cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of erbB kinase activity and oncogenic potential by single point mutations in the glycine loop of the catalytic domain.

Abstract Avian c-erbB is activated to a leukemia oncogene following truncation of its amino-terminal ligand-binding domain by retroviral insertion. The insertionally activated transcripts encode protein products which have constitutive tyrosine kinase activity and can induce erythroleukemia but not sarcomas. We have previously found that a valine-to-isoleucine point mutation at position 157 (V157I mutant) within the tyrosine kinase domain of this truncated erbB can dramatically activate the sarcomagenic potential of the oncogene and increase the kinase activity of this oncoprotein. This mutation lies at position 157 of the insertionally activated c-erbB product, affecting a highly conserved valine residue of the glycine loop involved in ATP binding and phosphate transfer. To investigate the functional importance of this residue in the catalytic activity of kinases, we have introduced at this position, by site-directed mutagenesis, codons representing the remaining 18 amino acid residues. Most of the mutants have diminished activity, with six of them completely devoid of kinase activity, indicating the sensitivity of this region to conformational changes. Some of these mutants displayed increased kinase activity and greater transforming potential in comparison with IA c-erbB, but none had levels as high as those of the V157I mutant. In general, the sarcomagenic potential of the various erbB mutants correlated with their autophosphorylation state and their ability to cause phosphorylation of MAP kinase. However, there are important exceptions such as the V157G mutant, which lacks enhanced autophosphorylation but is highly sarcomagenic. Studies of this and other autophosphorylation site mutants point to the existence of an autophosphorylation-independent pathway in sarcomagenesis. The requirement for leukemogenic potential is much less stringent and correlates with positivity of kinase activity. When the valine-to-isoleucine substitution was put in context of the full-length erbB protein, the mutation relaxed the ligand dependence and had a positive effect on the transforming potential of the full-length c-erbB.
Human retinoblastoma gene: long-range mapping and analysis of its deletion in a breast cancer cell line

Mutational inactivation of the retinoblastoma (RB) gene is considered a fundamental event in the formation of several types of human cancer. A substantial proportion of RB gene mutations are partial or complete deletions that extend an unknown distance beyond one or both ends of the gene. To provide a framework for measuring the extent of these deletions, we have constructed a long-range restriction map of SfiI sites spanning 850 kilobases around the RB gene. This map was applied in a molecular analysis of RB gene deletion in breast cancer cell line MB468. A previous study of this cell line demonstrated deletion of the entire RB gene except for exons 1 and 2 (E. Y.-H. P. Lee, H. To, J.-Y. Shew, R. Bookstein, P. Scully, and W.-H. Lee, Science 241:218-221, 1988). Genomic clones containing the deletion junction were isolated from a library made from MB468 DNA. A probe obtained from the far side of the deletion junction was used to localize and clone the unknown 3' endpoint, demonstrating that the chromosomal mutation in this case was a simple deletion spanning 200 kilobases. Sequence analysis of the deletion junction indicated a conservative deletion with no loss or gain of nucleotides. The deletion endpoints had no sequence homology to each other or to any repetitive sequence family, such as Alu, so the recombination event was illegitimate. Structural analysis of this and other RB gene deletions is important for understanding molecular mechanisms of recessive oncogenesis.
Running on Empty: Leptin Signaling in VTA Regulates Reward from Physical Activity

Hunger increases physical activity and stamina to support food-directed foraging behaviors, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this issue, Fernandes et al. (2015) show that disruption of leptin-regulated STAT3 signaling in midbrain dopamine neurons increases the rewarding effects of running in mice, which could explain the "high" experienced by endurance runners.
Multicolor Flow Cytometric Analysis of Immune Cell Subsets in Tumor-Bearing Mice

This protocol describes a procedure for obtaining a single-cell suspension from mouse spleen or solid tissue. Once a single-cell suspension is prepared, multicolor flow cytometry is used to identify subsets of immune cells in the samples of interest. This protocol can be used to evaluate the following immune cell populations, defined by the expression of certain cell surface molecules: total leukocytes, T lymphocytes and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell subsets, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and immature myeloid cells.
Body image, dieting tendencies, and sex role traits in urban black women

The present study examined body image satisfaction, dieting tendencies, and sex role traits among a sample of black urban women. While women who felt “too fat” were more likely than other women to engage in both restrictive and nonrestrictive dieting tendencies, in general, the women's body weight and body image did not compel them to utilize extremely restrictive dieting practices. A sizable proportion of the sample reported body image dissatisfaction and weight concerns, yet this did not appear to exert an overwhelmingly negative influence over other aspects of their lives, such as participation in sports, exercise, and sexual activity. Body image satisfaction and sex role traits were related. Dieting tendencies were also related with body image satisfaction. These findings and implications for further research are discussed.
A review of traditional therapies in complete dentures

