cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and stability of γ-crystallins. I. Spectroscopic evaluation of secondary and tertiary structure in solution

The three major bovine gamma-crystallin fractions (gamma-II, gamma-III and gamma-IV) are known to have closely related (80-90%) amino acid sequences and three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide backbone. Their chiroptical and emission properties, as measured by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence, are now shown to differ distinctly. The far-ultraviolet CD spectra indicate that all three gamma-crystallins have predominantly beta-sheet conformation (45-60%) with only subtle differences in secondary structure. The fluorescence emission maxima of gamma-II, gamma-III and gamma-IV, due to the four tryptophan residues, appear at 324, 329 and 334 nm, respectively, suggesting that tryptophan residues are buried in environments of decreasing hydrophobicity. Corresponding differences in quantum yield may be due to fluorescence quenching by neighboring sulfur-containing residues. Titratable tyrosines are maximal for gamma-III, as manifested from difference absorption spectra at alkaline pH. The near-ultraviolet CD spectra differ in position, magnitude and sign of tryptophan and tyrosine transitions. In addition, a characteristic CD maximum at 235 nm, presumably due to tyrosine-tyrosine exciton interactions, differs in magnitude for each gamma-crystallin. This study shows that the environment and interactions of the aromatic residues of the individual gamma-crystallin fractions are quite different. These variations in tertiary structure may be significant, in terms of stability of gamma-crystallins towards aggregation and denaturation, for understanding lens transparency and cataract formation in general.
Data acquisition for computer analysis and display of radionuclide scans.

Abstract The most popular approaches to improving radioactive-scanning procedures (television enhancement, color-coded “photographs,” and scanner replay via magnetic tape), have been described to show their deficiencies in providing the clinician with the means of significantly advancing his diagnostic techniques. Subsequently, a description was presented of one approach to the application of digital computers to field of radionuclide scanning. In this description, consideration was given to the nature of the scanner as a data source, the equally important auxiliary information (such as patient identification), a data collection technique (magnetic tape) and finally the basic flow of the computer analysis and display functions. In addition, typical computation times were presented for a few representative systems (IBM 7090, 7040, and 1460 Data Processing Systems).
A phase II trial of pan-KIR2D blockade with IPH2101 in smoldering multiple myeloma

Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in immune surveillance of various malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM).[1][1] IPH2101 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks HLA-C binding KIR2D receptors (KIR2DL/DS-1, -2 -3) expressed on the surface of NK-cells, enhancing their cytotoxicity
Effect of selected processing parameters on solution properties and morphology of polyaniline and impact on conductivity

Abstract Interchain H-bonding between amine and imine sites in emeraldine base (EB) results in aggregate formation. The aggregation is present in the as synthesized EB; the level of aggregation is dependent on the polymerization conditions. Reduction of EB to the leucoemeraldine form eliminates the imine sites and thus, the interchain H-bonding and the aggregation are also eliminated. The degree of aggregation in the EB powder determines the solubility and solution characteristics of the polymer. Solvents such as m-cresol and additives such as LiCl which dope EB are most efficient at solvating the polymer and thus, deaggregating the chains, Deaggregation facilitates chain expansion. The degree of aggregation and chain expansion in EB solutions significantly impact the overall properties of both the non-doped and doped polymer such as the optical absorption, conductivity and degree of crystallinity. Crystalline EB films are attained from solutions consisting of low polymer concentration where the polymer is well solvated and highly deaggregated. Highly crystalline non-stretched EB films are attained by the introduction of a plasticizer which imparts local mobility allowing the chains to crystallize.
Investigation of the Origin of the Sequence Selectivity for the 5-Halo-2‘-deoxyuridine Sensitization of DNA to Damage by UV-Irradiation

A contrathermodynamic sequence selectivity (5‘-deoxyadenosine > 5‘-deoxyguanosine) for UV-irradiation-induced strand damage in duplex DNA containing 5-bromo-2‘-deoxyuridine was reported several years ago (Saito, I.; Sugiyama, H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1990, 112, 6720.). In contrast, much smaller sequence selectivity was observed for similar duplexes containing 5-iodo-2‘-deoxyuridine. We investigated the mechanism of UV-irradiation-induced cleavage of duplex DNA containing 5-bromo-2‘-deoxyuridine (1, BrdU) and 5-iodo-2‘-deoxyuridine (2, IdU) under anaerobic conditions using a variety of structural probes. The preference for UV-induced cleavage in 5‘-dABrdU sequences is a confluence of at least three factors, photoinduced forward electron transfer, charge recombination, and electron migration within the DNA duplex. Our results also indicate that UV-irradiation of duplexes (32 nucleotides long) containing 5-iodo-2‘-deoxyuridine results in strand scission involving initial photoinduced single electron transfer. Th...
Preparation and characterization of bi- and trimetallic titanium based oxides

