cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Site-directed mutagenesis of CCR2 identified amino acid residues in transmembrane helices 1, 2, and 7 important for MCP-1 binding and biological functions.

Abstract Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) binds its G-protein-coupled seven transmembrane (TM) receptor, CCR2B, and causes infiltration of monocytes/macrophages into areas of injury, infection or inflammation. To identify functionally important amino acid residues in CCR2B, we made specific mutations of nine residues selected on the basis of conservation in chemokine receptors and located TM1 (Tyr49), TM2 (Leu95), TM3 (Thr117 and Tyr120), and TM7 (Ala286, Thr290, Glu291, and His297) and in the extracellular loop 3 (Glu278). MCP-1 binding was drastically affected only by mutations in TM7. Reversing the charge at Glu291 (E291K) and at His297 (H297D) prevented MCP binding although substitution with Ala at either site had little effect, suggesting that Glu291 and His297 probably stabilize TM7 by their ionic interaction. E291A elicited normal Ca2+ influx. H297A, Y49F in TM1 and L95A in TM2 that showed normal MCP-1 binding did not elicit Ca2+ influx and elicited no adenylate cyclase inhibition at any MCP-1 concentration. MCP-1 treatment of HEK293 cells caused lamellipodia formation only when they expressed CCR2B. The mutants that showed no Ca2+ influx and adenylate cyclase inhibition by MCP-1 treatment showed lamellipodia formation and chemotaxis. Our results show that induction of lamellipodia formation, but not Ca2+ influx and adenylate cyclase inhibition, is necessary for chemotaxis.
Design features of a real-time check-clearing system

Banking operations often require complex facilities for their data processing. This application required a multiprocessor configuration controlled by a single job step running continuously for many hours a day. Discussed are the special access methods and recovery procedures designed for this environment. The paper also describes a particularly efficient sorting technique evolved for handling large volumes of paper documents.
Abstract 256: Elucidating the role of ARID3B in ovarian cancer stem cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among US women and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of gynecological origin. In light of the lethality, it is critical to discover and understand the common molecular characteristics in ovarian cancer. Our lab demonstrated that ARID3B, a member of the AT-rich interactive domain family of proteins, is overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, ARID3B is essential for embryonic development and is present in embryonic stem cells. Overexpression of ARID3B in ovarian cancer cells leads to increased tumor growth and decreased survival in xenograft studies. Therefore, we hypothesize that ARID3B regulates cancer stem cell production, which enhances tumorigenesis. We have found that stem-cell marker CD133 is upregulated in ovarian cancer human cell line SKOV3IP overexpressing ARID3B. We are currently assessing the mechanism for ARID3B regulation of ovarian cancer stem cells using in vitro models. Determining the role of ARID3B in cancer stem cells may help us better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and ovarian cancer progression. Citation Format: Victoria E. Deneke, Lynn Roy, Richard Dahl, Karen D. Cowden Dahl. Elucidating the role of ARID3B in ovarian cancer stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 256. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-256
Dynamic analysis of a pressurized water reactor

Abstract An apparent malfunction in a pressurized water reactor system has been investigated using fluctuation analysis. Both frequency-domain and time-domain analyses have been used and the results obtained by the two methods have been compared. The recording was performed by a relatively simple, cheap system giving high recording precision and the analyses were performed on an IBM 370 digital computer. It is shown that, while considerable information can be derived from frequency-domain analyses, a misinterpretation can occur in some cases. Time-domain correlation, as normally performed, was not very informative. However, time-domain correlation on bandwidth-limited time-series proved to be very valuable and could remove the misinterpretation of the frequency-domain analyses. The bandwidth limitation was performed by digital filters.
Immunoaffinity purification of melanoma growth stimulatory activity.

Abstract Melanoma growth stimulatory activity (MGSA) is an endogenous growth factor produced by human malignant melanoma cells. When purified from conditioned medium from the Hs0294 human melanoma cell line, MGSA has been shown to be most reproducibly associated with a 16 kDa acid and heat stable moiety which is sensitive to trypsin and dithiothreitol. Monoclonal antibodies to MGSA have been produced. This report describes the use of FB2AH7 monoclonal antibody to prepare an immunoaffinity resin which binds the MGSA produced by Hs0294 cells. This resin was used to purify the MGSA antigen from Hs0294 human melanoma extracts and medium conditioned by the Hs0294 melanoma cell line. The immunoaffinity eluant obtained from both sources produced a significant stimulation in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in Hs0294 cells and yielded similar profiles when subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Upon elution of the material from the polyacrylamide gels, a 16 kDa moiety was found to be more reproducibly active in the MGSA [3H]thymidine bioassay and enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. The bioactivity of the 16 kDa material represents a 235,000-fold purification of MGSA.
Three mass media campaigns to prevent adolescent cigarette smoking

This article describes behavioral science theory and formative research used to develop television and radio campaigns for preventing the initiation of cigarette smoking among adolescents. It also presents the content and form of the messages, the plans, and the costs for national implementation of the campaigns.
The AGN-obscuring Torus: The End of the ``Doughnut'' Paradigm?

