cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality Popular Television

Quality Popular Television Marc Jancovich and James Lyons, Editors. London: British Film Institute, 2003. Intended to show why some contemporary television shows are so compelling, this edited volume looks at the recent phenomenon of "mustsee" or quality television programs. These must see shows were originally created as a response by the networks to the crisis in audience demographics brought on in the wake of competition from the cable and satellite channels in the 1980s. Whereas earlier, the networks tried to attract mass audiences for their fare and assumed that there \vas a stable viewing public who could be expected to watch an entire evening's line-up, by the 1980s, the emphasis had become one of trying to retain their most valuable audiences: affluent viewers whom the advertisers most coveted. The must-see television programs were thus specifically designed not for a mass audience, but for the affluent, highly educated consumers who were attracted to the literary qualities of the programs and who were most attractive to advertisers. Whereas some have criticized these programs precisely because they are geared toward -and usually preoccupied with -white, affluent, urban middle-class people, others have instead focused on the issue of how these programs represent a higher quality of television than programs that are geared toward mass audiences. The overall purpose of this volume is not so much to sidestep either of these claims, but to offer a broad range of essays that might allow the reader to gain a better perspective on the processes at work in the production of these programs. The essays explore such topics as the economics of the producing institutions, strategies of scheduling and line-ups, formats and individual shows, and finally, the audiences themselves. The first section of the book focuses on the question of industries, networks, and programming. Jennifer Holt, for example, looks at the effects of the economic deregulation of television in the 1980s and 1990s, and analyzes how the creation of vertically integrated entertainment conglomerates affects the kinds of programming decisions that are made. In another essay in this section, Nancy San Martin explores how must-see shows function as "anchors" for an evening's scheduling line-up as a "way to bring viewers to the network for the evening. Paul Rixon, in another essay in this section, looks at how American television shows have functioned within the British programming line-ups, and how they have influenced trends in British television production overall. …
Characterization of the APP proximal promoter and 5'-untranslated regions: identification of cell type-specific domains and implications in APP gene expression and Alzheimer's disease.

SPECIFIC AIMSNeuritic plaque, mostly derived from the amyloid β peptide (Aβ), is one of the main characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our goal is to functionally characterize the proximal promoter region (PPR) and the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of the gene encoding the Aβ precursor protein (APP). We characterized these regions by DNA elecrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and reporter gene assay. We studied the role of a recently discovered CAGA box that is unique to the 5′-UTR of APP mRNA sequences of plaque-forming mammalian species. We define the PPR as running from −46/−1 and the UTR as running from +1/+144 with +1 as the transcription start site.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. Distinct DNA-protein interaction of PPR and 5′-UTR fragments of the APP gene in nuclear extractsWe probed six regions containing the proximal promoter region and/or 5′-UTR in human neuroblastoma (NB) and HeLa nuclear extracts: −46/144, −46/100, −46/54, 54/144, 54/100, and 100/144 (Fig. 1⤻ A). Two differences appeared amon...
Enhanced information security employing orthogonal code, steganography, and joint transform correlation

A novel and robust technique is proposed in this paper for securing confidential information by utilizing orthogonal coding scheme, encoded steganography and nonlinear encryption through joint transform correlation. Different biometric signatures are encoded using individual orthogonal codes and then multiplexed together. The encrypted and multiplexed image is hidden inside a cover image employing a steganography technique, where one from the three least significant bits is chosen using another secret key. A color cover image is utilized which is decomposed into three color components, red, green and blue, so that three different sets of biometric signatures can be embedded into each of the color components. The color stego image is finally encrypted using multiple phase-shifted reference joint transform correlation (MRJTC) technique. The proposed encryption technique is a nonlinear process which increases the security strength significantly against any unauthorized access. The encoded steganography technique reduces the vulnerability that an intruder can retrieve any information from a given image through any steganalysis attack. Finally, the orthogonal coding scheme enhances the robustness by making the biometric information almost inaccessible without authorization.
The 84-kDa form of human matrix metalloproteinase-9 degrades substance P and gelatin.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is secreted from cells and, once activated, is thought to degrade collagen in the extracellular matrix. Because collagen is not readily localized where neurons have been shown to produce MMP-9 in the human brain, the ability of this enzyme to degrade bioactive peptides was investigated with representative tachykinin peptides [substance P (SP), neurokinin A, neurokinin B, and kassinin]. Latent MMP-9 (94 kDa) was purified from the human cell line HL-60 and converted to an intermediary active form (84 kDa) with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate. This active form of MMP-9 degraded SP with a k cat /K m of 170 m M -1 min -1 , which is 30-fold greater than the previously reported value for a representative collagen-derived peptide. The major digestion products were identified as SP 1-6 and SP 7-11 , which were derived from cleavage of the Gln 6 -Phe 7 bond. Minor products were also generated from cleavage of the Gly 9 -Leu 10 bond. The other representative tachykinin peptides were cleaved at rates >10-fold slower than that of SP. The 84-kDa peptidase was also active as a gelatinase. Longer treatment of MMP-9 with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate caused the conversion of the 84-kDa enzyme to the established 68-kDa active form; however, the rate of SP degradation did not increase. Because MMP-9 is produced by neurons of the CNS, these results suggest a possible regulatory role for the enzyme in intercellular communication by altering the availability of bioactive peptides
Plasma concentration following oral administration of di- and flucloxacillin in infants and children.

