cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Visualization of Src by Using Dasatinib-BODIPY

Many biological experiments are not compatible with the use of immunofluorescence, genetically encoded fluorescent tags, or FRET-based reporters. Conjugation of existing kinase inhibitors to cell-permeable fluorophores can provide a generalized approach to develop fluorescent probes of intracellular kinases. Here, we report the development of a small molecule probe of Src through conjugation of BODIPY to two well-established dual Src-Abl kinase inhibitors, dasatinib and saracatinib. We show that this approach is not successful for saracatinib but that dasatinib-BODIPY largely retains the biological activity of its parent compound and can be used to monitor the presence of Src kinase in individual cells by flow cytometry. It can also be used to track the localization of Src by fixed and live-cell fluorescence microscopy. This strategy could enable generation of additional kinase-specific probes useful in systems not amenable to genetic manipulation or could be used together with fluorescent proteins to enable a multiplexed assay readout.
Measurements and performance prediction of an adaptive wing micro air vehicle

The mission space requirements imposed on the design of micro air vehicles (MAVs) typically consist of several distinct flight segments that generally conflict: the transit phases of flight require high speeds, while the loiter/surveillance phase requires lower flight velocities. Maximum efficiency must be sought in order to prolong battery life and aircraft endurance. The adaptive wing MAV developed at the University of Arizona features a thin, deformable flying wing with an efficient rudder-elevator control system. The wing camber is varied to accommodate different flight speeds while maintaining a constant total lift at a relatively low angle of attack. A new airfoil was developed from the Selig 5010 that features a small negative pitching moment for pitch stability. Wind tunnel tests were performed and stall angles and best lift-to-drag ratios were analyzed from the data. The wind tunnel data was used in a performance analysis in order to determine the flight speeds and throttle settings for maximum endurance at each camber, as well as the MAV's theoretical minimum and maximum flight speeds. The effectiveness of camber change on flight speed and endurance was examined with promising results; flight speed could be reduced by 25% by increasing the camber from 3 to 9% without any increase in power consumption.
Retinoblastoma Protein-mediated Apoptosis After γ-Irradiation

Restoration of expression of the retinoblastoma gene to DU-145 prostate-cancer cells sensitizes them to apoptosis induced by γ-irradiation. In contrast, RB expression-protected cells from UV-induced cell death. RB, a caspase substrate, remained intact during apoptosis in γ-irradiated DU-145 cells because serine proteases, but not caspases, were activated. In DU-145 cells, RB-mediated apoptosis involved biphasic activation of ABL kinase. ABL kinase was activated within minutes of irradiation, but in the presence of RB expression ABL kinase activation was enhanced 48 h after irradiation, coincident with the onset of cell death. Apoptosis was inhibited by RB mutants with constitutive ABL binding, but ABL overexpression overcame the effect of the RB mutant constructs. Expression of kinase-dead ABL had a dominant-negative effect on RB-mediated cell death. Activation of JUN N-terminal kinase depended on the presence of RB and occurred within 8 h of irradiation. Mutant JUN proteins that lacked the N-terminal transactivation domain and serine substrates for JUN N-terminal kinase inhibited cell death in a dominant-negative manner. Irradiation of DU-145 cells caused activation of p38 MAPK independent of the expression of RB. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK blocked apoptosis after irradiation of RB-expressing cells. The data show that after γ-irradiation, intact RB mediates transcriptional activation that leads to activation of JNK and late activation of ABL kinase. In addition, p38 MAPK activation occurred independent of RB. ABL kinase, JUN N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK activity were all required for RB-mediated DU-145 cell death after γ-irradiation.
Non-supercell Tornadoes

Abstract Analyses of tornadoes that are not associated with supercells are presented. The database for this study was collected during CINDE (Convention INitiation and Downburst Experiment), a field project operated during the summer of 1987 in Colorado. A total of 27 visual vortices were studied. They appeared to form as shear instabilities along radar detected convergence lines. The circulations initiated at low levels generally in the absence of precipitation echo. Subsequently as these vortices propagated along the convergence line they appeared to strengthen to tornadic intensity when they became colocated with the updraft of a rapidly developing storm. It is hypothesized that vortex stretching is responsible for intensifying the initial rotation. Although these tornadoes were weaker than those accompanied by strong midlevel mesocyclones, estimates of their strength suggest damage capability as high as F2. The implications for operational radars to detect these types of phenomena were identified. The...
Grass leaf protein, a coproduct of cellulosic ethanol production, as a source of protein for livestock