Abstract Rod shaped titanium based glycolates are synthesized by reaction of titanium butoxide with metal acetate (M = Co, Sb, Mn, Ni, Cr) and excess mono ethylene glycol. The products are characterized for composition, morphology and crystalline characteristics. Thermal treatment of metal glycolates led to the preparation of inorganic oxides. Replicated morphology of glycolates is observed for inorganic oxide. Mixed metal oxides are highly crystalline in nature and showed good color characteristics.
Radionuclide-determined changes in pulmonary blood volume and thallium lung uptake in patients with coronary artery disease*

Exercise-induced increases in radionuclide-determined pulmonary blood volume (PBV) and thallium lung uptake have been described in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and have been shown to correlate with transient exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction. To compare these 2 techniques in the same patients, 74 patients (59 with and 15 without significant CAD) underwent supine bicycle exercise twice on the same day—first for thallium myocardial and lung imaging and then for technetium-99m gated blood pool imaging for the PBV ratio determination. Thallium activity of lung and myocardium was determined to calculate thallium lung/heart ratio. Relative changes in PBV from rest to exercise were expressed as a ratio of pulmonary counts (exercise/rest). Previously reported normal ranges for thallium lung/heart ratio and PBV ratio were used. The PBV ratio and thallium lung/heart ratio were abnormal in 71 and 36%, respectively, of patients with CAD (p
Empowering the workplace: a commitment cohesion exercise

Describes the commitment cohesion exercise, which is an instrument that increases the understanding of employees’ attraction to “the ideal” or empowered organization. Suggests that managers and supervisors will find the exercise instrumental in surveying quality of work‐life problems within their organizations. The exercise also measures employees’ perception of loyalty, values and organizational commitment. Three conditions, i.e. loyalty, values and commitment, influence empowerment structures within an organization. Discusses these conditions or components within the exercise and uses them to define an eight‐phase model which individuals pass in their decision to form and join “ideal” or empowered organizations. The exercise supports the notion of a stepwise movement from loyalty to value congruence (or agreement) to organizational commitment. It also demonstrates how progressive phases are associated with perceived quality of work life and connected to an empowered organization.
Air-processed organic photovoltaic devices fabricated with hot press lamination

Abstract A detailed method for air-processed, inverted Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) devices using lamination of the metal electrode with a doped conducting polymer adhesive is presented. A poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) - [6,6] phenyl C61 butyric methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction is used, with a solution-processed ZnO electron collection layer. The top contact consists of modified polyethylene dioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) that is spin-coated onto a Ag electrode, and the entire structure is laminated onto the active layer. Lamination produces devices with 3.19% power conversion efficiency at 1 sun illumination, which is higher than the value for control devices produced with the standard sequential process with an evaporated top metal electrode. The laminated interface yields an ohmic contact, as shown by the high fill factor and low series resistance of the laminated devices compared to devices with a thermally evaporated top metal electrode. We examine the lamination parameters and their effect on device performance, and we identify the treatment of the adhesion layer to be one of the more important parameters to control for efficient devices. The optimized protocol described here allows one to fabricate efficient inverted OPV devices in air, without the need for an expensive, high quality evaporation chamber for top contact deposition.
Optimal Terminal Box Control Algorithms for Single Duct Air Handling Units

Terminal boxes are one of the major building HVAC components and directly impact building room comfort and energy costs. Current terminal boxes may cause occupant discomfort and waste energy if they have inappropriate operation control functions. The objective of this study is to develop and implement applicable optimal terminal box control algorithms. The thermal conditions and energy consumption are compared between conventional and improved control algorithms using measured data. The results of this study show that optimal terminal box control algorithms can stably maintain the set room air temperature and reduce energy consumption compared to conventional control algorithms.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Do anthropometric differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites explain ethnic differences in metabolic variables?

It is well established that both overall obesity and unfavorable body fat distribution (predominantly truncal and/or upper body) are independently associated with a variety of undesirable metabolic consequences, among them elevated triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol concentrations, glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia, and an increased rate of type II or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) (1). Since Mexican Americans are more obese and have an unfavorable distribution of body fat compared to non-Hispanics (2–9), and since they also display a less favorable metabolic profile compared to non-Hispanics (2–5, 7, 10), we wondered if the anthropometric differences could account for the ethnic differences in metabolic profile. The analyses presented in this paper are designed to address this question.
An Analytical Model of FRP-Concrete Bond Deterioration in Moist Environment

Debonding of FRP from concrete substrate can lead to premature failure of the FRP repaired or retrofitted concrete structures. Therefore, FRP-concrete bond is a major factor affecting the performance of FRP strengthened concrete members. Experimental studies show that moisture plays an important role in the reliability of the bond between FRP and concrete. In this study, a cohesive zone model (CZM) of debonding along the FRP-concrete interface under peel load was analytically established by using a linear elastic separation-stress law. The interface region relative humidity (IRRH) was selected as the primary factor to study the bond durability of FRP/concrete bond. Based on a nonlinear deterioration model, the analytical solution of the CZM was used to determine critical load vs. crack length relations (P-a curves) of Modified Double Cantilever Beam (MDCB) specimens at different moisture exposure durations. The good agreement with experimental data indicates that the CZM for FRP-concrete joint is an effic...
Teaching engineers to face the “grand challenges” of the 21 st century

