cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regarding “Dynorphin is a downstream effector of striatal BDNF regulation of ethanol intake”

Upon reading the interesting article by M. Logrip, P. Janak, and D. Ron that was published online on February 29th, 2008, in [and appears in this issue of] The FASEB Journal, it was noticed that a section of that manuscript’s discussion section referenced our work focusing on the role of -opioid receptors and dynorphin systems in ethanol dependence and withdrawal (1). Unfortunately, both the results of our study and the hypothesis that guided the research appear to have been misunderstood within the discussion section of the Logrip et al. manuscript (2). We would like to clarify that the behavioral observations from our experiments indicated that blockade of -opioid receptors with nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) selectively decreased ethanol self-administration in ethanol-dependent animals; leaving self-administration behavior of ethanol in nondependent animals intact (the Logrip et al. manuscript stated we observed increases in ethanol selfadministration by blocking dynorphin systems). Additionally, we proposed in that manuscript that the dynorphin system has increased activity in ethanol dependent states. It is hypothesized that when ethanol-dependent animals are in withdrawal, the increased activity of the dynorphin system produces a negative affective/dysphoric state that ethanol self-administration relieves via a negative reinforcement mechanism. By blocking this putatively upregulated dynorphin state during ethanol withdrawal with nor-BNI, the negative emotional state produced by an overactive dynorphin system is removed temporarily and the need to continue self-administering ethanol is lowered. We hope that this letter helps to clarify the effect of -opioid receptor antagonism in ethanol-dependent animals that was observed in our laboratory. Numerous lines of research focusing on the role of endogenous dynorphin within motivationally relevant systems are beginning to converge and it has recently been shown that the dynorphin system can be driven through multiple mechanisms [e.g., CREB-induced, CRF-induced, etc. (3, 4)] to impact emotional behavior.
Supporting the Academic Mission

The mission of an academic radiology department includes not only high-quality patient care, but also the educating of a broad variety of health care professionals, the conducting of research to advance the field, and volunteering service to the medical center and our professional societies. While funding is available for the research and educational aspects, it is insufficient to cover the actual costs. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make up the deficit by using a portion of the clinical revenues. Development and revenues derived from intellectual property are becoming essential to support the academic mission.
UV-induced crosslinking and cyclization of solution-cast polyacrylonitrile copolymer

An alternative, rapid stabilization route for polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursors is reported based on UV-induced crosslinking and cyclization reactions. Two mechanisms of photoinitiation were investigated: homolytic cleavage and hydrogen abstraction. Solution-cast PAN copolymer samples were irradiated for different durations (100, 300, and 600 s) and temperatures (∼65 and 100°C, below and above glass transition temperature respectively). FTIR spectra show the formation of carbon–oxygen, carbon–nitrogen, and carbon–carbon double bonds (1450–1700 cm−1 region) attributed to the development of cyclized structure. Conversion indices estimated from the FTIR spectra indicate samples containing hydrogen abstraction photoinitiator show higher extents of cyclization among the three main set of samples. This observation was also confirmed by higher gel percentages measured on the same set of samples. FTIR conversion indices of samples UV-treated above glass transition temperature were higher compared with that for the same specimens UV-treated below glass transition temperature. DSC results show that samples containing hydrogen abstraction photoinitiator enable a higher extent of post-UV thermal cyclization. FTIR spectra of the UV treated samples were compared with conventional thermal stabilized specimens. This comparison confirms that the addition of 1 wt % photoinitiator to PAN followed by 5 min of UV treatment increases the rate of the cyclization reaction and reduces the thermal oxidation time by over an hour, which could significantly reduce the conventional stabilization time by half. These results indicate the potential for an energy-efficient, cost-effective route for producing carbon fibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Response of canine ileocolonic sphincter to intraluminal acetic acid and colonic distension

The aim was to determine the effect of intraluminal acetic acid and proximal colonic distension on canine ileocolonic sphincter pressure, ileal motility, and coloileal reflux. In six conscious dogs with an isolated ileocolonic loop, basal pressure of the ileocolonic sphincter was similar during ileal perfusion with 100 mM acetic acid at 1 ml/min (mean±sem=18±0.4 mm Hg) and with saline (18±0.5 mm Hg;P=0.81). Discrete clustered ileal contractions were more frequent with acetic acid, however, and when they propagated across the sphincter, sphincter pressure increased from 18±0.4 mm Hg to 36±1.3 mm Hg (P=0.002). Sphincter pressure was also greater during colonic perfusion with acetic acid (32±0.7 mm Hg) than during ileal perfusion with acetic acid or saline (P<0.017). Moreover, sphincter pressure gradually increased as the colon was distended with saline (slope=0.8 mm Hg/cm H2O,P<0.017) or acetic acid (slope=0.5 mm Hg/cm H2O,P<0.017), but the increase did not prevent coloileal reflux. In conclusion, ileal clustered contractions, colonic perfusion of acetic acid, and colonic distension all increased canine ileocolonic sphincter pressure.
Site-specific modification of α-helical peptides with electron donors and acceptors