Leaf protein (LP) produced as a coproduct of cellulosic ethanol production can be utilized by livestock. Effects of conservation method on protein extraction efficiency from orchard- grass (OG) and switchgrass (SG); effects of grass maturity, chemical and heat treatment, and conservation method on protein degradation of LP from OG; and amino acid profiles of OG and LP from OG before and after degradation were evaluated. Two maturities of OG and SG were harvested in 2008 with crude protein (CP) concentrations of 171 and 44 g/kg dry matter (DM; immature) and 131 and 24 g/kg DM (mature) for OG and SG, respectively. Grasses (fresh, stored, or wilted) were chopped, juice extracted with a screw press and adjusted to a pH of 3.3 with concentrated HCl, and treated with or without zinc and with heat (100 or 140 ◦C for 1 h) or without heat (21 ◦C; control) followed by centrifugation to harvest precipitated LP. Efficiencies of extraction were similar for fresh and stored, which were both higher than wilted grass (P < 0.01). Crude protein concentrations (g/kg DM) of LP were approximately twice that of the original grass for all chemical and heat treatment combinations. In vitro protein degradation of OG LP was evaluated using enzymes extracted from rumens of lactating dairy cows. Fresh OG LP treated with HCl + Zn 140 ◦C had the great- est reduction in CP degradation compared to HCl control. An interaction (P < 0.05) between maturity and zinc was observed with zinc decreasing CP degradation of immature OG LP more than mature OG LP after 4 h incubation. Interactions (P < 0.10) were also detected between maturity and temperature and between chemical and temperature after 12 h incu- bation. Heat decreased CP degradability with temperatures of 100 ◦
Hierarchical roughness makes superhydrophobic states stable

Roughness enhances hydrophobicity of a solid surface leading to high contact angles with water. To achieve low contact angle hysteresis along with a high contact angle, superhydrophobic surfaces should form composite interface (CI) with air pockets in the valleys between asperities. The CI is often unstable and can be irreversibly transformed into the homogeneous interface. We formulate stability criterion, identify mechanisms, which lead to destabilization of the CI, and show that these mechanisms are scale-dependent. To effectively resist these scale-dependent mechanisms, a multiscale (hierarchical) roughness is required. Such multiscale roughness is found in natural and artificial superhydrophobic surfaces.
Hydrodynamics near the QCD phase transition: Looking for the longest-lived fireball.

We propose a new strategy for the experimental search of the QCD phase transition in heavy ion collisions: One may tune collision energy to the point where the lifetime of the fireball is the longest. Using hydrodynamical description of space-time evolution and assuming Landau-like initial conditions, we show that this longest lifetime corresponds to the initial energy density being at the ``softest point`` (where the pressure to energy density ratio reaches its minimum), {epsilon}{sub {ital i}}{approx}1.5 GeV/fm{sup 3} for our choice of equation of state. The plasma lifetime is effectively increased by about a factor of 3. We suggest distinct changes in various observables which may help to locate the softest point. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital The} {ital American} {ital Physical} {ital Society}.
Sex ratio manipulation by the parasitoid wasp Spalangia cameroni in response to host age: a test of the host-size model.

A sex ratio response to host resources as measured by external host dimensions has been demonstrated in many parasitoid wasps, includingSpalangia cameroni. The responses generally are in the direction predicted by sex ratio theory, specifically the host-size models. Here I show that femaleS. cameroni also respond to differences in resource availability not associated with changes in external host dimensions, and this response is in the direction predicted by host-size models. When given old and young hosts simultaneously, femaleS. cameroni oviposit a greater proportion of sons in old than in young host pupae, at least for 0-day old versus 3-day old hosts. Old hosts weigh less than young hosts but are not significantly different in external width. Thus it appears that the offspring sex ratio response may result from mothers detecting physical or chemical changes within the host which are associated with host age. No evidence is found that the manipulation in response to host age has been selected for via an effect of host age on wasp size; there was no significant effect of host age on either male of female wasp size. A second prediction of the host-size models is also supported by this study: when each female is presented with only a single host age, rather than two host ages simultaneously, host age has no effect on offspring sex ratio.
POLYMORPHISM OF BACTERIAL RESTRICTION-MODIFICATION SYSTEMS: THE ADVANTAGE OF DIVERSITY.

Bacterial restriction-modification systems provide defense against foreign DNA by using a self versus nonself recognition mechanism. A great diversity of recognition motifs is maintained in natural populations. Circumstantial evidence suggests that defense against bacteriophage viruses favors this diversity. (1) Bacterial restriction enzymes can destroy invading phage DNA. (2) Phage DNA can mimic the host's self-recognition mechanism. The ability of the virus to pose as a mimic favors diversification of the host's recognition motif. Other observations suggest that restriction modification (RM) does not provide any significant defensive advantages in mature communities. (1) In laboratory experiments, bacteria evolve resistance to phage by mutation and selection of the receptors to which phage adsorb. The outcome of these experiments is a community dominated by bacteria with receptor-based resistance, with a low abundance of phage and susceptible bacteria. (2) Phage are rare and receptor-based resistance is common in samples from natural communities. I present a model that shows two factors determine community composition: resources and RM diversity. Communities in resource-rich habitats are dominated by receptor-based resistance and support few phage; communities in poor habitats are dominated by restriction-modification defense and relatively abundant phage. RM diversity is itself a direct cause of community composition. As diversity increases from a low level, the abundance of phage increases and the relative abundance of receptor-based resistance declines. Further increases in diversity cause a crash in phage abun- dance, yielding a stable community of diverse RM types but an absence of the selective pressure— the phage — that drove the diversification. Empirical studies must sample a range of resource levels and RM diversity to analyze the forces that determine community composition.
The effects of desalivation by duct ligation or salivary gland extirpation on taste preference in rats.

