cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple binding states of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in membranes from neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells

Abstract Membranes of neuron-like NG108-15 hybrid cells bind [ 3 H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) with high affinity and specificity. Greater than 90% of total [ 3 H]QNB binding is to sites having the pharmacological specificity of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Three significant features characterize the interaction of ligands with these sites: (1) Specific binding of [ 3 H]QNB at equilibrium follows a simple adsorption isotherm with an apparent K D of 1 × 10 −10 M; (2) Rates of [ 3 H]QNB association and dissociation are biphasic and, as the binding reaction proceeds, the fraction of readily dissociable [ 3 H]QNB decreases; (3) Competition against [ 3 H]QNB for specific binding sites by antagonists gives a slope of 1 when analyzed on Hill plots, but competition for binding sites by agonists gives a slope of less than 1. A simple two-step model for activation is proposed to account for these features.
Effects of neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate and castration on neurokinin A levels in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary of rats.

Abstract The effects of neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and castration on hypothalamic and anterior pituitary levels of neurokinin A (NKA) were studied in male and female rats killed at 46 days of age. In male rats treated neonatally with MSG, body, anterior pituitary, testis, ventral prostrate, and seminal vesicle weights and serum testosterone levels were significantly lower than in saline-injected controls. Hypothalamic NKA was significantly lower in MSG-treated male rats as compared with the controls, and no apparent changes were recorded in anterior pituitary NKA. Orchidectomy was followed by a significant decrease in hypothalamic NKA in saline controls, but not in MSG-treated rats. In female rats treated with MSG, there was a significant decrease in body, anterior pituitary, and ovarian weights, as compared with saline-injected controls, but no significant differences were observed in uterine weights and serum estradiol levels. Hypothalamic NKA was lower, although not significantly, in MSG-treated rats as compared with the respective controls, and no differences were recorded in anterior pituitary NKA levels. Ovariectomy was followed by a significant decrease in hypothalamic NKA in both MSG-treated and control rats, but NKA in the anterior pituitary was significantly increased after ovariectomy only in saline-treated controls, whereas MSG-treated females failed to show this response. It is concluded that neonatal MSG treatment resulted in a decrease of hypothalamic NKA, which was particularly pronounced in male rats without any significant change in anterior pituitary NKA levels. The response of hypothalamic NKA to castration and the response of anterior pituitary NKA to ovariectomy were also altered in MSG-treated rats; this may reflect a functional block of some neuroendocrine functions of the hypothalamus that resulted from the neuronal lesions induced by MSG.
Inhibiting the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase CDK5 Blocks Pancreatic Cancer Formation and Progression through the Suppression of Ras-Ral Signaling

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), a neuronal kinase that functions in migration, has been found to be activated in some human cancers where it has been implicated in promoting metastasis. In this study, we investigated the role of CDK5 in pancreatic cancers where metastatic disease is most common at diagnosis. CDK5 was widely active in pancreatic cancer cells. Functional ablation significantly inhibited invasion, migration and anchorage-independent growth in vitro, and orthotopic tumor formation and systemic metastases in vivo. CDK5 blockade resulted in profound inhibition of Ras signaling through its critical effectors RalA and RalB. Conversely, restoring Ral function rescued the effects of CDK5 inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells. Our findings identify CDK5 as a pharmacologically tractable target to degrade Ras signaling in pancreatic cancer.
Evaluation of the collision stopping power of elements and compounds for electrons and positrons

This paper gives tables of material properties needed for the evaluation of the collision stopping power for electrons and positrons according to the Bethe theory. The key quantity is the mean excitation energy of the medium, which has been derived for many materials by a critical analysis of experimental data. Also given are the density-effect parameters of the theory of Sternheimer and Peierls. The material properties are given for the elements and for 180 compounds and mixtures, and the rules are described by which they could be obtained for other materials. Tables are also given of auxiliary quantities which depend only on the kinetic energy of the incident electron. These, together with the main tables, make possible the quick-and-easy evaluation of the collision stopping power.
Factors related to past HIV testing among South African non-injection drug users.

Abstract South Africa has some of the highest estimates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the world, with a prevalence of 21.5%. Despite this, based on population-level data, 39% of sexually active South Africans have never been tested for HIV. Non-injection drug users (NIDUs) are a high-risk and increasingly prevalent group in South Africa. However, few studies have examined HIV test utilization among high-risk groups such as drug users in South Africa. The study was conducted in Pretoria, South Africa between 2002 and 2006. Of the 382 individuals surveyed, 31% had been tested for HIV in the past. Results indicate that females and older individuals were significantly more likely to have been tested for HIV at some point in the past, while individuals who did not know someone with HIV/AIDS as well as individuals who are unsure of their risk of HIV infection were significantly less likely to have ever accessed testing. Identification of these subgroups has implications for the development of targete...
Further evaluation of the construct, convergent and criterion validity of the Gambling Urge Scale with university-student gamblers