The number of persons in the United States and Canada over 65 years of age who are edentulous and in need of complete dentures appears to be decreasing as a percent of the total population (by the year 2030), but the total number of patients needing these services will be almost the same as it is today. Administering complete denture prosthodontics to geriatric patients will continue to be a formidable part of the general dentistry practice well into the next century despite changing demographics. Careful dental evaluation of the patient through a well-structured examination and care based on sound principles and concepts continues to be the standard that must be provided. A lifetime commitment by the patient to a program of recall and maintenance for continuous monitoring of the dentures and the oral tissues is essential for older adult edentulous patients. We should periodically review these traditional therapies to improve our knowledge.
Electrical characterization of CdZnTe imaging detectors for digital radiography

Abstract The purpose of this study is to measure the electrical parameters of the Cd1ZnTe detectors, with the aim of characterizing the optimal detector performance parameters for digital radiographic applications. 1. Introduction Recent developments in digital technology have resulted in increased interest in semiconductor devices forradiological applications[1]-[3]. This paper describes some of our ongoing work in the application of the semiconductor material, Cd1ZnTe, for radiological uses. This material has high stopping power due to its highmass density (5.8 gm/cm3) and effective atomic number Z of 49.6 (Cd09:48, Zn1 :30, Te:52). It is important to make observations of its leakage current and capacitance at several voltages over the operating range to determine the noise performance ofthe system. It is also important to measure the resistivity of material so thatthe impedance can be matched to the input impedance of amplifier. The noise characteristics of Cdi..ZnTe aredescribed by measuring the variations of leakage current and capacitance with respect to parameters like biasvoltage and gain ofthe system.
Corrigendum to “Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti, with two different multiplex PCR assays” [Tick Tick-borne Dis. 5 (2014) 349–351]

Please cite this article in press as: Hojgaard, A., et al., Corrigendum to “Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti, with two different multiplex PCR assays” [Tick Tick-borne Dis. 5 (2014) 349–351]. Ticks Tick-borne Dis. (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.07.018 Primers and probes Sequence 5 –3 Location GenBank accession no. M2 mix msp4-probe HEX-CTCCGCCAATAGCATAGCCAGTTG-BHQ1 1310353–1310376 CP000235
Effect of glenohumeral abduction angle on the mechanical interaction between the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons for the intact, partial‐thickness torn, and repaired supraspinatus tendon conditions

Rotator cuff tears are difficult to manage because of the structural and mechanical inhomogeneity of the supraspinatus tendon. Previously, we showed that with the arm at the side, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons mechanically interact such that conditions that increase supraspinatus tendon strain, such as load or full-thickness tears, also increase infraspinatus tendon strain. This suggests that the infraspinatus tendon may shield the supraspinatus tendon from further injury while becoming at increased risk of injury itself. In this study, the effect of glenohumeral abduction angle on the interaction between the two tendons was evaluated for supraspinatus tendon partial-thickness tears and two repair techniques. Principal strains were quantified in both tendons for 0°, 30° and 60° of glenohumeral abduction. Results showed that interaction between the two tendons is interrupted by an increase in abduction angle for all supraspinatus tendon conditions evaluated. Infraspinatus tendon strain was lower at 30° and 60° than at 0° abduction angle. In conclusion, interaction between the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons is interrupted with increase in abduction angle. Additionally, 30° abduction should be further evaluated for management of rotator cuff tears and repairs as it is the angle at which both supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon strain is decreased.
CAPTORIL (C) -SUCCESSFUL USE IN SEVERE HYPERTENSION

(C) is an orally active anti-hypertensive which inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I (AI) to angiotensin (( (AII). We report 6 patients: 3 with renal failure on dialysis; 2 with vasculitis and 1 chronic renal transplant rejection. All were unresponsive to conventional therapy. Plasma renin activity (PRA) (ng/ml/hr), AI (pg/ml) and AII (pg/ml) levels were measured pre and post therapy. In cases 1,2,4 (C) alone served to reduce blood pressure (BP). (C) decreased BP in 3 despite low renin levels, indicating at least 2 modes of action for (C). No significant side effects were noted. (C) is an effective, well-tolerated anti-hypertensive agent in children.
Reducing high-order perineal laceration during operative vaginal delivery.

Objective This study was undertaken to assess the impact of a focused intervention on reducing high-order (third and fourth degree) perineal lacerations during operative vaginal delivery. Study Design The following recommendations for clinical management were promulgated by departmental lectures, distribution of pertinent articles and manuals, training of physicians, and prominent display of an instructional poster: (1) increased utilization of vacuum extraction over forceps delivery; (2) conversion of occiput posterior to anterior positions before delivery; (3) performance of mediolateral episiotomy if episiotomy was deemed necessary; (4) flexion of the fetal head and maintenance of axis traction; (5) early disarticulation of forceps; and (6) reduced maternal effort at expulsion. Peer comparison was encouraged by provision of individual and departmental statistics. Clinical data were extracted from the labor and delivery database and the medical record. Results One hundred fifteen operative vaginal deliveries occurred in the 3 quarters preceding the intervention, compared with 100 afterward ( P = .36). High-order laceration with operative vaginal delivery declined from 41% to 26% ( P = .02), coincident with increased use of vacuum (16% vs 29% of operative vaginal deliveries, P = .02); fewer high-order lacerations after episiotomy (63% vs 22%, P = .003); a nonsignificant reduction in performance of episiotomy (30% vs 23%, P = .22); and a nonsignificant increase in mediolateral episiotomy (14% vs 30% of episiotomies, P = .19). Conclusion Introduction of formal practice recommendations and performance review was associated with diminished high-order perineal injury with operative vaginal delivery.
Effects of nitrogen fertilizer, irrigation, and crop genotype on canopy relations and yields of an intercrop/weed mixture

