cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Host-pathogen interactions XXXVI. Partial purification and characterization of heat-labile molecules secreted by the rice blast pathogen that solubilize plant cell wall fragments that kill plant cells.

Abstract Heat-labile factors capable of killing plant cells are secreted by the rice pathogen Magnaporthe grisea when grown on rice cell walls. Inhibition of [ 14 C]-leucine incorporation into maize cells ( Zea mays cv. Black Mexican Sweet) was shown to be as reliable as the vital dyes 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and fluorescein diacetate for assessing cell viability. The heat-labile factors responsible for killing plant cells were partially purified by CM-Sephadex and Superose 12 chromatography. A combination of four of the Superose 12 column fractions synergistically killed the plant cells; the killing activity of the combined fractions was 2·5 times as high as that obtained by the sum of the four fractions assayed individually. We purified to apparent homogeneity pectin lyase (PL), pectin methylesterase (PME), and xylanase from the fungal culture filtrate. When these enzymes were tested in various combinations and at the same concentrations as they were found in the culture filtrate, they did not kill plant cells. The same enzymes were not able to release fragments that killed plant cells from isolated maize cell walls, whereas fractions containing the partially purified heat-labile killing activity rapidly released heat-stable maize cell wall fragments that killed maize cells. The results of this study indicate that a heat-labile killing activity secreted by M. grisea , which probably consists of two or more factors (presumably proteins), solubilizes from maize cell walls heat-stable fragments (presumably carbohydrates) that kill maize cells. Furthermore, although pectic enzymes may prove to be necessary for killing, the pectic enzymes in the culture filtrate of M. grisea do not, by themselves, kill maize cells.
Subunit interactions of lobster hemocyanin: I. Ultracentrifuge studies☆

Abstract Subunit interactions in the hemocyanin of New England lobster, Homarus americanus , were investigated by means of the ultracentrifuge, using sedimentation velocity and Archibald molecular weight methods. It was verified that a 17S species dimerizes rapidly and reversibly to form a 25S species in the pH range 9.4–9.7 in the presence of calcium ion. From the Ca 2+ and pH dependence of the equilibrium constant for this process, the absorption of approximately five calcium ions and three protons accompany the formation of one molecule of the 25S species. The sedimentation velocity patterns were also found to shift in favor of the 17S species with the imposition of excess hydrostatic pressure.
The Mechanism of Activation of the Lac Operon

The lac operon consists of a cluster of genes found on the single chromosome of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Starting from one side the cluster contains a promoter, an operator, the structural genes for β-galactosidase, permease and thiogalactoside transacetylase.1 Such a grouping of regulating and structural genes is termed an operon. In 1961 Jacob and Monod proposed a mechanism for the regulation of the activity of this operon. At this time no promoter region had been defined although no reasonable person would have denied that there must be preferred regions for the initiation of RNA synthesis. The Jacob- Monod mechanism proposed that a repressor molecule produced from a nearby ∿ gene forms a strong complex with the operator which prevents gene expression, i.e. RNA and protein synthesis. The complex can be broken by the low spontaneous rate of dissociation of the complex or more effectively by interceding of a small molecule inducer which is a derivative of lactose. It so happens that lactose is the natural substrate of the enzymes encoded by the operon indicating the immediate value of such a system of regulation. Thus if substrate is available for a certain class of enzymes, one produces the enzymes necessary for action on this substrate but not otherwise.
Oxidation of methanol and total reduced sulfur compounds with ozone over V2O5/TiO2 catalyst: Effect of humidity

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using ozone-enhanced catalytic oxidation for the treatment of high volume, low concentration (HVLC) waste gas streams at a Kraft pulp and paper mill that contain hazardous air pollutants such as methanol (CH3OH), reduced sulfur compounds (TRS), including dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), methanethiol (MT), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and saturated with moisture. This paper reports that ozone-enhance V2O5-TiO2 catalyzed oxidation is a stable and effective process to remove methanol and TRS compounds in the presence of moisture that has composition similar to the effluent stream coming out of a pulp mill blow tank. The effect of moisture on the oxidation of CH3OH, MT and DMS was studied using V2O5/TiO2 as a catalyst at different feed compositions (Cmethanol: 1000 and 7500 ppm; CDMS: 250 and 1000 ppm; and CMT: 250 and 1000 ppm) and gas hourly space velocities (37,000–150,000 h−1) at 250 °C and O3-to-substrate mole ratio of 2.1. Conversions of methanol and TRS compounds were high and the main products were CO2, CO and SO2 with small amounts of partial oxidation products. Increasing the relative humidity of the gas stream from zero to 18,000 ppm reduced the conversion of methanol, whereas the conversion of TRS compounds was not affected, although the selectivity for partial oxidation products of TRS compounds decreased. High moisture levels have inhibition effect on the reactions because of competitive adsorption of methanol and water on to the same sites. The increase in the complete oxidation of TRS products could be due to forming hydroxyl ion radicals in presence of ozone and water molecules. Possible reaction mechanisms have been proposed for the complete oxidation of methanol and TRS compounds with ozone based on the product distribution.
Increased dosing requirements for 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine in inflammatory bowel disease patients six years and younger.

