cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between CCAAT enhancer binding protein δ and estrogen receptor α control insulin-like growth factor I (igf1) and estrogen receptor-dependent gene expression in osteoblasts

Although ambient levels of estradiol and synthesis of the osteoblast growth factor IGF-I are inversely related in vivo, estradiol has little or no direct effect on igf1 gene expression in rat osteoblasts in vitro. Rather, estradiol suppresses the effect of hormones that enhance igf1 expression through protein kinase A dependent activation of CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factors. We show here that inhibition of C/EBP activity by estradiol relates to the level of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression, and that a complex between hormone-activated ERalpha and C/EBPdelta inhibits transcription by each factor. Protein fragmentation, co-immunoprecipitation, and gene expression studies identified domains for physical and functional interactions between ERalpha and C/EBPdelta. Whereas ERalpha and fragments comprising its various domains associated with C/EBPdelta, only ERalpha fragment A/B alone replicated the suppressive effect of intact ERalpha on endogenous C/EBPdelta activity. Complementary studies showed that several carboxyl regions of C/EBPdelta cooperatively inhibit ERalpha dependent transcription. Therefore, multiple domains of C/EBPdelta and ERalpha can physically interact to alter gene expression in osteoblasts in selective ways that depend on variations in the local hormone environment. Their combined effects on one important gene target, igf1, may help to determine the balance in the overall rates of bone formation.
Intact Parathyroid Hormone Assay and Total Calcium Concentration in the Diagnosis of Disorders of Calcium Metabolism in Dogs

Serum samples from eight dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism, seven dogs with hypercalcemic lymphosarcoma (hypercalcemia of malignancy), and four dogs with primary hypoparathyroidism were submitted to the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory at Michigan State University for intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay. When compared with the adjusted total serum calcium concentration, the intact PTH concentration was consistent with the correct diagnosis in all cases. Two dogs with hypercalcemic lymphosarcoma were mildly azotemic. In both of these cases the intact PTH concentration was consistent with hypercalcemia of malignancy despite the presence of azotemia. These data support a significant role for intact serum PTH assay in the differential diagnosis of disorders of calcium metabolism.
Organoimido complexes of Mo(IV), Mo(V) and Mo(VI): preparation, structure and reactivity

Abstract Two series of p-tolylimido (Ntol) complexes of Mo(VI), Mo(V) and Mo(IV) are described. One series, containing diethyldithiocarbamate ligands, is formed via oxygen atom abstraction from Mo(VI)O(Ntol)(S2CNEt2)2 using tertiary phosphines which affords the oxo-bridged Mo(V) dimer [Mo(Ntol)(S2CNEt2)2]2O and the Mo(IV) species Mo(Ntol)(S2CNEt2)2. In solution, the Mo(V) dimer participates in a disproportionation equilibrium affording the Mo(VI) and Mo(IV) complexes. Mo(Ntol)(S2CNEt2)2 reacts with O2 to regenerate MoO(Ntol)(S2CNEt2)2, thus completing a catalytic phosphine oxidation cycle. Mo(Ntol)(S2CNEt2)2 also reacts with Me2SO to yield the Mo(VI) complex and Me2S, and with dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate to yield the alkyne complex, Mo(Ntol)(DMAC)(S2CNEt2)2. The second series of p-tolylimido complexes contains chloride and phosphine co-ligands and derives from the Mo(VI) species Mo(Ntol)Cl4(THF). In the presence of tertiary phosphines, this complex undergoes reduction to afford monomeric Mo(V) complexes of the form Mo(Ntol)Cl3L2 (L = Ph3P, EtPh2P and Me3P; L2 = Ph2PC2H4PPh2). The bis(monodentate phosphine) complexes possess the trans, mer-geometry while the diphos complex is assigned the cis, mer-configuration. Reduction of Mo(Ntol)Cl3(Me3P)2 by NaHg in the presence of Me3P affords the Mo(IV) complex cis, mer-Mo(Ntol)Cl2(Me3P)3 whose molecular structure is described.
Ionic basis of volume regulation in mammalian cells following osmotic shock

Previous studies with mammalian cultured cells have shown that volume regulation in hypotonic medium requires active Na transport. In the present study, determinations of intracellular Na and K content were made in cultured mouse lymphoblasts during the process of swelling and subsequent shrinking (volume regulation) in hypotonic medium. Na and K content were measured in cells in which the shrinking phase was inhibited by the cardiac glycoside, ouabain. In osmotically-shocked cells, an initial permeability increase to K, and not Na, was observed, which allowed K to diffuse out rapidly, down its gradient. Na, meanwhile, rapidly flowed inward with water entry during the swelling process, and was later lost with the same kinetics as the cell shrinkage. This loss of Na was prevented in the presence of ouabain. The results imply that volume regulation is achieved by pumping Na gained during swelling out of the cells, while any K taken up by the pump is rapidly lost through a more permeable membrane. The loss of osmotically active Na, presumably with accompanying anions, allows water to passively diffuse down its osmotic gradient, reducing cell volume subsequent to the initial passive swelling, during which K was rapidly lost.
Development and structure of the placenta and fetal membranes of nonhuman primates

