cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intranasal administration of IGF-I improves behavior and Purkinje cell pathology in SCA1 mice.

Abstract Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of polyglutamine repeat within ataxin-1 protein. Cerebellar Purkinje cells are the primary targets of SCA1 pathology. These cells synthesize insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and express its receptors during their entire life. The aim of present study was to determine if intranasally administered IGF-I to SCA1 transgenic mice suppresses toxic effects of ataxin-1. Two-week old SCA1 heterozygous animals were randomly divided into two treatment groups of IGF-I (30 and 60 μg IGF-I/animal) and a vehicle-treated control group. The wildtype animals served as normal controls. IGF-I or vehicle was administered at 48 h intervals for the total of 10 doses. Animals were then subjected to rotarod test, sacrificed, brains removed and processed for immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis. Radiolabeled IGF-I and bioactive TAT peptide accumulated in the brains of SCA1 mice following intranasal administration validating the use of intranasal route. SCA1 mice showed SCA1 pathology with impaired motor function and downregulation of calcium binding proteins as compared to wildtype mice. However, 30 and 60 μg IGF-I-treated animals showed improved performance on the rotarod as compared to vehicle-treated SCA1 mice with significant improvement ( p
Vagus nerve stimulation modulates cortical synchrony and excitability through the activation of muscarinic receptors

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an FDA approved treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy and depression. Recently, we demonstrated the capacity for repeatedly pairing sensory input with brief pulses of VNS to induce input specific reorganization in rat auditory cortex. This was subsequently used to reverse the pathological neural and perceptual correlates of hearing loss induced tinnitus. Despite its therapeutic potential, VNS mechanisms of action remain speculative. In this study, we report the acute effects of VNS on intra-cortical synchrony, excitability, and sensory processing in anesthetized rat auditory cortex. VNS significantly increased and decorrelated spontaneous multi-unit activity, and suppressed entrainment to repetitive noise burst stimulation at 6-8 Hz but not after application of the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate the capacity for VNS to acutely influence cortical synchrony and excitability and strengthen the hypothesis that acetylcholine and muscarinic receptors are involved in VNS mechanisms of action. These results are discussed with respect to their possible implications for sensory processing, neural plasticity, and epilepsy.
Helospectin-like immunoreactivity in the rat eye and pterygopalatine ganglion

Abstract Helospectin I and II, nearly identical peptides isolated from lizard venom, show close sequence homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In mammals, the helospectins have been localized immunohistochemically to neurons of the brain, digestive tract and respiratory system, commonly co-existing with VIP Using an antiserum that recognizes both forms of the peptide, we localized helospectin-like immunoreactivity in the rat eye and pterygopalatine ganglion. In the eye, helospectin-positive nerve fibers were evident mostly in the choroid, associated with small arterial vessels or distributed diffusely in the stroma; they were only occasionally seen in the anterior uvea. All of the helospectin nerve fibers also appeared to be immunoreactive for VIP In the pterygopalatine ganglion, the principal source of VIP-containing innervation of the posterior uvea, approximately 25% of ganglion cells were helospectin-positive; all helospectin-reactive cells were also strongly positive for VIP This immunohistochemical localization of helospectin indicates possible involvement in ocular autonomic functions, particularly regulation of blood flow.
The peptide-receptive transition state of MHC-I molecules: Insight from structure and molecular dynamics

MHC class I (MHC-I) proteins of the adaptive immune system require antigenic peptides for maintenance of mature conformation and immune function via specific recognition by MHC-I-restricted CD8(+) T lymphocytes. New MHC-I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum are held by chaperones in a peptide-receptive (PR) transition state pending release by tightly binding peptides. In this study, we show, by crystallographic, docking, and molecular dynamics methods, dramatic movement of a hinged unit containing a conserved 3(10) helix that flips from an exposed 'open' position in the PR transition state to a 'closed' position with buried hydrophobic side chains in the peptide-loaded mature molecule. Crystallography of hinged unit residues 46-53 of murine H-2L(d) MHC-I H chain, complexed with mAb 64-3-7, demonstrates solvent exposure of these residues in the PR conformation. Docking and molecular dynamics predict how this segment moves to help form the A and B pockets crucial for the tight peptide binding needed for stability of the mature peptide-loaded conformation, chaperone dissociation, and Ag presentation.
Prenatal phenobarbital treatment and temperature-controlling dopamine receptors

Pregnant mice were fed a phenobarbital-containing diet on days nine through 18 of pregnancy. Following parturition, the offspring of such animals were allowed to reach adulthood and then were tested for their response to an acute injection of apomorphine. Male offspring were less sensitive, while female offspring were more sensitive than matched controls to apomorphine-induced hypothermia. The witnessed differences in apomorphine-induced hypothermia could not be attributed to differences in brain apomorphine levels, alterations in the thermoregulation following non-drug challenges to the mouse's thermoregulatory ability, or changes in alpha-adrenergic receptor function. Our results suggest that prenatal phenobarbital administration produces changes in the function of dopamine receptors which regulate body temperature, and that the prenatally-induced changes last well into adulthood.
Plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer on a microfluidic chip for sensitive optical sensing

We demonstrate a plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer on a microfluidic chip for sensitive optical sensing with an enhanced sensitivity of more than 4200nm/RIU observed with a far-field optical microscope.
Ultrasonic attenuation and velocity properties in rat liver as a function of fat concentration: a study at 100 MHz using a scanning laser acoustic microscope.