AbstractBackground: Research has documented the prevalence of problem gambling among university students, and craving is one factor that may provoke and maintain episodes of gambling. Objectives: We designed this study to assess elements of construct, convergent and criterion validity of the Gambling Urge Scale (GUS) when administered to regularly gambling university students. Methods: Students (n = 250) recruited from three universities during the spring semester, 2012, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions to test the impact of cue exposure to one of two types of stimuli (gambling versus non-gambling activity), and two types of presentation format (photographic versus imagery scripts), on current craving to gamble. Results: Self-reported craving increased significantly following exposure to gambling cues, but not following exposure to engaging non-gambling cues, regardless of the format by which cues were presented. Among those exposed to gambling cues, GUS craving scores were significantly c...
Effects of hydrogen in titanium alloys on subcritical crack growth under sustained load

Abstract The susceptibility of three titanium alloys to subcritical crack growth in air under sustained load was determined as a function of hydrogen content. The alloys examined contained from 7 to 76 p.p.m. and included Ti6Al4V, Ti8Al1Mo1V and Ti4Al3Mo1V. Tests were conducted with 0.25-inch-thick, fatigue-precracked compact tension specimens. Crack-growth behavior was quite sensitive to hydrogen content; time to failure increased as hydrogen content was decreased, while the threshold stress intensity — defined as the highest initial stress intensity leading to failure within 1 month — appeared to attain a minimum value at an intermediate hydrogen content. Hydrogen content also was shown to have a significant effect on fracture toughness; dramatic improvements in toughness accompanied reductions in hydrogen content to low levels. The effects of hydrogen on toughness were independent of loading rates varying between 60 and 4600 k.s.i.-inch 1 2 per minute.
Complex Aortic Valve Repair Following Excision of a Papillary Fibroelastoma

Complex aortic valve repair after mass lesion resection, in an otherwise normal, thin leafleted valve, is rarely described in the literature. We present a 68-year-old woman who underwent resection of an asymptomatic aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma. Due to extensive involvement of her left coronary cusp, the resection resulted in a significant defect in the leaflet, requiring a complex repair to preserve her otherwise normal aortic valve. We describe the operative findings, repair technique, and associated literature.
Strangeness production and other recent results from Hall B at Jefferson Lab

Recent results using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab are discussed. We emphasize strangeness photo-and electro-production in the baryon resonance region between W = 1.6 and 2.3 GeV, where indications of s-channel structure are suggestive of high-mass baryon resonances coupling to kaons and hyperons in the final state. Other CLAS results, for the E 1+ / M 1+ transition form factor at the first Δ-resonance, two-pion electroproduction, and η photoproduction are also briefly mentioned.
In Vivo application of RNAi to study pain

Chronic pain is associated with several disease conditions. The inadequacy of current analgesics to treat chronic pain is the result of a lack of understanding of the mechanisms that mediate pain. RNA interference has emerged in recent years as a new way to evaluate the roles of molecules involved in the pain response. Selective knockout of proteins has proven to be a powerful technique for target validation, but has been limited as a potential therapeutic due to short-lived responses induced by RNAi. The short responses of RNAi illustrate the need for better delivery techniques, which is being addressed by current work to induce RNAi through the cell's natural mechanisms. In order to gain a better understanding of chronic pain, it will be necessary to evaluate the pain molecules that are expressed as part of an injury induced pain response, which can be modeled by contusion spinal cord injury. RNAi will prove to be an important technique in this work. The present minireview will summarize the work that has been done using RNAi in vivo to study pain and discuss future directions for the use of RNAi to study chronic pain. doi : 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.1017310 Competing interest: None Source of Funding: None Received Date : 22 June 2010 Revised Date : 10 August 2010 Accepted Date : 12 August 2010
1,6-methano[10]annulene-stabilized radicals.

The rate of the methylenecyclopropane rearrangement is remarkably enhanced by the 1,6-methano[10]annulene group, which greatly stabilizes the biradical intermediate. The diastereomeric products argue against a concerted rearrangement mechanism and support a stabilized biradical intermediate that lives long enough to undergo rotation before ring closure.
Oxygen Increases Heart Injury in Ischemia/Reperfusion

