cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversible Gating of the NaK Channel by Changes in Redox Potential

NaK is a two transmembrane, monovalent cation channel from B. cereus. The crystal structures of NaK wt (Shi et al Nature 2006) and the deletion construct NaK Δ1-19 (Alam et al NSMB 2009) are thought to represent the closed and open states of the channel, respectively. Yet, while this has been an area of intense research, NaK's physiological mechanism of activation remains to be established. Indeed, although a marginal ionic flux can be detected in liposome-reconstituted wt NaK, neither wt nor Δ1-19 show significant ionic current unless additional gain-of-function mutations are introduced: F92A in the Δ1-19 deletion (Derebe et al PNAS 2010) or F94L in wt (Bourdeau et al BPS Mtg. 2011 3159-Pos). Though useful, these mutations limit most functional measurements to stationary analysis, which cannot differentiate activation from inactivation gating events. Here, we present evidence suggesting that NaK is a redox-gated channel. Under oxidizing conditions the channel has a single-channel conductance of 75 pS with an open probability of 0.65, as measured by patch-clamp electrophysiology on reconstituted proteoliposomes. Upon addition of DTT, the channel reversibly closes, opening the possibility of carrying out non-stationary analysis of the channel. Although the nature of the redox sensor remains to be established, these results strongly suggest that cellular redox potential might be the defining physiological activator of NaK.
The hemostatic defect in thrombocytopenia as studied by the use of ACTH and cortisone.

Abstract 1.1. Four patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and three with purpura and thrombocytopenia associated with leukemia have been studied during ACTH or cortisone therapy. 2.2. The results indicate that these agents induce improvement in vascular resistance which is not necessarily accompanied with increased platelet production. Although complete remission with normal platelet counts, prothrombin utilization and clot retraction occurred in two patients, this was preceded by improvement in vascular resistance in both. In all other patients vascular resistance increased without platelet count changes. 3.3. Administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone or cortisone interferes with neither the occurrence of a spontaneous remission nor remission induced by splenectomy. 4.4. The hematologic changes occurring during ACTH induced remission do not appear to differ from those found during a spontaneous remission. 5.5. The use of adrenocorticotropin or cortisone in thrombocytopenic states has been found to control the hemorrhagic phenomena before splenectomy and may be of use in the acute phase until spontaneous remission occurs. Likewise, patients undergoing relapse after splenectomy may undergo improvement during ACTH or cortisone therapy. These agents also appear to be of value in the symptomatic relief of leukemia patients with thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic diatheses.
The Helical Antenna

The helix is a fundamental form of antenna of which loops and straight wires are limiting cases. When the helix is small compared to the wavelength, radiation is maximum normal to the helix axis. Depending on the helix geometry, the radiation may, in theory, be elliptically, plane, or circularly polarized. When the helix circumference is about 1 wavelength, radiation may be maximum in the direction of the helix axis and circularly polarized or nearly so. This mode of radiation, called the axial or beam mode, is generated in practice with great ease, and may be dominant over a wide frequency range with desirable pattern, impedance, and polarization characteristics. The radiation pattern is maintained in the axial mode over wide frequency ranges because of a natural adjustment of the phase velocity of wave propagation on the helix. The terminal impedance is relatively constant over the same frequency range because of the large initial attenuation of waves on the helix. The conditions for circular polarization are analyzed, and the importance of the array factor in determining the radiation pattern of a long helix is discussed.
Significance of one-bead-one-compound combinational chemistry.

One-bead-one-compound combinatorial peptidomimetic libraries, in conjunction with a high-stringency screening method, are a powerful tool for screening peptide and peptidomimetic ligands for target proteins. Picomolar-affinity peptidomimetics for the integrin α4β1 have now been developed and have been successfully used to image α4β1-expressing tumors in living mice.
A boundary element method/Brownian dynamics approach for simulating DNA electrophoresis in electrically insulating microfabricated devices

We present an approach for merging boundary element method (BEM) solutions of the electric field in electrically insulating complex geometries with Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations of DNA electrophoresis therein. Although a rote application of the standard BEM algorithm proves inaccurate and prohibitively expensive, we show that regularization of the near-wall electric field and an updating scheme commensurate with the characteristic length scale of the BD simulation furnishes a robust, efficient simulation protocol. The accuracy of the BEM-BD method is verified by simulating λ-DNA collisions with an isolated, insulating cylindrical obstacle and comparing the results with equivalent BD simulations that employ the exact solution for the electric field. The computational overhead of our implementation of BEM-BD is comparable to an existing finite element method/BD approach. The BEM-BD algorithm is readily parallelized and well-suited to time-dependent and responsive electric fields, making it broadly applicable to simulating DNA electrophoresis in microfluidic devices.
CAN NEUROSCIENCE PROVIDE A COMPLETE ACCOUNT OF HUMAN NATURE?: A REPLY TO ROGER SPERRY

. In a recent Zygon article (June 1991), Roger Sperry argues for the unification of science and religion based on the principle of emergent causation within the central nervous system. After illustrating Sperry's position with some current experiments, I suggest that his conclusions exceed his argument and the findings of contemporary neuroscience and propose instead a pluralistic, rather than unified, approach to the relations between religion and science necessitated by the incompleteness inherent in any strictly neurological account of human nature.
Urination and its discontents.