Unified schemes of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) require an obscuring dusty torus around the central engine. The compact sizes (only a few parsecs) determined in recent high-resolution observations require that the obscuring matter be clumpy and located inside the region where the black hole gravity dominates over the galactic bulge. This location is in line with the scenario depicting the torus as the region of the clumpy wind coming off the accretion disk in which the clouds are dusty and optically thick. We study here the outflow scenario within the framework of hydromagnetic disk winds, incorporating the cloud properties determined from detailed modeling of the IR emission from clumpy tori. We find that torus clouds were likely detected in recent water maser observations of NGC 3079. In the wind scenario, the AGN main dynamic channel for release of accreted mass seems to be switching at low luminosities from torus outflow to radio jets. The torus disappears when the bolometric luminosity decreases below ~1042 ergs s-1 because the accretion onto the central black hole can no longer sustain the required cloud outflow rate. This disappearance seems to have been observed in both LINERs and radio galaxies. With further luminosity decrease, suppression of cloud outflow spreads radially inward from the disk's dusty, molecular region into its atomic, ionized zone, resulting in the disappearance of the broad emission-line region at lower luminosities yet to be determined.
Metabolic clearance rates of synthetic human growth hormone in lean and obese male rhesus monkeys.

The MCR of synthetic human GH was studied in eight adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). Four monkeys were lean ( 35% body fat). The monkeys were given a single bolus injection of GH (2.5 μg/kg BW), followed by a constant infusion of GH (250 μg/h) for 2.5 h. Venous blood samples were collected before the infusion and every 10 min during the infusion. In both groups a plateau of the plasma GH concentrations, indicating a steady state, was reached 70 min after the start of the infusion. The MCR of GH was calculated from the ratio of the constant GH infusion rate and the plateau plasma GH concentration in each monkey. The MCR of synthetic GH was 12.7 ± 1.7 (±sd) L/24 h in the lean group and 19.5 ± 2.9 L/24 h in the obese group (P < 0.007). However, the MCR/kg ratio in the lean monkeys was the same as that in the obese animals. We conclude that 1) MCR of GH is directly proportional to body weight; and 2) the lower plasma GH levels in obesity may be due to an increase...
Phospholipase A2 activities with a plasmalogen substrate in brain and in neural tumor cells: a sensitive and specific assay using pyrenesulfonyl-labeled plasmenylethanolamine.

Abstract We have developed a new assay method for phospholipase A 2 (EC 3.1.1.4.), towards ethanolamine plasmalogen using pyrenesulfonyl-labeled plasmenylethanolamine as the substrate. This procedure is sensitive to about 3 pmol/ml per min and is absolutely specific for plasmalogen. In this method, the product of phospholipase A 2 , pyrenesulfonyl-labeled lysoplasmalogen, is hydrolyzed to aldehyde and labeled glycerophosphoethanolamine with hydrochloric acid exposure, and after TLC separation, the pyrenesulfonyl-glycerophosphoethanolamine is quantitated spectrofluorometrically. The excitation and emission wave lengths were 340 and 376 nm, respectively. The activity of bovine brain homogenate was 44.1 ± 6.47 pmol/min per mg protein ( n = 3). Among bovine brain subcellular fractions, the distribution and specific activity of the enzymes were highest in cytosol (38.7 ± 1.58% and 102.6 ± 16.2 pmol/min per mg protein, n = 3). The activities of neural tumor cells, PC12 pheochromocytoma, Neuro2A and SKNSH neuroblastoma and U1242MG glioblastoma, were 34.4 ± 6.83 ( n = 5), 7.05 ± 0.97 ( n = 4), 5.25 ± 1.69 ( n = 5), and 9.68 ± 1.35 ( n = 4), pmol/min per mg protein ( M ± S . E . M .), respectively.
Intra-familial learning is only a minor factor in manifest handedness

Abstract From the information provided by 2257 university students and faculty members, both the incidence of handedness types (right, left, non-right) and the degree of handedness (strength and consistency) were analyzed as a function of five familial sinistrality variables. In addition, the handedness characteristics of a separate group of subjects (N=80) who had switched handedness were compared with those of the major sample. The frequency data showed that the incidence of nondextrality in respondents was significantly higher when there were nondextral siblings in the family than when all relatives were dextral, and higher still when a parent, rather a sibling, was the nondextral relative. The strength and consistency data showed that the presence of familial sinistrality was associated with miniscule reductions in degree of handedness not only in dextrals but, contrary to prediction, in sinistrals as well. The data from the hand-change subgroup showed that the incidence of ambilaterality was strikingly higher than among no-change subjects and that the degree of right- and left-handedness was lower than among their like-handed no-change counterparts. The finding that familial sinistrality was associated with large increases in the incidence of nondextrality but with very small changes in the degree of handedness suggests that incidental intra-familial learning is a negligible factor in human handedness.
Analyzing the Impact of Intermodal-Related Risk to the Design and Management of Biofuel Supply Chain