Mice hearts were perfused using Langendorff apparatus with Krebs-Henseleit (KH) buffer oxygenated with 95% O2 + 5% CO2 at 37°C. Hearts were maintained suspended in the air in the humid chamber at 37oC for 20 min. Thereafter, hearts were either immersed in KH or kept in air in the same chamber at 37 °C, and subjected to 18 min of global ischemia by clamping the aorta. Afterwards, hearts were returned to air in the same humid chamber for 40, 60 or 90 min reperfusion. Heart function was monitored and myocardial infarction assessed by TTC staining at the end of the reperfusion. ROS generation was measured with Amplex Red in mitochondria isolated after 10 min of reperfusion.When the hearts were immersed in KH, heart function and infarct size had reached an injured steady-state at 40 min of reperfusion. In contrast, hearts kept in air had a smaller reperfusion injury and infarct size at 40 and 60 min approaching steady-state at 90 min after reperfusion. Consistent with a lower injury in air, mitochondrial ROS production by stimulating complex I was much smaller in air-maintained than in immersed hearts. We tested whether increased oxygenation of the ventricle heart walls in the immersed heart might be the cause of higher damage. To reduce oxygen, the KH solution was bubbled with N2 only. In this condition, the cardiac functional recovery was improved, and the infarct size measured at 60 min after reperfusion was reduced. In conclusion, 40 min reperfusion is sufficient to reach a steady-state infarct size when the hearts are immersed in KH during ischemia, while longer reperfusion time is required if the hearts kept in air. The injury installation during the reperfusion depends on the oxygen surrounding the heart during ischemia. Supported by NIH and AHA.
Cultural factors influencing adventitious shoot and plantlet formation from slash pine cotyledons

Cultural factors affecting in vitro shoot and subsequent plantlet formation of slash pine (Pinus elliotti Engelm.) cotyledons were investigated. Basal media composition, N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentration and exposure time significantly influenced bud induction in cotyledons cultured under a continuous photoperiod of 35–40 μmol m−2 s−1 at 24 ± 1 °C. The largest number of adventitious shoots was obtained after 28 days exposure to 66 μM BAP-supplemented modified Gresshoff and Doy 1 (GD1) medium. Relatively high frequencies of large shoots were obtained after a 14-day exposure to 22 μM BAP-supplemented Brown and Lawrence (BL) or 66 μM BAP-supplemented GD1. Adventitious shoots derived from 21- or 28-day exposures to BAP developed more slowly and were smaller in size than those derived from a 14-day exposure to the cytokinin. Shoot differentiation and subsequent growth were also influenced by basal media, media concentration, and presence of activated charcoal in the medium. The percentage of cotyledons forming shoots was highest on half-strength GD1 medium containing activated charcoal. Rooting was achieved in vitro under a continuous photoperiod of 60–70 μmol M−2 S−1. Roots were formed when excised shoots were planted on GD 1/2 medium supplemented with 2.68 μM 1−1a-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) with or without BAP for 14 days. The proposed technique of slash pine propagation using cotyledon explants can produce up to 100 seedlings per embryo.
Arches of Clouds as Precursors of Thunderstorms

Abstract Satellite photographs of 5 May 1983 show arches of clouds over Nebraska and Kansas that resemble clouds on the outflow boundaries near thunderstorms. However, there were no thunderstorms to provide the outflow. The arches were found to have formed along gravity waves in the southerly low-level flow. Larger thunderstorms formed later at the west ends of the gravity waves where the convergence in the low levels was enhanced by interaction with westerlies in the environment.
c-Myc-induced transcription factor AP4 is required for host protection mediated by CD8+ T cells

The transcription factor c-Myc is essential for T cell proliferation after priming; however, its expression is transient. Egawa and colleagues show that the transcription factor AP4 is induced by c-Myc and sustains the activation of CD8+ T cells. Although the transcription factor c-Myc is essential for the establishment of a metabolically active and proliferative state in T cells after priming, its expression is transient. It remains unknown how T cell activation is maintained after c-Myc expression is downregulated. Here we identified AP4 as the transcription factor that was induced by c-Myc and sustained activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Despite normal priming, AP4-deficient CD8+ T cells failed to continue transcription of a broad range of c-Myc-dependent targets. Mice lacking AP4 specifically in CD8+ T cells showed enhanced susceptibility to infection with West Nile virus. Genome-wide analysis suggested that many activation-induced genes encoding molecules involved in metabolism were shared targets of c-Myc and AP4. Thus, AP4 maintains c-Myc-initiated cellular activation programs in CD8+ T cells to control microbial infection.
Parametric Influences on the Response of Structural Shells

Abstract : The effects on structural response produced by variation of geometric, loading, and material property parameters have been investigated for the specific case of a fixed-ended cylinder subjected to a frontal cosine distribution of impulsive loading (although many qualitative results can be expected to apply to other cases). Responses were determined using the REPSIL code, which employs a finite difference method to solve the partial differential equations for large deflection, anelastic shell motions. Graphical representations of results in terms of six nondimensional quantities make it possible to obtain an overview of the influence of various system parameters on structural response and to draw certain conclusions regarding their relative importance. An empirical model based on REPSIL code data has been developed which permits rapid estimation of cylinder responses over a useful range of system parameters. (Author)
Effects of a competitive wrestling season on body composition, endocrine markers, and anaerobic exercise performance in NCAA collegiate wrestlers