We have prepared a histidine containing monomeric α-helical peptide, ETH6 (A_2KA_4KA_2HA_6HA_4KA_4K) in order to study long-range electron transfer (ET). This peptide was site-specifically labelled with a ruthenium (donor) at one histidine and a second ruthenium (acceptor) at a second histidine located on the same peptide. Both the unlabeled peptide and the singly labeled peptide-metal complex, Ru(bpy)_2(im)(His)-ETH6, were shown to form stable monomeric α-helical structures as determined by circular dichroism. Ru(NH_3)_4(py) was coupled to Ru(bpy_2)(im)(His)-ETH6, forming a Ru(bpy)_2(im)(His)-ETH6-(His)Ru(NH_3)_4(py) donor-acceptor complex. The synthesis and characterization of these peptides provide an entry into a series of molecules that are ideally suited to evaluate pathway differences such as H-bond mediated versus backbone-coupled long-range ET in protein α-helices.
Two unique 5′ untranslated regions in mRNAs encoding human 14-3-3ζ: differential expression in hemopoietic cells

Abstract In this report, we describe the identification and characterization of a novel 14-3-3 cDNA using the polymerase chain reaction and the screening of a human bone marrow cDNA library. This cDNA encodes the ζ isoform of 14-3-3 and contains a novel 5′ untranslated region (UTR) that is G+C rich and only 50% identical to the 5′ UTR in the human placental 14-3-3ζ cDNA, suggesting that 14-3-3ζ is encoded by at least two mRNAs. Using specific probes to the 5′ UTRs of bone marrow and placental 14-3-3ζ cDNAs, we studied the expression of each transcript in human hemopoietic cells at various stages of differentiation in the myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Differences in the expression of the bone marrow and placental 14-3-3ζ transcripts were found, the most notable being the markedly decreased expression of both 14-3-3ζ transcripts in HL-60 myeloid leukemic cells. Western blot analysis of 14-3-3ζ levels in HL-60 cells revealed correspondingly decreased levels of 14-3-3ζ protein compared to Jurkat cells. The differences among cell types of relative expression of the two 14-3-3 transcripts may reflect normal regulatory patterns, while the strikingly decreased expression of both types in HL-60 are more likely to be reflective of its multiple genetic abnormalities which contribute to its transformed phenotype.
The Effects of Computational Modeling Errors on the Estimation of Statistical Mechanical Variables

Computational models used in the estimation of thermodynamic quantities of large chemical systems often require approximate energy models that rely on parametrization and cancellation of errors to yield agreement with experimental measurements. In this work, we show how energy function errors propagate when computing statistical mechanics-derived thermodynamic quantities. Assuming that each microstate included in a statistical ensemble has a measurable amount of error in its calculated energy, we derive low-order expressions for the propagation of these errors in free energy, average energy, and entropy. Through gedanken experiments, we show the expected behavior of these error propagation formulas on hypothetical energy surfaces. For very large microstate energy errors, these low-order formulas disagree with estimates from Monte Carlo simulations of error propagation. Hence, such simulations of error propagation may be required when using poor potential energy functions. Propagated systematic errors pred...
The role of the heme distal ligand in the post-translational modification of Synechocystis hemoglobin

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 hemoglobin is a cyanobacterial Group I truncated hemoglobin. In the absence of an exogenous ligand, its single heme group is coordinated by His46 (E10, distal) and His70 (F8, proximal). The protein can undergo a post-translational modification by which His117 (H16, in the C-terminal helix) reacts with the heme 2-vinyl group to form a Markownikoff adduct. The new C-N bond prevents heme loss, alters the dynamics of the protein, and influences ligand binding to the heme group. To explore the factors conditioning the formation of the cross-link, variants of the protein that contained an alanine or a leucine at position 46 (E10) were prepared. A double replacement (His46Leu and Tyr22 (B10) to Phe) was also performed to perturb the network of interactions stabilizing bound exogenous ligand. The single and double replacements affected the optical and NMR properties of the globin, each in a different fashion. Heme-protein cross-linking, as promoted by sodium dithionite, was retarded by the replacement of His46, but reactivity was recovered when imidazole or cyanide was used as exogenous ligand. In addition, a significant amount of a second product was systematically obtained when dithionite treatment was performed on the cyanide-bound proteins. This species was identified by NMR spectroscopy to be an adduct to the 4-vinyl group. It was concluded that the specificity and rate of the cross-linking reaction depended critically on the nature of the sixth ligand to the heme iron.
a Portable Tungsten Coil Atomic Emission Spectrometer with Two Coils