Abstract This study presents a mathematical model that designs a reliable multi-modal transportation network for a biofuel supply chain system, where intermodal hubs are subject to site-dependent probabilistic disruptions. The disruption probabilities of intermodal hubs are estimated by using a probabilistic model which is developed using real world data. We developed an accelerated Benders decomposition algorithm to solve this challenging NP-hard problem. Numerical analysis show that the model selects to use intermodal hubs located in areas with low disruption probabilities. In case of a disaster, the reliable solution results in 6.21% savings over the minimum cost solution.
Physical Limitations to Scalability of WDM All-Optical Networks

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) takes advantage of optical fiber's tremendous bandwidth. To get the most from an all-optical network, researchers must understand the physical limitations of WDM networks and how to overcome them. Signal degradation, attenuation, distortion, and crosstalk all influence the ability to expand WDM, all-optical networks.
Suppression of antiferromagnetic order and orthorhombic distortion in superconducting Ba(Fe 0.961 Rh 0.039 ) 2 As 2

Neutron diffraction and high-resolution x-ray diffraction studies find that, similar to the closely related underdoped Ba(Fe[1-x]Cox)2As2 superconducting compounds, Ba(Fe0.961Rh0.039)2As2 shows strong evidence of competition and coexistence between superconductivity and antiferromagnetic order below the superconducting transition, Tc = 14 K. The transition temperatures for both the magnetic order and orthorhombic distortion are in excellent agreement with those inferred from resistivity measurements, and both order parameters manifest a distinct decrease in magnitude below Tc. These data suggest that the strong interaction between magnetism and superconductivity is a general feature of electron-doped Ba(Fe[1-x]TMx)2As2 superconductors (TM = Transition Metal).
Electrically produced submicroscopic aerosols

Abstract Positive and negative drops of water a few millimeters in diameter, resting on metal electrodes, produce charged aerosols. These are made of singly charged particles with a typical mobility 5 × 10−3 cm2/V-sec, which implies droplets with 3 × 106 water molecules. Drops of either polarity change equilibrium configurations of ellipsoid to cone at the same surface polar field and without any evidence of aerosol production or air ionization. The conical configuration equally intensifies the electric field at the tip of the cone but produces subsequent behavior dependent on polarity: a negative cone produces aerosol prior to air ionization, but a positive cone first produces air ionization. Using either polarity, it is shown that the aerosol constitutes a space charge that completely controls the action of the applied field on the drop of water.
Hemodynamics of essential hypertension in young subjects

Abstract Cardiac output was determined in 42 young essential hypertensives (15 to 25 yrs); values ranged from 3.86 to 10.30 L./minute. These differences were not related to magnitude of volemia. Correlation of output to weekly blood pressure average (BP av ) was not significant; its relationship to intraarterial pressure (BP ia ) was not significant in 21 patients aged 20 to 25 and of borderline significance in 13 aged 15 to 19. Blood pressure changes associated with the study (BP ia -BP av ) were also not consistently related to cardiac output. Six patients had systolic hypertension; only one had elevated stroke volume. These results outline as complex a picture in young essential hypertensive as in older subjects.
Vapor-detection sensitivity as a function of spectral resolution for a single Lorentzian band

The objective of this effort is to provide guidance for the determination of spectral resolution for the passive remote detection of organic vapors. Target bands were modeled as Lorentzian bands. Several sensor models were used, including a detector-limited sensor model and a background-limited model.An expression for the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was derived, and the SNR was computed for an SF6 target band. The results show that substantial gains in sensitivity are possible if the conventional laboratory spectral resolution of 2 cm−1 is reduced to 8 or even 16 cm−1.
Reduced acetylcholine receptor density, morphological remodeling, and butyrylcholinesterase activity can sustain muscle function in acetylcholinesterase knockout mice

Nerve-evoked contractions were studied in vitro in phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations from strain 129X1 acetylcholinesterase knockout (AChE-/-) mice and their wild-type littermates (AChE+/+). The AChE-/- mice fail to express AChE but have normal levels of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and can survive into adulthood. Twitch tensions elicited in diaphragms of AChE-/- mice by single supramaximal stimuli had larger amplitudes and slower rise and decay times than did those in wild-type animals. In AChE-/- preparations, repetitive stimulation at frequencies of 20 and 50 Hz and at 200 and 400 Hz produced decremental muscle tensions; however, stimulation at 70 and 100 Hz resulted in little or no loss of tension during trains. Muscles from AChE+/+ mice maintained tension at all frequencies examined but exhibited tetanic fade after exposure to the selective AChE inhibitor 1,5-bis(4-allyldimethyl-ammoniumphenyl)pentane-3-one (BW 284C51). The ability of diaphragm muscles from AChE-/- mice to maintain tension at 70 and 100 Hz suggests a partial compensation for impairment of acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis. Three mechanisms--including a reliance on BChE activity for termination of ACh action, downregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and morphological remodeling of the endplate region--were identified. Studies of neuromuscular transmission in this model system provide an excellent opportunity to evaluate the role of AChE without complications arising from use of inhibitors.
Computational aspects of the optimal control of distributed-parameter systems