Our required freshman engineering course, Professional Practices, has multiple instructional objectives, including communication skills (oral and written), professional ethics, and concepts of working as a professional engineer. Instructors try to engage students to think of themselves as engineers long before they enter professional practice. Using Petroski's The essential engineer: Why science alone will not solve our global problems (2010) as a core text, we focus on the challenges engineers face, including sustainability, risks, health, and quality of life issues. Using IEEE Spectrum for current topics, students produced brief research papers with annotated bibliographies; conducted in-depth peer reviews for each other; and presented oral information to the class. This brief paper summarizes the process of helping engineering students learn about the critical engineering challenges of today and tomorrow by reviewing and synthesizing current engineering literature, as opposed to just reading an engineering or communication textbook.
The Classic: Symposium on Arthroplasty: Arthroplasty: Experimental and Clinical Methods

This Classic article is a reprint of the original work by Nathaniel Allison and Barney Brooks, Symposium on Arthroplasty: Arthroplasty: Experimental and Clinical Methods. An accompanying biographical sketch of Nathaniel Allison, MD, is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-009-1121-2. The Classic Article is © 1918 by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. and is reprinted with permission from Allison N, Brooks B. Symposium on arthroplasty: arthroplasty: experimental and clinical methods. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1918;s2–16:83–93.
Molecular Modeling of the Structure and Energetics of Hydrotalcite Hydration

Molecular dynamics computer simulations of Mg/Al hydrotalcite with interlayer Cl- were performed to better understand the structure of layered double hydroxides and their hydration behavior. A set of models with variable numbers of interlayer water molecules was investigated, with the assumption of no constraints on the movements of any atoms or on the geometry of the simulation supercells. Crystallographic parameters and two components of the hydration energy were calculated. One of these components is related to the interaction of water molecules with the rest of the structure and is controlled primarily by formation of a hydrogen-bonding network in the interlayer. The other is related to expansion of the host structure itself and reflects decreasing electrostatic interactions as the c-axis expands upon swelling. The dependence of these two energy components on the degree of hydration provides useful insight into the nature of hydrotalcite swelling behavior. There are two stable hydration states with c-...
The Effect of Size of Pupil on the Form and Color Fields

Resume Dans cette etude on a fait une determination de l'effet de la grandeur de la prunelle sur les champs de forme et de couleur. On a fait deux divisions de l'etude,—l'une sur les yeux non pathologiques, l'autre sur les yeux pathologiques. Dans cet article on ne donne que l'effet sur les yeux non pathologiques. Les stimuli de forme employes ont ete d'un degre et de 0,17 d'un degre de blanc sur noir et les stimuli de couleur ont ete d'un degre de rouge et de bleu sur des fonds gris de la clarte des couleurs. On a obtenu des resultats pour huit observateurs non pathologiques: 3 myopes, 3 hyperopes et 2 emmetropes. On decrit les possibilites presentees pour la grandeur du stimulus influant sur la grandeur des champs de forme et de couleur et on a fait une determination experimentale de l'importance comparative de ces possibilites. Les possibilites considerees sont: une decroissance de l'intensite de la lumiere qui forme l'image; un changement de la relation de clarte entre l'objet et le fond; un effet sur...
A local computer network simulation

Computer Networks are an important part of our society and they are quickly becoming an integral part of computer science basic curriculum. This paper describes the development of a computer simulation model for a local computer network and its use as a viable tool in computer science education.
Experimental study of turbulence-induced coalescence in aerosols

Abstract In this paper, measurements of the rate of aerosol coalescence in a well characterized turbulent flow are presented. The time dependence of the aerosol droplets’ mean radius upon initiation of flow in an oscillating grid generated turbulence chamber is determined using a phase-Doppler method. Together with a measurement of the aerosol number density from a light attenuation probe, the observed rate of change of the aerosol droplets’ mean radius can be related to the rate constant for the coalescence of two droplets. The Kolmogorov shear rate, which is the primary parameter in theories predicting coalescence rate, is determined from measurements of the root-mean-square fluctuating velocity and the integral length scale. Our experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions, obtained by solving of the population balance equation. Various expressions are considered for the coalescence rate constant to be used in the population balance equation. First, we considered various combinations of ideal coalescence rate constants, i.e. obtained theoretically neglecting particle interactions. Our data are then found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions that take into account the simultaneous effects of turbulent shear induced and Brownian motion induced coalescence. Second, our results are compared with a theory that considers the effects of turbulent shear and Brownian motion as well as the non-continuum hydrodynamic and van der Waals interparticle interactions. The measured experimental values are generally 50–100% higher than those predicted by this theory. This discrepancy could be explained by the small polydispersity of the aerosol which may result in coalescence induced by differential sedimentation and turbulent acceleration.
Mania in prepubertal children: has it been underdiagnosed?

