cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brown K, Gilfoyle D and (eds): Healing the Herds: Disease, Livestock Economies, and the Globalization of Veterinary Medicine

Review Through a series of 14 case studies, this multi-authored book examines the history of veterinary medicine and, particularly, the emergence of veterinary services and disease control programs in relation to livestock trade. For the case studies covering China, Australia, and New Zealand, and selected countries in South East Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, the focus is the colonial era up to the early 1960s or earlier. The case studies often show how advances in veterinary science from the late nineteenth century and technologies such as vaccines enabled large-scale disease control or eradication programs. For countries experiencing these programs for the first time, however, the book proposes that the primary objectives were related to colonial expansion and aims such as the protection of livestock on colonial farms, export trade and, at times, to support the appropriation of land. Only three of the case studies in the book deal with veterinary-related topics in pastoralist areas in Australia and Kenya (two chapters). David Anderson’s chapter on livestock marketing and colonial ambitions, between 1918 and 1948, clearly lays out the broader economic context within which livestock disease control programs were designed and implemented at that time. This chapter also presents a good overview of debates around overstocking and compulsory and voluntary destocking. The chapter by Lotte Hughes describes the forced displacement of Maasai communities from land that was thought to have a lower risk of East Coast fever and therefore was the preferred land for settler cattle. The common theme in these three chapters is the tension between the differing priorities of local herd owners, and those of governments and state veterinary services, and the imposition of disease control strategies often by force. A fourth chapter by Saverio Kratli deals with the history of cattle Catley Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice 2011, 1:12 http://www.pastoralismjournal.com/content/1/1/12
Impact of Relaxation Training on Patient‐Perceived Measures of Anxiety, Pain, and Outcomes after Interventional Electrophysiology Procedures

Background: Electrophysiology procedures vary in invasiveness, duration, and anesthesia utilized. While complications are low and efficacy high, cases are elective and patient experiences related to anxiety, pain, and perceived outcomes are not well studied. We sought to determine if a 30-minute audio compact disc (CD) that teaches relaxation techniques and wellness perception prior to an elective procedure impacts validated measures of anxiety, pain, and procedural outcomes. Methods: Sixty-one patients were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (NCG= 31) or interventional group (IG) (NIG= 30). Both groups answered a baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) survey consisting only of anxiety assessment questions. The IG listened to the CD the night prior to their procedure. Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored on admission and prior to the procedure. Postprocedure, both groups completed two HADS-A surveys as well as two Patient Experience Surveys (PES). There was no statistical difference in the demographics and the rate of procedural complications between the groups. The statistical significance of our data was determined using a Student's t-test and χ2 test. Results: At baseline, both groups had equal amounts of anxiety prior to their procedures (P = 0.2). The patients in the IG had lower systolic blood pressures during admission and prior the administration of analgesics in comparison to the CG. Postprocedure, results from administering the HADS-A demonstrated that the IG had 33% lower anxiety (P = 0.02) than CG patients. Conclusion: The implementation of basic relaxation teaching techniques prior to planned electrophysiology procedures lowers systolic blood pressure and postprocedural anxiety. (PACE 2011: 34:821–826)
A Review of “On Appreciating Congress: The People's Branch”

Appreciating Congress—what a concept! The most unpopular and misunderstood branch gets some “appreciation.” How quaint. It's so nineteenth century. But Louis Fisher, bless his heart, is in many way...
OSTEO-CHONDRO-MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY A Disorder Manifested by Multiple Skeletal Deformities, Myotonia, and Dystrophic Changes in Muscle

Three cases of a disorder of bone and of skeletal muscle are reported. Clinical manifestations of this disease begin in infancy with slowly progressive bony deformities, including coxa vara or valga, pectus carinatum, vertebral flattening, dwarfism, and basilar invagination. In addition, there is a mild dystrophic process in muscle, with muscular hypertrophy followed by atrophy, and with prominent myotonia. The descriptive label of osteo-chondro-muscular dystrophy is suggested, since this covers both the skeletal and the neuromuscular aspects of the disease. Present evidence favors a recessive mode of inheritance. Muscle biopsy studies, including electronmicroscopy and determination of muscle electrolytes, suggest a disorder of muscle membranes, with inability to maintain normal gradients of sodium and potassium. An abnormally low potassium concentration in muscle was noted already in a 6-month-old infant with this disease, at a time when dystrophic changes were minimal. Procaine amide therapy was effective in improving muscle function in the two children in whom it was tried.
The Present Status of the Treatment of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis with Steroid Hormones