Abstract Several techniques are examined for optimal control of hyperbolic and parabolic distributed-parameter systems. These include a direct search on the performance index and a method of steepest ascent based on a maximum principle analogous to that of Pontryagin for lumped-parameter systems. Extensive numerical results suggest that for the various physical systems investigated valid solutions can be obtained.
The Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy

Physics welcomes the idea that space contains energy whose gravitational effect approximates that of Einstein's cosmological constant, \ensuremath{\Lambda}; today the concept is termed dark energy or quintessence. Physics also suggests that dark energy could be dynamical, allowing for the arguably appealing picture of an evolving dark-energy density approaching its natural value, zero, and small now because the expanding universe is old. This would alleviate the classical problem of the curious energy scale of a millielectron volt associated with a constant \ensuremath{\Lambda}. Dark energy may have been detected by recent cosmological tests. These tests make a good scientific case for the context, in the relativistic Friedmann-Lema\^{\i}tre model, in which the gravitational inverse-square law is applied to the scales of cosmology. We have well-checked evidence that the mean mass density is not much more than one-quarter of the critical Einstein--de Sitter value. The case for detection of dark energy is not yet as convincing but still serious; we await more data, which may be derived from work in progress. Planned observations may detect the evolution of the dark-energy density; a positive result would be a considerable stimulus for attempts at understanding the microphysics of dark energy. This review presents the basic physics and astronomy of the subject, reviews the history of ideas, assesses the state of the observational evidence, and comments on recent developments in the search for a fundamental theory.
Human insulin-related DNA sequences map to chromosomes 2 and 11

The insulin-related hormone family consists of four known peptides: insulin, the insulin-like growth factors I and II, and relaxin. To investigate the hypothesis that the family contains additional members, we have isolated a series of human genomic clones using the insulin gene as a hybridization probe. Two of these single copy DNA sequences, hIr 1 and hIr 2, have been localized to chromosome 2 and 11p11→q13, respectively, by Southern blot analysis of mouse-human somatic cell hybrids, a result consistent with other evidence supporting the dispersal of the insulin gene family throughout the genome. Although a biological function for these DNA sequences has not yet been established, hIr1 and hIr2 are potentially useful as molecular probes for mapping, by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), genetic disorders linked to chromosomes 2 or 11.
THE EFFECTS OF MANIPULATED ITEM WRITING CONSTRAINTS ON THE HOMOGENEITY OF TEST ITEMS1

Described are the effects of four sets of instructions on the observed item inter- correlations of current events and subtraction items. The four conditions were: (a) general objective, (b) behavioral objective, (c) behavioral objective plus test item, and (d) behavioral objective plus item-form. Two tests, one in each subject matter, constructed by selecting four items generated from each of the experimental conditions, were administered to 51 seventh grade children. Not found were the expected tendencies toward greater homogeneity among items produced under the three conditions employing behavioral objectives.
The solvation number of the sodium ion

Abstract A new method for the determination of the inner sphere solvation number of the sodium ion is presented based on the distribution of donor between two liquid phases. The system sodium tetraethylaluminate (NaAlEt 4 -benzene (or cyclohexane)-donor forms two liquid phases with the salt in the lower phase and the distribution of donor between the two phases being strongly affected by solvation with the salt. A solvation number of six is obtained with tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, dimethoxyethane and dimethylsulfoxide.
Influencing consumer purchase likelihood of organic food

Organic food is a fast-growing niche market in the US. Information in the marketplace tends to promote organic by describing either the potential benefits from organic methods (positive framing) or the potential negative consequences of conventional agriculture (negative framing). For this research, a survey was designed to test the effect of positive and negative framing on the self-reported change in purchase likelihood of organic food. Respondents were asked to directly evaluate whether the information in the survey made them more or less likely to purchase organic food, or if there was no change. Over 40% of the respondents reported greater likelihood of purchasing organic as a result of the survey information, and less than 4% said they would be less likely to buy it. Tobit regression results revealed that positive framing and perceived risk from conventional agricultural methods increased the influence of the survey. African-Americans and those with more prior knowledge of organic methods reported less influence from the survey. Overall, information and knowledge variables had more effect on the impact of the survey than demographic variables.
Browsing the environment with the SNAP&TELL wearable computer system