Prior to the introduction of lithium, mania was underdiagnosed in the U.S.A. Almost 50% of adults who met DSM-III criteria for mania had previously been diagnosed to have schizophrenia. To determine if mania had similarly been underdiagnosed in prepubertal children, 157 cases of 'severely disturbed' children described in the literature were reviewed. Approximately one-half (16/33) of the children diagnosed in this study as manic according to DSM-III had originally received another diagnosis. These results indicate that mania should be considered in the differential diagnosis of psychotic children, particularly those with affective symptoms.
Tracking State-to-State Bimolecular Reaction Dynamics in Solution

If two reactant molecules collide with sufficient energy and the geometry between them is right, then the reactants can pass through a transition state to form new chemical products. A “state-to-state” study maps out how distributing energy (such as in different bond vibrations) in the reactant states affects the likelihood of reaction, as well as the corresponding state population of the products. For gas-phase reactions, the product states, rather than being populated statistically (with population falling off exponentially with increasing energy), can instead show higher population in excited states than the ground state. This so-called state inversion is the basis for the powerful HF chemical laser ( 1 ). But does this state-to-state behavior matter at all for bimolecular reactions run in liquids? The constant fluctuations of the solvent should randomize the state of the reactant right up to the transition state, and speed the relaxation of product excited states back to a statistical distribution. On page 1423 of this issue, Greaves et al. ( 2 ) show that a vibrational state inversion can in fact be achieved in a hydrogen transfer reaction in a common liquid solvent by tuning the time scales of the relaxation processes.
Electron scattering from atoms, nuclei and nucleons

Abstract The recent interest in deep inelastic electron scattering at ultra-high energies is reviewed in terms of an historical context. An attempt is made to unify the quark-parton model with the conventional description of electron scattering from atoms and nuclei. We have tried to stress new ways of looking at these non-relativistic systems which can be motivated by ideas that have been useful in understanding the nucleon. Similarly we emphasize how intuition gleaned from nuclear physics can be used to discuss the quark-parton model. Hence, non-relativistic versions of the Bjorken scaling phenomenon, the operator product formalism, etc., are derived; we show how such formalisms can be used experimentally in atomic and nuclear physics to gain insight into single particle density distributions, two-particle correlation functions, etc. In discussing the quark-parton model of the nucleon the crucial role played by relativity is emphasized; the various techniques which has been used are reviewed in light of the non-relativistic discussion. The presentation is at a fairly modest level of sophistication with algebraic manipulations and complications (due, for example, to spin, etc.) minimized. It is hoped that it will be readable by atomic, nuclear or high energy physicists; although it has been written with the experimentalist and graduate student in mind, I hope that the “expert” can also learn from it.
Tephrostratigraphy and the Acheulian to middle stone age transition in the Kapthurin Formation, Kenya.

Abstract Sites containing Acheulian, Sangoan, Fauresmith, and Middle Stone Age artefacts occur within and below the Bedded Tuff, a widespread volcaniclastic member of the Kapthurin Formation, Kenya. The Bedded Tuff eruptive complex consists of up to twelve tephra beds, intercalated sediments, and paleosols. Two pumiceous units, high in the Bedded Tuff sequence, have been dated by40Ar/39Ar, one to 235±2 ka (Deino & McBrearty, 2002, Journal of Human Evolution, 42, 185–210, cf. Tallon, 1978, Geological Background to Fossil Man, pp. 361–373, Scottish Academic Press), the other to 284±12 ka (Deino & McBrearty, 2001), the latter now providing a minimum age estimate for all underlying archaeological sites. Bedded Tuff outcrops are correlated through field stratigraphic and electron microprobe geochemical analyses of individual beds. Bedded Tuff units show increasingly evolved composition through the stratigraphic succession, indicating that the beds are the product of intermittent eruption of a single differentiating magma system, and the chemical signatures of these beds permit the chronological ordering of archaeological sites. Our results indicate that the transition to Middle Stone Age technology occurred prior to 285 ka in this region of East Africa. The interstratification of sites containing Acheulian, Sangoan, Fauresmith, and Middle Stone Age artefacts suggests that these technologies were contemporary in a single depositional basin over the duration of the transition.
Effect of the Spin-Trapping CompoundN-tert-Butyl-α-phenylnitrone on Protein Oxidation and Life Span

