cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plaque Assay for Ebola Virus

A plaque assay for Ebola virus is reported. The procedure has real potential for future research, although it is less sensitive than indirect fluorescent-antibody and mouse inoculation tests. Images
A group of genes required for maintenance of the amnioserosa tissue in Drosophila

The amnioserosa is an extraembryonic, epithelial tissue that covers the dorsal side of the Drosophila embryo. The initial development of the amnioserosa is controlled by the dorsoventral patterning genes. Here we show that a group of genes, which we refer to as the U-shaped-group (ush-group), is required for maintenance of the amnioserosa tissue once it has differentiated. Using several molecular markers, we examined amnioserosa development in the ush-group mutants: u-shaped (ush), hindsight (hnt), serpent (srp) and tail-up (tup). Our results show that the amnioserosa in these mutants is specified correctly and begins to differentiate as in wild type. However, following germ-band extension, there is a premature loss of the amnioserosa. We demonstrate that this cell loss is a consequence of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in ush, hnt and srp, but not in tup. We discuss the role of the ush-group genes in maintaining the amnioserosa's viability. We also discuss a possible role for the amnioserosa in germ-band retraction in light of these mutants' unretracted phenotype.
Palmitoylation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

It is well established that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) undergo a number of different posttranslational modifications, such as disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, and phosphorylation. Recently, our laboratory has developed more sensitive assays of protein palmitoylation that have allowed us and others to detect the palmitoylation of relatively low abundant proteins such as ligand-gated ion channels. Here, we present evidence that palmitoylation is prevalent on many subunits of different nAChR subtypes, both muscle-type nAChRs and the neuronal “α4β2” and “α7” subtypes most abundant in brain. The loss of ligand binding sites that occurs when palmitoylation is blocked with the inhibitor bromopalmitate suggests that palmitoylation of α4β2 and α7 subtypes occurs during subunit assembly and regulates the formation of ligand binding sites. However, additional experiments are needed to test whether nAChR subunit palmitoylation is involved in other aspects of nAChR trafficking or whether palmitoylation regulates nAChR function. Further investigation would be aided by identifying the sites of palmitoylation on the subunits, and here we propose a mass spectrometry strategy for identification of these sites.
A unigram orientation model for statistical machine translation

In this paper, we present a unigram segmentation model for statistical machine translation where the segmentation units are blocks: pairs of phrases without internal structure. The segmentation model uses a novel orientation component to handle swapping of neighbor blocks. During training, we collect block unigram counts with orientation: we count how often a block occurs to the left or to the right of some predecessor block. The orientation model is shown to improve translation performance over two models: 1) no block re-ordering is used, and 2) the block swapping is controlled only by a language model. We show experimental results on a standard Arabic-English translation task.
Geometric and densitometric standardization of intraoral radiography through use of a modified XCP system.

Objective. The purposes of this study were to examine the density correction afforded by curve-fitting algorithms and to investigate whether the device we developed significantly improves the reliability of longitudinal alveolar process bone radiographic density measurements. Study Design. Stepwedges were radiographed over a range of impulse settings, and curve-fitting algorithms were fitted to sets of step images on each digitized film. Differences between the actual thicknesses of an alternate set of steps and their corresponding thickness estimates were calculated. Next, clinicians made periapical radiographs from interproximal bony sites on a dry skull using our imaging device. Differences in bone densities between corresponding regions of interest taken 1 week apart were calculated. Results. Analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range test demonstrated that piecewise linear, third-degree polynomial, and fourth-degree polynomial curves provided significantly better estimates of stepwedge thickness than did sigmoid or first degree polynomial-curves (P < .05) and that the differences between repeat bone density measurements made with density correction were significantly less than those made without density correction (P < .05). Conclusions. Piecewise linear, third-degree polynomial, and fourth-degree polynomial curve-fitting algorithms provided the best densitometric correction. The use of our imaging device increased the reliability of longitudinal bone density measurements. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87;253-7)
Marcuse or Habermas: Two critiques of technology 1

The debate between Marcuse and Habermas over technology marked a significant turning point in the history of the Frankfurt School. After the 1960s Habermas's influence grew as Marcuse's declined and Critical Theory adopted a far less Utopian stance. Recently there has been a revival of quite radical technology criticism in the environmental movement and under the influence of Foucault and constructivism. This article takes a new look at the earlier debate from the standpoint of these recent developments. While much of Habermas's argument remains persuasive, his defense of modernity now seems to concede far too much to the claims of autonomous technology. His essentialist picture of technology as an application of a purely instrumental form of nonsocial rationality is less plausible after a decade of historicizing research in technology studies. The article argues that Marcuse was right after all to claim that technology is socially determined even if he was unable to develop his insight fruitfully. The ar...
Charge screening in a two potential theory of electromagnetism

By surrounding an Abelian Dyon with an axion-like domain wall we calculate the screening effects generated by the domain wall on the dyon degrees of freedom.
Electrical stimulation-evoked resistance exercise therapy improves arterial health after chronic spinal cord injury.

