cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sulfhydryl Reagents on the Ribosomes of Bacillus subtilis

The effect of various sulfhydryl reagents on the ribosomes of Bacillus subtilis was studied. The 70S ribosomes were completely dissociated into 30S and 50S subunits by appropriate concentrations of p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) and 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitro-benzoic acid). The N-ethylmaleimide and iodoacetamide failed to dissociate the ribosomes even at relatively high concentrations. The rate of dissociation of ribosomes by PCMB varied with the concentration of ribosomes. A progressive decrease in the rate of dissociation was observed as the concentration of ribosomes in the reaction mixture was increased. The PCMB-induced ribosomal subunits were unable to reassociate into 70S monomers unless they were dialyzed against buffer containing beta-mercaptoethanol. On the average, four molecules of PCMB per 70S ribosome and two molecules of PCMB per each 30S and 50S subunit were bound. The number of PCMB molecules bound per ribosome did not change with increasing concentrations of PCMB, even though higher concentrations of PCMB resulted in dissociation of ribosomes into subunits.
Not all answers are equally good: estimating the quality of database answers

With more and more electronic information sources becoming widely available, the issue of the quality of these often-competing sources has become germane. We propose a standard for rating information products with respect to their quality, and we show how to estimate the quality of answers issued by databases from the quality specifications that have been assigned to these databases. The annotation of answers with their quality provides valuable information to users and is an important new kind of cooperative behavior in databases. We report on preliminary simulations that were carried out to test the validity of our methods.
The role of pentoxifylline in endotoxin-induced alterations of red cell deformability and whole blood viscosity in the neonate.

Endotoxin induces alterations in the neonatal red cell membrane that result in decreased deformability and an increase in whole blood viscosity. These rheologic alterations are detrimental to flow in the microcirculation. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methyl xanthine derivation, increases red cell deformability presumably through its effect on intracellular adenosine 5-triphosphate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of PTX on endotoxin-induced alterations in the neonatal red blood cell. Anticoagulated whole blood specimens obtained from the cord of 12 neonates at birth were used to study the effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) with and without PTX (50 micrograms/mL) on red cell deformability and whole blood viscosity. LPS resulted in a significant (P less than .001) decrease in deformability compared with controls. PTX reversed these endotoxin-induced alterations (P less than .01), normalizing deformability to control values (P = NS). LPS resulted in a significant increase (P less than .005) in blood viscosity that was reversed by PTX (P = NS). Pentoxifylline reverses the detrimental rheologic effect of endotoxin in the neonate. This activity may be helpful in sustaining normal microcirculation in neonatal sepsis.
Role of staggerer gene in determining cell number in cerebellar cortex. II. Granule cell death and persistence of the external granule cell layer in young mouse chimeras.

Abstract Staggerer mice (sg/sg) have a severe ataxia correlated with cerebellar Purkinje cell anomalies and granule cell death. Previous studies of adult staggerer ⇹ wild-type chimeric mice have revealed that the mutant Purkinje cell defects visible in the light microscope (small size, ectopia and reduced number) are intrinsic properties of sg/sg Purkinje cells, while the granule cell death observed in the mutant is not an intrinsic property of sg/sg granule cells. In this report we continue the study of granule cell death and examine the phenotype, observed in staggerer mutants, of the developmental persistence of the external granular layer (EGL). Four staggerer ⇹ wild-type mouse chimeras were examined at 16 or 17 days of postnatal age. Most showed intermediate amounts of granule cell pycnosis and all showed intermediate expression of EGL persistence. There was little correlation observed between the amount of granule cell pycnosis and either the genotype of the immediately underlying Purkinje cells, or the proportion of staggerer cells in the chimera as a whole (determined by the genotype ratio of other brain regions and by coat melanocytes). While the presence or absence of an EGL did not correlate with the genotype of the immediately adjacent Purkinje cells, there was good agreement between the extent of persistence of the EGL and the overall contribution of staggerer cells to the chimera. The results suggest that the intermediate numbers of granule cells observed in adult staggerer chimeras are the result of both reduced granule cell genesis and increased pruning by cell death. The findings are further discussed in terms of two possible models of staggerer gene action.
Visualization of block copolymer distribution on a sheared drop

We have visualized a fluorescently-labeled poly(styrene-b-methylmethacrylate) (NBD-PS-b-PMMA) block copolymer on the surface of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) drop in a polystyrene (PS) matrix. Confocal microscopy revealed that the block copolymer distributed uniformly on the drop surface before deformation. However, in shear flow the copolymer concentration was higher at the tips and edges of the drop. Visualization of drop deformation using a counter-rotating apparatus showed enhanced drop deformation for a drop with block copolymer resulting in larger area generation. Drops with block copolymer showed widening even for shear strains exceeding 10, in contrast to bare drops, which first widened and then shrank. These results agree qualitatively with the observed distribution of fluorescent block copolymer. Copolymer concentration is highest in the regions of high curvature, where lowering interfacial tension should be most effective in retarding drop retraction. Block copolymer on these highly curved surfaces is found to be very effective since the exact theory for zero interfacial tension by Cristini fits our drop widening results well.
Prevalence of Microscopic lesions in Grossly Normal Renal Parenchyma from Patients with von Hippel-Lindau Disease, Sporadic Renal Cell Carcinoma and No Renal Disease: Clinical Implications