: The bioavailability of commercial liquid preparations of di- and flucloxacillin was compared in infants and children. The plasma concentrations following a dose of 12.5 mg/kg were equal within the two age groups. Infants 0-1 months old, however, demonstrated a better absorption than older children.
Rapid in situ hybridization for the diagnosis of latent Epstein-Barr virus infection

Abstract Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with a variety of malignancies. Rapid in situ hybridization techniques have been described for various lytic viral infections because of limited gene expression. However, EBERS (Epstein Ḇ arr e arly Ṟ NAs) are expressed in abundance in tumour cells which are latently infected with EBV. We have targeted these transcripts in a rapid (3 h) in situ hybridization assay of the detection of latent EBV in clinical specimens, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material. EBER RNA was detected in control cell lines which have two copies of the EBV genome and in paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens from patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, EBV-associated Hodgkin's disease, Burkitt's lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoma. The technique did not detect EBER RNA in oral hairy leukoplakia, a pathologic process previously characterized as associated with lytic EBV infection. The sensitivity, specificity and rapidity of this technique make it ideal for the diagnostic detection of EBV in latently infected clinical specimens.
Applying Leadership Qualities of Great People to Your Department: Sir Winston Churchill:

As pharmacy leaders develop health-system pharmacy services, it is important for them to understand successful leadership behaviors and apply them effectively to be successful in managing the challenges of health care. Directors can learn various skills from leaders both in and outside of pharmacy. Learning from these great leaders can provide pharmacy directors with guidance on how to shape various aspects of their leadership style. Winston Churchill is considered to be one of history's greatest leaders; without his leadership, the outcome of World War II may have been completely different. Leadership qualities that made him successful include the use of clear and simple communication, decisiveness, willingness to take risks and learn from failure, commitment to self-improvement, and the ability to inspire and lead others. This article describes these leadership characteristics displayed by Winston Churchill and discusses ways these qualities can be used effectively by today's pharmacy leaders in building patient-centered services.
Using the Internet as a Tool for Public Service: Creating a Community History Web Site.

Creating a community history Web site is a way for technical communication practitioners, students, and teachers to improve their expertise while performing a valuable public service. Developers of...
Magnetoresistance of 2H-NbSe 2

Abstract The magnetoresistance anisotropy of 2H−NbSe2 was studied at 9.3 K and 35 K. Data indicate that the Fermi surface above and below the charge-density-wave onset temperature includes one or more sheets that are highly elongated (and possibly open) along the [0001] direction. The magnetoresistance at 9.3 K exhibits an anomalous linear dependence on magnetic field for all field directions studied, similar to that reported previously for B [0001]
The Artless Word: Mies van der Rohe on the Building Art

The double work field - architect as author philosophy as patron - the view into the intrinsic, from accident to order - the way to building, the "Great Form" and the "Will to Style" the ambivalence of concepts - construction or interpretation of reality? Berlage or Behrens? Hegel or Nietzsche? elementary form-giving - departure for the limits of architecture - "Beyond Architecture" - on eternal building, construction as promise of art - building art in the raw, the building master of today from material through purpose to idea - the long path to the building art - departure from the will of the epoch - building art as spiritual decision, 1926 - stimuli, critique and orientation, space for the unfolding of the spirit architecture for the search for knowledge - the double way to order. Appendices: manifestos, texts and lectures - 1922-1927 - skyscrapers (1922), "Office Building" (1923), office building (1923), "Building" (1923), "Solved Tasks - a Challenge for Our Building Industry" (1923), "Building Art and the Will of the Epoch!" (1924), "Industrial Building" (1924), lecture (1924), review of Paul Tropp, Entwicklung und Aufbau der Miete (1924), letter to Die Form (1926), lecture (1926), letters to Die Form - "Regarding the New Volume" and "On Form in Architecture" (1927), foreword to the official catalog of the Stuttgart Werkbund exhibition "Die Wohnung" (1927), foreword to Bau und Wohnung and "Concerning My Block" (1927), introductory remarks to the special issue "Werkbundausstellung - Die Wohnung" (1927), lecture (1927), draft of a letter (around 1927) notebook (1927-1928) 1928-1938 - "The Preconditions of Architectural Work" (1928), "We Stand at the Turning Point of Time - Building Art as the Expression of Spiritual Decisions" (1928), "On the Theme - Exhibitions" (1928), the Adam building (1928), "Build Beautifully and Practically! Stop This Cold Functionality" (1930), "On the Meaning and Task of Criticism" (1930), "The New Time" (1930), program for the Berlin building exposition (1930), radio address (1931), speech on the occasion of the anniversary meeting of the Deutsche Werkbund (1932), "Expressways as an artistic problem" (1932), "What Would concrete, What Would Steel Be without Mirror glass?" (1933), "The H. House, Magdeburg" (1935), inaugural address as director of architecture at Armour Institute of Technology (1938). Part contents.
Pseudo-Stark effect and FM/Stark double-modulation spectroscopy for the detection of statistical fine structure in alexandrite