Repeated measures training intervention. To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-induced resistance exercise therapy on lower extremity arterial health in individuals with chronic, complete spinal cord injury (SCI). We define ‘arterial health’ using three surrogate markers: (a) resting diameter, (b) flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and (c) arterial range. Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, USA. We assessed five 36±5-year-old male individuals with chronic, complete SCI before, during, and after 18 weeks of training. The quadriceps femoris muscle group of both legs were trained twice a week with 4 × 10 repetitions of unilateral, dynamic knee extensions. The health of the posterior tibial artery was assessed using a B-mode ultrasound unit equipped with a high-resolution video capture device. Proximal occlusion was used to evoke ischemia for 5 min and then for 10 min. FMD was calculated using the peak diameter change (above rest) following 5 min occlusion. Arterial range was calculated using minimum (during occlusion) and maximum diameters (post 10 min occlusion). Hierarchical linear modeling accounted for the nested (repeated measures) experimental design. FMD improved from 0.08±0.11 mm (2.7%) to 0.18±0.15 mm (6.6%) (P=0.004), and arterial range improved from 0.36±0.28 to 0.94±0.40 mm (P=0.001), after 18 weeks of training. Resting diameter did not significantly change. Home-based, self-administered NMES resistance exercise therapy consisting of 80 contractions/week improved FMD and arterial range. This provides evidence that resistance exercise therapy can improve arterial health after SCI, which may reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease.
An examination of the continuous distractor task and the "long-term recency effect".

The continuous distractor task has yielded a so-called “long-term recency effect” that appears to call into question the dual-storage explanation of serial position effects in free recall. In this study, weshow that the “long-term recency effect” is really a short-term storage effect, resulting from adaptation to the repeated presentation of a particular type of distractor throughout the list. This adaptation, a time-sharing process, permits short-term storage to carry out its normal functions. Experiment 1 shows that an appropriate postlist distractor task does in fact eliminate the “long-term recency effect.” This finding supports the assertion that the effect is a product of short-term storage. Experiment 2 demonstrates the benefits and costs of the time-sharing process, relative to standard free recall, for both long-term and short-term storage. The findings support the time-sharing hypothesis. Experiment 3 replicates Experiment 2, with a change in procedure that rules out output interference as a mechanism responsible for the results of Experiment 2. Data are also presented on the development of the adaptation over trials. It is concluded that the adaptation and time-sharing processes need to be included-in-the-dual-storage-model-of shortterm storage.
A method of correcting the posterior palatal seal area of a maxillary complete denture

A processing technique for correcting the posterior palatal seal area of a maxillary denture has been described. The proper extension and displacement necessary for peripheral seal is reestablished without creating changes in occlusion or esthetics. Since the technique involves heat processing, the same acrylic resin present in the original base may be used, which makes the correction virtually impossible to detect.
Persistent Low-Level Engraftment of Rhesus Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells Transduced with the Fanconi Anemia C Gene after Conditioning with Low-Dose Irradiation

The hematopoietic stem cell has long been considered an ideal target for the introduction of therapeutic genes to treat human disorders such as Fanconi anemia (FA). Although recent progress in large animal models is encouraging, application to nonmalignant conditions is limited by the perceived necessity of myeloablative conditioning. We and others have shown that very low irradiation doses are sufficient to allow significant hematopoietic engraftment in murine hosts even after the introduction of xenogeneic genes. To determine the degree of engraftment of genetically modified cells attainable with very low irradiation doses in larger animals, we employed the rhesus macaque competitive repopulation model. Four animals underwent mobilization with stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) followed by apheresis. The apheresis product was enriched for the CD34-positive fraction by immunomagnetic selection and split equally for transduction with either G1FC26, a retroviral vector carrying the Fanconi anemia complementation group C gene, or PLII, a nonexpression control retroviral vector carrying both neomycin and β-galactosidase gene sequences modified to prevent translation. Transductions were performed daily in the presence of fresh IL-3, IL-6, SCF, and Flt-3 ligand on fibronectin-coated plates over 96 h. Animals were conditioned with a single dose of either 100 (n = 2) or 200 (n = 2) cGy and received the combined products of transduction on the following day. None of the animals experienced clinically significant neutropenia nor required the use of central line placement, transfusional support with blood products, or intravenous antibiotics. Using real-time PCR, circulating levels of genetically modified cells as high as 1% were initially detected. Stable, albeit, significantly lower levels from both vector-transduced aliquots (<0.1%) persisted beyond 12 months posttransplant in all four animals. Although not sufficient to correct the phenotype in many human disorders, stable low-level engraftment by genetically modified cells following low-intensity conditioning may prove adequate in disorders such as FA due to the selective advantage conferred upon corrected cells.
Sound amplification negates central effects of a neonatal conductive hearing loss