AbstractPurpose: We sought to describe the earliest renal lesions in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease to gain insight into the genesis of renal neoplasms in this condition.Materials and Methods: Grossly normal renal parenchyma from von Hippel-Lindau disease patients was examined microscopically and compared to findings in similar tissues obtained from patients with sporadic renal cancer and from autopsy subjects with no renal disease.Results: Microscopic renal cystic and solid neoplasms containing only clear cell cytological features were found in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. Benign cysts with clear cell cytological features were found only in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. Benign cysts lined by cuboidal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, similar to renal tubular cells, were present only in patients with renal cancer. The extrapolated number of clear cell lesions in an average kidney with von Hippel-Lindau disease was estimated as 1,100 cysts (benign or atypical) with clear ce...
Effects of pseudophosphorylation mutants on the structural dynamics of smooth muscle myosin regulatory light chain

We have performed 50 independent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to determine the effect of pseudophosphorylation mutants on the structural dynamics of smooth muscle myosin (SMM) regulatory light chain (RLC). We previously showed that the N-terminal phosphorylation domain of RLC simultaneously populates two structural states in equilibrium, closed and open, and that phosphorylation at S19 induces a modest shift toward the open state, which is sufficient to activate smooth muscle. However, it remains unknown why pseudophosphorylation mutants poorly mimic phosphorylation-induced activation of SMM. We performed MD simulations of unphosphorylated, phosphorylated, and three pseudophosphorylated RLC mutants: S19E, T18D/S19D and T18E/S19E. We found that the S19E mutation does not shift the equilibrium toward the open state, indicating that simple charge replacement at position S19 does not mimic the activating effect of phosphorylation, providing a structural explanation for previously published functional data. In contrast, mutants T18D/S19D and T18E/S19E shift the equilibrium toward the open structure and partially activate in vitro motility, further supporting the model that an increase in the mol fraction of the open state is coupled to SMM motility. Structural analyses of the doubly-charged pseudophosphorylation mutants suggest that alterations in an interdomain salt bridge between residues R4 and D100 results in impaired signal transmission from RLC to the catalytic domain of SMM, which explains the low ATPase activity of these mutants. Our results demonstrate that phosphorylation produces a unique structural balance in the RLC. These observations have important implications for our understanding of the structural aspects of activation and force potentiation in smooth and striated muscle.
Effect of gas hydrates and hydrate formers on invertase activity

Abstract Gas hydrates are inclusion compounds of the clathrate or cage type, many of which are stable above 0 °. The object of this study was to determine the effects of some gas hydrates and hydrate formers on invertase activity. It was shown that invertase activity: (1) was not significantly influenced by the increase in solute concentration that accompanied hydrate formation, (2) was not significantly influenced by the presence of crystalline hydrates of CCl3F or propane, (3) was decreased significantly and irreversibly by exposure to liquid CCl3F, and (4) was decreased greatly and irreversibly by gradual decomposition of either CCl3F or propane hydrate. Since hydrate decomposition results in a molecular dispersion of the hydrate former in water, intimate contact would no doubt occur between the hydrate former (CCl3F or propane) and invertase, and this is the probable cause of the decrease in enzyme activity.
Nutritional Quality and Sensory Acceptability of Akara Prepared from Germinated Tepary Beans

Tepary beans, Phaseolus Acutifolius (ungerminatcd and germinated for 48 hr) were used to prepare akara. Cowpcas, ungerminated and germinated teparies, uncooked and cooked akara prepared from teparies and cowpeas were analyzed for proximate composition, amino acid (AA) profile, vitamin A, ascorbic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). Proximate composition and AA profiles of ungerminated teparies and cowpeas were similar. Germination increased protein, vitamin A, and ascorbic acid by 12%, 56%, and 23-fold, respectively. TIA decreased by 2.9% while AA profiles showed slight to no change. Frying lowered protein, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, and TIA by 7%, 35–40%, 75–82%, and 12.6–24.3%, respectively. Taste panels found no significant differences (P≤0.05) in color, texture or flavor among the products.
The desoxypentose nucleic acids of three strains of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The isolation and composition of desoxypentose nucleic acid preparations from three different strains of E. coli are described. All specimens resembled each other very closely with respect to the relative amounts of adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. The purine and pyrimidine composition was unusual and distinguished these substances from all other DNA's encountered so far: all nitrogenous constituents were found in nearly equimolar amounts.
Aerosol growth studies—III ammonium bisulfate aerosols in a moist atmosphere