This paper provides an overview of a multi-modal wearable computer system, SNAP&TELL. The system performs real-time gesture tracking, combined with audio-based control commands, in order to recognize objects in an environment, including outdoor landmarks. The system uses a single camera to capture images, which are then processed to perform color segmentation, fingertip shape analysis, robust tracking, and invariant object recognition, in order to quickly identify the objects encircled and SNAPped by the users pointing gesture. In addition, the system returns an audio narration, TELLing the user information concerning the objects classification, historical facts, usage, etc. This system provides enabling technology for the design of intelligent assistants to support Web-On-The-World applications, with potential uses such as travel assistance, business advertisement, the design of smart living and working spaces, and pervasive wireless services and internet vehicles.
Estimate of Oil Persisting on the Beaches of Prince William Sound 12 Years after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

We estimated the amount of oil remaining in Prince William Sound, Alaska, 12 yr after the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill to assess its importance as a long-term reservoir of toxic hydrocarbons. We found oil on 78 of 91 beaches randomly selected according to their oiling history. Surface oiling was recorded for randomly placed quadrats, which were then excavated and examined for subsurface oil. The cumulative area of beach contaminated by surface or subsurface oil was estimated at 11.3 ha. Surface oil varied little with tide height, but subsurface oil was more prevalent at the middle tide heights. The mass of remaining subsurface oil is conservatively estimated at 55 600 kg. Analysis of terpanes indicated that over 90% of the surface oil and all of the subsurface oil was from the Exxon Valdez and that Monterey Formation oil deposited after the 1964 Alaska earthquake accounted for the remaining surface oil. These results indicate that oil from the Exxon Valdez remains by far the largest reservoir of biologically available polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on beaches impacted by the spill and that biota dependent on these beaches risk continued exposure.
A Hidden–Hand Garrison State?

Book reviewed in this article: Aaron L. Friedberg, In the Shadow of the Garrison State: America's Antistatism and its Cold War Grand Strategy
Liberal use of delayed sternal closure for postcardiotomy hemodynamic instability.

Abstract Background . The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the current incidence, survival, and predictors of mortality for open chest management at our center. Methods . Our database was analyzed to identify adult postcardiotomy patients who left the operating room without primary sternal closure. Medical records were reviewed to determine mortality, postoperative complications, and pertinent hemodynamic data. Results . From November 1997 to June 2000, 5,177 adults underwent cardiac procedures at our center. The incidence of open chest management was 1.7% (87 of 5,177), including 0.7% (16 of 2,254) for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, 1.6% (15 of 912) for isolated valve, and 5.6% (47 of 839) for combined valve/coronary bypass. Hospital survival was 76% (66 of 87). Major complications included deep sternal infection (n = 4), stroke (n = 8), and dialysis (n = 13). Predictors of mortality by univariate analysis included ventricular assist device insertion ( p = 0.003), new onset hemodialysis ( p p = 0.002), sternal infection ( p = 0.042), mean length of delay before sternal closure (survivors = 3.2 days, nonsurvivors=6.2 days; p = 0.031), higher mean dose of epinephrine at the time of chest closure (2.5 μg versus 0.9 μg, p = 0.011), and longer duration of high dose inotropic therapy (110 hours versus 43 hours, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed ventricular assistance and reoperation for bleeding as independent predictors of in-hospital death with odds ratios of 3.8 and 3.4, respectively. Conclusions . Liberal use of open chest management is useful in patients with postcardiotomy shock, and can be carried out with a relatively low incidence of sternal complications. Patients who require ventricular assistance or exploration for ongoing mediastinal bleeding continue to have a high mortality rate.
The structure and dynamics of rat apo-cellular retinol-binding protein II in solution: comparison with the X-ray structure.

The structure and dynamics of rat apo-cellular retinol binding protein II (apo-CRBP II) in solution has been determined by multidimensional NMR analysis of uniformly enriched recombinant rat 13 C, 15 N-apo-CRBP II and 15 N-apo-CRBP II. The final ensemble of 24 NMR structures has been calculated from 3274 conformational restraints or 24.4 restraints/ residue. The average root-mean-square deviation of the backbone atoms for the final 24 structures relative to their mean structure is 1.06 A ˚ . Although the average solution structure is very similar to the crystal structure, it differs at the putative entrance to the binding cavity, which is formed by the helix-turn-helix motif, the bC-bD turn and the bE-bF turn. The mean coordinates of the main-chain atoms of amino acid residues 28-38 are displaced in the solution structure relative to the crystal structure. The side-chain of F58, located on the bC-bD turn, is reoriented such that it interacts with L37 and no longer blocks entry into the ligandbinding pocket. Residues 28-35, which form the second helix of the helixturn-helix motif in the crystal structure, do not exhibit a helical conformation in the solution structure. The solution structure of apo-CRBP II exhibits discrete regions of backbone disorder which are most pronounced at residues 28-32, 37-38 and 73-76 in the bE-bF turn as evaluated by the consensus chemical shift index, the root-mean-square deviation, amide 1 H exchange rates and 15 N relaxation studies. These studies indicate that fluctuations in protein conformation occur on the ms to ms timescale in these regions of the protein. Some of these exchange processes can be directly observed in the three-dimensional 15 N-resolved NOESY spectrum. These results suggest that in solution, apo-CRBP II undergoes conformational changes on the ms to ms time-scale which result in increased access to the binding cavity. # 1999 Academic Press
Robust model-based fault detection for roll rate sensor