Tungsten coils have been employed recently in instruments that may be used for field applications. Intense emission signals and μg/L limits of detection (LOD) have been observed for alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and some lanthanides (such as Yb and Eu). However, for many transition elements, relatively high LODs are observed due to the insufficient excitation energy provided by the coil at high temperature. In this study, two tungsten coils are employed in an attempt to increase the emission signal and lower the LOD. A lower coil is heated to vaporize the sample, and then a second upper coil is heated at high temperature to excite the sample atoms. The emission signal is viewed above the upper coil. Six test elements (Co, Fe, Ag, Cu, Cr, and Yb) are used to compare the performance with one and two coils. Double tungsten coil atomic emission is reported for the first time for all six elements. Addition of the second coil improved the LOD by a factor of 70 for Cu and Ag; a factor of 40 for Co; a fac...
Influence of Regolith Properties on Migration of Septic Tank Effluent

An investigation of waste-migration patterns from a septic system indicates that complex patterns result from minor variations in regolith adsorptive capacity and texture, local hydrology, and possibly soil microbiology. The existence of multichemical, bifurcating plumes suggest that monitor wells arranged up and downgradient and capable of multilevel sampling are essential to adequately delineate contaminant migration in ground water. The data also indicate that sampling for a single constituent could yield misleading information about the nature and distribution of other ground-water contaminants. The ability for chemical removal by the regolith is in direct response to minor variations in silt- and clay-sized particle content and corresponds to Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Silt- and clay-sized particles are dominantly organic in origin. Minor iron and aluminum hydroxyoxides and clays are present. Substrate samples, when collected at regular intervals and analyzed for adsorbed constituents and textural variability, provide an integrated picture of the distribution of waste chemicals through time. Such samples also provide insight into the mechanics of plume configuration and flow characteristics within the regolith. The study shows that regolith adsorption data are essential to the determination of life expectancy of the regolith as a contaminant treatment system.
Hepatorenal syndrome: are we missing some prognostic factors?

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the functional renal failure associated with advanced cirrhosis and has also been described in fulminant hepatic failure. Without liver transplantation its prognosis is dismal. Our study included patients with type 1 HRS associated with cirrhosis, who were not liver transplant candidates. To identify variables associated with improved survival. Sixty-eight patients fulfilled the revised Ascites Club Criteria for type 1 HRS. None of them was suitable for liver transplantation. All the patients were treated with combinations of: albumin, midodrine and octreotide, pressors, and hemodialysis. Median survival was 13 days for the whole group. Survival varied with the end-stage liver disease (ESLD) etiology: autoimmune, 49 days, cardiac cirrhosis, 22 days, idiopathic, 15.5 days, viral, 15 days, hepatitis C and alcohol, 14.5 days, alcohol 8 days, and neoplasia 4 days (p = 0.048). Survival of HRS associated with alcoholic liver disease versus other etiologies was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). Increased serum creatinine (p = 0.02) and urinary sodium 6–10 mEq/l (p = 0.027) at the initiation of therapy were prognostic factors for mortality. HRS treatment modalities (p = 0.73), use of dialysis (p = 0.56), dialysis modality (p = 0.35), use of vasopressors (p = 0.26), pre-existing renal disease (p = 0.49), gender (p = 0.90), and age (p = 0.57) were not associated with survival. We report for the first time ESLD etiology as a prognostic factor for survival. The renal function (expressed as serum creatinine) and urinary Na (<5 mEq/l) at the time of diagnosis were found to be associated with survival, suggesting that early treatment might increase survival.
Homodimers but not monomers of Rituxan (chimeric anti-CD20) induce apoptosis in human B-lymphoma cells and synergize with a chemotherapeutic agent and an immunotoxin.

In 1997, a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (Rituxan) was approved for the treatment of low-grade/follicular B-cell lymphoma. Rituxan has a long half-life and low immunogenicity, and it mediates effector function. Rituxan induces apoptosis in some tumor cell lines in vitro. Previous studies with mAbs that react with neoplastic B cells have demonstrated that homodimers of immunoglobulin G ([IgG]2) often inhibit cell growth more effectively than their monomeric (IgG)1counterparts. In this study, the ability of IgG or F(ab′)2 homodimers vs monomers of Rituxan were compared for their ability to inhibit the growth of several different B-lymphoma cell lines in vitro. It was found that homodimers of Rituxan had superior antigrowth activity in vitro and that F(ab′)2 homodimers were the most active. Homodimers, but not monomers, of Rituxan induced both apoptosis and necrosis of several B-cell lymphoma lines in vitro; the inhibition of cell growth was not dependent upon the presence of Fc receptors or upon 10-fold or greater differences in the density of CD20 on the target cells. Rituxan homodimers, compared with monomers, also rendered drug-resistant CD20+ B-lymphoma cells more sensitive to chemotherapeutic agents and synergized with an anti-CD22 immunotoxin in vitro.
SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF PSSRI-BASED INHIBITORS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS MULTIDRUG EFFLUX PUMPS

Phenylpiperidine selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (PSSRIs) block the function of selected multidrug efflux pumps of Staphylococcus aureus. In this study PSSRI-based piperidine derivatives were prepared, evaluated for inhibition of two multidrug resistance (MDR)-conferring efflux pump systems, and tested for potentiation of antimicrobial activity of antibacterial efflux pump substrates. It is demonstrated that the 4-phenyl moiety of PSSRI-based efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) is not an absolute structural requirement for inhibiting the NorA and MepA MDR efflux pumps. Potency of efflux inhibition is maintained or enhanced by replacing the aryloxymethyl substituent at position-3 of PSSRIs with arylalkene and arylthioether moieties. Novel 3-aryl piperidine EPIs that significantly increase substrate antibiotic activity against strains of S. aureus expressing NorA and MepA are described.
Serum hormone levels in humans with low serum concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD.

