cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of hepatic iron concentration in fresh and paraffin-embedded tissue: diagnostic implications.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Determination of hepatic iron concentration (HIC) is essential for the evaluation of hereditary hemochromatosis. Occasionally, only paraffin-embedded liver biopsy specimens are available, or fresh biopsy specimens have been placed in saline for transport. This study aimed to describe a method for extraction of liver tissue from paraffin blocks, determine the accuracy of measurement of HIC in recovered tissue compared with fresh tissue, and determine the effect of immersion in saline on HIC. METHODS: HIC was measured in both fresh and deparaffinized liver specimens (n = 41). Accurate measurements were defined as either a normal result in both specimens or a result in the deparaffinized specimen that was within 30% of the fresh measurement. RESULTS: Measurements of HIC in fresh and deparaffinized tissue showed an excellent linear relationship (r = 0.95). In deparaffinized samples > or = 0.4 mg, accurate measurements were seen in 24 out of 29 specimens, compared with 6 out of 12 specimens weighing or = 0.4 mg correctly classified all patients. Immersion of fresh biopsy specimens in saline for 1 hour resulted in up to 50% iron loss (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Accurate measurement of HIC in deparaffinized liver biopsy specimens is possible. Calculation of the hepatic iron index from deparaffinized liver tissue can facilitate diagnosis of hemochromatosis when fresh tissue is not available. Samples should not be transported in saline.
Historical Analysis of the Family

The family is one of the most complex social institutions. It is affected by biological processes, psychological dynamics, cultural values, market conditions, demographic changes, the institutions of industrial capitalism, churches, government welfare-planning agencies, and long-term historical change. Nor is the family itself a static, homogeneous unit; rather, it is a complex organization of different age and sex configurations. Families contain husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, grandparents and grandchildren, and various other kin bound to one another by blood ties as well as by a variety of social, emotional, and moral bonds.
Expectation Conversations About the Very Predictable Events in Advanced Dementia

into the dialogue clinicians who care for persons with advanced dementia face. Few studies have described the types of decisions that are made for this population. The aim was to describe treatments, discomfort, and critical decisions made for patients with advanced dementia. Critical decisions were defined as decisions that involved starting, withdrawing, or withholding treatment that the medical team deemed critical to a patient’s survival and/or quality of life. The study was conducted in 2 regions of Italy with different approaches to persons with advanced dementia with one region relying on nursing homes and the other on home care teams for supportive care. The study only included patients with advanced dementia as assessed by a Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) 7. Discomfort was assessed every 2 weeks until death or through 6 months of follow-up. Only 3 nursing home patients had an advance directive, but more than 80% received weekly and 14% monthly visits from a relative. Most patients (73%) in both cohorts were able to be followed for 6 months and 20% were not followed for the full time period due to death, which was identical in the nursing home and home care
Study on the intracellular mechanism of LH release in the anterior pituitary

Abstract To study the mechanism of action of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LH-RF or Gn-RF) on the rat anterior pituitary in vitro, cyclic-3′,5′ adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP), LH, and FSH in tissue and culture medium have been analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Synthetic Gn-RF and rat hypothalamic extract (NIAMD-Rat HE-RP-1) significantly increased cyclic AMP formation in the pituitary within 5 minutes. Less than 5 ng. of Gn-RF induced maximum effect for cyclic AMP formation. Adenyl cyclase activity of pituitary homogenate was also increased by Gn-RF and the HE. Significant increases in the release of LH and FSH were observed after 4 hours' incubation with N 6 , O 2′ -dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10 mM.) and theophylline (1 mM.). Synthetic Gn-RF also induced a marked release of both LH and FSH in the medium and increase of LH content in the anterior pituitary. These data support the hypothesis that LH and FSH release by the hypothalamic-releasing factor is mediated by the adenyl cyclase-cyclic AMP pathway.
Protistan Communities in Groundwater

Studies of Protozoa in Soils and the Subsurface Types, Abundance, and Enumeration Methods for Protozoa Protozoan Transport in the Subsurface Protozoan Role in the Subsurface Impact of Protozoa on Contaminant Biodegradation in Aquifers Keywords: groundwater; protistan communities in groundwater; protozoa in groundwater; subsurface microbiology
Visceral Lesions in Raccoons Naturally Infected with Heterobilharzia americana

Three free-ranging raccoons caught in southeastern Florida were found to be infected by Heterobilharzia americana. The livers were firm with rough surfaces and stellate patterns of periportal fibrosis. The portal tracts had excessive mature fibrous connective tissue and occasional ovum and necrotic fluke granulomas. There were also ovum granulomas with concomitant lesions in small and large intestine, pancreas, and lung. Numerous other parasites were seen.
Work Zones as a Series of Bottlenecks