Abstract Two field experiments were conducted to investigate effects of soil conditions and crop genotypes on canopy relations and yield responses of two crops (barley and field pea) and a weed (white mustard) sown in trispecific mixtures. Treatments involved variations in nitrogen supply, water supply and pea genotype. Photosynthetic surface area and seed yield of pea were increased by increasing water supply, but were unaffected or diminished by increasing nitrogen supply. ‘Century’ pea produced about four times more surface area than ‘Alaska’ pea. Under irrigated, low-nitrogen conditions, seed yields of the two pea varieties were similar, but under high-nitrogen conditions, seed yield of the smaller variety declined significantly. Under high-nitrogen conditions, the larger ‘Century’ pea constituted a large proportion of the upper levels of the mixed-species canopies, while the smaller ‘Alaska’ pea was overtopped and shaded by mustard. Increasing nitrogen or water supply increased photosynthetic surface area of barley, but most of these increases occurred at canopy levels where only small amountse of photosynthetically active radiation ( par ; or Qpa) were available. Increasing nitrogen supply had a much stronger positive effect on barley seed yield than did increasing water supply. Use of ‘Century’ pea rather than the smaller ‘Alaska’ pea decreased barley's photosynthetic surface area, access to Qpa, and seed yield; these effects were particularly pronounced under low-nitrogen conditions. In terms of canopy development, Qpa interception, and yield, nitrogen fertilizer benefitted mustard much more than it did either crop species. Averaged across irrigation regimes, pea genotypes, and years, application of N increased mustard biomass by 472%, but increased total crop seed yield only 31%. Increasing water supply had much less effect than nitrogen fertilizer on mustard's production of photosynthetic surface area and biomass. Use of ‘Century’ pea rather than the smaller ‘Alaska’ pea resulted in increased shading and decreased growth of mustard. Results of the experiments indicate that soil conditions, the relative values and desired yields of the different component crops, and the degree of priority placed on weed suppression should all bear on the choice of appropriate crop varieties for intercropping systems. When the snaller ‘ALaska’ pea was used in the intercrop/weed mixtures, a large total amount of crop seed (pea + barley) was produced under high-water, low-nitrogen conditions. Total crop seed yield was greatest, however, when the larger ‘Century’ pea was used in the mixtures and nitrogen fertilizer was applied. Mustard produced very little biomass under the former conditions, but produced a substantial amount of biomass under the latter conditions.
Tifton 85 bermudagrass - early history of its creation, selection, and evaluation.

From 1953 to 1983, USDA entomologists and I tried to use 10-d weight gains of fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), to measure the quality of bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., forage. Tifton 68, Coastal, and Tifton 292 bermudagrasses fed to armyworms enabled them to make 10-d gains of 147, 50, and 8 mg. In 1984, we space planted 145 Tifton 68 × Tift 292 F 1 s in deep sand and in the fall selected 13 of the largest plants showing the least drought injury. Of these, entry 13 (Tifton 85') outyielded other entries in a 3-yr-32-entry small plot test. In duplicate 0.81-ha pastures, Tifton 85 produced 47% more steer gains than 'Tifton 78'.
Motion of curves in three spatial dimensions using a level set approach

The level set method was originally designed for problems dealing with codimension one objects, where it has been extremely succesful, especially when topological changes in the interface, i.e., merging and breaking, occur. Attempts have been made to modify it to handle objects of higher codimension, such as vortex filaments, while preserving the merging and breaking property. We present numerical simulations of a level set based method for moving curves in R3, the model problem for higher codimension, that allows for topological changes. A vector valued level set function is used with the zero level set representing the curve. Our results show that this method can handle many types of curves moving under all types of geometrically based flows while automatically enforcing merging and breaking.
Relative sea-level history of Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula derived from optically stimulated luminescence-dated beach cobbles

