cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attractiveness of brown rice baits to non-target birds in harvested corn and soybean fields.

Brown rice is used as a bait-carrier for the avicide DRC-1339 (3-chloro-4-methylaniline) when baiting blackbirds (Icteridae). In March and April 1996 and 1997, we assessed non-target granivorous bird use of rice-baited plots placed in harvested corn and soybean fields in eastern South Dakota for 168 observation hours. In both years combined, we identified 10 and 14 granivorous species in corn and soybean fields, respectively. In 1996 (X = 0.2, SE = 0.04) and 1997 (X = 1.2, SE = 0.38), total numbers of granivores min−1 were similar between crops (P ≥ 0.322). In 1996, bird numbers were higher (P = 0.069) in rice-baited fields (X = 0.3, SE = 0.07) than in unbaited reference fields (X = 0.1, SE = 0.04). In 1997, bird numbers (X = 1.2, SE = 0.38) did not differ between treatments (P = 0.456). Our data show that small numbers of non-target birds visited the rice-baited plots. However, total number of different individual birds using the plots was unknown. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Prions: The shape of a species barrier

Intriguing in vitro results highlight the possibility that conformational differences between prion proteins with the same sequence contribute to the barrier that limits prion propagation between species.
Gain lever characterization in monolithically integrated diode lasers

Gain Lever, an effect for enhancing amplitude modulation (AM) efficiency in multisection laser diodes1, has been characterized in InGaAs DQW edge emitting lasers that are integrated with passive waveguides. Specifically designed structures which give a range of split ratios from 1:1 to 9:1 have been fabricated and measured to fully characterize the parameter space for operation in the gain lever mode. Additionally the experimental results are compared to a hybrid 3-D simulation involving effective index method (EIM) reduction to 2-D. Gains greater than 6 dB in the AM efficiency can be achieved within the appropriate operating range, but this gain drops rapidly as the parameter range is exceeded. High speed RF modulation with significant gain is, in principle, possible if proper biasing and modulation conditions are used. This phenomenon can also be useful for high-speed digital information transmission.
A Comparison of Solvent and Thermal Techniques for Determining the Fat Content of Ground Beef

SUMMARY— Results obtained by a thermal extraction procedure for determining the fat content of fresh ground beef were found to correlate significantly (1% level) with results obtained by the official AOAC solvent extraction procedure. The fat levels investigated ranged between 14 and 29%. As the amount of sample grinding increased, the fat variation within thermal extraction replications decreased, while the differences between the thermal and solvent extracted fat became larger. Linear regression between the two methods contained significant error in certain areas of the fat range tested. The fourth order polynomial provided the best fit curve between the solvent and thermal extraction data for thermal samples ground once through a plate having g-in. diameter holes and twice through a plate having holes 1/8-in. in diameter. The thermal extraction method, being adequately reproducible, rapid, and economical, provides a valuable tool to the food industry in control procedure and to the Armed Forces in its quality assurance tests.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgR Represses the Rhl Quorum-Sensing System in a Biofilm-Specific Manner

AlgR controls numerous virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including alginate, hydrogen cyanide production, and type IV pilus-mediated twitching motility. In this study, the role of AlgR in biofilms was examined in continuous-flow and static biofilm assays. Strain PSL317 (DeltaalgR) produced one-third the biofilm biomass of wild-type strain PAO1. Complementation with algR, but not fimTU-pilVWXY1Y2E, restored PSL317 to the wild-type biofilm phenotype. Comparisons of the transcriptional profiles of biofilm-grown PAO1 and PSL317 revealed that a number of quorum-sensing genes were upregulated in the algR deletion strain. Measurement of rhlA::lacZ and rhlI::lacZ promoter fusions confirmed the transcriptional profiling data when PSL317 was grown as a biofilm, but not planktonically. Increased amounts of rhamnolipids and N-butyryl homoserine lactone were detected in the biofilm effluent but not the planktonic supernatants of the algR mutant. Additionally, AlgR specifically bound to the rhlA and rhlI promoters in mobility shift assays. Moreover, PAO1 containing a chromosomal mutated AlgR binding site in its rhlI promoter formed biofilms and produced increased amounts of rhamnolipids similarly to the algR deletion strain. These observations indicate that AlgR specifically represses the Rhl quorum-sensing system during biofilm growth and that such repression is necessary for normal biofilm development. These data also suggest that AlgR may control transcription in a contact-dependent or biofilm-specific manner.
Sexual deprivation increases ethanol intake in Drosophila.