Abstract N-tert -Butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN), a lipophilic spin-trapping compound, has been reported to decrease the concentration of protein carbonyls, the products of protein oxidation, in the brain of old gerbils to virtually the level found in the young gerbils (Carney, J. M., et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 3633–3636). The validity of this finding as well as that of the commonly used 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine procedure for the measurement of protein carbonyls was recently called into question by Cao and Cutler ((1995) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 320, 106–114). The objective of the present study was to examine some of the relevant issues such as (a) whether the original findings on the effects of PBN can be confirmed, (b) whether similar effects of PBN occur in other species and tissues, and (c) whether PBN affects the life span of animals. Results of this study provide confirmation of the original finding that PBN indeed causes a decrease in protein carbonyl content in the gerbil brain cortex. However, a similar effect is not observed in the gerbil heart or the mouse brain cortex. Effects of PBN on protein carbonyls are thus variable depending upon tissue and species. PBN administration did not extend the life span of houseflies and at relatively high concentrations it was found to be toxic.
Salvage harvest effects on advance tree regeneration, soil nitrogen, and fuels following mountain pine beetle outbreak in lodgepole pine

Abstract The extent and severity of recent native bark beetle (Dendroctonae) outbreaks in western North America have created a pressing need for forest managers to understand potential consequences of post-disturbance management. For example, post-outbreak timber harvest (i.e., salvage harvest) could alter future forest development, productivity and susceptibility to subsequent disturbance. To assess the potential for such consequences, we measured first-year effects of post-outbreak timber harvest on tree regeneration, soil nitrogen (N) availability and fuels by using a paired and replicated before–after-control-impact (BACI) experimental design with eight pairs of 0.25-ha plots in beetle-killed lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in Greater Yellowstone (Wyoming, USA). Post-outbreak timber harvest reduced total (live + dead) lodgepole pine basal area by 90%. Total sapling density (advance regeneration) declined by about 50% following harvest, with tall (30–140 cm) saplings declining most, but mean post-harvest sapling density still exceeded 1600 stems ha−1. Relative species density was unaffected and remained dominated by lodgepole pine. Soil temperature at the litter–soil interface was warmer during summer in harvested stands, and soil NO 3 - concentration increased with harvest relative to untreated plots. Soil NH 4 + concentration and resin bag N accumulation increased through time in all beetle-killed plots and were not affected by harvest. Following harvest, dead woody surface fuels in all size categories doubled, and canopy fuel load and canopy bulk density both were reduced; dead fuel depth, duff depth, and canopy base height did not differ between untreated and harvested plots. Harvest did reduce canopy fuels, but the natural progression of needle shedding after beetle-kill accounted for 25–40% of this total canopy fuel reduction. Salvage harvest seems unlikely to alter post-outbreak successional trajectories in these lodgepole pine forests. However, the altered fuel complex (immediate increase in dead woody surface fuels and expected long-term reduction in large-diameter fuels) in harvested plots could cause subsequent fire behavior and effects to differ between harvested and untreated stands.
Transport of a reactive tracer in saturated alluvium described using a three-component cation-exchange model.

A weakly sorbing cation, lithium, will be used as a reactive tracer in upcoming field tracer tests in the saturated alluvium south of Yucca Mountain, Nevada. One objective of the field tests is to determine how well field-scale reactive transport can be predicted using transport parameters derived from laboratory experiments. This paper describes several laboratory lithium batch sorption and column transport experiments that were conducted using ground water and alluvium obtained from the site of the planned field tests. In the batch experiments, isotherms were determined over 2.5 orders of magnitude of lithium concentrations, corresponding to the range expected in the field tests. In addition to measuring equilibrium lithium concentrations, concentrations of other cations, namely Na+, K+, and Ca2+, were measured in the batch tests to determine Li+-exchangeable equilibria. This information was used in conjunction with alluvium cation exchange capacity measurements to parameterize a three-component cation-exchange model (EQUIL) that describes lithium sorption in the alluvium system. This model was then applied to interpret the transport behavior of lithium ion in saturated alluvium column tests conducted at three different lithium bromide injection concentrations. The concentrations were selected such that lithium ion either dominated, accounted for a little over half, or accounted for only a small fraction of the total cation equivalents in the injection solution. Although tracer breakthrough curves differed significantly under each of these conditions, with highly asymmetric responses occurring at the highest injection concentrations, the three-component cation-exchange model reproduced the observed transport behavior of lithium and the other cations in each case with a similar set of model parameters. In contrast, a linear Kd-type sorption model could only match the lithium responses at the lowest injection concentration. The three-component model will be used to interpret the field tests, with the expectation that it will help refine estimates of effective flow porosity, particularly if the lithium response curves are asymmetric.
A correction factor to the screening radius for atomic interactions involving hydrogen and its application in direct recoil spectrometry