Abstract Calmette Bay within Marguerite Bay along the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula contains one of the most continuous flights of raised beaches described to date in Antarctica. Raised beaches extend to 40.8 m above sea level (masl) and are thought to reflect glacial isostatic adjustment due to the retreat of the Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet. Using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), we dated quartz extracts from cobble surfaces buried in raised beaches at Calmette Bay. The beaches are separated into upper and lower beaches based on OSL ages, geomorphology, and sedimentary fabric. The two sets of beaches are separated by a prominent scarp. One of our OSL ages from the upper beaches dates to 9.3 thousand years ago (ka; as of 1950) consistent with previous extrapolation of sea-level data and the time of ice retreat from inner Marguerite Bay. However, four of the seven ages from the upper beaches date to the timing of glaciation. We interpret these ages to represent reworking of beaches deposited prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) by advancing and retreating LGM ice. Ages from the lower beaches record relative sea-level fall due to Holocene glacial-isostatic adjustment. We suggest a Holocene marine limit of 21.7 masl with an age of 5.5–7.3 ka based on OSL ages from Calmette Bay and other sea-level constraints in the area. A marine limit at 21.7 masl implies half as much relative sea-level change in Marguerite Bay during the Holocene as suggested by previous sea-level reconstructions. No evidence for a relative sea-level signature of neoglacial events, such as a decrease followed by an increase in RSL fall due to ice advance and retreat associated with the Little Ice Age, is found within Marguerite Bay indicating either: (1) no significant neoglacial advances occurred within Marguerite Bay; (2) rheological heterogeneity allows part of the Antarctic Peninsula (i.e. the South Shetland Islands) to respond to rapid ice mass changes while other regions are incapable of responding to short-lived ice advances; or (3) the magnitude of neoglacial events within Marguerite Bay is too small to resolve through relative sea-level reconstructions. Although the application of reconstructing sea-level histories using OSL-dated raised beach deposits provides a better understanding of the timing and nature of relative sea-level change in Marguerite Bay, we highlight possible problems associated with using raised beaches as sea-level indices due to post-depositional reworking by storm waves.
Structure-based enhancement of boronic acid-based inhibitors of AmpC beta-lactamase.

The expression of beta-lactamases is the most common form of bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. To combat these enzymes, agents that inhibit (e.g. clavulanic acid) or evade (e.g. aztreonam) beta-lactamases have been developed. Both the beta-lactamase inhibitors and the beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotics are themselves beta-lactams, and bacteria have responded to these compounds by expressing variant enzymes resistant to inhibition (e.g. IRT-3) or that inactivate the beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotic (e.g. TEM-10). Moreover, these compounds have increased the frequency of bacteria with intrinsically resistant beta-lactamases (e.g. AmpC). In an effort to identify non-beta-lactam-based beta-lactamase inhibitors, we used the crystallographic structure of the m-aminophenylboronic acid-Escherichia coli AmpC beta-lactamase complex to suggest modifications that might enhance the affinity of boronic acid-based inhibitors for class C beta-lactamases. Several types of compounds were modeled into the AmpC binding site, and a total of 37 boronic acids were ultimately tested for beta-lactamase inhibition. The most potent of these compounds, benzo[b]thiophene-2-boronic acid (36), has an affinity for E. coli AmpC of 27 nM. The wide range of functionality represented by these compounds allows for the steric and chemical "mapping" of the AmpC active site in the region of the catalytic Ser64 residue, which may be useful in subsequent inhibitor discovery efforts. Also, the new boronic acid-based inhibitors were found to potentiate the activity of beta-lactam antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and ceftazidime, against bacteria expressing class C beta-lactamases. This suggests that boronic acid-based compounds may serve as leads for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of beta-lactam-resistant infections.
A muscle-sparing technique for reconstruction of the defect left after excisional hip arthroplasty

Muscle flap closure is the treatment of choice for coverage of the failed hip arthroplasty defect. Several described muscle flaps work well, but they sacrifice functioning parts of the abdominal wall or quadriceps femoris mechanisms. The authors describe the use of the tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap for this purpose. The technique described has been previously used successfully to reconstruct over 100 trochanteric pressure sores. This flap spares more important muscles, requires no skin graft, and exposes the deep wound well for debridement.
The effectiveness of reinforcement and practice for enhancing the creative writing of elementary school children1.

Reinforcement (team points) and practice were applied to the written work of 16 fifth graders on three operationally defined components of creative writing, fluency, flexibility, and originality.4 These three components were assessed via five response measures. Fluency was defined as the number of different ideas each student listed in an idea list prepared prior to writing an essay. Flexibility was measured in two ways, idea list flexibility and story flexibility. Idea list flexibility was defined as the number of different kinds of ideas which appeared in each day's list whereas story flexibility was defined as the number of different approaches to the topic that the child used in the story itself. Originality was also measured in two ways, idea list originality and story originality. Idea list originality was defined by the statistical infrequency of ideas in the children's lists of ideas. Story originality was determined by blind, subjective ratings of stories conducted by independent raters. All of the measures of creative responding were demonstrated to be under experimental control. The procedures also raised students' scores on Torrance's Tests of Thinking Creatively With Words on three variables, fluency, flexibility, and originality. Adoption for classroom use seems straightforward.
Developmental evaluation of a potential non-steroidal estrogen: triclosan.