This survey examines placental and fetal membrane structure, function, and development in nonhuman primates. It will focus on these aspects of fetal membranes in species exemplifying the two main types of primate placentation. The chorioallantoic placentas of most strepsirhine primates (e.g., lorises and lemurs), are diffuse, villous and epitheliochorial in structure. Villi are stout, usually unbranched and interdigitate with indentations in the uterine lining. Early in gestation trophoblast cells are columnar but with advancing gestational age considerable thinning of the interhemal membrane occurs. The villous tips have indented regions that appear to be involved in absorption of histotroph. Accessory placental structures known as areolae or chorionic vesicles occur in many strepsirhines. These are cup-shaped specializations that develop opposite the mouths of uterine glands and appear active in absorption of glandular secretions. In addition, most strepsirhines are characterized by a large yolk sac early in gestation, a transient choriovitelline placenta, and most have a large allantoic sac. In strepsirhines, amniogenesis occurs by folding. In contrast, the chorioallantoic placentas of most haplorhines are discoidal, villous, and hemochorial. The species emphasized in the review are macaque monkeys. The placental villi are covered by a layer of syncytiotrophoblast; the latter is active in maternal-fetal transport and hormone synthesis. In some haplorhines, extravillous trophoblast invades deeply into the endometrium and also into spiral arteries supplying the placenta. Other fetal membranes include 1) nonvillous chorion (chorion laeve); there is evidence supporting both an absorptive and synthetic role for trophoblast of the chorion laeve; 2) yolk sac, which is unusual in that a secondary yolk sac is formed. The yolk sac has both synthetic and absorptive functions in early gestation; and 3) amnion; amniogenesis in haplorhines occurs by cavitation.
Isolation of κ-Casein-Like Proteins from Milks of Various Species

Abstract κ -Casein-like proteins were isolated from the milks of cow, goat, reindeer, horse, rat, and rabbit. When treated with rennin, all of the isolated κ -casein components yielded para- κ -casein-like bands on gel electrophoresis. The rate of cleavage of these components with rennin was determined by measuring material soluble in trichloroacetic acid (macropeptide). The curves were characteristic of a limited, specific attack by rennin on these proteins. The goat and reindeer κ -caseins were nearly as sensitive to cleavage by rennin as bovine κ -casein, but the cleavage of horse, rat, and rabbit κ -casein-like components was much slower.
The vibrational spectra of molecular ions isolated in solid neon: HCCH+ and HCC−

Abstract When a Ne:C 2 H 2 sample is codeposited at approximately 5 K with a beam of neon atoms that has been excited in a microwave discharge, a sharp, prominent absorption assigned to ν 3 of HCCH + appears at 3137.6 cm −1 , very close to the previously reported gas-phase band center. Experiments on carbon-13 and deuterium substituted samples support this assignment and permit the identification of all of the infrared-active CH- and CD-stretching fundamentals of the isotopically substituted acetylene cations, as well as the determination of the stretching and stretching-interaction force constants. The absorptions of the carbon-13 substituted acetylene cations have also been identified in the analogous argon-matrix experiments, but exhibit a matrix shift of approximately 30 cm −1 , possibly because of the larger polarizability of argon. The ν 3 absorption of H 13 C 13 CH + isolated in a neon matrix is split by interaction with a combination band, probably ν 2 + ν 4 + ν 5 (Σ u + ). The CC-stretching fundamental of HCC − has been tentatively identified at 1773.0 cm −1 , and the band origin of the A 2 Π u - X 2 Σ g + transition of C 2 − near 4155 cm −1 , in neon-matrix experiments.
Experimental Approaches to the Study of People-Plant Relationships

People have cultivated plants and other natural elements in urban environments virtually since the advent of the earliest human cities. Recent research in the social sciences suggests that passive interactions with large scale natural environments may have health benefits. These early fmdings with large scale natural environments are consistent with enduring beliefs about the beneficial effects of natural environments, which in turn echo beliefs about the positive effects of horticultural pursuits. This paper describes two general classes of research methods that have been used to investigate the mtential health effects of oassive exmures to natural envikmmen6, methods that have direci applicabfiity to the investigation of similar issues in horticultural environments. The fmt set of methods have been used in the field of environmental aesthetics to measure perceived environmental quality. Several of these specific methods are described and their ap licabiity to horticultural research is highlighted. The s...
Influence of statistical methods and reference dates on describing temperature change in Alaska