This study examines the extent to which ultrasonic attenuation coefficients and velocity properties change between normal and fatty rat liver. The view of this problem is toward the application in clinical medicine in the future. Fatty livers were produced in rats by feeding them alcohol diets in liquid form. The animals were sacrificed and the fat concentration of the liver specimens determined. The fat concentration varied from 2.5% to 16.8% wet weight. The ultrasonic attenuation coefficient and velocity properties in 28 specimens were measured at 100 MHz with the scanning laser acoustic microscope (SLAM). Regression analysis was applied to the liver’s ultrasonic propagation properties as a function of fat concentration. The results show that the attenuation coefficient increases at a rate of 1.08 dB/mm/% fat and the velocity decreases at a rate of 2.3 m/s/% fat as the fat concentration increases.
Effect of inositol and glycine with increasing sodium chloride and constant osmolality on development of rabbit embryos

Purpose : Many commercially available culture media have a high sodium content as sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. We examined the effects ofosmolytes, inositol and glycine, on embryos cultured in synthetic RD medium with a lower concentration of NaCl (93 mM) and a higher concentration of NaCl (116 mM) with media held constant at 270 mosmols. Results : There were no significant effects ofeither glycine or inositol on embryo growth when the embryos were cultured in RD medium with 93 mM NaCl (P > 0.05). Culture of one-cell embryos for 72 h in RD medium with 93 mM NaCl, 116 mM NaCl and 116 mM NaCl containing 0.56 mM inositol resulted in 77%, 14% and 55% expanded blastocysts, respectively (P < 0.05). Corresponding values for two-cell embryos cultured for 67 h were 84%, 34% and 66% expanded blastocysts (P < 0.05). When one-cell and two-cell embryos were cultured in RD medium with 93 mM NaCl, 116 mM NaCl, 116 mM NaCl plus 1 mM glycine and 116 mM NaCl plus 1 mM glycine and 0.56 mM inositol, expanded blastocysts from one-cell embryos were 79%, 19%, 49%, and 48%, respectively (P < 0.05), and expanded blastocysts from two-cell embryos were 91%, 32%, 52%, and 53%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion : Inositol and glycine presumably behave as osmolytes in providing substantial protection for rabbit one-cell and two-cell embryos cultured in a medium with high NaCl concentration.
Increased Expression of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 6 Stimulates Hepatocyte Proliferation During Mouse Liver Regeneration

Background & Aims: The hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6 or ONECUT-1) protein is a cell-type specific transcription factor that regulates expression of hepatocyte-specific genes. Using hepatocytes for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, the HNF6 protein was shown to associate with cell cycle regulatory promoters. Here, we examined whether increased levels of HNF6 stimulate hepatocyte proliferation during mouse liver regeneration. Methods: Tail vein injection of adenovirus expressing the HNF6 complementary DNA was used to increase hepatic HNF6 levels during mouse liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy, and DNA replication was determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Cotransfection and ChIP assays were used to determine transcriptional target promoters. Results: Elevated expression of HNF6 during mouse liver regeneration causes a significant increase in the number of hepatocytes entering DNA replication (S phase), and mouse hepatoma Hepa1-6 cells diminished for HNF6 levels by small interfering RNA transfection exhibit a 50% reduction in S phase following serum stimulation. This stimulation in hepatocyte S-phase progression was associated with increased expression of the hepatocyte mitogen tumor growth factor α and the cell cycle regulators cyclin D1 and Forkhead box m1 (Foxm1) transcription factor. Cotransfection and ChIP assays show that tumor growth factor α, cyclin D1, and HNF6 promoter regions are direct transcriptional targets of the HNF6 protein. Coimmunoprecipitation assays with regenerating mouse liver extracts reveal an association between HNF6 and FoxM1 proteins, and cotransfection assays show that HNF6 stimulates Foxm1 transcriptional activity. Conclusions: These mouse liver regeneration studies show that increased HNF6 levels stimulate hepatocyte proliferation through transcriptional induction of cell cycle regulatory genes.
Vibrotactile difference thresholds for intensity and the effect of a masking stimulus

Vibrotactile difference thresholds for intensity were measured at several intensity levels of a test stimulus in the absence of a masking vibration and in the presence of three different amplitudes of a masking vibration. The test stimulus was a 160-Hz vibration delivered to the right index finger. The masking stimulus was a 160-Hz vibration delivered to the right little finger. For the same amplitudes of the test stimulus, △I varied as a direct function of the amplitude of the masking vibration. The smallest △Is resulted from measurements made in the absence of the masking stimulus. The Weber fraction, △I/I, was constant only for the more intense test stimuli in the absence of any masking stimuli. Independent of the presence or level of the masker, the Weber fraction for all stimuli approached approximately the same value, .25, when the test stimuli were raised to 20-dB sensation level. A model is proposed to account for the increase in the Weber fraction as a function of masker intensity and to predict masked thresholds.
Binding of benzo[a]pyrene and intracellular transport of a bound electrophilic benzo[a]pyrene metabolite by lipoproteins.