Abstract Triclosan is an antibacterial agent commonly used in industry and often detected in wastewater effluent. The potential of triclosan to act as an endocrine disruptor was examined because its chemical structure closely resembles known non-steroidal estrogens (e.g. DES, bis-phenol A). Japanese medaka fry (Oryzias latipes) were exposed for 14 days beginning 2 days post-hatch to triclosan (100, 10, 1 μg/l), 17-β estradiol (E2; 1 μg/l), or a solvent control (ethanol). Two months post-exposure, the phenotypic sex of each adult was assessed visually using sexually dimorphic fin shape and size. The proportion of females in each group was similar for triclosan-exposed animals and solvent-treated controls (ethanol 53%, 1 ppb 58%, 10 ppb 45%, 100 ppb 36%) although E2 treatment did produce 92% female adults. Sexually dimorphic fin traits were quantified to look for potential effects of triclosan and E2 on the development of secondary sexual characters. These results do not support the hypothesis that triclosan is potently estrogenic. However, changes in fin length and non-significant trends in sex ratio suggest triclosan is potentially weakly androgenic.
Thermal Destruction of Listeria monocytogenes in a Meat Slurry and in Ground Beef

Thermal destruction of Listeria monocytogenes cells was determined in phosphate buffer, a meat slurry (20% ground beef/80% water) and in ground beef. D-values at 60°C, 65°C and 70°C in phosphate buffer, and in the meat slurry were 0.63, 0.29 and 0.15, and 2.54, 0.75 and 0.23 min, respectively. Heating of ground beef (80% lean) in a 75°C water bath to 50°C, 60°C or 65°C required 6.2, 8.4 and 10.6 min, respectively, and resulted in 0.2-0.9, 1.6-3.4 and 4.4-6.1 log reductions in L. monocytogenes cells, from the initial inoculation level of 8.08 log CFU/g. Viable cells were also detected after cold (21 days) or selective enrichment (24 hr) in eight out of nine samples of ground beef inoculated with 7.84-8.08 log CFU/g and cooked to 70°C.
Electron impact ionization of argon ions by trapped ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Trapped ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy has been used for the first time to study the electron impact ionization of ions. Production of Ar2+ has an appearance potential of about 17 ± 0.5 eV arising from ionization of Ar+, while production of Ar3+ has a value of approximately 30 ± 0.5 eV arising from ionization of Ar2+. The formation of metastable ion intermediates is postulated to explain the results.
Procedure for estimating the heats of formation of aromatic compounds: chlorinated benzenes, phenols and dioxins

Abstract A method for estimating the gas phase heats of formation of some aromatic organic compounds is applied. A critical comparison of the gas phase heats of formation predicted by this method with the gas phase heats of formation reported experimentally for several aromatic organic compounds is presented. Practical applications of this method are illustrated for chlorinated dioxins, chlorinated phenols and chlorinated or fluorinated benzene molecules. The limitations and practical extensions of the method are discussed. The method is shown to be simple and of practical usefulness, particularly when required experimental data are unavailable.
Space-filling molecular models constructed by a computer.

Abstract Space-filling models demonstrating interactions among clusters of molecules can be constructed easily by a computer. When illustrated in stereo views, the effect is quite similar to viewing a physical model. The computer program described is capable of displaying hundreds of atoms in any prescribed orientation. Features are provided for changing the size of the model, labeling selected atoms, and drawing embedded “stick” figures to aid interpretation.
Distinguishing between anxiety, depression, and hostility: relations to anger-in, anger-out, and anger control

Abstract The present study examined the role of internalized anger, externalized anger, and anger control (Spielberger, 1991) as predictors of depressive, anxious, and hostile symptoms. Based on regression analyses, internalized anger, followed by lack of anger control, was found to play an important role in predicting both depressive and anxious symptoms. However, for depressive symptoms, sex and externalized anger were also found to play a significant role in predicting this outcome. In contrast, hostility was predicted by externalized anger, followed by lack of anger control and internalized anger. These results are taken to support the validity of distinguishing between measures of depression, anxiety, and hostility.
Lack of Inducible NO Synthase Reduces Oxidative Stress and Enhances Cardiac Response to Isoproterenol in Mice With Deoxycorticosterone Acetate–Salt Hypertension

