cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study (ISGS) Protocol

The molecular basis for the genetic risk of ischemic stroke is likely to be multigenic and influenced by environmental factors. Several small case-control studies have suggested associations between ischemic stroke and polymorphisms of genes that code for coagulation cascade proteins and platelet receptors. Our aim is to investigate potential associations between hemostatic gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke, with particular emphasis on detailed characterization of the phenotype. The Ischemic Stroke Genetic Study is a prospective, multicenter genetic association study in adults with recent first-ever ischemic stroke confirmed with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Patients are evaluated at academic medical centers in the United States and compared with sex- and age-matched controls. Stroke subtypes are determined by central blinded adjudication using standardized, validated mechanistic and syndromic classification systems. The panel of genes to be tested for polymorphisms includes β-fibrinogen and platelet glycoprotein Ia, Iba, and IIb/IIIa. Immortalized cell lines are created to allow for time- and cost-efficient testing of additional candidate genes in the future. The study is designed to minimize survival bias and to allow for exploring associations between specific polymorphisms and individual subtypes of ischemic stroke. The data set will also permit the study of genetic determinants of stroke outcome. Having cell lines will permit testing of future candidate risk factor genes.
Analysis of a comb filter using synchronously commutated capacitors

THE possibility of constructing a comb filter by commutating the input signal to a bank of capacitors through a series resistor has been suggested in the literature.1 A theoretical investigation of the properties of such a filter is given in the following analysis.
Refined crystal structure of the potato inhibitor complex of carboxypeptidase A at 2.5 Å resolution

The exopeptidase carboxypeptidase A forms a tight complex with a 39 residue inhibitor protein from potatoes. We have determined the crystal structure of this complex, and refined the atomic model to a crystallographic R-factor of 0.196 at 2.5 A resolution. The structure of the inhibitor protein is organized around a core of disulfide bridges. No α-helices or β-sheets are present in this protein, although there is one turn of 3_(10) helix. The four carboxy-terminal residues of the inhibitor protein bind in the active site groove of carboxypeptidase A, defining binding subsites S′_1, S_1, S_2 and S_3 on the enzyme. The carboxy-terminal glycine of the inhibitor is cleaved from the remainder of the inhibitor in the complex, and remains trapped in the back of the active site pocket. Interactions between the inhibitor and residues Tyr248 and Arg71 of carboxypeptidase A resemble possible features of binding stages for substrates both prior and subsequent to peptide bond hydrolysis. Not all of these interactions would be available to different types of ester substrates, however, which may be in part responsible for the observed kinetic differences in hydrolysis between peptides and various classes of esters. With the exception of residues involved in the binding of the inhibitor protein (such as Tyr248), the structure of carboxypeptidase A as determined in the inhibitor complex is quite similar to the structure of the unliganded enzyme (Lipscomb et al., 1968), which was solved from an unrelated crystal form.
Leukocyte flow dynamics in the rat liver microcirculation.

Abstract The flow dynamics of leukocytes in the rat liver microcirculation was studied in the sinusoids in the three zones of the liver acinus (zone 1, periportal; zone 2, mid; and zone 3, pericentral) by means of in vivo fluorescence microscopy. Leukocytes were labeled in vivo with acridine orange. The microscopic image was videotaped and on playback of the videotapes, leukocyte velocity, leukocyte flux, erythrocyte velocity, sinusoid diameter, and sinusoid tortuosity were measured. Blood flow and flow resistance were calculated from these data. The leukocyte velocity, erythrocyte velocity, sinusoid diameter, and blood flow in the liver sinusoids in zone 3 were significantly greater than those in zone 2, which in turn were also significantly greater than those in zone 1. There were significant positive correlations between leukocyte and erythrocyte velocity, between leukocyte velocity and sinusoid diameter, and between leukocyte velocity and blood flow. Sinusoid tortuosity in zone 1 was significantly larger than that in zone 2 and zone 3. Flow resistance in zone 1 was significantly greater than that in zone 2, which was also significantly greater than that in zone 3. These results provide evidence for a “zonal gradient” of leukocyte velocity in the liver sinusoids, with increasing velocity from zone 1 to zone 3. The morphological (narrow diameter and tortuous path) and resistance factors appear to contribute to the slow velocity in zone 1.
Notch signaling--constantly on the move.