"Urination and Its Discontents" is an attempt to answer why various twentieth-century artists have made works that use or are about urination. Andy Warhol's act of "pissing" onto a canvas in his Oxidation Paintings is related to homosexual "sex clubs," but also to the iconoclasm of Mapplethorpe, Serrano, Duchamp, and Pollock. Freud's idea that civilization began with the renunciation of the "homosexual competition" or urinating on the fire is discussed and compared to Ellis's idealization of the erotics of bodily functions. Weinberg suggests that artists follow Ellis instead of Freud in undermining the boundaries society places on what is clean and dirty and what is sexually permissible.
Quantitative Studies of the Collagenase-like Enzymes of Cercariae of Schistosoma Mansoni and the Larvae of Strongyloides Ratii

During passage through the skin of the vertebrate host, the infective larvae of Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides ratti and certain other helminths alter the polysaccharide-containing protein of the basement membrane and ground substance of the dermis. These alterations of host glycoprotein have been revealed by histochemical methods and are attributed to enzymatic activity of the secretions of the infective larvae. Furthermore, qualitative studies of the secretions and extracts of the skin penetrating larvae show that there is a correlation between the presence of a collagenase-like enzymatic activity and the ability to cause changes in the host glycoprotein.' The present study is a continuation of the investigation of the enzymes of these helminth larvae in order to characterize their activity more fully and to investigate the effects of various substances on these enzyme systems. This has been done in part by comparision with the activities of bacterial collagenase from toxin of Clostridium welchii type A and with those of trypsin, using quantitative methods and a variety of substrates. The methods include the determination of dye release from azo dye-coupled collagens, the hydroxyproline release from collagen substrates and the tyrosine release from a hemoglobin substrate. In addition,
Secure remote matching with privacy: Scrambled support vector vaulted verification (S 2 V 3 )

As biometric authentication systems become common in everyday use, researchers are beginning to address privacy issues in biometric recognition. With the growing use of mobile devices, it is important to develop approaches that support remote mobile verification. This paper outlines the need for a mobile/remote SVM-based authentication system that does not compromise the privacy of the subject being recognized. We discuss limitations of earlier privacy-preserving authentication systems and present necessary privacy and security requirements that make a system attractive from both the server's security point of view and from the client's privacy-centric point of view. We then present a novel protocol we call “Vaulted Verification” that allows a server to remotely authenticate a client's biometric in a privacy preserving way. We conclude with a small evaluation of performance, discussion of security implications, and ideas for future work.
Acs, Z., & Lyles, A. (Eds.). (2007). Obesity, Business and Public Policy. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing. (288 pp. $120, hb, ISBN 978-1-84542-500-5)

Obesity, Business and Public Policy is a concise and well-researched text that examines obesity-related issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. The contributors to this edited text embrace the...
New Hope for a MicroRNA Therapy for Liver Cancer

The loss of expression of particular microRNAs can contribute to tumorigenesis. Kota et al. (2009) now explore in a mouse model a promising new approach for the treatment of liver cancer—re-establishing the expression of an miRNA using a viral vector.
Tieing a Tie-2 ligand to Weibel-Palade bodies

HEMOSTASIS, THROMBOSIS, AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY ![Figure][1] Although various growth factors can support angiogenesis, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin families are relatively specific. Both bind to receptors on endothelial cells. The VEGF family consists of 6
The application of pattern recognition to the identification of pathogens by laser-excited fluorimetry

Abstract The k-nearest neighbor (kNN) approach to pattern recognition was used to evaluate a laser-based method of identifying pathogens based on aminopeptidase profiling. Suitability of the method was tested by evaluating the recognition accuracy for differentiation of four bacterial genera as well as four races within a single Species. Even though variations in profile replicates were relatively large, the kNN approach successfully differentiated these pathogens. Recognition accuracies of 100% and 92% were achieved for the differentiation of genera and races, respectively. Feature-selection algorithms were used which allowed the rejection of features which did not add useful information towards identification or improve recognition accuracy. Identification of races was facilitated by constructing a data set comprised of only races of one species, because feature selection and weighting were strongly affected by the easily differentiated genera. Methods used for feature selection and weighting were also evaluated.
Fossil and genetic history of a pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) isolate