Background: 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and its prodrug azathioprine (AZA) are effective for the induction and maintenance of remission and reduction of corticosteroid exposure for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The standard dose of 6-MP is 1.0–1.5 mg/kg/day and for AZA is 2.0–2.5 mg/kg/day. The aim of this study was to determine whether IBD patients 6 years of age and younger require higher than standard doses of 6-MP/AZA to achieve clinical remission. Methods: Clinical data was collected retrospectively for all IBD patients 6 years of age or younger treated with 6-MP/AZA at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Results: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria. IBD was diagnosed at a median age of 3.3 years (25–75th %ile 2.3–4.6 years) and 6-MP/AZA was initiated at a median age of 3.9 years (range 0.8–6.8 years). After dose escalation, the median AZA-equivalent dose was 3.1 mg/kg/day (25–75th %ile 2.5–3.5, max. dose 5.1 mg/kg/day). At the final recorded dose, 8/13 (62%) patients receiving AZA >3.0 mg/kg/day achieved clinical remission, compared to 2/12 (17%) receiving 2–3 mg/kg/day (P = 0.02). The risk of having active disease was on average 85% lower if the AZA-equivalent dose was >3.0 mg/kg/day (95% confidence interval [CI] 72%–93%). Adverse events were experienced by 4/30 patients (hepatitis, n = 2; leukopenia, n = 2). No patients had to discontinue 6-MP/AZA, and all laboratory abnormalities improved spontaneously or with dose reduction. Conclusions: The standard dose of 6-MP/AZA may not be adequate for IBD patients 6 years of age and younger. Closely monitored dose escalation beyond the standard dosing range is effective and well-tolerated. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Possible Hazard of Timed-Release Aspirin in a Patient With Pancreatic Insufficiency

An episode of severe small intestinal hemorrhage occurred in a cystic fibrosis patient having pancreatic insufficiency and receiving timed-release aspirin therapy for disabling hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy. The increased acidity of small intestinal contents due to decreased bicarbonate secretion observed in patients with pancreatic insufficiency may alter the luminal environment and result in mucosal erosions and/or ulcerations in association with the presence of aspirin. Thus, physicians should be aware of the possibility that timed-release aspirin causes small intestinal hemorrhage in such patients. ( Arch Intern Med 139:1054-1055, 1979)
WE‐A‐301‐04: Model‐Based Known Component Reconstruction for Computed Tomography

Purpose: We aim to develop model‐based tomographic reconstruction methods that incorporate knowledge about known components (e.g. implants, surgical tools) within the scanning field. Inclusion of such knowledge as part of the reconstruction approach should benefit image quality in situations where there is missing data or where noise levels are particularly high. While the proposed reconstruction framework is general, in this work we focus on metallic implants and elimination of streak artifacts associated with those components. Methods: We have developed a novel model‐based reconstruction technique that parameterizes the image volume as the combination of the underlying background attenuation and an arbitrary number of known components whose attenuation profile is known but whose locations and orientations are unknown. Adopting a tomographic forward model that includes noise allows for derivation of a penalized‐likelihood objective function. Maximization of this objective for the unknown registration and attenuation parameters yields a joint estimate of the object and the position and pose of each known component. We have developed optimization routines to solve this model‐based objective based on an alternating maximization scheme. Results: The proposed reconstruction method has been applied to spine imaging where there are pedicle screws in the imaging field. We compare our novel approach with reconstructions formed from traditional filtered backprojection and ordinary penalized‐likelihood approaches. We find that in the proposed scheme the position and pose of the implants is highly accurate and that streak artifacts associated with the metal implants are greatly reduced. Conclusions: Model‐based reconstruction that utilizes information about known components in the object has the potential to significantly improve image quality. While we have demonstrated this for the case of metallic pedicle screw implants, the technique is general and can apply to other scenarios where the (possibly heterogeneous) structure of components are known.
Runoff generation and sediment production on unpaved roads, footpaths and agricultural land surfaces in northern Thailand