Quantifying temperature trends across multiple decades in Alaska is an essential component for informing policy on climate change in the region. However, Alaska's climate is governed by a complex set of drivers operating at various spatial and temporal scales, which we posit should result in a sensitivity of trend estimates to the selection of reference start and end dates as well as the choice of statistical methods employed for quantifying temperature change. As such, this study attempts to address three questions: (1) How sensitive are temperature trend estimates in Alaska to reference start dates? (2) To what degree do methods vary with respect to estimating temperature change in Alaska? and (3) How do different reference start dates and statistical methods respond to climatic events that impact Alaska's temperature? To answer these questions, we examine the use of five methods for quantifying temperature trends at 10 weather stations in Alaska and compare multiple reference start dates from 1958 to 1993 while using a single reference end date of 2003. The results from this analysis demonstrate that, with some methods, the discrepancy in temperature trend estimates between consecutive start dates can be larger than the overall temperature change reported for the second half of the 20th century. Second, different methods capture different climatic patterns, thus influencing temperature trend estimates. Third, temperature trend estimation varies more significantly when a reference start date is defined by an extreme temperature. These findings emphasize that sensitivity analyses should be an essential component in estimating multidecadal temperature trends and that comparing estimates derived from different methods should be performed with caution. Furthermore, the ability to describe temperature change using current methods may be compromised given the increase in temperature extremes in contemporary climate change.
Developing Videos to Better Inform Middle School Students About STEM Career Options

Student perceptions of science-oriented careers and scientists have been shown to be largely inaccurate. Through an instructional design and development process we have developed a method for offering students more accurate information about science-oriented careers. This paper follows the steps involved in developing a volume of podcast/interviews with STEM professionals and implementing the podcasts in middle level science classes. The purpose of the podcasts is to better inform middle school students about STEM career options. We present the challenges and successes of the development process as well as the efforts to create a second volume of podcasts, planned improvements and efforts for larger scale implementation, and the results from a pilot study involving the podcasts.
Reactions of meta-xylene on zeolites with intersecting medium and large pores I. Basic studies

The reactions of m-xylene are conducted over all known zeolites with intersecting medium and large pores (MCM-22, NU-87, CIT-1, SSZ-33, SSZ-26) and the results compared to those from large (SSZ-24, ZSM-12, zeolite beta, zeolite L) and medium (ZSM-5, EU-1) pore zeolites. Each of the materials MCM-22, NU-87 and CIT-1/SSZ-33/SSZ-26 reveals a unique reaction behavior in terms of the p-xyleneo-xylene and isomerization/disproportionation ratios, the distribution of formed trimethylbenzenes and the rate of deactivation. The reaction activities and selectivities of MCM-22 and CIT-1/SSZ-33/SSZ-26 are somewhat like medium and large pore zeolites, respectively, as is expected from their crystal structures. NU-87 displays a lower p-xyleneo-xylene ratio and a higher turnover frequency than predicted from the crystal structure.
Coronary-artery spasm.

Detailed formal protocol with illustrations and extensive bibliography. Note: Some information has been redacted in the publicly-available version due to privacy issues. For questions, contact archives@utsouthwestern.edu.
To kill or be killed: viral evasion of apoptosis

In the struggle between virus and host, control over the cell's death machinery is crucial for survival. Viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites and, as such, must modulate apoptotic pathways to control the lifespan of their host in order to complete their replication cycle. Many of the counter-assaults mounted by the immune system incorporate activation of the apoptotic pathway—particularly by members of the tumor necrosis factor cytokine family—as a mechanism to restrict viral replication. Thus, apoptosis serves as a powerful selective pressure for the virus to evade. However, for the host, success is harsh and potentially costly, as apoptosis often contributes to pathogenesis. Here we examine some of the molecular mechanisms by which viruses manipulate the apoptotic machinery to their advantage and how we (as vertebrates) have evolved and learned to cope with viral evasion.
Behavioral science at the crossroads in public health: extending horizons, envisioning the future

The social and behavioral sciences are at a crossroads in public health. In this paper, we attempt to describe a path toward the further integration of the natural and behavioral sciences with respect to the study of behavior and health. Three innovations are proposed. First, we extend and modify the "stream of causation" metaphor along two axes: time, and levels of nested systems of social and biological organization. Second, we address the question of whether 'upstream' features of social context are causes of disease, fundamental or otherwise. Finally, we propose the concept of a risk regulator to advance the study of behavior and health in populations. To illustrate the potential of these innovations, we develop a multilevel framework for the study of health behaviors and obesity in social and biological context.
Peptide growth factors as biomarkers of prostate cancer risk.