We measured current serum hormone and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) concentrations in 37 men who sprayed 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) in the State of Victoria, Australia. TCDD levels were consistently significantly inversely related to prolactin levels in all analyses. In correlation analyses, TCDD levels were also inversely related to triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and testosterone levels, and positively associated with glucagon levels. The mean serum TCDD concentration in these sprayers was between 2.6 and 8.1 parts per trillion (ppt). Since such TCDD levels are commonly found in the general population in countries such as the US, the results could suggest that background levels of TCDD in the general population could have an effect on hormone levels. The findings are preliminary and need to be replicated in order to evaluate their full public health significance.
Finite element modeling of slab–foundation interaction on rigid pavement applications

Abstract Bending stresses produced in pavement concrete slabs are influenced by the contact condition along the slab–foundation interface. A finite element model for the analysis of frictional contact between unbonded pavement layers is presented. A 2D plate element is proposed for the idealization of composite slabs. Interface elements are used to connect the unbonded layers within the composite slab and to model the interface between the bottom slab layer and the foundation layer. Interface elements have the ability to capture the separation and sliding between pavement layers, due to thermal loads, and to calculate the frictional traction at their interface.
The influence of Redoubt Volcano emissions on snow chemistry

Abstract Measurements of air and snow constituents in the vicinity of Redoubt Volcano were made during the summer of 1990 following its major eruptive cycle. Plumes from the degassing volcano were found to have an average SO2/HCl molar ratio of 6.43 based on two observations. Snow samples were collected up to 100 km from the volcano and chemically characterized. Snow samples which contained ash deposits generally had elevated pH and conductivities and enhanced loadings of Cl−, SO42−, Ca, Na, and Mg. This result is believed to be due to hydrolysis of silicate minerals and was confirmed in laboratory studies using crushed Redoubt rock samples and prepared aqueous solutions. Snow samples collected at the higher elevation sites contained higher concentrations of all constituents due to less melt water percolation through the snowpack. Some of the snow samples which contained no visible ash appear to have been influenced by the Redoubt gas emissions. These samples have decreased pH and enhanced Cl− and SO42− concentrations. In these samples the molar ratio of SO42−/Cl− is smaller than the SO 2 HCl ratios observed in the plume, suggesting that deposition of HCl occurs more rapidly than SO2 removal and/or oxidation.
Uncovering the Dangerous Alliances, 1495–1980

The empirical literature has found that interstate alliances are, with the exception of the nineteenth century after 1815, usually followed by war rather than by peace. This analysis tries to identify theoretically the characteristics of alliances that distinguish those that are followed by war from those that are followed by peace. It is argued that alliances that embody settlements of territorial disputes are most peaceful. Alliances consisting exclusively of major states or of states that have been successful in their last war are predicted to be war prone, while those that have the opposite characteristics are predicted to be followed by peace. An empirical analysis of the data shows that all of the above expectations are confirmed. The analysis concludes by using these characteristics to reexamine the classic Levy, 1981, study.
The Effects of Nationality, Work Role Centrality, and Work Locus of Control on Role Definitions of OCB

In this study of 116 Chinese managers of state-owned businesses in Shanghai and Tianjin and 109 American managers attending an Executive MBA program, nationality, work role centrality, and work locus of control were examined as possible reasons for why an individual might include behaviors typically characterized as organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as in-role job behaviors (role definition). Nationality was found to be directly related to role definition. Chinese managers were more likely to define OCB as part of their job than were the American managers. Work locus of control was also found to mediate the relationship between nationality and role definition. However, work role centrality did not mediate the relationship between nationality and role definition as had been hypothesized. Implications for management and further cross-cultural research are discussed.
Vitamin B-6 content of breast milk and neonatal behavioral functioning.

Abstract Objective To determine if vitamin B-6 intakes of mothers influence the B-6 vitamer content of transition milk and if correlations exist between the vitamin B-6 content of the milk and the infants' neurobehavioral functioning. Design Transition milk samples were collected from mothers 8 to 11 days after delivery for B-6 vitamer analysis. Neurobehavioral functioning of the neonates was determined at that time. A 24-hour recall was used in estimating vitamin B-6 intakes of the mothers. Subjects A convenience sample of low-income, lactating women (n=25) who had normal pregnancies. Main outcome measures B-6 vitamers were measured in the mothers' transition milk samples. Neurobehavioral functioning was assessed using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to evaluate maternal depression. Statistical analyses performed Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess if statistically significant relationships existed between variables. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine if median group values were significantly different. Results The major B-6 vitamer in transition milk was pyridoxal. Mothers with vitamin B-6 intake greater than the median value had a significantly higher median pyridoxal level in their breast milk than did the mothers with intakes below the median value. All except one mother had a dietary vitamin B-6 intake that exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Infant scores on habituation (r=.94, P P Applications/conclusions Vitamin B-6 is important for normal behavioral functioning of infants. The mothers' vitamin B-6 intake affects vitamin B-6 levels of breast milk and the need for consuming recommended levels of vitamin B-6 should be emphasized to all pregnant and lactating mothers. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1433–1438
Well-being profiles of small-town elderly in differing rural contexts.

