on anodermal blood flow in patients with chronic anal fissures.

Introduction: Recent studies have highlighted the role of increased internal anal sphincter pressure and decreased anodermal blood flow in the pathogenesis of chronic anal fissures. The duration of the effect of topical 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment on anodermal blood flow in fissure and normal areas was investigated in patients with chronic anal fissures. Methods: Six patients with chronic anal fissures in the posterior midline participated in the study. Blood flow measurements were performed on the anoderm using laser Doppler flowmetry before and immediately after the topical application of 0.2% GTN ointment and subsequent readings were taken at 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min in all four quadrants. Results: The mean anodermal blood flow in the fissure region is significantly lower than the mean blood flow of the rest of the anoderm before 0.2% GTN ointment is applied (228.7 ± 61.8 flux units vs 439.3 ± 25.5 flux units, respectively; P < 0.05). Immediately after the application of local 0.2% GTN ointment there is a significant increase in anodermal blood flow over the anal fissure region (457.8 ± 56.5 flux units; P < 0.05) compared to the rest of the anoderm (457.4 ± 30.8 flux units). This increase is most marked at 5 min post-GTN ointment application in the fissure area (474.6 ± 41.1 flux units) and the blood flow in the fissure region is consistently above the rest of the anoderm for most of the 60 min. Conclusion: There is clearly reduced blood flow to the chronic anal fissure region compared to the rest of the anoderm. Topical application of glyceryl trinitrate ointment seems to significantly improve the blood flow to the fissured area in the first hour. This may therefore help in the healing of chronic anal fissures.
Thyroidectomy produces abnormal grooming behavior in cats

Cats with midbrain lesions exhibit an abnormal dissociation between appetitive and consummatory grooming behaviors and some signs of hypothyroidism. To determine if a hypothyroid state causes the abnormal dissociation, six cats were thyroidectomized and their behavior monitored. The thyroidectomized cats exhibited the same abnormal dissociation in grooming behavior as did the cats with midbrain lesions. However, certain considerations, including the latency and time course of the thyroidectomized-induced changes, suggest that the hypothyroid state is not directly involved, but rather brings about other endocrine and metabolic changes that are involved in the production of the behavioral abnormality.
MthK Gating Explored with a High Affinity Quaternary-Ammonium Blocker

The bacterial potassium channel MthK is activated by Ca2+ binding to intracellular RCK-domains. The channel is homologous to the K+ conductive pore and C-terminal Ca2+ binding domains of the eukaryotic BK channel but lacks the N-terminal voltage-sensing domain. A low resolution x-ray crystal structure showed the MthK pore in a proposed open conformation, consistent with the presence of Ca2+ in the crystals (Jiang et al. Nature, 2002). It is widely assumed that the closed state of the channel involves an intracellular constriction of pore-helices as seen in the KcsA crystal structure (Doyle et al. Science, 1998; Jiang et al. Nature, 2002). However, several ligand-gated K+ channels, including the BK channel, have been proposed to use the selectivity-filter near the extracellular side and not an intracellular constriction as the conduction gate (Wilkens and Aldrich, JGP, 2006). We tested the presence of an intracellular gate in MthK by using a quaternary-ammonium (QA) blocker, bbTBA. QA blockers bind within the aqueous vestibulethat lies between the proposed intracellular gate and the selectivity-filter in KcsA and other voltage-gated potassium channels (Armstrong and Hille, JGP, 1972; Holmgren et al. JGP, 1997; Zhou et al. Nature, 2001; Lenaeus et al. NSMB, 2005; Yohannan et al. JMB, 2007). We measured the bbTBA binding affinity to the open channel and have studied the state-dependence of channel block using single-channel recording in artificial bilayers. Preliminary data indicate the channel can close while the blocker remains bound. Further experiments involving macroscopic recordings may distinguish whether the blocker is trapped inside the closed channel or has state-independent binding.
Diffuse X-Ray Scattering for Ensemble Modeling of Crystalline Proteins

Ensemble models of proteins have been developed using X-ray crystallography, and important advances have been made using translation-libration-screw motions of locally rigid domains, detection of alternative side chain conformations and contact networks, and X-ray restrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Experimental validation is hindered, however, because Bragg peak data are unable to distinguish among different models that yield the same mean electron density. By contrast diffuse X-ray scattering reports on correlated motions and can be used to distinguish models that yield the same Bragg data. In particular it has long been recognized that diffuse scattering could be used to validate MD simulations if adequate sampling of the conformational ensemble were achieved. We have performed a 1.1 microsecond MD simulation of crystalline Staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) and have evaluated the resulting ensemble using existing diffuse X-ray scattering data (Wall, Ealick, and Gruner, 1997). The global R-factor between the simulated and calculated diffuse intensity is 0.066, and the Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.86. Discrepancies are highlighted when comparing just the anisotropic component of the diffuse signal; this comparison reveals a strong resolution dependence of the agreement with the anisotropic component, which is best at about 5 Angstroms, and is worst at about 3.5 Angstroms. The diffuse R-factor is improved compared to an earlier 10 ns simulation of crystalline SNase (Meinhold and Smith, 2007), reflecting the 100-fold greater sampling of the conformational ensemble. Our results support the validity and feasibility of using diffuse X-ray scattering to model molecular motions.M.E. Wall, S.E. Ealick and S.M. Gruner. 1997. Three-dimensional diffuse X-ray scattering from crystals of Staphylococcal nuclease. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:6180-6184.Reference:L. Meinhold and J.C. Smith. 2005. Fluctuations and correlations in crystalline protein dynamics: A simulation analysis of Staphylococcal nuclease. Biophys. J. 88: 2554-2563.
Isolated penile lymphedema in an adolescent male: A case of metastatic Crohn's disease