Abstract Using laser FM spectroscopy and transient spectral hole burning, the R 1m transition of Cr 3+ ions in alexandrite is shown to exhibit a linear pseudo-Stark effect with coefficients of 0.141 and 0.0538 MHz cm V −1 at 1.6 K for electric fields along the crystal a and c axes, respectively. This result was used to develop a sensitive FM/Stark double-modulation method for the detection of statistical fine structure (SFS) on the inhomogeneously broadened R 1m line. While the final signal-to-noise ratio is not much greater than unity, autocorrelation of the measured spectra provides the first strong evidence for the presence of SFS in an inorganic material.
A Review of Scaling and Performance Considerations for Articulating Technologies

Mechanisms with dexterous manipulation capabilities are needed for many applications at the meso scale (1–5 mm diameter with micro scale features). Scaling down larger designs has proven to be impossible in many cases, and the manipulation forces produced by most existing meso scale designs are notably insufficient for intended applications. A review of articulating mechanisms and manipulator technologies developed within the last decade is presented, and the potential for these technologies to be implemented at the meso scale is explored. The utility of these systems is analyzed in terms of two main performance metrics: maximum range of motion and force application. Determining the miniaturization potential and performance capabilities of these mechanisms has highlighted necessary improvements for current systems and provided insight on which system types are most likely to be effective on the meso scale.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Technology Change Analysis for Product and Product Platform Design

In designing products and product platforms, it is essential to consider the role of technology evolution to avoid frequent redesign costs or even premature obsolescence of key components. Taking this into account in multi-generational design is referred to as planned product innovation. The existing design tools/processes fail to delineate different technologies and therefore capitalize on ways of technological change within products. This paper provides a framework for technology change analysis by identifying underlying technologies and the potential for change in their intrinsic characteristics — performance level, principle of operation, and technology architecture. Measuring the three aspects of technological change separately and comparing them to their respective forecast information yields a technology’s potential for planned innovation. The technology change framework can be applied to an initial design of the product that is anticipated to undergo planned innovation. A detailed function-structure diagram and a component-based design structure matrix of the initial product design serve as inputs to the framework and result in technology change potentials for each technology. Grouping components with similar technology change potentials (in all three aspects) into independent clusters will allow organizations to focus their development efforts on clusters that are most ripe for innovation with minimal disruption to the rest of the product. For product platform identification, the technology change framework is used to develop a set of four heuristics to identify technology-based platform elements. The set of four heuristics require that the platform elements have a low potential for change in performance level, principle of operation, and technology architecture or have standardized interfaces. Having a technology focus for product platforms is necessary as forecasting and diffusion models/studies are available at a technology level rather than at an individual component level. Localization of any anticipated platform or family changes due to technology evolution (through platform formation) will minimize redesign changes and the cascade of disruptions in each variant. Future work will focus on developing step-by-step methods for technology-based clustering of products and integrating the technology-based platform elements with other market-based and function-based platform methods to truly yield a flexible and robust product platform design method.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Assessing impacts on people's relationships to place and community in health impact assessment: an anthropological approach

This paper explores a way in which health impact assessment (HIA) practitioners can improve their evaluation of the effects of infrastructure developments on people's intangible connections and emotional attachments to places and communities, and their health impacts. This assessment poses conceptual and methodological challenges. It is argued that social anthropology and the social sciences offer HIA a conceptual vocabulary and a methodology for exploring these relationships. These relationships are defined then positioned in HIA as an outcome of the health determinant, social capital. The paper offers a critique of their treatment in an HIA case study from the United Kingdom. Its shortcomings are used to propose a predominantly qualitative, anthropological methodology. The overall approach offers benefits. Practitioners gain clarification, new tools, a more holistic HIA, and links between these relationships, well-being, and sustainability and resilience. Developers are shown how to sensitise their appr...
REFINING THE NPD/INNOVATION PATH TO PRODUCT MARKET SUCCESS WITH PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES PATH ANALYSIS

In this paper, a refinement of the NPD/innovation process and its relationship with new product success is explored. Through a review of the literature, a rationale for a research model and the associations among its constructs were developed. In this study, a factor analysis was performed on data describing the proficiency by which major, traditional NPD/innovation process activities were performed. This analysis led to the development of seven parsimonious NPD/innovation process activities. This research evaluated new product success by employing four measures: profit, sales, successfully opening new markets, and successfully entering existing markets with new products. Respondents to a mail survey process directed to NPD managers in the medical instruments, heavy construction equipment, and electrical products industries provided the study's empirical data. The research model was examined by performing a Partial Least Squares (PLS) path analysis on the study data. PLS path analysis was employed to provide an answer to the research question: How does the proficiency with which new product development activities are performed relate to the market success of newly developed products? The factor analysis and subsequent PLS path analysis suggest that (1) there are seven important NPD/innovation activities that form the basis for a prudent view of new product development/innovation, (2) there is a parallel path to new product success much of which occurs after new product commercialization, and (3) NPD proficiency continues to significantly influence the market success of new products. Implications from this research are provided.
Assessment of the airway in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with 3-dimensional airway computed tomography.