Abstract The phase transformation and subsequent growth of an NH4HSO4 aerosol by water vapor condensation were investigated in a continuous-flow apparatus at 25°C as a function of relative humidity. Monodisperse salt aerosols having a log-normal size distribution with a geometric standard deviation of 1.07-1.13 were prepared and exposed to various relative humidities. Concurrently in separate experiments, measurements were made of the water vapor pressure over aqueous NH4HSO4 solutions in the temperature range of 5–25°C for salt concentrations varying from saturation to 11.53% by weight. The data, also reported here, were used in the theoretical growth calculations. Good agreement was obtained between the experimentally measured and the theoretically predicted growth. No size-distribution broadening due to condensational growth was observed. From the growth measurements and vapor pressure data, a relative humidity of 39.0 ± 0.5% was established as the deliquescence point for NH4HSO4 aerosols in the optical size range.
Biliary duplication cyst with heterotopic gastric mucosa resulting in obstruction of the biliary system: a case report

Biliary tract duplication cysts with heterotopic gastric mucosa are rare congenital anomalies, with our case representing only the fourth reported case in the literature. An 8-year-old girl with several months of abdominal pain was found to have a complex cystic mass communicating with the biliary system via the common hepatic duct. Intraoperatively, inflammation caused by the cystic mass was found to have resulted in a Mirizzi-like syndrome, with a nearly complete obstruction at the confluence of the left and right hepatic ducts. Histopathologic examination of the biliary mass revealed it to be a duplication cyst lined by heterotopic gastric mucosa with secondary ulceration and fibrosis. Biliary duplication cysts are a rare but important process that should be considered in a child with a mass in the portal triad and biliary obstruction.
Characterization of Cd-induced molecular events prior to cellular damage in primary rat hepatocytes in culture: activation of the stress activated signal protein JNK and transcription factor AP-1.

The effect of Cadmium (Cd) on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), c-jun, and activator protein-1 (AP-1) has been investigated. We previously reported that Cd causes cell damage as indicated by increases in the cytotoxic parameters, lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation, and this damage was mediated by decreases in cellular concentration of glutathione. In the present study, we investigate the molecular events involved prior to the Cd-induced cellular toxicity and damage in primary rat hepatocytes. We propose that Cd, through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prior to significant cellular damage, activates the stress activated signal protein JNK, regulates c-jun expression, and promotes the binding of a redox sensitive transcription factor AP-1. We show JNK activity and c-jun mRNA level significantly increased at 1 h and AP-1 DNA binding activity significantly enhanced at 3 h in the presence of 4 μM cadmium chloride. Blocking the Cd induction of JNK activity, c-jun mRNA level, and AP-1 binding activity using the antioxidants N-acetyl cysteine (10 mM) or carnosol (0.5 μg/mL) suggests a role for ROS. Blocking JNK activity and c-jun mRNA by SP600125 (20 μM), a JNK inhibitor, supports the role of JNK in transmission of signals induced by Cd. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 18:133–142, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20018
NASA tracking and data acquisition in the 1990's - Support for low earth orbit missions

Requirements related to increases in data volume for missions projected for the 1990's could be met by increasing the number of satellites in the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) constellation or by providing a new tracking and data acquisition satellite system having greater capacity (gigabits), increased reliability, and more direct user-to-relay connectivity. The program to develop the heir to TDRSS for the 1990's, has been defined as Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS). A description is presented of the system architectural considerations which have to be studied in order to develop a cost effective TDAS. Attention is given to basic TDAS design parameters, TDAS spacecraft architectures, system considerations, technology considerations, and TDAS constellation options involving 2, 3, and 4 satellites.
Thermal and resonance neutron capture studies in Se targets with A = 74, 76, 77, 78, 80

Abstract Thermal and resonance neutron capture γ-ray measurements have been performed on a natural Se target. Accurate energies and absolute intensities of primary and secondary γ-rays for thermal and resonance capture were measured for 74, 76, 77, 78, 80 Se. Neutron separation energies derived from thermal measurements for the following are 8027.5 ± 0.4 keV for 75 Se [ 74 Se+n]; 7418.8 ± 0.2 keV for 77 Se [ 76 Se+n]; 10497.8 ± 0.3 keV for 78 Se [ 77 Se+n]; and 6701.1 ± 0.6 keV for 81 Se [ 80 Se + n]. Ten resonances were analyzed and their spins and parities were determined or confirmed as 1 2 + for the 27.1 eV and 271.5 eV resonances in 74 Se, and for the 377.0 eV and 862 eV resonances in 76 Se; 1 − for 112.0 eV, 0 − for 211.6 eV, 1 − for 340.8 eV and (1 − ) for 864.0 eV resonances in 77 Se; 1 2 + for the 383.0 eV resonance in 78 Se and ( 3 2 + )for the 1970 eV resonance in 80 Se. From the resonance data assignments of possible spins and parities of 20 levels in 75, 78, 79 Se were made. E1 strength functions for thermal capture in 74, 76, 78 Se and for the 27.1 eV resonance in 74 Se were calculated for both single-particle and giant dipole resonance models and seem to conform to the systematics in the Se mass region. Indications of non-statistical effects in thermal and resonance neutron capture were seen from the anomalous strength of the 7734.0 keV transition to the 1 2 − 293.1 keV state in 75 Se. This is supported by the single-particle nature of the 293.1 keV state as is evident from a large (d, p) l = 1 spectroscopic factor to this state. The valence model for direct neutron capture mechanism does not, however, account for the effect.
Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research: An Attempt to Clarify the Issue

