cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of a Robust Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory Module Based on a Purification Scheme for Bovine Serum Albumin.

This paper describes an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory module consisting of a set of experiments designed around a purification scheme for bovine serum albumin (BSA). Students purify BSA from cow plasma by a combination of salt and acetone precipitation, equilibrium dialysis, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. Students use the bromocresol green–BSA complex assay to quantify albumin at each step in the scheme and generate a purification table. In addition, trace amounts of IgG’s and nucleases, the major contaminants in BSA purification, are probed by Western blotting and DNase assay, respectively. This module exposes students to the principles and techniques of separation of proteins based on solubility, size, and surface charge. In addition, students learn the concept of limit of detection of analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The module utilizes two 3-h laboratory periods, with a 1-h prelab lecture per week, for about 6 weeks. Depending on class size, groups consist of two to four students. The module is suitable for students who have completed a semester of biochemistry. Instructors can extend the module to advanced level laboratory by including enzyme kinetics and protein structure–function studies based on albumin’s pseudoesterase activity and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, respectively.
Assessment of a Biopolymer-Based Film Indicator for Visually Monitoring Beef and Fish Spoilage

Food safety is a worldwide public concern that has recently gained increased attention due to the emerging outbreaks of foodborne diseases. Therefore, there is a pressing need to make simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly methods for detecting food spoilage and to mitigate the impact of possible outbreaks. The aim of this study is to develop a biodegradable indicator film which was made by combining cellulose-nanofiber/chitosan dyed with methyl red synthesis and followed by a single layer coating of PLA on its surface, named PLA/CCM film. The microstructural properties of PLA/CCM films were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and results showed that PLA effectively adhered to the surface of CCM film. The microbial response to PLA/CCM film was determined via a bacterial plating method. It was found that the contact of film with the microbes caused a substantial color change in the film. The coating of PLA upon the CCM film decreased the percentage of the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The color of the film vividly altered from slightly red to yellow in response to a pH change in the range of 4–8. The PLA/CCM film was applied to monitor the spoilage of beef and fish at an ambient condition (23 °C) and revealed the onset of food spoilage by displaying the color change from red to yellow after 1 day.
Observation Based Budget and Lifetime of Excess Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Abstract. The global budgets of CO2 and of excess CO2 (i.e., above preindustrial) in the biogeosphere are examined by a top-down, observationally constrained approach. Global stocks in the atmosphere, mixed-layer and deep ocean, and labile and obdurate terrestrial biosphere, and fluxes between them are quantified; total uptake of carbon by the terrestrial biosphere is constrained by observations, but apportionment to the two terrestrial compartments is only weakly constrained, requiring examination of sensitivity to this apportionment. Because of near equilibrium between the atmosphere and the mixed-layer ocean and near steady state between the atmosphere and the labile biosphere, these three compartments are tightly coupled. For best-estimate present-day anthropogenic emissions the turnover time of excess carbon in these compartments to the deep ocean and obdurate biosphere is 67 to 158 years. Atmospheric CO2 over the Anthropocene is accurately represented by a five-compartment model with four independent parameters: two universal geophysical quantities and two, specific to CO2, treated as variable. The model also accurately represents atmospheric radiocarbon, particularly the large increase due to atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons and the subsequent decrease. The adjustment time of excess atmospheric CO2, evaluated from the rate of decrease following abrupt cessation of emissions, is 78 to 140 years, consistent with the turnover time, approaching a long-time floor of 15–20 % of the value at the time of cessation. The lifetime of excess CO2 found here, several-fold shorter than estimates from current carbon-cycle models, indicates that cessation of anthropogenic emissions atmospheric would result in substantial recovery of CO2 toward its preindustrial value in less than a century.
Psychographics: Valid by Definition and Reliable by Technique

This article suggests a limitation on the use of the term "psychographics" to those studies utilizing a uniquely marketing oriented assessment technique. The appropriateness of psychometric validation techniques for this form of psychographic method is explored. The argument is proposed that the logic of the psychometric approach is inappropriate to this particular assessment problem. A more appropriate rationale is suggested for the reliability and validity issues, in light of the unusual characteristics and objectives of this emerging technique. The discussion concludes with a suggested rationale for the development of theoretical links between consumer behavior and the behavior being measured with this new approach.
Eukaryotic DNA Polymerases and δ: Conserved Properties and Interactions, from Yeast to Mammalian Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the DNA polymerases α and δ from mammalian cells and their accessory factors, and on the analogous DNA polymerases from Drosophila melanogaster and Saccharomyces cerevisiae . DNA-polymerizing activity in eukaryotic tissues was discovered not long after Kornberg's discovery of DNA polymerase I from Escherichia coli. The gene for human DNA polymerase α has been isolated and characterized, and new high-fidelity forms of the enzyme have been purified, using rapid isolation techniques. DNA polymerase δ has gained considerable attention because of its interaction with a cell-cycle-regulated protein. This protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), or cyclin, is also required for in vitro DNA replication of simian-virus-40 (SV40) DNA replication. The major differentiating characteristics of the four mammalian DNA polymerases are summarized in the chapter through a table. DNA polymerases have been isolated from a variety of unicellular eukaryotes. A comparison of the polymerases from these organisms with the prototypical mammalian DNA polymerases is problematic for several reasons that are described in the chapter.
The Dilemma of Developing and Testing AIDS Vaccines