Human serum lipoproteins were isolated by means of size exclusion h.p.l.c. Non-covalent uptake of [3H]benzo[a]pyrene was quantitated for fractions collected from the effluent of a liquid chromatographic separation of human serum, and was found to directly correlate with the lipoprotein concentration. An electrophilic benzo[a]pyrene metabolite, [3H]trans 7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxybenzo[a]pyrene, non-covalently associated with low density lipoproteins was transferred to human lymphocytes in vitro and bound acid-precipitable nucleic acids of the lymphocytes as a function of time. Benzo[a]pyrene metabolite binding to lymphocyte DNA was demonstrated by means of CsCl density gradient analysis. Non-mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes exposed to very low concentrations of carcinogen in the presence of low density lipoprotein demonstrated [3H]thymidine incorporation; without the concomitant addition of low density lipoprotein the low concentrations of carcinogen did not stimulate [3H]thymidine incorporation.
Effects of annual applications of sodium azide on soil fungal populations with emphasis on Trichoderma species

The effect of a granular formulation of sodium azide, applied annually to pine nursery beds at rates of 0, 67.2, and 134.5 kg a. i. ha−1 under water seal or plastic seal, on soil fungal populations was determined over a 3-year period. Populations of fungi in the soil decreased following application of the sodium azide each year; the greatest decrease occurred at the highest rate of application. Populations of fungi in soil treated with the azide generally remained lower than in the controls throughout each of the 3 years; however, the population disparity between treated and control plots decreased in magnitude with each succeeding year. Populations of Trichoderma spp., in plots treated with 134.5 kg sodium azide ha−1, increased 2 weeks after treatment each year, and the population peaks increased in magnitude each year. In addition the effect of sodium azide (technical grade > 99%) at concentrations of 0, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 μg ml−1 in potato dextrose agar and blackstrap molasses agar media was determined in vitro for 14 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum. Growth and sporulation differed among the isolates and between the two media tested. Generally, the azide temporarily inhibited growth of the fungi, but the majority of the isolates were able to grow on either medium containing 50 μg sodium azide ml−1, although sporulation was more profuse on the molasses than on the potato dextrose agar medium.
IGF-I stimulation of extracellular acidification is not linked to cell proliferation for autocrine cells

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) increases extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), a measure correlated with proliferation for nonautocrine cells. To evaluate the effect of autocrine IGF-I secretion on cell responsiveness, a cell line that secretes IGF-I was tested. SV40-IGF=I cells also registered concentration-dependent increases in ECAR; however, unlike the parental cell line, signal attenuation upon repeat challenges was not evident. Furthermore, SV40-IGF-I cells did not proliferate in response to IGF-I. We investigated if lack of proliferation was due to differences in the protocols, of the assays ([3H]thymidine incorporation and microphysiometry). We identified three key differences in the protocols: surface substrate, cell density, and fluid residence time. We found no increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation for cells on either tissueculture plastic or polycarbonate transwells. Control levels of [3H]thymidine incorporation were cell-density-dependent, but IGF-I did not increase proliferation at any density studied. Finally, we investigated IGF-I stimulation for cells under microphysiometer flow conditions and found no proliferative response to IGF-I. We found that the cells do respond to IGF-I with increased amino acid uptake. These data suggest that IGF-I signaling is operational in the SV40-IGF-I cells, but the transduction pathway for IGF-I-induced proliferation is compromised, despite the fact that these cells respond to fetal bovine serum with increased growth. Ongoing studies are focused on identifying which elements in the signaling cascade are altered by autocrine scretion of IGF-I.
Enhancing recruitment and retention in randomized clinical trials of cancer symptom management.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe techniques to overcome challenges of collaborating with multiple clinical sites and participants to enhance recruitment and retention for cancer symptom management randomized clinical trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES Personal experiences and publications related to recruitment and retention of sites and participants in RCTs, which were found by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO records. DATA SYNTHESIS Techniques to overcome challenges related to multisite research, patient confidentiality guidelines, and work with an at-risk population were identified and applied successfully in an RCT designed to modify fatigue during and following adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Successful recruitment and retention depended on the value that site personnel placed on symptom management research, identification of a designated contact person at each site, and flexibility in maintaining communication among the project director, contact individuals, and participants. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Initial and ongoing collaboration with participants and a contact person at each site, assurance of privacy of protected health information, and emotional support are critical to recruitment and retention throughout cancer symptom management RCTs.
Anomalous attenuation of third sound

Experimental measurements of anomalously high third-sound attenuation coefficients in He II are reported. This and the onset of superflow in He II films are associated with a macroscopic quantum uncertainty principle.
Rasagiline (TVP-1012): A new selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor for Parkinson's disease