This paper will describe points of disagreement between quantitative research and qualitative, or interpretive, research. After a brief historical overview, the discussion will focus on how each perspective responds to three major and closely related questions: (1) What is the relationship of the investigator to what is investigated? (2) What is the relationship between facts and values in the process of investigation? and (3) What is the goal of investigation? Educational researchers have recently devoted increasing amounts of time and energy to the issue of one method versus the other. Unfortunately, much of the discussion has tended to obfuscate
Analysis of Work Zone Traffic Behavior for Planning Applications

Understanding work zone traffic behavior is important for the planning and operation of work zones. The objective of this paper is to develop a mathematical model of work zone traffic flow elements by analyzing the relationships between speed, flow, and density that can be used to estimate the capacity of work zones. Traffic flow data were collected from 22 work zone sites on South Carolina interstate highways. The scatter plots of the collected data demonstrate that the relationship between speed and density does not follow Greenshields' linear model. A non-linear hyperbolic model was developed to describe the relationship between speed and density. Using this model the capacity of a work zone was estimated to be 1550 passenger cars per hour for 2-lane to 1-lane closures. Adjustments to this capacity value to consider other types of vehicle as well as the work zone intensity are provided. Highway agencies can use this estimated capacity along with anticipated traffic demand to schedule work zone operations to avoid long periods of over-saturation. The tapered approach to work zone lane closures used by South Carolina is similar to methods used in work zones throughout the world. The authors believe that the methodology described in this paper for modeling work zone traffic as well as estimating work zone capacity is transferable to other countries. The conversion of actual volumes to passenger car equivalents may have to be modified due to the significant differences in traffic makeup between the United States and other countries.
A jacket for stimulating and recording from monkeys

Abstract A jacket is described which allows for attaching surface electrodes to the hands of relatively unrestrained monkeys. It may also be used for chronic electrical recording and injection delivery systems in monkeys where restraining chairs are objectionable and more freedom and movement is desired.
Interdiffusion structures and paths for multiphase Fe-Ni-Al diffusion couples at 1000 °C

Diffusion studies were carried out in the Fe-Ni-Al system at 1000 °C using solid-solid diffusion couples assembled with β (B2), γ (fcc) single phase, and (β + γ) two-phase alloys. The diffusion couples were encapsulated in quartz tubes under vacuum and annealed for 48 hours. The diffusion structures were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. For all β vs (β + γ) couples, growth of the β phase was observed as the (β + γ) two-phase region recessed with the dissolution of the γ phase. For multiphase couples assembled with two (β + γ) terminal alloys, demixing of the (β + γ) two-phase alloys occurred with the formation of single-phase β and γ layers. The development of an interphase boundary between the (β + β′) two-phase region and the γ phase is reported for the first time for a Fe-Ni-Al diffusion couple assembled with single-phase, β, and γ terminal alloys. Various diffusion structures for the couples were related to their diffusion paths constructed from concentration profiles determined by electron probe microanalysis. Interdiffusion fluxes of individual components were determined directly from the experimental concentration profiles and examined in light of diffusional interactions and the development of zero-flux planes and flux reversals. In addition, the boundaries for the miscibility gap between the ordered β and disordered β′ phases of the Fe-Ni-Al system at 1000 °C were determined with the aid of diffusion couples that developed β and β′ phases in the diffusion zone.
Indirect detection of an epitope-specific response to HIV-1 gp120 immunization in human subjects.

A specific response of human serum neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to a conformational epitope as a result of vaccination of human subjects with the surface envelope glycoprotein (gp120) of HIV-1 has not previously been documented. Here, we used computational analysis to assess the epitope-specific responses of human subjects, which were immunized with recombinant gp120 immunogens in the VAX003 and VAX004 clinical trials. Our computational methodology—a variation of sieve analysis—compares the occurrence of specific nAb targeted conformational 3D epitopes on viruses from infected individuals who received vaccination to the occurrence of matched epitopes in the viruses infecting placebo subjects. We specifically studied seven crystallographically defined nAb targeted conformational epitopes in the V3 loop, an immunogenic region of gp120. Of the six epitopes present in the immunogens and targeted by known monoclonal neutralizing antibodies, only the one targeted by the anti-V3 nAb 2219 exhibited a significant reduction in occurrence in vaccinated subjects compared to the placebo group. This difference occurred only in the VAX003 Thailand cohort. No difference was seen between vaccinated and placebo groups for the occurrence of an epitope that was not present in the immunogen. Thus, it can be theorized that a specific 2219-like human neutralizing antibody immune response to AIDSVAX immunization occurred in the VAX003 cohort, and that this response protected subjects from a narrow subset of HIV-1 viruses circulating in Thailand in the 1990s and bearing the conformational epitope targeted by the neutralizing antibody 2219.
PTHrP(1–36) as a skeletal anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis

Abstract Parathyroid hormone-related protein (1–36) [(PTHrP(1–36)] has been shown to be one of the authentic secretory forms of PTHrP. Human studies employing this peptide have demonstrated that it is equipotent to parathyroid hormone (1–34). This observation, together with the observations that: (1) both peptides employ the same receptors; (2) both bind to this PTH/PTHrP receptor with equal affinity and activate the PTH/PTHrP receptor intracellular signaling pathways with the same efficacy; (3) both peptides are effective anabolic skeletal agents in laboratory animals; and (4) PTHrP is likely to be the endogenous skeletal ligand for the PTH/PTHrP receptor, collectively suggest that PTHrP (1–36) should be as equally effective as PTH(1–34) as an anabolic skeletal agent. In this mini-review, the theoretical basis for the exploration and development of PTHrP(1–36) as a potential therapeutic agent for osteoporosis is considered.
Responses to changes in relational uncertainty within dating relationships: Emotions and communication strategies

Guided by the appraisal theory of emotion, this paper examines how various emotions shape communication strategies within romantic relationships. Events that changed people's relational uncertainty levels provide the context for the investigation. Participants in dating relationships (N = 141) described their experience of relational certainty and uncertainty increasing events. Relational certainty increases coincided with relatively high levels of happiness, and relational uncertainty increases corresponded with heightened degrees of anger and sadness. Integrative behaviors were a frequently reported response to both kinds of events. Consistent with appraisal theory, specific emotions were associated with particular strategies; however, some effects were moderated by the type of event. The discussion highlights the utility of appraisal theory for understanding how romantic partners manage fluctuations in relational uncertainty.
Supporting subjective image queries without seeding requirements: proposing test queries for Benchathlon

Traditional content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems suffer from at least two shortcomings. First, most systems require users to provide good images to initiate queries. We argue that finding good seeds is the job of the search engine itself, and this circular requirement leaves the core problem---understanding users' query concepts---unsolved. The second shortcoming is that most systems fail to adequately model users' subjectivity. This paper proposes two test queries to Benchathlon for steering the CBIR community to seriously address the above issues. We also present a search scenario to show how such queries may be supported and their performance be measured.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Allocation and specification of the genital disc precursor cells in Drosophila.

Abstract The adult structures of Drosophila melanogaster are derived from larval imaginal discs, which originate as clusters of cells within the embryonic ectoderm. The genital imaginal disc is composed of three primordia (female genital, male genital, and anal primordia) that originate from the embryonic tail segments A8, A9, and A10, respectively, and produce the sexually dimorphic genitalia and analia. We show that the genital disc precursor cells (GDPCs) are first detectable during mid-embryogenesis as a 22-cell cluster in the ventral epidermis. Analysis of mutant and double mutant phenotypes of embryonic patterning genes in the GDPCs, together with their expression patterns in these cells, revealed the following with respect to the origins and specification of the GDPCs. The allocation of the GDPCs from the ventral epidermis requires the function of ventral patterning genes, including the EGF receptor and the spitz group of genes. The ventral localization of the GDPCs is further restricted by the action of dorsal patterning genes. Along the anterior–posterior axis, several segment polarity genes (wingless, engrailed, hedgehog, and patched) are required for the proper allocation of the GDPCs. These segment polarity genes are expressed in some, but not all of the GDPCs, indicating that anterior and posterior compartments are not fully established in the GDPCs. In addition, we found that the three primordia of the larval genital disc have already been specified in the GDPCs by the coordinated actions of the homeotic (Hox) genes, abdominal-A, Abdominal-B, and caudal. By identifying how these different patterning networks regulate the allocation and primordial organization of the 22 embryonic precursors of the compound genital disc, we demonstrate that at least some of the organization of the larval disc originates as positional information in the embryo, thus providing a context for further studies on the development of the genital disc.
NF-κB and CREB Are Required for Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Upregulation in Neurons