The Notch pathway is a highly conserved and ubiquitous signaling system that functions in determining a diverse array of cell fates and regulates many cellular processes during embryonic development and throughout adulthood. Links to cancer, stroke and Alzheimer's disease underscore the need to define the molecular basis of Notch activation. Notch signaling is induced through direct cell–cell interactions that promote receptor activation following engagement with a membrane-bound Delta, Serrate, Lag-2 (DSL) ligand on adjacent cells. Cells take on distinct fates because Notch signaling is consistently activated in only one of the two interacting cells, highlighting the importance of establishing and maintaining signaling polarity. Studies in flies and worms have identified positive and negative transcriptional feedback mechanisms that amplify small differences in Notch and DSL ligand expression to bias which cells send or receive signals. However, endocytosis by signal-sending and signal-receiving cells also appears critical for directing and regulating Notch activation. In particular, endocytosis and membrane trafficking of DSL ligands, Notch and modulators can determine the competence of cells to send or receive signals that ensure reproducibility in generating cell types regulated by Notch signaling.
Essential role of lncRNA binding for WDR5 maintenance of active chromatin and embryonic stem cell pluripotency

The WDR5 subunit of the MLL complex enforces active chromatin and can bind RNA; the relationship between these two activities is unclear. Here we identify a RNA binding pocket on WDR5, and discover a WDR5 mutant (F266A) that selectively abrogates RNA binding without affecting MLL complex assembly or catalytic activity. Complementation in ESCs shows that WDR5 F266A mutant is unable to accumulate on chromatin, and is defective in gene activation, maintenance of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation, and ESC self renewal. We identify a family of ESC messenger and lncRNAs that interact with wild type WDR5 but not F266A mutant, including several lncRNAs known to be important for ESC gene expression. These results suggest that specific RNAs are integral inputs into the WDR5-MLL complex for maintenance of the active chromatin state and embryonic stem cell fates. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02046.001.
A stable three-enzyme creatinine biosensor. 1. Impact of structure, function and environment on PEGylated and immobilized sarcosine oxidase.

Abstract The determination of creatinine levels in biological fluids is an increasingly important clinical requirement. Amperometric biosensors have been developed based on a three-enzyme system which converts creatinine to amperometrically measurable hydrogen peroxide. The development of the amperometric creatinine biosensor has been slow due the complexity of the three-enzyme system. This paper, the first of three, discusses the chemical modification of sarcosine oxidase and the immobilization and stabilization of this enzyme using polyurethane prepolymers. Sarcosine oxidase was completely inactivated after modification using poly(ethylene glycol) activated with isocyanate. The addition of a competitive inhibitor during enzyme modification was effective in protecting the enzyme from inactivation. Computational analysis of the structure of sarcosine oxidase suggests that there is a lysine in the active site that may be hyper-reactive. The enzyme was irreversibly immobilized using polyurethane prepolymers and retained significant activity. The enzyme’s half-life at 37 °C increased from seven days to more than 50 days after immobilization.
New treatment options for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Chemotherapy for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) conferred no survival advantage until 2004 when docetaxel was shown to improve survival when compared with mitoxantrone, which was approved for palliation of symptomatic disease in 1996. Since then, clinical trials have concentrated on three main populations of patients with metastatic CRPC: those who are chemotherapy naive and are asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, those who need docetaxel therapy, and those who have received docetaxel previously and/or those with symptomatic disease. Over the last year, four Phase III therapeutic trials have met their primary endpoint of improved overall survival: sipuleucel-T in the pre-chemotherapy setting, cabazitaxel and abiraterone in the post-docetaxel setting, and radium-223 for those with symptomatic bone metastases who have received or are not suitable to receive docetaxel. In addition to these therapeutic trials, a Phase III head-to-head trial of denosumab compared to zoledronic acid showed that denosumab was superior to zoledronic acid in delaying or preventing skeletal related events. As a result, the treatment paradigm for metastatic CRPC is changing rapidly. This paper reviews the data from these five completed Phase III trials and places these new agents, as well as those in ongoing Phase III trials, in the context of the old treatment paradigm for metastatic CRPC and discusses some of the challenges ahead for determining optimal timing and sequencing of treatments for metastatic CRPC.
Quad-Tree Product Vector Quantization Of Images

Variable rate image coding schemes are an efficient way to achieve low bit rates while maintaining acceptable image quality. This paper describes several ways to design variable rate product vector quantizers (VQ) which use a quad-tree data structure to communicate the VQ's block size. The first is a direct encoding method which uses VQs having previously specified rates. The second uses a threshold decision rule together with a method to compute the threshold to keep average distortion below a given level. This computation is based on the relationship between the quantizer performance function and the source variance. The third design uses a new algorithm to determine stepwise optimum VQ codebook rates to minimize rate while limiting distortion. Quad-trees are used in all cases to communicate block sizes to the receiver. Simulations show that these variable rate VQs encode over 70 percent of the Lena image at a very low rate while maintaining good fidelity. The proposed schemes also preserve edge fidelity, even at low rates.
Increase in Life Expectancy for Mice Fed Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA)