Abstract Albino rats were desalivated by either duct ligation or extirpation of the major salivary glands. The preference tests consisted of a choice between two cups containing a solid diet or between two bottles containing solutions. The flavour additives were quinine sulphate or NaCl. Rats normally have a slight preference for salt diets and show a clear aversion for bitter tastes. Short-term testing of the desalivated rats started 4 days after surgery and longterm testing at 104 days. Each test group consisted of 6–9 rats and the same number of controls. The proportion of flavoured food or fluid selected relative to total intake was analysed statistically. Both duct-ligated and gland-extirpated rats were hypogeusic to quinine- and NaCl-containing solutions. Neither the mode of desalivation nor the time factor played a role in the acceptance of the quinine- or NaCl-flavoured solutions. Presentation of the same taste stimuli in either a liquid or solid medium resulted in different taste response of the desalivated rats. The texture qualities of the diet were of greater importance in acceptance of food than taste per se .
Observation of a first-order triple-point dewetting transition in methane adsorbed on graphite

We report the results of high-resolution heat capacity measurements of multilayer methane adsorbed on graphite near the bulk triple point. These measurements indicate that the films studied, from 5 to 18 layers thick, undergo two wetting transitions in the process of melting. The first is a first-order dewetting transition at T_w ∼ 90.5 K, and the second is a continuous wetting transition at the triple point, T_t = 90.66 K. The melting transition in the film begins at T_w, and moves to lower temperatu for thinner films.
Epinephrine-induced pulmonary edema in crosscirculated animals.

Blood with epinephrine was infused into crosscirculated dogs and comparison was made between animals receiving the infusion only in their heads, only in their trunks, or in their entire circulation.The procedure was invariably followed by pulmonary edema in all experimental animals.Left ventricular systolic pressure elevations and increases of the dp/dt of this chamber were similar in all animals irrespective of the area infused. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure elevations also occurred in all animals but were greater in the "trunk dogs" than in the "head dogs" or the "whole dogs".These results suggest that both neurogenic stimuli and circulating catecholamines (either injected or secreted under the influence of nerve stimulation) contribute to the chain of events leading to formation of pulmonary edema.
Semantic Independence and Degree of Bilingualism in Two Communities

Two contextualized degree of bilingualism measures, one designed to assess relative proficiency in two languages, the other to assess the extent to which each is used, were administered to 34 bilingual children of Puerto Rican background who attended a parochial school in Jersey City. The children reported that they used more Spanish, when talking to other bilingual Puerto Ricans, in the contexts of family and neighborhood, than they did in those of education and religion. Their relative proficiency scores were in general agreement with their usuage scores: the greatest difference between English and Spanish proficiency scores being obs rved for the domain of education and the smallest difference for the domain of family.'
Chicken Ovalbumin Upstream Promoter- Transcription Factors and their Regulation

COUP-TFs are orphan members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. COUP-TF homologues have been cloned in several species, from Drosophila to man. The vertebrate COUP-TFs can be classified into four subgroups according to sequence homology in their ligand-binding domain. COUP-TFs bind to AGGTCA direct repeats or palindromes with various spacings. These include the response elements of several other members of the superfamily, the vitamin D receptor, the thyroid hormone receptor, the retinoic acid receptor, the retinoid X receptor, the peroxisome proliferation activated regulator, and the hepatocyte nuclear factor-4. COUP-TF response elements have been identified in the promoters of many genes and COUP-TFs have been shown to act as negative regulators both in vitro and in vivo. They can compete with the above mentioned receptors for binding to the common response elements. The ratio of COUP-TF and the other positive regulator determines the transcriptional state of a particular gene in any given moment. COUP-TFs are expressed in the developing central nervous system of mouse and zebra fish. In addition, they are also expressed in many organs during mouse organogenesis. The expression pattern and profile of COUP-TFs favor the hypothesis that they are involved in development and differentiation. The expression of COUP-TFs are also highly regulated. P19 embryonal carcinoma cells have been used as a model system to study COUP-TF regulation. COUP-TFs are up-regulated in retinoic acid (RA) treated P19 cells. Transient transfection assay showed that mouse COUP-TFII promoter directly responded to RA treatment, suggesting that COUP-TF expression is directly regulated by RA signaling pathway.
Memories (out) of place: Franco-Judeo-Algerian autobiographical writing, 1995-2010

This article examines the construction of memory through relation to lost Jewish places and spaces in Algeria in recent French-language autobiographical writing of Albert Bensoussan, Alice Cherki, Annie Cohen, Jean Cohen, Attica Guedj, Benjamin Stora and Daniel Timsit. Published between 1995 and 2010, these works represent a duel interrogation of memory through evocation of place: first, remembering the ways Jews carved out space for themselves at home, at school, in spaces of leisure and sacred spaces, second, where Jews situate themselves given the lack of Jewish presence in Algeria today, and the ways the community gets forgotten in its present-day exile in France and Israel. Jewish writers retrospectively relocate themselves to Algeria in an effort to maintain their position in between Algerian Muslims and pieds-noirs, forever attached to both, but reducible to neither.
Effects of Language Background on the Learning of Chinese Characters among Foreign Language Students.