Abstract Neontal CBA/J mice with external auditory meati removed were raised in a sound-amplified environment.If amplification continued until sacrifice at 24 or 45 days of age, both cochlear nuclar volumes and cross-sectional areas of VCN globular cells were of normal size; without amplification both mesurements were significantly reduced.
Does the exchange rate follow a random walk? A Monte Carlo study of four tests for a random walk

Abstract Several authors have urged that real and nominal exchange rates follow a random walk. Conditions under which the exchange rate follows a random walk are reviewed in this paper. Many of these do not appear to hold. Therefore, the empirical evidence presents a puzzle : some evidence suggets the exchange rate follows a random walk, while other evidence suggests the opposite should be true. This paper attempts to reconcile the evidence. It is argued that the tests for a random walk have low power. Monte Carlo evidence on four tests for a random walk, is presented that suppors this claim.
Combustion characteristics of north-eastern usa vegetation tested in the cone calorimeter: invasive versus non-invasive plants

In the north-eastern United States, invasive plants alter forest fuels, but their combustion characteristics are largely unknown. We assessed unground samples of foliage and twigs in the cone calorimeter for 21 non-invasive, native species, paired with 21 invasive species (18 non-native). Variables included sustained ignition, peak heat release rate, total heat release, and especially average effective heat of combustion, which is independent of initial sample mass. Heat of combustion was overall slightly lower for invasive species than for counterpart non-invasive species, and was significantly lower for Norway maple, black locust, and glossy buckthorn than for three non-invasive trees. It was low for invasive Japanese stiltgrass, sheep sorrel, and glossy buckthorn, and for non-invasive whitegrass, interrupted fern, grape, sphagnum moss, and three-lobed bazzania. Heat of combustion was high for invasive roundleaf greenbrier (native), scotchbroom, tree-of-heaven, Japanese honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, swallow-wort, and garlic mustard, and for non-invasive plants of fire-prone ecosystems: black huckleberry, pitch pine, bear oak, northern bayberry, and reindeer lichen. Heat content of twigs and foliage interrelates with other factors that affect fire behaviour, yet the cone calorimeter results enabled comparison of combustion properties among many species. These data have potential application as improved inputs for fire behaviour modelling.
A characterization of the detroit wintertime aerosol

The physical characterization of winter-time aerosol in the Detroit area studied over a 7-week period (January–March, 1983) is presented. Total suspended particle levels (<15 μm) were 56 ± 29 μg m−3, with 66% of the material in the fine (<2.5 μm) particle fraction. Coarse and fine particle masses were reasonably correlated, indicating that local sources, not long-range transport, influenced winter-time aerosol at the site. Mobile sources were responsible for a marked diurnal variation in the nuclei mode particle count and accounted for about 10% of the submicron aerosol mass. Decreases in submicron aerosol concentrations during precipitation appear to be associated with advection of clean air into the area during frontal passage rather than to precipitation scavenging.
A Comparative Review of Three Microbiology Student Study Resources

Let’s Get Ready For Microbiology , Barron’s E-Z Microbiology , and BIOS Instant Notes Microbiol ogy are reviewed for use by microbiology students as study materials.
Dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression during thallium-201 imaging in patients with coronary artery disease: Angiographic and hemodynamic determinants

To examine the angiographic and hemodynamic determinants of dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease, 41 patients with angiographically documented coronary disease who underwent dipyridamole-thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy were studied. Dipyridamole-induced ST depression occurred in 14 (34%) of the 41 patients. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was performed to compare the predictive value of angiographic findings (good coronary collateral vessels, jeopardized collateral vessels, multivessel disease), hemodynamic changes (changes in heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and rate-pressure product), thallium-201 results (perfusion defect, thallium-201 redistribution) and demographic data (age, gender, medications). Only the presence of good coronary collateral vessels (p less than 0.02) and increases in rate-pressure product after dipyridamole infusion (p less than 0.02) were significant multivariate predictors of dipyridamole-induced ST depression. Good collateral vessels were more common in the group with ST depression (11 [79%] of 14) than they were in the group without ST depression (6 [22%] of 27; p less than 0.001). Rate-pressure product increased 2,835 +/- 1,648 beats/min.mm Hg in the group with ST depression compared with 1,179 +/- 1,417 beats/min.mm Hg in patients without ST depression (p less than 0.005). In conclusion, dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease appears to be related to 1) the presence of good coronary collateral vessels, which may act by facilitating "coronary steal", and 2) increases in rate-pressure product, reflecting increased myocardial oxygen demand. These observations may explain the lack of prognostic value of dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression described in previous reports.
TLR-2 independent recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by CD11c+ pulmonary cells from old mice