ICR Swiss strain mice were fed diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) for life starting at 44 days of age at 10, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg-day. The 10 and 30 mg/kg-day males and the 10 mg/kg-day females showed an increase in mean age of death of 76 (12.7%), 45 (7.5%), and 51 (7.4%) days, respectively, compared to controls. The respective confidence levels are 99.2, 90.0, and 92.9% that these results are significant by Student's t test.
Origins of band-gap renormalization in degenerately doped semiconductors

Degenerate n-type doping of semiconductors results in optical band-gap widening through occupation of the conduction band, which is partially offset by the so-called band-gap renormalization. From investigation of the magnitude and origin of these shifts through density-functional band-structure theory, we demonstrate that the key contribution to renormalization arises from the nonparabolic nature of the host conduction band but not the rigid shift of the band edges, as is the current paradigm. Furthermore, the carrier dependence of the band-gap widening is highly sensitive to the electronic states of the dopant ion, which can be involved in a significant reconstruction of the lower conduction band.
Martianus, Aventius and Isidore: provincial councils in seventh-century Spain

In Spain around 624, Bishop Martianus was deposed by a church council led by Bishop Isidore of Seville. The fact that Martianus had been framed came to light at another council in 633, which then issued canons meant to prevent future abuses, and to institutionalize provincial councils as centrally-controlled tribunals for local dispute settlements. These events illuminate the problems involved in the Visigothic church's programme for kingdom-wide religious uniformity.
Chick eye extract promotes expression of a cholinergic enzyme in sympathetic ganglia in culture.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that, in rat, individual sympathetic neurons can express both adrenergic and cholinergic biosynthetic enzymes in culture. Moreover, the levels of these enzymes can be regulated by factors present in their environment. In the present study, we sought to determine (a) whether cultures of chick sympathetic neurons express both adrenergic and cholinergic enzymes, (b) whether both enzymes are expressed in the same neurons, and (c) whether the levels of these enzymes can be influenced by environmental factors. In our system, we tested one such factor found in embryonic eye extract (EEE) which has been shown to specifically increase the activity of the cholinergic enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in cultures of chick parasympathetic neurons (Varon et al., Brain Res., 173 (1979) 29–45; Nishi and Berg, J. Neurosci., 1 (1981) 505–513). At various times in vitro, cultures were analyzed using biochemical, immunocytochemical and autoradiographic techniques. We found that only those cultures of sympathetic neurons supplemented with EEE developed detectable levels of ChAT enzyme activity at 2 days, which increased significantly by 14 days in vitro. Supplementation with EEE did not affect the level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity. Furthermore, irrespective of nutrient medium, all neurons in all cultures contained TH immunoreactivity and possessed a high-affinity amine uptake system as demonstrated by autoradiography. These studies suggest that neurons of chick sympathetic ganglia can be influenced by factors present in EEE to express a cholinergic enzyme and that this enzyme is coexpressed by cells also exhibiting an adrenergic phenotype.
Generalized seizures alter the cerebral and peripheral metabolism of essential metals in mice.

The effects of seizures on the cerebral and peripheral metabolism of essential metals were studied in mice. Acute and chronic seizures were produced either by electroshock (ES) or by a systemic convulsant. Organ and subcellular distribution of 54Mn and 65Zn were determined prior to and at different intervals after seizure cessation. In mice shocked for 21 days, the concentrations of manganese, zinc, magnesium, and copper were determined in selected tissues. Sham-seizured mice served as controls. When 54Mn was injected after a single ES, the isotope's retention increased in the liver by 67% (P < 0.01) and decreased in the brain and carcass by 53 and 42%, respectively (P < 0.01). Repeated ES further augmented these effects (P < 0.01). These changes diminished as a function of time to the animal's recovery from ES. Liver and regional brain fractionations revealed significant perturbation in the intercellular partition of 54Mn, suggesting increased metal utilization. Brain and liver 65Zn were not affected by ES. Manganese content increased in the liver by 67% (P < 0.01) and decreased in whole brain by 16.5% (P < 0.01), after chronic ES. Cortical manganese and hypothalamic magnesium were the principal sites of loss. Small (12 to 13%), but significant elevations of magnesium were found in liver and skeletal muscle (P < 0.05). Copper increased in muscle by 26% (P < 0.02). Seizures selectively altered the normal brain and extracerebral distribution of essential metals which may lead to regional metal deficiency or excess. These changes were linked to the metabolic consequences of convulsive activity and may be relevant to seizure control and electroshock therapy in man.
Hemodynamic and metabolic aspects of photosensitive epilepsy revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Summary: Purpose: To study in humans the hemodynamic and metabolic consequences of both photic stimulationtriggered and spontaneous generalized epileptiform discharges. Methods: Simultaneous EEG, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and MR spectroscopy were performed in a 1.5-T scanner in 16 patients with generalized epilepsy, including nine with photosensitive epilepsy, and 12 normal subjects. Results: With a flash stimulation duration of 2 s, prominent visual cortex activation was seen in all normals and patients. There were no fMRI-registered hemodynamic abnormalities found in relation to the brief photoparoxysmal spike-wave activity evoked in the photosensitive patients. However, irrespective of the presence of a spike-wave response to the photic stimulation, the photosensitive patients showed four unique findings compared with normals: (a) slightly, but significantly, increased lactate levels in the occipital cortex in the resting state, (b) an increased area of visual cortical activation with photic stimulation, (c) simultaneous with the occipital cortex stimulus-induced increased fMRI signal there were noncontiguous areas of signal attenuation most prominent in perirolandic regions, and (d) a marked decrement (undershoot) of fMRI signal intensity immediately after the photic stimulation in the occipital cortex and in the region of the posterior cingulate gyrus. Conclusions: These findings suggest abnormal interictal metabolism and increased vascular reactivity in the photosensitive patients.
"All in the mind"? Brain-targeting chemical delivery system of 17β-estradiol (Estredox) produces significant uterotrophic side effect.

