Many retroviruses, including the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses, contain a leucine zipper-like repeat in a highly conserved region of the external domain of the transmembrane (TM) glycoprotein. This region has been postulated to play a role in stabilizing the oligomeric form of these molecules. To determine what role this region might play in envelope structure and function, several mutations were engineered into the middle isoleucine of the leucine zipper-like repeat of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) TM protein. A phenotypic analysis of these mutants demonstrated that conservative mutations (Ile to Val or Leu) did not block the ability of the viral glycoprotein to mediate cell-cell fusion or affect virus infectivity. In contrast, each of the other mutations, except for the Ile-to-Ala change, completely inhibited the ability of the glycoprotein to fuse HeLa-T4 cells and of mutant virions to infect H9 cells. The alanine mutation produced an intermediate phenotype in which both cell fusion and infectivity were significantly reduced. Thus, the biological activity of the glycoprotein titrates with the hydrophobicity of the residue in this position. None of the mutations affected the synthesis, oligomer formation, transport, or processing of the HIV glycoprotein complex. Although these results do not rule out a role for the leucine zipper region in glycoprotein oligomerization, they clearly point to a critical role for it in a post-CD4 binding step in HIV membrane fusion and virus entry.

Although oppressed group behavior has been discussed as important for empowering nurses, little has been written about the process of liberation from oppression. One of the major factors that keeps the oppressed from becoming empowered is poor self- and group esteem and identity. This article explores models of positive identity development from other oppressed groups and explores their relevance for nursing. A model is created, based on the other models, which proposes a process for nurses as they begin to understand their oppression and develop more positive images of themselves and other nurses.

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Nurse Managers can improve the workplace by measuring oppressed group behaviours and utilizing interventions to break the cycle of oppression in the workplace culture. Utilizing these innovations improve the workplace culture for nursing.