Objective: The goal was to evaluate 3-dimensional airway CT for upper airway assessment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Design: Airway CT was obtained and 3-dimensional airway models were constructed prospectively for 40 patients with OSAS and 10 controls. Airway dimensions were correlated with polysomnography, and comparison was made between patients with and without OSAS. Results: OSAS patients had a mean respiratory distress index of 51.9 events per hour. The mean minimum cross-sectional area (XSA) in the neutral position was 67.1 mm2. Minimum XSA decreased in both the inspiratory and expiratory phases to 16.3 mm2 and 15.0 mm2, respectively (P < 0.001). Complete airway obstruction occurred in 1 or more phases of respiration in 28 patients. Neither airway XSA nor length of obstruction correlated with sleep apnea parameters. No statistically significant differences in airway dimensions were found between OSAS and control patients. Conclusions: Airway CT demonstrates dynamic airway obstruction in OSAS but does not correlate well with clinically important disease parameters. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:444-9.)
The Effect of Analytic Versus Holistic Encoding Instructions on Hemispheric Superiority

A modification of the tachistoscopic letter detection task employed by Neisser (1963) was utilized to examine hemispheric differences in employing analytic and holistic processing strategies. Stimulus arrays designed to elicit either serial or parallel processing sets were presented to the right hemisphere-left visual field (RH-LVF) or to the left hemisphere-right visual field (LH-RVF). Subjects were explicitly directed to perform an analytic or holistic encoding process on both types of stimulus arrays. The serial array produced longer reaction times than the parallel array for both hemispheres. A RH-LVF reaction time advantage was found across both stimulus sets and instructions. In addition, an overall reaction time advantage was found for holistic instructions relative to analytic instructions, but this superiority was not effected by hemisphere or contextual stimuli.
Retrospective analysis of hyperthermia for use in the palliative treatment of cancer: A multi-modality evaluation

Abstract Forty-two patients with local or superficial metastatic or recurrent malignant tumors were treated in a non-randomized Phase I/II study to assess the tumoricidal effects of heat combined with radiation and/or chemotherapy. Radiation doses administered averaged 3130 ± 350 cGy; chemotherapeutic agents employed included bleomycin, mitomycin-C, adriamycin, and cis-platin, heat was induced by radiative or interstitial microwave applicators operating at frequencies ranging from 95 to 900 MHz. Forty-one of the forty-two patients were evaluated for initial therapeutic effects yielding the following response distributions: local hyperthermia with radiation-42% complete response (CR), 44% partial response (PR), and 15% no response (NR); local hyperthermia with chemotherapy-0%o CR, 50% PR and 50% NR. Long-term response duration was evaluated for local hyperthermia with radiation, yielding mean time to recurrence of 9.4 months for CR's and mean time to progression of 3.4 months for PR's. In retrospective analysis, we examined the correlations of previously established response-predictor variables of tumor volume and minimum thermal dose with both initial and long-term response rates. Initial complete response rates were correlated directly with non-site-specific minimum thermal dose, varied inversely with tumor volume and exhibited a positive correlation for a limited histologic type/treatment site combination. Surprisingly, long-term response did not correlate either with tumor volume or thermal dose. The frequency of thermally induced complications, which did not correlate with any measured thermal parameters, was found to be 42%, expressed on a per-patient basis.
Feeding, oviposition and survival of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Bt and non-Bt cottons.