The brain’s reward systems reinforce behaviors required for species survival, including sex, food consumption, and social interaction. Drugs of abuse co-opt these neural pathways, which can lead to addiction. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the relationship between natural and drug rewards. In males, mating increased, whereas sexual deprivation reduced, neuropeptide F (NPF) levels. Activation or inhibition of the NPF system in turn reduced or enhanced ethanol preference. These results thus link sexual experience, NPF system activity, and ethanol consumption. Artificial activation of NPF neurons was in itself rewarding and precluded the ability of ethanol to act as a reward. We propose that activity of the NPF–NPF receptor axis represents the state of the fly reward system and modifies behavior accordingly.
Limitations of rational-choice institutionalism for the study of Latin American politics

This article analyzes the analytical limitations of rational-choice institutionalism for the study of Latin American politics. Adherents of this approach have made important contributions by analyzing topics that Latin Americanists traditionally neglected, such as the political impact of electoral rules and the processes of legislative decision-making. But rational-choice institutionalism has difficulty explaining the complicated, variegated, and fluid patterns of Latin American politics. It overemphasizes the electoral and legislative arenas and—in general—the input side of politics; it overestimates the importance and causal impact of formal rules and institutions; it does not explain the origins of political change and often suggests a static image of political development; it offers an incomplete analysis of institutional creation by neglecting the importance of political beliefs; it cannot fully account for crisis politics; and it puts excessive, analytically arbitrary emphasis on “microfoundations.” The article questions whether these limitations can successfully be overcome, arguing that rational-choice institutionalism—while an important addition to the debate—is not inherently superior to other approaches applied in Latin American Studies.
School DNAR in the Real World

DNAR, the decision not to resuscitate patients who have suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, is more complicated to understand and communicate than one would think. Does it mean, “Use only comfort meas...
Mechanism of superoxide anion scavenging reaction by bis-(salicylato)-copper(II) complex

Abstract The mechanism of the reaction of bis-(salicylato)-copper(II) with superoxide anion has been studied by utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance and polarographic techniques. The proposed reaction sequence is as follows: Cu (II) + O 2 − ← Cu (II) O 2 − ← Cu (I) O 2 − ← Cu (I) + O 2 Cu (I) + O 2 − ← Cu(I)O 2 − ← Cu(II)O 2 2− ← 2H + Cu(II)O + H 2 O 2 Using the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system as a superoxide generator, it was found that the concentration of this copper complex for 50% inhibition of the xanthine-cytochrome c reductase activity was about 1000 times more per mole of copper than that of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase.
Isotopically labelled compounds for hazardous waste site cleanup investigations: Part I. Synthesis of [phenyl‐U‐14C] labelled 2,4‐dinitro‐6‐sec‐butylphenol (dinoseb) and [phenyl‐U‐14C] labelled 4‐n‐propylphenol

The Fries rearrangement of [phenyl-U-14C] propionate forming a mixture of ortho and para hydroxypropiophenones was followed by steam distillation to separate the isomeric products. A Grignard addition to the ortho isomer and elimination of water from the intermediate carbinol, followed by hydrogenation and nitration, yielded [phenyl-U-14C] labelled dinoseb. A Wolff-Kishner reduction of the para isomer furnished [phenyl-U-14C] 4-n-propylphenol.
Stuttering and natural speech processing of semantic and syntactic constraints on verbs.

Purpose Previous findings from event-related brain potentials (ERPs) indicate that adults who stutter (AWS) exhibit processing differences for visually presented linguistic information. This study ...
Unrecognized Cognitive Impairment in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

To determine the prevalence of unrecognized brain dysfunction accompanying chronic severe cardiac disease, we examined 20 clinically stable consecutive admissions to a cardiac rehabilitation service who were free of known stroke or dementia. Age range was 47 to 85 years (mean +/- SEM, 72.5 +/- 2.1 years), the male: female ratio was 10:10. Multiple cognitive deficits including significant memory impairment and disorientation were present in eight patients (40%), and seven of these eight patients were unable to administer their own medications reliably. An additional six patients (30%) showed milder impairments. One patient was found to be normal after neurological examination, four showed evidence of a single brain lesion, and 15 of 20 (75%) had multiple neurological abnormalities suggesting multifocal brain disease. The mechanism of cognitive deficits in cardiac patients is unclear, and it may be related to multiple infarcts, or acute or chronic hypoxic damage secondary to arrhythmias, cardiac failure, or small vessel disease of the brain. The term "circulatory dementia" is proposed to describe patients with vascular disease and non-Alzheimer type dementia. Patients with cardiac disease should undergo cognitive screening, as early identification of patients at risk of progressive intellectual loss may allow early use of preventive therapy.
Congenital midline upper lip sinus: A case report

Abstract Congenital sinuses and fistulae of the lip are uncommon malformations. We present a new case of congenital midline upper lip sinus in a 2-year old girl. Complete surgical removal of the sinus was performed from the dermal surface under microscopy.
Chlorpromazine: Case report and review of its ocular side-effects

Abstract Chlorpromazine has been an effective anti-psychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia since the 1960s. However, the long-term dermatological and ocular complications have been well documented. This article reviews a case in which a patient had been treated with chlorpromazine for schizophrenia for 30 years and displayed the characteristic ocular side-effects. The ocular and dermatological side-effects of chlorpromazine are reviewed.
Targeting CCL11 in the treatment of ovarian cancer