The elderly are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases such as influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Current vaccines are only partially protective in old age, which makes the elderly a critical target group for the development of new vaccine strategies. The recognition of pathogens via toll like receptors (TLR) and the subsequent generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has generated interest in incorporating TLR agonists into new vaccines to enhance immunogenicity. However, TLR function is reportedly decreased in old age, leading to questions regarding the benefit of including TLR agonists into vaccines for the elderly. It is critical that we understand the function and role of TLRs in aged hosts prior to approving new TLR based adjuvants for vaccines that will be delivered to the elderly. In this study we determine the ability of TLRs on pulmonary macrophages from old mice to recognize and respond to infection with the virulent pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). Although pulmonary (CD11c(+)) cells from old mice were fully capable of producing cytokines in response to M. tb infection, we demonstrate that in contrast to young mice, M. tb induced cytokine production occurred independently of TLR-2. Our data indicate that the inclusion of TLR-2 agonists into new vaccines may not be fully effective in the elderly population. Investigation into such age-related differences in TLR function is of critical importance for the design of effective vaccines that will protect the elderly against infectious diseases.
An assessment and quantification of the rates, costs, and risk factors of occupational amputations: analysis of Kentucky workers' compensation claims, 1994-2003

BACKGROUND: Assessments of the impact of occupational amputations with outcomes of pain, disfigurement, and often an inability to return to the same job, are limited. The present study examines and quantifies the rates, risk factors, and costs of occupational amputations in the workplace in the State of Kentucky. METHODS: Worker's compensation data from 1994 through 2003 from Kentucky was used to investigate job-related amputations (n = 2,297). The US Department of Labor's Current Population Survey (CPS) was used to estimate injury rates. RESULTS: The average amputation claim rate for all Kentucky workers was 1.37 per 10,000, with an average per-claim indemnity cost of $8,822. A declining trend was found in the rate over the last 7 years studied. Accidents resulting in amputations occurred at twice the rate on weekends than on weekdays. Amputations affecting the hand constituted 94.6% of all injuries. Workers in the mining industry had the highest estimated claim rate of 5.92 (95% CI 5.23-6.66), and machine operators and assemblers had the highest rate of all occupations with 3.35 (95% CI 3.23-3.47). CONCLUSIONS: Workplace amputations remain a significant workplace concern and represent a particular hazard for those in the mining and manufacturing industries. Future research should examine causes of the weekend effect to develop human resource and safety interventions for risk reduction. Language: en
How the Golgi works: A cisternal progenitor model

The Golgi complex is a central processing compartment in the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells. This essential compartment processes more than 30% of the proteins encoded by the human genome, yet we still do not fully understand how the Golgi is assembled and how proteins pass through it. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis for protein transport through the Golgi and within the endocytic pathway provide clues to how this complex organelle may function and how proteins may be transported through it. Described here is a possible model for transport of cargo through a tightly stacked Golgi that involves continual fusion and fission of stable, “like” subcompartments and provides a mechanism to grow the Golgi complex from a stable progenitor, in an ordered manner.
Serum Bile Acids Concentrations in Healthy and Clinically III Neonatal Foals

Background:Reference ranges for serum bile acids (SBA) concentration are well established in healthy adult horses. Increased values are indicative of hepatic disease. Hypotheses: SBA concentrations are significantly greater in the neonatal period compared with mature horses, and illness in the neonatal period will further increase SBA. Animals:Ten healthy mature horses, 12 healthy foals, and 31 clinically ill foals. Methods:Prospective cross-sectional study. Blood samples were obtained once from the mature horses, from healthy foals immediately after birth, at 2 days, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks of age; and from ill foals less than 1 month of age at the time of admission to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. SBA concentrations were determined enzymatically and by radioimmunoassay. Total and direct bilirubin and triglyceride concentrations were measured, as well as sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities. Results:There was a significant negative correlation between age and SBA concentration. Compared with mature horses, SBA concentrations were significantly greater in healthy foals at each collection time over the first 6 weeks of life. Radioimmunoassay values were lower than enzymatic SBA values, with increasing bias as the mean difference between values increased. When comparing age-matched values between healthy and ill foals, there were no significant differences in SBA. None of the ill foals had a primary diagnosis of hepatic disease. There was no significant correlation between the SBA concentration and the bilirubin or triglyceride concentrations or the GGT activity. There was a significant direct correlation between increased SBA and serum SDH activity in healthy foals only. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: SBA concentrations in foals are significantly higher in the early neonatal period, underscoring the importance of using age-matched references when evaluating clinical pathology values during the neonatal period.
Near-diffraction-limited diode laser arrays by wavelength beam combining.