The effects of Bt transgenic cottons (Bt-I expressing cry1Ac and Bt-II expressing cry1Ab and cry2Ab or cry1Ab and cry1Fa) and non-Bt cottons on feeding, oviposition and longevity of adults, and development and survival of Liriomyza trifolii larvae were studied under laboratory conditions; and infestation on four Bt and two non-Bt cotton traits were investigated under field conditions. Laboratory choice and no-choice tests showed that L. trifolii adults were capable of distinguishing between Bt cottons and non-Bt cottons. In a choice test on younger plants (4‐5 leaves), the adults were found more often and made more feeding punctures (FP) on non-Bt cottons than on Bt cottons. On older plants (8‐9 leaves), adults made the most FP on non-Bt cotton followed by those on Bt-II cottons and the least on Bt-I cotton. The females oviposited more eggs (6.7 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt cotton than on Bt-I (1.7 eggs per leaf) and Bt-II (0.8 eggs per leaf) cottons on younger plants and oviposited similar numbers of eggs (0.7‐1.3 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt and Bt cottons on older plants. In a no-choice test, the females also fed more FP on non-Bt cottons than on Bt cottons on both younger and older plants. The females oviposited more eggs (15.6 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt cotton than on Bt-I (8.2 eggs per leaf) and Bt-II (6.5 eggs per leaf) cottons on younger plants and similar numbers of eggs (2.5‐3.3 eggs per leaf) on non-Bt and Bt cottons on older plants. Larval and puparial survivals were not different among Bt and non-Bt cottons. The occurrence and damage of leafminers on cottons in the field showed that L. trifolii infested more plants and leaves and had more mines on non-Bt cotton than on Bt cottons.
Racial Group Identity, Psychosocial Resources, and Depressive Symptoms: Exploring Ethnic Heterogeneity among Black Americans

We utilized data from the National Survey of American Life to investigate the relationships among racial identity (closeness to other blacks and black group evaluation), psychosocial resources (self-esteem, mastery, and social support), and depressive symptoms. The data allowed us to explore ethnic heterogeneity among black Americans, with a sample of 2,953 African Americans and 1,140 Caribbean Blacks. Results indicated that for African Americans, the impact of racial identity and psychosocial resources were largely a direct pattern, in which black group evaluation, self-esteem, and mastery reduce depressive symptomatology. For Caribbean Blacks, racial identity and psychosocial resources were all directly and inversely related to depressive symptoms. We also found moderating effects for Caribbean Blacks; high levels of closeness to other blacks maximized the benefits of social support. Similarly, positive black group evaluation amplified the protective impact of mastery on depressive symptoms.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infection, morbidity, and mortality in hospitalized patients. Many patient- and disease-specific factors contribute to the pathophysiology of HAP, particularly in the surgical population. Risk-factor modification and inpatient prevention strategies can have a significant impact on the incidence of HAP. While the best diagnostic strategy remains a subject of some debate, prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy in patients suspected of having HAP has been shown to significantly decrease mortality. Because the pathogens responsible for HAP are frequently more virulent and have greater resistance to commonly used antimicrobials than other pathogens, clinicians must have knowledge of the resistance patterns at their institutions to choose appropriate therapy.
Time-Resolved, in Situ, Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering To Monitor Pt Nanoparticle Structure Evolution Stabilized by Adsorbed SnCl3– Ligands During Synthesis

Understanding and controlling nanoparticle formation mechanisms is important because of increasing reports of unusual material properties in this critical size region in fields ranging from magnetics, electrocatalysis, optics, and heterogeneous synthesis. Here we use real-time, in situ small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering to dynamically monitor the production of Pt critical nuclei from Sn–Pt complexes on a length scale approaching 0.6 nm. A time resolution of 20 s is achieved due to the slow reduction and growth processes of this unique system. The structure and evolution of inorganic Sn ligands on these Pt nanoparticle cores is of particular interest because of the ability of Sn to mitigate poisoning of electrocatalyst surfaces by adsorbed CO intermediates (COads) on the anode of direct alcohol fuel cells. Coherent scattering from the stabilizing ligand shell is identified in the wide-angle scattering data and suggests segregation of Sn ligands at the surface of the nanoparticles synthesized using...
Flight characteristics of probes in the atmospheres of Mars, Venus and the outer planets☆

Abstract Density, pressure and temperature profiles of an unknown planetary atmosphere can be obtained from the high-speed entry of a probe provided the aerodynamic characteristics of the probe in this atmosphere are accurately known. An investigation of the effect of gas composition on probe aerodynamics has been conducted in the Ames Hypersonic Free-Flight Aerodynamic Facility by gun launching small-scale models into atmospheres representative of Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. Aerodynamic data at conditions matching the velocity and Reynolds number at a number of points on the Viking trajectory (Mars) were obtained in both air and carbon dioxide and significant differences were noted. Aerodynamic data are also presented from tests in hydrogen and hydrogen-helium mixtures, gases which characterize the atmospheres of the outer planets.
A Note on the Calculation of Supercavitating Hydrofoils With Rounded Noses

Practical supercavitating hydrofoils have rounded leading edges for mechanical strength. The prediction of pressures near the leading edge of such hydrofoils by linearized free-streamline theory fails because singularities are usually required there by the theory. A simple method based on singular perturbations of avoiding these difficulties for hydrofoils which have parabolic noses but an arbitrary profile downstream of the leading edge is presented. The results of such a computation on a hydrofoil with a parabolic profile and with fixed cavity separation near the leading edge radius are shown and are compared with an exact free-streamline theory. The agreement is excellent.
Expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in maize tissues