This study provides data on variations in subjective well-being among older residents of small towns in varying rural contexts. Standard structured interview data on five composite dimensions of well-being (mental health, activity, contact with friends/relatives, security) were gathered on 989 elderly residents across 18 small towns stratified by population (100–500; 501–1500; 1501–2500) and quantitatively-defined county rurality (high-medium-low). Similarities and differences in well-being among the nine town size/rurality categories resulting from this stratification are discussed, along with implications for rural gerontological research and intervention.
Absence of first-order transitions in a chainlike metamagnet

Abstract A model system consisting of ferromagnetic Ising chains coupled antiferromagnetically to neighboring chains is studied by regarding each chain as lying in a molecular field produced by its neighbors. Analytical and numerical results indicate that the phase transition in a magnetic field at low temperatures is second-order.
Development of A UHF Grounded-Grid Amplifier

The 6AJ4 is a nine-pin miniature, grounded-grid triode designed to operate as the radio-frequency amplifier in uhf television receivers. This paper reviews the development of this tube, treats the special problems encountered in extending the useful frequency range of a miniature tube to beyond 890 mc, and discusses the methods employed in arriving at a useful solution. Special attention is given the problem of isolation between input and output circuits. The techniques of the measurements involved in the development of this tube are also discussed.
Methylcholanthrene: A possible pseudosubstrate for adrenocortical 17α-hydroxylase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase

Abstract In cultured bovine adrenocortical cells, loss of 17α-hydroxylase activity was observed after incubation with 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC). The suppression of 17α-hydroxylase by 3-MC was rapid (50% loss of activity in 10 hr at 1 μM 3-MC), did not exhibit a lag period, and was not affected by cycloheximide. Direct effects of 3-MC on 17α-hydroxylase were observed only at high concentrations, but the concentration for 50% loss of activity was 0.3 μM when 3-MC was added for 24 hr prior to assay of 17α-hydroxylase. High concentrations (to 40 μM) of substrate (progesterone), did not affect the loss of activity due to 3-MC. Loss of 17α-hydroxylase activity was specific; 11β-hydroxylase was unaffected and cell growth was unaltered. However, 22-amino-23,24-bisnorchol-5-en-3β-ol, an inhibitor of 17α-hydroxylase, partially prevented the loss of 17α-hydroxylase at 1–30 nM. 3-MC is thought to induce cytochrome P-450s via a receptor with high affinity for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). TCDD was without effect on 17α-hydroxylase over the range of 10 nM to 10 μM. Benz[ a ]anthracene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene, benzo[ a ]pyrene, chrysene, and methylphenanthrenes suppressed 17α-hydroxylase at high concentrations (10–50 μm for 50% loss of activity). Some steroids that lack a substituent at position 17 also caused loss of 17α-hydroxylase. Like 17α-hydroxylase, bovine adrenocortical cell AHH was found to be suppressed by exposure to 3-MC. Compounds that caused loss of 17α-hydroxylase caused loss of AHH, with a similar order of potency and at similar concentrations. Suppression of AHH by 3-MC did not require protein synthesis and was prevented by an inhibitor of enzymatic activity, α-naphthoflavone. This implies a degree of similarity of the cytochrome P-450s for 17α-hydroxylase and adrenal AHH, but the activities were shown to be likely due to different enzymes. The suppression of 17α-hydroxylase and AHH by 3-MC appears not to occur by a receptor-mediated mechanism but to be similar to the suppression of 11β-hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase by steroid pseudosubstrates previously observed.
Ferrous ion binding to recombinant human H-chain ferritin. An isothermal titration calorimetry study.

Iron deposition within the iron storage protein ferritin involves a complex series of events consisting of Fe2+ binding, transport, and oxidation at ferroxidase sites and mineralization of a hydrous ferric oxide core, the storage form of iron. In the present study, we have examined the thermodynamic properties of Fe2+ binding to recombinant human H-chain apoferritin (HuHF) by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in order to determine the location of the primary ferrous ion binding sites on the protein and the principal pathways by which the Fe2+ travels to the dinuclear ferroxidase center prior to its oxidation to Fe3+. Calorimetric titrations show that the ferroxidase center is the principal locus for Fe2+ binding with weaker binding sites elsewhere on the protein and that one site of the ferroxidase center, likely the His65 containing A-site, preferentially binds Fe2+. That only one site of the ferroxidase center is occupied by Fe2+ implies that Fe2+ oxidation to form diFe(III) species might occur in ...
Direct synthesis and characterization of the Fe3+ analogue of Na??-alumina