Abstract The screening function of the atomic interaction potential in low-energy ion scattering and recoiling was investigated for collisions involving hydrogen. Time-of-flight direct recoil spectrometry (TOF-DRS) and the M arlowe computer code were used to derive a correction factor, with explicit atomic-number dependence, to the screening radius specific to X–H interactions, where X represents any other atom. The improved screening radius was tested in the simulation of TOF spectra. The observed results displayed very good agreement with experimental data. The application of this correction factor in computer simulation studies of ion-surface interactions involving H should improve the exactness of the calculations and lead to more accurate differential interaction cross-sections.
Orientation anisotropy of visual stimuli in rhesus monkey: a behavioral study

The contrast sensitivity of the rhesus monkey was tested, according to a modified reaction-time paradigm, for sine-wave grating targets at different orientations. The monkey possesses an oblique effect slightly larger than that of humans. A reaction time analysis showed the oblique effect to be a suprathreshold as well as a threshold phenomenon. The presence of this effect further strengthens the use of the monkey as a model for the human visual system.
Systemic component to intrastadial developmental resistance in Lymantria dispar to its baculovirus

Abstract We investigated intrastadial developmental resistance of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar , to its host-specific baculovirus, L. dispar multinucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). Susceptibility of the gypsy moth to LdMNPV decreased markedly as the insect aged within the fourth instar and this resistance was systemic because it could not be overcome by bypassing the midgut and injecting the virus directly into the hemocoel. An LD 88 dose of polyhedra delivered orally to newly molted fourth instars produced 74, 37, 29, 27, 38, and 60% mortalities in larvae that were orally inoculated at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 h post-molt to the fourth instar, respectively. An LD 77 dose of budded virus delivered intrahemocoelically to newly molted fourth instars produced 84, 54, 29, 48, 59, and 46% mortalities in larvae that were injected at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 h post-molt, respectively. Developmental resistance was also observed in fourth instars fed on oak foliage, no matter whether they were inoculated orally or intrahemocoelically, suggesting that intrastadial developmental resistance in gypsy moth larvae has a systemic component. Also, the host plant did not appear to affect systemic resistance, although it did increase midgut-based resistance. The degree of developmental resistance by intrahemocoelic inoculation was equivalent in oak- and diet-fed insects. In contrast, the degree of resistance by oral inoculation was much greater in oak- than in diet-fed insects, probably because of the combined effects of host-plant inhibition and increasing resistance to viral disease as the larvae aged within the instar.
Heregulin reverses the oligomerization of HER3.

We analyzed the propensity of the HER3 receptor and its extracellular domain (ECD) to undergo ligand-independent self-association. The HER3-ECD, purified from Drosophila S2 cells, binds the EGF-like domain of heregulin (hrg) with a Kd of 1.9 nM as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies. In a gel shift assay, the HER3-ECD self-associates into a uniform, slowly migrating species in a concentration-dependent manner, starting at concentrations of <10 nM. In contrast to the HER3-ECD, the ECD from the related HER2 receptor does not oligomerize under the same conditions. The direct interaction of HER3-ECDs was also demonstrated by pull-down assays and SPR measurements under physiological salt conditions. This self-association of the HER3-ECD was reversed by the addition of hrg but not by EGF. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant for the HER3-ECD self-association is 15 nM, based on SPR measurements. In this analysis, hrg blocks HER3-ECD self-association, and the addition of hrg during the d...
Tri-Calciphor (16,16-dimethyl-15-dehydroprostagalndin B1 trimer)-mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ movements: modulation by phosphate

Abstract The trimeric derivative of 16,16-dimethyl-15-dehydroprostaglandin B1 (termed tri-Calciphor), which protects tissues against ischemic damage, induced Ca2+ efflux and swelling in mitochondria in the absence of phosphate, Mg2+ and ATP. When glutamate/malate rather than succinate was the substrate, higher tri-Calciphor concentrations were required for the ionophoretic activity. Ca2+ efflux and mitochondrial swelling induced by tri-Calciphor were completely inhibited by ATP, phopsphate and Mg2+ added together, and partially inhibited with phosphate plus either ATP or Mg2+. Between 0 and 7 μM added Ca2+ and in the presence of phosphate, ATP and Mg2+, tri-Calciphor stimulated the uptake of Ca2+ by mitochondria and increased the efficiency of buffering of extramitochondrial Ca2+. Thus depending on the assay conditions, two different effects involving Ca2+ movements and mitochondria are observed with tri-Calciphor.
Suppression of Autoimmune Arthritis by Small Molecule Inhibitors of the JAK/STAT Pathway