This chapter discusses about an effective vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). From the standpoint of vaccine development, it is becoming more and more apparent that HIV is like no other virus. Key features that have led to successful vaccines with other viruses appear to be missing and are replaced by ones that are not conducive to vaccine development. In the absence of natural immunity, one must confront several serious obstacles: (i) correlates of immunity become difficult to establish, (ii) the rationale for live attenuated or even whole inactivate vaccines is weakened because of concerns for safety, (iii) the specter that all immune responses to the pathogen may not necessarily be salutary must be resolved, and (iv) the need to better understand virulence and how to overcome it becomes paramount. Thus, the empiricism that historically has been so dominant in development of vaccines against viruses gives way to a concerted effort to understand the fine details of infection and pathogenesis and how these are balanced with the ensuing host responses. When faced with such obstacles, vaccine developers have sometimes turned to animal models. Several independent studies had demonstrated that recombinant envelope products were effective in preventing HIV infection in chimpanzees and that antibodies were the best correlate of protection. In any event, it is now evident that a great deal of momentum is required to drive an HIV vaccine to the all-important milestone of an efficacy trial. The chapter ends with Howard Temin's contribution to work on HIV vaccines.
Verruciform xanthoma: A clinical, light microscopic, and electron microscopic study of two cases

Abstract Two cases of verruciform xanthoma have been analyzed. Clinical and light microscopic findings are similar to those reported by Shafer1 and Miller.2 Lipid and electron microscopic studies were also performed. These yielded the presence of lipid-laden macrophages, thus verifying the lesions as “xanthomas.”
Titration of the gene sites on DNA by DNA-RNA hybridization. I. Problem of measurement.

Abstract Three procedures to form RNA-DNA complexes have been studied. (1) The filter method —RNA is reacted with denatured DNA immobilized on a filter; (2) the agar method —DNA is immobilized in agar; (3) the liquid method —both DNA and RNA are in solution. RNA was labeled by exposing Escherichia coli to radioactive precursors for either short (pulse-labeled) or long times (long-labeled). Hybrid formation was assayed by radioactivity forming a complex with the filter or agar. The filter method can be inaccurate at higher RNA/DNA inputs. With RNA/ DNA input constant , the fraction of RNA radioactivity that forms complex increases with RNA concentration up to sufficiently high concentrations at which fractional yields cannot be further increased. Concentration dependence is more marked with pulse-labeled than with long-labeled RNA, presumably because more of the label in the hybridized RNA is in the rarer species. The results are consistent with an interpretation based on the law of mass action. At high RNA/DNA inputs, radioactivity retained by a blank filter can be comparable to that in genuine hybrid especially with long-labeled RNA since a much smaller proportion of label forms hybrid. In the liquid method, both concentration dependency and blank filter “sticking” are much less significant. However, competition from DNA-DNA re-annealing can be limiting. To titrate DNA from uninfected E. coli , the filter method has been used at RNA/DNA inputs less than 40 and the liquid method at RNA/DNA inputs greater than 10 with good agreement at intermediate RNA/DNA inputs. In the agar method, the higher the RNA/DNA input the greater the significance of RNA trapped non-specifically to the agar. Furthermore, a large fraction of the RNA in a presumed hybrid is ribonuclease-sensitive.
The stability of large-amplitude shallow interfacial non-Boussinesq flows