A new isomorphic analogue ofβ″-alumina, a potassium-free Na-ferrite (Na2O · ∼5 (Al0.10Fe1.90)O3, referred to as Naβ″-ferrite), has been synthesized and is characterized using X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction, wet chemical analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, Naβ″-aluminate-gallate-ferrate phases were also successfully synthesized, but were not characterized in detail. Naβ″-ferrite grew in a slowly cooling melt or partial melt from 1250° C in air using Na2CO3 and Fe3O4 (magnetite) as starting materials. The compound was also synthesized usingα-Fe2O3 instead of Fe3O4 under the same conditions, but its abundance was much less andα-Fe2O3 and NaFeO2 were the dominant phases. The new material (cell dimensionsa = 0.5955,c = 3.5623 nm) is reversibly hygroscopic, andc increases 2% after hydration. TEM images dearly show the 1.19 nm lattice spacing corresponding to the ionic conduction planes, and these planes are observed to be both straight and curled. The origin of the curled lattice planes, the existence of which is also evident in the single crystal precession photographs, is not clear, although we believe it may involve a structural misfit between the ferric oxide spineI block and soda layer.
Spontaneous curvature in a class of lattice field theories

Abstract We describe a class of cellular automata having a natural lattice gas interpretation which also develop non-perturbative curvature singularities. Variations of these models could be useful in describing curvature transitions in crystals, membranes and superconducting materials.
Historical Review Of Pertussis And The Classical Vaccine

Pertussis is an epidemic disease caused by Bordetella pertussis and also to a lesser extent by Bordetella parapertussis. Classical illness lasts 4-8 weeks and is characterized by paroxysms of coughing with posttussive vomiting and whooping ; however, 47.4% of primary infections last 4 weeks or less. Whole cell pertussis vaccines are generally highly efficacious. All whole cell vaccines are reactogenic, causing fever and local reactions in many vaccinees. In the past, these vaccines were thought to cause infant deaths and brain damage. However, several large epidemiologic studies indicate that whole cell vaccines do not cause infant deaths or neurologic disease. Recent studies indicate that neither immunization nor infection give long-term immunity. As a result, B. pertussis infections are endemic in adult populations. The future control of B. pertussis will require immunization schedules with new acellular vaccines that include booster doses in older children and adults.
A Grammar of Nzadi [B865]: A Bantu language of Democratic Republic of Congo

This publication presents the first documentation of Nzadi, a Bantu language spoken by fishermen along the Kasai River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is the product of extensive study by the authors and participants in field methods and group study courses at the University of California, Berkeley, and consists of ten chapters covering the segmental phonology, tone system, morphology, and sentence structure, followed by appendices on the Nzadi people and history and on Proto-Bantu to Nzadi sound changes. Also included are three texts and a lexicon of over 1100 entries, including a number of fish species. Prior to this work, Nzadi had not even been mentioned in the literature, and at this time still has no entry as a language or dialect in the Ethnologue. Of particular interest in the study of Nzadi is its considerable grammatical simplification, resulting in structures quite different from those of canonical Bantu languages. Although Nzadi has lost most of the inherited agglutinative morphology, there are still recognizable class prefixes on nouns and a reflex of noun class agreement in genitive constructions. Other areas of particular interest are human/number agreement, tense-aspect-mood marking, non-subject relative clause constructions, and WH question formation. This succinct, but comprehensive grammar provides broad coverage of the phonological, grammatical and semantic properties that will be of potential interest not only to Bantuists, Africanists and those interested in this area of the DRC, but also to typologists, general linguists, and students of linguistics.
Identifying and Addressing Protocol Manipulation Attacks in "Secure" BGP

Over more than a decade, researchers have studied a number of control and data plane attacks on BGP, the Internet's interdomain routing protocol, in the presence of malicious ASes. These prior efforts have largely focused on attacks that can be addressed using traditional cryptographic mechanisms to ensure authentication or integrity (e.g., S-BGP). Although augmenting BGP with authentication and integrity mechanisms is critical, it is far from sufficient to prevent attacks based on manipulating the complex BGP protocol itself. In this paper, we identify two serious protocol manipulation attacks that undermine the two most fundamental goals of the BGP control plane -- to ensure reachability and enable ASes to pick routes according to their routing policies -- despite the presence of S-BGP-like mechanisms. Our key contributions are to (1) formalize two critical security properties, (2) experimentally validate using commodity router implementations that BGP fails to achieve them, (3) quantify the extent of the resulting vulnerabilities in the Internet's AS topology, and (4) design and implement simple modifications to provably ensure that those properties are satisfied. Our experiments show that, a single malicious AS can cause thousands of other ASes to become disconnected from thousands of other ASes for arbitrarily long, while our proposed modifications almost completely eliminates such attacks.
A Study of the Effect of the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Metabolite, Histidyl-Proline Diketopiperazine, on Prolactin Secretion in Vivo