Here we revisit the peculiarly named redox chemical delivery system concept. This unique prodrug approach has long been claimed to be capable of targeting 17β-estradiol (E2), which has numerous beneficial central effects, into the brain without detrimental peripheral hormonal exposure. Using a well-established protocol to monitor E2’s antidepressant–like effect, we show that the administration of this chemical delivery system incorporated into hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (i.e., Estredox), indeed, triggers a transient antidepressant-like behavior in ovariectomized mice. At the same time, even an acute dose of the carefully purified chemical delivery system produces significant circulating E2 levels and uterotrophic side effects for several days after drug administration. For the first time, we also unequivocally show by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry that the uterus of the Estredox-treated animals contains a large quantity of E2 compared to that of the control group. These thus far unexposed yet consequential peripheral side effects brought about by Estredox call for a thorough and unbiased reassessment of the extent of brain-targeting of the hormone via the chemical delivery system approach.
Bone formation in the gastric mucosa following subtotal gastrectomy in rats.

Abstract Bone formation in the antral mucosa was noted to occur in 28% of 87 rats that had previously undergone subtotal gastrectomy, removing the acid-secreting portion of the stomach. Although many of these animals received carcinogens or chronic irritants, the bone formation did not seem to be dependent upon the receipt of these substances. The bone formation was seen in an animal dying on day 46 after operation, although its onset may have been much earlier. This bone formation appeared to presist chronically and was seen in animals dying 671 days after surgery. The possible relationship of this metaplastic bone formation to increased tissue alkalinity, cellular injury, and altered calcium metabolism has been discussed.
TRANSPLANTATION OF POSTNATAL VOMERONASAL ORGAN IN THE CNS OF NEWBORN RATS

The present study was conducted to examine the survival and development of intracerebral transplanted neonatal rat vomeronasal organs (VNs). Complete neonatal (P5–P10) VNs were transplanted into the parietal cortex region of littermates and examined at 10–100 days by light microscopy. The VN survived and was organized into a series of vesicles lined by respiratory and/or sensory epithelia. Sensory neurons grew long axons that fasciculated and invaded the surrounding brain parenchyma. The newly developed axons did not prefer a specific brain region. The axons developed a complex fiber plexus either at the interface between transplant and host tissue or deep within the host brain parenchyma. Vomeronasal axons consistently formed glomerular-like structures within the fiber plexus. Our results suggest that glomerular formation is not dependent on specific target or length of axon development, but rather on a set of complementary axons that display mutual recognition.
Comparison of radionuclide and computed tomography scanning in non-neoplastic intracranial disease

In this comparison of computed tomography (CT) and radionuclide scanning (RN) in non-neoplastic disease, the CT and RN patterns in vascular occlusive disease, vascular anomalies, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infections, and trauma are described in detail. A retrospective evaluation of CT and RN findings in 514 patients provides a basis for determining which modality is more sensitive in a given disease entity. Illustrative cases demonstrate pertinent findings in both CT and RN scanning in the aforementioned disease categories.
Photography as A Technique for Studying Visual Range

Abstract A technique is described that uses black and white and color photography to study visual range, and the effects of clouds and haze on a scene. Black and white film is used for quantitative measurement of visual range. Film density measurements are digitized using a flying spot scanner to assure that the measurement, analysis and interpretation are reproducible and accurate. The density wedges and the negatives are digitized. The procedure and an example are presented. Color film is used to qualify the black and white measurements. The techniques applied in analysis and some results of the field measurement program are presented.
Maternal reflective functioning among mothers with childhood maltreatment histories: links to sensitive parenting and infant attachment security

This study examined relationships among maternal reflective functioning, parenting, infant attachment, and demographic risk in a relatively large (N = 83) socioeconomically diverse sample of women ...
Ultrasonic stair case array for NDE

In this paper we present the results on the design of a unique two-dimensional phased array with low channel applications for imaging defects on a metal surface. First, basic transducer calculations will be shown. Followed by the results of important phased array variables, such as focusing, and angle beam sweeping ability, The final design will be given. Next the computer simulation results will be discussed. These results will indicate the performance of the actual array. The second half of the paper will be devoted to a discussion on the phased array testing results with a demonstration phased array.
Capillary electrophoresis chips with a sheath-flow supported electrochemical detection system.