Rainfall simulation was used to examine runoff generation and sediment transport on roads, paths and three types of agricultural fields in Pang Khum Experimental Watershed (PKEW), in mountainous northern Thailand. Because interception of subsurface flow by the road prism is rare in PKEW, work focused on Horton overland flow (HOF). Under dry antecedent soil moisture conditions, roads generated HOF in c. 1 min and have event runoff coefficients (ROCs) of 80 per cent, during 45 min, c. 105 mm h−1 simulations. Runoff generation on agricultural fields required greater rainfall depths to initiate HOF; these surfaces had total ROCs ranging from 0 to 20 per cent. Footpaths are capable of generating erosion-producing overland flow within agricultural surfaces where HOF generation is otherwise rare. Paths had saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) values 80–120 mm h−1 lower than those of adjacent agricultural surfaces. Sediment production on roads exceeded that of footpaths and agricultural lands by more than eight times (1·23 versus < 0·15 g J−1). Typically, high road runoff volumes (owing to low Ks, c. 15 mm h−1) transported relatively high sediment loads. Initial road sediment concentrations exceeded 100 g l−1, but decayed with time as loose surface material was removed. Compared with the loose surface layer, the compacted, underlying road surface was resistant to detachment forces. Sediment concentration values for the road simulations were slightly higher than data obtained from a 165 m road section during a comparable natural event. Initial simulation concentration values were substantially higher, but were nearly equivalent to those of the natural event after 20 min simulation time. Higher sediment concentration in the simulations was related to differences in the availability of loose surface material, which was more abundant during the dry-season simulations than during the rainy season natural event. Sediment production on PKEW roads is sensitive to surface preparation processes affecting the supply of surface sediment, including vehicle detachment, maintenance activities, and mass wasting. The simulation data represent a foundation from which to begin parameterizing a physically based runoff/erosion model to study erosional impacts of roads in the study area. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emulsions Stabilized by Carbon Nanotube−Silica Nanohybrids

Emulsions have been stabilized by carbon nanotube-silica nanohybrids. The as-prepared nanotube-silica particles generate water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions, regardless of the water/oil volume ratio used. The emulsion volume fraction was much higher than that obtained with nanotubes only, and it was found to increase with water/oil ratio due to an increasing amount of water retained in the emulsion droplets. However, beyond a certain water/oil ratio, the emulsion fraction rapidly decreased. This point of collapse is a strong function of the amount of carbon nanotube-silica particles in the system. Oxidation of the nanohybrids by nitric acid can effectively modify the particle surfaces and change the resulting emulsion properties. The treatment in nitric acid increases the density of functional groups on the carbon nanotubes. Depending on the extent of functionalization, the effect of oxidation can vary from increasing the volume of emulsion stabilized to reversing the type of emulsion to oil-in-water (o/w). The emulsions are remarkably stable against coalescence and sedimentation and can be easily separated by filtration or centrifugation, which make them suitable for applications in interfacial catalytic processes in which the catalyst can be easily recovered after reaction.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Interfacial Properties of an Oligomeric, Cationic Fluorooxetane

The synthesis and characterization of a cationic oligo(fluorooxetane) surfactant with pendant −C4F9 groups are reported. Molecular area demand at saturation was determined to be 55.6 ± 0.3 A2/molecule and characteristic of an oligomer. The adsorption of the cationic oligo(fluorooxetane) to the air−water interface appears to be diffusion-limited, and dilational rheological properties of the adsorbed molecules are representative of a “soluble” monolayer. Adsorption dynamics have been measured yielding diffusion coefficients that are dependent on concentration and in the 10-7−10-8 cm2/s range. Complex moduli from dilational interfacial rheological measurements as a function of oscillation frequency were well fitted to the Lucassen−van den Tempel equation, providing an estimate of the Gibbs elasticity. The combination of the oligomeric nature of the fluorosurfactant, short perfluoroalkyl chain and its interfacial properties suggests that this synthetic approach is an attractive route to the development of flu...
The Armenian earthquake of 1988: a milestone in the evolution of nephrology

A dreadful earthquake struck a densely populated region of Armenia on December 7, 1988. All principal determinants of structural damage and crush injury converged to magnify the dreadful outcomes of this otherwise modest earthquake, which registered 6.9 on the Richter scale. Two circumstantial events focused unprecedented world attention on this natural disaster. First, the news media, assembled to cover the historic visit of Mikhail Gorbachev to the United States, were suddenly deprived of the news they had gathered to cover when Gorbachev interrupted his visit to examine the disaster personally. As a result, the world news media channeled their collective force on covering the tragic events in Armenia. Second, an official Soviet request for dialysis assistance was delivered at the opening session of the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in San Antonio on Sunday, December 11, 1988. As a result, the entire nephrology community was suddenly engulfed in the mounting worldwide enthusiasm to provide humanitarian aid. The subsequent efforts of the National Kidney Foundation and the International Society of Nephrology prompted the discipline to examine, evaluate, and establish a role for nephrologists in preparedness and response to natural disasters.
The Prevalence of Recurrent Herpes Labialis during an Army Hot Weather Exercise

A survey was performed on 1,062 of 2,500 (42%) Army personnel participating in a desert training exercise at Fort Irwin, California, in September 1983. The prevalence of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) and chapped lips was observed during the third week of a four-week training period. Complexion, sex, lip protectant use, age, and time spent outdoors were obtained by observation and interview. Recurrent herpes labialis was found in 46 subjects (4%). Stratified analysis and stepwise logistic regression were used to identify risk factors associated with RHL and to determine the prevalence odds ratios (POR). Risk factors with statistically significant associations with RHL were lip protectant use (POR = 0.19), chapped lips (POR = 2.87), being female (POR = 5.00), and light complexion (POR = 2.48). These findings strongly support the use of lip protectants during prolonged exposure to hot, dry climates as a prophylaxis against recurrent herpes labialis. Additional studies should focus on excitatory factors of RHL; and clinical trials of the efficacy of the lip protectants to protect against RHL and chapped lips should be undertaken.
Abstract SY42-02: Sensitization to chemoradiation by inhibition of cell cycle checkpoints