We demonstrate 35?W output peak power with M2?1.35 in both dimensions from a 100 element, 100??m pitch slab-coupled optical waveguide laser diode array using wavelength beam combining.
Is blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor beneficial for all types of diabetic retinopathy

Keywords Anti-VEGF.Bevacizumab.Diabeticmacularoedema.Diabeticretinopathy.Macularoedema.Neovascularisation.Pegaptanib.Proliferativediabeticretinopathy.Ranibizumab.VEGFAbbreviationsAMD age-related macular degenerationDMO diabetic macular oedemaETDRS Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy StudyPDR proliferative diabetic retinopathyREAD Ranibizumab for Edema of the Maculain DiabetesRPE retinal pigment epitheliumVEGF vascular endothelial growth factorThe pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy leads to theclinical findings of increased retinal vascular permeabilityand progressive retinal ischaemia, and vascular endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a key mediatorin diabetic retinopathy. Loss of vision is most commonly adirect or indirect sequela of VEGF-mediated pathology, withischaemia and/or oedema, retinal neovascularisation, vitreoushaemorrhage and traction retinal detachment. Laser photoco-agulation has been the standard of care in the treatment ofboth diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and proliferativediabetic retinopathy (PDR), and has been documented asreducing visual loss [1, 2]. In the Early Treatment DiabeticRetinopathy Study (ETDRS), laser treatment for PDRreduced the incidence of severe vision loss by 50%, andlaser treatment for DMO reduced the incidence of moderatevisual loss by 50% [2]. Although benefits were statisticallysignificant, visual gains were limited.Thus, there is clearly a need for better treatmentoutcomes. In this issue, Simo and Hernandez review thecurrent status regarding the widespread use of anti-VEGFdrugs for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy [3]. Anti-VEGF drugs are currently the mainstay of treatment foranother neovascular ocular condition: the exudative form ofage-related macular degeneration (‘wet’ AMD) involvingneovascularisation arising from the subretinal or choroidalcirculation under the macula, in the setting of pre-existentretinalpigmentepithelial(RPE)degeneration(non-exudative‘dry’ macular degeneration). In view of the known role ofVEGF in the pathogenesis of wet AMD, and the successfuloutcomes associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatmentfor choroidal neovascularisation in wet AMD [4, 5], thesame pharmacological therapeutic approaches are beingembraced for both DMO and retinal neovascularisation inPDR. We question whether anti-VEGF will be as effectivefor the treatment of DMO as it is for either the treatment ofretinal neovascularisation in PDR or choroidal neovascular-isation in wet AMD. Since ischaemia-induced VEGF has
A bit-by-bit re-writable Eflash in a generic logic process for moderate-density embedded non-volatile memory applications

A bit-by-bit re-writable embedded flash memory is demonstrated in a generic 65nm logic process for moderate-density embedded non-volatile memory applications. The proposed 6T embedded flash memory cell improves the overall cell endurance by eliminating redundant program/erase cycles without disturbing cells in the unselected wordlines. A multistory high voltage switch utilizes four boosted supply levels generated by a compact voltage doubler based on-chip negative charge pump.
On cellular instability in the solidification of a dilute binary alloy

Abstract In the solidification of a dilute binary alloy, a planar solid-liquid interface is often found to be unstable, spontaneously assuming a cellular structure. If the solute rejection coefficient is close to unity, then, near the stability threshold, the characteristic cell size may significantly exceed the diffusional width of the solidification zone. This situation enables one to derive an asymptotic nonlinear equation which directly describes the dynamics of the onset and stabilization of cellular structure: ƒ τ +▿ 4 +▿[(2−ƒ)▿+αƒ=0 .
The interaction of zinc, nickel and cadmium with serum albumin and histidine-rich glycoprotein assessed by equilibrium dialysis and immunoadsorbent chromatography

Abstract Human serum albumin (HSA) has been shown to bind 2–3 mol of Zn2+, Ni2+, or Cd2+ per mole of protein with apparent dissociation constants (Kd) in the range of 10 μ m . Rabbit histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) binds 13, 9, and 6 mol of Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+ per mole of protein, respectively, with apparent Kds also near 10 μ m . However, the binding of metals by HRG exhibits positive cooperativity, so that the apparent Kds may underestimate HRGs true affinity for metal ions. The relative affinities of HSA and HRG for metal ions were found to be Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+. In addition, histidine (a serum metal chelator) affected the binding of Ni2+ by both proteins but not that of Zn2+ or Cd2+. At physiological concentrations of HSA (250 μ m ), HRG (2.5 μ m ), and histidine (100 μ m ), HRG bound 36% of the Zn2+, 9% of the Ni2+, and 13% of the Cd2+ at a total metal concentration of 25 μ m . Under the same conditions HSA held 37% of the Zn2+, 14% of the Ni2+, and 56% of the Cd2+. Thus, HSA appears to have a lower intrinsic affinity for the three metals than HRG but would be expected to bind a higher proportion of these metals in serum. A specific immunoadsorbent column was prepared and used to study the metal binding by HRG in serum directly. Both 65Zn2+ and 63Ni2+ were associated with HRG in aliquots of rabbit serum after incubation with the corresponding metal ion. This evidence indicates that HRG must be considered as a metal binding component of serum.
A one-pot synthesis of cyclopropanes from aromatic aldehydes and styrene via iron carbene complexes