Microfabricated capillary electrophoresis chips containing an integrated sheath-flow electrochemical detector are developed with the goal of minimizing the influence of separation voltages on end-column detection while maintaining optimum performance. The microdevice consists of an upper glass wafer carrying the etched separation, injection, and sheath-flow channels and a lower glass wafer on which gold- and silver-plated electrodes have been fabricated. The sheath-flow channels join the end of the separation channel from each side, and gravity-driven flow carries the analytes to the electrochemical detector placed at working distances of 100, 150, 200, and 250 μm from the separation channel exit. The performance of this detector is evaluated using catechol and a detection limit of 4.1 μM obtained at a working distance of 250 μm. Detection of DNA restriction fragments and PCR product sizing is demonstrated using the electroactive intercalating dye, iron phenanthroline. Additionally, an allele-specific, PC...
Octopod, a homeotic mutation of the moth Manduca sexta, affects development of both mesodermal and ectodermal structures

Several aspects of leg development in the moth Manduca sexta were examined using the homeotic mutation Octopod (Octo). This mutation causes a transformation of the ventral epidermis of the first abdominal segment (A1) to that of the third thoracic segment (T3), resulting in the presence of thoracic-like legs on A1. The degree of transformation of A1 is variable, ranging from bumps on the cuticle to fully segmented thoracic-like legs. In the normal thoracic legs, clusters of undifferentiated cells known as differentiation centers are located around the coxal-trochanteral, femoral-tibial, and tibial-tarsal joints. The adult thoracic legs develop from the differentiation centers at metamorphosis. The homeotic legs of the Octopod larvae also have differentiation centers at comparable positions in the homeotic leg. As a result, the number of leg segments in a mutant adult is correlated with the number of segments and differentiation centers that animal had in its larval homeotic leg. Our data suggest that the differentiation center located at the coxal-trochanteral joint forms the adult coxa and trochanter, the center at the larval femoral-tibial joint the adult femur and tibia, and the differentiation center at the larval tibial-tarsal joint the adult tarsus. Homeotic larval legs which include at least a femur have supernumerary muscles, while adult homeotic legs rarely show discrete muscle. The homeotic larval muscles appear to have thoracic identities, based on their attachment points and the timing of their degeneration at the larval-pupal transition. They are innervated by a motoneuron that is normally present in A1 where it innervates the ventral lateral external muscle (VLE). In mutant animals, the same motoneuron innervates all of the homeotic muscles and the VLE. We consider possible mechanisms underlying the development of homeotic muscles and their innervation. At the larval-pupal transition, the VLE in mutant animals degenerates at its normal time, which is 3 days after the degeneration of the homeotic muscles. Thus, despite their common innervation, the two muscle types degenerate according to their own schedules, indicating that the developmental fates of the muscles are not dictated by their innervating neuron but are intrinsic to the muscles themselves.
Magnetization transfer time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography.

Time-of-flight (TOF) angiography based on inflow enhancement is limited by the steady-state signal differences between blood and the surrounding stationary tissues. We present a new TOF sequence in which magnetization transfer contrast is used to supplement wash. in effects. Angiograms demonstrating the superior performance of this technique are presented. © 1992 Academic Press, Inc.
Intelligent caching: selecting, representing, and reusing data in an information server

Accessing information sources to retrieve data requested by a user can be expensive, especially when dealing with distributed information sources. One way to reduce this cost is to cache the results of queries, or related classes of data. This paper presents an approach to caching and addresses the issues of which information to cache, how to describe what has been cached, and how to use the cached information to answer future queries. We consider these issues in the context of the SIMS information server, which is a system for retrieving information from multiple heterogeneous and distributed information sources. The design of this information server is ideal for representing and reusing cached information since each class of cached information is simply viewed as another information source that is available for answering future queries.
Tonic Immobility as an Evolved Predator Defense: Implications for Sexual Assault Survivors