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Chemoradiation is uniquely effective at generating DNA DSBs (double-strand breaks) in the environment of chemotherapy-induced DNA damage and replication stress producing complex, difficult-to-repair DNA DSBs. However, chemoradiation therapy also initiates robust cell cycle checkpoint responses in tumor cells which promote repair of DNA damage and thus contribute to therapy resistance. Thus, inhibition of cell cycle checkpoints by inhibitors of kinases such as Wee1 or Chk1 is an especially effective strategy for sensitizing tumor cells to chemoradiation. In addition to abrogating cell cycle checkpoints, inhibitors of Wee1 and Chk1 inhibit homologous recombination repair of DNA DSBs. Furthermore, the efficacy of PARP1/2 [poly (ADP- ribose) polymerase1/2] inhibitors in homologous recombination repair defective tumor cells provides a rationale for the combination of Wee1 or Chk1 inhibitors with PARP1/2 inhibitors and radiation. Clinical investigation of Wee1 inhibitors with chemoradiation has recently been initiated. Novel combinations of targeted agents such as Wee1 and PARP1/2 inhibitors with radiation are an important area of emphasis for future clinical studies. Preclinical studies to define optimal agent combinations and scheduling, mechanisms of tumor cell selectivity, and biomarkers will improve the likelihood of clinical success for these combinations. Citation Format: Meredith Ann Morgan. Sensitization to chemoradiation by inhibition of cell cycle checkpoints. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr SY42-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-SY42-02
Occupancy problems and random algebras

Abstract For k randomly chosen subsets of [ n ] = \s{1, 2,…, n \s} we consider the probability that the Boolean algebra, distributive lattice, and meet semilattice which they generate are respectively free, or all of 2 [ n ] . In each case we describe a threshold function for the occurrence of these events. The threshold functions for freeness are close to their theoretical maximum values.
Antigenic changes in human breast neoplasia

A second fetal antigen of gamma mobility (γ fetal protein-2) has been found with widespread distribution in human neoplasia including 40% of saline extracts of carcinomas of the breast, colon, ovary, stomach, various sarcomas, and leukemias tested. Antibody was found in serum of less than 0.25 of 1% of cancer patients tested but was not found in the serum of normal donors nor in patients with non-neoplastic diseases. Immunodiffusion analysis with antibody from a 42-year-old male patient with myxoliposarcoma demonstrated the antigen in 40% of breast cancers, in none of 35 specimens of normal breast tissue, and in none of 30 specimens of diseased tissues. However, the antigen was demonstrated in 18/35 tissue specimens adjacent to the primary breast tumors. Immunodiffusion and microscopic analysis of breast specimens taken at 2-cm increments from the primary tumor, from contralateral breast biopsies, and from liver and lung metastases indicated that the presence of γFP-2 antigen could not be explained by the presence of microscopic tumor nor by tumor breakdown and antigen diffusion. Although the role of the breast lymphatics as a means of dissemination of the antigen throughout the breast cannot be totally excluded, the data suggest that the concept of the γFP-2 antigen as a product of a primed cell with malignant or near malignant physiology must be considered.
Effect of 2-hexadecynoic acid on cultured 7288C hepatoma cells.

The effects of 2-hexadecynoic acid on the growth and lipid metabolism of cultured 7288 (HTC) cells have been evaluated. Growth was inhibited by the acetylenic acid: the LD50 was 35–85 μM as determined by two methods at low and high cell densities. Reduced growth did not result from damaged plasma membranes as determined by α-amino isobutyrate leakage. DNA synthesis was unaffected by the acetylenic acid and the effect on RNA and protein synthesis appeared to be secondary to the effects on lipid metabolism. The 2-hexadecynoic acid inhibited lipid metabolism of the HTC cells at least at two levels. Data from both mass studies and radioactive acetate distributions in cellular and media lipids indicated that fatty acid elongation and acylation, especially triglyceride synthesis, were inhibited.
Walking in Fear An Autoethnographic Account of Media Framing of Inner-City Crime

For decades, scholars have studied the powerful effects of media. More specifically, researchers have found that media can be considered agents of socialization—shaping and influencing people's identities and identity formations. Because media is often our only “gateway” to witness what occurs outside of our view, it becomes the lens in which we use to view our world—especially when it comes to the framing of crime in the inner city. In this essay, I use the events surrounding Cincinnati, Ohio, and its race riots of 2001 as the case for analysis. Specifically, I use an autoethnographic account to detail the impact that news coverage on crime in Cincinnati can have on minority individuals who do not reside in the inner city. Finally, this essay further establishes the role—intentional or unintentional—that reporters and journalists play in community and public relations issues.
Humanlike immune response of human leukocyte antigen-DR3 transgenic mice to staphylococcal enterotoxins: A novel model for superantigen vaccines