The most isolated northern stand of Colorado pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) at Owl Canyon, Colorado, USA has a broad and flat size class distribution common to population expansions, with the largest and oldest trees near the center of the grove. Analyses of fossil packrat (Neotoma sp.) middens within the grove indicate that the stand originated by long—distance dispersal rather than by vicariance, a distinction seldom possible because of the unknown or incomplete histories of such isolated populations. Our 5000—yr pollen and macrofossil record suggests that pinyon pine colonized the site sometime between 1290 and 420 yr BP, the latter age corresponding to the oldest tree in the stand. Electrophoretic data from living trees show that this colonization was not attended by typical founder effects predicted by theory or observed for other known founder events. Despite its isolation, recent founding, and probable long—distance origin, the Owl Canyon stand has not suffered significant losses in genetic variation relative to likely source populations. Large initial population size, multiple founding events, rapid population growth, or selection favoring heterozygous genotypes could all explain the high heterozygosity and only slightly reduced polymorphism and number of alleles per locus found in the Owl Canyon stand. These results demonstrate the genetic complexity of founder events and the utility of blending complementary approaches such as paleoecology and genetics to better understand the population biology of peripheral isolates.
Optimization of the thermal environment of columns packed with very fine particles.

Abstract The apparent reduced HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) of columns packed with very fine 1.7 μ m BEH-C18particles were measured under isocratic conditions, for different thermal conditions applied to the surface wall (column left in still-air at laboratory temperature, column placed in the oven of the Acquity UPLC chromatograph heated at different temperatures, or column immersed in a water stream at different controlled temperatures). The sample was the low-molecular weight, highly diffusive compound naphtho[2,3-a]pyrene. The mobile phase was either pure acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and water (85/15, v/v). The plot of the measured HETPs versus the mobile phase flow velocity begins to deviate from the classical isothermal van Deemter curve or the advantages of using very fine particles begins to disappear when the heat power released by the friction of the stream percolating through the packed bed exceeds 4 W per unit length of column (m). These effects are minimum when (1) the temperature of the column wall is not controlled and the wall remains in contact with air; or (2) a suitable difference between the temperature of the column wall (hot) and the temperature of the entering liquid (cooler) is set by the analyst.
Effects of changes in shock intensity following extensive training in the discriminated avoidance paradigm

Two groups of rats (N = 10) were given 300 trials of avoidance training on 5 consecutive days with either.4 or 1.2 mA electric current. Half of the rats received 5 additional days of identical training, while the other half were trained with the opposite shock intensity. Animals trained with.4 mA learned reliably faster than those using 1.2 m A. Those Ss switched from high to low shock exhibited an immeidate increase in performance, and the opposite switch produced a decrease. No reliable elation or depression effects were obtained.
Work, work ethic, work excess

Organizational change initiatives are successful only through the efforts of the people, so it is important to look beyond surface reactions and understand the deeper implications of employees' visible work habits. By integrating work from several disciplines, this paper poses a series of questions aimed at creating better awareness of differences in how and why people work. Historic tracking of beliefs about work in the USA is provided as an example of how a positive foundation of strong work ethic can become the dysfunctional extreme of workaholism.
The determination of sulfate by atomic absorption inhibition titration

Sulfate can be rapidly and conveniently determined by titration with magnesium solution while the atomic absorption signal is monitored, i.e. atomic absorption inhibition titration (a.a.i.t.). Concentrations as low as 1 μg SO2-4 ml−1 can be determined. Alkali metals and commonly occurring monovalent anions do not interefere at 0.1 M levels.
Preparation of atomically smooth Ge substrates for combined IR spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy of organic monolayers

We have investigated whether large ATR crystals of Ge can be made atomically flat and resistant to atmospheric oxidation, thus enabling us to use them simultaneously as an IR- transparent ATR waveguide and a scanning probe conducting substrate. A protocol has been developed for producing atomically flat Ge substrates resistant to oxidation; this method involves UHV annealing and the electrochemical deposition of a well-ordered, passivating atomic layer of tellurium (Te) onto the Ge surface in order to eliminate further reoxidation of the clean, ordered, Ge substrate. We have obtained STM images in air of the Ge:Te surface and found no sign of disordered oxide formation. IR spectroscopy of monolayer films transferred onto the Sb-doped Ge crystal show little difference with spectra obtained from normal, monocrystalline Ge ATR crystals.
Effect of chronic lead exposure on the direct and indirect components of the cardiac response to norepinephrine.