This article reviews research concerning the possible relationship between tonic immobility (TI) and human reactions to sexual assault. This review includes a description of the characteristic features of TI and a discussion of the most widely accepted theoretical explanation for TI. The possibility that humans may exhibit TI is explored and conditions that might elicit TI in humans are identified. In particular, we focus on TI in the context of sexual assault, because this form of trauma often involves elements that are necessary for the induction of TI in nonhuman animals, namely, fear and perceived physical restraint. The important similarities and differences in how TI manifests in humans and nonhuman animals are highlighted, future research directions are offered, and clinical implications are suggested.
Trypanosoma lewisi: Comparative activity of a feral isolate in two strains of rats assessed by measurement of cell population, reproductive development and respiratory activity

Abstract Lee C. M. , Harris L. M. and Aboko - Cole G. F. 1978. Trypanosoma lewisi : comparative activity of a feral isolate in two strains of rats assessed by measurement of cell population, reproductive development and respiratory activity. International Journal for Parasitclogy 8 : 187–192. Comparative respiratory behaviour, population growth and host antibody formation were examined for a feral isolate of Trypanosoma lewisi grown in albino and black rats. Oxygen uptake was measured for endogenous, glucose or normal homologous rat serum substrates. Trypanosomes from albino rats respired 72% faster endogenously, 70% faster with glucose, and 60% faster with rat serum than parasites from black rats. Greater oxygen consumption of T. lewisi from albino rat hosts correlated well with the fact that the trypanosome developed greater parasitemias in albino than in black rats. Parasitemias were patent longer in albino rats and peak populations were found 2 days later in these hosts than in black rats. On the average, higher coefficients of variability in cell length continued five days longer in albino rats than in black animals. Delay in reproductive development was indicated by continued low variability in trypanosome cell sizes in albino and black rats.
Nickel in Subunit β of the Acetyl-CoA Decarbonylase/Synthase Multienzyme Complex in Methanogens CATALYTIC PROPERTIES AND EVIDENCE FOR A BINUCLEAR Ni-Ni SITE

The acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) complex catalyzes the central reaction of acetyl C–C bond cleavage in methanogens growing on acetate and is also responsible for synthesis of acetyl units during growth on C-1 substrates. The ACDS β subunit contains nickel and an Fe/S center and reacts with acetyl-CoA forming an acetyl-enzyme intermediate presumably directly involved in acetyl C–C bond activation. To investigate the role of nickel in this process two forms of the Methanosarcina thermophila β subunit were overexpressed in anaerobically grown Escherichia coli. Both contained an Fe/S center but lacked nickel and were inactive in acetyl-enzyme formation in redox-dependent acetyltransferase assays. However, high activity developed during incubation with NiCl2. The native and nickel-reconstituted proteins both contained iron and nickel in a 2:1 ratio, with insignificant levels of other metals, including copper. Binding of nickel elicited marked changes in the UV-visible spectrum, with intense charge transfer bands indicating multiple thiolate ligation to nickel. The kinetics of nickel incorporation matched the time course for enzyme activation. Other divalent metal ions could not substitute for nickel in yielding catalytic activity. Acetyl-CoA was formed in reactions with CoA, CO, and methylcobalamin, directly demonstrating C–C bond activation by the β subunit in the absence of other ACDS subunits. Nickel was indispensable in this process too and was needed to form a characteristic EPR-detectable enzyme-carbonyl adduct in reactions with CO. In contrast to enzyme activation, EPR signal formation did not require addition of reducing agent, indicating indirect catalytic involvement of the paramagnetic species. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that Cys-278 and Cys-280 coordinate nickel, with Cys-189 essential for Fe/S cluster formation. The results are consistent with an Ni2[Fe4S4] arrangement at the active site. A mechanism for C–C bond activation is proposed that includes a specific role for the Fe4S4 center and accounts for the absolute requirement for nickel.
Airborne imaging for cultural heritage

We present our work in designing and deploying airborne sensor vehicles specifically for cultural heritage applications. Numerous practical cultural heritage missions in survey, assessment, and conservation work can benefit from the utility of specializing commodity and customizable airborne platforms to collect visual and non-visual data. These systems and customizations therein have undergone several generations of development both in our own designs and in the research community at large. We discuss the historical application of airborne imaging to cultural heritage conservation and surveying as well as discuss the design evolution towards multirotor systems from conventional rotary-wing and fixed-wing systems. This discussion addresses the fundamental principles of operation, as well as the capabilities, contemporary methods and commodity components available for the implementation of such a system. We present our current system and its features in concert with example payloads of utility in conducting these practical reconnaissance missions, as well as useful post-processing techniques, as well as future work in applied visualization.
Deletion of α-subunit exon 11 of the epithelial Na+ channel reveals a regulatory module.

Epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) subunits (α, β, and γ) found in functional complexes are translated from mature mRNAs that are similarly processed by the inclusion of 13 canonical exons. We examined whether individual exons 3–12, encoding the large extracellular domain, are required for functional channel expression. Human ENaCs with an in-frame deletion of a single α-subunit exon were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and their functional properties were examined by two-electrode voltage clamp. With the exception of exon 11, deletion of an individual exon eliminated channel activity. Channels lacking α-subunit exon 11 were hyperactive. Oocytes expressing this mutant exhibited fourfold greater amiloride-sensitive whole cell currents than cells expressing wild-type channels. A parallel fivefold increase in channel open probability was observed with channels lacking α-subunit exon 11. These mutant channels also exhibited a lost of Na+ self-inhibition, whereas we found similar levels of surface expression of mutant and wild-type channels. In contrast, in-frame deletions of exon 11 from either the β- or γ-subunit led to a significant loss of channel activity, in association with a marked decrease in surface expression. Our results suggest that exon 11 within the three human ENaC genes encodes structurally homologous yet functionally diverse domains and that exon 11 in the α-subunit encodes a module that regulates channel gating.
Evidence for a Substance in Fish Solubles Which Enhances Vitamin A Storage in Chick Livers

Abstract IT HAS been shown that the liver is the major storehouse of vitamin A in the body (Davies and Moore, 1934; Guilbert and Hart, 1935). Lowered vitamin A storages have been observed in the presence of disease (Moore, 1937; and Ellison and Moore, 1937) in studies with children and adults. Rubin and Bird (1941) showed that pullorum disease produced a slight depression of vitamin A storage in the chick liver. Davies (1952) noted that birds suffering from natural infections of coccidiosis had lower storages of vitamin A per liver than normal birds fed the same diet. Masi (1950) found that tuberculosis caused a depression of vitamin A storage in pig livers. Sellers and Eden (1949) reported that calves suffering from scours had only one-third as much vitamin A stored in the liver as did normal calves. Russell et al. (1942) found that a normal amount of fat was necessary in …
The contraceptive vaginal ring: female adolescents' knowledge, attitudes and plans for use

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine female adolescents' knowledge about the contraceptive vaginal ring and to assess their attitudes toward and consideration of ring use. Study Design We recruited 164 participants, ages 14–21, who completed a 62-item, 15-min interview assessing tampon and vaginal product use history, reproductive health history and ring awareness. Among those who had heard of the ring, knowledge was assessed with a 15-item pretest. All participants received a 2-min description of the ring with a demonstration, after which attitudes, consideration of use and posttest knowledge were assessed. Results Our study population is unique in that 92% had been sexually active and 22% who had been sexually active had also been pregnant. The mean age of coitarche was 15.2 years, and 35% had ever used emergency contraception. More than half (52%) had never heard of the ring. Of those who had heard of it, only 35% had sufficient knowledge. After a brief demonstration with a vaginal model, 98.2% acquired sufficient knowledge to use the ring correctly. More than half (57.9%) liked the idea of the ring, and 45.7% said that they would consider using it. Logistic regression demonstrated that liking the idea of the ring and considering its use were associated with comfort using at least one vaginal product, with those who were comfortable using a vaginal product being 3.1 times more likely to like the idea of the ring compared to those who were not comfortable using a vaginal product. Logistic regression also showed that liking the idea of the ring was associated with having had at least one pelvic exam. Conclusions Most participants had limited or no prior ring knowledge. Once briefly educated, all had sufficient knowledge and a substantial percentage would consider using it. The ring appeals to adolescents and should be routinely offered as a method of contraception. Comfort using at least one vaginal product is associated with liking the idea of the ring and considering its use.
Cost sharing to induce efficient techniques of abating wastewater pollution

Abstract This paper analyzes existing cost-sharing rules for wastewater pollution grants administered by the Environmental Protection Agency under the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It identifies and measures biases in the existing cost-sharing rules that encourage nonfederal interests to select particular techniques (e.g., capital-intensive techniques) over others even when the selected techniques are not the least costly to the nation. The paper develops theoretically a cost-sharing condition—that the same percentage cost share be applied to all abatement techniques—that would eliminate the cost-sharing bias. Alternative cost-sharing approaches are evaluated in terms of their biasing effects and their absolute dollar costs for federal and nonfederal project participants.
Insights into the mechanism of drug resistance: X-ray structure analysis of multi-drug resistant HIV-1 protease ritonavir complex.