Studies on queue length and delay estimation have simplified the work zone as the location of a single bottleneck. However, if more than one bottleneck exists, such a simplification introduces considerable error into estimations of queue length and delay and can adversely affect traffic management strategies. The work space and the transition area are the two main locations in which bottlenecks are likely to occur. Drivers who pass a work space may reduce speeds or increase their headway and thus reduce capacity. Lane shifts or merges may also reduce capacity and cause queues. Work zones with inhomogeneous sections often have more than one bottleneck in a single work zone. The objective of this study was to develop a more accurate approach to predict queue length and delay when two bottleneck locations are assumed to exist in a work zone. Analyses were conducted for two-to-one work zones in which one of the two lanes was closed in a given direction. Shockwave theory was applied to study six conditions, ea...
Evidence That Assembly of an Active γ-Secretase Complex Occurs in the Early Compartments of the Secretory Pathway

The γ-secretase complex, consisting of presenilins (PS), nicastrin (NCT), APH-1, and PEN-2, catalyzes the intramembranous proteolysis of truncated β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch derivatives to generate the APP intracellular domain (AICD) and Notch intracellular domain (NICD), respectively. To examine the intracellular sites in which active γ-secretase resides, we expressed NCT variants harboring either an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal (NCT-ER) or a trans-Golgi network (TGN) targeting motif (NCT-TGN) along with PS1, APH-1, and PEN-2 and examined γ-secretase activity in these settings. In cells expressing NCT-ER and the other components, PS1 fragments hyperaccumulated, but AICD levels were not elevated. On the other hand, upon coexpression of an ER-retained APP variant or a constitutionally active Notch mutant, NΔE, we observed enhanced production of AICD or NICD, respectively, in cells expressing NCT-ER. Moreover, we show that membranes from cells expressing NCT-ER, NCT-TGN, or NCT-WT contain identical levels of PS1 derivatives that can be photoaffinity cross-linked to a biotinylated, benzophenone-derivatized γ-secretase inhibitor. Finally, our cell-free γ-secretase assays revealed nearly equivalent γ-secretase activities in cells expressing PS1, APH-1, PEN-2, and either NCT-WT or NCT-ER. Taken together, we interpret these findings as suggesting that active γ-secretase complex is generated in the early compartments of the secretory pathway but that these complexes are transported to late compartments in which substrates are encountered and subsequently processed within respective transmembrane segments.
The RNA of tobacco etch virus contains poly(A).

Abstract The RNA of tobacco etch virus was extracted and found to have a molecular weight of 3.2 × 10 6 based on an extrapolation from polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis mobility. The RNA from the virus could be separated into two classes, one containing and one lacking polyadenylate isostichs of sufficient length to bind to polyuridylic-acid-agarose. The two classes were present in variable amounts depending on the batch of virus used for isolation of RNA and both classes were infectious.
Nearshore retention of upwelled waters north and south of Point Reyes (northern California)- : Patterns of surface temperature and chlorophyll observed in CoOP WEST

Abstract Retentive embayments can be found near capes in upwelling regions, where they stand out as relatively warm features with higher chlorophyll a concentrations than surrounding waters. Within the area of the “Wind Events and Shelf Transport” study site (WEST) from the Gulf of the Farallones to Point Arena (37.5–39°N and 122.5–124°W), we describe two retentive embayments, extending approximately 20 km north of Point Reyes, and 30 km south of Point Reyes in the northern Gulf of the Farallones. These areas are identifiable from chlorophyll a (SeaWiFS) and sea-surface temperature (MODIS) satellite radiometry. Additional data from moorings and drifters were used to further characterize these retentive features. The persistence of these features is on time scales between 2 and 10 days, determined from time-series analysis of mooring data for chlorophyll and temperature. The alongshore wind stress is negatively correlated with chlorophyll and temperature mooring values. The time scale of persistence of these retentive features was similar to both the upwelling-relaxation timescale and the timescale of phytoplankton bloom development. The WEST region is notable in that the spring and summer is subject to the strongest wind stress along the US west coast, yet the coastal waters are highly productive. Based on our observations, we suggest that the apparent persistence of high biomass coastal waters in this strongly advective and wind-dominated system may be partially explained by the presence of retentive features identified in this study.
CO2-induced shift in microbial activity affects carbon trapping and water quality in anoxic bioreactors

Abstract Microbial activity is a potentially important yet poorly understood control on the fate and environmental impact of CO2 that leaks into aquifers from deep storage reservoirs. In this study we examine how variation in CO2 abundance affected competition between Fe(III) and SO 4 2 - -reducers in anoxic bioreactors inoculated with a mixed-microbial community from a freshwater aquifer. We performed two sets of experiments: one with low CO2 partial pressure (∼0.02 atm) in the headspace of the reactors and one with high CO2 partial pressure (∼1 atm). A fluid residence time of 35 days was maintained in the reactors by replacing one-fifth of the aqueous volume with fresh medium every seven days. The aqueous medium was composed of groundwater amended with small amounts of acetate (250 μM), phosphate (1 μM), and ammonium (50 μM) to stimulate microbial activity. Synthetic goethite (1 mmol) and SO 4 2 - (500 μM influent concentration) were also available in each reactor to serve as electron acceptors. Results of this study show that higher CO2 abundance increased the ability of Fe(III) reducers to compete with SO 4 2 - reducers, leading to significant shifts in CO2 trapping and water quality. Mass-balance calculations and pyrosequencing results demonstrate that SO 4 2 - reducers were dominant in reactors with low CO2 content. They consumed 85% of the acetate after acetate consumption reached steady state while Fe(III) reducers consumed only 15% on average. In contrast, Fe(III) reducers were dominant during that same interval in reactors with high CO2 content, consuming at least 90% of the acetate while SO 4 2 - reducers consumed a negligible amount (
Electron-Impact Ionization Cross Sections of Molecules Containing Heavy Elements (Z > 10).

The binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) theory has been successful for computing electron-impact ionization cross sections of many molecules. For molecules that contain heavy atoms (defined here as atoms with valence principal quantum number n > 2), there are two alternative BEB procedures in the literature. The first involves a kinetic-energy correction for molecular orbitals that are dominated by atomic orbitals with n > 2. The second alternative is to use effective core potentials (ECPs), which were developed for other purposes but yield valence pseudo-orbitals with reduced kinetic energies. In the present study, the results of these two approaches are compared with experimental cross sections for several molecules containing heavy elements. Although both procedures perform well, the ECP results agree somewhat better with experimental measurements. Cross sections are presented for C2Cl6, C2HCl5, C2Cl4, both isomers of C2H2Cl4, CCl4, TiCl4, CBr4, CHBr3, CH2Br2, P2, P4, As2, As4, GaCl, CS2, H2S, CH3I, Al(CH3)3, Ga(CH3)3, hexamethyldisiloxane, and Zn(C2H5)2. Incorrect BEB calculations have been reported in the literature for several of these molecules. As an ancillary result, the dipole polarizability of Zn(C2H5)2 is predicted to be 12.1 A(3).
Spontaneous emission noise reduction of a laser output by extracavity destructive interference

Our recent experiment shows that the oppositely directed spontaneous emission from a thin layer of a fluorescence source is highly coherent. It is proposed that a thin layer of gain medium be applied to a ring cavity and be located at the symmetric point from the output coupler so that the spontaneous emission in the laser outputs are correlated and can be removed from a laser beam by destructive interference technique. A theoretical analysis and a physical interpretation for such a spontaneous emission free laser beam are presented. The potential of using the device as an active laser gyro is discussed.
Issues in emerging 4G wireless networks

Researchers and vendors are expressing a growing interest in 4G wireless networks that support global roaming across multiple wireless and mobile networks. With this feature, users will have access to different services, increased coverage, the convenience of a single device, one bill with a reduced total access cost, and more reliable wireless access even with the failure or loss of one or more networks. 4G networks will also feature IP interoperability for seamless mobile Internet access and bit rates of 50 Mbps or more. Because deployment of 4G wireless technology is not expected until 2006 or even later, developers will hopefully have time to resolve issues involving multiple heterogeneous networks.
The psychosemantics of free riding: dissecting the architecture of a moral concept.

For collective action to evolve and be maintained by selection, the mind must be equipped with mechanisms designed to identify free riders—individuals who do not contribute to a collective project but still benefit from it. Once identified, free riders must be either punished or excluded from future collective actions. But what criteria does the mind use to categorize someone as a free rider? An evolutionary analysis suggests that failure to contribute is not sufficient. Failure to contribute can occur by intention or accident, but the adaptive threat is posed by those who are motivated to benefit themselves at the expense of cooperators. In 6 experiments, we show that only individuals with exploitive intentions were categorized as free riders, even when holding their actual level of contribution constant (Studies 1 and 2). In contrast to an evolutionary model, rational choice and reinforcement theory suggest that different contribution levels (leading to different payoffs for their cooperative partners) should be key. When intentions were held constant, however, differences in contribution level were not used to categorize individuals as free riders, although some categorization occurred along a competence dimension (Study 3). Free rider categorization was not due to general tendencies to categorize (Study 4) or to mechanisms that track a broader class of intentional moral violations (Studies 5A and 5B). The results reveal the operation of an evolved concept with features tailored for solving the collective action problems faced by ancestral hunter-gatherers.
Liver-spleen computed tomography a method tailored for infants and children

Abstract A detailed approach to liver-spleen computed tomography in the pediatric patient is presented, including sections on indications, patient preparation, sedation, technique of scanning, radiation dosimetry, and potential pitfalls encountered in scanning. The advantages of dynamic scanning with table incrementation are stressed.
The present state of insect taxonomic resources

Abstract Insect pest species, whether indigenous or endemic, most often for quarantine and other agricultural purposes require quick and easy access to insect taxonomic resources, nationally as well as internationally. The fast developing field of forensic entomology, helping in criminal investigations also demands identification of the insect species involved. There is thus an increasing demand for insect taxonomic services in science and society. But quite interestingly, there are ever decreasing monetary and professional insect taxonomic resources.
Interpretation of measurements of collisionless intramolecular energy-transfer and dephasing rates for SF(6).