The activity of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methlglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR, EC 1.1.1.34) is highly expressed in 4-day-old etiolated seedlings of normal (cv. DeKalb XL72AA), dwarf (d5) and albino (lw3) maize (Zea mays L.). HMGR activity of maize seedlings appeared to be exclusively associated with the microsomal rather than the plastidic fraction of maize cells. Maize tissues with high meristematic activity such as germinating seeds, leaf bases, root tips and the site of origin of lateral roots contained high levels of microsomal HMGR activity. The activity of HMGR extracted from leaf tips of normal, dwarf and albino maize seedlings is regulated by light. Microsomal HMGR activity from leaf tips of 4-day-old maize seedlings was inhibited significantly following exposure to strong light (600 μmol m−2 s−1) for more than 10 h. By comparison, microsomal HMGR activity from leaf bases and root tips of maize was not inhibited by exposure to strong light. These results suggest that the microsomal HMGR which is highly expressed in maize may be related to sterol biosynthesis and membrane biogenesis rather than plastidic-associated isoprenoid synthesis and that light may regulate HMGR activity indirectly by increasing cell differentiation.
Regulation of glucose transporter expression in cardiac myocytes: p38 MAPK is a strong inducer of GLUT4.

Objective: In vivo differentiation of cardiac myocytes is associated with downregulation of the glucose transporter isoform GLUT1 and upregulation of the isoform GLUT4. Adult rat cardiomyocytes in primary culture undergo spontaneous dedifferentiation, followed by spreading and partial redifferentiation, which can be influenced by growth factors. We used this model to study the signaling mechanisms modifying the expression of GLUT4 in cardiac myocytes. Results: Adult rat cardiomyocytes in primary culture exhibited spontaneous upregulation of GLUT1 and downregulation of GLUT4, suggesting resumption of a fetal program of GLUT gene expression. Treatment with IGF-1 and, to a minor extent, FGF-2 resulted in restored expression of GLUT4 protein and mRNA. Activation of p38 MAPK mediated the increased expression of GLUT4 in response to IGF-1. Transient transfection experiments in neonatal cardiac myocytes confirmed that p38 MAPK could activate the glut4 promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay in adult rat cardiomyocytes and transient transfection experiments in neonatal cardiac myocytes indicated that MEF2 was the main transcription factor transducing the effect of p38 MAPK activation on the glut4 promoter. Conclusion: Spontaneous dedifferentiation of adult rat cardiomyocytes in vitro is associated with downregulation of GLUT4, which can be reversed by treatment with IGF-1. The effect of IGF-1 is mediated by the p38 MAPK/MEF2 axis, which is a strong inducer of GLUT4 expression.
Feldspar-influenced rock rheologies

Progressive fracture, subsequent cataclasis, and syntectonic alteration of feldspar to phyllosilicates transformed a massive granite into a quartz-mica phyllonite during early Tertiary deformation in a 20-30-m-wide shear zone in southeastern Arizona. The ductile deformation proceeded at temperatures and pressures approximating, middle to upper crustal levels. Most of the deformation was taken up by the feldspar and its alteration products. Quartz deformed by both brittle fracture and crystal plastic mechanisms. These results show that under certain temperature-pressure-strain rate conditions feldspars are weaker than quartz. The observed deformation mechanisms indicate that the brittle to ductile transition in fault zones is not simply a function of the onset of temperature-activated plastic deformation in quartz nor of the frictional behavior of rocks, as inferred in the familiar strength vs. depth curves. It is more likely that the transition is complex and depends on a variety of parameters. One such factor delineated in this study is the fracture and fracture-facilitated syntectonic alteration of feldspar under hydrated conditions.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE PURIFICATION OF MARE GONADOTROPIC HORMONE

AMONG THE METHODS used for separating the gonadotropic hormone from pregnant mare serum, the fractional precipitation method of Cartland and Nelson (1) has proved most suitable, in our hands, for consistently yielding fractions of high potency with low nitrogen and solids content. We are now reporting some experiments upon the purification of the hormone obtained from very potent sera from pregnant ponies, testing 100 to 400 rat units1 per cc, together with some studies in which the starting material was obtained from less potent mare sera. The blood was collected from mares pregnant 65 to 75 days. The freshly drawn blood was defibrinated by whipping, and the serum obtained by centrifuging out the cellular constituents. Each batch of serum was worked up immediately; that is, treated according to the Cartland-Nelson process through the first precipitation of hormone by 70% acetone with the exception of two modifications.
The interactome of the histone gene regulatory factor HiNF-P suggests novel cell cycle related roles in transcriptional control and RNA processing