Abstract Objective: This article reviews the chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, tolerability, drug-interaction potential, indications, dosing, and potential role of rasagiline mesylate, a new selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B (MAO-B) inhibitor, in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Methods: A MEDLINE/PUBMED search (1986 through September 2006) was conducted to identify studies involving rasagiline written in English. Additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of these studies. All studies evaluating any aspect of rasagiline, including in vitro, in vivo (animal), and human studies, were reviewed. Results: Rasagiline mesylate was developed with the goal of producing a selective MAO-B inhibitor that is not metabolized to (presumed) toxic metabolites (eg, amphetamine and methamphetamine, which are byproducts of the metabolism of selegiline, another selective MAO-B inhibitor). In vitro and in vivo data have confirmed the drug's selectivity for MAO-B. Rasagiline is almost completely eliminated by oxidative metabolism (catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 [CYP] isozyme 1A2) followed by renal excretion of conjugated parent compound and metabolites. Drug clearance is sufficiently slow to allow once-daily dosing. Several studies have documented its efficacy as monotherapy for early-stage disease and as adjunctive therapy in l -dopa recipients with motor fluctuations. As monotherapy, rasagiline is well tolerated with an adverse-effect profile similar to that of placebo. As adjunctive therapy, it exhibits the expected adverse effects of dopamine excess, which can be ameliorated by reducing the l -dopa dosage. CYP1A2 inhibitors slow the elimination of rasagiline and mandate dosage reduction. Hepatic impairment has an analogous effect. The recommended dosage regimens for monotherapy and adjunctive therapy are 1 and 0.5 mg PO QD, respectively. Conclusions: Despite the well-documented selectivity of rasagiline, the manufacturer recommends virtually all of the dietary (vis-a-vis tyramine) and drug restrictions of the nonselective MAO inhibitors. Although useful, selective MAO-B inhibitors have a limited role in Parkinson's disease. Of greater interest is the potential neuroprotective effect of rasagiline and its major metabolite, 1(R)-aminoindan, which may have great utility in a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders of aging. In addition, bifunctional molecules combining selective MAO-B inhibition (based on the active moiety of rasagiline) with acetylcholinesterase inhibition or iron chelation may eventually be useful in Alzheimer's disease.
Odontoid Fractures and Their Management

Odontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fracture in the elderly, and their incidence is increasing. The majority of these fractures are Type II and are associated with significant morbidity in the elderly population, irrespective of treatment options (surgical vs. nonsurgical). There is no clear consensus regarding the long-term morbidity of nonunion, with some authors advocating stable fibrous nonunion as an acceptable endpoint versus bony union. Surgical management is advocated by some due to the significantly greater union rate, and some studies report improved outcomes with surgery. Prospective studies are needed to better delineate optimal treatment.
Drug Repurposing in Chemical Genomics: Can We Learn from the Past to Improve the Future?

More needs to be done by the private sector to optimize the drug discovery and development pipeline. In addition, significant efforts should also be focused on the understanding of mechanism of diseases, on the characterization of unexplored biochemical pathways and on the validation of new protein targets. Chemical genomics, which uses chemical probes to help understand the complexity of biological systems at the gene and protein levels, has proven in recent years to be an important tool. Experimental and computational chemical genomic screenings have been used by the private sector and recently also by academia and non-profit institutions for drug repurposing or repositioning to find new indications for known drugs. A detailed overview of the current initiatives in drug repurposing, initiated by the major governmental funding agencies around the world is reported. The push towards greater efficiency is encouraging drug repurposing and other techniques in chemical genomics. Finding the best ways to improve translational research and accelerate the regulation of clinical phases means being able to launch safer drugs into the market faster.
MAGNESIUM (Mg) INCREASES TO COMPARABLE LEVELS IN BRAIN EXTRACELLULAR FLUID(ECF) IN NEWBORN (NEW) AND OLDER (OLD) SWINE DURING SYSTEMIC ADMINISTRATION OF MAGNESIUM SULFATE. ▴ 2230