Abstract A one-pot preparation of cyclopropanes from aromatic aldehydes and styrene via iron carbene complexes is reported. The preparation consisted of a sequence of reactions, involving initial addition of aldehyde to the Fp anion, followed by chlorotrimethylsilane and finally styrene in the presence of trimethylsilyltriflate.
The Commercial Bank of Lake Erie, 1831–1843

Although short-lived, the Commercial Bank of Lake Erie played an active role in the economic life of its locale. Its history contrasts the hopes and the realities of commercial banking on the American frontier.
The localization of latent brain hexokinase on synaptosomal mitochondria.

Abstract Fractionation of rat brain homogenates on linear 0.8–1.6- m sucrose gradients results in partial resolution of the overt and latent forms of hexokinase. The overt activity sediments into the region (1.3–1.5 m sucrose) occupied by free mitochondria, in accord with the mitochondrial location for this form reported by previous workers. The latent hexokinase sediments to the 1.2–1.4- m sucrose region; the distribution of latent hexokinase activity on the gradient is paralleled by the distribution of vesicles containing entrapped cytoplasmic enzymes, lactic dehydrogenase and triose phosphate isomerase. The loss of the latency resulting from hypotonic conditions indicates the hexokinase is entrapped in vesicles with osmotic properties virtually indistinguishable from those containing the entrapped cytoplasmic enzymes. The sedimentation properties of the hexokinase released by osmotic shock of the vesicles indicate that the hexokinase is bound to mitochondria entrapped in these vesicles. Electron microscopy revealed that synaptosomes are the only vesicular structures containing significant numbers of entrapped mitochondria. Therefore, it is concluded that the latent hexokinase is located on synaptosomal mitochondria, the latency very likely resulting from the restricted permeability of the synaptosome membrane. In agreement with this conclusion, the latent enzyme behaves as a synaptosomal enzyme when the brain particles are fractionated by the discontinuous gradient method of DeRobertis et al. [J. Neurochem. 9 , 23 (1962)]. Since approximately 40–50% of the total hexokinase activity in brain homogenates is in latent form, it is apparent that this enzyme must be relatively concentrated in the nerve endings. Synaptosomal mitochondria have a relatively high hexokinase activity, the hexokinase: succinic dehydrogenase activity ratio being at least twice that seen with other types of mitochondria found in brain.
Implementation of Statistical Process Control for Proteomic Experiments Via LC MS/MS

Statistical process control (SPC) is a robust set of tools that aids in the visualization, detection, and identification of assignable causes of variation in any process that creates products, services, or information. A tool has been developed termed Statistical Process Control in Proteomics (SProCoP) which implements aspects of SPC (e.g., control charts and Pareto analysis) into the Skyline proteomics software. It monitors five quality control metrics in a shotgun or targeted proteomic workflow. None of these metrics require peptide identification. The source code, written in the R statistical language, runs directly from the Skyline interface, which supports the use of raw data files from several of the mass spectrometry vendors. It provides real time evaluation of the chromatographic performance (e.g., retention time reproducibility, peak asymmetry, and resolution), and mass spectrometric performance (targeted peptide ion intensity and mass measurement accuracy for high resolving power instruments) via control charts. Thresholds are experiment- and instrument-specific and are determined empirically from user-defined quality control standards that enable the separation of random noise and systematic error. Finally, Pareto analysis provides a summary of performance metrics and guides the user to metrics with high variance. The utility of these charts to evaluate proteomic experiments is illustrated in two case studies.
Influence of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase on cholesterol metabolism in hepatoma cells and hepatocytes

Abstract Cholesterol content and synthesis were measured in rabbit hepatocytes and rat hepatoma cells (Fu5AH) incubated in rabbit serum at concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 50%. Values were compared to controls grown in delipidized serum protein. Cellular cholesterol content varied inversely with the serum concentration, whereas cholesterol synthesis was elevated as serum concentration in the incubation medium was raised. The reduction in cellular cholesterol content and the elevation in synthesis observed with the cells incubated in high concentrations of fresh serum could be correlated with the extent of serum lipoprotein modification by lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase. Unmodified serum in which LCAT had been inactivated depressed cholesterol synthesis and increased cellular cholesterol content at all concentrations. The presence of active LCAT was not required for the cellular responses, since serum which had been modified before LCAT inactivation also stimulated cholesterol synthesis and decreased content. Qualitatively similar results were obtained with human, rat and rabbit sera. Fractionation of serum demonstrated that the stimulatory activity of LCAT-modified serum was associated primiarily with the high-density lipoprotein fraction. Comparative cholesterol flux studies using prelabeled hepatoma cells exposed to either normal or modified high-density lipoproteins demonstrated that cellular cholesterol efflux was somewhat depressed in the presence of the modified lipoprotein whereas cholesterol influx was markedly reduced. These data indicate that LCAT modification of serum lipoproteins alters the relative rates of cholesterol flux with the major effect being on cholesterol uptake. This results in a net loss of cholesterol from the cells accompanied by a stimulation of cholesterol synthesis.
Internal and External Marketing: Effects on Consumer Satisfaction in Banks in Thailand