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the Ets like gene-1 (Elk-1) are two transcription factors that have been previously established to contribute to the Angiotensin II mediated upregulation of Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in neurons. The cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is another transcription factor that has also been implicated in AT1R gene transcription. The goal of the current study was to determine if NF-κB and CREB association was required for AT1R upregulation. We hypothesized that the transcription of the AT1R gene occurs via an orchestration of transcription factor interactions including NF-κB, CREB, and Elk-1. The synergistic role of CREB and NFκB in promoting AT1R gene expression was determined using siRNA-mediated silencing of CREB. Electrophorectic Mobility Shift Assay studies employing CREB and NF-κB demonstrated increased protein – DNA binding as a result of Ang II stimulation which was blunted by siRNA silencing of CREB. Upstream inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) with SB203580 or inhibition of the calmodulin kinase (CAMK) pathway using KN-62 blunted changes in CREB and NF-κB expression. These findings suggest that Ang II may activate multiple signaling pathways involving p38 MAPK leading to the activation of NF-κB and CREB, which feed back to upregulate the AT1R gene. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms involving multiple transcription factor activation in a coordinated fashion which may be partially responsible for sympathoexcitation in clinical conditions associated with increased activation of the renin angiotensin system.
Synthesis and reactions of H3Ru3(μ3-CSet)(CO)9. Reductive elimination of CH bonds and insertion of alkynes into RuC and RuH bonds

Synthesis of H3Ru3(μ3-CSEt)(CO)9, is accomplished by base-promoted attack of ethanethiol on H3Ru3(μ3-CBr)(CO)9. Thermolysis of this product under CO yields HRu3(CH2SEt)(CO)9. Reactions of H3Ru3(μ3-CSEt)(CO)9 with alkynes C2R2 form HRu3(μ3-η3-EtSCCRCR)(CO)9 (R = Me or Ph) and Ru3 (cis-CRCHR)(CSEt)(CO)9 (R = Me). The chemistry of H3Ru3(μ3-CSEt)(CO)9 differs significantly from that of the analogous ether derivative H3Ru3(μ3-COMe)(CO)9.
Further evidence against mean-free-path effects in the CPP-MR

Mean-free-paths were recently claimed to be scaling lengths in the current-perpendicular-to-plane magnetoresistance when they are longer than the layer thicknesses of magnetic multilayers. We provide two new sets of evidence against such a claim; one involves reducing mean-free-paths by alloying, the other inserting a source of strong spin flipping.
Analyses of anti-human CD monoclonal antibodies for cross reactions with swine cell antigens

Abstract For the First International Swine CD Workshop an effort was made to include commercially available anti-human CD monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that had been prescreened to determine whether they were cross-reactive with swine cell CD antigens. Thus before the actual workshop began, ten companies were contacted to determine whether they would participate in this effort. Four companies (Dako Corporation, Carpenteria, CA; T Cell Sciences, Cambridge, MA; Bioproducts for Science, Indianapolis, IN; PharMingen, SanDiego, CA) provided a total of 38 mAb for tests of cross-reactions with swine cell antigens. Two companies (Coulter, Hialeah, FL and Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA) declined to participate because of the low likelihood of positive cross-reactions. Several other companies (Behringewerke, Marburg, Germany; Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis, IN; Biosource International, Camarillo, CA; Applied Immune Sciences, Menlo Park, CA) were interested but either had problems in preparing the mAb in time for US importation or in providing the quantities necessary free to the workshop. The studies described below verify that few anti-human CD mAb exhibit consistent, predictable cross-reactions on pig cells; of the seven mAb that showed reactivity on swine cells only one mAb, Dako's anti-CD18, showed consistent reactivity with every pig tested and at the expected intensity level.
Pseudo-differential analysis on hyperbolic surfaces

Soit D le disque unite, Γ⊂PSU(1,1) un sous groupe discret et X=Γ/D une surface hyperbolique. On considere le comportement asymptotique des valeurs propres et des fonctions propres {Φλ} de Δ sur X. On presente un calcul d'operateur pseudo-differentiel pour obtenir ce resultat
Pulmonary blastoma: A light and electron microscopic study.

A case of pulmonary blastoma studied with the electron microscope showed two distinct cell types, i.e., epithelial and mesenchymal elements. The former demonstrates the differentiation toward ciliated bronchial cells, and the latter, cartilage. In view of these findings, coupled with the current understanding of pulmonary morphogenesis, the pulmonary blastoma is more likely to be a carcinosarcoma than a true blastoma. However, the separation between pulmonary blastoma as usually employed and the so-called pulmonary carcinosarcoma seems to be desirable because of different clinicopathologic features.
Effects of bobwhite calls and repeated testing on tonic, defensive, immobility of bobwhite quail.