Importance of the field: The chemokine network, comprised of mediators of inflammation, has been implicated in the development of a number of human cancers. The eosinophil chemoattractant CCL11 was recently shown to play a role in the development of ovarian cancer. Here we review findings regarding CCL11 and discuss its use as a target in the treatment of ovarian cancer.Areas covered in this review: We review published findings related to the physiological actions of CCL11, its tumourigenic effects, the chemokine network and inflammatory response present in ovarian cancer, and the current state of therapeutics targeting CCL11 and its receptors. Findings published within the last 10 years receive particular attention.What the reader will gain: An overview of the emerging role of the chemokine network in malignancy and a review of the role of CCL11 in ovarian tumourigenesis. The reader will be presented with a description of the unique aspects of CCL11 action and the inflammatory environment in the setting ...
Über die paradoxe Verkürzung der Lebensdauer befruchteter Eier in abnormen Salzlösungen durch Verringerung der Giftigkeit der Lösung

1) In der folgenden Arbeit soll der ~aehweis gefUhrt werden, dab in einer abnormen Salzl~isung die befruchteten Eier eines Seeigels rascher zugrunde gehen, wenn man die Giftigkeit der L(isung etwas verringert. Diese paradox klingende Tatsache hat, wie wir sehen werden, einen einfachen und leicht verstiindlichen Grund. Im Jahre 1906 machte der Verfasser die Beobachtung, dab unbefruehtete Eier in abnormen SalzlSsungen erheblich li~nger am Leben bleiben, als befruchtete Eier desselben Weibchens. Wiihrend die befruchteten Eier yon Strongylocent~vtus p~rpuratus schon nach wenigen Stunden leiden oder zugrunde gehen, wenn man sic in eine isotonisehe KochsalzlSsung bringt, bleiben die unbefruchteten Eier mehrere Tage lang in einer solchen Liisung intakt. Der Unterschied in der Empfindlichkeit befruchteter und unbefruchteter Eier ist also sehr auffallend. Ahnliches gilt ftir andere abnorme LSsungen 1). Diese anffallende Erseheinung erkliirte der Verfasser durch die Annahme, dab die Empfindliehkeit der Eizelle far abnorme L•sungen far die tatige sieh furehende Eizelle viel gr(iBer sei als far das ruhende Ei, und die Riehtigkeit dieser Annahme konnte er bald dadureh beweisen, dab er zeigte, dab die Giftigkeit abnormer LSsungen far das befruehtete Ei aufgehoben oder verringert werden kann,
Luteotropic activity in serum of women following embryo or gamete transfer in a program of assisted conception.

In an attempt to track the proliferation/demise of trophoblastic tissues in women following gamete transfer (GT) or in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET), we have measured levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in serum of 180 patients on days 7 and 14 following oocyte pickup (OPU). Serum hCG levels were measured by immunoassay and by a bioassay based on the capacity of the sample to stimulate testosterone secretion by cultured mouse Leydig cells. Based on determinations of bioactive and immunoactive hCG in serum from 18 of 180 patients who subsequently delivered (12 of 73 GT, 6 of 107 IVF/ET;P 0.05). The luteotropin bioassay described is highly sensitive to hCG (to 0.02 mIU/ml serum) and appears appropriate to the characterization of proliferation/demise of embryonic tissues during the 14 days after gamete/embryo transfer. In addition, through its representation of the cumulative luteotropic properties of human serum and its insensitivity to biologically inactive hCG subunits; this bioassay appears more appropriate than hCG immunoassay in the monitoring of early embryonic signalling following assisted (or spontaneous) conception in the woman.
Research joint ventures: Patterns from Federal Register filings

The National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 was passed to encourage the formation of research joint ventures (RJVs). Since its passage, the majority of research on RJV activity has been theoretical, focusing on the private profitability and social desirability of cooperative R&D. The few empirical analyses have relied on survey data or the case studies. The purpose of this paper is to describe a newly-assembled and publicly-available RJV data base constructed from information contained in the Federal Register filings, and to present, in a descriptive manner, selected patterns of collaborative research activity.
The Dimensions of Racial Inequality: Occupational and Residential Segregation Across Metropolitan Areas in the United States

Residential and occupational segregation are two structural systems that perpetuate the disadvantaged status of blacks in American society. Despite extensive research on both these topics, there ha...
Effects of temperature, rate, and cyclic loading on the strength and toughness of monolithic ceramics

Abstract The concept of grain bridging and pullout is applied to monolithic ceramics to understand the effects of temperature, displacement rate, and load cycling on crack wake shielding. At low temperature, the pullout of completely debonded grains accounts for all the toughening. The importance of this process diminishes with temperature. This is because of the more uniform stress distribution along the crack plane and the softening of grain boundary glassy phases, both of which tend to reduce the incidence of complete grain boundary decohesion. At sufficiently high temperature, however, the softening of grain boundary phases may allow the sliding zone to extend to the grain's end, increasing the incidence of intergranular fracture. This “high temperature” pullout triggers a sudden increase in toughness. Our pullout model successfully explains the high temperature peak and the dependence of peak position on displacement rate in fracture toughness and strength observations for some monolithic and whisker-reinforced ceramics. Degradation of interfacial friction, as by cyclic loading, is seen to decrease the frictional work for low temperature pullout but increases the frictional work for high temperature pullout. Thus, this model also provides a rationale for the opposite effect of stress cycling on crack resistance at low and high temperatures reported recently for ceramics.
Predictive Analytical and Thermal Modeling of Orthogonal Cutting Process—Part I: Predictions of Tool Forces, Stresses, and Temperature Distributions