Several experiments have been reported that relate to the measurement of the collisionless intramolecular energy transfer and dephasing rates for SF6. These measured relaxation times vary from less than 30 psec to 3 μsec. In addition, most measurements yield relaxation times that are comparable with the optical-pulse duration of the laser used in the measurement. We consider the effects of inhomogeneous and homogeneous dephasing processes in the optical interaction. The intensity and phase fluctuations in the laser and consequently the finite bandwidth of the optical source significantly affect this measurement. We present a simple model to account for the observed correlation with the optical-pulse duration.
Aging, Religious Doubt, and Psychological Well-Being

The purpose of this study is twofold: (a) To see whether religious doubt is related to psychological well-being and (b) to test for age differences in the relationship between these constructs. The data come from a national sample of Presbyterians. The findings suggest that doubt is associated with greater psychological distress and diminished feelings of well-being. Moreover, the results reveal that the deleterious effects of doubt are greater for younger than for older people. Implications for practice with adults across the life span are suggested.
19S and 7S anti-toxoplasma antibodies in diagnosis of acute congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis.

SummaryAn attempt was made to determine if macroglobulin (19S) anti-Toxoplasma antibodies are produced during the acute stage of infection and, if so, if their demonstration is of diagnostic significance. Sera were obtained from established cases of acute congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis and separated by gradient ultracentrifugation or gel filtration. Serologic examination of the fractions obtained by these methods revealed that 19S anti-Toxoplasma antibodies are formed in both acute congenital and acquired infection with Toxoplasma. Only 7S antibodies were demonstrated in infants born of mothers with chronic toxoplasmosis and in adults with longstanding infection with this organism. The demonstration of such macroglobulin antibodies in suspect cases of acute toxoplasmosis appears to be a useful adjunct to the presently available serologic tests.ADDENDUM. Since submitting this manuscript, sera have been obtained from 5 additional cases of acute congenital toxoplasmosis; 19S as well as 7S antibodies w...
Robotic endoscope motor module and gearing design

Actuation of a robotic endoscope with increased torque output is presented. This paper will specifically focus on the motor module section of a robotic endoscope, which comprises of a pair of motors and gear reduction assemblies. The results for the endoscope and biopsy tool stiffness, as well as the stall force and force versus speed characteristics of the motor module assembly are shown. The scope stiffness was found to be 0.006 N/degree and additional stiffness of the biopsy tools were found to be in the range of 0.09 to 0.13 N/degree. Calculations for worm gearing and efficiency are discussed.
The SPIRITual History

Spirituality can be defined as a belief system focusing on intangible elements that impart vitality and meaning to life's events. Often spirituality is expressed through formalized religions. Recently, the interplay of spirituality, religion, and health care has been explored in the medical literature. Spiritual belief systems impact on the incidences, experiences, and outcomes of several common medical problems. Unfortunately, there is little recent literature addressing the process of conducting a medically oriented spiritual history. One approach to assisting the physician in spiritual history taking, a mnemonic, SPIRIT, is presented as a guide to identifying important components of the spiritual history. This article addresses the issues of when and whom to interview, as well as specific professional and ethical issues related to this topic. Two case examples from my practice are presented to illustrate the utility of the SPIRITual history.
Anthropogenic and climatic influences over the past three centuries on characteristics of an Adirondack lake, Eastern North America

Fourth Lake is a drainage lake at 43°N, 74°W, from which a 37-cm long mud-water interface core was recovered. 210Pb dating indicates the core spans ≈340 years, from the Little Ice Age through modern global warming. Diatom accumulation responds to anthropogenic watershed disturbances, declining slightly up-core until a peak in the late-1800s attributable to sediment and nutrient influx from logging and enlargement of the outlet dam. A dramatic decrease occurs ≈1900 as logging and lake filling ceased, and a smaller peak ≈1960 accompanies residential development. Similar changes occur in organic carbon accumulation, which ranges from 0.0038–0.024 mg cm−2 year−1, with generally decreasing values up-core, punctuated by maximum values in the late-1800s. Expressing diatoms as concentration, however, reveals a doubling up-core that positively correlates with changes extending beyond the watershed, including Northern Hemisphere temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentration and solar irradiance (R = 0.627, 0.675 and 0.400, respectively). A >50% increase in % organic carbon, from 3.8% to 5.9%, also positively correlates with these larger-scale environmental conditions (R = 0.828, 0.830 and 0.832), while negative correlations with the extrabasinal records are exhibited by magnetic susceptibility (R = −0.654, −0.496, and −0.660) and clay (R = −0.770, −0.762, and −0.737). These changes are consistent with decreased sediment influx and reduced dilution of biogenous sedimentary components. In contrast to total diatoms, the accumulation of planktonic genus Asterionella displays a long-term increase up-core. Potential explanations include increasing duration of the ice-free season or a shift in the timing of the spring bloom and a mismatch with abundance of predator(s). Asterionella also increases as a percentage of total diatoms, being positively correlated with extrabasinal conditions (R = 0.827, 0.774 and 0.674). This change occurs at the expense of many benthic genera and, over the past century, at the expense of tychoplanktonic genus, Aulacosiera. Heavily silicified, Aulacosiera requires strong mixing to remain within the epilimnion. Thus, its decline might result from increasing stratification caused by warming.
λ-Phage docking observed at the single-particle level