Few data exist examining the body composition, endocrine, and anaerobic exercise performance changes over a competitive wrestling season. Eighteen NCAA wrestlers were tested for endocrine markers, body composition, hydration, grip strength, and power on four occasions: prior to pre-season training (T1); after pre-season training 3 days prior to the first seasonal meet (T2); mid-season one day prior to a meet (T3); and at the end of the season 2-3 days following the last meet (T4). Body mass, percent body fat (BF %), and fat mass were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) at T2 and T3 compared to T1 but were not different between T1 and T4. Lean body mass was significantly reduced at T2 only. Urine specific gravity was significantly elevated at T3 compared to T1, T2, and T4. Resting cortisol concentrations did not change but resting testosterone concentrations were significantly reduced at T2, T3, and T4. Maximal grip strength was significantly reduced at T2. Vertical jump peak power was significantly reduced at T2, T3, and T4. Wingate peak power was significantly reduced at T2 and T3. However, Wingate average power and total work did not significantly change. Fatigue rate during the Wingate test was significantly improved at T2, T3, and T4 compared to T1. In conclusion, body mass, BF %, and measures of peak force and power were reduced for most of the competitive wrestling season. Competitive wrestling reduces resting total testosterone concentrations throughout the entire season.
From knowledge seeking to knowledge creation: The Japanese university's challenge

Underlying the steady expansion of Japanese education is a strong public faith that success in schooling leads to a secure adult career with permanent employment in an organization. The Japanese work contract emphasizing stability and security pervades all walks of life including universities and research laboratories. This strength of the Japanese system is also its major weakness. It induces a penchant towards conformity and uniformity that sometimes conflicts with the creativity and initiative required in the best scientific and technical work. Thus, a major concern in the present reform effort is to bring greater flexibility and instability to a system that is premised on limited choice and stability. Japan's university challenge is to identify the structural reforms required to reverse the traditional focus of the educational sector. The current concern to expand graduate education, break down the chair system, expand university-industry collaboration, and increase the number of foreign researchers in Japanese laboratories is all part of the thrust for a new more stimulating educational process. But even bolder reforms are required if Japan hopes to move the educational sector to a new knowledge creation paradigm.
Myocardial Microinfarction after Coronary Microembolization in Swine: MR Imaging Characterization

Purpose: To use first-pass perfusion and delayed-enhanced (DE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the detection of the early effects of coronary microembolization on myocardial perfusion and viability. Materials and Methods: Approval was obtained from the institutional committee on animal research. A hybrid x-ray and MR imaging system was used to guide the endovascular catheter and quantify the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) perfusion territory before microembolization and ischemic myocardium and microinfarction after microembolization. The embolic agent was selectively delivered in the LAD in six pigs. First-pass perfusion MR imaging was performed 1 hour and 1 week after microembolization. Microinfarction was measured on DE MR images in beating and nonbeating hearts (high-spatial-resolution sequence) by using extracellular and blood pool MR contrast media and after death. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and correlation analysis were used. Results: The LAD perfusion territory was 35% of left ventricular (LV) mass ± 2 (standard error of the mean). Microembolization caused perfusion deficit in 15.7% of LV mass ± 2.6 compared with that of LAD territory (P = .03). At 1 week, perfusion parameters improved and the extent of hypoperfused territory declined (4.6% of LV mass ± 1.4, P = .03). Microinfarction size expanded from 1.4% of LV mass ± 0.2 at 1 hour to 7.5% of LV mass ± 1.2 at 1 week. In nonbeating hearts and at triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining at 1 week, microinfarction size was 7.6% of LV mass ± 1.4 and 7.2% of LV mass ± 1.5, respectively. There was no correlation between the ejection fraction and the extents of microinfarction or hypoperfused territory. Histopathologic findings confirmed the presence of patchy microinfarction. Conclusion: Coronary microembolization caused persistent decline in myocardial perfusion at first-pass perfusion imaging. DE MR imaging has the potential to help reliably quantify subacute microinfarction. The magnitude of LV dysfunction is not related to the extents of microinfarction or hypoperfused territory. © RSNA, 2009
The Efficacy of Early Intervention: Why Are We Still Asking This Question?

Although data concerning the efficacy of early intervention have been available for more than two decades, questions concerning the effectiveness of these programs continue to be raised. This paper examines four basic assumptions of intervention programs that must be clarified before the global question of efficacy can be meaningfully addressed: the implicit theory of human development, the conceptualization of the specific interventions, how developmental change is measured, and the strategies used for selecting program participants. A final discussion highlights the role played by the child's family in effective intervention programs.
Two new iniopterygians (Chondrichthyes) from the Mississippian (Serpukhovian) Bear Gulch Limestone of Montana with evidence of a new form of chondrichthyan neurocranium