In this paper, a predictive thermal and analytical modeling approach for orthogonal cutting process is introduced to conveniently calculate forces, stress, and temperature distributions. The modeling approach is based on the work material constitutive model, which depends on strain, strain rate, and temperature. In thermal modeling, oblique moving band heat source theory is utilized and analytically combined with modified Oxley's parallel shear zone theory. Normal stress distribution on the tool rake face is modeled as nonuniform with a power-law relationship. Hence, nonuniform heat intensity at the tool-chip interface is obtained from the predicted stress distributions utilizing slip line field analysis of the modified secondary shear zone. Heat sources from shearing in the primary zone and friction at the tool-chip interface are combined, heat partition ratios are determined for temperature equilibrium to obtain temperature distributions depending on cutting conditions. Model validation is performed by comparing some experimental results with the predictions for machining of AISI 1045 steel, AL 6082-T6, and AL 6061-T6 aluminum. Close agreements with the experiments are observed. A set of detailed, analytically computed stress and temperature distributions is presented.
Nanosecond laser pulses: from retinal damage to refined surgical treatment of congenital nevi and melanoma

Recent theoretical work has shown that damage to retinal pigment epithelium cells from nanosecond laser pulses is likely to occur by bubble formation at lower fluences than damage caused by thermal heating. The bubbles form around the strongly absorbing melanosomes and the bubbles remain within the cell in which they form. This suggests that damage due to bubbles will remain localized in cells containing the strong absorbing material, whereas thermal damage tends to affect surrounding cells. This same approach may be useful in treating pigmented skin which also contains strong absorbers. By killing cells with bubbles produced by nanosecond laser pulses, damage to surrounding healthy tissue may be minimized. Laser pulse lengths, fluence levels, and potential applications for treating melanoma and congenital nevi will be discussed.
Cancer risk: Role of environment—Response

These letters continue the healthy and intelligent debate among scientists and the public about the root causes of cancer and the best way to reduce cancer deaths. The debate hinges on the following question: What causes the mutations that are responsible for cancer? Two causes—environmental and
Human-herpesvirus-8-encoded K8 protein colocalizes with the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) bodies and recruits p53 to the PML bodies.

Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) bodies are nuclear sites for both input viral genome deposition and immediate-early (IE) gene transcription during infection with certain human DNA viruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), herpes simplex virus type 1, and adenovirus. In this study, we showed that the K8 (K-bZIP) protein, an early protein encoded by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), colocalized with the PML bodies in HHV-8-infected primary effusion lymphoma cells. Cotransfection of two plasmids expressing the K8 protein and green-fluorescence protein (GFP)-PML fusion protein into 293T cells revealed that the K8 protein colocalized with PML in cells with high PML expression. Overexpression of the K8 protein in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with stable GFP-PML expression did not induce the dispersion of the PML bodies, unlike the IE1 protein of HCMV. Transfection of a truncated K8 gene revealed that the leucine zipper domain of the K8 protein was required for the colocalization with PML. We also demonstrated that the K8 protein bound to p53 in vivo and in vitro, and that high expression of the K8 protein caused the accumulation of p53 to the PML bodies in CHO cells, suggesting that the K8 protein functions in the recruitment of p53 to the PML bodies. These data suggest that the K8 protein may be associated with the functional modulation of p53 in the nucleus during the lytic phase of HHV-8.
The central questions in pain perception may be peripheral

Pain and its control are still a daunting problem. Although drugs such as morphine have been around since ancient times and recent years have seen the introduction of a number of additional painkillers, many gaps remain in our ability to control the suffering of pain. Pain is an emotional response that is triggered by nociceptive inputs from the periphery that are transmitted centrally to the spinal cord and then ascend through the paleospinothalamic tracts to limbic structures. The complexity of pain perception reflects the presence of both nociceptive and antinociceptive systems that modulate nociceptive input at many levels of the neuraxis (1). Descending brainstem systems influence nociceptive stimuli spinally while other systems modulate nociceptive input supraspinally. The opioid peptides and their receptors comprise the most efficacious antinociceptive systems, effectively relieving the suffering component of pain without interfering with basic sensation (2). They comprise a complex collection of many discrete, but interacting, receptor systems. All the various classes of opioid receptors and the numerous opioid peptides have been implicated in pain modulation.
Democratic Rights in the Workplace