Abstract Lead exposure to neonates produces an enhanced sensitivity of the adult rat heart to the arrhythmogenic effect of norepinephrine. The present study examines the possibility that both the direct and reflex effects of norepinephrine might be affected by early lead exposure. Rats were exposed to 0.2% lead acetate via maternal milk from birth to weaning, then were allowed a lead-free period of 3 months. Rat pups of sodium acetate-treated dams served as controls. Norepinephrine produced more ventricular extrasystoles in lead-exposed rats than methoxamine at doses that produced similar changes in mean systemic blood pressure. While bilateral vagotomy or atropine pretreatment decreased the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias, norepinephrine still caused significantly more extrasystoles in lead-exposed than control rats. The arrhythmogenic effect of methoxamine observed in lead-exposed animals could be completely prevented by bilateral vagotomy. Isolated perfused hearts from lead-exposed animals exhibited more irregularities in rhythm after norepinephrine than hearts from control animals. It is concluded that while effects on the vagus nerve participate in the lead-induced sensitivity to norepinephrine, direct cardiac effects are also involved.
Comparison between Organic and Inorganic Matrices for RC Beams Strengthened with Carbon Fiber Sheets

The objective of this paper is to study and compare the performance of concrete beams strengthened with carbon fiber sheets bonded with inorganic and organic resin matrices. The experimental study consisted of testing two groups of steel-reinforced concrete beams. The first group of beams was strengthened with carbon fiber sheets bonded with an organic matrix, and the second with carbon fiber sheets bonded with an inorganic matrix. The first group of beams was strengthened with 2, 3, and 4 layers of carbon fiber sheets, while the second group was strengthened with 2, 3, 4, and 5 layers of carbon fiber sheets. Strength, stiffness, ductility, deflection, failure pattern, and cracking of beams strengthened with the two systems were compared. Results showed that the inorganic matrix system is as effective in increasing strength and stiffness of reinforced concrete beams as the organic matrix. The failure mechanism of the inorganic system, however, seems more brittle. The failure of beams strengthened with ino...
Synthesis of 5α-Androstane-3α,16α,17β-triol from 3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one

5 alpha-Androstane-3 alpha, 16 alpha, 17 beta-triol was synthesized from 3 beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one. The procedure involved catalytic hydrogenation of 3 beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one to 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one. This was followed by conversion of the 3 beta-hydroxy group to 3 alpha-benzoyloxy group by the Mitsunobu reaction. Further treatment with isopropenyl acetate yielded 5 alpha-androsten-16-ene-3 alpha, 17-diol 3-benzoate 17-acetate. This was then converted to 3 alpha, 17-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-16-one 3-benzoate 17-acetate via the unstable epoxide intermediate after treatment with m-cloroperoxybenzoic acid. LiA1H4 reduction of this compound formed 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 16 alpha, 17 beta-triol. 1H and 13C NMR of various steroids are presented to confirm the structure of this compound.
Soybean Peroxidase Catalyzed Enzymatic Synthesis of Pyrrole/EDOT Copolymers

Pyrrole/EDOT copolymers were synthesized using environmentally benign enzyme catalysis. PSS was used as the solubilizing template and charge-balancing dopant. Soybean peroxidase was utilized as a catalyst for the copolymerization reactions to yield poly(pyrrole-EDOT)/PSS complex. Systematic studies were conducted with varying monomer feed ratios, temperature, and pH. Here we report for the first time, the enzyme catalyzed polymerization of pyrrole and EDOT at an elevated pH = 5. The polymer composition was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Spectroscopic characterization [UV-Vis, FTIR], thermal analysis, and electrical conductivity measurements for these complexes indicated the formation of stable conducting copolymers.
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES OF THE IMPORTED FIRE ANT, SOLENOPSIS RICHTERI (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Results of tests for digestive enzyme activity from mandibular and salivary glands and from foregut, midgut, and hindgut of major workers of the imported fire ant, Solenopsis richteri Forel, indicated a wide distribution of lipase production from these organs, thus correlating with the observed “grease-loving” feeding habits of this insect. Amylase activity was present in both glands tested, but not detected in the gut. Both invertase and protease activities were apparently restricted to the midgut, with the protease activity being especially limited. Zusammenfassung VERDAUUNGSFERMENTE DER IMPORTIERTEN FEUERAMEISE, SOLENOPSIS RICHTERI (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) An der importierten Feuerameise wurden Untersuchungen uber das Vorkommen der vier Hauptklassen von Verdauungsfermenten bei Grosarbeitern (Soldaten) ausgefuhrt. Die untersuchten Fermente waren Invertase, Diastase, Lipase und Protease, die untersuchten Verdauungsorgane Speichel- und Mandibulardrusen, Kropf, Mitteldarm und Enddarm. Um die Ferment-Aktivitat der verschiedenen Organe zu prufen, wurden als Substrate Sucrose, Starke, Castor-Ol-Emulsion und Blutfibrin benutzt und Dunnschichtchromatographie angewandt. Die Resultate zeigen besonders die weite Verbreitung der Lipase-Aktivitat, die der beobachteten Vorliebe der importierten Feuerameise fur fettreiche Nahrung entspricht. Ebenso steht die gefundene masige Invertase- und Diastase-Aktivitat in Beziehung zu den omnivoren Frasgewohnheiten dieser pradatorischen Insekten. Andererseits erwies sich die Protease-Aktivitat als besonders schwach; sie schien hauptsachlich auf den Mitteldarm beschrankt zu sein. Der geringe Grad der Protease-Aktivitat in den Drusen und im Kropf last vermuten, das bei Trophallaxis den Larven das Protein-Futter von den Arbeiterinnen in unverdautem Zustand verabreicht wird.
Photonic band-gap materials for high-gain printed circuit antennas

It is found through a vector integral-equation analysis and the reciprocity theorem that the gain of a microstrip antenna can be greatly enhanced with a photonic band-gap material layer either as the substrate or the superstrate. The beam angle is found to coincide with that of a leaky-wave mode of a planar-grating structure. This observation suggests that high gain is due to the excitation of strong leaky-wave fields.
Of mice and humans: how good are HLA transgenic mice as a model of human immune responses?