For exogenous Mg to be effective as a neuroprotective strategy, Mg must cross the blood-brain barrier. The study objectives were to determine 1) whether systemic administration of Mg increases brain [Mg]ECF, and 2) whether a maturational difference exists in levels achieved. Seven newborn(New) swine (4 ± 2 days, wt 1.4±0.4 kg) ([horizontal bar over]x±SD) and seven older (Old) swine (42 ± 5 days, 6.2± 1.3 kg) were studied. A 1 cm loop - type microdialysis probe was inserted into superficial cerebral cortex via a burr hole for measurements of brain [Mg]ECF. After a control period, 200-275 mg/kg MgSO4 was administered intravenously for 30 minutes followed by 75-100 mg/kg for 30 minutes, to achieve a [Mg]plasma of 4-6mM (8-12meq/l). For New,[Mg]plasma increased from 0.57±0.21mM at control to 5.71±1.08mM* at 30 minutes and 5.38±1.08mM* at 60 minutes of Mg infusion. For Old, [Mg]plasma increased from 0.53 ± 0.08 mM at control to 5.26 ± 0.76 mM* at 30 minutes and 4.43 ± 0.60 mM* at 60 minutes. There were no intergroup plasma value differences, but[Mg]plasma at 60 min were less than 30 min values for Old (p=.04). For New, [Mg]ECF increased from 0.21±0.06mM at control to a maximum of.38±0.14mM*. Similar values for [Mg]ECF were noted in Old; an increase from 0.16 ± 0.05 mM at control to a maximum of 0.36 ± 0.13mM*. In each group, MgSO4 infusion was associated with a comparable percent decrease in heart rate from control of 13±17%(p=.09) and 12±16%(p=.05) for New and Old and a similar decrease in blood pressure from control of 22±13%* and 21±10%* for New and Old. Arterial pH, pO2, and pCO2 were similar between age groups.Conclusion In New and Old swine, Mg administered systemically to achieve [Mg]plasma of 4-6 mM is associated with comparable increases in[Mg]ECF at both postnatal ages. Mg entry into brain ECF at both ages offers a potential neuroprotective strategy. The effect of Mg administration-induced changes in systemic hemodynamics on the cerebral circulation and brain energy state need further evaluation. (*=p<.01 vs control). Funded in part by Wyeth.
Experimental evidence for excitonic mechanism of defect generation in high-purity silica.

Direct evidence for the creation of oxygen-vacancy, oxygen-interstitial pairs in ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ glasses by an excitonic mechanism is developed from an electron-spin-resonance study of high-purity fused silicas exposed to highly focused 6.4-eV excimer laser light.
Effect of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, ZM 230487, on cutaneous allergic inflammation in the guinea-pig.

1 Leukotrienes have potent biological effects in vitro and in vivo and are found in tissue and in biological fluids in various pathological conditions including allergic diseases. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent stimulus for eosinophil accumulation and activation and there is much interest in determining its importance in mediating the accumulation of eosinophils at sites of allergic inflammation in vivo. In this study, we investigated the effects of a potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, ZM 230487, on the accumulation of eosinophils and on local oedema formation in cutaneous inflammation in the guinea-pig. 2 The i.d. injection of increasing concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA) led to a dose-dependent accumulation of 111In-eosinophils but oedema formation was only significant at the top dose of AA tested (3 × 10−8mol per site). Co-injection of ZM 230487 with AA inhibited 111In-eosinophil accumulation up to 99% but the small oedema response to AA was only partially inhibited. AA-induced oedema formation was only effectively inhibited when a combination of a PAF antagonist, an antihistamine and ZM 230487 was used. 3 Local administration of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen, partially inhibited AA-induced oedema formation suggesting that vasodilator prostaglandins may be released following i.d. injection of AA. AA-induced 111In-eosinophil accumulation was also partially inhibited by ibuprofen. 4 PAF-induced 111In-eosinophil accumulation was partially suppressed by local administration of ZM 230487. In contrast, LTB4-induced 111In-eosinophil accumulation was enhanced by ZM 230487. These data suggest that locally-released leukotrienes may modulate mediator-induced eosinophil accumulation. ZM 230487 had no effect on PAF-or LTB4-induced oedema formation. 5 ZM 230487 significantly inhibited the accumulation of 111In-eosinophils, but did not affect local oedema formation, in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction. However, the PAF antagonist WEB 2086 either alone or in combination with ZM 230487 had no effect on 111In-eosinophil accumulation or oedema formation in the PCA reaction. 6 In conclusion, it appears that a product of 5-lipoxygenase, probably LTB4, is important for the accumulation of 111In-eosinophils, but not local oedema formation, in the PCA reaction in guinea-pig skin. These data support a major role for LTB4 in allergic inflammation in the guinea-pig and make this animal (and the PCA model) suitable for studying the effects of inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis or action in vivo.
Extended synthetic study of α-type manganese oxide with porous structure

α-type manganese oxide (α-MnO2) was synthesized by pyrolysis of manganese carbonate and potassium t-butoxide. The method is valid even when their molar basis fraction is varied from 0% to 100%. For some potassium butoxide content percentages, the calcined material which is mainly α-MnO2 contained an admixture phase of bixbyite (0–7%) or γ-Mn2O3(11–20%) or both the latter phases (7–11%). The acid-treated materials are single phase α-MnO2 containing various amounts of structural-water. The degree of crystallinity is very high when the material was prepared with a potassium butoxide content of less than 20%, but materials of distorted structure are obtained with over 20%. The materials of high crystallinity contain less than about 0.5 molecules of structural-water per open pore site, but the distorted materials contain about two molecules of the water per site. The degree of ease of deformation, namely, the flexibility of the structure was an index to the amount of ion-exchange uptake on the materials. The possibility of controlling the properties of α-MnO2 ion-exchange material is suggested by changing potassium butoxide content in this synthetic procedure.
Characterization of PCR products from bacilli using electrospray ionization FTICR mass spectrometry.