This study examined the biologic responses of transgenic mice expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR3 and human CD4 molecules, in the absence of murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules (Ab(0)), to staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and evaluated protective immunity of a nonsuperantigen form of SEB against wild-type holotoxin. HLA-DR3 transgenic mice responded to several log lower concentrations of SEs and secreted higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines than did wild-type mice. Vaccination of transgenic mice with a nonsuperantigenic form of SEB induced high levels of neutralizing anti-SEB antibodies, which protected the mice from a surge in proinflammatory cytokine secretion after SEB challenge. The humanlike responses of the transgenic mice to SEs support the hypothesis that these mice represent an appropriate model to examine vaccines and therapeutics against SEs. This is thought to be the first report of examination of a vaccine against SEB in the context of human MHC class II receptors.
A system to read names and addresses on tax forms

The reading of names and addresses is one of the most complex tasks in automated forms processing. This paper describes an integrated real-time system to read names and addresses on tax forms of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Name and Address Block Reader (NABR) system accepts both machine-printed and hand-printed address block images as input. The application software has two major steps: document analysis (connected component analysis, address block extraction, label detection, hand-print/machine-print discrimination) and document recognition. Document recognition has two nonidentical streams for machine-print and hand-print: the key steps are address parsing, character recognition, word recognition, and postal database lookup. (ZIP+4 and City-State-ZIP files.) System output is a packet containing the results of recognition together with database access status file. Real-time throughput (8500 forms/h) is achieved by employing a loosely coupled multiprocessing architecture where successive input images are distributed to available address recognition processors. The functional architecture, software design, system architecture, and the hardware implementation are described. Performance evaluation on machine-printed and handwritten addresses are presented.
Discrete-time versus continuous-time models of neural networks

Abstract In mathematical modeling, very often discrete-time (DT) models are taken from, or can be viewed as numerical discretizations of, certain continuous-time (CT) models. In this paper, a general criterion, the asymptotic consistency criterion, for these DT models to inherit the dynamical behavior of their CT counterparts is derived. Detailed instances of this criterion are established for several classes of neural networks.
Heat Transfer Performance of a Dual-Chamber Finned Solar Absorber for Concentrating Solar Evaporator Applications

This paper explores the performance advantages of a novel design of an evaporator-superheater for Rankine solar applications. The solar absorber device consists of a dual-chamber design in which the outer chamber contains fins for enhanced heat transfer allowing for multi-pass working fluid to accomplish both single phase and multiphase heat transfer in a simple low-cost manner. Analytical models to predict heat transfer performance and frictional losses in this design are described. Nondimensional analysis compares multiple strip-fin configurations for the outer chamber to establish optimal constructions. Predicted performance of the dual-chamber design is compared to traditional single chamber solar absorber tube for a 10 kW case study. The design analysis indicates that the concentric dual-chamber design minimizes heat loss to the surroundings providing a high level of evaporator performance.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hairpin Formation during DNA Synthesis Primer Realignmentin Vitro in Triplet Repeat Sequences from Human Hereditary Disease Genes

Genetic expansion of DNA triplet repeat sequences (TRS) found in neurogenetic disorders may be due to abnormal DNA replication. We have previously observed strong DNA synthesis pausings at specific loci within the long tracts (>∼70 repeats) of CTG·CAG and CGG·CCG as well as GTC·GAC by primer extensions in vitro using DNA polymerases (the Klenow fragment ofEscherichia coli DNA polymerase I, the modified T7 DNA polymerase (Sequenase), and human DNA polymerase β). Herein, we have isolated and analyzed the products of stalled synthesis found at ∼30–40 triplets from the beginning of the TRS. DNA sequence analyses revealed that the stalled products contained short tracts of homogeneous TRS (6–12 repeats) in the middle of the sequence corresponding to the flanking region of the primer-template sequence. The sequence at the 3′-side terminated at the end of the primer, indicating that the primer molecule had served as a template. In addition, chemical probe and polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analyses revealed that the stalled products existed in hairpin structures. We postulate that these products of the DNA polymerases are caused by the existence of an unusual DNA conformation(s) within the TRS, during the in vitro DNA synthesis, enhancing the DNA slippages and the hairpin formations in the TRS due to primer realignment. The consequence of these steps is DNA synthesis to the end of the primer and termination. Primer realignment including hairpin formation may play an important intermediate role in the replication of TRS in vivo to elicit genetic expansions.
Intact Human Ceruloplasmin Is Required for the Incorporation of Iron into Human Ferritin