Background: Previous studies have defined vaccinia virus (VACV)-derived T cell epitopes in VACV-infected human leukocyte antigen-A*0201 (HLA-A2.1) transgenic (Tg) mice and A2.1- positive human Dryvax vaccinees. A total of 14 epitopes were detected in humans and 16 epitopes in A2.1 Tg mice; however, only two epitopes were independently reported in both systems. This limited overlap raised questions about the suitability of using HLA Tg mice as a model system to map human T cell responses to a complex viral pathogen. The present study was designed to investigate this issue in more detail. Results: Re-screening the panel of 28 A2.1-restricted epitopes in additional human vaccinees and in A2.1 Tg mice revealed that out of the 28 identified epitopes, 13 were detectable in both systems, corresponding to a 46% concordance rate. Interestingly, the magnitude of responses in Tg mice against epitopes originally identified in humans is lower than for epitopes originally detected in mice. Likewise, responses in humans against epitopes originally detected in Tg mice are of lower magnitude. Conclusion: These data suggest that differences in immunodominance patterns might explain the incomplete response overlap, and that with limitations; HLA Tg mice represent a relevant and suitable model system to study immune responses against complex pathogens.
EXECUTIVE SUCCESSION: ORGANIZATIONAL ANTECEDENTS OF CEO CHARACTERISTICS

Based on 195 succession events in Business Week 1000 firms, this study examines the organizational antecedents of CEO demographic characteristics. Study findings suggest that antecedent conditions of lower firm profits and firm growth are associated with the selection of outsider CEOs. Additionally, R&D intensity is associated with the selection of CEOs having technical functional backgrounds and higher levels of education.
Propagation characteristics of microstrip transmission line on rough dielectric substrate surface

The effect of surface roughness of dielectric substrates on the propagation characteristics of microstrip transmission line is investigated. Different models are used to simulate the surface roughness of the dielectric substrate. The versatile semi-analytical numerical technique, method of lines, is used to compute the normalized phase velocity of a microstrip line as a function of frequency up to 200 GHz. The preliminary results show that the root mean square height of the rough surface affects the propagation phase velocity of the microstrip line more than the shape of the roughness itself. Moreover, significant effect of the surface roughness is observed when the dielectric surface roughness extends beneath the metallic strip.
Thermal emittance measurements from negative electron affinity photocathodes

Recent computational optimizations have demonstrated that it should be possible to construct electron injectors based on photoemission cathodes in very high voltage DC electron guns in which the beam emittance is dominated by the thermal emittance from the cathode. Negative electron affinity (NEA) photocathodes are known to have a naturally low thermal emittance. However, the thermal emittance depends on the illuminating wavelength, the degree of negative affinity, and the band structure of the photocathode material. As part of the development of a high brightness, high average current photoemission electron gun for the injector of an ERL light source, we have measured the thermal emittance from negative affinity GaAs and GaAsP photo- cathodes. The measurements were made by obtaining the electron beam spot size downstream of a counter-wound solenoid lens as a function of the lens strength. Electron beam spot sizes were measured by two techniques: a 20 mum wire scanner, and a BeO screen. Excellent agreement in measured emittance has been obtained between these two methods and direct transverse phase space mapping using a 20 mum slit and the screen. Results are presented for both cathode types. The Cornell ERL injector performance is evaluated based on the results of these measurements.
Aneurysm of the Membranous Septum and Spontaneous Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects

Two cases of aneurysm of membranous septum (AMS) in adults are pre sented, both of which support the hypothesis that it may be the mechanism of spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs). In one case, a trivial residual VSD persisted. In the second case, serial catheterization studies were available; the VSD was large in childhood, gradually became smaller, and com pletely closed with the formation of AMS after the age of 14.
Use of supply relationships to recycle secondary materials