3have studied a large, well controlled group of patients treated with eortisone and report 41.3 per cent remissions in the treated group as compared to 15.8 per cent in the control group. The incidence of complications was not thought to be greatly affected by the therapy. It was noted that the doses employed in this study were considerably smaller than are thought necessary by most American clinicians. Fierst and his associates 4 reported their experience in the treatment of 114 cases of ulcerative colitis with corticotropin and various steroid hormones with no striking therapeutic response. The occurrence of severe complications, such as hemorrhage in 6 cases and perforation in 5 cases, was attributed to the therapy and was regarded as an important deterrent to the use of steroid hor­ mones. Many others have reported severe complications in the course of hormone therapy of ulcerative colitis, and the dangers of this form of treatment have been ·emphasized but not thoroughly evaluated. Bargen b
Heme binding by Corynebacterium diphtheriae HmuT: Function and heme environment

The heme uptake pathway (hmu) of Corynebacterium diphtheriae utilizes multiple proteins to bind and transport heme into the cell. One of these proteins, HmuT, delivers heme to the ABC transporter HmuUV. In this study, the axial ligation of the heme in ferric HmuT is probed by examination of wild-type (WT) HmuT and a series of conserved heme pocket residue mutants, H136A, Y235A, and M292A. Characterization by UV-visible, resonance Raman, and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopies indicates that H136 and Y235 are the axial ligands in ferric HmuT. Consistent with this assignment of axial ligands, ferric WT and H136A HmuT are difficult to reduce while Y235A is reduced readily in the presence of dithionite. The FeCO Raman shifts in WT, H136A, and Y235A HmuT-CO complexes provide further evidence of the axial ligand assignments. Additionally, these frequencies provide insight into the nonbonding environment of the heme pocket. Ferrous Y235A and the Y235A-CO complex reveal that the imidazole of H136 exists in two forms, one neutral and one with imidazolate character, consistent with a hydrogen bond acceptor on the H136 side of the heme. The ferric fluoride complex of Y235A reveals the presence of at least one hydrogen bond donor on the Y235 side of the heme. Hemoglobin utilization assays showed that the axial Y235 ligand is required for heme uptake in HmuT.
Squamous cell carcinoma originating from cutaneous cysts: The Henry Ford Experience and review of the literature.

AbstractPurpose: Malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising within cutaneous epidermal cysts is a very rare phenomenon. We provide a series of new cases and an overview of the literature. We sought to define the prevalence of and characterize SCC arising within epidermal and pilar cysts. Patient and methods: We searched Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) registry from 2005 to 2009 to identify cases of SCC arising from epidermal cysts. Results: We identified 1904 cases of epidermal cysts at our institution between 2005 and 2014. Of these, three cases of SCC arose from an epidermal cyst and one case of SCC developed from a pilar cyst. All lesions occurred below the waist with the exception of the pilar cyst on the scalp. Conclusions: Given the extremely low incidence, propensity of malignant lesions to become symptomatic and efficacy of treatment, we do not recommend routine excision of all epidermal cysts. Instead, we recommend excision and pathology for ...
Brain metastases in HER2 positive breast cancer: the next hurdle

Advances in our understanding of the biological subtypes of breast cancer have revolutionized its treatment landscape and prognosis. This is particularly so in the field of HER2 positive tumours, where targeted therapy with anti-HER2 agents such as trastuzumab and lapatinib, are now approved options. Since the introduction of trastuzumab, patients with HER2 positive breast cancers are experiencing longer disease- and progression-free intervals as well as better overall survival. Paralleling the problems with an ageing population, the increasing life expectancy of such patients have resulted in a new set of medical issues that oncologists and palliative physicians have to grapple with, such as brain metastases.
The Likelihood of Injury Among Bias Crimes An Analysis of General and Specific Bias Types

In 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Mathew Sheppard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Protection act and thereby extended the list of previously protected classes of victims from actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, disability and sex orientation to gender and gender identity. Over 45 states, the District of Columbia and the federal government now include hate crime statutes that increase penalties when offenders perpetrate hate crimes against protected classes of victims. Penalty enhancement statutes sanction unlawful bias conduct arguably because they result in more severe injuries relative to non-bias conduct. We contend that physical injuries vary by bias type and are not equally injurious. Data on bias crimes was analyzed from the National Incident Based Reporting System. Descriptive patterns of bias crimes were identified by offense type, bias motivation and major and minor injuries. Using Multivariate analyses, we found an escalating trend of violence against racial minor...
Vision-based multipoint displacement measurement for structural health monitoring