Cell growth in the human prostate is largely controlled by peptide growth factors acting through autocrine, paracrine, and even intracrine mechanisms. These growth factors respond to endocrine hormone signals and are capable of regulating proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and interaction with the extracellular matrix (1, 2). Early in cancer development, imbalances in stimulatory and inhibitory signals could create a "field effect", in which hyperproliferation leads to somatic mutation and clonal selection of malignant phenotypes. Measurement of growth factors and understanding of the environmental and genetic factors that upor down-regulate their expression (or the expression of their receptors), therefore, should be of great value to investigators interested in the etiology and prevention of prostate cancer. However, because these growth factors operate in the local microenvironment, it is not easy to develop intermediate biomarker assays in accessible biologic fluids or tissues suitable for population studies. The purpose of this presentation is to review the rationale for measuring specific growth factors, the various methods that have been attempted to date, and the challenges currently faced in this area of research. Valid biomarkers of growth factor expression would have several major applications in the domain of prostate cancer epidemiology and prevention. First, growth factor levels could provide important intermediate biomarkers in trials of lifestyle and chemopreventive agents. Second, growth factor patterns could predict the aggressiveness of prostate cancers before surgery—a crucial point given the variability in the behavior of prostate tumors and the number of men now diagnosed after prostate-specific antigen screening. Third, growth factor levels could clarify the prognosis in cases of resected prostate cancer. And fourth, growth factor levels could provide insights into the molecular etiology of
Factors affecting vacation destination choices of college students.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting destination choice decisions of college students. The study reports the results of a factor analysis and discusses some marketing implications. Results suggest that college students are mostly concerned with the cost of the vacation and convenience, local hospitality and services, entertainment and drinking opportunities, recreation and sporting activities available, and change in their daily environment. These criteria must be taken into account by destination promoters and developers as they try to appeal to this important segment in the tourism industry.
Framing neuroethics: a sociological assessment of the neuroethical imagination.

*Work on this paper was funded in part by NIH grant K01-AT00054, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Know then thyself, presume not God to scan The proper study of mankind i...
A low-carbon production scheduling system considering renewable energy

Climate change is becoming one of the most important challenges facing our generation. Many industries and enterprises have begun steps for carbon emissions reduction and management. Manufacturing and industrial processes produce large amounts of greenhouse gas and use more electricity than any other sector, which push manufacturing enterprises to apply renewable energy to mitigate emissions from their production and operations. This paper addresses a low-carbon production scheduling problem considering renewable energy. A low-carbon production scheduling system architecture is proposed. A mathematical model of the addressed problem is presented with the objective of minimizing the total carbon emissions during the whole planning horizon. A low-carbon production scheduling algorithm of the addressed problem is designed. Computational experiments have demonstrated the proposed low-carbon production scheduling considering renewable energy.
Optimized Source-Channel Coding of Video Signals in Packet Loss Environments

A novel predictive joint source-channel video coding scheme is proposed and its superiority against standard video coding is demonstrated in environments with heavy packet loss. The strength of the scheme stems from the fact that it explicitly takes into account the two modes of operation (packet loss or no packet loss) at the decoder and optimizes the corresponding reconstruction filters together with the the prediction filter at the encoder simultaneously. As a result, the prediction coefficient tends to be much smaller than both the correlation coefficient between two corresponding frames and what standard video coding techniques use (i.e., 1), thereby leaving most of the inter-frame correlation intact and increasing the error resilience.
Gas Turbine Cycles With Solid Oxide Fuel Cells—Part II: A Detailed Study of a Gas Turbine Cycle With an Integrated Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

The energy conversion efficiency can be improved if immediate contact of air and fuel is prevented. One means to prevent this immediate contact is the use of fuel cell technology. High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have many features that make them attractive for utility and industrial applications. However, in view of their high operating temperatures and the incomplete nature of the fuel oxidation process, such fuel cells must be combined with conventional power generation technology to develop power plant configurations that are both functional and efficient. Most fuel cell cycles proposed in the literature use a high-temperature fuel cell running at ambient pressure and a steam bottoming cycle to recover the waste heat generated by the fuel cell. With such cycles, the inherent flexibility and shorter start-up time characteristics of the fuel cell are lost. In Part 1 of this paper, a pressurized cycle using a solid oxide fuel cell and an integrated gas turbine bottoming cycle was presented. The cycle is simpler than most cycles with steam bottoming cycles and more suited to flexible power generation. In this paper, the authors will discuss this cycle in more detail, with an in-depth discussion of all cycle component characteristics andmore » losses. In particular, they will make use of the fuel cell's internal fuel reforming capability. The optimal cycle parameters were obtained based on calculations performed using Aspen Technology's ASPEN PLUS process simulation software and a fuel cell simulator developed by Argonne National Laboratory. The efficiency of the proposed cycle is 68.1%. A preliminary economic assessment of the cycle shows that it should compare favorable with a state-of-the-art combined cycle plant on a cost per MWe basis.« less
Recovery of neuropsychological functions during reduction in use of phencyclidine