Although NO derived from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is thought to be cardioprotective, the role of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) remains controversial. Using mice lacking iNOS (iNOS−/−), we studied (1) whether development of hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and dysfunction after deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt would be less severe compared with wild-type controls (WT; C57BL/6J), and (2) whether the cardioprotection attributable to lack of iNOS is mediated by reduced oxidative stress. Mice were uninephrectomized and received either DOCA-salt (30 mg/mouse SC and 1% NaCl+0.2% KCl in drinking water) or vehicle (tap water) for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) by echocardiography and cardiac response to isoproterenol (50 ng/mouse IV) were studied at the end of the experiment. Expression of eNOS and iNOS as well as the oxidative stress markers 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE, a marker of lipid peroxidation) and nitrotyrosine (a marker for peroxynitrite) were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. DOCA-salt increased SBP and LV weight similarly in both strains and decreased EF in WT but not in iNOS−/−. Cardiac contractile and relaxation responses to isoproterenol were greater, 4-HNE and nitrotyrosine levels were lower, and eNOS expression tended to be higher in iNOS−/−. We conclude that lack of iNOS leads to better preservation of cardiac function, which may be mediated by reduced oxidative stress and increased eNOS; however, it does not seem to play a significant role in preventing DOCA-salt–induced hypertension and hypertrophy.
SGA scores have poor correlation with serum albumin in obese hemodialysis patients: a secondary analysis.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between serum albumin and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) in a sample of obese hemodialysis (HD) patients. Design and Method Study subjects ( N = 253) included patients who were categorized into well-nourished (68%, SGA score 6-7) and malnourished (score 1-5) groups, and, on the basis of the body mass index (BMI), into obese (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ; 35%) and nonobese (BMI 2 ). The mean baseline data (±standard deviation) were as follows: age, 63.5 ± 14.3 years; BMI, 29 ± 8 kg/m 2 ; and serum albumin, 3.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL (bromocresol green). The secondary analysis of data from the SGA Validation Project and Nutrition Algorithm Preliminary Report determined the relationship between the 7-point SGA and serum albumin concentrations in a sample of obese HD patients. Data were analyzed at Case Western Reserve University from a total of 253 HD patients. Main Outcome Measure The SGA scores in the BMI groups were compared with serum albumin as an objective measure of nutrition and inflammation risk. Results By using analysis of variance, the obese and nonobese populations showed statistically significant differences in SGA scores (obese: P P P P P P Conclusion The secondary analysis showed that SGA does not correlate well with serum albumin; thus, it may not be a valid nutrition assessment tool among obese HD patients.
Revised structure of bryostatin 3 and isolation of the bryostatin 3 26-ketone from Bugula neritina

Bryostatin 3 and the corresponding 26-ketone 5, which represents a new bryostatin, were isolated from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina (Bugulidae). Spectroscopic data from 2D NMR studies indicate that the structure of bryostatin 3 (3) has to be revised to structure 4. Bryostatin 3 showed [ 3 H] phorbol dibutyrate receptor displacement activity similar to that of bryostatin 1, whereas the corresponding 26-ketone 5 was significantly less active
The use of peer evaluations to measure student performance and critical thinking ability

Since the fall of 2003 the instructor of the Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) course in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has used peer evaluations as one means to measure performance of student oral presentations. The goal of the peer evaluations is to (1) provide a means of evaluation other than the instructors and to (2) provide students practice in critical thinking. Each student's presentation is evaluated in seven areas - organization, language use, material coverage, physical presence, vocal presence, visual aid use, and length. The students, as well as the instructor, rate each category based on a 5 point scale where 1 is "unacceptable" and 5 is "outstanding". In comparing the average student evaluations with those of the instructor, it first appears that students have difficulty critically reviewing other's work. However, a more in-depth look at the data reveals that students can differentiate between good, average, and poor performance, though not per the given scale standards. It is possible to use the study findings to develop a simple conversion model that converts student evaluations to predict true student performance. This, however, is left for future activity.
Experimental evaluation of a PUMA manipulator model-referenced adaptive controller

The robotic manipulator control performance database has been expanded by experimental evaluation of a joint space model-reference adaptive control technique. The trajectory tracking accuracy of the evaluated Model-Reference Adaptive Control technique was insufficient for gross motion control of a six degree of freedom PUMA manipulator. The adaption mechanism did not force the manipulator joints to track the reference model output. The Model-Referenced Adaptive Controller demonstrated efficacy inferior to dynamics based control techniques. Velocity reference input and friction compensation have been identified as essential components of any adaptive PUMA controller. Evaluation results provide valuable insight into further development of adaptive manipulator control methods.
Modeling therapeutic response to 12-step treatment: Optimal responders, nonresponders, and partial responders

Findings from alcohol treatment studies have had limited impact on clinical practice, in part because they have failed to accurately model treatment factors. This study attempted to model initial response to 12-step substance abuse treatment using a treatment theory-guided evaluation paradigm. A theory-guided measure of 12-step behaviors was constructed. Participants (N = 103) from two traditional substance abuse treatment programs were assessed at intake, discharge, and 1 month after discharge from intensive treatment. Results indicated that the measure of 12-step behaviors had adequate psychometric properties, and a one-factor solution best fit the data. Participants demonstrated substantial variability in their initial response to treatment. A cluster analysis of 12-step behaviors yielded three distinct groups of responders: optimal responders, partial responders, and nonresponders. Descriptive features and differences in relapse rates for groups are reported. Implications for matching patients to 12-step treatment and for clarifying the specific effects of this widely used treatment model are discussed.
Prevalence and correlates of undiagnosed depression among U.S. adults with diabetes: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2006

Abstract Aims Many people with depression may be undiagnosed and thus untreated. We sought to assess the prevalence and correlates of undiagnosed depression among adults with diabetes. Methods Data of U.S. adults from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2006 were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of correlates for undiagnosed depression. Results The unadjusted and age-adjusted prevalences of undiagnosed depression were 8.7% and 9.2%. About 45% of diabetes patients with depression were undiagnosed. After adjustments for all correlates, female gender (PR, 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.8), poor or fair health (PR, 2.8; 95% CI: 2.1–3.6), lack of social and emotional support (PR, 2.5; 95% CI: 1.8–3.3), life dissatisfaction (PR, 3.5; 95% CI: 2.2–5.5), use of special equipment (PR, 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.8), no leisure-time physical activity (PR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.9), and comorbid cardiovascular disease (PR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.9) were associated with undiagnosed depression. Conclusions Undiagnosed depression among people with diabetes was common. Because depression is associated with increased risk of diabetes-related complications, early detection of depression is needed in clinical settings.
EFFECTS ON TREES OF AN ILLUMINATING GAS IN THE SOIL.