Abstract In this paper, I pursue the question whether extending democratic rights to work is good in the broadest possible sense of that term: good for workers, firms, market economies, and democratic states. The argument makes two assumptions in a broadly consequentialist framework. First, the configuration of any relationship among persons in which there is less rather than more coercion makes individuals better off. Second, extending democratic rights to work will entail costs and benefits to both the power and authority of employers and meaningful work for employees. These costs and benefits cannot be determined in advance because they are largely empirical, but there are still good reasons for expanding worker participation all-things-considered. First, I examine the parallel case for extending democratic rights to the workplace based on several similarities between politics and work organization. In addition, I consider the objections from voluntariness and efficiency. Although both objections raise...
Medicalization of Psychoactive Substance Use and the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Any attempt at medicalization of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other psychoactive substances of abuse in the United States is likely to encounter strong opposition by many responsible physicians. Such opposition would be grounded in their perception that medicalization would be contrary to the purposes of medical practice. Most physicians would, however, be willing to consider prescribing such substances for pathological users if such prescribing took place within the context of a fully developed doctor-patient relationship in which the patient recognized the dependency as undesirable and wanted to cooperate with the physician in a mutual effort to end the dependency or, if this were not feasible, to mitigate its destructive effects.
Tautomerization dynamics of a model base pair in DNA.

Osama K. Abou-Zied, Ralph Jimenez, andFloyd E. Romesberg*Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037ReceiVed October 11, 2000Structural and dynamic properties of DNA base pairs arevirtually always discussed in terms of the keto-amine tautomers,which are thought to be the dominant forms of the base pairs induplex DNA.
Small Martian valleys: Pristine and degraded morphology

This study is concerned with a more detailed investigation of the small valley networks on Mars. The dual nature of many valley systems is pointed out, taking into account a relatively fresh-appearing network portion versus an apparent larger, less distinct network system. These separate network characteristics are referred to as pristine and degraded. The valley networks included in this study are all located in the equatorial zone of heavily cratered uplands, between latitudes 30 deg N and 40 deg S. Aspects of network morphology are examined, taking into account drainage density, network dissection ratio, and valley length parameters. Age relationships are also discussed, giving attention to crater age, counting problems, a conservative method, and a crater-fraction method.
Study of production mechanisms at large transverse momentum in pp→ppπ+π- at 28.5GeV/c

In order to explain the experimentally observed energy dependence of the chargedparticle multiplicity distribution (i) in pp collisions, it has been suggested (2) that there are at least two mechanisms at work in multiparticle production. One is the multiperipheral (short-range correlation), the other is the diffractive (long-range correlation) production mechanism. According to this model, one populates the central, the other the boundary region of rapidi ty space. However, two recent buble-ehamber experiments (a.4) have shown that at intermediate energies and low momentum transfer the dominant features of singleand double-pion production are different from the above picture (5). They indicate that the shortand long-range (reggeon and pomeron) exchanges are intertwined in a double peripheral graph. To investigate this problem we have studied four-constraint four-body final states at large p~ (~ 1 GeV/e), a region heretofore unexplored. The experiment was carried out at the Brookhavea National Laboratory AGS with the ~ul t ipar t ic le Argo Spectrometer System (MASS) (e). Using two of the three spectre-
Correlation of weight-based i.v. immune globulin doses with changes in serum immunoglobulin G levels

Purpose Correlations between the i.v. immune globulin (IVIG) dose and the change in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration with three methods of weight-based dosing were investigated. Methods A retrospective medical records review was conducted to identify patients in a multicenter healthcare system who received IVIG over a 10-year period and had serum IgG measurements within two days before and two days after the date of IVIG administration. For each of the 11 adults and 7 adolescents identified, the relationship between the weight-based dose of IVIG (determined using actual body weight [BW], adjusted BW, or ideal BW [IBW]) and the resulting change in serum IgG was evaluated. Correlation coefficients and corresponding p values for the three dosing methods were calculated and compared. Results Among adult patients, the correlation of IVIG dose and postdose change in serum IgG was strongest with dosing by IBW (correlation coefficient [ r ], 0.83 [ p < 0.05] versus r values of 0.73 and 0.70 for dosing by adjusted BW or actual BW, respectively [ p = 0.05 for both]); the corresponding r values in adolescent patients were 0.99, 0.99, and 0.95, respectively ( p < 0.005 for all). There were no statistically significant differences between the r values calculated for the three weight-based dosing methods in either adults or adolescents. Conclusion In adult patients, the correlation between the dose of IVIG and the change in IgG level was strongest when doses were calculated using IBW; comparable degrees of correlation were observed with the three evaluated methods of weight-based dosing in the adolescent population.
The Challenge of Collaboration: Organizational Structure and Professional Identity.