We have previously reported several studies on the loading of iron into ferritin by ceruloplasmin using proteins from rats. Loading iron into human ferritin using human serum ceruloplasmin is complicated by the fact that human ceruloplasmin is very susceptible to proteolysis (T. P. Ryan, T. A. Grover, and S. D. Aust, 1992, Arch. Biochem Biophys. 293, 1-8). The present study investigated the effect of proteolysis on the ability of human ceruloplasmin to load iron into human ferritin. SDS-PAGE revealed one major band with an apparent molecular weight of 116 kDa for a proteolytically degraded form of ceruloplasmin versus a 132-kDa band for an intact form of the enzyme. Both forms of the enzyme possessed ferroxidase activity, although that of the proteolytically degraded enzyme was approximately twofold less than that of the intact enzyme (4.9 nmol (min)-1 vs 8.3 nmol (min)-1). Only the intact form of ceruloplasmin was able to catalyze iron loading into ferritin without altering the physical characteristics of the ferritin protein during the process. Abnormal migration in nondenaturing PAGE gels, as well as a decrease in the amount of detectable ferritin protein, was observed when ferritin was incubated with iron alone or with proteolytically degraded ceruloplasmin and iron. It was concluded that the structural integrity of ceruloplasmin is required for the enzyme to effectively catalyze iron loading into ferritin.
Attenuation of alcohol drinking in tetrahydroisoquinoline-treated rats by morphine and naltrexone

In rats of either the Sprague-Dawley or Long-Evans strain, either tetrahydroisoquinoline (THP) was infused chronically ICV, or one of three protoberberine (PBN) compounds was administered subcutaneously at birth. When the animals were 120-180 days of age, a constant concentration of alcohol was offered simultaneously with water to those rats which demonstrated a clear-cut preference for alcohol. This concentration was selected on the basis of an alcohol preference screen. After alcohol intakes had stabilized, naltrexone was injected subcutaneously in a dose of either 1.0 or 5.0 mg/kg twice a day for three consecutive days. The higher dose (10.0 mg/kg total) of naltrexone suppressed the voluntary intake of alcohol by 26%, whereas the lower dose (2.0 mg/kg total) attenuated alcohol drinking by 14%. Both doses of naltrexone reduced food intake but did not appreciably affect water intake or body weight. When morphine was injected according to the same regimen in a dose of 10.0 or 2.5 mg/kg twice per day, a 49% reduction in alcohol intake was produced by the higher dose and a 32% decline followed the lower dose. Although morphine attenuated food intake, neither water intake nor body weight was affected. Saline control injections administered twice daily in the same way failed to alter any of the intake measures or body weight. These findings indicate that the long-lasting opiate antagonist naltrexone attenuates the voluntary consumption of alcohol in a manner similar to that produced by naloxone. The present results are discussed in terms of the evidence that an opiate agonist and antagonist may exert their actions by different mechanisms in the brain, possibly through separate subpopulations of opiate receptors.
Game-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (GB-CBT) Group Program for Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse: A Preliminary Investigation.

This preliminary investigation examined the efficacy of a game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy group program for elementary school-aged children who have experienced sexual abuse. Treatment aimed to improve: (a) internalizing symptoms, (b) externalizing behaviors, (c) sexually inappropriate behaviors, (d) social skills deficits, (e) self-esteem problems, and (f) knowledge of healthy sexuality and self-protection skills. Results indicate that game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was effective for improving internalizing and externalizing symptoms, reducing sexually inappropriate behaviors, and improving children's knowledge of abuse and self-protection skills. Although results pointed in a positive direction for social skills and self-perception, these findings were not statistically significant. Clinical significance was also evaluated to assess the clinical utility of treatment effects. Treatment implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Regulation of Kupffer cell activity during chronic ethanol exposure: role of adiponectin.

There is a growing appreciation that adipose tissue is a multifunctional organ. In addition to its central role in lipid storage, adipose tissue secretes a diverse group of proteins, called adipokines, involved in lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, angiogenesis etc. Adipocytes also secrete various inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Adiponectin, an adipokine with potent anti-inflammatory properties, is thought to play an important role in the regulation of inflammation. The development of alcoholic liver disease is thought to involve increased pro-inflammatory activity, mediated in part by the activation of Kupffer cells. Chronic ethanol feeding sensitizes Kupffer cells to activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a). Recent studies have demonstrated a hepato-protective effect of adiponectin in the progression of alcoholic liver disease. Herein are summarized recent data demonstrating that adiponectin treatment can normalize LPS-stimulated ROS production and TNF-a expression in Kupffer cells after chronic ethanol feeding. These studies suggest that the hepato-protective activity of adiponectin is due, at least in part, to a direct anti-inflammatory effect of adiponectin on Kupffer cells.
Resilient Characteristics of Bottom Ash and Bottom Ash-Soil Mixtures