Abstract Objective Metastatic Crohn's disease is a rare and complex inflammatory condition distinguished by cutaneous granulomatous lesions outside the gastrointestinal tract. Genital involvement is rare; with less than 10 cases reported involving isolated penile lymphedema. Here, we present a case of isolated lymphedema of the penis as a consequence of extra-intestinal Crohn's disease. Case report The patient is an 18-year-old African American male with a complex history of inflammatory bowel disease, who initially presented with a chief complaint of 6 weeks of swelling of his penis at age 13. A modified circumcision and lymphangectomy of the penis were performed; histopatholgy demonstrated a granulomatous infiltrate and interstitial edema of the distal penis. Conclusion Surgical intervention is an applicable therapeutic alternative and last-line therapy for treatment of isolated penile lymphedema in select patients with appropriate pathology, and can be a suitable adjunct to medical management in these cases.
A potato cDNA encoding a homologue of mammalian multidrug resistant P-glycoprotein

A homologue of the multidrug resistance (MDR) gene was obtained while screening a potato stolon tip cDNA expression library with S-15-labeled calmodulin. The mammalian MDR gene codes for a membrane-bound P-glycoprotein (170-180 kDa) which imparts multidrug resistance to cancerous cells. The potato cDNA (PMDR1) codes for a polypeptide of 1313 amino acid residues (ca. 144 kDa) and its structural features are very similar to the MDR P-glycoprotein. The N-terminal half of the PMDR1-encoded protein shares striking homology with its C-terminal half, and each half contains a conserved ATP-binding site and six putative transmembrane domains. Southern blot analysis indicated that potato has one or two MDR-like genes. PMDR1 mRNA is constitutively expressed in all organs studied with higher expression in the stem and stolon tip. The PMDR1 expression was highest during tuber initiation and decreased during tuber development.
DNA and histone synthesis rate change during the S-period in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Data from flow-cytometric analysis of DNA of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were fitted using non-linear least squares curve fitting routines. Analysis of rates of synthesis from the derived S-period profiles revealed a pattern of changing rates of DNA synthesis during the S-period. Three main peaks are seen whose trough to through periods range from 0 to 16%, 16 to 65%, 65 to 100% of the DNA synthesized during S. The differences between the peak rates and rates in the intervening troughs are small, about 10% of the maximum, but these occur reproducibly. Some differences in the DNA distribution profiles, hence rate profiles, can be seen among samples taken at different times during the day. These are thought to reflect the effects of circadian rhythms, but they are not large enough to obscure the general pattern of rate shifts that occur during the S-period. Analyses of radioactivity of 3H-thymidine pulse labelled cells, sorted across the S-period, were in accord with the results obtained from the DNA distributions. A parallel analysis of DNA and histones showed a correspondence in the timing and direction of shifts in rate for both during the middle part of the S-period.
JAHN-TELLER EFFECTS IN MÖSSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY

We examine the consequences for the Mossbauer spectrum of coupling between asymmetric vibrational modes and an electronic state having orbital degeneracy – the Jahn-Teller (JT) effect. Characteristic modifications of the quadrupole coupling by a spontaneous JT distortion (« static JT effect ») and by a dynamic coupling of electronic and vibrational motions (« dynamic JT effect ») are discussed with the aid of a simplified model. The importance of small crystal strains in determining the type of spectrum observed is discussed, as is also the role of thermally induced transitions in causing motional averaging of the spectrum. Examples are given of JT effects as observed or anticipated in the Mossbauer spectrum of Fe2+ in crystal sites with tetrahedral and octahedral coordination.
High-order torsional couplings in the infrared spectrum of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene

Author Institution: Universit\""{a}t Ulm, Abteilung f\""{u}r Physikalische Chemie; Molecular Physics Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology
The Relevance of Jeremiah

A T FIRST glance there would seem to be very little in common between the world of Jeremiah and our own. He was a subject of the tiny kingdom of Judah which could be tucked away comfortably in the corner of one of our medium-sized states. For a few brief years which coincided with the first period of his own ministry the prophet's nation had attempted to assert its independence, only in the end to be ground to pieces under the heel of the Chaldean conqueror, the fabulous Nebuchadrezzar. We, quite to the contrary, belong to the greatest military power of our age. In two great wars in a single generation we have seen the downfall of the Kaisers, Fuehrers and Duces and we have emerged from the conflict with the mightiest weapon of all times in our hands. Certainly the relevance of Jeremiah for our age does not come from any chance external similarities. We must look below the surface