Allosteric effects in cyclophilin mutants may be explained by changes in nano-microsecond time scale motions

The relationship between molecular motion and catalysis in enzymes is debated. Here, simulations of cyclophilin A and three catalytically-impaired mutants reveal a nanosecond-scale interconversion between active and inactive conformations, orders of magnitude faster than previously suggested

Evidence-based Kernels: Fundamental Units of Behavioral Influence

This paper describes evidence-based kernels, fundamental units of behavioral influence that appear to underlie effective prevention and treatment for children, adults, and families. A kernel is a behavior–influence procedure shown through experimental analysis to affect a specific behavior and that is indivisible in the sense that removing any of its components would render it inert. Existing evidence shows that a variety of kernels can influence behavior in context, and some evidence suggests that frequent use or sufficient use of some kernels may produce longer lasting behavioral shifts. The analysis of kernels could contribute to an empirically based theory of behavioral influence, augment existing prevention or treatment efforts, facilitate the dissemination of effective prevention and treatment practices, clarify the active ingredients in existing interventions, and contribute to efficiently developing interventions that are more effective. Kernels involve one or more of the following mechanisms of behavior influence: reinforcement, altering antecedents, changing verbal relational responding, or changing physiological states directly. The paper describes 52 of these kernels, and details practical, theoretical, and research implications, including calling for a national database of kernels that influence human behavior

An assessment of the risk of Bt-cowpea to non-target organisms in West Africa

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) is the most economically important legume crop in arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpea is grown primarily by subsistence farmers who consume the leaves, pods and grain on farm or sell grain in local markets. Processed cowpea foods such as akara (a deep-fat fried fritter) are popular in the rapidly expanding urban areas. Demand far exceeds production due, in part, to a variety of insect pests including, in particular, the lepidopteran legume pod borer (LPB) Maruca vitrata. Genetically engineered Bt-cowpea, based on cry1Ab (Event 709) and cry2Ab transgenes, is being developed for use in sub-Saharan Africa to address losses from the LBP. Before environmental release of transgenic cowpeas, the Bt Cry proteins they express need to be assessed for potential effects on non-target organisms, particularly arthropods. Presented here is an assessment of the potential effects of those Cry proteins expressed in cowpea for control of LPB. Based on the history of safe use of Bt proteins, as well as the fauna associated with cultivated and wild cowpea in sub-Saharan Africa results indicate negligible effects on non-target organisms

SERUM NOx AND RBC LYSATE SOD LEVELS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS AND THEIR RELATION WITH DURATION OF DIABETES MELLITUS

  Objective: Oxidative stress is one of the major causes for complications in diabetic patients. Oxidative stress might be due to an imbalance in elimination and production of free radicals. Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive oxygen species (RNS) and a potent vasodilator. When NO reacts with superoxide anion, it forms RNS. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme which eliminates O2–.Methods: In the present study, 53 diabetic patients have been selected randomly and grouped into two groups based on the diabetic duration to evaluate the effect of duration on oxidative stress.Results: Red blood cells lysate SOD (4.745±1.047) and serum NO (52.2±25.8) are increased in diabetic patients compared with healthy controls. However, when compared between groups of different diabetic duration, SOD is decreased whereas NO is increased.Conclusion: Decrease in SOD activity might be due to the loss of its activity by glycation, whereas increase in NO might be due to the induction of endothelial NO synthase by glucose.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Nitric oxide, Oxidative stress, Superoxide dismutase.INTRODUCTIO

A joint flexible econometric model system of household residential location and vehicle fleet composition/usage choices

Land use and travel behavior, Residential location choice, Vehicle type choice, Vehicle usage, Vehicle miles of travel, Joint model, Copula-based approach, Simultaneous equations model,

An analysis of bicycle route choice preferences in Texas, US

Bicycle route choice analysis, Stated preference modeling, Web-based survey, Panel mixed multinomial logit, On-street parking,