Bottom ash, a byproduct of the coal combustion process to generate electricity by power plants, is generally underutilized and ends up in landfills or ponds. This paper aims at evaluating the characteristics of the coal combustion bottom ash for potential utilization in pavement construction materials. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive laboratory testing program was undertaken to evaluate the physical properties, compaction characteristics, and resilient modulus of bottom ash, subgrade soils, and bottom ash-soil mixtures. The investigated bottom ash was obtained from power plants in Wisconsin and Michigan. Test results showed that there is a wide spectrum of bottom ash properties pertaining to specific gravity and unit weight, while the investigated bottom ash samples were classified as granular material. Repeated load triaxial testing was performed to determine the resilient modulus of the bottom ash, subgrade soil, and bottom ash-soil mixtures. Specimens were tested at the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content. Test results demonstrated that the resilient modulus values of bottom ash vary depending on the physical properties and unit weight of the bottom ash. For four bottom ash-soil mixtures, the resilient modulus values were low compared with the resilient modulus of subgrade soils, while for one type the resilient modulus was comparable/higher than that of subgrade soil. Therefore, mixing the bottom ash with subgrade soil showed increased resilient modulus values of the mixture for the bottom ash sample from Oak Creek Power Plan (OCPP). Mixing 50% of the bottom ash with subgrade soil, by dry weight, was considered an optimum amount to improve the resilient modulus of the bottom ash soil mixture for OCPP bottom ash.
Anesthesia for transurethral prostate surgery.

In most men the prostate gland progressively enlarges after the age of 40, leading to the diagnosis of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Cancer of the prostate gland is a common tumor in men and has been found microscopically at autopsy in about 60% of men over 80 years old [1]. Up to 75% of men o
The sensing of essential amino acid deficiency in the anterior piriform cortex, that requires the uncharged tRNA/GCN2 pathway, is sensitive to wortmannin but not rapamycin.

Animals detect and reject their first essential/indispensable amino acid (IAA) deficient meal within 20 min; this IAA sensing requires an intact anterior piriform cortex (APC). In the biochemical responses to IAA deficiency in the APC we have shown that: uncharged tRNA is the primary sensor; IAA transport is increased; and signaling, including the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), is activated. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a potential AA sensor and is regulated by AA transport. Previously, the inhibitors, rapamycin for mTOR, wortmannin for phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) and PD98059 for ERK, each blocked the upregulation of the System A transporter in IAA depleted APC neurons. Here we injected these same inhibitors into the APC and measured intake of an IAA deficient diet. Rapamycin had no effect on the rejection of the IAA deficient diet, but wortmannin increased ERK activation and intake of the deficient diet before 40 min and PD98059 acted after 40 min to increase the second meal. While the specific wortmannin target involved in blocking the behavioral response remains unclear, we conclude that mTOR is dispensable for sensing IAA deficiency in the APC, and that ERK is associated with the secondary learned responses to IAA deficient diets.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF A RECENTLY DISCOVERED POPULATION OF THE LEAST CHUB (IOTICHTHYS PHLEGETHONTIS)

Area is a series of dike-created ponds fed by springs. The discovery of this new population was particularly exciting because a large proportion of this species’ genetic diversity is at the population level (F ST = 0.52; Mock and Miller 2005). In this study, we conducted a genetic analysis of the Clear Lake population of least chub and interpret the results within the existing framework of genetic data for the
An implementation-independent approach to teaching recursion

The principle of abstraction, of separating a concept from a particular implementation of that concept, is gaining increasingly widespread use in programming and problem solving, and in teaching these subjects. A method of teaching the abstract concept of recursion, independent of its implementation, is presented.
The translation initiation factor eIF3-p48 subunit is encoded by int-6, a site of frequent integration by the mouse mammary tumor virus genome.

Translation initiation factor eIF3 is a large, multisubunit protein complex that plays a central role in the pathway of initiation by promoting the binding of both methionyl-tRNA i and mRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit. As part of a broad effort to elucidate the structure of eIF3, we have cloned and sequenced the human cDNA encoding the 48-kDa subunit, eIF3-p48. The recombinant protein comigrates with the authentic p48 subunit in purified eIF3 and coprecipitates with affinity-purified antibodies to the p170 subunit of eIF3. A search of the data base indicates that the mouse gene encoding eIF3-p48 had previously been identified and characterized by others asint-6. The int-6 gene is the site of frequent integration of mouse mammary tumor virus DNA into chromosomes, implicating the gene in the regulation of cell proliferation. In addition, it was shown elsewhere that the homologous humanint-6 gene product binds to the human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax protein, leading to the translocation of Int-6 to the cytoplasm. We discuss how the cytosolic function of eIF3-p48 (Int-6) in protein synthesis may account for oncogenesis caused by these two viruses.
Uncorrected visual acuity in children with monofocal pseudophakia