A procedure for rapid purification of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products allowing precise molecular weight determination using electrospray ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI-FTICR) mass spectrometry is described. PCR amplification utilized the DNA polymerase from Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) which, unlike Taq, does not incorporate a nontemplated terminal deoxyadenosine phosphate. An 89-base pair nucleotide portion of the spacer region between the 16S and 23S ribosomal rRNA genes was amplified from the genome of three members of Bacillus cereus group and a 114 nucleotide region from the Bacillus subtilis. PCR involves polymerization of nucleotide precursors using two oligonucleotide primers and an amplification enzyme, as well as the presence of metal ions. Mass spectrometric analysis greatly benefits from removal of the oligonucleotide primers (15- and 17-mers in this instance) and nucleotide precursors since they adversely affect sensitivity and metal ion adduction results in a...
Service desk collaboration: How three separate services now happily co-locate

Can a walk-up helpdesk, a multi-media service and a library service exist in a single location? At Oregon State University, the answer is yes! During 2012 and 2013, staff from various units collaborated and successfully moved the walk-up helpdesk and multi-media services into the library circulation desk area with minimal impact to customers. As part of the move, the walk-up helpdesk and multi-media service were consolidated during this project. Budget, space, processes, signage, marketing and many other items were incorporated in the project planning phases. Learn about the process and project which resulted in a successful implementation and continued service improvement.
Artificially induced group display and nesting behaviour in a reintroduced population of Caribbean Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber ruber

Summary We used artificial social stimulation (decoys, vocalization playbacks, and artificial nests) to initiate group displays in six (two females, four males) Caribbean Flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber ruber that had not successfully bred since their introduction to Guana Island, British Virgin Islands, in 1992. During a control period prior to the introduction of stimuli, flamingos exhibited no social displays or nest building activities. All flamingos were observed approaching the decoy area as a flock within four hrs of the decoys being introduced, and Head-Flagging displays were exhibited by two birds within the first 24 hrs. In a 12-hr watch conducted two-weeks post decoy introduction, there were significantly more group display behaviours, as well as nest-building, as compared with the control period and immediately after the introduction (3.6% as compared with 0% and 0.35%). Two individuals performed the majority of group displays (although at least one social display posture was observed for each bird) and three birds exhibited nest-building behaviour. Overall, individuals spent most of their time feeding and resting/sleeping (> 95%) during all observation periods. We show for the first time that decoys and vocalization playbacks could have a positive impact on breeding success in the wild by inducing group displays and nesting behaviours in this group of introduced flamingos. We suggest that social attraction techniques may be a useful tool to stimulate breeding in small captive and wild small populations of flamingos.
Pulsed laser emission from dissociatively produced N, C, Cl, F atoms

Abstract : Laser emission from atomic nitrogen at 1.3583 micrometers, carbon at 1.4543 micrometers, chlorine at 1.5871 micrometers and 2.4466 micrometers, and fluorine at 0.7131 micrometers and 0.7041 micrometers has been observed in a pulsed electrical discharge through flowing mixtures of a parent compound (N2, NO, N2O, NO2, ClNO, NH3, NF3, CO, CO2, OCS, CS2, C2H2, C2H5OH, or CCl4) and helium. The emission appeared as one or more peaks at each wavelength. In many cases the number of peaks in the laser signal depended on the pulse repetition rate, peak current, and the parent-compound-to-helium pressure ratio. (Author)
Sexual Coaddiction: A New Context for Inconsistent Nurturing as Control Theory

Inconsistent Nurturing as Control Theory (INC Theory) is a social scientific theory of interpersonal relationships that offers both researchers and practitioners a framework for examining and understanding communication, relational dynamics, and recovery outcomes in the addict-coaddict relationship. This article provides an overview of INC Theory and its attendant program of research, argues that the theory can be fruitfully applied to sex addiction and coaddiction, makes suggestions for future research, and outlines some basic clinical implications of the theory.
Physical and Chemical Properties of β-1,3-Glucanase from Cultured Tobacco Cells

β-1,3-Glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) is one of the major soluble proteins of cultured tobacco cells but not of leaf tissues. The enzyme activity in cultured cells increased with culture age, physical and chemical properties of this enzyme were characterized. The enzyme contained about 1 % carbohydrate consisting of only arabinose residue. Its isoelectric point was at pH 9.9. The amino acid composition indicated relatively low content of polar amino acids. The molecular weight of the enzyme estimated by sedimentation equilibrium and sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis was 32,000 and 33,000, respectively, indicating that the enzyme consists of a single polypeptide chain.
The Scale of Faith Based Organization Participation in Health Service Delivery in Developing Countries: Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

The extent of faith-based organizations' participation within the overall health systems of developing countries is unclear. Recent reports state that faith-based organizations play a substantial role in providing healthcare in developing countries, cited in some publications as up to 70% of all healthcare services. The data behind these numbers are sometimes difficult to pinpoint and seem at odds to national and regional survey data. In an effort to quantify the contribution of faith-based organizations to healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries, we undertook a systematic review of the literature and conducted a new analysis of relevant Demographic and Health Survey data from 47 countries. Our findings demonstrate that the magnitude of healthcare provided by faith-based organizations may be lower than previously estimated. Understanding the scale of FBO-provided medical care is important for health sector planning, and more accurate and complete estimates are needed.
Exercise, caloric restriction, and systemic oxidative stress.