Summary A novel noncontact vision sensor for simultaneous measurement of structural displacements at multiple points using one camera is developed based on two advanced template matching techniques: the upsampled cross correlation (UCC) and the orientation code matching (OCM). While existing studies on vision sensors are mostly focused on the time-domain performance evaluation, this study investigates the performance in both time and frequency domains through a shaking table test of a three-story frame structure, in which the displacements at all the floors are measured by using one camera to track either high-contrast artificial targets or low-contrast natural targets on the structural surface such as bolts and nuts. Excellent agreements are observed between the displacements measured by the single camera and those measured by high-performance laser displacement sensors. The results of structural modal analysis based on the measurements by the vision sensor and reference accelerometers also agree well. Moreover, the identified modal parameters are used to update the finite element model of the structure, demonstrating the potential of the vision sensor for structural health monitoring applications. This study further examines the robustness of the proposed vision sensor against ill environmental conditions such as dim light, background image disturbance, and partial template occlusion, which is important for future implementation in the field. Significant advantages of the proposed vision sensor include its low cost (a single camera to remotely measure structural displacements at multiple points without installing artificial targets) and flexibility to extract structural displacements at any point from a single measurement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a Recombinant Escherichia coli Strain for Overproduction of the Plant Pigment Anthocyanin

Anthocyanins are water-soluble colored pigments found in terrestrial plants and are responsible for the red, blue, and purple coloration of many flowers and fruits. In addition to the plethora of health benefits associated with anthocyanins (cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiaging properties), these compounds have attracted widespread attention due to their promising potential as natural food colorants. Previously, we reported the biotransformation of anthocyanin, specifically cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G), from the substrate (+)-catechin in Escherichia coli. In the present work, we set out to systematically improve C3G titers by enhancing substrate and precursor availability, balancing gene expression level, and optimizing cultivation and induction parameters. We first identified E. coli transporter proteins that are responsible for the uptake of catechin and secretion of C3G. We then improved the expression of the heterologous pathway enzymes anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) and 3-O-glycosyltransferase (3GT) using a bicistronic expression cassette. Next, we augmented the intracellular availability of the critical precursor UDP-glucose, which has been known as the rate-limiting precursor to produce glucoside compounds. Further optimization of culture and induction conditions led to a final titer of 350 mg/liter of C3G. We also developed a convenient colorimetric assay for easy screening of C3G overproducers. The work reported here constitutes a promising foundation to develop a cost-effective process for large-scale production of plant-derived anthocyanin from recombinant microorganisms.
F_ζ-geometry, Tate motives, and the Habiro ring

In this paper, we propose different notions of F_zeta-geometry, for zeta a root of unity, generalizing notions of over finite fields, the Grothendieck class, and the notion of torification. We relate Fzeta-geometry to formal roots of Tate motives, and to functions in the Habiro ring, seen as counting functions of certain ind-varieties. We investigate the existence of Fzeta-structures in examples arising from general linear groups, matrix equations over finite fields, and some quantum modular forms.
Molecular Aspects of Steroid Hormone Action in the Male Reproductive Axis

Both T and E play important roles in the regulation of reproductive function at the cellular and tissue levels in males. In addition to a causal role in the development of the male reproductive phenotype, androgens provide feedback regulation to the hypothalamus and to the pituitary in humans. Estrogen action is critical for normal bone fusion and mineralization in both men and women, and E action appears to play an important role in hypothalamic suppression of gonadotropin levels.
Investigation into Omni-directional, Circularly Polarized radiation in electrically small antennas

Two types of antennas which produce Omni-directional Circularly Polarized radiation from a single feed are presented. The first antenna is a spiral top loaded crossed dipole and the second antenna is a conical helix crossed dipole. Both antennas are reduced in size to a kr of 0.3 where Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) spans across 360° of the axial ratio radiation pattern. The S11 of both antennas match below -10 dB at 450 MHz to a 50 Ω characteristic impedance.
Risk Analysis of Smart Terminals in Mobile Application of Power System and the Protection Solution Design

Introduce the status of mobile internet application in electric power corporations and current security protection methods. An in-depth analysis is made to demonstrate the possible hidden risks in the electric power smart terminals. Propose a set of electric power smart terminals protect solution and the implementation based on android operating system.
A novel cation-sensing mechanism in osteoblasts is a molecular target for strontium.

Defining the molecular target for strontium in osteoblasts is important for understanding the anabolic effects of this cation on bone. The current studies demonstrate that a G-protein-mediated response to strontium persists in osteoblasts that lack CASR, suggesting a predominant role for a novel cation-sensing receptor in mediating the osseous response to strontium. Introduction: Strontium has anabolic effects on bone and is currently being developed for the treatment of osteoporosis. The molecular target for strontium in osteoblasts has not been determined, but the existence of CASR, a G-protein-coupled receptor calcium-sensing receptor, raises the possibility that strontium actions on bone are mediated through this or a related receptor. Materials and Methods: We used activation of a transfected serum response element (SRE)-luciferase reporter in HEK-293 cells to determine if CASR is activated by strontium. In addition, we examined strontium-mediated responses in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and osteoblasts derived from wild-type and CASR null mice to determine if other cation-sensing mechanisms are present in osteoblasts. Results and Conclusions: We found that strontium stimulated SRE-luc activity in HEK-293 cells transfected with full-length CASR but not in cells expressing the alternatively spliced CASR construct lacking exon 5. In contrast, we found that MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts that lack CASR as well as osteoblasts derived from CASR null mice respond to millimolar concentrations of strontium. The response to strontium in osteoblasts was nonadditive to a panel of extracellular cations, including aluminum, gadolinium, and calcium, suggesting a common mechanism of action. In contrast, neither the CASR agonist magnesium nor the calcimimetic NPS-R568 activated SRE activity in osteoblasts, but the response to these agonists was imparted by transfection of CASR into these osteoblasts, consistent with the presence of distinct cation-sensing mechanisms. Co-expression of the dominant negative Gαq(305–359) minigene also inhibited cation-stimulated SRE activity in osteoblasts lacking known CASR. These findings are consistent with strontium activation of a novel Gαq-coupled extracellular cation-sensing receptor in osteoblasts with distinct cation specificity.
Flagellar Activation of Epithelial Signaling