Problems concerned with trees injured by illuminating gas accidentally leaking into the soil may be said to have commenced in 1807 when the first public street gas lighting system was installed in Pall Mall, London (10). Although various phases of the problems presented when illuminating gas is seeping into soil in which the roots of plants are growing have been investigated by botanists, chemists, and others for at least seventy years, no general agreement has been reached upon the exact manner in which vegetation is injured, killed, or otherwise influenced. A brief survey of the literature consulted is given to establish the present status of the general problem. Neuman in 1842, according to Girardin (12), described the poisoning of elm trees by gas. By 1864, Girardin, in Lille, France, was studying the soil for the cause of severe injury to Italian poplar trees located near a leaking gas conduit. About this time injuries to street trees were being reported from a number of European cities. The cause of the injury, and death of shade trees on several of the chief thoroughfares in Berlin brought about an extended controversy. This was described by Laissus and Heim (16). Some thought that gas in the soil was responsible; others thought that unfavorable conditions of water supply, nutrition, high temperatures, and other factors were chiefly responsible for the conditions of these trees. It was suggested that the soil around the roots of the trees should be inclosed by impervious cylindrical walls to avoid the action of illuminating gas, from leaking conduits, on the trees. In 1900, Wehmer (25) described the injury of elm trees in the vicinity of a gas leak in Hanover, Germany, and included an illustration showing the leafless condition of the tops of the trees and the sloughing off of large patches of the basal bark. In 1903 (18), at Yonkers, New York, considerable trouble was experienced owing to gas injuries upon shade trees. The writings of Stone (21, 22, 23, 24), from 1906 to 1916, gave evidence of the frequent instances of injuries to trees in New England which were attributed to the escape of illuminating gas in the soil. In recent years, in the United States field cases of gas in the soil affecting tree growth unfavorably have rarely been reported in the scientific literature. Accidental occurrences of this type are more frequent than is generally supposed. "When they involve a conspicuous shade tree or extensive injury to a number of trees in a small locality the necessity for information upon the factors involved, accurate diagnosis, and possible remedial measures become urgent.
Empiricism, Conservativeness, and Quasi-Truth

A first step is taken towards articulating a constructive empiricist philosophy of mathematics, thus extending van Fraassen's account to this domain. In order to do so, I adapt Field's nominalization program, making it compatible with an empiricist stance. Two changes are introduced: (a) Instead of taking conservativeness as the norm of mathematics, the empiricist countenances the weaker notion of quasi-truth (as formulated by da Costa and French), from which the formal properties of conservativeness are derived; (b) Instead of quantifying over spacetime regions, the empiricist only admits quantification over occupied regions, since this is enough for his or her needs.
Low doses of pamidronate to treat osteopenia in children with severe cerebral palsy: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of low doses of pamidronate in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in non-ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-three non-ambulatory children and adolescents (12 females, 11 males; mean age 10y [SD 5y], range 4y 1 mo-17 y 11 mo) with severe spastic quadriplegic CP and low BMD were recruited from a multidisciplinary clinic. Severity of CP was graded at Level IV (n=10) and Level V (n=13) using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Patients received intravenous pamidronate (4.12 mg/kg/y, maximum 45 mg/d) every 4 months. Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD were measured at baseline and after 4 and 12 months. Twelve months after the first dose of pamidronate there was a significant increase in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD (p<0.01 for both sites) and z scores compared with baseline values (p<0.01 for both sites). Mean BMD z scores increased 1.6 points for femoral neck and 1.9 points for lumbar spine after 12 months of pamidronate treatment. Serum intact parathyroid hormone increased significantly and cross-linked N-teleopeptide of type I collagen decreased significantly at 12 months. No significant side effect was noted. Low doses of pamidronate are well tolerated and significantly increase BMD in non-ambulatory children and adolescents with CP.
Preparing Protein Microarrays by Soft-Landing of Mass-Selected Ions

Intact, multiply protonated proteins of particular mass and charge were selected from ionized protein mixtures and gently landed at different positions on a surface to form a microarray. An array of cytochrome c, lysozyme, insulin, and apomyoglobin was generated, and the deposited proteins showed electrospray ionization mass spectra that matched those of the authentic compounds. Deposited lysozyme and trypsin retained their biological activity. Multiply charged ions of protein kinase A catalytic subunit and hexokinase were also soft-landed into glycerol-based liquid surfaces. These soft-landed kinases phosphorylated LRRASLG oligopeptide and D-fructose, respectively.
Role of C-terminal Membrane-proximal Basic Residues in Cell Surface Trafficking of HIV Coreceptor GPR15 Protein