We report direct real-time detection of phage lambda docking to its bacterial receptor Maltoporin, a sugar-specific porin of Escherichia coli and Shigella sonnei , in a planar lipid bilayer. Phage binding affects both ion permeation and sugar molecules’ dynamics in a single Maltoporin channel. Added from the cis -side, trimeric Maltoporin directionally inserts into a lipid bilayer. In the absence of substrate, the channel is predominantly open, but becomes transiently blocked when maltohexaose is added to the cis-, trans- , or both sides of the bilayer. Wild type phage lambda, added to the cis -side of the bilayer, spontaneously and irreversibly binds to the channel, reducing its ion conductance and completely blocking the cis -side sugar entryway of all three receptor monomers. From the trans -side, sugar molecules still have access to the sugar-binding regions of the Maltoporin pores, however, the residence time of maltohexaose is about twice of that in the phage-free channel. The mean time between blockages of a single Maltoporin monomer (with trans -side maltohexaose application) is independent of the presence of the phage. This finding suggests that phage docking does not significantly change the structure of Maltoporin, and that the phage-binding regions are close to, but do not overlap with, the sugar-binding domains of the receptor monomers. Our analysis shows, however, that ion fluxes through the pores of Maltoporin share a new common pathway in the phage − receptor complex.
Quality Characteristics of Medium‐Grain Rice Milled in a Three‐Break Commercial Milling System

Within rice varieties, individual kernels vary in size. The effect of kernel size on milling performance and quality has been studied (Matthews and Spadaro 1976, Wadsworth et al 1982, Sun and Siebenmorgen 1993, Chen and Siebenmorgen 1997). These studies focused on long-grain rice milled in single-break, laboratory or commercial-scale friction mills. As rice was milled from a low to high degree of milling (DOM) level, more surface bran was removed from thin kernels than from thick kernels, and thin kernels were broken at a greater rate than thick kernels. There is an increasing trend in use of multibreak milling systems by the rice industry. Chen et al (1998) conducted research on the milling performance of long-grain rice in both singleand triplebreak commercial milling systems. For both milling systems, the surface lipids content (SLC) and protein content of milled rice varied significantly across kernel thickness fractions. SLC was influenced by DOM level more than by kernel thickness, whereas protein content was influenced by thickness more than by DOM level. As milling progressed from a low to high DOM level, thin kernels were milled at a greater bran removal rate than thick kernels, as indicated by SLC. However, protein content decreased much more uniformly across thickness fractions than did SLC during milling. The studies mentioned above were limited to long-grain rice. The objective of the current work was to investigate the bran removal characteristics of medium-grain rice milled in a multibreak commercial milling system.
Scandinavian, Siberian, and Arctic Ocean Glaciation: Effect of Holocene Atmospheric CO2 Variations.

A computer model of coupled ice sheet-ice shelf behavior was used to evaluate whether observed changes in atmospheric CO 2 concentration could have caused the advance and retreat of Pleistocene ice sheets in the Eurasian Arctic. For CO 2 concentrations below a threshold of approximately 250 parts per million, an extensive marine-based ice sheet covering Scandinavia, the Barents, Kara, and East Siberian seas, and parts of the Arctic Ocean developed in the model simulations. In the simulations, climatic warming associated with the Holocene rise of atmospheric CO 2 was sufficient to collapse this widespread glaciation and restore present-day ice conditions.
A metal ring marker for the proximal end of an aorta-to-coronary artery graft.

Abstract A metal ring encircling an aorta-to-coronary artery saphenous vein graft can facilitate the assessment of graft patency at postoperative cardiac catheterization.
Forward market intervention, endogenous speculation, and exchange rate variability

In a stochastic macroeconomic model, this paper studies the desirability of intervention in the forward exchange market to stabilize the spot rate from the short-run and long-run perspectives. Behavior of forward speculation is endogenized in the light of the Lucas critique. Numerical simulation suggests that such intervention is much less desirable in the long-run than in the short-run. Only when domestic monetary disturbance is present, such intervention may be desirable both in the short-run and in the long-run, provided that price adjustment is sufficiently elastic.
BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells secrete factors that activate stromal fibroblasts and enhance tumourigenicity

Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is responsible for over 80% of all skin cancer deaths and is highly metastatic, readily spreading to the lymph nodes or metastasising to other organs. The frequent genetic mutation found in metastatic melanoma, BRAFV600E, results in constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In this study, we utilised genetically engineered melanoma cell lines and xenograft mouse models to investigate how BRAFV600E affected cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in tumour cells and in human dermal fibroblasts. We found that BRAFV600E melanoma cells expressed higher levels of these cytokines and of MMP-1 than wild-type counterparts. Further, conditioned medium from the BRAFV600E melanoma cells promoted the activation of stromal fibroblasts, inducing expression of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4. This increase was mitigated when the conditioned medium was taken from melanoma cells treated with the BRAFV600E specific inhibitor, vemurafenib. Our findings highlight the role of BRAFV600E in activating the stroma and suggest a mechanistic link between BRAFV600E and MMP-1 in mediating melanoma progression and in activating adjacent fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment.
Origin of the Blue Rocks Block Field and Adjacent Deposits, Berks County, Pennsylvania