Mucosal epithelial cells are an important component of the innate immune system forming a physical and immunologic barrier to inhaled bacteria. As polarized cells with tight junctions, the immunologic signaling functions of airway epithelial cells differ from those of professional immune cells. While many bacterial gene products activate airway mucosal cells, flagella are especially immunostimulatory. The motility function provided by flagella is essential for the initial stages of respiratory infection associated with opportunists such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Apically presented toll-like receptor 5 responds specifically to bacterial flagellin transducing a number of epithelial proinflammatory signaling cascades, including the induction of Ca2+ fluxes; activation of NF-κB, IL-8, and matrilysin; and mucin expression. The complexities of flagella and flagellin structures, how these bacterial components initiate host signaling and their potential as a vaccine target are reviewed.
Effect of clofibrate and colestipol singly and in combination on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Abstract The effects of colestipol, clofibrate, and a combination of these two drugs on plasma lipid and lipoprotein values were evaluated in seven subjects with type III hyperlipoproteinemia. When compared to baseline, colestipol administration resulted in a significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol (146 v 99, P
Introduction to coupled biogeochemical cycles

At the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, investigators of ecosystem science and biogeochemistry gathered in a series of sessions sponsored by the National Science Foundation to examine what is known about the coupling of chemical elements in biochemistry and thus in global biogeochemical cycles. As an introduction to the topic, this paper offers some philosophical thoughts about the origins and implications of coupled biogeochemical cycles on Earth. The chemical characteristics of Earth have carried the imprint of biology since the first appearance of life more than 3.5 billion years ago. Movements of about 30 chemical elements essential to life are coupled, so that the behavior of one element can often be used to predict the behavior of other elements – in both the natural and human-perturbed settings of the world. The coupling of biochemical elements stems from basic stoichiometry (the relative quantities of chemical elements in living biomass), the oxidation–reduction or “redox” reactions (in which one substance is oxidized [loses electrons] and another is reduced [gains electrons]) of metabolic activity, and chelation (in which a metal ion binds to an organic compound). Many anthropogenic environmental problems – climate change, eutrophication, acid precipitation, metal pollution – originate from the release of non-stoichiometric and toxic quantities of chemical elements to the environment. Geoengineering proposals as solutions to certain global environmental problems must be consistent with the underlying constraints of coupled biogeochemical cycles. Biogeochemistry has much to offer to policy makers, and biogeochemists must contribute to current deliberations about how to solve environmental problems.
New era of radiotherapy: an update in radiation-induced lung disease

Over the last few decades, advances in radiotherapy (RT) technology have improved delivery of radiation therapy dramatically. Advances in treatment planning with the development of image-guided radiotherapy and in techniques such as proton therapy, allows the radiation therapist to direct high doses of radiation to the tumour. These advancements result in improved local regional control while reducing potentially damaging dosage to surrounding normal tissues. It is important for radiologists to be aware of the radiological findings from these advances in order to differentiate expected radiation-induced lung injury (RILD) from recurrence, infection, and other lung diseases. In order to understand these changes and correlate them with imaging, the radiologist should have access to the radiation therapy treatment plans.
Colony stimulating factor-1 in human follicular fluid

Abstract Objective: To evaluate colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) concentrations in serum and follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval and to test for presence of messenger RNA (mRNA) for CSF-1 and its receptor, c-fms, in FF cells. Design: Collection of serum and FF at the time of oocyte retrieval. Setting: A university IVF program. Patient(s): Forty-five women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF. Intervention(s): Serum and FF were obtained from 24 women, and FF only was obtained from 21 women. Main Outcome Measure(s): Colony-stimulating factor-1 concentrations were determined by RIA, and the presence of mRNA for CSF-1 and c-fins was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Result(s): Mean FF concentrations of CSF-1 were significantly higher than mean serum levels (10.0 ± 1.3 and 3.6 ± 0.3 (±SE) ng/mL, respectively). Colony-stimulating factor-1 and c-fms message were detected in FF cells, and alternatively spliced forms of CSF-1 message were present. Conclusion(s): The presence of CSF-1, a primary regulator of tissue macrophages, in FF, and the presence of mRNA for CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in FF-derived cells, suggest a role for this growth factor in ovarian function.
Conditioned superprocesses and their weighted occupation times