The Iniopterygia are Palaeozoic chondrichthyans whose morphology and relationships are poorly understood. The morphology of two new taxa of Iniopterygidae, Rainerichthys zangerli and Papilionichthys stahlae, from the Upper Mississippian of Montana is now described. They exhibit the iniopterygian synapomorphy of dorsolaterally placed pectoral fins. They also display a laterally compressed head and body, a homocercal tail, and a single aspinous dorsal fin originating at approximately mid-body. These taxa differ in upper dental elements, bony cranial plates, body squamation, buccopharyngeal denticles, cranial linking cartilages, palatoquadrate shape, pterygoid articulation, pectoral axis and pectoral girdle shape, and in the robustness of branchial and suprascapular cartilages. The neurocranium is unique among known chondrichthyans in presenting anterior ethmosphenoid and posterior otico-occipital units separated by an intracranial joint. A complete otico-occipital fissure is found posteriorly. One to two pairs of upper parasymphysial whorls and one median lower premandibular symphysial whorl are present. Symphysial whorls were mobile and the cranial complex appears to have been kinetic. Cladistic assessment places these new taxa as basal chondrichthyans below the divergence of the Elasmobranchii and the Euchondrocephali. The range of morphology within known iniopterygians supports rapid diversification and niche specialization in this group of atypical chondrichthyans.
In Situ Detection of Chromate Using Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Pulsed-laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS) can be used to non-destructively assay aqueous Cr(VI) concentrations at trace levels. The technique involves the absorption of light pulses at 371 nm by Cr(VI) species (predominately chromate and bichromate). The absorbed energy is subsequently released in the form of heat generating a local pressure wave that is detected by an ultrasonic transducer. Because the total absorptivity of a Cr(VI) solution depends on the mixture of Cr(VI) species present and, thus, is strongly correlated with pH, a simple working expression relating solution absorbance to pH was developed, and molar absorptivities for several Cr(VI) species are reported. The detection limit for Cr(VI), which is effectively determined by the absorptivity of water, is reported to be 1 ng mL-1 at pH 6. Detection limits near 0.3 ng mL-1 would be expected for solutions at pH 8 and above, where the absorptivities of Cr(VI) species are greater. The nondestructive nature of this technique makes in situ studies of trace-level Cr(VI) chemistry in small volumes possible. We show how the technique can be used to study, in essentially real time, the thermodynamics and kinetics of Cr(VI) sorption by hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) powder, and the effect of competing ions, such as phosphate, on these properties.
Atrial stunning: basics and clinical considerations

Conversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter to sinus rhythm results in a transient mechanical dysfunction of atrium and atrial appendage, termed atrial stunning. Atrial stunning has been reported with all modes of conversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter to sinus rhythm including both transthoracic and low energy internal electrical, pharmacological, and spontaneous cardioversion, and conversion by overdrive pacing and by radiofrequency ablation. Atrial stunning is a function of the underlying arrhythmia becoming apparent at the restoration of sinus rhythm, not the function of the mode of conversion, and does not develop after the unsuccessful attempts of cardioversion or the delivery of electric current to the heart during rhythms other than atrial fibrillation or flutter. Tachycardia-induced atrial cardiomyopathy, cytosolic calcium accumulation, and atrial hibernation are the suggested mechanisms of atrial stunning. Atrial stunning is at maximum immediately after cardioversion and improves progressively with a complete resolution within a few minutes to 4-6 weeks depending on the duration of the preceding atrial fibrillation, atrial size, and structural heart disease. Atrial stunning causes postcardioversion thromboembolism despite restoration of sinus rhythm. Duration of anticoagulation therapy after successful cardioversion should depend on the duration of atrial stunning. Lack of improvement in cardiac output and functional recovery of patients immediately after cardioversion is attributed to the atrial stunning. Verapamil, acetylstrophenathidine, isoproterenol, and dofetilide have been reported to protect from atrial stunning in animal and small human studies. Right atrium stunning is less marked and improves earlier than that of left atrium, resulting in a differential atrial stunning explaining the rare occurrence of pulmonary edema after cardioversion.
Design of Experiments Approach to Maximize Process Reliability for Bone Scaffold Fabrication

Micro Robotic Deposition (μRD) is a solid freeform fabrication process in which a colloidal suspension, or ink, is extruded through a nozzle in a defined trajectory to form a three-dimensional structure. The term Micro Robotic Deposition is chosen since the extrusion nozzle is usually positioned by a robotic device with resulting part feature sizes between 1–1000 micrometers. μRD technology has been applied to a variety of applications[1] including hydroxyapatite (HA) bone scaffolds[2]. To date, the majority of the μRD research has focused on developing new materials appropriate for deposition as well as decreasing the feature size. In order to make μRD a reliable and viable manufacturing process the number and severity of fabrication defects must be reduced. However, deposition reliability has received relatively little research attention. The work presented here fills this gap in the literature and will help facilitate the transition of μRD technology from the research bench to a manufacturing environment by developing general guidelines that maximize process reliability.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Antibody-conjugated soybean oil-filled calcium phosphate nanoshells for targetted delivery of hydrophobic molecules.