A battery of 12 neuropsychological tests were administered on two occasions to 15 chronic PCP users who reduced or eliminated use of PCP over a 4-week period. A comparison sample of 15 non-PCP drug users who did not differ in age, sex, education, and ethnic composition also were tested at the two time periods. Impairment, initially higher for PCP users, decreased significantly after reduction in use of PCP. A nonsignificant increase in impairment was found for non-PCP drug users. Analysis of each variable revealed that substantial improvement occurred on the acquisition, recall, and delayed recall scores of the Randt Memory Test. Improvement also was noted for some individuals on Trails B and Digit Symbol tests.
Master-equation approach to stochastic models of crystal growth

A master-equation approach is formulated to obtain kinetic equations for stochastic models of the crystal-vapor interface. The properties of two Ising-type models are studied in stable and metastable states. General transition probabilities for the adsorption and evaporation of atoms at the interface are introduced, which may account for different types of dynamic behavior. Marked dependence of the interface kinetics upon the details of the transition probabilities is found, in contrast to the case of homogeneous systems.
Typological asymmetries in round vowel harmony: Support from artificial grammar learning

Providing evidence for the universal tendencies of patterns in the world's languages can be difficult, as it is impossible to sample all possible languages, and linguistic samples are subject to interpretation. However, experimental techniques, such as artificial grammar learning paradigms, make it possible to uncover the psychological reality of claimed universal tendencies. This article addresses learning of phonological patterns (systematic tendencies in the sounds in language). Specifically, I explore the role of phonetic grounding in learning round harmony, a phonological process in which words must contain either all round vowels ([o, u]) or all unround vowels ([i, e]). The phonetic precursors to round harmony are such that mid vowels ([o, e]), which receive the greatest perceptual benefit from harmony, are most likely to trigger harmony. High vowels ([i, u]), however, are cross-linguistically less likely to trigger round harmony. Adult participants were exposed to a miniature language that containe...
Determining the Statistical Sensitivity of the Water Quality Monitoring Program in the Taylor – Nubbin Slough, Florida Project

ABSTRACT Reducing agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution by implementing best management practices (BMPs) throughout entire watersheds' is being studied in 20 Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) projects throughout the United States. The Taylor Creek – Nubbin Slough RCWP Project area is located directly north of Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida. The watershed covers 110,000 acres of which 63,109 were identified as critical agricultural sources of phosphorus entering Lake Okeechobee. These sources were primarily improved pastures and dairies. The project has an extensive pre-BMP water quality data base for statistical comparison with post-BMP data. In addition, most of the BMP implementation occurred in 1985, 1986, and 1987, allowing for four to five years post-BMP water quality monitoring before the end of the project. Therefore, this project should be able to document land treatment effects on water quality. Water quality monitoring data from in-stream sampling was analyzed to determine the magnitu...
Validating the Use of Two-Item Measures of Pain Beliefs and Coping Strategies for a Veteran Population

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that 2-item versions of subscales from the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory, Coping Strategy Questionnaire, and the Survey of Pain Attitudes appear adequately reliable and valid for use in studies with large sample sizes. It was suggested that use of the abbreviated scales might help to expand the testing and application of cognitive-behavioral models of pain to new settings and with new populations where assessment burden might be a key issue. This study explored the utility of these brief scales among veterans in a Veterans Affairs setting. Strong associations were found between the 2-item versions and their respective parent scales. In addition, the 2-item scales were found to be associated with other pain-related measures, supporting their predictive validity. The results of this study replicate previous findings and offer support for the use of the 2-item versions for both screening and research purposes in Veterans Affairs settings with a veteran population. Perspective This article presents the psychometric properties of brief versions of 3 commonly used pain coping and belief questionnaires in a unique population. These measures could be used clinically for initial screening purposes, as well as for treatment monitoring.
Costs and outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

A prospective descriptive study was done on the direct and indirect costs to ambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, stratified at study entry by level of function. Measures of health status over a 1-year period were taken. On a yearly basis, in 1979 dollars, patients spent an average of $147 for arthritis medications, aids, and devices, and $207 for outpatient visits. A small number were hospitalized and incurred an average charge of $245, and an additional $84 for physician fees. In addition to direct monetary costs, patients averaged 6.8 days of restricted activity costs, patients averaged 6.8 days of restricted activity per month, in some cases so severe as to confine patients to bed for an average of 1.3 days per month. Among students and working patients, 2.5 work-days per month were lost due to arthritis, and 30% reported that they were unemployed or retired because of impaired health. Functional capacity and specific diagnosis on entry to the study were the most important determinants of arthritis-related expenditures. Both direct and indirect costs varied considerably from the observed average. Twenty percent of patients incurred no costs for arthritis-related purchases, 42+ had no costs for outpatient visits, and 93% had no inpatient costs. Yet for some patients, the financial burden was very high.
Velocity oscillations in plasma-induced, laser-driven atomic transitions