The system of equations describing the shallow-water limit dynamics of the interface between two layers of immiscible fluids of different densities is formulated. The flow is bounded by horizontal top and bottom walls. The resulting equations are of mixed type: hyperbolic when the shear is weak and the behavior of the system is internal-wave like, and elliptic for strong shear. This ellipticity, or ill-posedness is shown to be a manifestation of large-scale shear instability. This paper gives sharp nonlinear stability conditions for this nonlinear system of equations. For initial data that are initially hyperbolic, two different types of evolution may occur: the system may remain hyperbolic up to internal wave breaking, or it may become elliptic prior to wave breaking. Using simple waves that give a priori bounds on the solutions, we are able to characterize the condition preventing the second behavior, thus providing a long-time well-posedness, or nonlinear stability result. Our formulation also provides a systematic way to pass to the Boussinesq limit, whereby the density differences affect buoyancy but not momentum, and to recover the result that shear instability cannot occur from hyperbolic initial data in that case.
Serum Vitamin D Levels and Polycystic Ovary syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may be associated with metabolic and endocrine disorders in PCOS. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the associations of serum vitamin D levels with metabolic and endocrine dysregulations in women with PCOS, and to determine effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic and hormonal functions in PCOS patients. The literature search was undertaken through five databases until 16 January 2015 for both observational and experimental studies concerning relationships between vitamin D and PCOS. A total of 366 citations were identified, of which 30 were selected (n = 3182). We found that lower serum vitamin D levels were related to metabolic and hormonal disorders in women with PCOS. Specifically, PCOS patients with VDD were more likely to have dysglycemia (e.g., increased levels of fasting glucose and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR)) compared to those without VDD. This meta-analysis found no evidence that vitamin D supplementation reduced or mitigated metabolic and hormonal dysregulations in PCOS. VDD may be a comorbid manifestation of PCOS or a minor pathway in PCOS associated metabolic and hormonal dysregulation. Future prospective observational studies and randomized controlled trials with repeated VDD assessment and better characterization of PCOS disease severity at enrollment are needed to clarify whether VDD is a co-determinant of hormonal and metabolic dysregulations in PCOS, represents a consequence of hormonal and metabolic dysregulations in PCOS or both.
Neurobiological substrates underlying conditioned effects of cocaine.

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes several studies to define the neurobiological substrates underlying the conditioned effects of cocaine. The findings strongly suggest that intact dopamine (DA) function in the nucleus accumbens and, to a lesser degree, in the amygdala, is necessary for the formation of cocaine-conditioned behaviors. It has been also suggested that different neurobiological processes are involved in the acquisition and expression of psychomotor stimulant-induced conditioned increases in motor behavior. There are a variety of mechanisms by which DA antagonists could disrupt the acquisition of cocaine conditioning. The ability of these drugs to decrease or prevent conditioning to psychomotor stimulants is related to their ability to attenuate the unconditioned effects of the drugs that are critical in forming the conditioned association. Although neither the nucleus accumbens (DA terminals) nor the ventral tegmental area (VTA) receives input from primary sensory cortical regions, DA activity in this system could be influenced indirectly through other structures, such as the amygdala or frontal cortex. Considerable effort has been devoted to defining the neuropharmacological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying the acquisition of psychomotor stimulant-induced conditioning. An understanding of the processes involved in extinction may be useful for developing strategies to eliminate drug seeking or other aberrant behaviors based on conditioning. It has been supposed that for extinction to proceed, D2-receptor activation is necessary during unreinforced presentation of previously significant stimuli.
Policing developing democracies

There are enormous challenges in establishing policing systems in young democracies. Such societies typically have a host of unresolved pressing social, economic and political questions that impinge on policing and the prospects for reform. There are a series of hugely important questions arising in this context, to do with the emergence of the new security agenda, the problems of transnational crime and international terrorism, the rule of law and the role of the police, security services and the military. This is a field that is not only of growing academic interest but is now the focus of a very significant police reform ‘industry’. Development agencies and entrepreneurs are involved around the globe in attempts to establish democratic police reforms in countries with little or no history of such activity. Consequently, there is a growing literature in this field, but as yet no single volume that brings together the central developments. This book gathers together scholars from political science, international relations and criminology to focus on the issues raised by policing within developing democracies examining countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.
Added Value of Radiologist Consultation for Pediatric Ultrasound: Implementation and Survey Assessment.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiologist-parent (guardian) consultation sessions for pediatric ultrasound with immediate disclosure of examination results if desired increases visit satisfaction, decreases anxiety, and increases understanding of the radiologist's role. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Parents chaperoning any outpatient pediatric ultrasound were eligible and completed surveys before and after ultrasound examinations. Before the second survey, parents met with a pediatric radiologist on a randomized basis but could opt out and request or decline the consultation. Differences in anxiety and understanding of the radiologist's role before and after the examination were compared, and overall visit satisfaction measures were tabulated. RESULTS. Seventy-seven subjects participated, 71 (92%) of whom spoke to a radiologist, mostly on request. In the consultation group, the mean score (1, lowest; 4, highest) for overall experience was 3.8 ± 0.4 (SD), consultation benefit was 3....
The evolving concept of schizophrenia: from Kraepelin to the present and future

Schizophrenia is a complex and puzzling disease because it is characterized by a multiplicity of symptoms affecting most aspects of human cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Patients may experience abnormal perceptions such as auditory hallucinations, subjectively feel that their thoughts and emotions have been taken from them, or believe that their ideas, feelings, and movements are under the influence or possession of some malevolent outside force. They may experience intense emotions such as anger, display shallow silly emotions, or seem completely impoverished of emotion. Their speech may be normal and logical, disorganized and confused, or empty and laconic. In motoric activity they may be agitated and restless, manifest stereotypes or repetitive behaviour, or sit inactively or even in a stupor. Their personal relationships may be marred by intense jealousy and suspicion and fear, or disinterest and apathy. Finding an integrative explanation for this diversity of signs and symptoms is the fundamental question that has perplexed investigators and clinicians since the time of Kraepelin.
An Examination of Cultural Adaptations Performed by LGBT-Identified Youths to a Culturally Grounded, Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Intervention