Concepts of internal marketing and external marketing in the context of service firms are here discussed and examined for their effects on consumer satisfaction. These concepts in the context of foreign and domestic banks in Thailand are focused upon. The results show differences between banks and a strong relationship between internal marketing and consumer satisfaction. The effective practice of internal marketing appears to influence the effectiveness of external marketing programmes influencing customer satisfaction.
Selective inhibition of protein kinase C isozymes by Fas ligation.

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) can protect cells from apoptosis induced by various agents, including Fas ligation. To elucidate a possible interaction between Fas-mediated apoptotic signals and activation-related protective signals, we investigated the impact of Fas ligation on PKC activity. We demonstrate that engagement of Fas on human lymphoid Jurkat cells triggered apoptosis, and Fas ligation resulted in partial blockade of cellular PKC activity. The phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-mediated translocation of PKCθ from the cytoplasm to the membrane was inhibited by treatment with anti-Fas antibody, whereas the translocation of PKCα or e was not affected.In vitro kinase assay of PKCα or e phosphotransferase activity demonstrated that Fas ligation inhibited the ability of PKCα to phosphorylate histone H1 as substrate but did not inhibit e isozyme activity. This inhibition of PKCα activity mediated by Fas ligation was reversed by okadaic acid, a phosphatase inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of a member of the protein phosphatase 2A subfamily in this component of Fas signaling. Identical patterns of PKC isozyme inhibition were obtained using mouse thymoma cells overexpressing the fas gene (LF(+)). These results suggest that the selective inhibition of a potentially protective, PKC-mediated pathway by Fas activation may, to some extent, contribute to Fas-induced apoptotic signaling.
Cutting glass by laser

In FPD (Flat Panel Display) devices, the diamond wheel has been used to scribe glass by means of mechanical contact which needs grinding and cleaning processes to remove particles, glass chips, surface cracks and sharp edges. In recent years, laser glass technology that is different from the conventional method of cutting glass by melting, has been researched and utilizes cutting glass by thermal shock. Laser glass cutting by thermal shock can produce cracks in glass by surface cooling after laser heating on glass by means of stress slope on glass surface. When this technology is applied in FPD manufacturing devices, it has several advantages compared to conventional methods as follows: a) non-contact glass cutting: almost no glass chip occurs. b) according to circumstances, grinding and cleaning can be omitted. c) system maintenance can be simplified.
Spirituality and personality: understanding their relationship to health resilience.

Summary.—A growing body of research suggests there are important relationships among spirituality, certain personality traits, and health (organismic) resilience. In the present study, 83 college students from two southeastern universities completed a demographic questionnaire, the NEO Five Factor Inventory, and the Resilience Questionnaire. The Organismic resilience and Relationship with something greater subscales of the Resilience Questionnaire were used for analyses. Health resilience was associated with four of the Big Five personality variables and the spirituality score. Health resilience was positively correlated with ratings of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and spirituality and negatively correlated with neuroticism. Forty-three percent of the variance of the health resilience score was accounted for by two of the predictor variables: spirituality and neuroticism. These findings are consistent with the literature and provide further support for the idea that spirituality and hea...
Soil Carbon Dynamics after Forest Harvest: An Ecosystem Paradigm Reconsidered

In one of the most influential studies in the recent history of forest ecology, W. W. Covington (1981) described a pattern in organic matter storage in the forest floors of northern hardwood stands as a function of date of harvest. We review the history of the use and misuse of Covington’s curve, describe the studies that tested and failed to support early interpretations of the curve, and provide some alternate interpretations. The curve suggested that forest floor organic matter declines by 50% within 20 years after harvest, and this decline was attributed to accelerated decomposition and changes in litter inputs after harvest. Subsequent studies showed that decomposition rates of surface litter generally decrease after clear-cutting, but accelerated decomposition remains possible in the Oe and Oa horizons. Changes in litter inputs are still difficult to evaluate, because the rate at which woody debris enters the forest floor is unknown. Although Covington attempted to minimize variation due to mechanical disturbance during logging, a reasonable alternative explanation for low organic matter in the forest floor of young stands is that surface material is mixed into mineral soil during harvesting operations. The pattern of forest floor organic matter in stands of different ages may be partly due to changes over time in logging technology and the intensity of biomass removal, in addition to successional effects. It is important to distinguish between mechanisms that release carbon to the atmosphere and those that transfer it to the mineral soil before making inferences about nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
Forced-Choice False Recognition Controlling for Response Bias Correlates With Dissociative Amnesia Controlling for Imagery, but Not With Image Vividness Controlling for Dissociation