Abstract We examine the nonlinear electrodynamics of a plasma-induced atomic transition that is subject to an intense, resonant laser field and find novel saturation and spectral characteristics. Specifically, the lineshape exhibits well-defined velocity oscillations whose spacing is set by the laser electric field amplitude and the line strength is independent of laser intensity for sufficiently strong field strengths.
Mechanistic Understanding of Material Detachment During Micro-Scale Polishing

A combined experimental and modeling approach has been devised to understand the material removal mechanism during abrasion of ductile copper discs. First, single grit scratch intersection experiments are conducted at the micro-scale (with 1-30 μm depth of cut). This is followed by FEM analysis. Then a simple analytical model is developed, and the model prediction is verified against experimental observations and results from numerical simulations. A characteristic material detachment length is correlated between experimental observations and model predictions. The insights gained from this exercise may be used to develop a mechanistic model of material removal in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of ductile materials.
The Structure of the ATPase that Powers DNA Packaging into Bacteriophage T4 Procapsids

Packaging the viral genome into empty procapsids, an essential event in the life cycle of tailed bacteriophages and some eukaryotic viruses, is a process that shares features with chromosome assembly. Most viral procapsids possess a special vertex containing a dodecameric portal protein that is used for entry and exit of the viral genome. The portal and an ATPase are parts of the genome-packaging machine. The ATPase is required to provide energy for translocation and compaction of the negative charges on the genomic DNA. Here we report the atomic structure of the ATPase component in a phage DNA-packaging machine. The bacteriophage T4 ATPase has the greatest similarity to monomeric helicases, suggesting that the genome is translocated by an inchworm mechanism. The similarity of the packaging machines in the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophage T4 and dsRNA bacteriophage varphi12 is consistent with the evolution of many virions from a common ancestor.
Instructional issues in the medical humanities.

This paper examines instructional issues such as how, when, and where the medical humanities are taught in medical school settings. The author interviewed seven humanities scholars teaching in medical schools using openended questions which elicited data illustrating 1) informants' teaching styles; 2) where/how their teaching currently fits in the medical curriculum; 3) their suggestions on ideal curricular integration of the medical humanities; and 4) informants' teaching successes.
High-frequency switching in Dictyostelium.

A high-frequency switching system is demonstrated to exist in Dictyostelium discoideum. Switch phenotypes are distinguished by colony morphology and include changes in developmental timing as well as blocks in morphogenesis. The switching system exhibits the following characteristics: (1) a “low” spontaneous frequency of switching (∼10−2) in the parent strain; (2) stimulation of the basal level of switching roughly fivefold with low doses of ultraviolet light; (3) “high” spontaneous frequencies of switching (as high as 10−1) in particular variant strains; (4) high spontaneous frequencies of interconvertibility between variant phenotypes; (5) high spontaneous frequencies of reversion to the wild-type phenotype; (6) a set of reproducible switch phenotypes; (7) heritability of switch phenotypes; and (8) a rough correlation between switch phenotype and switching frequency. The extraordinary similarity between the switching systems in D. discoideum and Candida albicans is discussed.
Simplified MRI prediction of clinically definite multiple sclerosis: a stepping stone towards treatment criteria?

Simplified MRI prediction of clinically definite multiple sclerosis: a stepping stone towards treatment criteria?
Chloride Excretion in Hypothyroidism

ConclusionsSix patients with primary hypothyroidism, in whom chloride excretion was studied during periods of sodium chloride restriction, showed no evidences of limitation of adrenocortical function.
Draper-dependent glial phagocytic activity is mediated by Src and Syk family kinase signalling

The cellular machinery promoting phagocytosis of corpses of apoptotic cells is well conserved from worms to mammals. An important component is the Caenorhabditis elegans engulfment receptor CED-1 (ref. 1) and its Drosophila orthologue, Draper. The CED-1/Draper signalling pathway is also essential for the phagocytosis of other types of 'modified self' including necrotic cells, developmentally pruned axons and dendrites, and axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration. Here we show that Drosophila Shark, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase similar to mammalian Syk and Zap-70, binds Draper through an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in the Draper intracellular domain. We show that Shark activity is essential for Draper-mediated signalling events in vivo, including the recruitment of glial membranes to severed axons and the phagocytosis of axonal debris and neuronal cell corpses by glia. We also show that the Src family kinase (SFK) Src42A can markedly increase Draper phosphorylation and is essential for glial phagocytic activity. We propose that ligand-dependent Draper receptor activation initiates the Src42A-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Draper, the association of Shark and the activation of the Draper pathway. These Draper-Src42A-Shark interactions are strikingly similar to mammalian immunoreceptor-SFK-Syk signalling events in mammalian myeloid and lymphoid cells. Thus, Draper seems to be an ancient immunoreceptor with an extracellular domain tuned to modified self, and an intracellular domain promoting phagocytosis through an ITAM-domain-SFK-Syk-mediated signalling cascade.
Effects of hardwood structural and chemical characteristics on enzymatic hydrolysis for biofuel production.