The reverse logistics function in supply chain management has received increasing attention in recent years as the value of the activity, the awareness of its potential and the legal requirements for its presence have increased. Reverse logistics has two dominant end purposes for returned materials–reconditioning (high-value recovery) or recycling (low to no value recovery). Much of the material generated by reverse logistics activity falls into this second category of low to no value. This can create a significant material management problem for many organisations. Several large organisations have successfully created recycling empires around the more primary materials that feed readily into raw material supply streams–such as metals, timbers and paper. For individual firms, however, the likelihood of investing effort in identifying both materials that could be recycled and a potential market for them has seemed frequently out of reach. This study highlights an under-researched phenomenon whereby firms e...
Transmission of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) mutants to T. Castaneum-T. freemani Hinton hybrids (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract The genetic library of Tribolium castaneum contains some 125 mutations described so far. Close to 50 of these are sex-linked (recessive or dominant) or autosomal (recessives, semi-dominants or dominants). Fourteen of the 50 mutations affecting a wide variety of body parts were examined in the hybrids resulting from crosses between T. castaneum (Herbst) and T. freemani Hinton, a recently rediscovered species of the castaneum species group. The behavior of the mutations in the hybrids was identical in phenotypic expression and action as those previously observed and reported in T. castaneum , attesting to the similar genetics of the two species. Where hybridization of beetles is possible, this technique provides a means of identifying wild types alleles in common, i.e. homologous, in the two species.
Distinct Cellular Assembly Stoichiometry of Polycomb Complexes on Chromatin Revealed by Single-Molecule Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Imaging

Epigenetic complexes play an essential role in regulating chromatin structure, but information about their assembly stoichiometry on chromatin within cells is poorly understood. The cellular assembly stoichiometry is critical for appreciating the initiation, propagation, and maintenance of epigenetic inheritance during normal development and in cancer. By combining genetic engineering, chromatin biochemistry, and single-molecule fluorescence imaging, we developed a novel and sensitive approach termed single-molecule chromatin immunoprecipitation imaging (Sm-ChIPi) to enable investigation of the cellular assembly stoichiometry of epigenetic complexes on chromatin. Sm-ChIPi was validated by using chromatin complexes with known stoichiometry. The stoichiometry of subunits within a polycomb complex and the assembly stoichiometry of polycomb complexes on chromatin have been extensively studied but reached divergent views. Moreover, the cellular assembly stoichiometry of polycomb complexes on chromatin remains unexplored. Using Sm-ChIPi, we demonstrated that within mouse embryonic stem cells, one polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 1 associates with multiple nucleosomes, whereas two PRC2s can bind to a single nucleosome. Furthermore, we obtained direct physical evidence that the nucleoplasmic PRC1 is monomeric, whereas PRC2 can dimerize in the nucleoplasm. We showed that ES cell differentiation induces selective alteration of the assembly stoichiometry of Cbx2 on chromatin but not other PRC1 components. We additionally showed that the PRC2-mediated trimethylation of H3K27 is not required for the assembly stoichiometry of PRC1 on chromatin. Thus, these findings uncover that PRC1 and PRC2 employ distinct mechanisms to assemble on chromatin, and the novel Sm-ChIPi technique could provide single-molecule insight into other epigenetic complexes.
Human Biochemical Genetics of Plasma Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase and Erythrocyte Catechol-O-Methyltransferase

The purpose of the studies reviewed here was to investigate the role of inheritance in the regulation of human plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) and human erythrocyte (RBC) catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activities. DBH is a catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme and COMT is a catecholamine metabolic enzyme. It has been suggested that the level of the activities of these enzymes in human blood might reflect the function or status of the adrenergic nervous system. Both enzyme activities were measured in blood samples from large, randomly selected populations of children, adolescents, and adults, and in the blood of first-degree relatives of subjects with either very low plasma DBH activity (< 50 U/ml) or very low RBC COMT activity (< 8 U/ml). A radioimmunoassay for human plasma DBH was also used in these studies. The results of sibship and pedigree analyses of data from families of probands with very low enzyme activities were compatible with the autosomal recessive inheritance of an allele for very low plasma DBH activity that results in a decrease in DBH protein in plasma, and the autosomal recessive inheritance of an allele for low erythrocyte COMT activity.
Atrial Fibrillation and Colonic Neoplasia in African Americans

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) share several risk factors including increasing age and obesity. However, the association between CRC and AF has not been thoroughly examined, especially in African Americans. In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of AF and its risk factors in colorectal neoplasia in an African American.
EEG in Specific Language Impairment

The value of routine wake electroencephalography in children with specific language impairment was reviewed retrospectively in 111 children examined over a 10-year interval at Montreal Children’s Hospital, Quebec, Canada.
Artifactual Hydropic Degeneration in Skin Biopsy Specimens Immersed in Saline: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

An artifact, consisting of hydropic degeneration of the basal cells and subepidermal bulla formation, is described in skin-punch biopsy specimens immersed in normal saline. The histologic appearance and ultrastructural features of this artifact are discussed. Proper handling of skin specimens intended for immunofluorescent studies is stressed. Similarities are noted between the histologic and ultrastructural findings of this artifact and of epidermolysis bullosa simplex and pathologic hydropic degeneration, as is seen in lupus erythematosus.
German Cockroach Movement Within and Between Urban Apartments