Background In humans, the main sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the molecules causing oxidative stress, are mitochondrial superoxide ions and neutrophil-derived oxidative radicals. Circulating antioxidants contribute to the protection against oxidative stress. Although the formation of ROS and secretion of antioxidants are independently regulated by exercise and diet, little is known about their combined effect. We hypothesized that relatively brief, intense exercise training may reduce systemic oxidation via an intrinsic mechanism, independent of changes in circulating antioxidants and of neutrophil-derived enzymes (as may be caused by concomitant caloric restriction). Methods Nineteen volunteers exercised for 7 days, 3 hours/day at 75% of oxygen uptake. Caloric intake was either 110% of caloric expenditure (high calorie, n = 10) or 75% of caloric expenditure (low calorie, n = 9). Blood samples for F2-isoprostanes, catalase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-x (IL-x), white blood cells (WBCs), and other metabolic variables were taken at baseline, at the end of training, and 1 week after completion of the study. Results Serum F2-isoprostanes (μg/mL), markers of lipid peroxidation, were similarly reduced after 7 days of exercise in the high-calorie (from 35 ± 4 to 27 ± 2) and low-calorie (from 35 ± 3 to 24 ± 2) groups. Similar reductions were observed in IL-x concentrations. Conversely, no change was observed in circulating concentrations of the antioxidant catalase. Whereas total WBCs and neutrophil counts were significantly reduced in the low-calorie group only, no difference in neutrophil-derived MPO was measured between groups. Conclusion A significant reduction in systemic oxidation may occur relatively early during intense exercise training in healthy young men, independent of caloric intake. The potential contribution to these effects of circulating antioxidants and neutrophil-derived oxidative enzymes will require further investigation.
Sovereign Wealth in Abu Dhabi

By the turn of the century, oil had already made the tiny emirate of Abu Dhabi rich beyond anyone's wildest dreams. A sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), has invested extra oil revenues abroad for more than thirty years and amassed a still-growing portfolio worth approximately $750–900 billion. ADIA is widely believed to be the world's largest sovereign wealth fund – indeed the world's largest institutional investor. But Abu Dhabi is not yet a “developed” economy. So, in 2002, the Mubadala Development Company was established as a government-owned investment vehicle. Unlike ADIA's mandate to build and manage a financial portfolio, Mubadala's charge was to develop Abu Dhabi. According to some observers, ADIA was a “sovereign savings fund,” while Mubadala was a government-owned investment firm. Mubadala is supposed to invest the wealth of the emirate in activities that would diversify the economy away from energy and into industry and services. Although each Mubadala investment ...
Allergic asthma: influence of genetic and environmental factors.

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease in which exposure to allergens causes intermittent attacks of breathlessness, airway hyper-reactivity, wheezing, and coughing. Allergic asthma has been called a “syndrome” resulting from a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Worldwide, >300 million individuals are affected by this disease, and in the United States alone, it is estimated that >35 million people, mostly children, suffer from asthma. Although animal models, linkage analyses, and genome-wide association studies have identified numerous candidate genes, a solid definition of allergic asthma has not yet emerged; however, such studies have contributed to our understanding of the multiple pathways to this syndrome. In contrast with animal models, in which T-helper 2 (TH2) cell response is the dominant feature, in human asthma, an initial exposure to allergen results in TH2 cell-dependent stimulation of the immune response that mediates the production of IgE and cytokines. Re-exposure to allergen then activates mast cells, which release mediators such as histamines and leukotrienes that recruit other cells, including TH2 cells, which mediate the inflammatory response in the lungs. In this minireview, we discuss the current understanding of how associated genetic and environmental factors increase the complexity of allergic asthma and the challenges allergic asthma poses for the development of novel approaches to effective treatment and prevention.
The stabilization of ferrous iron by a toxic β-amyloid fragment and by an aluminum salt

Aluminum is a recognized neurotoxin in dialysis encephalopathy and may also be implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is suspected to be associated with oxidative stress, possibly due to the pro-oxidant properties of beta-amyloid present in the senile plaques. The underlying mechanism by which this occurs is not well understood although interactions between amyloid and iron have been proposed. The presence of low molecular weight iron compounds can stimulate free radical production in the brain. This study provides a possible explanation whereby both aluminum and beta-amyloid can potentiate free radical formation by stabilizing iron in its more damaging ferrous (Fe2+) form which can promote the Fenton reaction. The velocity, at which Fe2+ is spontaneously oxidized to Fe3+ at 37 degrees C in 20 mM Bis-Tris buffer at pH 5.8, was significantly slowed in the presence of aluminum salts. A parallel effect of prolongation of stability of soluble ferrous ion, was found in the presence of beta-amyloid fragment (25-35). Ascorbic acid, known to potentiate the pro-oxidant properties of iron, was also capable of markedly stabilizing ferrous ions.
Comment on Sirtuin 1 in skeletal muscle of cachectic tumour‐bearing rats