HiNF-P is a recently identified histone H4 subtype specific transcriptional regulator that associates with the conserved cell cycle control element in the proximal promoter regions of histone H4 genes. HiNF-P interacts with the global histone gene regulator and direct cyclin E/CDK2 substrate p220NPAT to potently upregulate histone H4 gene transcription at the G1/S phase transition in response to cyclin E/CDK2 signaling. To gain insight into the function of HiNF-P in a broader cellular context, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify its novel interacting proteins. In this study, we detected 67 candidate HiNF-P interacting proteins of varying cellular functions. We have identified multiple RNA associated proteins, including the splicing co-factor SRm300. HiNF-P and SRm300 interact in yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation, and co-immunofluorescence assays. Our screen also identified several gene regulators that associate with HiNF-P including THAP7. HiNF-P and THAP7 interact in mammalian cells and THAP7 abrogates HiNF-P/p220 mediated activation of histone H4 gene transcription, consistent with its known role as a transcriptional repressor. Finally, we identified several proliferation related proteins including Ki-67 and X transactivated protein 2 (XTP2) which may be functioning with HiNF-P in cell cycle regulation. The HiNF-P interactome indicates that HiNF-P is a multifunctional gene regulator with a large functional network and roles beyond cell cycle-dependent histone gene regulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 136–148, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Integration of the Cytogenetic, Genetic, and Physical Maps of the Human Genome by FISH Mapping of CEPH YAC Clones

The physical locations on human metaphase chromosomes of over 950 yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones from the CEPH library have been determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and described as fractional chromosome length relative to the terminus of the short arm. Collectively, these clones contain approximately 1 billion basepairs of human DNA, about one-third of the human genome. In addition, the locations of 337 of these clones were established in terms of cytogenetic bands for chromosomes 1-18, 20, and X. Since most clones are positive for one or more of the Genethon polymorphic STS markers with defined genetic linkage distances corresponding to their physical locations, these data facilitate the integration of the cytogenetic, genetic, and physical maps of the human genome. Use of these mapping data in conjunction with public database information on CEPH YACs greatly facilitates the identification of YACs or polymorphic markers at specific locations in the genome.
Waveguiding light in air with ultralow index metamaterials

Metamaterials can be engineered to have the real part of the effective refractive index less than unity at optical wavelengths. These composite materials exhibit total external reflection and hence can be utilized in the cladding of hollow optical waveguides. We investigate the use of one- and two-dimensional silver-dielectric metamaterials in waveguides. In particular, we discuss the effects of scaling down the size of the metal features in the metamaterial.
Incorporating the Philosophy of Technology into Animal Welfare Assessment

Changes in attitudes towards how animals are housed in agriculture are currently under question in the public eye—particularly for laying hens. Many arguments from the rights and utilitarian viewpoints have been made for changing environmental conditions and managerial practices for animals in an effort to respect the interests of the animal and better their welfare. Yet, these arguments have been based upon belief systems that were developed from information that can be collected by human perception only. Technological advancements can facilitate animal welfare assessment by providing humans with new information about what the animal perceives. Yet, little has been discussed surrounding the thought process behind which technologies are conceived, how they are developed, and why they are implemented. Here, using the laying hen as a model, we turn to the philosophy of technology to address what role technological advancements may have in our capacity to understand animals, how technology can affect their welfare, and what role technology may play in furthering animal welfare assessment.
Determining the infiltration of outdoor particles in the indoor environment using a dynamic model

Abstract As people spend a significant portion of their time indoors, it is desirable to determine the fraction of outdoor particles that reach the indoor environment and the associated inter- and intra-home variability. This fraction depends on particle penetration efficiency and deposition rate. An alternative method for calculating the dynamic infiltration factor using time-dependent concentrations and air-exchange measurements is presented. We discuss the limitations of calculating the penetration rate and deposition velocity independently and find that the indoor/outdoor ratio often overestimates penetration efficiency. The dynamic infiltration factors are calculated for seven houses, for generally seven nights per house, for 17 particle size fractions. For the smallest particle size fraction (0.02–0.03 μ m), the mean infiltration factor across homes was 0.49, increasing up to 0.76 for the 0.2–0.3 μ m size fraction, and then decreasing steadily to 0.32 for the largest size fraction (4–6 μ m). The coefficients of variation between nights and homes were determined and are comparable, ranging between 0.07 and 0.18 for all the size fractions up to 1 μ m, with values up to 0.48 for larger size fractions.
ECT Stimulus Duration and Its Efficacy

AbstractIn a consecutive series of 21 men who received a course of brief-pulse square-wave electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a 2-second train of pulses led to a significantly (p < 0.001) higher rate of success in inducing a full seizure than a 1-second train of pulses (52.4% success) of the same electrical charge. This result held whether the train was increased to 2 seconds by shortening pulsewidth from 1.5 msec to 0.75 msec (95.2% success, p < 0.001) or by decreasing frequency from 60 to 30 pulse-pairs per second (85.7% success, p < 0.01). With an ECT stimulus of electrical charge near the human average seizure threshold, a 2-second stimulus duration is more efficient than a 1-second stimulus duration. These results also indicate that expression of seizure threshold in terms of stimulus charge and voltage is incomplete.
Infectious mononucleosis mimicking lymphoma: distinguishing morphological and immunophenotypic features

The diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection) is usually made on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. However, an atypical clinical presentation occasionally results in a lymph node or tonsillar biopsy. The morphological features of EBV-infected lymphoid tissue can easily mimic lymphoma. Furthermore, the immunophenotype of the immunoblasts has not been well characterized. To assess the morphological spectrum of acute EBV infection and the utility of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing difficult cases that resemble lymphoma, we reviewed 18 cases of acute EBV infection submitted in consultation to our institution with an initial diagnosis of/or suspicion for lymphoma. Patients included nine male and nine female individuals with a median age of 18 years (range 9-69). Biopsies were obtained from lymph nodes (3/18) or Waldeyer's ring (15/18). Infectious mononucleosis was confirmed by monospot or serological assays in 72% of cases (13/18). All cases featured architectural distortion by a polymorphous infiltrate with an immunoblastic proliferation, sometimes forming sheets. Reed-Sternberg-like cells were present in 8/18 (44%) of the cases. Infiltrates were often accompanied by necrosis (10/18) and mucosal ulceration (6/15). The majority of immunoblasts in all cases were CD20+ B cells with a post-germinal center immunophenotype (strongly positive for MUM1/IRF4 (18/18), CD10- (18/18 negative) and BCL-6- (16/18 negative; 2/18 faint BCL-6 expression in <10% of immunoblasts)). Immunoblasts showed variable weak expression of BCL-2 and polyclonal expression of κ and λ immunoglobulin light chains in 81% cases. Reed-Sternberg-like cells in 8/8 cases were CD30+, CD15-, BOB.1+ and OCT-2+. In conclusion, an atypical lymphoid infiltrate with numerous MUM1+, CD10-, BCL-6- immunoblasts should raise the suspicion of a reactive process, such as infectious mononucleosis, and warrants additional consideration before a diagnosis of lymphoma is made.
Effect Of Free Radical Quenchers On Dye-Mediated Laser Light Induced Photosensitization Of Leukemic Cells

The effect of free radical quenchers (ascorbate, catalase, and mannitol) on merocyanine 540 (MC540) mediated, laser light induced photolysis of human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) was investigated. Results show that in the presence of human albumin (0.25%), dye-mediated (2014/m1), laser light induced photolysis of leukemic cells resulted in a 99.9999% cell kill. Seventy percent of the normal bone marrow cells survived the treatment. The addition of free radical quenchers prior to laser irradiation procedure increases the HL-60 cell survival. Increases of 5.5% and 4.4%, respectively, were observed in the presence of catalase and ascorbate or mannitol. In the presence of a mixture of catalase and mannitol or catalase and ascorbate, this increase in viability was not observed. However, the viability of normal bone marrow cells under these conditions also decreased from 70% to 63%. These findings may be useful in ex-vivo bone marrow purging.
Gene expression of peptidergic signals: Effects of steroids

Abstract Investigations into the roles of steroid hormones in regulating expression of neuroendocrine genes have been approached using a variety of techniques. This paper concentrates on describing methods for measuring messenger RNAs encoding neuropeptide precursor proteins and compares the relative merits of each of these methods with respect to their utility in addressing particular experimental problems. The methods described include RNA isolation from tissue blocks and punches, measurement of specific mRNA sequences using solution hybridization, and the use ofin situ hybridization. Appropriate control experiments and guides for troubleshooting each method are also discussed, as well as issues relating to the quantitation of mRNA levels for each method. Additionally, steroid feedback models using testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and glucocorticoids are described and a discussion of their merits is included.
Dual role of SIRT1 in UVB-induced skin tumorigenesis

The protein deacetylase SIRT1 regulates various pathways in metabolism, aging and cancer. However, the role of SIRT1 in skin cancer remains unclear. Here, using mice with targeted deletions of SIRT1 in their epidermis in both resistant B6 and sensitive SKH1 hairless backgrounds, we show that the role of SIRT1 in skin cancer development induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is dependent on its gene dose. Keratinocyte-specific heterozygous deletion of SIRT1 promotes UVB-induced skin tumorigenesis, whereas homozygous deletion of SIRT1 suppresses skin tumor development but sensitizes the B6 mice to chronic solar injury. In mouse skin, SIRT1 is haploinsufficient for UVB-induced DNA damage repair and expression of xeroderma pigmentosum C (XPC), a protein critical for repairing UVB-induced DNA damage. As compared with normal human skin, downregulation of SIRT1 is in parallel with downregulation of XPC in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at both the protein and mRNA levels. In contrast, homozygous SIRT1 deletion in mouse skin augments p53 acetylation and expression of its transcriptional target Noxa, and sensitizes the epidermis to UVB-induced apoptosis in vivo, while heterozygous SIRT1 deletion has no such effect. The gene dosage-dependent function of SIRT1 in DNA repair and cell survival is consistent with the dual roles of SIRT1 in UVB-induced skin tumorigenesis. Our results reveal the gene dosage-dependent in vivo functions of SIRT1 in skin tumorigenesis and may shed light on the role of SIRT1 in epithelial cancer induced by DNA damage.