The learning encompassed by a baccalaureate degree is not a collection of discrete parts linked to specific classes but rather the cumulative consequence and judgments for all aspects of the learni...
XBP-1 couples endoplasmic reticulum stress to augmented IFN-β induction via a cis-acting enhancer in macrophages

Perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) results in a conserved stress response called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Macrophages undergoing a UPR respond to LPS with log-fold increased production of IFN-β, a cytokine with diverse roles in innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we found that thapsigargin-induced ER stress augmented recruitment of IFN regulatory factor-3, CREB binding protein/p300, and transcriptional machinery to the murine ifnb1 promoter during LPS stimulation. Although full synergistic IFN-β production requires X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), this UPR-regulated transcription factor did not appreciably bind the ifnb1 promoter. However, XBP-1 bound a conserved site 6.1 kb downstream of ifnb1 , along with IFN regulatory factor-3 and CREB binding protein only during concomitant UPR and LPS stimulation. XBP-1 physically associates with p300, suggesting a mechanism of multimolecular assembly at the +6.1 kb site. Luciferase reporter assays provide evidence this +6 kb region functions as an XBP-1–dependent enhancer of ifnb1 promoter activity. Thus, this study identifies a novel role for a UPR-dependent transcription factor in the regulation of an inflammatory cytokine. Our findings have broader mechanistic implications for the pathogenesis of diseases involving ER stress and type I IFN, including viral infection, ischemia-reperfusion injury, protein misfolding, and inflammatory diseases.
Cholesterol is essential for macrophage inflammatory protein 1β binding and conformational integrity of CC chemokine receptor 5

The chemokine receptor, CCR5, is used as a human immunodeficiency virus coreceptor in combination with CD4 during transmission and early infection. CCR5 has been shown to be palmitoylated and targeted to cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains termed “lipid rafts.” However, the role of cholesterol and lipid rafts on chemokine binding and signaling through CCR5 remains unknown. We found that cholesterol extraction by hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (BCD) significantly reduced the binding and signaling of macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β) using CCR5-expressing CEM-NKR T cells. Reloading treated cells with cholesterol but not 4-cholesten-3-one, an oxidized form of cholesterol, restored MIP-1β binding to BCD-treated cells. Antibodies specific for distinct CCR5 epitopes lost their ability to bind to the cell surface after cholesterol extraction to varying degrees. Moreover, cells stained with fluorescently labeled MIP-1β extensively colocalized with the GM1 lipid raft marker while using anti-CCR5 antibodies; most of CCR5 on these cells only partially colocalized with GM1, suggesting that active ligand binding facilitates receptor association with lipid rafts or that raft association promotes a higher affinity conformation of CCR5. Together, these data demonstrate that cholesterol and lipid rafts are important for the maintenance of the CCR5 conformation and are necessary for both the binding and function of this chemokine receptor.
Rapid scanning all-reflective optical delay line

We describe a dispersion-free high-speed scanning optical delay line, which is based on one curved and two flat reflective mirrors. A total scanning depth of 1.50 mm and a 4.1 kHz repetition rate is demonstrated
Metallurgical Reactions in Au/Ge/Au Contact to Gallium Arsenide

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), was used to study the interfacial structure resulting from the alloying reaction of a Au/Ge/Au film on (100) GaAs. The metallurgical reaction at 400°C results in the previously unknown hexagonal Au 3 Ga phase. The crystal structure of the AuoGa phase is proposed based on the observed diffraction patterns and the lattice image The well-known fcchcp coherent jnterface is observed between Au and Au 3 Ga such that (111) Au // (0001)Au 3 Ga and [110]. // [1120]Au 2 Ga. In addition to Au 3 Ga, other Au-Ga compounds (Au 7 Ga 2 , Au 2 Ge), a Au-Ge metastabil phase, and a Au-Ge-As ternary phase were observed after annealing. After annealing above 400°C, epitaxially regrown GaAs crystallites on the underlying GaAs substrate were revealed by cross-section TEM. The current flows through these Ge-doped regrown GaAs regions and the contact becomes ohmic The size and density of the regrown GaAs crystallite increase with increasing annealing temperature between 400 and 500°C; this explains the decreasing tendency of contact resistance with increasing annealing temperature.
Pediatric thenar flaps: a modified design, case series and review of the literature.

Abstract Background Fingertip injuries are extremely common in children, and severe trauma with pulp loss requires soft-tissue reconstruction to restore length, bulk, and sensibility. The thenar flap is a well-described technique but there are few reports of its use in pediatric patients. Methods Pediatric thenar flap reconstructions were retrospectively identified from October 2000 to October 2010 at a single institution. Results Sixteen pediatric patients (eleven male, five female) underwent thenar flap procedures. The average age was 10.8years (1.1–17.8years). The average defect size was 1.5cm×1.5cm (1cm 2 –2cm 2 ). Division and inset occurred on average 16days later (12–24days). Average follow-up was 6.8months (4.1–9.6months). The average total active range of motion (TAM) in flexion was 248° (235°–260°) [normal maximum: 260°]. All patients had 85° metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) range of motion (ROM) [normal maximum: 85°]. The average proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) ROM was 103° (95°–110°) [normal maximum: 110°] in flexion, and an average 60° distal interphalangeal (DIPJ) ROM (55°–65°) [normal maximum: 65°] in flexion. Objective sensibility in the flap was ascertained as an average static two-point discrimination of 7mm (6mm–10mm) in 10 compliant patients and was grossly intact in all other patients. There were no complications. Conclusions The thenar flap is a safe and effective option for pediatric fingertip amputation injuries requiring soft-tissue reconstruction.
Silicon wafer-scale microfabrication factory using scanning probe microrobots: applications of MOEMS in manufacturing