This study investigated the effects of language background on the success in the learning of Chinese characters by first-year college learners of Chinese. An instrument consisting of a character recognition task and a production task was employed. Eighty-five bilingual speakers of English and Chinese and 60 “non-heritage” (native English-speaking) learners from seven institutions participated in this study. There were two major findings: (a) Language background was not a variable influencing either group's performance on Chinese character recognition and production; and (b) Although there were statistically significant differences for recognition and production in terms of sites, no main effects were found for the interaction between site and language background on character recognition and production. Discussions include pedagogical implications of the findings in this study.
A new phase of insulin secretion. How will it contribute to our understanding of beta-cell function?

Although initially described two decades ago, biphasic insulin secretion has gradually been understood to reflect beta-cell rate sensitivity, be important in minimizing overinsulinization in normal individuals, be defective in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and be useful as an early predictor in prediabetic individuals. Recently, a third phase of insulin secretion has been observed in fully in vitro islets or pancreatic preparations. This phase is characterized as a spontaneous decline of secretion (desensitization) during 24 h of sustained exposure to glucose or other secretagogues and does not appear to be simply an artifact of in vitro preparations. The impaired secretion is localized to the final release process in that neither glucose-stimulated proinsulin synthesis nor its conversion to insulin is affected. The mechanisms responsible for the third phase of reduced secretion are unknown. Kinetic evidence suggests it is not caused by emptying of a single finite insulin storage compartment but does not exclude the possibility that the decreased release reflects depletion of threshold-sensitive beta-cells recruited at a given secretagogue level. Alternatively, the third phase may reflect inhibition of a priming or terminal insulin-release process by metabolic feedback. Because several secretagogues cause similar third-phase impaired release, even in the absence of glucose, desensitization probably occurs at a common fundamental site in the secretory site (e.g., calcium metabolism). Preliminary studies indicate the third phase is not the result of a paracrine effect by other islet hormones or of a change in muscarinic regulation. Whether other neurologic effectors are involved requires further investigation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
U.S. Army Missile Command hardware-in-the-loop infrared projector development

This paper provides an overview of the HWIL simulations of IR systems, addresses the critical projector requirements/specifications for HWIL simulations, and reviews the most prominent technologies associated with IR scene projection. This review consists of a brief discussion of each technology in terms of physical operation with advantages and disadvantages being highlighted. Following this introduction, the IR target-slide zoom-optics projector (IRTZP) and IR laser diode array projector (LDAP) systems which are currently developed by MICOM are thoroughly discussed. This includes a discussion of the operational performance characteristics of both systems. The basis for this paper is work performed at the MICOM Advanced Simulation Center (ASC). The ASC is managed and operated by the Systems Simulation and Development Directorate of the MICOM Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Diagnostic yield of transjugular liver biopsy samples to evaluate for infectious etiology of liver dysfunction in bone marrow transplant recipients.

To determine the diagnostic yield of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLBx) samples to evaluate for infectious etiology (immunosuppressed protocol [ISP] of TJLBx) in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. A retrospective review of 78 TJLBx in 61 patients who had undergone BMT was undertaken. Biopsy was performed with an automated 19-gauge needle set. The primary indication was suspected graft-versus-host disease in all; a subset also sought to detect infectious liver pathology. In these (n = 31 biopsy samples, 22 patients), an ISP was used with tissue sent for bacterial, viral, fungal, and mycobacterial analysis in addition to histology. In the remainder (n = 47 biopsy samples, 41 patients), tissue was sent for histology only (H). Sample adequacy, histological diagnosis, microorganism assay results (ISP), and complications were reviewed. To assess sample adequacy in BMT compared to non-BMT patients, random control sample of 77 biopsy samples in 75 inpatients during the same period was reviewed (C). All but 1 TJLBx (C group) were technically successful (99 %). One major (ISP) and 5 minor complications occurred (H = 3, ISP = 1, C = 1). There were 3 inadequate specimens (6.4 %) in the H group, 4 in the ISP group (12.9 %), and 4 in the C group (5.2 %) (p = NS). No organisms were isolated in any ISP biopsy samples (yield 0 %). When ISP is requested in BMT recipients, biopsy yields were lower, for unclear reasons possibly relating to degree of liver injury. ISP adds no useful positive information over histology alone. The value of negative cultures in this population is unclear.
Pulse Formation, Harmonic Mode-Locking, and Stability in Actively Mode-Locked Laser Cavities