Chase, capture, and restraint of Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) typically lead birds to become immobile. In the first experiment time to capture a bird (chase time), duration of immobility, and rate of respiration during immobility were measured on two successive tests. Chase time was significantly related to duration of immobility. Duration of immobility, the most commonly used measure of the response, was a reliable index of it. In the second experiment aspects of the predator-defense interpretation of immobility were investigated. Covey calls, alarm notes, pure tones, and quiet were imposed on birds during repeated tests of immobility. Covey calls led to significant decreases in durations of immobility as compared with the other conditions. Prior research showed that visual stimulation during immobility affected its duration; these results show that a biologically relevant auditory stimulus affects duration.
Heparin release from polymer complex

Abstract An electro-erodible polyelectrolyte complex was prepared and investigated for a pulsatile drug release system. An insoluble polyelectrolyte complex was formed by combining two water-soluble polymers, poly(allylamine) and heparin. Upon the application of an electric current, a rapid structural change of the complex occurred, dissolving the polymer matrix in proportion to the intensity of an applied electric current. The disruption of ionic bonds in the polymer matrix attached to the cathode and subsequent release of heparin was due to the locally increased pH near the cathode (resulting from hydroxyl ion production). Thus, the release pattern of a model bioactive macromolecule, heparin, followed the applied electric current, primarily due to surface erosion of the polymer matrix.
Courageous Resistance A Special Case of Altruism

Courageous resistance is defined as voluntary selfless behavior in which there is significantly high risk or cost to the actor and possibly to the actor's family and associates, the actor makes a c...
Hydration effects in protein unfolding

The enthalpies and entropies of hydration of polar, aromatic and aliphatic groups upon unfolding of nine different globular proteins were calculated over a broad temperature range using information on the three-dimensional structures of the native states of these proteins and thermodynamic data on the transfer of various low molecular compounds modeling protein groups from the gaseous phase to water. Exclusion of these hydration effects from the calorimetrically determined enthalpy and entropy of unfolding of these proteins permitted us to estimate the energy of interactions between groups packed in the interior of the native protein, and also the entropy effects associated with the increase of configurational freedom of the backbone polypeptide chain and side chains. It is shown that the compact native state of a protein is stabilized by the enthalpic interactions between internal groups while the hydration effects of all the groups, except the aliphatic ones, which are exposed upon unfolding destabilize this state.
Highly Tunable Heterometallic Frameworks Constructed from Paddle-Wheel Units and Metalloporphyrins

Seven new heterometallic frameworks have been synthesized with specific control over the metallic composition of each structure. Using Mn, Fe, Ni, V, and Pt metallated tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (MTCPP) metalloligands and Zn and Co paddle-wheel building units, two series of heterometallic frameworks are assembled that maintain topology with changing metal composition.
Traumatic Memory and Narrative Isolation in Ishiguro's A Pale View of Hills

This article offers both an appraisal of trauma theorists who emphasize social or collective memory over the individual traumatic experience as well as a detailed reading of Ishiguro's novel A Pale View of Hills that stresses the problematic nature of memory narrative. The reader of Ishiguro's novel must recognize the central character's struggle to work through her own traumatic memory as she tries to contextualize and understand her past within a larger social order. However, in the process, the reader must also allow for memory blind spots in which traumatic memory precludes or disrupts the prospects of such contextualization. The novel, then, places the reader in a problematic ethical position in which he or she must recognize that the standard modes of narrative that apply to storytelling exist within a clear social context. The traumatic memory, in contrast, does not operate within that social order and is defined by uncertainty and proceeds with distortions, hallucinations, displacements, and other...
Mobile Porn?: Teenage Sexting and Justice for Women

The practice of sending and receiving sexually explicit images via mobile phones ("sexting") has grown exponentially in recent years with the accessi- bility of cellular technology. This essay examines this practice, when conducted by teenagers, in light of a Christian feminist approach to justice. Without harm- fully exhorting girls' sexual "purity," we must nevertheless develop a moral framework that challenges the practice of sexting while simultaneously empow- ering young women to claim primary control over their own sexual experience. For Christians, justice, addressed to sexting, must attend to sexual injustice even as it promotes genuine freedom, embodiment, mutuality and relational intimacy, and equality.
Blood Protein Concentrations in the First Two Postnatal Weeks That Predict Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Among Infants Born Before the 28th Week of Gestation