TRH, a PRL secretogogue, is metabolized to histidyl-proliiie diketopiperazine (HPD) in brain and plasma. HPD has been reported to inhibit PRL secretion in vitro. In the present study, intravascular pulse injections or infusions of HPD were carried out in the rat to determine whether HPD affected 1) TRH-induced PRL secretion, 2) the PRL proestrous surge, 3) the PRL surge in the ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rat and 4) pimozide-induced hyperprolactinemia. HPD had no effect on TRH-induced PRL secretion in estrogen-primed male rats when administered in molar ratios of 1:1.5 to 1:150 (TRH:HPD). The infusion of 1 μg/min HPD for 360 min to rats before and during the proestrous PRL surge did not inhibit or augment PRL secretion, nor was there any influence of pulse injections of HPD on PRL secretion during the proestrous surge. HPD did not influence spontaneous PRL surges in the ovariectomized estrogen- primed rat. Finally, HPD, given with pimozide and again 2 days later, did not influence the PRL surge after p...
Behavioural correlates with hemipenis morphology in New World natricine snakes

Copulatory organs (hemipenes) of male snakes vary markedly among species in shape and ornamentation. We suggest that sexual conflict over copulation duration may have shaped the evolution of hemipenis morphology, favouring more elaborate organs in species in which a long duration of copulation is especially beneficial to males, despite the associated costs to females. To test this proposition, we compare mating behaviour between two species of gartersnakes differing in hemipenis morphology. In addition, we review data on copulation duration and hemipenis morphology and relate hemipenis morphology to phylogeny among of New World natricines. As predicted, copulation duration was significantly shorter in the common gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis), a species with simple subcylindrical hemipenes, than in the plains gartersnake (Thamnophis radix), a species with more complex, bilobed organs. Furthermore, female T. radix frequently exhibited vigorous body rolls during copulation, a behaviour associated with copulation termination, whereas female T. sirtalis never exhibited this behaviour. Copulations were of shorter duration when female T. radix (but not T. sirtalis) more greatly exceeded males in body size, suggesting that females can more easily disengage from small males. Our review of New World natricines provides only weak evidence for an association between copulation duration and hemipenis morphology. Our mapping of hemipenis morphology onto the New World natricine phylogeny suggests that hemipenis morphology is evolutionarily plastic; both simple and bilobed hemipenes occur in all three major natricine clades, as well as in two of three gartersnake subclades and several sister-species pairs. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 98, 110‐120.
The meaning of spirituality for individuals with disabilities

Purpose. To examine the experiences of people with disabilities regarding their spirituality and its meaning for them. This study asked: What are the differences in the meaning of spirituality in the lives of individuals with childhood onset disabilities when compared to those with adult onset disabilities?Method. This qualitative study involved semi-structured individual interviews of 12 adults, six with childhood onset and six with adult onset disabilities. Member checking of both transcribed data and open coding was done to ensure trustworthiness. Data was analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.Results. Findings suggested that the two groups held different perceptions about the meaning of spirituality. For childhood onset participants, two categories of 'connecting and expressing for purpose and meaning in life', and 'disability as a vehicle to discover god's purpose' were generated. For adult onset participants, two categories of 'connecting and expressing through feelings and actions', and ...
Status epilepticus secondary to milk-alkali syndrome induced by hypercalcemia (oral antacids)

Milk-alkali syndrome is mainly caused by the ingestion of large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali. This syndrome can lead to metastatic calcification, renal failure and metabolic alkalosis secondary to hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is rarely a cause of seizure activity. Very few case reports have been published linking seizure to hypercalcemia, but only one recent case report about mesial temporal sclerosis relates the seizure activity to Milk-alkali syndrome. This is another report regarding seizure associated with excess calcium carbonate intake, but without any evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis. The patient described in this article, suffered from status epilepticus most likely secondary to hypercalcemia. Evaluations for malignancy, thyroid, and parathyroid dysfunctions were non conclusive, therefore hypercalcemia in our patient was attributed to milk-alkali syndrome given the history of the prolonged calcium carbonate intake.
Mother. Unmother: A Storied Look at Infertility, Identity, and Transformation

This article is a personal storied look at how infertility changed me and what that has meant to me communicatively and thus interpersonally. This part of my life story takes on facets of the grief that comes with barrenness, chronicles the search for a new integrated identity within the confines of stigma, and examines the transformation and ritual that have palliated this quest. This story does not spur answers or fix anything, neither does it teach someone how or how not to act or react to the infertile. It is written to resonate, to share a lived experience, to be a dialogue between reader and writer.
Genetic evidence for assortative mating between 13-year cicadas and sympatric "17-year cicadas with 13-year life cycles" provides support for allochronic speciation.