Historically, substance abuse prevention programs are created with samples that conform to the majority population. Research shows that substance use risk factors are higher for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths (Eisenberg & Wechsler, 2003), and LGBT youths report higher use of substances than their heterosexual counterparts (Lampinen, McGhee, & Martin, 2006; Marshal et al., 2008; Russell, Truong, & Driscoll, 2002). However, when compared to LGBT adults, knowledge of youth substance use is limited. Unfortunately, few interventions are tailored to LGBT youths. It is necessary to investigate the factors associated with substance use that are unique to this population in order to tailor interventions to their needs. A preliminary study was conducted which adapted an evidence-based prevention program with guidance from LGBT youths at a drop-in center. This article explores the qualitative findings of the curriculum adaptation and a focus group through use of a grounded theory method. Findi...
Delineation operating characteristic (DOC) curve for assessing the accuracy behavior of image segmentation algorithms

In 2002, at this meeting, we presented a framework for the evaluation of image segmentation methods. That framework suggested the consideration of both recognition and delineation tasks and described three groups of factors under precision, accuracy, and efficiency for evaluating segmentation methods. In this paper, focusing on accuracy, we argue that evaluations conducted on particular manifestations of any segmentation method M (as determined by fixed values of the parameters of M) do not characterize the range of behavior of M. To capture the entire range of behavior of M for a given application domain, we describe a method called Delineation Operating Characteristic (DOC) analysis. The DOC curve summarizes the behavior of M and the tradeoff that is inherent in M between false positive and false negative regions within the regions delineated by M. This, we argue, will allow more complete understanding and more meaningful comparison of the relative accuracy of different methods. This analysis may also allow the selection of more optimal manifestations of M for a given application domain. By way of illustration, we demonstrate with examples how DOC curves can be used for comparing the accuracy of several segmentation methods.
The Role of Affect in the Entrepreneurial Process

Research findings indicate that the feelings and moods individuals experience (i.e., their affect) influence many aspects of cognition and behavior. Extending these findings to entrepreneurship, I suggest that affect influences several aspects of entrepreneurs' cognition and, hence, important elements of the entrepreneurial process. I propose a theoretical framework for understanding the role of affect in key aspects of entrepreneurship (e.g., opportunity recognition, resource acquisition).
Transgenic mice overexpressing reticulon 3 develop neuritic abnormalities

Dystrophic neurites are swollen dendrites or axons recognizable near amyloid plaques as a part of important pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We report herein that reticulon 3 (RTN3) is accumulated in a distinct population of dystrophic neurites named as RTN3 immunoreactive dystrophic neurites (RIDNs). The occurrence of RIDNs is concomitant with the formation of high-molecular-weight RTN3 aggregates in brains of AD cases and mice expressing mutant APP. Ultrastructural analysis confirms accumulation of RTN3-containing aggregates in RIDNs. It appears that the protein level of RTN3 governs the formation of RIDNs because transgenic mice expressing RTN3 will develop RIDNs, initially in the hippocampal CA1 region, and later in other hippocampal and cortical regions. Importantly, we show that the presence of dystrophic neurites in Tg-RTN3 mice causes impairments in spatial learning and memory, as well as synaptic plasticity, implying that RIDNs potentially contribute to AD cognitive dysfunction. Together, we demonstrate that aggregation of RTN3 contributes to AD pathogenesis by inducing neuritic dystrophy. Inhibition of RTN3 aggregation is likely a therapeutic approach for reducing neuritic dystrophy.
A new mutation (Leu569Arg) within Exon 13 of the TGFBI ( BIGH3 ) gene causes lattice corneal dystrophy type I

Abstract Purpose To describe an American family with lattice corneal dystrophy type I, which associates with a novel mutation, Leu569Arg, of the TGFBI ( BIGH3 ) gene. Design Experimental study. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells of four affected members of an American family with lattice corneal dystrophy type I. All 17 exons of the TGFBI gene were evaluated by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Clinical and histologic data were also collected. Results Three generations of this family have been positively diagnosed with lattice corneal dystrophy, indicating autosomal dominant inheritance. We identified a heterozygous point mutation that associates with the disease phenotype. The single base-pair substitution (T1753G) results in an amino acid substitution (Leu569Arg) in exon 13 of the TGFBI gene. Conclusions Substitution of arginine for leucine at position 569 of the TGFBI gene results in a form of lattice corneal dystrophy that is phenotypically similar to other genetically distinct forms of type I disease. This is the first report of disease correlated with changes in exon 13 of the TGFBI gene.
Einthoven's triangle: lead errors and an algorithm for solution