A skewed ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines, elevated growth factor synthesis and T- and B-lymphocyte activation are 3 hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-7, IL-17, IL-12/IL-23 and growth factors, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, IL-3, and erythropoietin activate the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. Evidence showed that STAT protein phosphorylation (p-STAT) by activated JAKs is permissive for p-STAT to act as transcription factors by binding to STAT-responsive gene promoter sequences. This event is critical for perpetuating RA, in part, by up-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription. Activation of JAK/STAT by cytokines and growth factors can induce 'cross-talk' with other signaling pathways by which Stress-Activated Protein/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (SAP/MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositide-3-Kinase (PI3K)-mediated signaling are also activated. JAK-specific small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) were developed to test whether JAK/STAT pathway blockade would regulate autoimmune-mediated inflammation. JAK-specific SMI blockade inhibited p-STAT induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Systemically administered JAK-specific SMI blockade also ameliorated biomarkers of inflammation in well-validated arthritis animal models. A few JAK-specific SMIs have made their way into RA clinical trials. In fact, the JAK3-specific SMI, CP-690,500 is the first JAK/STAT SMI to be assessed for clinical efficacy in a Phase III RA trial.
Endoscopic creation of a gastrogastric conduit for reversal of gastric bypass

g g w m n E a e F c Gastric bypass surgery poses various challenges to the endoscopist because of the surgically altered anatomy.1 Reconnecting the gastric pouch to the excluded stomach for the reversal of gastric bypass may be required in special circumstances, and surgical intervention is often the only option available. Simultaneous antegrade and retrograde endoscopy has been reported for complete esophageal obstruction2-4 and with EUS for colonic obstruction.5 The antegrade endocope is inserted via the mouth, and the retrograde endocope is inserted via the G-tube tract to establish luminal atency. A similar approach was used for the reversal of astric bypass by using 2 simultaneous endoscopes.
Use of glucagon in conjunction with the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapling device for low anterior anastomoses

We have found intravenous glucagon useful in overcoming the spasm of the rectal stump that one sometimes encounters while performing transanal end-to-end anastomosis using the EEA stapling device.
Myocardial infarction and regulatory myosin light chain.

Abstract Myosin from cardiac muscle consists of two heavy chains and two pairs of light chain. Regulatory myosin light chain (RMLC) is phosphorylated by a Ca 2+ and calmodulin dependent myosin light chain kinase. The impact of experimental myocardial infarction on cardiac RMLC was studied. The left anterior descending coronary artery of rabbits was ligated. Three, 7 and 14 days later the animals were euthanized, sections of the heart were frozen in liquid nitrogen and later subjected to 2-dimensional electrophoresis. Isoelectric focusing was carried out at a pH range of 4.5–5.4. Reproducible patterns of protein separation showed four spots with proteins of phosphorylatable regulatory light chains shifted to a more negative pH as compared to essential light chain. We investigated changes in phosphorylation of RMLC in infarcted heart muscle. As compared to sham operated animals, a decline in phosphorylation of RMLC was present in both infarcted and non-infarcted portions of the left ventricle; the latter was significant 7 days following the onset of ischemia. In contrast, the decline in percent phosphorylation in the infarcted area was not significant. The amount of RMLC decreased significantly in the infarcted portion. A highly significant reduction in the percent of viable cardiomyocytes accompanied the decline in phosphorylation. There was a significant correlation of RMLC following administration of isoproterenol, 7 and 14 days following onset of ischemia. Only faint traces of essential atrial myosin light chain (ALC-1) were present in the non-infarcted portion of the left ventricle. No correlation was found between percent phosphorylation and the amount of RMLC (density) following infusion of saline or isoproterenol. Isoproterenol significantly increased percent phosphorylation without altering the amount of RMLC protein. We conclude that myocardial infarction profoundly affects regulatory myosin light chain phosphorylation in the infarcted and non-infarcted areas of the myocardium and that RMLC plays a significant part in myocardial contracility.
Arteriosclerosis, calcium phosphate deposition and cardiovascular disease in uremia: current concepts at the bench.

Purpose of reviewCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease. A growing body of data points to nontraditional risk factors, including disturbances in mineral metabolism, as important determinants of the extremely high cardiovascular morbidity and mort
Internalization of cationic peptides: the road less (or more?) traveled

Facilitating the entry of molecules into mammalian cells is of great interest to fields as diverse as cell biology and drug delivery. The discovery of natural protein transduction domains and the development of artificial ones, including polyarginine, provides a means to achieve this goal. Here, we comment on key chemical and biological aspects of cationic peptide internalization, including the physiological relevance of this process.
Role of Nitric Oxide in the Control of Cardiac Oxygen Consumption in B2-Kinin Receptor Knockout Mice