Adult Blattella germanica (L.) are more mobile within urban apartment structures than was previously recognized. Interapartment movement up to 30% per week occurred where construction design permitted. Adult males are more mobile than females. Pyrethrin insecticide applications Increased interapartment movement rates. These results stress the need for a more holistic, community-wide perspective for cockroach pest management programs than currently exists in pest control practices and demonstrate that construction should be designed (or altered whenever possible) to reduce cockroach movement.
High Tg, Low Dielectric Constant Aromatic Benzoxazoles Containing Allylether Pendent Groups for Use in Microelectronic Packaging

Next generation microelectronic packaging requirements are driving the need to produce increasingly lower dielectric constant materials while maintaining high thermal stability and ease of processing. Polymer candidates with exceptionally low dielectric constant (2.0-2.4), high thermal stability (degradation temperature higher than 400°C), high glass transition temperature (greater than 350°C), low water uptake (less than one percent), solubility in selected organic solvents, and low thermal expansion are all required. We have successfully synthesized and characterized several candidate polymers in an effort to address these needs.
Operative Management of Major Nerve Lesions of the Lower Extremity

Experience with major injuries to the sciatic, peroneal, tibial, and femoral nerves is reported. Analysis of results suggests some modifications in the operative management of these lesions.
Galanin – 25 years with a multitalented neuropeptide

There has been increasing interest in the ability of neuropeptides involved in feeding to modulate circuits important for responses to drugs of abuse. A number of peptides with effects on hypothalamic function also modulate the mesolimbic dopamine system (ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens). Similarly, common stress-related pathways can modulate food intake, drug reward and symptoms of drug withdrawal. Galanin promotes food intake and the analgesic properties of opiates; thus it initially seemed possible that galanin might potentiate opiate reinforcement. Instead, galanin agonists decrease opiate reward, measured by conditioned place preference, and opiate withdrawal signs, whereas opiate reward and withdrawal are increased in knock-out mice lacking galanin. This is consistent with studies showing that galanin decreases activity-evoked dopamine release in striatal slices and decreases the firing rate of noradrenergic neurons in locus coeruleus, areas involved in drug reward and withdrawal, respectively. These data suggest that polymorphisms in genes encoding galanin or galanin receptors might be associated with susceptibility to opiate abuse. Further, galanin receptors might be potential targets for development of novel treatments for addiction. (Part of a Multi-author Review)
Mohs Surgery for Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Melanomas with indistinct clinical margins are at increased risk for local recurrence or positive microscopic margins after conventional excision, particularly lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). If reconstruction is performed immediately after conventional excision and before confirming clear margins, patients may require additional excisions and more complex reconstruction procedures. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with melanocytic immunostains addresses these challenges with immediate microscopic examination of the entire peripheral and deep surgical margin to identify and remove subclinical LMM prior to reconstruction. This chapter explains MMS for LMM and how it can improve management compared to conventional excision.
Employing vector quantization in a transform domain for face recognition

A face recognition system using an integration of Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Vector quantization (VQ) is proposed in this paper. The system consists of two main phases, namely, Feature Extraction and Recognition. In the first phase, the input facial image is divided into blocks with dimensions equal to the codeword dimensions. Then, DCT is applied on each block. The codebook is initialized using the Kekre Fast Codebook Generation (KFCG) method. The Final Codebook computed using VQ algorithm efficiently represents the input facial image. The second phase aims to find the recognition rates based on the Euclidean distance criterion. The system is evaluated using four different databases, namely, ORL, YALE, FERET, and FEI that have different facial variations, such as facial expressions, illuminations, etc. The experimental results are analyzed using K-fold Cross Validation (CV). The proposed system is shown to improve the storage requirements, as well as the recognition rates.
Abstract B78: Factors promoting colorectal cancer screening among California's Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

In order to achieve the Healthy People Initiatives9 goals, health care delivery needs to be responsive to the unique needs of the US9s diverse population groups, like its Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). And in order to do so, it is imperative that race/ethnic-specific data be made available for health providers and public health professionals. Promoting preventive health behaviors like colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and fecal occult blood tests will be more effective if the underlying factors that promote these health services are identified. This study examines the factors that promote participation in colorectal cancer screening that may be unique to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders using the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) concatenating years 2001 and 2003. Logistic regression models were developed to identify factors that lead to colorectal screenings for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use is the guiding principle in this study due to the mounting literature that demonstrates the importance of predisposing, enabling and need factors for obtaining routine healthcare and the model9s predictive utility with regard to the use of health services among other vulnerable populations. SPSS version 15.0 was used to perform unweighted analysis of sample cases and an level of 0.05 was used as the criteria for all statistical tests performed. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistically significant relationships between individual predisposing, enabling and need variables with having a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal occult blood test in the past 5 years for NHPI 50 years and older. Statistically significant variables were entered into binary logistic regression models to identify which predisposing, enabling and need factors played a significant role in obtaining colorectal cancer screening. Analyses revealed that age, alcohol consumption, and number of doctor visits in the past year were associated with an increased likelihood of CRC screening, whereas, gender, education, insurance status and having a usual source of care were not statistically significant. Implications for program and policy development are discussed.
Measuring Youth Residential Care Provider Attitudes

Abstract. In this study the 15-item Evidence-Based Practices Attitude Scale (EBPAS), a measure designed to assess attitudes toward the adoption of EBPs, was collected from administrators of residential care facilities for youth in the United States. As the EBPAS was administered to a different sample for which it was originally developed (i.e., community mental health), we conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to investigate if its factor structure was maintained. Results confirm the factor structure of the EBPAS as a valid measure of attitude toward evidence-based practice among youth residential care providers. Limitations and areas of future research are discussed.
Dr. Jinno replies.