Thirteen-year cicadas of brood XIX from northern Arkansas, Missouri, and southern Illinois (lineage A) are known to be genetically different at two marker loci (mitochondrial DNA and abdominal color) from 13-year cicadas to the south (lineage B) that emerge in the same year. Because 17-year cicadas from all broods (year classes) are indistinguishable from lineage A at these two marker loci, previous workers suggested that the lineage A cicadas of 13-year brood XIX were derived from 17-year cicadas by life-cycle switching (allochrony). Data presented here show that, over the same northern geographic range, lineage A is also present in 13-year cicadas belonging to brood XXIII (which always emerges four years later than brood XIX). Detailed sampling along the putative life-cycle- switching boundary in 13-year brood XXIII revealed a previously unsuspected broad zone of overlap where populations contained individuals of both lineages A and B. Despite this sympatry, and previous reports of a lack of behavioral barriers to interbreeding, a strong correlation between mitochondrial haplotype and abdominal color suggests that assortative mating has taken place. Lineage A 13-year cicadas from both broods XIX and XXIII are only found within a gap in the spatial distribution of 17-year cicadas. This, in combination with the lack of differentiation between lineage A 13- and 17-year cicadas at the marker loci and new behavioral data for 13-year brood XIX, suggests a recent derivation of all northern 13-year cicadas from the 17-year cicadas via life-cycle switching. We discuss the implications of these allochronic shifts for speciation.
BiP Forms Stable Complexes with Unassembled Subunits of the Acetylcholine Receptor in Transfected COS Cells and in C2 Muscle Cells

We have investigated the role of the immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP) in the folding and assembly of subunits of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in COS cells and in C2 muscle cells. Immunoprecipitation in COS cells showed that alpha, beta, and delta subunits are associated with BiP. In the case of the alpha subunit, which first folds to acquire toxin-binding activity and is then assembled with the other subunits to form the AChR, BiP was associated only with a form that is unassembled and does not bind alpha-bungarotoxin. Similar results were found in C2 cells. Although the alpha and beta subunits of the AChR are minor membrane proteins in C2 cells, they were prominent among the proteins immunoprecipitated by antibodies to BiP, suggesting that BiP could play a role in their maturation or folding. In pulse-chase experiments in C2 cells, however, labeled alpha subunit formed a stable complex with BiP that was first detected after most of the alpha subunit had acquired toxin-binding activity and whose amount continued to increase for several hours. These kinetics are not compatible with a role for the BiP complex in the folding or assembly pathway of the AChR, and suggest that BiP is associated with a misfolded form of the subunit that is slowly degraded.
Oriental cholangiohepatitis masquerading as cholangiocarcinoma: A rare presentation that surgeons need to know.

INTRODUCTION The detection of an abnormal hepatic mass with ductal dilatation is highly concerning for malignancy. However, if such patients happen to be immigrants from endemic parts of Asia or South America, further investigations are necessary to rule out oriental cholangiohepatitis, a rare recurrent disease of the hepatobiliary system that can masquerade as cholangiocarcinoma.
IL-2R Signaling Is Essential for Functional Maturation of Regulatory T Cells during Thymic Development

CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an independent cell lineage, and their developmental progression during thymic development depends on IL-2R signaling. However, the role of IL-2R signaling during thymic Treg development remains only partially understood. The current study assessed the contribution of IL-2 to the expansion and functional programming of developing Tregs. In the absence of IL-2Rβ signaling, predominantly CD4(+) CD25(-) Foxp3(lo) T cells were found, and these cells exhibited somewhat lower expression of the proliferative marker Ki67. These immature Tregs, which represent products of failed development, were also found in normal mice and were characterized by markedly lower expression of several Treg functional molecules. Therefore, IL-2R is required for the progression, functional programming, and expansion of Tregs during thymic development. An IL-2R-signaling mutant that lowers STAT5 activation readily supported Treg functional programming, but Treg proliferation remained somewhat impaired. The requirement for IL-2 during thymic Treg expansion was best illustrated in mixed chimeras where the Tregs with mutant IL-2Rs were forced to compete with wild-type Tregs during their development. Tregs with impaired IL-2R signaling were more prevalent in the thymus than spleen in these competitive experiments. The general effectiveness of mutant IL-2Rs to support thymic Treg development is partially accounted for by a heightened capacity of thymic Tregs to respond to IL-2. Overall, our data support a model in which limiting IL-2R signaling is amplified by thymic Tregs to readily support their development and functional programming, whereas these same conditions are not sufficient to support peripheral Treg homeostasis.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis Outbreak in a Pediatric Population

Community-based outbreaks of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are uncommon in the United States but represent a dramatic type of epidemic that can lead to considerable investigations. Most of our knowledge regarding spread of tuberculosis (TB) has accumulated from the study of outbreaks. We describe the most recent outbreak of TB in Genesee County, Michigan. In February 2007, isoniazid-sensitive infectious pulmonary TB was identified in a 45-year-old African American grandmother who frequently provided care for her grandchildren and other children. The source case was reported to the Genesee County Health Department, which started an investigation to identify family and social contacts. We reviewed past medical records of contacts and prioritized them for evaluation based on the period of exposure to the index case. Health department staff screened contacts using clinical evaluation, tuberculin skin test, and chest radiography when indicated. Results were reviewed, and data were analyzed using descriptive inferential and epidemiological statistics.