Due to the wide variation of vehicle dynamics under a vast operating range, such as dynamically changing road super-elevations and road grades, the detection of a roll rate signal fault using analytical redundancy is particularly challenging. These challenges, as well as the robustness and performance of the proposed scheme are discussed. The robust performance of the proposed scheme, over model uncertainties and road disturbances, is illustrated analytically and validated through simulations and experiments. The analytical illustrations include three elements: a robust estimation of the vehicle roll angle, a dynamic compensation of both electrical and kinematics-induced bias in the roll rate signal, and a directionally sensitive design of a robust observer which decouples the model uncertainties and disturbances from the fault.
The health benefits of wine.

▪ Abstract Epidemiologic studies from numerous disparate populations reveal that individuals with the habit of daily moderate wine consumption enjoy significant reductions in all-cause and particularly cardiovascular mortality when compared with individuals who abstain or who drink alcohol to excess. Researchers are working to explain this observation in molecular and nutritional terms. Moderate ethanol intake from any type of beverage improves lipoprotein metabolism and lowers cardiovascular mortality risk. The question now is whether wine, particularly red wine with its abundant content of phenolic acids and polyphenols, confers additional health benefits. Discovering the nutritional properties of wine is a challenging task, which requires that the biological actions and bioavailability of the >200 individual phenolic compounds be documented and interpreted within the societal factors that stratify wine consumption and the myriad effects of alcohol alone. Further challenge arises because the health bene...
Clinical diabetic neuropathy.

This is the first in a series of articles on presentations at the American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 10–14 June 2005. A number of presentations at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Meeting discussed aspects of diabetic neuropathy. At a joint European Association for the Study of Diabetes/ADA Symposium, Rury Holman (Oxford, U.K.) reminded the audience that the U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) included >5,000 individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes, followed from 1977 to 1991. Trial results were reported in 1998, with 30-year follow-up in progress to further understand the natural history of type 2 diabetes. Holman summarized clinical characteristics of diabetic neuropathy in the UKPDS population. Vibration sensory threshold was measured with a bioesthesiometer, with a cutoff of 25 V; erectile dysfunction (ED) and foot sensation were assessed by history; ankle and knee tendon reflexes, basal heart rate, and lying and standing blood pressure were determined on examination; and the shortest electrocardiographic RR interval, near the 15th heartbeat after standing from resting, and the longest, around the 30th heartbeat, were measured to give information about autonomic neuropathy. A total of 3,867 individuals had been randomized to conventional versus intensive glucose control from the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, with an HbA1c (A1C) difference of 0.9% between the two groups over 9 years. At 12 years, there were modest although significant differences, with absence of ankle tendon reflexes in 37 vs. 35%, absence of knee reflexes in 12 vs. 11%, and a basal heart rate of 74 vs. 70 bpm. There was a trend to lower risk of sensory neuropathy with better glycemic control. Treatment allocation in the UKPDS blood pressure substudy had no effect on neuropathy. In an observational analysis of neuropathy progression in 4,867 people, an elevated threshold for bioesthesiometer perception was …
Climate change, nuclear economics, and conflicts of interest.

Merck suppressed data on harmful effects of its drug Vioxx, and Guidant suppressed data on electrical flaws in one of its heart-defibrillator models. Both cases reveal how financial conflicts of interest can skew biomedical research. Such conflicts also occur in electric-utility-related research. Attempting to show that increased atomic energy can help address climate change, some industry advocates claim nuclear power is an inexpensive way to generate low-carbon electricity. Surveying 30 recent nuclear analyses, this paper shows that industry-funded studies appear to fall into conflicts of interest and to illegitimately trim cost data in several main ways. They exclude costs of full-liability insurance, underestimate interest rates and construction times by using “overnight” costs, and overestimate load factors and reactor lifetimes. If these trimmed costs are included, nuclear-generated electricity can be shown roughly 6 times more expensive than most studies claim. After answering four objections, the paper concludes that, although there may be reasons to use reactors to address climate change, economics does not appear to be one of them.
Ionic Liquid/Metal Interfaces

The previous chapter addressed both bulk- (Sect. 4.3.1) and surface-related (Sect. 4.3.2) IL properties. The IL/solid interface is the third main subject investigated in this thesis. Compared to the previous aspects of IL research, the IL/solid interface is the least explored, as reflected by the small number of fundamental studies available.
U Visas for Immigrant Victims of Hate Crimes: A Practice Guide for Advocates