The three bipolar leads (I, II, and III) of the 12-lead electrocardiogram are subject to technical errors that not only confound interpretation but may lead to faulty clinical actions. While some errors are readily recognized, even experienced electrocardiographers overlook others. This paper reviews the nature of limb lead errors and offers what we think is a generally useful method to deduce the observed, but erroneous, lead configurations.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Aerospace Materials using Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging

THz time-domain imaging was utilized in the non-destructive evaluation of various composite materials used in aerospace structures and components for the characterization of defects and changes in material properties due to mechanical and thermal strain.
A Near-Infrared Search for Counterparts to Three Pulsars in Young Supernova Remnants*

We present moderately deep JHKs-band searches for near-infrared counterparts to three energetic pulsars in young supernova remnants: PSR B1509-58, PSR J1811-1925, and PSR J1930+1852. We identify a possible counterpart to PSR B1509-58 (which has H 20.6 mag and Ks 19.4 mag, comparable to the flux extrapolated from the X-ray spectrum) with an X-ray-to-infrared flux ratio very similar to that of the Crab pulsar on the basis of its coincidence with the X-ray and radio positions and its anomalous colors, but whether or not we have identified the correct counterpart remains to be confirmed by future observations. For PSR J1811-1925 and PSR J1930+1852 we detect no counterparts, which seems to be consistent with the X-ray-to-infrared flux ratios implied by other young pulsars.
Cooperative hydrogen-bonding in models of antiparallel β-sheets

We present fully geometrically optimized density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/D95(d,p) level on antiparallel β-sheet models consisting of two or four strands of two or four glycine residues and artificial nylon-like two- or four-strand models of two glycine residues separated by two methylene groups. Unlike the H-bonds in α-helices and chains of H-bonding amides, the association of polyglycine strands shows little or no H-bond cooperativity. We show that C5 intrastrand H-bonds are either disrupted or enhanced upon formation of interstrand H-bonds, depending upon the H-bonding pattern in the glycine (but not the nylon-like) structures. The apparent relative absence of H-bond cooperativity in β-sheet models of polyglycine derives from the weakening and strengthening of these intrastrand H-bonds. Normal cooperative H-bonding occurs when the nylon-like strands (which cannot form the intrastrand H-bond) form two- and four-strand sheets. The H-bonding interactions are stronger and the H-bonding d...
Quenched fermions on the Columbia lattice parallel processor

Abstract A high statistics calculation of quenched hadron masses on an 8 3 × 6 lattice is discussed. The results are compared with previous results and are found to be systematically higher for the rho meson.
Replication timing and Xenopus 5S RNA gene transcription in vitro.

Abstract The influence of DNA replication in a chromospinal environment on the transcription of Xenopus laevis 5S RNA genes has been examined using low-speed extracts of Xenopus eggs and Xenopus sperm nuclei. The major oocyte- and somatic-type 5S RNA multigene families of X. laevis are differentially expressed in these extracts dependent on limiting transcription factors and replicate in different compartments of S-phase. Under these particular experimental conditions the timing of replication of the somatic 5S RNA genes appears to be independent of their transcriptional activity. Moreover, differential transcription of the oocyte- and somatic-type 5S RNA genes is not influenced by the replication process.
A Functionally Conserved N-terminal Domain of the Friend of GATA-2 (FOG-2) Protein Represses GATA4-Dependent Transcription

GATA4 is a transcriptional activator of cardiac-restricted promoters and is required for normal cardiac morphogenesis. Friend of GATA-2 (FOG-2) is a multizinc finger protein that associates with GATA4 and represses GATA4-dependent transcription. To better understand the transcriptional repressor activity of FOG-2 we performed a functional analysis of the FOG-2 protein. The results demonstrated that 1) zinc fingers 1 and 6 of FOG-2 are each capable of interacting with evolutionarily conserved motifs within the N-terminal zinc finger of mammalian GATA proteins, 2) a nuclear localization signal (RKRRK) (amino acids 736–740) is required to program nuclear targeting of FOG-2, and 3) FOG-2 can interact with the transcriptional co-repressor, C-terminal-binding protein-2 via a conserved sequence motif in FOG-2 (PIDLS). Surprisingly, however, this interaction with C-terminal-binding protein-2 is not required for FOG-2-mediated repression of GATA4-dependent transcription. Instead, we have identified a novel N-terminal domain of FOG-2 (amino acids 1–247) that is both necessary and sufficient to repress GATA4-dependent transcription. This N-terminal repressor domain is functionally conserved in the related protein, Friend of GATA1. Taken together, these results define a set of evolutionarily conserved mechanisms by which FOG proteins repress GATA-dependent transcription and thereby form the foundation for genetic studies designed to elucidate the role of FOG-2 in cardiac development.
ACTIVATION-INDUCED BI-DENTATE INTERACTION OF SHIP AND SHC IN B LYMPHOCYTES