Abstract —The aim of this study was to determine whether bradykinin, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ramiprilat, and the calcium-channel antagonist amlodipine reduce myocardial oxygen consumption (MVo 2 ) via a B 2 -kinin receptor/nitric oxide–dependent mechanism. Left ventricular free wall and septum were isolated from normal and B 2 -kinin receptor knockout (B 2 −/−) mice. Myocardial tissue oxygen consumption was measured in an airtight chamber with a Clark-type oxygen electrode. Baseline MVo 2 was not significantly different between normal (239±13 nmol of O 2 · min −1 · g −1 ) and B 2 −/− (263±24 nmol of O 2 · min −1 · g −1 ) mice. S-nitroso-n-acetyl-penicillamine (10 −7 to 10 −4 mol/L) reduced oxygen consumption in a concentration-dependent manner in both normal (maximum, 36±3%) and B 2 −/− mice (28±3%). This was also true for the endothelium-dependent vasodilator substance P (10 −10 to 10 −7 mol/L; 22±7% in normal mice and 20±4% in B 2 −/− mice). Bradykinin (10 −7 to 10 −4 mol/L), ramiprilat (10 −7 to 10 −4 mol/L), and amlodipine (10 −7 to 10 −5 mol/L) all caused concentration-dependent decreases in MVo 2 in normal mice. At the highest concentration, tissue O 2 consumption was decreased by 18±3%, 20±5%, and 28±3%, respectively. The reduction in MVo 2 to all 3 drugs was attenuated in the presence of N G -nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester. However, in the B 2 −/− mice, bradykinin, ramiprilat, and amlodipine had virtually no effect on MVo 2 . Therefore, nitric oxide, through a bradykinin-receptor–dependent mechanism, regulates cardiac oxygen consumption. This physiological mechanism is absent in B 2 −/− mice and may be evidence of an important therapeutic mechanism of action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and amlodipine.
Keratoconjunctivitis associated with Neisseria ovis infection in a herd of goats.

Clinical signs appeared in a herd of 18 goats 6 weeks after being collected and placed in a research holding facility. Three goats developed bilateral epiphora, photophobia, and blepharospasm. One goat walked into objects in the pen. Affected animals were not separated from normal ones because of housing limitations. Twelve days after the initial signs were observed, there was 100% morbidity. An ophthalmic examination and consultation were requested. Each goat had bilateral ocular disease, but severity varied among animals. Photophobia, blepharospasm, and a serous discharge from the medial canthus were present. Several 0.5to 1-mm raised, transparent conjunctival follicles were present at the dorsal limbus (Fig. 1). Increased peripheral cornea1 relucency from stromal edema and subepithelial cornea1 neovascularization was present (Fig. 2). One severely affected doe had full thickness cornea1 edema that prohibited observation of the left anterior chamber by focal penlight examination. In the right cornea, there was superficial uptake of fluorescein stain. a The pupils were normal in goats with only conjunctivitis but were miotic in goats with keratitis. All goats with severe cornea1 involvement were examined by direct ophthalmoscopy and were normal. No other abnormality was found on physical examination. Etiologic agents considered in this herd included 1) Mycoplasma spp. (M. agalactia, M. mycoides mycoides), 1,8,12 2)
Improving the sensitivity of sample clustering by leveraging gene co-expression networks in variable selection

Background: Many variable selection techniques have been proposed for the clustering of gene expression data. While these methods tend to filter out irrelevant genes and identify informative genes that contribute to a clustering solution, they are based on criteria that do not consider the potential interactive influence among individual genes. Motivated by ensemble clustering, there is a strong interest in leveraging the structure of gene networks for gene selection, so that the relationship information between genes can be effectively utilized, while the selected genes are expected to preserve all the possible clustering structures in the data. Results: We present a new filter method that uses the gene connectivity in the gene co-expression network as the evaluation criteria for variable selection. The gene connectivity measures the importance of the genes in term of their expression similarity with others in the co-expression network. The hard threshold and soft threshold transformations are employed to construct the gene co-expression networks. Both simulation studies and real data analysis have shown that the network based on soft thresholding is more effective in selecting relevant variables and provides better clustering results compared to the hard thresholding transformation and two other canonical filter methods for variable selection. Furthermore, a new module analysis approach is proposed to reveal the higher order organization of the gene space, where the genes of a module share significant topological similarity and are associated with a consensus partition of the sample space. We demonstrate that the identified modules can lead to biologically meaningful sample partitions that might be missed by other methods. Conclusions: By leveraging the structure of gene co-expression network, first we propose a variable selection method that selects individual genes with top connectivity. Both simulation studies and real data application have demonstrated that our method has better performance in terms of the reliability of the selected genes and sample clustering results. In addition, we propose a module recovery method that can help discover novel sample partitions that might be hidden when performing clustering analyses using all available genes. The source code of our program is available at http://nba.uth.tmc.edu/homepage/liu/netVar/.
Using multiple interventions to make an impact in the community

[Much of the information in this presentation was published as “‘Garbage face’: a managed care organisation’s response to tobacco use” ( Tobacco Control 1996; 5 :259–261). The following explains what happened after this article was written.] At the time of the aforementioned article, HealthPartners was about to test market a day-to-day guide (calendar) to help teenagers quit smoking. The organisation worked with students in two tenth-grade (aged 15–16) health classes in a suburban Minneapolis high school to test the calendar’s concepts. Students were presented with several questions about their attitudes toward smoking, which were displayed on a large screen along with multiple responses. Option Finder, an electronic polling system, allowed them to register their responses anonymously and see immediately …