Theory and simulations of the mode-locking dynamics in an active cavity driven by an acoustooptic modulator is considered. Three solution types and their stability are considered: plane-waves, solitons, and periodic pulse trains. By tuning the gain pumping in the cavity, all three solution types are exhibited with the transition in stability between each of these operating states characterized by a modulated wavetrain ( Q-switching-like) behavior. Two key parameters are critical for enhancing performance: the ratio of the acoustooptic modulation period to the cavity round-trip time and the degree of localization of the acoustooptic modulation. A complete classification of the behavior is given for these two critical effects as a function of the cavity gain saturation. Enhanced performance can be achieved with a high degree of localization in the modulator and for a modulation period commensurate with the round-trip cavity time.
Epidemiologic association between virus-negative feline leukemia and the horizontally transmitted feline leukemia virus.

Abstract About two-thirds of the natural cases of feline leukemia-lymphoma are assumed to be caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) because they occur in cats, which harbor this agent, and FeLV will induce the disease under laboratory conditions. Epidemiological evidence is presented which associates cases of naturally occurring ‘virus negative’ feline leukemia with exposure to FeLV.
HORMONES OF THE HYPOPHYSIS OF THE INFANTILE RAT

Attempts to differentiate the hormones of the hypophysis have resulted in much confusion, but recent work indicates that this is due largely, if not altogether, to the choice of animals used when testing the hormones affecting the ovary. Reichert, et al. (1932), have shown that prolan is ineffective in the hypophysectomized rat and dog in producing ovarian stimulation, no follicular growth taking place. Noguchi (1931), Collip, et al. (1933), and Leonard and Smith (1933) have shown that human pregnancy urine and blood serum, as well as placental extracts, produce no follicular growth in hypophysectomized rats but do produce luteal cells from the thecal cells. Many investigators have established the fact that these same extracts, when used in normal immature rats, will induce the formation of ovaries heavier than those of adults. Comparing these two sets of data, it seems unquestionable that these preparations alone are not able to cause follicular growth, and that that which occurs following their administ...
X-Ray-induced specific-locus mutations in the ad-3 region of two-component heterokaryons of Neurospora crassa, IX. Mutational spectra as a function of X-ray dose

In previous studies, X-ray-induced specific-locus mutations in the adenine-3 (ad-3) region of a two-component heterokaryon (H-12) of Neurospora crassa were combined with a series of tester strains carrying markers in the ad-3 and immediately adjacent regions to map mutants that were presumed multilocus deletions (de Serres, 1989c, 1990a). Two new classes of X-ray-induced mutations were recovered: multiple-locus mutations consisting of gene/point mutations at the ad-3A or ad-3B locus with a closely linked recessive lethal mutation, or multilocus deletions covering the ad-3A, ad-3B and/or nic-2 loci with a closely linked recessive lethal mutation (designated ad-3R + RLCL and [ad-3]IR + RLCL, respectively). Thus, the ad-3 specific-locus assay can detect damage occurring at the ad-3A and the ad-3B loci, as well as at a minimum of 19 other loci in the immediately adjacent regions. The original overall spectrum of ad-3 mutations can be resolved, by genetic analysis, into a series of 30 subclasses. In the present paper, the data from the genetic analysis of 832 X-ray-induced mutants recovered from a series of 4 experiments (Webber and de Serres, 1965) have been presented in terms of Mutational Spectra organized as a function of X-ray dose. Comparison of these Spectra demonstrates the shift from high percentages of gene/point mutations (with a high percentage of mutants at the ad-3B locus showing allelic complementation) at low doses, to low percentages of gene/point mutations (with a low percentage of ad-3B mutants showing allelic complementation) and high percentages of multilocus deletion mutations and multiple-locus mutations (of genotype ad-3R + RLCL or [ad-3]IR + RLCL) at high doses. These Mutational Spectra demonstrate the marked dose-dependence of X-ray-induced specific-locus mutations in a eukaryotic organism.
The transistor and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry: roots and milestones in x-ray analysis†‡

The story of energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry was preceded by a long evolutionary history of solid-state physics and semiconductor electronics. The beginning may be said to have been with the recognition of the special properties of rectifying crystals. We follow this story from its roots through recent innovations that point the way to the future of this method of chemical analysis.
MR imaging of pelvic floor relaxation

MR imaging of female pelvic floor relaxation is a relatively new technique that, once mastered, is quick to perform and interpret. Rapidly acquired T2-weighted images are obtained in the sagittal plane at rest and at maximal strain. In symptomatic patients, abnormal descent of pelvic viscera on sagittal images is indicative of muscle or fascial weakness or tears. On axial images, the pelvic floor muscles can be assessed for tears and fraying. This information can be used to plan optimal surgical repair.
Detection of myocardial perfusion abnormalities during dobutamine and adenosine stress echocardiography with transient myocardial contrast imaging after minute quantities of intravenous perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin.