SHIP is a SH2 domain-containing inositol polyphosphatase that is selectively tyrosine phosphorylated and associated with the adapter protein Shc in B lymphocytes upon co-crosslinking surface immunoglobulin and FcγRIIB1. We previously observed that this stimulation condition is associated with a reduction in the interaction of Grb2 with phosphorylated Shc, an enhanced interaction of Shc with SHIP, and a block in the Ras signaling pathway. We proposed that the SH2 domain of SHIP competes with Grb2 in binding to phospho-Shc, resulting in a block in Ras signaling. To test this model, we examined the mode of SHIP–Shc interaction. Using recombinant Shc and SHIP interaction domains and purified Shc and SHIP phosphopeptides, we show that the interaction is bi-dentate such that the SH2 domain of SHIP recognizes phosphorylated Y317 and doubly-phosphorylated Y239/Y240 of Shc and the Shc PTB domain recognizes phosphorylated NPxpY motifs within SHIP. We observed no role for the Shc SH2 domain in the interaction. These findings are consistent with our earlier model that SHIP and Grb2 compete for binding to phospho-Shc and support the notion that, in addition to the hydrolysis of inositol phosphates and phospholipids, SHIP contributes to anti-proliferative biochemistry by blocking protein–protein interactions. J. Cell. Biochem. 67:32–42, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Growth factors adherent to cell substrate are mitogenically active in situ.

We report here that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)1–4 and pituitary-derived fibroblast growth factor (FGF)5 bind rapidly and tenaciously to tissue culture plates either coated with collagen (a major component of the extracellular matrix) or uncoated. Surface-bound PDGF resists extraction with non-ionic detergents, organic solvents and chaotropic solvents; moreover it is biologically active in situ. Our finding that immobilized PDGF is nonetheless mitogenic lends support to other observations which indicate that PDGF functions outside the cell via production of a stable intracellular second signal6. In a broader context, the observations suggest that one role of the extracellular matrix in vivo is to sequester biologically active molecules like PDGF to provide a localized and persistent stimulation.
Reversible hypothyroidism in growth hormone-deficient children treated with human growth hormone.

Six children with human growth hormone (hGH) deficiency became hypothyroid during the course of their therapy with hGH. This was accompanied by a decreasing growth rate, clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism and decreased serum T4 concentrations. Three of the 6 patients returned to the euthyroid state, both clinically and biochemically, with cessation of hGH therapy, and reinstitution of hGH precipitated hypothyroidism again in 2 of the three. The patients who remained hypothyroid have evidence of multiple pituitary trophic hormone deficiencies while those who reverted to euthyroidism appear to have isolated hGH deficiency. Evaluation of thyroid function while on hGH showed low T4, free T4 and T3concentrations. The serum thyrotropin (TSH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was absent or markedly blunted in 4 of 6 patients while receiving long-term hGH therapy but was normal or exaggerated in all patients when tested before or after only 5 days of hGH therapy. These data indicate that exogenous ...
COMPARISON OF SINGLE VERSUS MULTIPLE DOSE REGIMENS FOR THE HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN STIMULATORY TEST

Purpose: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has a stimulatory effect on testicular steroidogenesis and has been widely used for evaluating male Leydig cell function. However, considerable variability exists in the protocols for HCG stimulation tests. In the most commonly used protocols HCG is administered daily for several days. We examine the circulating androgen response after 1 and 3-dose HCG regimens.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 77 prepubertal boys diagnosed with hypospadias, cryptorchidism or micropenis. In 60 boys who underwent 1 dose of 100 IU/kg. or 5,000 IU/1.7 m.2 HCG serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were sampled at 72 (28) and 96 (32) hours after injection, while in 17 who underwent 3 daily age adjusted doses hormone levels were determined on day 4. All blood specimens were obtained and injections were performed at 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and all specimens were evaluated at the same endocrine reference laboratory.Results: Nonstimulated testosterone levels were prepubertal in all grou...
Multichannel (Ineraid®) cochlear implant update

From April 1984 to May 1991, 49 profoundly deaf patients received implantation of the Ineraid multichannel cochlear implant at the University of Utah. The auditory results of 48 patients indicated improvement in mean pure-tone performance to 500 Hz (32.9 +/- 10.1 dB), 1000 Hz (27.1 +/- 10.0 dB), and 2000 Hz (30.1 +/- 9.8 dB). This group of patients had mean performances of 61.2% on auditory-only environmental sounds (Minimum Auditory Capabilities [MAC] battery), 48.8% on auditory-only CID sentences, and 95.5% on auditory-plus-visual CID sentences. The percutaneous pedestal has been well-tolerated. Changes in the surgical skin incisions have been made. A home use speech therapy program has been developed on VHS tapes.
CURRENT TENDENCIES IN COLLEGE INVESTMENTS