Blue Rocks (40°36′ N., 75°55′ W.) is a half-mile-long block field on the south slope of Blue Mountain, 3 miles northeast of Hamburg, Pennsylvania. The block field consists of angular blocks of Tuscarora Quartzite 4 inches to 20 feet long. The blocks were derived from strongly jointed quartzite cliffs on Blue Mountain and have moved downslope over the Martinsburg Shale. On two sides of the field of open blocks are forested rubble deposits that contain boulders equivalent in size to those in the block field, but with fine material in the interstices. The rubble adjacent to the block field occurs as gently sloping, step-like terraces with fronts 10 to 30 feet high and slopes of 18° to 22°. The block field is separated from the source cliffs by about a half mile of rubble covered by mature forest. Tabular blocks in the block field have an imbricate structure and describe a series of lobes in which the blocks dip steeply upslope. The blocks are crudely sorted vertically, with coarser material at the surface. Locally, horizontal sorting on a small scale is also apparent. Blue Rocks and the adjacent rubble deposits closely resemble solifluction sheets or terraces on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. The lack of fine material in the block field probably resulted in part from the flushing of fines after downslope movement ceased. The block field is older than the mature forest on the rubble between the block field and the source cliffs. It was probably formed by solifluction or creep in the periglacial climate of the Wisconsin glaciation, after which removal of fines occurred.
Accessory Protein Facilitated CFTR-CFTR Interaction, a Molecular Mechanism to Potentiate the Chloride Channel Activity

Abstract The c ystic f ibrosis t ransmembrane conductance r egulator ( CFTR ) gene encodes a chloride channel protein that belongs to the superfamily of A TP b inding c assette (ABC) transporters. Phosphorylation by protein kinase A in the presence of ATP activates the CFTR-mediated chloride conductance of the apical membranes. We have identified a novel hydrophilic CFTR binding protein, CAP70, which is also concentrated on the apical surfaces. CAP70 consists of four PDZ domains, three of which are capable of binding to the CFTR C terminus. Linking at least two CFTR molecules via cytoplasmic C-terminal binding by either multivalent CAP70 or a bivalent monoclonal antibody potentiates the CFTR chloride channel activity. Thus, the CFTR channel can be switched to a more active conducting state via a modification of intermolecular CFTR-CFTR contact that is enhanced by an accessory protein.
The Transdermal Delivery System of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were once widely used as effective treatments for major depressive disorder, particularly for patients with atypical or treatment-resistant depression. Today, MAOIs have largely been replaced by newer antidepressants because of concerns over potential serious side effects due to their mechanism of action. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that metabolizes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that are most associated with depression; inhibiting MAO, therefore, makes more of these neurotransmitters available for synaptic action. However, MAO also metabolizes tyramine, a trace amine found in some foods that acts as a sympathomimetic. Allowing excess tyramine to accumulate via MAO inhibition can result in hypertensive crisis due to the release of norepinephrine; therefore, patients taking an MAOI have had to follow dietary restrictions to avoid tyramine-rich foods. Hypertensive crisis may also be precipitated by using MAOIs in conjunction with other drugs that have vasoconstrictive properties, that act as sympathomimetics, or that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine. Serotonin syndrome is another serious adverse effect that can potentially occur when using an MAOI with another drug that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. In this article, the mechanism of action of MAOIs is reviewed, along with that of a newer MAOI formulation that lessens the need for dietary restrictions and has a greater safety and tolerability profile than the older oral formulations.
On the dynamical determination of the Regge pole parameters

Abstract The purpose of this article is to outline a method, based on the principles of analyticity and unitarity in the t channel, which may help to determine some dynamical properties of the Regge parameters α ( t ) and β ( t ). In the introduction we list various applications of this method, and discuss the role of crossing symmetry and unitarity in all three channels in relation to the uniqueness of the solutions. We derive the unitarity condition satisfied by the partial wave amplitude A ( l , t ), for l complex, for a relativistic, two-body scattering process. Upon neglecting intermediate states of more than two particles, the unitarity condition can be expressed in terms of Regge parameters. An approximate form for the unitarity condition, accurate at low t , is next derived. This form will be used for numerical work. In Section III we show, in the relativistic case, that the functions α ( t ) and β ( t ), describing a boson Regge pole, are analytic with only right-hand cuts, in addition to those arising from the crossing of Regge trajectories. Our proof is based on two assumptions: (1) validity of the Mandelstam representation; (2) analyticity of A ( l , t ) in the whole l plane, with at most poles and essential singularities. The consequence of the existence of essential singularities at l = −1, −2, −3, … in relation to α ( t ) and β ( t ) is especially discussed. Finally, we note in this section how the preceding results are modified if the Regge pole being considered is a Fermion. In Section IV we write dispersion relations for α ( t ) and β ( t ). These, together with the unitarity condition of Section II, constitute a tentative method for the dynamical determination of the Regge parameters. We outline an extension of our method which is appropriate for discussions of Fermion Regge poles. The behavior of α ( t ) and β ( t ) at the elastic or inelastic thresholds is derived, and applied to perform subtractions in the dispersion relation for β ( t ). Finally, in Section V, we turn specifically to π-π scattering and discuss an approximation which might possibly lead to a reasonably accurate description of this process. Estimates of the range of validity of the approximation are made.
Mechanisms of Phosphorus Control in Urban Streams Receiving Sewage Effluent