Dear Sir, We read with interest the recent article by Toledo et al. [1]. In their study, the authors found that mRNA levels for SIRT1 were increased in muscle from tumor-bearing rats and that SIRT3 mRNA levels were unchanged. In the discussion of the results, the authors stated that the observation of unchanged SIRT3 “is in contrast with that of Alamdari et al. [39] showing an upregulation of SIRT3 in skeletal muscle during sepsis”. This was a surprising statement since we did not examine or report on SIRT3 expression in our study [2]. We did examine the effects of sepsis on the mRNA levels for the histone deacetylases HDAC3 and 6 and nuclear protein levels for the same HDACs as well as for SIRT1. Importantly, protein levels for HDAC6 and SIRT1 were decreased (not increased) and muscle HDAC activity was reduced during sepsis. We think the misquotation of our work in the article by Toledo et al. [1] was unfortunate, not only because it was erroneous but also because it suggests that the expression of a histone deacetylase (SIRT3) may be increased during sepsis, implying increased deacetylase activity and reduced levels of acetylated cellular proteins. This is opposite to the conclusions in our paper [2] and in other recent reports from our laboratory [3–7] in which we found evidence that muscle wasting caused by sepsis and glucocorticoids is associated with, and probably at least in part regulated by increased acetylation of cellular proteins. These conclusions were also supported by experiments in which treatment of cultured muscle cells [4] or rats in vivo [2] with histone deacetylase inhibitor increased the expression of atrogin-1 and stimulated protein breakdown. In more recent experiments, we found evidence for a role of reduced (not increased) SIRT1 expression and activity in glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting [7]. It was surprising to see that SIRT1 mRNA levels were increased in muscle from tumor-bearing rats in the study by Toledo et al. [1]. It would have been interesting to have information about SIRT1 protein levels and HDAC activity in the same muscles. Sincerely, Nima Alamdari, Per-Olof Hasselgren
Renew! Take a break in kindergarten

Abstract A university child development/early childhood education professor renews her relationship with young children and with current public school teaching by spending 5 weeks in kindergarten. This article describes some highlights of her experience: the children's daily journal writing, an in‐class and take‐home math activity, and teaching the required kindergarten social studies unit on Antarctica. The experience provided renewal for the professor and fresh examples for the professor to share with her university students.
The immunoprotective niche- A new pathogenic mechanism for syphilis, the systemic mycoses and other infectious diseases

Abstract Immunological enhancement, the specific antibody mediated abrogation of effective cellular immunity, was first demonstrated in tumor immunobiology. Subsequently, this mechanism has been utilized not only to prolong organ allografts, but also to explain several classical examples of tolerance. Recently, enhancement has also been implicated in the maintenance of pregnancy. It is proposed that such a fundamental and ubiquitous mechanism provides an evolutionary ecological niche, the “immunoprotective niche” that could be utilized by infectious organisms as part of their pathogenic mechanism. The prerequisite clinical findings of such an infection are: (i) production of antibodies that do not correlate with host protection; (ii) organisms which are resistant to the cytotoxic effects of antibody; and (iii) demonstration of cell mediated immunity. The use of the immunoprotective niche and its clinical consequences in adjunctive immunotherapy, and especially preventive vaccines, are discussed. Known clinical and experimental findings for several example diseases are reinterpreted and correlated to this new pathogenic mechanism. For the first time, a relevant and pragmatic function has been assigned to certain characteristic antibodies which previously have had only a diagnostic significance.
Real time moving vehicle detection and reconstruction for improving classification

Vehicle images captured by traffic and surveillance video cameras in various conditions usually exhibit several unexpected variations that worsen vehicle classification. These factors include occlusions, motion blur, and changes in perspective views. Complete and normalized views of vehicle images, if being able to reconstructed from the unsatisfactory data, will facilitate more accurate data labeling, feature extraction and multi-class vehicle classification. We propose a multimodal temporal panorama (MTP) approach to accurately extracting and reconstructing moving vehicles in real-time using a remote multimodal (audio/video) monitoring system. The MTP representation consists of: 1) a panoramic view image (PVI) for detecting vehicles using the concept of 1D vertical detection line; 2) an epipolar plane image (EPI), generated from 1D epipolar lines along the vehicles' moving paths, to characterize their speeds and directions; and 3) corresponding audio signals collected at the vehicle detection point to reduce false target detection in the PVI. Using the MTP approach, reconstructed vehicles all have the same side views, with less or no occlusions and motion blur. Using SVM classifiers for multiclass problems indicates that the classification accuracy using reconstruction results improves about 10% over that using corresponding vehicle images from original video for a dataset of about 140 vehicles. Our ultimate goal is to use the audio-visual vehicle data for multimodal vehicle classification and anomaly detection.