The total book value of all college endowment funds is about $1.8 billion. By way of contrast, commercial banks have $150 billion of assets, life insurance companies $55 billion, mutual savings banks $20 billion, and fire and casualty companies about $10 billion. Thus the commercial banks have over 80 times as much money to handle as colleges, life companies 30 times as much, mutual savings banks 11 times, and fire and casualty companies 5Y2 times as much. Moreover, there are twelve life companies, each of whose assets exceed $1 billion, and there are some sixteen commercial banks of this size. The largest college endowment is only about $200 million, and there are only three others whose funds exceed $100 million. Thus the college investment problem is minute compared with that of our giant neighboring institutions. The rate of growth. of college endowments is much less rapid than the growth of banks and insurance companies. In the ten years ended in 1946 college endowments rose about one-third in amount, whereas commercial bank assets nearly tripled, life company assets doubled, mutual savings bank assets rose 60 per cent, and fire and casualty insurance company assets gained nearly 80 per cent. The $3.5 billion annual increase in assets of the life companies is twice as great in dollars as the aggregate of all investments now held by colleges. Therefore, there is not as much heat on the managers of college funds to find an outlet for new money as there is for insurance companies and banks, and, not having to rely on the supply of new investment media, colleges have been more free -in policy decisions. The college problem is rather one on how best to invest existing funds; the relatively small accretions from year to year are not much cause for concern.
Communication between the cell membrane and the nucleus: Role of protein compartmentalization

Understanding how the information is conveyed from outside to inside the cell is a critical challenge for all biologists involved in signal transduction. The flow of information initiated by cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contacts is mediated by the formation of adhesion complexes involving multiple proteins. Inside adhesion complexes, connective membrane skeleton (CMS) proteins are signal transducers that bind to adhesion molecules, organize the cytoskeleton, and initiate biochemical cascades. Adhesion complex-mediated signal transduction ultimately directs the formation of supramolecular structures in the cell nucleus, as illustrated by the establishment of multi complexes of DNA-bound transcription factors, and the redistribution of nuclear structural proteins to form nuclear subdomains. Recently, several CMS proteins have been observed to travel to the cell nucleus, suggesting a distinctive role for these proteins in signal transduction. This review focuses on the nuclear translocation of structural signal transducers of the membrane skeleton and also extends our analysis to possible translocation of resident nuclear proteins to the membrane skeleton. This leads us to envision the communication between spatially distant cellular compartments (i.e., membrane skeleton and cell nucleus) as a bidirectional flow of information (a dynamic reciprocity) based on subtle multilevel structural and biochemical equilibria. At one level, it is mediated by the interaction between structural signal transducers and their binding partners, at another level it may be mediated by the balance and integration of signal transducers in different cellular compartments.
The already dead: the new time of politics, culture, and illness

Eric Cazdyn takes readers on a challenging journey across the literatures of film criticism, philosophy, psychoanalysis, medical anthropology and other fields in The Already Dead: The new time of p...
BRCA2 and predisposition to pancreatic and other cancers.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a major cause of cancer deaths in the industrialised world. Recent work has focused on the genetics of pancreatic cancer with a goal of finding an early detection marker that might allow for greater rates of survival than are currently possible. The breast cancer 2 gene (BRCA2) is one of numerous genes implicated in familial pancreatic cancer. Carriers of germline mutations of the BRCA2 gene have an increased risk of several cancers, among them pancreatic adenocarcinoma. During pancreatic carcinogenesis, bi-allelic inactivation of BRCA2 occurs as a late event, suggesting that other genetic events must occur before neoplastic cells can tolerate loss of BRCA2.
Leadership development for learning organizations

While discussions of the learning organization (LO) often center on nuances of its definition and application, little attention has been given to the role that organizational leaders play in fostering goals of becoming an LO. Varied research indicates that leaders may play the single most important role in determining the success or failure of LO efforts, with trust, modeled behaviors, and positive reinforcement critical to gaining worker acceptance and support. This paper recommends that, to improve chances of success, organizations should first attend to developing learning leaders before implementing any LO efforts.
ADENOSINE INCREASES INTERLEUKIN 6 RELEASE AND DECREASES TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR RELEASE FROM RAT ADRENAL ZONA GLOMERULOSA CELLS, OVARIAN CELLS, ANTERIOR PITUITARY CELLS AND PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES

Adenosine modifies interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release from immune tissues. Because adenosine alters endocrine function and endocrine cells secrete cytokines, its effects on IL-6 and TNF release from rat adrenals, ovaries, and anterior pituitaries were compared with its effects on cytokine release from rat peritoneal macrophages. Adenosine increased basal IL-6 release and decreased basal TNF release from adrenal zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata/reticularis cells. IL-6 and TNF release from zona glomerulosa cells was greater (20x) than that of other adrenal cells. An A2 agonist modified adrenal IL-6 and TNF release at lower concentrations than an A1 agonist. Adenosine augmented adrenal IL-6 release stimulated by endotoxin (LPS), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and angiotensin II. LPS- and IL-1 beta-stimulated adrenal TNF release was inhibited by adenosine. Adenosine increased IL-6 release and inhibited TNF release from ovarian cells. Anterior pituitary cells released IL-6, but no detectable TNF. Adenosine, via A2 receptors, stimulated IL-6 secretion from these cells. Peritoneal macrophage IL-6 release was increased and TNF release decreased by adenosine. Thus, in immune and endocrine tissues, adenosine increases IL-6 release, but inhibits TNF release.
Deformation-induced folding systems in thin-walled monolithic hexagonal metallic honeycomb

Abstract Metallic honeycombs exhibit microstructural heterogeneity under large deformation which presents a challenge to the development of mechanical models of the material using classical continuum mechanics. In order to gain insight on this problem, numerical multiaxial experiments are performed on a virtual honeycomb specimen (VHS). This involves a detailed finite element model that represents the plate-like honeycomb microstructure with three-dimensional shell elements obeying an elastic–plastic constitutive law. The VHS is subjected to large combined compressive and shear loading along its tubular direction in displacement-controlled simulations under quasi-static conditions. The observed deformation mechanisms that include plastic collapse and the formation of folding systems are analyzed at the microstructural level and their effects on the mechanical responses at the macroscopic level are discussed in-depth. Mathematical expressions of the characteristics of the folding systems, namely: folding planes, folding directions, hinge line orientations, and compatibility zones are developed and used to determine representative measures of microstructural deformation. An elliptic macroscopic plastic collapse envelope of the honeycomb is analytically and numerically evaluated, while closed-form expressions of compressive and shear strengths are presented. A linear crushing envelope defines the post-collapse behavior. The direction of inelastic deformation is found to be parallel to that of the macroscopic compressive principal stress. This study reveals that the constitutive behavior of metallic honeycombs beyond the elastic regime is controlled by folding systems.
Ripples generated on a liquid film at high gas velocities

Abstract The growth of capillary ripples on a thin liquid film flowing concurrently with a high velocity gas flow is explored. In particular, a mechanism is examined whereby the ripples receive their energy from pressures and shear stresses exerted at the wave surface by the gas. The predicted wavelength of the most rapidly growing wave is found to be affected by system variables in the same manner as the measured distance between ripple crests. However, the magnitude of the predicted wavelength is one-half the observed wavelength. This could be explained by arguing that finite-amplitude two-dimensional waves are unstable to three-dimensional disturbances which cause alternate peaks and valleys along the crest of the original two-dimensional wave pattern.
Cross-Polarization of Paraxial Maxwell-Gaussian Beams

Cross polarization and focusing properties of Maxwell-Gaussian beams with linear, circular, radial and azimuthal polarizations are studied in terms of the solutions of vector and scalar paraxial wave equation.
Disparities in Use of Same-Day Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Florida, 2001-2005

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the recommended treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines published in 1999 and 2004. In this study, hospital and patient predictors of same-day primary PCI use for STEMI were examined across the period from 2001 to 2005. Inpatient discharge data for adults aged ≥18 years with primary diagnoses of STEMI who were admitted to Florida hospitals through emergency departments (ED) from 2001 to 2005 (n = 58,308) were analyzed. Hierarchical (multilevel) logistic regression models were used to assess hospital PCI volume and individual characteristics as predictors of same-day PCI use for patients at PCI-capable hospitals. The percentage of ED-admitted patients with a STEMI who received same-day PCI in Florida increased from 20% in early 2001 to 43% in late 2005. At PCI-capable hospitals, 50% of these patients received same-day PCI in late 2005. Patients admitted on weekends, women, patients aged ≥ 75 years, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and patients with end-stage renal disease were all significantly less likely to receive same-day PCI. Black patients were less likely to receive same-day PCI in early 2001 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 0.9, p
A FACULTY VIEWS ITS RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN" An Empirical Observation and Analysis

What is the level of a faculty's knowledge of its pension plan, and what are its attitudes toward and opinions of its benefit plan? A questionnaire solicited data from one faculty in order to investigate these questions, as well as to measure the effect of marital status, the number of years employed, and proximity to retirement on the responses.
Juvenile Hormone Extraction, Purification, and Quantification in Ants

Juvenile hormone (JH) is an important insect hormone known to have many effects on development, reproduction, and behavior in both solitary and social insects. A number of questions using ants as a model involve JH. This procedure allows for quantification of circulating levels of JH III, which can be an important factor in many questions relating to insect research. The JH III is extracted from a subject, purified, and converted to a d(3)-methoxyhydrin derivative that can be quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major advantages of this protocol are its high resolution, and its ability to quantify significant differences between relatively small quantities of the hormone. Its major limitations are the time necessary to process samples, its relatively high cost, and maintaining the sensitivity of the equipment.