Hollow calcium phosphate nanoparticles capable of encapsulating poorly water-soluble molecules were produced by self-assembly. Previously reported were solid calcium phosphate nanoparticles and water-filled calcium phosphate nanocapsules suited for encapsulating mostly hydrophilic, but not hydrophobic compounds. Here, calcium phosphate was deposited around 100 nm diameter, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate stabilized soybean oil nanoemulsions using either calcium chloride or NaOH titrations to achieve shell thickness between 20–70 nm. The surface was functionalized with carboxylic acid via the addition of carboxyethylphosphonic acid to attach Molecular Probes AB-594C antibody using sulpho-n-hydroxysuccinimide and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride with an efficiency of ∼70%, while retaining near complete antibody function. Hydrophobic pyrene was encapsulated with an efficiency of 95%, at concentrations much higher than its water solubility limit, and exhibited spectral features ...
'The centre cannot hold' Challenges in working psychodynamically in a college or university

Abstract This paper considers some of the contemporary challenges of working psychodynamically in a college or university counselling service. It is written from the perspective of several decades’ work in the United States. It touches on: changes in the national culture which affect the work, the tendency to ‘Balkanization’ among students, increasing awareness of cultural differences, aspects of the particular institution, and the typical developmental position of college students.
Hematological Parameters of Five Species of Marine Fishes

Abstract 1. 1. Blood oxygen capacity (BOC). hemoglobin (Hb) content, hematocrit (Hct). red blood cell (RBC) count, and pH were measured in five species of marine fishes which varied in activity from sedentary to fast swimming. 2. 2. BOC and Hb content were correlated with the level of activity for a species. RBC and Hct varied between species and were more weakly correlated with levels of activity. Blood pH did not vary between the species studied. 3. 3. These data suggest that increased BOC is correlated with high levels of activity in fish and that this increase is due to elevated Hb content of the blood. The increased Hb is generally accompanied by an increase in RBC count, so that the average corpuscular hemoglobin (ACH) remains the same.
Episodic Secretion of Luteinizing and Follicle-Stimulating Hormones in Agonadal and Hypogonadal Adolescents and Adults

ABSTRACT Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined in specimens obtained sequentially at 15- or 20-min intervals for six- or eight-hr periods in: girls of adolescent age with gonadal dysgenesis (N-4); ovariectomized adult females (N-5); a post-menopausal woman; agonadal young adult males (N-2); and one subject with Klinefelter's syndrome. LH levels oscillated significantly in each of these patients. FSH concentrations also varied in the majority of subjects, although the oscillations were not as marked as those of LH. FSH and LH fluctuations were often, but not always, synchronous. It is suggested that the rhythmic oscillations in peripheral gonadotropin levels reflect intermittent stimulation of pituitary secretion by the hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone(s).
Simple self-recording intensitometer attachment for microphotometers

A simple attachment has been added to a density-recording microphotometer to produce automatically the intensity-versus-wavelength curve of spectra. It can be applied to any microphotometer possessing a strip-chart density recorder.
Virulence Factors of Streptococcus uberis Isolated From Cows With Mastitis

For intramammary infections (IMI) to occur, mechanisms associated with avoidance of phagocytic defenses, rapid growth of bacteria, adherence of bacteria to epithelial cells, and/or bacterial colonization of mammary tissue are probably present. During the last decade, several potential virulence factors of Streptococcus uberis have been identified. Some of these factors are cell-associated while other factors are extracellular. Proposed antiphagocytic factors of S. uberis include capsule, neutrophil toxin, M-like protein and R-like protein. Activation of plasminogen by S. uberis has been proposed as an important mechanism for this organism to obtain nutrients for optimal bacterial growth. Potential virulence factors produced by S. uberis and released extracellularly include hyaluronic acid capsule, hyaluronidase and uberis factor. Streptococcus uberis isolated from bovine IMI adhere to and invade mammary epithelial cells. Involvement of intact microfilaments and de novo eukaryotic protein synthesis are required for bacterial invasion of mammary epithelial cells; a process that appeared to occur by a receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanism. De novo bacterial protein synthesis was also required for invasion of S. uberis into mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore, S. uberis survived within mammary epithelial cells for extended periods of time without losing viability or damaging the eukaryotic cell. Further research directed towards characterization of host-pathogen interactions that take place during the early stages of S. uberis intramammary infection are needed to enhance our understanding of pathogenesis and thus contribute to development of methods to minimize production losses associated with S. uberis mastitis in dairy cows.
An RNA-Sequencing Transcriptome and Splicing Database of Glia, Neurons, and Vascular Cells of the Cerebral Cortex

The major cell classes of the brain differ in their developmental processes, metabolism, signaling, and function. To better understand the functions and interactions of the cell types that comprise these classes, we acutely purified representative populations of neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, newly formed oligodendrocytes, myelinating oligodendrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells, and pericytes from mouse cerebral cortex. We generated a transcriptome database for these eight cell types by RNA sequencing and used a sensitive algorithm to detect alternative splicing events in each cell type. Bioinformatic analyses identified thousands of new cell type-enriched genes and splicing isoforms that will provide novel markers for cell identification, tools for genetic manipulation, and insights into the biology of the brain. For example, our data provide clues as to how neurons and astrocytes differ in their ability to dynamically regulate glycolytic flux and lactate generation attributable to unique splicing of PKM2, the gene encoding the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase. This dataset will provide a powerful new resource for understanding the development and function of the brain. To ensure the widespread distribution of these datasets, we have created a user-friendly website (http://web.stanford.edu/group/barres_lab/brain_rnaseq.html) that provides a platform for analyzing and comparing transciption and alternative splicing profiles for various cell classes in the brain.
The concentration dependence of the hemoglobin mutual diffusion coefficient.