We discuss a novel deposition method that uses electric field and local probes to deposit materials from gas phase. Using gas-phase metal-organic precursors, semiconductors such as Si, GaAs, GaN, and SiC, metals such as Al, Cu, Mo, W, and Pt, and oxides such as SiO2, and Al2O3, and other insulators such as Si3N4 can be deposited. These precursor gases are carried over the local tip area where relatively large electric fields (106 V/cm: field emission mode) are generated by applying a few volts to the probe. In the tip region, the electric field decomposes the precursor molecules and deposits the desired material over the substrate. By choosing the tip to substrate polarity appropriately, deposition over the tip is avoided. The rest of the decomposed precursor molecule remains in the gas phase and is carried away by the carrier neutral gas. A novel approach, that involves laterally vibrating the local probe, is used to achieve line-widths in the wide range of 100 angstroms to 10 micrometers . Local probes, depositing in parallel, efficiently cover large areas needed in integrated circuits. The speed of deposition by our proposed local probes is only limited by the rate of the material delivery by the carrier gas. In this novel approach the deposition chamber encloses a volume that is slightly larger than the local tip-substrate volume. Thus, the whole fabrication facility can be fabricated on silicon using bulk and surface micromachining used in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. All the valves, flow meters, pressure gauges and analysis tools can also be fabricated using MEMS technologies and constitute an integral part of the micro- fabrication facility.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
DO RATE AND VOLUME MATTER? TRANSACTION COST LIMITS TO ECONOMIES OF SCALE

We revisit economies of scale starting with Adam Smith and continuing through Armen Alchian. In spite of detail and depth of analysis, the application of economies of scale is still confused. As Robinson points out, large scale processes can be jobbed out. The Coasian limits of the problem are explored.
Packed Sperm Volume Versus Optical Density as a Measure of Semen Concentration

Abstract In studying the relationship of vitamin E to reproduction in White Leghorn male chickens, Arscott et al. (1965) and Arscott and Parker (1967) have reported data on fertility and semen concentration with the latter measurement given as optical density utilizing the procedure of Kosin and Wheeler (1956). Since this technique is still tedious and time consuming when relatively large numbers of males are used, an experiment was conducted to determine if percent packed sperm volume would provide data comparable to the density values previously cited in reporting semen concentration. The experimental details as well as the care and management of the males are reported elsewhere, Kuhns and Arscott (1969). Semen not used for insemination was stored overnight in a refrigerator at 5°C. Percent packed sperm readings were obtained from a micro hematocrit reader (Phillips-Drucker, model L-550, Astoria, Oregon) using 75 mm. capillary tubes with an outside diameter of 1.4–1.6…
A single amino acid mutation in the carnation ringspot virus capsid protein allows virion formation but prevents systemic infection.

A Carnation ringspot virus (CRSV) variant (1.26) was identified that accumulates virions but is incapable of forming a systemic infection. The 1.26 capsid protein gene possesses a Ser→Pro mutation at amino acid 282. Conversion of 1.26 amino acid 282 to Ser restored systemic infection, while the reciprocal mutation in wild-type CRSV abolished systemic infection. Similar mutations introduced into the related Red clover necrotic mosaic virus capsid protein gene failed to induce the packaging but nonsystemic movement phenotype. These results provide additional support for the theory that virion formation is necessary but not sufficient for systemic movement with the dianthoviruses.
A monomolecularly imprinted dendrimer (MID) capable of selective binding with a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine guest through multiple functional group interactions

A molecularly imprinted dendrimer (MID) with a colorimetric reporter group exhibits three-point binding of tris(aminoethyl)amine in THF with a Kassoc = 3.3 × 106 M−1.
Temperature and heat flow variations during the menstrual cycle: Breasts and extremeties

Abstract 1. 1. The mid-menstrual cycle breast temperature (TBr) peak in women earlier described by Nassar & Smith (1975) has been more closely evaluated and compared with menstrual cycle variations in other peripheral regions. 2. 2. Alignment of the TBr, heat flow and conductance data by the day of the TBr peak showed a significant rise and fall in these three variables, the peak occurring 2–4 days prior to the estimated day of ovulation and the nadir usually within 1 day of estimated ovulation. The relative changes in these data during the mid-cycle peak proved significant and distinguished it from other cyclic variations or elevations later in the cycle. This phenomenon was not found to occur at peripheral areas of the arm, thigh, calves and forehead. 3. 3. Rectal temperature (TRe) remained stable at the time of the TBr peak, with a slight elevation following estimated ovulation. 4. 4. Progesterone assays clearly indicated the occurrence of ovulation in 70% of the subjects studied. 5. 5. It is noted that the TBr pattern very closely resembles that of plasma oestradiol levels established for humans during the menstrual cycle, and it is hypothesized that the breast thermal response is due to cyclic changes in oestrogen levels leading to an increase in blood flow to that area.
Experimental and analytical study of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)/autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) sandwich panels