Immigrants -- and LGBT immigrants in particular -- are especially vulnerable to hate crimes. If immigrant victims of hate crimes cooperate with authorities in the prosecution of their perpetrators, they may be eligible for U Visas. But many immigrant victims, advocates and certifying agencies are not aware that hate crimes can be qualifying crimes for U Visa purposes.While there are general U Visa practice manuals, this short guide is designed to assist advocates representing immigrant victims of hate crimes, including: (1) information about the U Visa, including qualifying (enumerated and non-enumerated) crimes; (2) a description of hate crimes and how they can constitute qualifying crimes for U Visa purposes; (3) best practices for representing immigrant victims of hate crimes, including how to identify non-enumerated hate crimes, obtain certification of such crimes, and draft a supporting declaration; and (4) sample U Visa forms and other advocacy resources.
Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients

Sleep symptoms are associated with weight gain and cardiometabolic disease. The potential role of diet has been largely unexplored. Data from the 2007–2008 NHANES were used (N=4,552) to determine which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms in a nationally-representative sample. Survey items assessed difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance difficulties, non-restorative sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Analyses were adjusted for energy intake, other dietary factors, exercise, BMI and sociodemographics. Population-weighted, logistic regression, with backwards-stepwise selection, examined which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms. Odds ratios (ORs) reflect the difference in odds of sleep symptoms associated with a doubling in nutrient. Nutrients that were independently associated with difficulty falling asleep included (in order): Alpha-Carotene (OR=0.96), Selenium (OR=0.80), Dodecanoic Acid (OR=0.91), Calcium (OR=0.83), and Hexadecanoic Acid (OR=1.10). Nutrients that were independently associated with sleep maintenance difficulties included: Salt (OR=1.19), Butanoic Acid (0,81), Carbohydrate (OR=0.71), Dodecanoic Acid (OR=0.90), Vitamin D (OR=0.84),, Lycopene (OR=0.98), Hexanoic Acid (OR= 1.25), and Moisture (OR=1.27). Nutrients that were independently associated with non-restorative sleep included Butanoic Acid (OR=1.09), Calcium (OR=0.81), Vitamin C (OR=0.92), Water (OR=0.98), Moisture (OR= 1.41), and Cholesterol (OR= 1.10). Nutrients that were independently associated with sleepiness included: Moisture (OR=1.20), Theobromine (OR=1.04), Potassium (OR= 0.70), Water (OR=0.97). These results suggest novel associations between sleep symptoms and diet/metabolism, potentially explaining associations between sleep and cardiometabolic diseases.
Coronal prominence structure and dynamics: A magnetic flux rope interpretation

[1] The solar prominence is an example of a space physics phenomenon that can be modeled as a twisted magnetic flux tube or magnetic flux “rope.” In such models the prominence is one observable part of a larger magnetic structure capable of storing magnetic energy to drive eruptions. We show how a flux rope model explains a range of observations of prominences and associated structures such as cavities and soft X-ray sigmoids and discuss in particular the observational and dynamic consequences of three-dimensional reconnections in and around the evolving magnetic flux rope. We demonstrate that the flux rope model can describe the prominence's preeruption structure and dynamics, loss of equilibrium, and behavior during and after an eruption in which part of the flux rope is expelled from the corona.
Supraclavicular approach for thoracic outlet decompression

Supraclavicular decompression of the thoracic outlet was performed in 40 patients with symptoms arising from brachial plexus compression were irritation. Both osseous and soft tissue structures responsible for this nerve compression were identified and removed without significant neurologic morbidity despite a 25% incidence of secondary operative procedures in this series. The cure or improvement rate matched what we previously reported for combined transaxillary and supraclavicular approach. Further follow-up will allow a determination of the durability of this technique, which, if acceptable, will justify a confident recommendation for its adoption in patients having thoracic outlet decompression.
The prevalence and impact of migraine on US Military officer trainees.

Objective.— To determine the prevalence and impact of migraine in US Army officer trainees. Background.— The prevalence of migraine in military officer trainees, frequency of diagnosis, pharmacologic management, and the impact of migraine on military training has not been previously determined. We sought to elucidate the above and also to identify trainee characteristics associated with impaired training performance because of the disabling effects of migraine. Methods.— An anonymous voluntary migraine questionnaire was administered to 1389 consecutive US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets upon completion of 5 weeks of military training. Headaches were classified as definite migraine or possible migraine. Migraine frequency, prior diagnosis, number of missed or suboptimal training days attributable to migraine, patterns of analgesic use, and trainee characteristics associated with impaired training performance were identified. Results.— In total, 741 of 1389 (54%) officer trainees completed the migraine questionnaire, including 582 males and 159 females. The prevalence of definite migraine was 18% in all cadets including 14% in males and 31% in females. Migraines had been previously diagnosed in only 10% of trainees meeting criteria for definite or possible migraine. During training, male trainees experienced a mean of 0.70 migraines/month compared with female trainees at 1.4 migraines/month. Only 3% of trainees meeting criteria for definite or possible migriane had ever been prescribed triptans. Eight percent of cadets experienced impaired training performance because of migraine resulting in 63 days of suboptimal or missed training. Characteristics associated with impaired training performance included a prior diagnosis of migraine, screening positive for definite migraine vs possible migraine, and a higher baseline frequency of migraine. Conclusions.— Migraine is common yet underdiagnosed and undertreated in US Army officer trainees and adversely impacts military training. We identified characteristics which place military trainees at risk for impaired training performance. We predict that improved diagnosis and treatment of migraine would result in improved training performance.
Decomposition of generation-recombination noise spectra in separate Lorentzians