Abstract We have recently discovered that if ultrasound transmission is briefly suspended (triggered to just one frame per cardiac cycle) after very small doses of intravenous perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin, the myocardial contrast produced is significantly enhanced. The objective of this study was to test whether this technique (termed transient response imaging) could identify myocardial perfusion abnormalities during adenosine and dobutamine stress echocardiography. In 10 open-chest dogs with a significant (>50%) coronary stenosis determined by quantitative angiography, intravenous perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin (0.005 to 0.01 ml/kg) was given at rest and during peak dobutamine stress (20 to 30 μg/kg/min). Adenosine stress (100 to 140 μg/kg/min) was also given in seven of these dogs. The peak myocardial videointensity and spatial extent of contrast defect with transient response imaging (TRI) were compared with conventional 30 Hz frame rates, as well as wall thickening and coronary flow responses. In all 10 dogs there was visually evident myocardial contrast with TRI. In comparison, myocardial contrast was visually evident in only one of these dogs with conventional imaging. The peak myocardial videointensity ratio in the stenosed perfusion bed divided by the normally perfused bed when TRI was used decreased in all dogs during dobutamine stress and correlated with minimal coronary lumen diameter ( r = 0.70; p = 0.02). Visually evident myocardial contrast defects were detectable in nine of 10 dogs at peak dobutamine stress but only in one of the dogs with conventional imaging. All seven dogs that received adenosine demonstrated contrast defects with TRI, whereas none demonstrated contrast defects with conventional imaging. We conclude that the myocardial contrast produced with transient response imaging can be used to detect functionally significant coronary stenoses.
Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Induces Erythropoietin Receptor Expression.

Background Paraplegia remains a devastating complication of aortic surgery, occurring in up to 20% of complex thoracoabdominal repairs. Erythropoietin (EPO) attenuates this injury in models of spinal cord ischemia. Upregulation of the beta-common receptor (βcR) subunit of the EPO receptor is associated with reduced damage in murine models of neural injury. This receptor activates anti-apoptotic pathways including signaling transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). We hypothesized that spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury upregulates the βcR subunit with a subsequent increase in activated STAT3. Methods Adult male C57/BL6 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mL of EPO (10 U/kg) or 0.9% saline after induction of anesthesia. Spinal cord ischemia was induced through sternotomy and 4-minute thoracic aortic cross-clamp. Sham mice underwent sternotomy without cross-clamp placement. Four groups were studied: ischemic and sham groups, each with and without EPO treatment. After 4 hours of reperfusion, spinal cords were harvested and homogenized. The βcR subunit expression and STAT3 activation were evaluated by immunoblot. Results Ischemia reperfusion increased βcR subunit expression in spinal cords of ischemia + saline and ischemia + EPO mice compared with shams (3.4 ± 1.39 vs 1.31 ± 0.3, p = 0.01 and 3.80 ± 0.58 vs 1.56 ± 0.32, p = 0.01). Additionally, both ischemic groups demonstrated increased STAT3 activation compared with shams (1.35 ± 0.14 vs 1.09 ± 0.07, p = 0.01 and 1.66 ± 0.35 vs 1.08 ± 0.17, p = 0.02). Conclusions Ischemia-reperfusion injury induces EPO receptor βcR subunit expression and early downstream anti-apoptotic signaling through STAT3 activation. Further investigation into the role of the βcR subunit is warranted to determine tissue protective functions of EPO. Elucidation of mechanisms involved in spinal cord protection is essential for reducing delayed paraplegia.
Associations of allozyme variation and behavior in the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus)

The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabre)) exhibits several behavioral traits that are stable within, but vary among, strains. These traits are heritable and quantitative. We used cellulose acetate gel electrophoresis to quantify allozyme variation within and among laboratory cultures of four weevil strains and determine whether allozyme variation correlates with behavioral traits. Significant variation exists at 8 of 11 loci assayed and gene frequencies are significantly different among strains. The South Indian strain (SI) is most variable and measures of genetic distance set it apart from the other strains. It is also behaviorally unique. The Brazilian strain (BC) is most different from SI in allozyme diversity and behavioral phenotype, while two African strains (IITA, CAM) are intermediate in allozyme diversity and phenotype. These results are consistent with the known history of these strains and the differences in the allozymes parallel the differences in behavioral traits.
Optical Feedback For Generating Arrays Of Bistable Elements

This paper describes work on generating arrays of stable states using a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) and optical spatial feedback. Among the topics to be discussed will be feedback containing one and two LCLV's, giving both oscillatory and exponential decay to equilibrium, the possibility of obtaining more than two stable states in a given image element.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The structure and mechanism of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cyclodityrosine synthetase.