Abstract A superprocess which starts at a finite measure will die in finite time. We consider a class of measure-valued Markov processes obtained by conditioning such a process to stay alive forever. More specifically, we study the asymptotic behavior of the weighted occupation times for these “conditioned superprocesses”. We give necessary and sufficient conditions, based on the asymptotics of the underlying motion, for the total occupation time to be infinite. Some special cases are investigated. We also prove that, when properly scaled, the occupation times for conditioned super-Brownian motion converge to a function of the local time when d ⩽ 3.
Coastal thin layer dynamics: Consequences to biology and optics

Abstract Thin layers are fine-scale structures with high concentrations of organisms or particles occurring over very small vertical scales (a few meters or less), but with large horizontal scales, often extending for many kilometers. Because of their small vertical scales, thin layers are traditionally under sampled, but when proper measurement techniques are used, thin layers have been found to be ubiquitous in stratified oceans. A multi-investigator, interdisciplinary study of thin layers was sponsored by the US Office of Naval Research under a research initiative termed: Layered Organization in the Coastal Ocean (LOCO). The goal of this program was to understand the properties of coastal thin layers and the interacting physical, chemical, biological and optical processes responsible for their formation, maintenance and dissipation. As part of this program, fine-scale vertical profiles (cm resolution) of biological, physical and chemical properties were made hourly over periods spanning 1–3 weeks during three summers in Monterey Bay, California USA. The vertical profiles were made using arrays of moored autonomous profilers. In total, these profilers made ~2000 individual vertical profiles and provided a unique view of phytoplankton thin layer spatial-temporal dynamics. The autonomous profiler data were supplemented with high-resolution ship-based profiling and discrete water sampling for identifications of organisms. Persistent phytoplankton thin layers were observed during each year in Monterey Bay; however, each year had very different biological and physical dynamics. During 2002, thin layers were dominated by the non-motile and potentially toxic diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia; during 2005, thin layers were dominated by the highly motile dinoflagellate species Akashiwo sanguinea; and during 2006, a more complex phytoplankton assemblage was present, but thin layers of the toxic dinoflagellate species Alexandrium catenella frequently occurred. The variability in the vertical location of thin layers in 2002 was primarily controlled by physics, while behavior, e.g. diurnal vertical migration patterns and daytime near-surface aggregations, primarily controlled the location of thin layers in 2005 and 2006. In 2002, phytoplankton thin layers were present in the water column 87% of the time, in 2005, 56% of the time and in 2006, 21% of the time. The median integrated chlorophyll concentration within the thin layers was found to be approximately 47% of the total water column chlorophyll in 2002, 41% in 2005 and 33% in 2006. Additional results in this study describe the mechanisms driving the spatial-temporal dynamics of these phytoplankton thin layers with special emphasis on diel patterns and the specific relationships that thin layers have to biological and physical processes and water column optics.
Bone-resorbing agents promote and interferon-γ inhibits bone cell collagenase production

Parathyroid hormone, prostaglandin E2, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and epidermal growth factor, all known stimulators of bone resorption, markedly enhanced collagenase secretion by rat fetus osteoblastlike cells in primary culture as judged by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Untreated cells contained no immunostainable or extractable collagenase. Collagenase was detected in the treated cells and media only after 1-3 h of treatment, and there was no increment in collagenase activity when cells were treated in the presence of actinomycin D or cycloheximide. Cells secreted collagenase in a latent form and also elaborated collagenase inhibitor; chromatographic separation of collagenase from collagenase inhibitor and subsequent activation of the collagenase with trypsin yielded the active species in stimulated but not in unstimulated cells. The ability of individual prostanoids, among seven tested, to promote collagenase production correlated positively with their reported capacity to promote bone resorption. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a known resorption inhibitor, blocked the increment in collagenase production caused by all agents tested. These results indicate a close linkage between stimulation of bone resorption and collagenase production by osteoblastlike cells. Various resorption stimulators, including some not previously tested for effects on collagenase, augment the de novo synthesis and secretion of collagenase and act by an IFN-gamma-inhibitable mechanism.
Strategic brand alliances: implications of ingredient branding for national and private label brands

Current research on brand alliances has focused primarily on alliances between two known, national brands. However, there is significant benefit to both parties in an alliance between a national brand and a private brand. Such alliances are gaining importance in the industry but have not been studied by marketers. The basic question explored in this study is whether using a national brand ingredient can benefit a private brand without hurting the national brand. First, a theoretical framework to explain how consumers may react to such an alliance is presented. Next, an experiment was conducted which showed that a private brand with a name brand ingredient was evaluated more positively. However, the evaluation of the national brand was not diminished by this association. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
α2δ ligand: a new, smart pill for visceral pain in patients with hypersensitive irritable bowel syndrome?