Abstract Laser correlation Spectroscopy was used to measure the mutual diffusion coefficient, D, of human cyanomethemoglobin (Fe +++ :CN) at varying protein concentrations. These measurements were male at 20°C in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0. For low protein concentrations we find D = (6.43 ± 0.26) × 10 −7 cm 2 /S and that there is a near linear decrease from this value at higher concentrations. The linear relation between the diffusion coefficient and protein concentration allows us to deduce the value of the linear frictional volume fraction coefficient, K f = 7.75. and to extrapolate to hemoglobin concentrations equivalent to that in the red blood cell where we estimate D = 4.25 × 10 −7 cm 2 /s Various theoretical predictions of the dependence of the mutual diffusion coefficient on concentration are tested; we find that the generalized Stokes-Einstein relation can be made to fit our high concentration data if we assume a hard-sphere model and if we include a term involving a hydrodynamic interaction integral.
Capillary effects on hydrate stability in marine sediments

[1] We study the three-phase (Liquid + Gas + Hydrate) stability of the methane hydrate system in marine sediments by considering the capillary effects on both hydrate and free gas phases. The capillary pressure, a measure of the pressure difference across a curved phase interface, exerts a key control on the methane solubility in Liquid + Hydrate (L + H) and Liquid + Gas (L + G) systems. By calculating the L + H and L + G solubilities as a function of water depth (pressure) and pore size (interface curvature), we show how the solubility requirements for forming both gas hydrate and free gas can be met in a three-phase zone. The top of the three-phase zone shifts upward in sediments as the water depth increases and the mean pore size decreases. The thickness of the three-phase zone increases as the distribution of pore sizes widens. The top of the three-phase zone can overlie or underlie the bulk three-phase equilibrium depth. At Blake Ridge, we predict that the three-phase zone is 27.7 m thick and that the top of the three-phase zone lies 13 m above the predicted bulk equilibrium depth. This reconciles the observation of the bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) at Blake Ridge that is shallower than the predicted bulk equilibrium depth. In contrast, at Hydrate Ridge where water depth is shallower, we predict that the three-phase zone is 20.4 m thick and that the top of the three-phase zone lies 0.7 m below the predicted bulk equilibrium depth. Our model, which predicts an upward shift in the top of free gas occurrence with increasing water depth (pressure), is compatible with worldwide observations that the BSR is systematically shifted upward relative to the bulk equilibrium depth as water depth (pressure) is increased.
Modern Immunosuppressive Therapy in Kidney Transplantation

Immunosuppressive therapy is a key component for successful kidney transplantation. It is commonly believed that more intensive immunosuppression is needed initially to prevent rejection episodes and less immunosuppression is subsequently maintained to minimize the overall risk of infection and malignancy. The selection of drugs should be guided by a comprehensive assessment of the immunologic risk, patient comorbidities, financial cost, drug efficacy and adverse effects. Lymphocyte-depleting antibody induction is recommended for patients with high immunologic risk, while IL-2R antibody can be used for low or moderate risk patients. Patients with very low risk may be induced with intravenous steroids without using an antibody. A maintenance regimen typically consists of a low-dose of steroid combined with two of the four class drugs: calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus or cyclosporine), antimetabolite (mycophenolate mofetil or enteric coated mycophenolate sodium), mTOR inhibitor (sirolimus or everolimus) and costimulation blocker (belatacept). Currently in the USA, the most popular maintenance is the combination of corticosteroid, mycophenolic acid and tacrolimus. Steroid minimization, or calcineurin inhibitor free or withdrawal should be limited to the highly selected patients with low immunological risk. Recently, the novel biological agent belatacept-based maintenance has demonstrated a significantly better renal function and improved cardiovascular and metabolic profile, which may provide hope for an ultimate survival benefit.
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey: A valuable database for studying racial and ethnic disparities in prescription drug use

Abstract Background Despite the importance of equal access to prescription drugs by racial and ethnic groups, studies on access to prescription drugs have been incomprehensive. Objective To describe the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) as a valuable data source to study racial and ethnic disparities in prescription drug use. Methods Use of the MEPS database to study disparities in prescription drug use is detailed. This includes strengths and limitations of the database, as well as key methodological, sampling, and statistical issues to consider when using it. Results Using MEPS allows researchers to control for sociodemographic and health status information when studying racial and ethnic disparities in prescription drug use. MEPS has taken measures to improve reliability of the information on the utilization of prescription drugs. An additional benefit of MEPS is that it has oversampled Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians; as such, it affords the statistical power to examine these minority groups. One limitation of MEPS is the inability of researchers to study some drug categories, because of limitations in statistical power. Moreover, the names of the prescription medications are not standardized in MEPS, and some information is not publicly available in MEPS databases. When conducting studies requiring information not publicly available, researchers may commute to the MEPS Data Center or may request the Data Center to run statistical programs for them. Conclusions Using MEPS to study racial and ethnic disparities in prescription drug use has significant benefits. Nonetheless, researchers need to keep in mind the limitations of using MEPS.
Abnormal migration of human wild-type α-synuclein upon gel electrophoresis