To the Editor: We thank Dr. Mullins1 for his comments on our recent article2 on the trends in emergency department (ED) visits and charges for gout in the United States between 2006 and 2012. In our paper, we showed that the number …
The blight of beautification: Bangkok and the pursuit of class-based urban purity

‘Beautification’ is often invoked as a justification for forms of urban reorganization that threaten existing ways of life and ignore the aesthetic values and social needs of poorer residents. The case of Bangkok, dramatically exemplified by the official campaign to evict the community of Pom Mahakan, shows how little attention is paid either to the social problems that such modernist uses of ‘tradition’ are likely to cause or to the vernacular architecture that is being destroyed in the name of ‘development’ and of a harshly selective conservation regime. The future of Bangkok’s vernacular past looks decidedly bleak.
The Effect of Mechanical Loading Upon Extracellular Matrix Bioscaffold-Mediated Skeletal Muscle Remodeling

Mounting evidence suggests that site-appropriate loading of implanted extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds and the surrounding microenvironment is an important tissue remodeling determinant, although the role at the cellular level in ECM-mediated skeletal muscle remodeling remains unknown. This study evaluates crosstalk between progenitor cells and macrophages during mechanical loading in ECM-mediated skeletal muscle repair. Myoblasts were exposed to solubilized ECM bioscaffolds and were mechanically loaded at 10% strain, 1 Hz for 5 h. Conditioned media was collected and applied to bone marrow-derived macrophages followed by immunolabeling for proinflammatory M1-like markers and proremodeling M2-like markers. Macrophages were subjected to the same loading protocol and their secreted products were collected for myoblast migration, proliferation, and differentiation analysis. A mouse hind limb unloading volumetric muscle loss model was used to evaluate the effect of loading upon the skeletal muscle microenvironment after ECM implantation. Animals were sacrificed at 14 or 180 days. Isometric torque production was tested and tissue sections were immunolabeled for macrophage phenotype and muscle fiber content. Results show that loading augments the ability of myoblasts to promote an M2-like macrophage phenotype following exposure to ECM bioscaffolds. Mechanically loaded macrophages promote myoblast chemotaxis and differentiation. Lack of weight bearing impaired muscle remodeling as indicated by Masson's Trichrome stain. Isometric torque was significantly increased following ECM implantation when compared to controls, a response not present in the hind limb-unloaded group. This work provides an important mechanistic insight of the effects of rehabilitation upon ECM-mediated remodeling and could have broader implications in clinical practice, advocating multidisciplinary approaches to regenerative medicine, emphasizing rehabilitation.
“I Prefer Face-to-Face”: Comedic Moments in Teaching On-line

This script presents comedic moments experienced by professors teaching online. We examine instructor experiences of the “wheel of death,” the “hermeneutic circle of support,” the phenomenon of students taking coursework for purposes of convenience, instructors’ felt needs to always be at others’ service 24/7, and how instructors respond to students’ self-evident questions. In this short scene about learning to teach online, all characters appearing are fictitious. We share this with others because we argue that comedy is an effective way to respond to some of the challenges we have faced in learning to teach online.
The rewarding effects of number and surface area of food in rats

Visual cues have an important role in food preference for both rats and humans. Here, we aim to isolate the effects of numerosity, density, and surface area on food preference and running speed in rats, by using a forced-choice maze paradigm. In Experiment 1, rats preferred and ran faster for a group of multiple smaller pellets rather than a single large pellet, corroborating previous research (Capaldi, Miller, & Alptekin Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes, 15(1), 75–80, 1989). Further experiments tested the prevailing hypothesis that multiple food pieces are more reinforcing because they occupy a larger surface area. Experiment 2 controlled for numerosity by utilizing a continuous food: mashed potatoes flattened to cover a larger surface area or rounded into a ball. The rats preferred and ran faster for the flattened potatoes, suggesting surface area plays a role in quantity estimations. Finally, in Experiment 3, rats displayed no preference or difference in running speed between a group of scattered and clustered pellets when number of pellets were kept constant. Taken together, these results suggest that density has an important role in food perception—that is, the rewarding effect of higher numerosity or larger surface area is removed when the food does not fill out the entire space. Alternative explanations and implications for human diet are discussed.