Abstract This study investigated the influence of various hardwood characteristics on enzymatic hydrolysis. Important hardwood species, including three Eucalyptus species, were comprehensively characterized using quantitative 13C NMR, image analysis and fiber quality analysis. Hydrolysis efficiency from all the hardwoods was correlated to the wood chemical composition and lignin characteristics. Among the key wood components that control enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, lignin content, enzyme adsorption on substrate and, the ratio of syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) of the pretreated feedstock were identified as the most important. No wood morphological feature was found to have a significant influence on enzymatic conversion of the pretreated samples.
Resecting and Grafting of Coronary Artery Aneurysm

A 31-year-old patient with symptoms suggesting acute myocardial infarction and subsequently found to have a large aneurysm of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery is presented. This is thought to represent the first patient treated by resection and grafting of a coronary artery aneurysm by use of an interposed saphenous vein graft. The aneurysm was filled with friable blood clots, emphasizing the hazard of future embolizations. The etiology and indications for surgical resection are discussed.
The Fate of Ions as Studied by Photoion-Photoelectron Coincidence☆

Abstract Photoion-photoelectron coincidence (PIPECO) is a technique for selecting the internal energy of ions and studying their subsequent reactions. Some of the results and their implication obtained from the study of unimolecular decay rates are discussed.
Electroanalytical and surface characterization of encapsulated implantable membrane planar microsensors

Abstract The selective polymeric membranes of planar microsensors sensitive to inorganic analytes of biomedical interest (e.g., H + , K + ), fabricated on a flexible polyimide (Kapton ® DuPont) substrate using a combination of thin-film, thick-film and packaging technologies, were encapsulated with a biocompatible polymeric material such as poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (poly-HEMA), The electroanalytical characteristics of these sensors (linear activity ranges, slopes of the calibration curves, response times, membrane resistances, and selectivities) are not significantly different when compared with those of non-coated membrane sensors. The encapsulated membrane electrodes show improved analytical characteristics after exposure to whole blood samples for specified periods of time. The long-term stability of the membranes for in vivo use was investigated by the cage implant system; the membrane biostability and cell adhesion, at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of subcutaneous implantation in Sprague-Dawley rats, were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.
Recent Developments in Functional Thin Films

Thin film technology is a significant focus of academic, governmental, and industrial research efforts. The economic impact of thin film use is significant and is growing at an impressive rate. BCC Research assigned the thin film global market a value of $9.3 billion in 2011; it is anticipated to reach a value of $14.9 billion by 2016. 1 Drivers of thin film research at this time include lowering the processing cost and environmental burden associated with thin film processing. 2 In addition, efforts are underway to develop thin films on flexible substrates for use in medical prostheses and in energy harvesting devices. Functional thin films have other potential biomedical applications, including use in drug delivery. 3 A search using Thomson Reuters’s Web of Knowledge indicates that the number of published items involving functional thin films has steadily increased each year since 1994; more than 1150 papers were published on this topic and nearly 30,000 citations involved this topic in 2012. 4 In this issue of JOM, the development of thin films for biomedical, corrosion resistance, electronic, optical, radiation detection, thermal barrier, and tribological applications is described. In ‘‘Improved Mobility and Transmittance of Room-Temperature Deposited a-IGZO Films with Low-Temperature Post-Fabrication Anneals,’’ T.L. Alford et al. demonstrate radio frequency (RF) sputtering of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide onto flexible poly ethylene naphthalate substrates. Annealing the film at low temperatures in an oxygen atmosphere and in vacuum is shown to modify the optical and electrical properties of the thin films. In ‘‘Inkjet Printing of Amphotericin B onto Biodegradable Microneedles using Piezoelectric Inkjet Printing,’’ R.D. Boehm et al. demonstrate modification of the surfaces of Gantrez (ISP Investments, Inc., Wilmington, DE) 169 BF microneedles with amphotericin B using piezoelectric inkjet printing. A radial diffusion assay is used to demonstrate the activity of these drug-loaded microneedles against the yeast Candida parapsilosis. In ‘‘Effect of LowTemperature Microwave Processing and Copper Content on the Properties of Ag-Cu Thin Film Alloys,’’ S. Das and T.L. Alford examine the use of microwave annealing for enhancing the structural and electrical properties of silver-copper thin films. Their work indicates that copper oxide encapsulation layers are formed by microwave annealing. In ‘‘Reflectance Spectroscopy of Functional Ag-Cu Thin Films: Correlation of Reflectivity with Cu Content,’’ S. Das and T.L. Alford evaluate the use of magnetron sputtering to co-sputter pure silver and copper targets. The electrical mobility and optical reflectivity properties of silver-copper thin films on silicon substrates are evaluated. In ‘‘Thermo-mechanical
Voltage-independent gating transitions in squid axon potassium channels.