Purpose To report uncorrected distance and near visual acuity in pediatric eyes treated with primary monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Setting Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Design Retrospective chart review. Methods Records of children older than 5 years who had uneventful monofocal IOL implantation targeted for emmetropia within ±1.00 diopter (D) spherical equivalent were reviewed. Eyes with secondary IOL placement and sulcus-fixated IOLs were excluded. Vision was tested using the Mentor BVAT or M&S system for distance and the standard Jaeger near card for near visual acuity. Keratometry, axial length, type of IOL, and preoperative and postoperative refractions were recorded. The main outcome measure was uncorrected visual acuity at distance and near. Good visual acuity was defined as 20/40 or better. Results Forty-one eyes of 25 children had uncorrected distance and near visual acuity recorded in the early postoperative period. The mean age was 11.2 years ± 3.6 (SD). Twenty eyes (49%) had good visual acuity at distance and near, 11 had good visual acuity at distance only, 6 had good visual acuity at near only, and 4 had worse than 20/40 at distance and near. Thirty eyes (70%) had with-the-rule astigmatism. All but 2 eyes (95%) had 20/70 or better uncorrected acuity at distance and near. In children with bilateral pseudophakia, 12 (75%) of 16 had 20/40 or better uncorrected acuity at distance and near. Conclusion Monofocal IOL placement resulted in good uncorrected distance and near visual acuity in almost 50% of pediatric eyes and in 75% of patients when targeted within ±1.00 D of emmetropia. Financial Disclosure Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Developing and Evaluating Drought Indicators for Decision-Making

AbstractDrought indicators can help to detect, assess, and reduce impacts of drought. However, existing indicators often have deficiencies that limit their effectiveness, such as statistical inconsistency, noncomparability, arbitrary metrics, and lack of historic context. Further, indicators selected for drought plans may be only marginally useful, and relatively little prior work has investigated ways to design operationally practical indicators. This study devises a generalizable approach, based on feedback from users, to develop and evaluate indicators for decision-making. This approach employs a percentile-based framework that offers clarity, consistency, and comparability among different indicators, drought levels, time periods, and spatial scales. In addition, it characterizes the evolution of droughts and quantifies their severity, duration, and frequency. User preferences are incorporated into the framework’s parameters, which include percentile thresholds for drought onset and recovery, severity ...
THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON FLAGELLAR AND SOMATIC AGGLUTINATION.

1. Heat at 70°C. destroys the form of the flagella and their ability to combine with flagellar agglutinins but it does not destroy their antigenic nature since they can still generate flagellar agglutinins in the animal body. 2. Heat at 70°C. and even at 120°C. in the autoclave does not destroy the forms of the bacilli themselves nor their ability to become agglutinated and to absorb agglutinins. 3. Somatic agglutinins are destroyed to a considerable extent by heat at 70°C. and completely destroyed by heat at 75°C. 4. Heat at 70°C. causes little or no destruction of flagellar agglutinins but a temperature of 75°C. changes the agglutinins so that they react more slowly and produce a slightly lower reaction with a zone of inhibition in the stronger dilutions.
Establishing a standard of speed for assessing the efficacy of the serotonin1B/1D agonists (triptans)

The current International Headache Society guidelines for migraine clinical trials recommend assessment of pain relief at 2 hours as a primary end point. Patients, however, express a clear preference for more rapid pain relief, with most patients defining rapid relief as occurring within 30 minutes after drug administration. Thus, consideration should be given to establishing clinical trial end points that more accurately reflect the preferences of patients with migraine. In this case, assessment of pain relief at 1 hour would be an appropriate primary end point. Using speed of relief as a criterion for migraine drug selection also is appropriate. The migraine-specific serotonin1B/1D agonists, or triptans, are able to meet this faster relief end point and are preferred by patients. Arch Neurol. 2001;58:1056-1058
Potential explanations for the inhibition and acceleration of phenol SCWO by water

This paper offers potential explanations for the inhibition and acceleration by water of phenol supercritical water oxidation rates. We report new experimental data at 380−465 °C that reveals the effect of water density on the oxidation reaction. At 380 and 400 °C, increasing the water density increases phenol conversion. At 442 and 465 °C, the phenol conversion decreases as water concentration increases from 2 to 9 mol/L. At 420 °C, the phenol conversion decreases as water density increases from 2 to 8 mol/L, but conversion increases as water density increases from 8 to 13 mol/L. We present new data and analyses showing that ion−ion reactions are not responsible for the observed effects. These effects are, however, quantitatively consistent with a model based on the existence of two competing rate-determining steps. In one possible scenario, one step has an increase in polarity along the reaction coordinate and the other has a decrease. It is also plausible that diffusion limitations at high temperatures...
A note on the complexity and tractability of the heat equation

We wish to solve the heat equation u"[email protected] in I^dx(0,T), where I is the unit interval and T is a maximum time value, subject to homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions and to initial conditions u(.,0)=f over I^d. We show that this problem is intractable if f belongs to standard Sobolev spaces, even if we have complete information about q. However, if f and q belong to a reproducing kernel Hilbert space with finite-order weights, we can show that the problem is tractable, and can actually be strongly tractable.