Urban streams often are a major source of phosphorus (P) to rivers, primarily due to large inputs of sewage effluent. A good example of this is Chicago (Illinois, USA) area streams, which make up most of the flow of the upper Illinois River. Even though streams in this section of the Mississippi River basin are characteristic hard-water systems and exhibit high calcium and carbonate concentrations, the precipitation of Ca–P minerals is minimal and phosphate is not removed from the water column. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical mechanisms controlling P activity in Chicago area streams. Measurement of dissolved ion activities on filtered surface water samples demonstrated that an average of 79% of P in the study streams was dissolved and the remaining was particulate ( 1.0 μm in diameter, respectively). Neither a P colloidal-size fraction nor a correlation between dissolved and particulate Fe and P was observed. Thermodynamic modeling and SEM-EDS analysis of particulate matter in filter residues indicated that dissolved P may adsorb and co-precipitate on the surface of calcite rather than precipitating in a pure Ca–P mineral phase. Although SEM-EDS results also suggested that P was adsorbed to silicate minerals, organic residues likely dominated the P-containing particulate fraction. Sediment extraction results indicated that organic P was one of two major P components in the stream bottom. The Fe-associated P fraction represented the largest sediment-P fraction, and with little association between Fe and P in the overlying water, dissolved inorganic P may have aided in the authigenic formation of an Fe–P sediment phase. Overall, results suggest that pH combined with Ca and Mg activity are the dominant chemical controls on P chemistry in this P enriched system.
Worldwide Increasing Incidences of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has been increasing at a steady rate in fair-skinned populations around the world for decades. Scientists are not certain why CMM has been steadily increasing, but strong, intermittent UVB (290–320 nm) exposures, especially sunburn episodes, probably initiate, CMM, while UVA (321–400 nm) passing through glass windows in offices and cars probably promotes it. The CMM incidence may be increasing at an exponential rate around the world, but it definitely decreases with increasing latitude up to ~50°N where it reverses and increases with the increasing latitude. The inversion in the incidence of CMM may occur because there is more UVA relative to UVB for most of the year at higher latitudes. If windows, allowing UVA to enter our indoor-working environment and cars, are at least partly responsible for the increasing incidence of CMM, then UV filters can be applied to reduce the rate of increase worldwide.
A Comparison between Gadofosveset Trisodium and Gadobenate Dimeglumine for Steady State MRA of the Thoracic Vasculature

Purpose. Retrospective comparison between gadofosveset trisodium and gadobenate dimeglumine steady state magnetic resonance angiography (SS-MRA) of the thoracic vasculature at 1.5T using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and vessel edge sharpness (ES) as markers of image quality. Materials and Methods. IRB approval was obtained. Twenty separate patients each underwent SS-MRA using high-resolution 3D ECG-triggered coronal IR-TFE at 1.5T approximately 3-4 minutes following 10 or 15 mL gadofosveset or 20 mL gadobenate. ROIs were placed in the right atrium, left ventricle, left atrium, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and right pulmonary artery to estimate SNR. Vessel ES was estimated as 20–80% rise distances from line intensity profiles in the left pulmonary vein, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. Data were analyzed using nonpaired Student’s -test (threshold for significance set at ). Results. There was no significant difference in mean SNR for the gadofosveset or gadobenate groups ( values: 0.14 to 0.85). There was no significant difference in mean vessel ES for gadofosveset and gadobenate groups ( values: 0.17 to 0.78). Conclusion. High quality thoracic SS-MRA can be achieved with gadobenate dimeglumine, similar to that achieved with the blood pool agent gadofosveset trisodium provided that imaging is initiated quickly (3-4 min) after contrast injection.
Asymptotic scale invariance in a massive Thirring model

Abstract The absence of Callan-Symanzik coupling-constant renormalization in a massive Thirring model is demonstrated to all orders using normal product methods. The derivation depends crucially on the mildness of the “anomaly” of the axial-vector Ward identity in this model, as well as on the special relationship between vector and axial-vector currents in two-dimensional field theory. Application of power-counting arguments establishes the asymptotic scale invariance of the vertex functions when the mass m tends to zero with the normalization point μ either fixed (Gell-Mann-Low limit) or vanishing with m (Callan-Symanzik limit).
The tripartite associations between bacteriophage, Wolbachia, and arthropods