Cell surface density of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is controlled by dynamic molecular interactions that often involve recognition of the distinct sequence signals on the cargo receptors. We reported previously that the RXR-type dibasic motif in the distal C-terminal tail of an HIV coreceptor GPR15 negatively regulates the cell surface expression by mediating the coatomer protein I complex-dependent retrograde transport to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here we demonstrate that another pair of basic residues (Arg(310)-Arg(311)) in the membrane-proximal region of the C-terminal tail plays a pivotal role in mediating the anterograde trafficking of GPR15. The Ala mutation of the C-terminal membrane-proximal basic residues (MPBRs) (R310/311A) abolished the O-glycosylation and cell surface expression of GPR15. The subcellular fractionation and immunocytochemistry assays indicated that the R310/311A mutant was more localized in the ER but much less in the trans-Golgi when compared with the wild-type GPR15, suggesting the positive role of Arg(310)-Arg(311) in the ER-to-Golgi transport of GPR15. Sequence analysis on human GPCRs showed that the basic residues are frequent in the membrane-proximal region of the C-terminal tail. Similar to GPR15, mutation of the C-terminal MPBRs resulted in a marked reduction of the cell surface expression in multiple different GPCRs. Our results suggest that the C-terminal MPBRs are critically involved in mediating the anterograde trafficking of a broad range of membrane proteins, including GPCRs.
Ldb1, a new guardian of hematopoietic stem cell maintenance

Maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells depends on a fine-tuned transcriptional network. A detailed study of the nuclear adaptor Ldb1 provides additional clues as to how hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis is controlled.
Determination of cadmium and lead in urine and other biological samples by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry.

Abstract A method for determining cadmium and lead in urine and other biological samples by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry is reported. Samples were analysed after wet or dry ashing and without extraction or matrix-modification techniques, in laminar-flow clean-room; negligible blank contributions were found. Matrix interference effects were observed only for lead and were resolved by the method of standard additions. Five NBS biological reference materials were used as internal quality-control standards. The urinary levels for non-exposed volunteers ranged from 0.16 ± 0.01 to 1.65 ± 0.20 and from 6 ± 1 to 31 ± 6 ng/ml for cadmium and lead, respectively; this corresponds to 0.15 ± 0.02 to 2.01 ± 0.16 and 7 ± 1 to 31 ± 3 μg/day. The average relative standard deviation for 60 urine samples was 10% for cadmium and 13% for lead.
Mating type and the differentiated state in Physarum polycephalum

Abstract In the acellular slime mold, Physarum polycephalum, the differentiation of amoebae into plasmodia is controlled by a mating type locus, mt. Amoebae carrying heterothallic alleles usually do not differentiate within clones; plasmodia form when two amoebae carrying different alleles fuse and undergo karyogamy. In this paper, we show that amoebae heterozygous for heterothallic alleles can be isolated and maintained as amoebae; the amoebae form plasmodia in clones without a change in ploidy. Plasmodia were also found to be formed, infrequently, by heterothallic amoebae of a single mating type. The plasmodia are healthy and are also formed without a change in ploidy. Thus, the presence of two different heterothallic mating type genes in a single nucleus is compatible with the amoebal state and one heterothallic mating type gene is compatible with the plasmodial state, once established.
Oleic Acid Modulates the Post-translational Glycosylation of Macrophage ApoE to Increase Its Secretion

There has been increasing interest in a potential role for fatty acids in adversely affecting organismal substrate utilization and contributing to the cardiovascular complications in insulin resistance. Fatty acids have already been implicated in regulating the expression of a number of genes in resident cells of the vessel wall. In the current studies, we evaluated a potential role for fatty acids in the regulation of macrophage apoE expression. Incubation in oleic acid increased the synthesis and secretion of apoE by human monocyte-derived macrophages. Part of this stimulation was mediated at a post-translational locus. Oleic acid increased the secretion of apoE from macrophages that constitutively expressed a human apoE3 cDNA. Incubation in palmitic acid decreased apoE secretion from these cells. The effect of oleic acid on apoE secretion could not be accounted for by the known effect of fatty acid on cellular sterol, because incubation in oleic acid did not suppress the degradation of nascent apoE. Incubation in oleic acid for at least 6 h was required to observe an effect on apoE secretion. Oleic acid altered the glycosylation pattern of cellular and secreted apoE, with a loss of the most heavily sialylated isoform. Oleic acid had no effect on the glycosylation of interleukin 6 secreted from macrophages. Elimination of apoE glycosylation, by substitution of threonine 194 with alanine, eliminated oleic acid-mediated stimulation of apoE secretion. These results indicate that oleic acid increases apoE secretion from macrophages at a locus involving post-translational glycosylation.