The heteromultimeric voltage-sensitive calcium (Ca2+) channel is involved in the function of excitable tissues including sensory nerves. It comprises a primary α1 subunit and auxiliary α2δ, β and γ subunits, and the associated α2δ ligand-binding site (see fig 1). The α1 subunit forms the ion-conducting pore and serves as voltage sensor. The α2δ subunit consists of the highly N-glycosylated extracellular α2 protein attached to the membrane-spanning δ protein that binds divalent metal cations and interacts directly with the α1 subunit. The β subunit is an intracellular protein that mediates modulation of Ca2+ channel function by intracellular kinases. The γ subunit is a glycoprotein with four transmembrane segments.1 Figure 1 Three dimensional reconstruction of the L-type calcium channel showing α2δ ligand-binding site. This figure was published in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences , volume 28; Dooley, Taylor, Donevan et al ; Ca2+ channel α2δ ligands: novel modulators of neurotransmission, 75–82; copyright Elsevier, 2007.8 Pregabalin is a second-generation α2δ ligand that is approved in Europe for the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy, and in the US for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia and as an adjunctive treatment for adults with partial onset seizures. It is 2–10 times more potent and has more predictable pharmacological effects than the prototype α2δ ligand, gabapentin. Although it is structurally related to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, it is functionally unrelated and inactive at GABAA, GABAB or benzodiazapine receptors and is not converted metabolically into GABA or a GABA agonist. Furthermore, clinically effective concentrations of pregabalin have been shown to have no effect on GABA uptake or degradation.2,3 Pregabalin binds potently to the α2δ auxiliary protein associated with voltage-gated calcium channels, …
The Preparation of Mechanically Alloyed Powders for TEM Examination

TEM specimens of mechanically alloyed elemental Ni and Nb powders are prepared by a new procedure. The alloyed powders are mixed with smaller Al powders and fill an aluminum ring (3mm outer diameter). This composite is cold pressed together with the Al powders taking most of the deformation. The compacted specimen can be mechanically thinned. Electropolishing and ion milling can then proceed by standard methods with special precautions to minimize differential polishing or milling rates. The microstructural aspects of the formation of an amorphous phase by high-energy ball milling these powders have been studied. After 6 h each particle transforms to a heterogeneous layered composite of particles of one element in the matrix of the other. Particle size ranges from 15 nm to 90 nm. Mechanical alloying for 36 h results in the formation of an apparently uniform phase interspersed with a few small (4 nm to 30 nm) elemental crystalline particles. The uniformity of composition and the presence of C, O, and Fe were studied by EDX and EELS.
Chronic Stability of Bipolar Epicardial Plunge Electrodes in Dogs

We constructed and surgically implanted 114 chronic bipolar epicardial plunge electrodes for programmed left ventricular stimulation in closed chest dogs; 88 electrodes could be analyzed in animals surviving infarct surgery. Electrode plunges were constructed of silver wire, with conduction strands of silverplated copper wire, in medical grade silicone tubing. Electrodes were implanted epicardially through left thoracotomy and secured with prolene. Wires exited the fifth intercostal space and were tunneled subcutaneously and secured at the dorsal aspect of the neck. Baseline thresholds (mA) were recorded at a paced cycle length of 300 ms and pulse duration of 1 ms. At least 5 days after implantation, under light Nembutal sedation, thresholds were reassessed before programmed stimulation. Each lead was tested repeatedly over 5–177 (mean 28) days. The number of leads decreased with time due to animal attrition from ventricular arrhythmias. Mean pacing threshold at implantation was 0.25 mA. Mean and median t...
Elasticities of beer demand revisited

Abstract This paper uses U.S. aggregate beer consumption data from 1964–1992 to empirically estimate the elasticities of demand for beer. However, rather than assuming the behavioral parameters are time invariant, we estimate a gradual switching regression model that explicitly allows the elasticities to change over time. Results suggest that this more general model is warranted, as findings illustrate the importance of variable dynamics when evaluating the efficacy of proposed policy alternatives.
The Grave Scholarship of Antiquaries

This article explores Romantic-era representations of antiquarian exhumations; in the process, it participates in the recent scholarly re-evaluation of antiquarian research during the Romantic period. After a brief overview of the main characteristics of antiquarianism, I present two prose accounts of exhumations – Valentine Green's “An Account of the Discovery of the Body of King John in the Cathedral Church ofWorcester” (1797) and Francis Grose's Olio (1792) – that illustrate the antiquary's fascination with the grave and its contents. I conclude by examining Thomas Rowlandson and William Combe's The English Dance of Death (1815–16) – a collection of illustrated verse satires – which registers the ambivalent status of antiquaries during the Romantic period. Though Rowlandson and Combe are not above using stock jokes about antiquaries, the text also articulates a profound sympathy and gratitude for the mode of research, and advertises its own status as a product of antiquarian values.
Commentary: Conceptual and Methodological Challenges to the Study of Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology

In this commentary, I argue that although emotion regulation and its role in psychopathology has been the focus of considerable psychological research with both children and adults, fundamental questions remain about how these phenomena are linked. I pose four challenges to the study of emotion regulation and psychopathology that have yet to be fully met, either empirically or conceptually. I note that a multi-level developmental approach that places emotion regulation within the context of both the larger self-regulatory system and the social relationships within which regulation occurs may be useful in understanding the emergence and maintenance of early behavioral patterns that evolve into disorders of psychological functioning.
A neural network approach to multiple criteria decision making based on fuzzy preference information

Abstract Fuzzy preference information is an essential ingredient in multiple criteria decision making in fuzzy environments. This paper describes a neural network approach for modeling decision makers' fuzzy preference structures. The results presented in this paper show that the proposed neural network approach is capable of modeling a variety of fuzzy preference structures.
Wound-induced gene expression of putrescine N-methyltransferase in leaves of Nicotiana tabacum

Abstract Putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT) catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of pyrrolinium ring-containing alkaloids. Earlier studies have indicated that PMT gene expression is restricted to root tissue in Solanaceus plant species. During the analysis to further elucidate factors that govern the regulation of alkaloid synthesis, evidence was found for a novel expression pattern dictated by the 5′-flanking region of at least two members of the PMT-gene family. A 627-bp DNA fragment upstream of the NtPMT3 gene was fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and used to produce stable transgenic lines of Nicotiana tabacum. Fluorometric and histochemical assays conducted on transgenic plants indicated high expression levels in root tissue and, in agreement with previous studies, no expression was detected in leaves. However, expression was observed in leaves when they were mechanically wounded. This expression was highly localized around the wound site and showed little evidence of long distance signaling, including lack of responsiveness to jasmonic acid. Expression was transient, with maximum levels immediately after wounding and diminishing after approximately 2–4 h. RT-PCR analysis of mRNA isolated from wild-type plants also indicated upregulation of PMT expression in leaves upon wounding as well as very low transcript levels in unwounded leaves. Low levels of PMT activity were detected in leaf tissue, which did not increase significantly upon wounding.
Electron-beam flow visualization - Applications in the definition of configuration aerothermal characteristics.

Comparisons between flow visualization systems using electron-beam fluorescence, schlieren, and shadowgraph techniques illustrate the advantages associated with the electron beam. Specific applications of this method as an aid in defining the origin of erosion on a heat-transfer model are cited. Results of combined electron-beam oil-flow studies on configurations illustrate that the simultaneous definition of the external flow field and its surface flow can be obtained. Comparisons between the electron-beam oil-flow visualization method and phase-change coating heat-transfer tests on a shuttle ascent configuration indicate the complementary nature of these two testing techniques. Potential methods for improving the electron-beam technique are included.
A Performance Evaluation Model for Multimedia Laboratories.

A multimedia approach, coupled with an evaluation process, has provided the foundation for curriculum flexibility, competency evaluation, and increased student performance in the associate degree electronics technology program at the School of Technical Careers, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, The process model provides the needed latitude for rapid adaptation of course material. It allows for three avenues of information gathering by the student within the laboratory setting and also adds the valuable evaluation component. The evaluation technique inter‐correlates the cognitive and psychomotor domains. This intercorrelation allows for assessment of task performance at the time the task is being accomplished, thus improving on the pretest‐posttest method of competency attainment evaluation.
Optical tomography of the in vivo human lens: three-dimensional visualization of cataracts

An in vivo human lens containing a cataract has been visualized by a series of orthogonal slices made through a three-dimensional volume reconstruction. Data acquisition was made with a transformed series of 60 rotated Scheimpflug digital images. Each digital image represents the light scatter from the lens in a plane that contains the optic axis. At each angular position of the camera, a digital image of the in vivo ocular lens was acquired. The set of 60 Scheimpflug digital images was mathematically transformed into a new data set in which the images were oriented perpendicular to the optic axis of the eye. The transformed set of optical sections was aligned to correct for small eye movements during the data collection process. In order to visualize the volume of the in vivo human lens, slices were projected through the lens volumetric data set. The use of orthogonal slices to visualize lenticular light scatter represents a new technique to visualize human cataracts in vivo in three dimensions.
Exhaled Breath Condensate Formate after Inhaled Allergen Provocation in Atopic Asthmatics In Vivo