Some cyclodipeptides are unusual in that their cyclic scaffold is created from activated, amino-acid–loaded tRNA substrates. Structural and biochemical evidence now demonstrates that the enzymes that perform this reaction are homologous to tRNA synthetases and use a covalently bound intermediate.
Electrorheological fluids as colloidal suspensions

Abstract An increase in suspension stress transfer by many orders of magnitude upon application of an external electric field is commonly referred to as the electrorheological response. Suspensions displaying this behavior are often composed of a nonaqueous dispersion of colloidal particles. In this review, the current understanding of the origin of electrorheology is described in the context of a fundamental discussion of the colloidal forces relevant to these suspensions. We show that many of the observed phenomena can be described in terms of colloidal and electric field induced interparticle interactions. The field induced arrangement of a suspension, where columns of particles are formed along field lines, is intimately related to its rheological response. A review of particle interaction potential energies of both colloidal and electric origin provides basic scaling relationshios useful in understanding structural alterations and leads naturally to a discussion of models of a suspension's rheological response. Poorly understood areas such as the effect of charge carriers in the continuous phase and particle size, shape and chemistry are delineated to indicate areas deserving further research.
Pure gelatin microcarriers: synthesis and use in cell attachment and growth of fibroblast and endothelial cells

A new type of microcarrier was described using bead emulsion-polymerization techniques. An aqueous solution of gelatin and glutaraldehyde was dispersed in a hydrophobic phase of mineral oil, using Triton X-114 as an emulsifier, and polymerization was initiated. The resultant spherical beads, composed entirely of gelatin, showed excellent mechanical stability to ethanol drying, sterilization, and long-term use in microcarrier spinner cultures. The solid gelatin microcarriers supported the growth of L-929 fibroblast, swine aorta endothelial, human umbilical endothelial, and HeLa-S3 cultures with no adverse effects on cell morphology or growth. The beads were transparent in growth medium and attached cells were clearly visualized without staining. The beads were also compatible with techniques for scanning electron microscopy. Collagenase could be used to entirely digest the gelatin beads, leaving the cells free from microcarriers and suspended in solution while retaining 98% cell viability. The results further showed that after collagenase treatment the cells would populate fresh gelatin microcarriers and grow to confluence. Cell attachment kinetics revealed that the endothelial cells attached to the gelatin beads at the same rate as to tissue culture plates, whereas the fibroblast cells attached to the beads more slowly. However, once the fibroblast cells were attached to the gelatin microcarriers they spread and grew normally.
Compound formation and kinetics in Al–Pd 2 Si reactions

Lateral diffusion couples containing Al islands on Pd–Si multiple layers are used to study Al–Pd2Si reactions. The Pd2Si phase was first formed in the Pd–Si multiple-layer region after furnace annealing at 225 °C. Then, the Al–Pd2Si lateral couples were in situ annealed in a transmission electron microscope at temperatures ranging from 377–438 °C. The laterally growing region is composed of the Al3Pd2 compound and Si precipitates, as identified by selected area diffraction (SAD). During the in situ anneals, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were recorded by a video cassette recorder allowing thereafter a kinetic study. The lateral growth is parabolically dependent on the annealing time. An activation energy of 1.7 eV is found for this diffusion process.
Diagnostic utility of serum transferrin receptors measurement in assessing iron status.

Serum transferrin receptors (TfR) are a sensitive index of tissue iron availability, increasing progressively in response to functional iron deficiency. Unlike conventional laboratory tests of iron status, serum TfR are unaffected by underlying acute or chronic infection. Therefore, serum TfR measurement is particularly promising for evaluation of iron status when iron deficiency is simultaneously present with overt or subclinical infection or inflammation—a scenario often seen in patients seeking medical care, in elderly persons, and in persons living in developing countries. This test is also promising for assessment of iron status in pregnancy because it is not confounded by gestational effects. With the exception of conditions associated with markedly enhanced erythropoiesis which can increase TfR independently (e.g., megaloblastic anemia, thalassemia), serum TfR determination is a specific test of iron status. Serum TfR measurement is also reliable; a single, small amount of blood sample is adequate for its accurate determination. These sensitivity, specificity, and reliability characteristics of serum TfR measurement enable it to enhance confidence in iron status assessment in complex situations with the standard repertoire of laboratory tests.
How Classroom Environment and Student Engagement Affect Learning in Internet-based MBA Courses

While the number of college courses being delivered via the Internet is increasing rapidly, our knowledge of what makes these courses effective learning experiences for students is still limited. T...
Ecological succession among iron-oxidizing bacteria