Abstract The two characteristic quantities determining the Lorentzian-shaped g-r noise spectrum are the plateau value and the corner frequency. A condition is derived under which these quantities calculated for an exact two-trap level model can be approximated by a model in which the traps interact independently with the conduction band. If the Fermi level is few kT away from the levels considered and if the number of free carriers is larger than the number of traps, that condition is fulfilled.
An optimal alternative to Conflation

An issue which engaged the attention of phonologists following the publication of Halle & Vergnaud's ground-breaking Essay on stress (1987a) was the proper treatment of stress systems in which iterative foot structure is apparently required to locate the main prominence, yet expected secondary stresses are absent in the output. The solution proposed by Halle & Vergnaud was that unwanted secondary stresses are removed by a special repair mechanism, Conflation, accompanied by the automatic erasure of headless feet. The pattern which initially motivated the rule was found to exist in a very few languages: Cairene Arabic (Mitchell 1956, 1960, 1962; Langendoen 1968; McCarthy 1979; Stevens & Salib 1987), Seminole/Creek (Haas 1977; Jackson 1987; Tyhurst 1987) and possibly Palestinian Arabic (Brame 1973; Kenstowicz & Abdul-Karim 1980; Hayes 1995; inter al.).
Toll IL-1 Receptors Differ in Their Ability to Promote the Stabilization of Adenosine and Uridine-Rich Elements Containing mRNA

Several ligands for Toll IL-1R (TIR) family are known to promote stabilization of a subset of short-lived mRNAs containing AU-rich elements (AREs) in their 3' untranslated regions. It is now evident however, that members of the TIR family may use distinct intracellular signaling pathways to achieve a spectrum of biological end points. Using human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected to express different TIRs we now report that signals initiated through IL-1R1 or TLR4 but not TLR3 can promote the stabilization of unstable chemokine mRNAs. Similar results were obtained when signaling from endogenous receptors was examined using a mouse endothelial cell line (H5V). The ability of TIR family members to stabilize ARE-containing mRNAs results from their differential use of signaling adaptors MyD88, MyD88 adaptor-like protein, Toll receptor IFN-inducing factor (Trif), and Trif-related adaptor molecule. Overexpression of MyD88 or MyD88 adaptor-like protein was able to promote enhanced stability of ARE-containing mRNA, whereas Trif and Trif-related adaptor molecule exhibited markedly reduced capacity. Hence the ability of TIRs to signal stabilization of mRNA appears to be linked to the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway.
Astrosociology and the Capacity of Major World Religions to Contextualize the Possibility of Life Beyond Earth

Abstract As the scientific view of life as an emergent property in the universe continues to gain traction, it has become increasingly necessary to assess the potential for religious engagement with astrobiological issues. Astrobiology is an endeavor conducted on behalf of all humanity, and the fruits of its continued progress promise to have a far-reaching impact on every belief system and worldview. While the body of literature gauging the religious implications of the possibility of life beyond Earth continues to expand, there has, to date, been a disproportionate emphasis placed on the examination of Christian theology. Given that more than two-thirds of the world's population is non-Christian, astrosociological outreach to the religious community should strive to encompass all of the major religions of the world. This paper seeks to provide an overview assessment of the world religious landscape as it relates to astrosociology through an examination of the nineteen largest religious groups in the world. The analysis contained in the paper relies on surveys of religious leaders and adherents, religious literature that directly and indirectly addresses astrobiological issues, conference and workshop proceedings, and the astrobiological literature addressing society and religion. This paper illustrates the capacity of religion to act as a mutually beneficial partner with science in helping to contextualize astrobiological issues in diverse societies across the world. Most studies on the religious implications of astrobiology have tended to focus on whether Christianity is flexible enough to reconcile life beyond Earth with human-centered doctrines such as a special creation, a unique incarnation, and vicarious redemption. This paper shows that while there is reason to believe that most of Christendom would be amenable to astrobiological evidence, the larger religious landscape of the world seems to be philosophically constituted to not merely survive astrobiological pursuits, but to be explicitly compatible with, or even validated by, evidence of the universe harboring life beyond Earth.