By manipulating arthropod reproduction worldwide, the heritable endosymbiont Wolbachia has spread to pandemic levels. Little is known about the microbial basis of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) except that bacterial densities and percentages of infected sperm cysts associate with incompatibility strength. The recent discovery of a temperate bacteriophage (WO-B) of Wolbachia containing ankyrin-encoding genes and virulence factors has led to intensifying debate that bacteriophage WO-B induces CI. However, current hypotheses have not considered the separate roles that lytic and lysogenic phage might have on bacterial fitness and phenotype. Here we describe a set of quantitative approaches to characterize phage densities and its associations with bacterial densities and CI. We enumerated genome copy number of phage WO-B and Wolbachia and CI penetrance in supergroup A- and B-infected males of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis. We report several findings: (1) variability in CI strength for A-infected males is positively associated with bacterial densities, as expected under the bacterial density model of CI, (2) phage and bacterial densities have a significant inverse association, as expected for an active lytic infection, and (3) CI strength and phage densities are inversely related in A-infected males; similarly, males expressing incomplete CI have significantly higher phage densities than males expressing complete CI. Ultrastructural analyses indicate that approximately 12% of the A Wolbachia have phage particles, and aggregations of these particles can putatively occur outside the Wolbachia cell. Physical interactions were observed between approximately 16% of the Wolbachia cells and spermatid tails. The results support a low to moderate frequency of lytic development in Wolbachia and an overall negative density relationship between bacteriophage and Wolbachia. The findings motivate a novel phage density model of CI in which lytic phage repress Wolbachia densities and therefore reproductive parasitism. We conclude that phage, Wolbachia, and arthropods form a tripartite symbiotic association in which all three are integral to understanding the biology of this widespread endosymbiosis. Clarifying the roles of lytic and lysogenic phage development in Wolbachia biology will effectively structure inquiries into this research topic.
Importance of the endpoint of noise reduction in analysis of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram.

Reduction of random noise by signal averaging is required to uncover ventricular late potentials (LPs). Noise reduction is dependent upon the ambient noise before the study and the number of signal-averaged QRS complexes. Prior studies have used a fixed number of QRS complexes (e.g., 150 to 200) for performing signal-averaged electrocardiograms (SAECGs). Because of variable background noise levels, it was hypothesized that variable noise levels after processing could interfere with detection of LP. Accordingly, SAECGs were performed for each patient to 2 prespecified noise endpoints (expressed as the standard deviation/square root of number of beats): 1.0 microV, which has been used previously as a minimal residual noise level, and 0.3 microV, a low level that generally can be attained in less than 450 beats. Root mean square-voltage noises in the 40-Hz high pass filtered vector magnitude for these studies were 1.36 +/- 0.57 and 0.58 +/- 0.28 microV, respectively. The relative prevalence of LP was evaluated in 3 groups. Group I was comprised of 26 patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias, group II included 59 patients after myocardial infarction and group III had 14 normal volunteers. The prevalence of LP was greater in group I (69 vs 46%, p less than 0.001) and group II (34 vs 24%, p less than 0.01) with the 0.3-microV studies. In group III, the prevalence did not change (7 vs 7%, difference not significant). The greater detection of LP was due to improved resolution of the terminal low-amplitude QRS segment. Therefore, using the 0.3 microV level instead of 1.0 microV increased sensitivity of LP without loss of specificity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Remedial actions under variability of hydraulic conductivity

Abstract Recent research has demonstrated the frequent failure of the classic dispersion equation in describing mass transport phenomena. The general conclusion is that the velocity field should be described in greater detail by either a deterministic or a stochastic approach. The stochastic approach is applied here to evaluate selected remedial actions involving recovery wells. A Monte Carlo technique is adopted in the analysis of the two cases considered: an injection/recovery well, and plume capture by a production well. Variability causes a dispersion-like phenomenon which affects the shape of plume and break-through curves. Variability is highest where the plume advances or contracts. Defining effective dispersivities representing the average stochastic results for use in deterministic analysis fails to recognize the important variability features described by stochastic analysis. In addition, stochastic analysis allows the quantification of uncertainty regarding output results. Management decisions should be based on such uncertainty.
Identification and characterization of the glucagon receptor from adipose tissue

125I-glucagon was directly cross-linked to its receptor in isolated adipocyte plasma membranes using a UV irradiation procedure. This investigation resulted in identification of an adipocyte glucagon receptor complex of 62 kDa, present both in white and brown adipose tissues. The specificity of labeling was shown by interference of unlabeled hormone with incorporation of radioactive glucagon into 62 kDa species. Treatment of adipose plasma membranes with N-glycanase resulted in appearance of intermediate species, indicating that the glucagon receptor is modified with several N-linked oligosaccharide chains similarly to the hepatic glucagon receptor. Peptide mapping of the affinity labeled adipose membranes with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease generated three distinct receptor fragments identical to that of the hepatic receptor. Overall, the biochemical characterization of the rat adipocyte glucagon receptor indicates that it closely resembles the hepatic glucagon receptor.