Alpha-synuclein aggregates have been linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), with Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) constituting the pathological hallmarks in the brains of patients with PD and dementia with LBs. LBs are formed by the conversion of soluble monomers of alpha-synuclein into insoluble aggregates. Here we report an abnormal electrophoretic mobility, at a higher molecular weight (MW) than the expected theoretical MW, of both recombinant histidine-tagged human alpha-synuclein, human alpha-synuclein expressed in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells or Ltk(-) fibroblasts, and rat brain alpha-synuclein, on SDS-PAGE polyacrylamide, but not on Nu-PAGE gradient peptide, gels, suggesting possible alpha-synuclein data misinterpretations associated with gel electrophoresis. These studies raise important considerations about the type of protein gel electrophoresis system suitable to study the alterations of alpha-synuclein associated with neurodegeneration, PD and other synucleinopathies.
The Crisis of Undercoordination

Technological progress—especially in the realms of information processing, communication, transportation, commerce and distribution of energy—is leading to an accelerated growth in interdependence on all levels of modern society. A well-known result in systems analysis is that highly interdependent large-scale systems carry a high risk of catastrophic failures. To ensure stability, an increase in interdependence must be accompanied by an increase in coordination/regulation. In democratic societies there is an imbalance between interdependence and coordination/regulation. A manifestation of this imbalance is a chronic crisis of undercoordination. In large measure, the debt crisis of 2008 may be viewed as an eruption of the crisis of undercoordination.
Physical Properties of Thin Substrate-Free Liquid-Crystal Films

Free-standing liquid-crystal films constitute a unique and phenomenally rich system in which a number of physical phenomena may be carefully studied. In particular, they provide an ideal system in which the novel theories of defect-mediated melting in two-dimensions (2D) may be tested. Calorimetric data is presented that indicate that such theories cannot adequately account for phase transitions in effectively 2D free-standing liquid-crystal films only two molecular layers in thickness. Extensive Monte Carlo simulation studies have therefore been performed on a trial Hamiltonian that couples herringbone order to the hexatic order. In a relatively large region of parameter space, the simulation yields heat-capacity consistent with our calorimetric data. These results are discussed in the context of existing data on the structural, optical, and mechanical properties of free-standing films.
Correlations between GREB1 Expression and Estrogen Receptor, HER2 Status in Human Breast Cancer.

The two most common endocrine treatment modalities, anti-estrogen therapy and aromatase inhibitor therapy target estrogen receptor (ER) activation and estrogen (E2) biosynthesis, respectively. Although these therapies are effective in many patients with ER-positive tumors, prospective clinical trials have demonstrated that there exists a portion of patients with breast cancers that are initially responsive to endocrine therapy but subsequently relapse. Because of the lack of perfect correlation between ER and/or progesterone receptor (PR) status and patients who benefit from hormone therapy, there is a need to identify additional protein markers that would improve prediction of hormone response.Gene Regulated by Estrogen in Breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is regulated by estrogen (E2) in breast cancer and may serve as a candidate marker to predict response to endocrine therapy. The focus of this study was to define the significance of GREB1 protein expression in breast cancer and its correlation with estrogen receptor α status and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Based on the query of 16 breast cancer expression array studies in the Oncomine Research database, GREB1 mRNA is expressed at greater levels in breast carcinomas than normal breast tissue (p value: 2.1E-5). In addition, GREB1 mRNA is significantly more commonly expressed in ER-positive breast cancer patients (n=1651) than ER-negative patients (n=670) (P value: 4.2E-5 ∼ 1.1E-34). Finally, GREB1 mRNA expression was observed to be lower in HER2+ breast cancer patients than in HER-2 – patients (p-value: 0.034). These mRNA expression data supported the hypothesis that GREB1 may have potential as a new biomarker for predicting E2-dependent and anti-E2 responsive breast cancers.Using a novel GREB1 monoclonal antibody generated by our laboratory, Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) was performed on a tissue microarrays containing invasive breast carcinomas from a cohort of 142 operable breast cancer patients (104 ER+ and 38 ER- cancers) with paired uninvolved tissue from the same patient. GREB1 protein was detected in both uninvolved normal tissue and ER+ breast cancer, but was absent in ER- tumors. Thus, IHC staining revealed GREB1 protein expression, predominantly localized in the cell nucleus, has a significant correlation with ER status (p-value Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2008.