Despite over 125 years of study, the factors that dictate species dominance in neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacterial (FeOB) communities remain unknown. In a freshwater wetland, we documented a clear ecological succession coupled with niche separation between the helical stalk-forming Gallionellales (for example, Gallionella ferruginea) and tubular sheath-forming Leptothrix ochracea. Changes in the iron-seep community were documented using microscopy and cultivation-independent methods. Quantification of Fe-oxyhydroxide morphotypes by light microscopy was coupled with species-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes using a protocol that minimized background fluorescence caused by the Fe-oxyhydroxides. Together with scanning electron microscopy, these techniques all indicated that Gallionellales dominated during early spring, with L. ochracea becoming more abundant for the remainder of the year. Analysis of tagged pyrosequencing reads of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) collected during seasonal progression supported a clear Gallionellales to L. ochracea transition, and community structure grouped according to observed dominant FeOB forms. Axis of redundancy analysis of physicochemical parameters collected from iron mats during the season, plotted with FeOB abundance, corroborated several field and microscopy-based observations and uncovered several unanticipated relationships. On the basis of these relationships, we conclude that the ecological niche of the stalk-forming Gallionellales is in waters with low organic carbon and steep redoxclines, and the sheath-forming L. ochracea is abundant in waters that contain high concentrations of complex organic carbon, high Fe and Mn content and gentle redoxclines. Finally, these findings identify a largely unexplored relationship between FeOB and organic carbon.
Delineation of a volcanic ash body using electrical resistivity profiling

Four lines of electrical resistivity profiling (ERP) were performed to define the extent of a shallow Quaternary volcanic ash deposit being mined in the United States. Inversion results of ERP proved suitable for defining the thickness and lateral extent of the volcanic ash deposit at this testing site. These interpretations were confirmed by shallow borehole drilling. The model sensitivity information indicates that inverted models possess sufficient resolving power down to a depth of 7 m and are fairly consistent in terms of horizontal resolution along the four ERP lines. The bottom of most of the volcanic ash deposit in the study area is less than 7 m in depth. Based on synthesis of the ERP and drill information, the limits of the mineable ash bed resources were clearly defined. Moreover, by integrating the ERP results with a minimal number of optimally placed borings, the volume of the volcanic ash deposit was established at a lesser cost, and with greater accuracy than would be possible with a traditionally designed grid drilling programme.
Biomarkers in osteoarthritis.

Purpose of reviewBiomarker discovery and validation for osteoarthritis have accelerated over the past several years, coincident with an evolving understanding of joint tissue molecules and their complex interactions, and the compelling need for improved osteoarthritis outcome measures in clinical tr
Conservative Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: An Evidence-Based Algorithm and Preliminary Treatment Parameter Recommendations

ABSTRACTPurpose: To present an algorithm with accompanying treatment parameters for the management of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) based on the best available literature. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify evidence to guide the conservative management of CMT. Results: An evidence-based algorithm was created based on three prognostic factors that influence treatment duration and outcome, including a sternocleidomastoid fibrotic mass, passive range of motion rotation deficit, and age at initiation of treatment. Preliminary treatment parameter recommendations for clinic and home programming accompany the algorithm. Conclusion: Use of the proposed evidence-based algorithm with accompanying preliminary treatment parameter recommendations may improve consistency of care and outcomes for infants with CMT. While a higher level of evidence supports the three prognostic factors utilized in the algorithm, research gaps continue to exist ...
The Comparative Osteology of the Petrotympanic Complex (Ear Region) of Extant Baleen Whales (Cetacea: Mysticeti)

Background Anatomical comparisons of the ear region of baleen whales (Mysticeti) are provided through detailed osteological descriptions and high-resolution photographs of the petrotympanic complex (tympanic bulla and petrosal bone) of all extant species of mysticete cetaceans. Salient morphological features are illustrated and identified, including overall shape of the bulla, size of the conical process of the bulla, morphology of the promontorium, and the size and shape of the anterior process of the petrosal. We place our comparative osteological observations into a phylogenetic context in order to initiate an exploration into petrotympanic evolution within Mysticeti. Principal Findings The morphology of the petrotympanic complex is diagnostic for individual species of baleen whale (e.g., sigmoid and conical processes positioned at midline of bulla in Balaenoptera musculus; confluence of fenestra cochleae and perilymphatic foramen in Eschrichtius robustus), and several mysticete clades are united by derived characteristics. Balaenids and neobalaenids share derived features of the bulla, such as a rhomboid shape and a reduced anterior lobe (swelling) in ventral aspect, and eschrichtiids share derived morphologies of the petrosal with balaenopterids, including loss of a medial promontory groove and dorsomedial elongation of the promontorium. Monophyly of Balaenoidea (Balaenidae and Neobalaenidae) and Balaenopteroidea (Balaenopteridae and Eschrichtiidae) was recovered in phylogenetic analyses utilizing data exclusively from the petrotympanic complex. Significance This study fills a major gap in our knowledge of the complex structures of the mysticete petrotympanic complex, which is an important anatomical region for the interpretation of the evolutionary history of mammals. In addition, we introduce a novel body of phylogenetically informative characters from the ear region of mysticetes. Our detailed anatomical descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons provide valuable data for current and future studies on the phylogenetic relationships, evolution, and auditory physiology of mysticetes and other cetaceans throughout Earth's history.