We have investigated the actions of internal and external Zn2+ on squid axon K channel ionic and gating currents. As has been noted previously, application of Zn2+ to either membrane surface substantially slowed the activation of these channels with little or no change in deactivation. Internal Zn2+ (near 200–300 nM) slowed channel activation by up to sixfold over the range of membrane voltages from -30 to +50 mV. External Zn2+ (10 mM) produced an approximate twofold slowing of activation from -40 to +40 mV. We found that the changes in ionic current activation kinetics were accompanied by less than a twofold slowing of channel-gating currents in a narrow range of potentials near -30 mV. There was, at most, only a few percent reduction of charge movement associated with Zn2+ application. We conclude that these ions interact with channel components involved in weakly voltage-dependent conformational changes. Although there are some differences in detail, the general similarity of the actions of both internal and external Zn2+ on channel function suggests that the modified channel-gating step involves amino acids accessible to both the internal and external membrane surface.
Pleistocene Sea-Level Fluctuations off Southern California and Their Relation to Continental Slope Sedimentation: ABSTRACT

Fluctuations of sea level as much as 700 ft during the late Pleistocene have modified the continental margin of southern California and exercised a dominant control on the offshore sediment-distribution patterns. Narrow terraces and low sea cliffs were cut into bedrock during lowered sea stands. They are associated with anomalous occurrences of sand-algal nodules, concentrates of shallow-water shells, phosphorite, and rounded cobbles of mixed rock type. The rock outcrops exposed in the low sea cliffs provide a window that permits sampling and the mapping of bedrock End_Page 457------------------------------ structures from submersibles in an area normally covered with prograding slope deposits. The concentration of relict shallow-water fossils in deep terrace zones and the rough topography can be confused with nonexistent structural features if not recognized during sampling programs. End_of_Article - Last_Page 458------------
Measurement of plasmalemmal dopamine transport, vesicular dopamine transport, and K(+)-stimulated dopamine release in frozen rat brain tissue.

Abstract This report describes experiments designed to (1) establish the specificity of dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT)-mediated plasmalemmal DA transport, vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2)-mediated vesicular DA transport, and K + -stimulated DA release in samples prepared from frozen rat striata, and (2) characterize the time-course of the effects of freezing on these processes. The procedure described herein uses a simple method of freezing brain tissue (first cooling in ice-cold buffer and then freezing at −80 °C) that allows for the storage of rat striata followed by the assay of DA transport and K + -stimulated DA release using rotating disk electrode voltammetry. Plasmalemmal DA transport into samples prepared from frozen striata was blocked by the DAT inhibitor, cocaine, and vesicular DA transport was blocked by the VMAT-2 inhibitor, dihydrotetrabenazine. Additionally, K + -stimulated DA release was Ca +2 -dependent. Freezing decreases DAT-mediated DA transport, VMAT-2-mediated DA transport, and K + -stimulated DA release. However activity is still measurable even after 3 weeks of storage. These results suggest that rat striata retain some DA transport and DA release activity even when stored frozen for a few weeks. Frozen storage of rat striata may thus be valuable for experiments requiring lengthy assays, the accumulation of material, or the transport of samples from one laboratory to another for analysis. These results may also be applicable to the study of frozen human brain tissue.
An analytic approach to structuring co–management of community forests in Cameroon

While decentralization is a prominent theme in contemporary natural resource policy and management discourse, questions have been raised concerning the sustainability of participatory approaches. Drawing on theoretical and empirical research on common pool resource management and participation, we develop a framework to evaluate community–level stakeholders’ potential suitability for engagement in co–management. Four criteria are assessed: stake in the resource, discount rate, social capital and capacity (leadership, organizational, enforcement of rules and knowledge). Inclusion of local actors who fit the framework in a governance arrangement could lead to more sustainable outcomes. We tested this screening strategy by assessing potential organizational partners for comanagement of non–wood forest products in community forests in Cameroon.
Targeting of 4-1BB by monoclonal antibody PF-05082566 enhances T-cell function and promotes anti-tumor activity

4-1BB (CD137, TNFRSF9) is a costimulatory receptor expressed on several subsets of activated immune cells. Numerous studies of mouse and human T cells indicate that 4-1BB promotes cellular proliferation, survival, and cytokine production. 4-1BB agonist mAbs have demonstrated efficacy in prophylactic and therapeutic settings in both monotherapy and combination therapy tumor models and have established durable anti-tumor protective T-cell memory responses. PF-05082566 is a fully human IgG2 that binds to the extracellular domain of human 4-1BB with high affinity and specificity. In preclinical studies, this agonist antibody demonstrated its ability to activate NF-κB and induce downstream cytokine production, promote leukocyte proliferation, and inhibit tumor growth in a human PBMC xenograft tumor model. The mechanism of action and robust anti-tumor efficacy of PF-05082566 support its clinical development for the treatment of a broad spectrum of human malignancies.