Abstract The structural behavior of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)–autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panels has been investigated. FRP laminates can be used to reinforce externally the plain AAC producing a very high stiff panel. The resulting hybrid FRP/AAC panel can be used as structural or non-structural member for the housing construction. In order to accomplish this, FRP/AAC panels have been fabricated and prepared for testing. The specimens have been processed using the advanced semi-mechanical processing technique VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding). The concept of the FRP/AAC panel is based on the theory of sandwich construction with strong and stiff skins, like FRP composites, bonded to a core material, like AAC panel. The FRP composite material was made of carbon reinforcing fabrics embedded in an epoxy resin matrix. The panels were tested under four-point bending test to investigate their strength and ductility responses using a Tinius–Olsen Universal Testing Machine. Experimental results showed a significant influence of FRP laminates on both strength and ductility of the FRP/AAC panels. A theoretical analysis was conducted to predict the strength of the FRP/AAC member and results found were in good accordance with the experimental ones.
Effect of erythropoietin on renal excretion of a sodium load

To determine whether erythropoietin alters the renal excretion of a sodium load in humans, we administered either erythropoietin (150 units/kg) or vehicle intravenously in a randomized crossover design to six normal white men on day 4 of a controlled sodium diet. After erythropoietin administration, the subjects were given 2 L normal saline solution intravenously over 4 hours. All urine was collected for 4 days after drug administration. Serum sodium and creatinine levels and blood pressure were determined 0, 4, 8, and 24 hours after drug administration. Peripheral renin activity and aldosterone levels were determined 0, 4, and 8 hours after drug administration. Erythropoietin significantly decreased total sodium excretion during the 4 days after drug administration (erythropoietin = 784 ± 46 mEq/4 days versus control = 840 ± 41 mEq/4 days; p < 0.001). Erythropoietin did not alter creatinine clearance, blood pressure, or the changes in plasma renin activity and aldosterone caused by the saline load. We conclude that erythropoietin decreases urine sodium excretion after a sodium load in normal human subjects without altering glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, or plasma renin activity. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 55, 563–568; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.70
Cyclooxygenase Inhibition with Ibuprofen: Effect on Biodistribution of Perflubron Emulsions in Mice with Mammary Tumor

The biodistribution of Perflubron (perfluorooctylbromide, PFOB) was studied by infusing 10 or 3 g/Kg doses of 90% and 100% w/v emulsions into Balb C mice with and without malignant mammary tumor implants. PFOB concentrations were measured in blood, liver, spleen, lung and tumor, and X-rays were taken 48 hours after infusion. Ibuprofen (IBU) was given intraperitoneally 10 mg/Kg daily for 3 days to study the effects of cyclooxygenase blockade. The results showed that the blood [PFOB) in tumor-bearing mice (TBM) was only 3.6% of that measured in normal mice (NM), and the liver [PFOB] was increased by 59%. The lung [PFOB) increase with IBU therapy in NM was highly significant. IBU therapy resulted in a 98% and 468% increase in blood [PFOB] in normal and TBM, respectively. Smaller but statistically significant changes occurred in blood [PFOB] with saline and sham injections. Tumor [PFOB] was lower by 17% (P =. 028) in mice treated with IBU. Smaller decreases were seen with saline and sham injections but did no...
Effects of chronic widespread pain on the health status and quality of life of women after breast cancer surgery

Most research and treatment of post-breast cancer chronic pain has focused on local or regional pain problems in the operated area. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare and contrast the pain characteristics, symptom impact, health status, and quality of life of post-breast cancer surgery women with regional chronic pain versus those with widespread chronic pain. A cross-sectional, descriptive design compared two groups of women with chronic pain that began after surgery: regional pain (n = 11) and widespread pain (n = 12). Demographics, characteristics of the surgery, as well as standardized questionnaires that measured pain (Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ-SF)), disease impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B)), health status (Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36)) and quality of life (Quality of Life Scale (QOLS)) were gathered. There were no significant differences between the groups on any demographic or type of surgery variable. A majority of both groups described their pain as aching, tender, and sharp on the MPQ-SF. On the BPI, intensity of pain and pain interference were significantly higher in the widespread pain group. Differences between the two groups reached statistical significance on the FIQ total score as well as the FACT-B physical well-being, emotional well-being and breast concerns subscales. The SF-36 physical function, physical role, and body pain subscales were significantly lower in the widespread pain group. QOLS scores were lower in the widespread pain group, but did not reach statistical significance. This preliminary work suggests that the women in this study who experienced widespread pain after breast cancer surgery had significantly more severity of pain, pain impact and lower physical health status than those with regional pain.