Lung inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and may be accompanied by a systematic inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of systemic inflammation in the development of BPD in a cohort of extremely low GA newborns (ELGANs) by examining the relationships between inflammation-associated proteins in neonatal blood samples and pulmonary outcomes. Proteins were measured in blood specimens collected on postnatal d 1-3, 5-8, and 12-15 from 932 ELGANs. Increased risk of BPD was associated with elevated blood concentrations of a variety of proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and proteases. Reduced risk was prominently associated with increased concentrations of one chemokine, RANTES. Elevations of inflammatory proteins associated with BPD risk occurred during the first days after birth and inflammation intensified thereafter. Therefore, exposures that promote inflammation after the first postnatal days may be more critical in the pathogenesis of BPD. Fetal growth restriction, a known BPD risk factor, was not accompanied by proteins elevations and therefore does not seem to be mediated by systemic inflammation. By contrast, mechanical ventilation altered protein levels and may be associated with systemic inﬂammation
Cycloset (Quick-Release Bromocriptine Mesylate), a Novel Centrally Acting Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Young adulthood is a time of change when diabetes control often deteriorates. Prior to 2002, 40% of young people with diabetes in our region did not attend specialist clinics, precipitating the establishment of a purpose-designed transition clinic. This study reviewed the efficacy of the young adult clinic over the last three years. Up to October 2007, ninety-three young people had attended the clinic (51 male, age 21.2(18-24) years, diabetes duration 10.8±0.5 years). Two patients had Type 2 diabetes (on oral hypoglycaemic agents) and 64 (69%) were on multiple daily injections of insulin. Mean HbA1c was 9.3±0.2% with 18 (19%) achieving a target HbA1c <7.5%. Over the study period, 522 clinic appointments were made with 437 (84%) attended, 20 (4%) cancelled by the patient and 65 (12%) not attended. Four patients moved from the area. Among the 89 remaining patients, 74 (83%) attended for annual review in the previous fifteen months, with 69 (78%) undergoing digital retinal screening, 71 (80%) foot surveillance, and 52 (58%) providing a urine sample for microalbuminuria. Among those screened, prevalence of retinopathy (any grade) was 45% and microalbuminuria 10%. Although glycaemic control is sub-optimal for the majority of young adults, the establishment of a transition clinic has improved attendance and resulted in high rates of screening for complications. Determination of microalbuminuria remains problematic, requiring the patient to supply a urine sample and alternative biomarkers may be of benefit in this population. Cycloset (Quick-Release Bromocriptine Mesylate), a Novel Centrally Acting Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes ANTHONY H CINCOTTA, J MICHAEL GAZIANO, MICHAEL EZROKHI , RICHARD E SCRANTON Veroscience, Tiverton, RI, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
Abstract 4890: Diffusion-weighted MRI provides an early assessment of treatment response in a murine model of metastatic prostate cancer to the bone

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Ninety percent of patients with advanced prostate cancer develop metastases to the bone1. At present, there is no definitive means for assessing response to therapy, with RECIST identifying tumors in the bone as “unmeasureable”. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) is highly sensitive to microscopic changes in tumor tissue. Our goal is to use DW-MRI to detect and quantify changes in tumor tissue throughout therapy where the magnitude of the change could be related to the effectiveness of the treatment. Human prostate cancer (PC3) cells were implanted by direct intra-tibial injection into male SCID mice, which served as a model for prostate bone metastases. MRI experiments were performed on a 9.4T MRI. Upon identifying a tumor volume of ∼10mm3, animals were randomly distributed into 4 treatment groups: docetaxel 20 mg/kg i.p. dose once a week for 3 doses (qd7×3; N=5), fractionated radiation IR at 2 Gy/day 5x per week for 2 weeks (N=7), combined treatment (N=5) and control (N=6). Animals were imaged by DW-MRI in which the apparent diffusion coefficient was calculated from the DW images. Tumor volume and ADC measurements were acquired pre-treatment and on days 0, 1, 4, 7, and once per week after post-treatment initiation. Animals were removed from the study when the tumor reached a percent increase of 400% (5x the initial tumor volume). Group comparisons in MRI metrics were obtained using an unpaired Student t-test. Mice treated by Dox or IR had significant smaller increase in tumor volume compared to control mice. Combined treatment resulted in improved efficacy over lone therapies. This resulted in a significant decrease in tumor size. The Dox group showed an increase in ADC following the first administration and a slow decline in ADC values following day 4 post-treatment initiations regardless of additional treatments. ADC value for IR treated animals did not elevate above control until day 7. Combined treatment generated increased ADC values that were maintained throughout the treatment cycle. IR and Dox alone and in combination were effective as assessed by anatomical and DW-MRI. Those results demonstrate the potential of quantitative ADC map for assessing early response of metastatic cancer to the bone. References: 1. Carlin BI et al. Cancer. 2000;88(12):2989-2994. 2. Lee KC et al. Cancer Res. 2007;67(8):3524-3528. 3. Lee KC Neoplasia. 2007;9(12):1003-1011. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4890. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4890
A rapid spectrophotometric assay for prostaglandin synthetase: application to the study of non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents.

Abstract A rapid spectrophotometric assay for the quantitation of prostaglandin synthetase activity has been devised. The principle of this method entails the measurement of the arachidonic acid-dependent formation of adrenochrome from L-epinephrine during prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis. The validity of this assay was established by examining the substrate specificity of a variety of unsaturated fatty acids; their methyl esters, and the effect of inhibitors on PG synthetase. The results were in good agreement with those obtained by other assay methods. It was found that naphthalenediols, in particular 2,7-naphthalenediol, were potent inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase at concentrations (I.D.50′ 2 × 10−6 M) comparable to indomethacin.
Wishart Distributions on Homogeneous Cones

The classical family of Wishart distributions on a cone of positive definite matrices and its fundamental features are extended to a family of generalized Wishart distributions on a homogeneous cone using the theory of exponential families. The generalized Wishart distributions include all known families of Wishart distributions as special cases. The relationships to graphical models and Bayesian statistics are indicated.