Objective. The dual actions of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase comprise reduction of S-nitrosoglutathione, a potent endogenous airway smooth muscle relaxant that is depleted in asthmatics, and detoxification of formaldehyde to formate. Airway formate production is increased in children with asthma, suggesting increased activity of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase. We determined formate in exhaled breath condensate from adult atopic asthmatics with asthma exacerbation produced by inhaled allergen in vivo, Methods. Twenty-two adult atopic asthmatics underwent inhaled allergen challenge using specific allergen. Exhaled breath condensate was collected at baseline, 1 h after inhalation of the provocative dose of allergen, and then every 2 h for 8 h during the challenge. Formate was analyzed by ion chromatography, Results. Eleven asthmatics developed an isolated early airway response, and another 11 volunteers early response followed by late airway response (dual response). Formate concentrations doubled 1 h post-...
Bielayev's point in poroelastic bodies in contact

Abstract In two elastic bodies in contact the point of the maximum stressing is found at some depth below the surface of contact. This point, called Bielayev's point, is examined in the case when the extremities of the bodies in contact are spherically shaped and the material is poroelastic. Such a viscoelastic model can simulate bone articulation. It is found that the location of Bielayev's point, evaluated on the basis of the energy strength hypothesis, changes insignificantly with time. However, the stressing to which the material is subjected is the most intense at the moment of the (sudden) application of load.
Rapid, Room-Temperature Formation of Crystalline Calcium Molybdate Phosphor Microparticles via Peptide-Induced Precipitation

Abstract : Nature provides numerous examples of organisms that synthesize intricate mineral structures (biominerals) with micro- to nanoscale features through the use of specific biomolecules.[ 1] While such control over mineral formation under ambient conditions exceeds current man-made assembly technologies, the known biominerals (only about 60 different minerals have been identified to date) do not possess compositions that are particularly attractive for many man-made devices.[ 2] Nonetheless, nature's exquisite control over biomineral formation has inspired the search for biomolecules capable of directing the assembly of non-natural inorganic materials. Peptides that exhibit specific affinities for synthetic materials (e.g., ZnO, Cr2O3, GeO2, Ag, GaAs) have been identified by several authors through bacteriophage or cell surface display (biopanning) methods.[3] However, the use of such display methods to identify specific peptides that induce the formation of crystalline multicomponent metal oxide compounds (i.e., materials widely used in functional devices) at room temperature and ambient pressure has not been reported in the literature. In this work, a phage display method has been used to identify peptides that bind to, and promote the direct and rapid room-temperature formation of CaO MoO3 (powellite) microparticles from aqueous precursor solutions.
III-V heterostructure interfaces by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

The interface characteristics of five different heterostructures grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) have been studied using secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two all‐binary AlAs‐GaAs superlattices, ternary Al0.6Ga0.4As‐GaAs and GaAs0.95P0.05‐GaAs superlattices and a mismatched GaAs0.8P0.2‐GaAs single interface have been examined for compositional transients and interface abruptness. When an interrupted growth process (15 s pause between layers) is used in an atmospheric pressure MOCVD reactor system, no evidence of compositional transients is observed in analysis of SIMS data interfaces of heterostructures grown in this manner and examined with high‐resolution TEM and corresponding lattice imaging are found to be abrupt within a single atomic layer.
A transistor amplifier and discriminator with bias stabilization

Summary form only given, as follows. A low-frequency medium-gain amplifier and phase discriminator using germanium transistors is described. The circuit operates a relay from the output of an a-c resistance bridge. The output of the bridge is controlled by a thermistor temperature-sensing element. The circuit was developed for use in a continuous, non-scanning temperature monitoring system for which each monitored point required a separate bridge, amplifier and discriminator output relay. The major design problem was the requirement that the circuit be operable over a wide range of ambient temperature. Particular emphasis is placed on the solution to this problem. A method of bias-stabilization with direct coupling of the amplifier transistors is presented and a means of stabilizing the discriminator circuit is described. Design consideration and performance data are discussed.
Performance analysis on synthetic aperture radar-based vibration estimation in clutter

Recently, a time-frequency method based on the discrete fractional Fourier transform (DFrFT) was proposed for estimating target vibrations using synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Later on, a subspace method was incorporated into the DFrFT-based method. It is shown that the subspace method provides better performance than the direct DFrFT-based method in noise. However, the performance of these two methods has not been studied in clutter that cause strong interference with signals from vibrating targets in real-world applications. In this paper, the performance of the two vibration estimation methods in clutter is characterized and compared via simulations. Simulation results demonstrate that the DFrFT-based method, that yielded reliable results when signal-to-clutter ratios (SCR) exceeds 18 dB, now yields reliable results when SCR exceeds 8 dB with the incorporation of the subspace method. Experimental results show that the subspace method correctly estimates the vibration frequency of a 7 Hz vibration from actual SAR data at an estimated SCR of 14 dB.