In the present study of false memory, subjects completed the Prevalence of Visual Imagery Test (PVIT), the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), and the Curious Experiences Survey (CES)...
Taenia crassiceps: Antigenic comparison of two larval strains

Abstract The water-soluble antigens of two strains of larval Taenia crassiceps (Cestoda, Taeniidae) were compared using the Ouchterlony double diffusion technique. ORF (aberrant strain) and KBS (normal strain) larvae were maintained in an isologous strain of white mouse via serial intraperitoneal inoculation. Adult female rabbits were used for antibody production against antigens of lyophilized cysticerci of each strain. Following adsorption with KBS antigens, the anti-ORF antiserum did not form precipitin bands with ORF antigens. On the other hand, following adsorption with ORF antigens, the anti-KBS antiserum produced at least two precipitin bands with KBS antigens. The finding of at least two antigens unique to the KBS strain supports the hypothesis, based on earlier studies, that the ORF strain is anomalous due to genetic mutation.
Abstract 3311: IL6-Stat3 signaling promotes glioma stem cell (GSC) survival under hypoxia environment through inhibition of cell-death inducing gene Bnip3

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and lethal brain tumor in adults. In rapid-growing tumors like malignant glioma, hypoxia is an unavoidable condition even with aggressive angiogenesis. Recent studies implicate an important role for a restricted population of neoplastic cells (glioma stem cells, GSCs) in glioma maintenance and recurrence. However, how these glioma stem cells survive and escape from harsh conditions like hypoxia is barely known. Our previous study and others’ have shown that GSCs preferentially express the interleukin 6 (IL6) receptors and Stat3 signaling is preferentially activated in GSCs. We further found that perturbation of IL6 signaling in GSCs reduced Stat3 activation, and small molecule inhibitors of Stat3 potently induced GSC cell death partially through induction of a BCL2 family member Bnip3. Despite its controversial role in cell survival, massive expression of Bnip3 is a well-studied mediator of cell death in hypoxic tumor cells. Furthermore, we found that enhanced IL6-Stat3 signaling in GSCs could counter the induction of Bnip3 under hypoxia, which provided an extra survival advantage for these glioma stem cells under severe hypoxic condition. These data indicated that Stat3 is a downstream mediator of pro-survival IL6 signals in GSCs partially through suppressing Bnip3 expression, especially under hypoxia condition. Together, our data indicate that IL6-Stat3 signaling contributes to glioma malignancy through the promotion of GSC survival under harsh conditions like hypoxia, and that targeting IL6-Stat3 signaling pathway may offer benefit for glioma patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3311. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3311
Noninvasive management of lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in the primary care setting.

Most men who live to middle age and beyond will ultimately develop lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and many will also experience sexual dysfunction. Clinical studies indicate that most patients will experience improvement in BPH-related LUTS with α-adrenergic blockade or 5α-reductase inhibition. Recent studies suggest that α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors may help to slow the progression of LUTS; 5α-reductase inhibitors reduce the need for surgery and complications, such as acute urinary retention. Third-generation α-blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin) are infrequently associated with cardiovascular side effects, in contrast to their predecessors (doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin). This may provide an advantage for consideration as firstline therapy. α-Blocker therapy may also improve sexual functioning, with the exception of ejaculation disorders, predominantly associated with subtypeselective α-blockers. By contrast, 5α-reductase inhibition is not recommended for men without demonstrable prostatic enlargement, may be associated with a long delay between treatment initiation and LUTS improvement, and is clearly associated with sexual side effects, including decreased libido, ejaculatory dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction. When choosing appropriate pharmacotherapy, the clinician should consider not only the expeditious relief of the presenting symptoms but also the patient’s quality of life, including sexual function and potential long-term outcomes, such as acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention.
Substrate Rigidity Regulates the Formation and Maintenance of Tissues

The ability of cells to form tissues represents one of the most fundamental issues in biology. However, it is unclear what triggers cells to adhere to one another in tissues and to migrate once a piece of tissue is planted on culture surfaces. Using substrates of identical chemical composition but different flexibility, we show that this process is controlled by substrate rigidity: on stiff substrates, cells migrate away from one another and spread on surfaces, whereas on soft substrates they merge to form tissue-like structures. Similar behavior was observed not only with fibroblastic and epithelial cell lines but also explants from neonatal rat hearts. Cell compaction on soft substrates involves a combination of weakened adhesions to the substrate and myosin II-dependent contractile forces that drive cells toward one another. Our results suggest that tissue formation and maintenance is regulated by differential mechanical signals between cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions, which in turn elicit differential contractile forces and adhesions to determine the preferred direction of cell migration and association.