Ritonavir (RTV) is a first generation HIV-1 protease inhibitor with rapidly emerging drug resistance. Mutations at residues 46, 54, 82 and 84 render the HIV-1 protease drug resistant against RTV. We report the crystal structure of multi-drug resistant (MDR) 769 HIV-1 protease (carrying resistant mutations at residues 10, 36, 46, 54, 62, 63, 71, 82, 84 and 90) complexed with RTV and the in vitro enzymatic IC50 of RTV against MDR HIV-1 protease. The structural and functional studies demonstrate significant drug resistance of MDR HIV-1 protease against RTV, arising from reduced hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals interactions between RTV and MDR HIV-1 protease.
Innovation in East Asia: The Challenge to Japan

Part 1 Introduction - East Asia's technological development: the challenge to Japan objectives of the study research methods theoretical concerns book structure lessons for other countries. Part 2 East Asian regional dynamics: understanding the region's progress economic growth regional development trade and technology the importance of electronics the flying geese model overseas Chinese models the role of the US economy technological reliance on Japan investments in the dragons outward investment by the four NIEs the role of the dragons in East Asia. Part 3 The latecomer firm: analytical framework defining technology and learning latecomers, leaders and followers technology acquisition channels the simple model latecomer technological learning linking technology to the market latecomers and innovation theory product life cycles and latecomer firms innovation, imitation and learning key research questions to explore. Part 4 The Republic of Korea - catching up in large corporations: compressing the cycle of technological learning policies for industrial development policies for education stages of technological development phases of development in electronics strengths and weaknesses in electronics institutions for learning foreign technology the OEM and ODM system size and scope of the "chaebol" learning to innovate - Anam Industrial Samsung - leadership in semiconductors Samsung - following in consumer electronics Samsung - fast learning in telecommunications innovation management challenges continuing latecomer orientation. Part 5 Taiwan - small firm innovation clusters: the comparison with South Korea the historical context achievements in electronics phases of electronics development strategic groups in Taiwan foreign firms and joint ventures the major manufacturing groups from OEM to ODM to OBM high technology start-ups government-sponsored start-ups a model of industrial clustering in Taiwan behind the frontier innovation. Part 6 Singapore - a test case of leapfrogging: learning with TNCs the leapfrogging argument Singapore's economic development policies for electronics electronics and the economy corporate technology strategies semiconductors the hard disk drive (HDD) industry consumer electronics a latecomer entrant in computers Singapore's technological advance. Part 7 Hong Kong - "laissez-faire" technological development: market-led industrialization the historical context origin of the electronics industry policies for electronics performance in electronics industry structure and advantages expansion into China strategies for innovation - Kong Wah RJP - closing the technology gap Motorola - TNC technological integration Varitronix - a university spin off Hong Kong's technological potential. Part 8 Conclusions and implications: interpreting the findings limits to the electronics case. (Part contents).
The chromosomes of clypeaster rosaceus

The diploid number of chromosomes obtained from counts of anaphases of the first somatic mitosis is found to be forty-four. Of these, seven have terminal, thirty-seven non-terminal attachment, giving a distribution of seven rods, thirteen V's, and twenty-four J's. The number is constant in all the fertilized eggs counted, indicating an XX–XY arrangement of the sex chromosomes.
Let them eat cake? Status-based differences in diet in medieval Denmark

Abstract The goal of this research is to explore status-based differences in diet of the peasants, monks and elites interred at the medieval Cistercian monastery of Om Kloster. In order to accomplish this task bone samples were taken from 98 individuals from the monastery for the stable isotopic analysis of carbon and nitrogen found in both bone collagen and apatite. Significant differences were found in the diet of these three groups. Elites demonstrated significantly enriched δ15N and δ13C values and had the smallest δ13Ccoll–ap spacing in comparison to the peasant and monastic population. Although there were no changes in the diet of the elite or peasant population through time, the monastic diet shifted from resembling the diet of the peasant population early in the period to more closely matching that of the elites at the close of the period, although small sample size precluded the significance testing of this shift. This research suggests that social status played a considerable role in the types and quantity of food resources available to a given individual in society and that there were some socially based differences in the medieval Danish diet.
Clinical symptoms and neutropenia: the balance of neutrophil development, functional activity, and cell death.

Neutrophilic granulocytes form the major type of leukocytes with counts ranging from about 1500–5000 cells/µl of blood under normal conditions. Neutrophils protect our body against bacterial and fungal infections. For this purpose, these cells are equipped with a machinery to sense the site of an infection and, upon local extravasation, rapidly move towards the site with invading micro-organisms, to ingest and kill them. As will be described, for proper functioning of this line of defence, a number of prerequisites have to be fulfilled. The quantitative defects are diagnosed more often and easier than the mere qualitative phagocytic defects. Nonetheless, functional defects may accompany neutropenia. These functional defects are seen in severe congenital neutropenia of which the gene defect has recently been elucidated, as well as in the more complex and syndromal forms of neutropenia such as Shwachman syndrome or the metabolic disease glycogen storage disease type 1b (non-a). The background of functional neutrophil defects is briefly reviewed.