Differences in visual perception and in visual-motor functioning between psychotic and nonpsychotic children.

The study explored the applicable scope of Bender's theory of a "maturational lag" in functional childhood psychosis. Tests of visual perception, visual-motor performance, and a clinical evaluation of presence of CNS deviations consistent with Bender's criteria for childhood schizophrenia were performed on 39 psychotic and 57 nonpsychotic 8-12-year-old boys. Results revealed no differences in accuracy or variability of perceptual and visual-motor behavior when appropriate controls for large group differences in MA functioning were instituted. No difference in test performance was found between psychotic Ss with and without CNS deviations. With MA level constant, the difference in incidence of CNS deviations between psychotics and nonpsychotics was nonsignificant. The results were interpreted as not supporting Bender's organic theory. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Power Filter Insertion Loss Evaluated in Operational-Type Circuits

Insertion losses of several different manufacturers' 100-ampere power filters were measured in the frequency range 100 Hz to 2 MHz and at a range of power current loads utilizing a newly developed current injection probe. The measurements were made using a technique which, in compliance with IEEE measurement standards, provides a constant voltage source in a filter-in filter-out measurement circuit, where source and load impedance parameters are known. Theoretically derived curves for the power filters installed in circuits with complex source and load impedance are compared to measured curves. Theoretically derived curves for current or voltage attenuation are also compared to insertion loss curves. Significant departures from the MIL-STD-220A specification curves were obtained using this new current injection probe measurement method. Strong saturation effects were found with several of the filters. Wide passband excursions were obtained as predicted by the theoretical treatment. The new measurement technique is described in terms of its relation to IEEE standard definitions of insertion loss. A discussion is given of present and proposed methods in relationship to what is felt is the most useful means of describing a filter's operational characteristics.     

Rapid Analysis of Abietanes in Conifers

Diterpene resin acids are major constituents of conifer oleoresin and play important roles in tree defense against insects and microbial pathogens. The tricyclic C-20 carboxylic acids are generally classified into two groups, the abietanes and the pimaranes. The abietanes have conjugated double bonds and exhibit characteristic UV spectra. Here, we report the analysis of abietanes by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using multiwavelength detection to optimize quantification of underivatized abietic, neoabietic, palustric, levopimaric, and dehydroabietic acids. The utility of the method is demonstrated with methanol extracts of white spruce (Picea glauca) phloem, and representative concentrations are reported.     

Screening for Cytochrome P450 Reactivity by Harnessing Catalase as Reporter Enzyme

The big screen : We have devised a high‐throughput screening method for organic peroxide‐dependent P450 reactivity by taking advantage of a previously undescribed activity of catalase, which was used as reporter enzyme. This two‐step assay, followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses, allowed the facile identification of several new substrates for bacterial P450 enzymes.

     

Stratification Dynamics and Geothermal Potential of a Deep Shaft in the Flooded Wolf Mine,Siegerland/Germany

Mine Water and the Environment - Mine water hydraulics and geothermal potential of a deep shaft of the flooded Wolf mine in the Siegerland ore district of the Rhenish Massif in Germany were...     

Platelet-Derived PCSK9 Is Associated with LDL Metabolism and Modulates Atherothrombotic Mechanisms in Coronary Artery Disease

Platelets play a significant role in atherothrombosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is critically involved in the regulation of LDL metabolism and interacts with platelet function. The effect of PCSK9 in platelet function is poorly understood. The authors of this article sought to characterize platelets as a major source of PCSK9 and PCSK9’s role in atherothrombosis. In a large cohort of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), platelet count, platelet reactivity, and platelet-derived PCSK9 release were analyzed. The role of platelet PCSK9 on platelet and monocyte function was investigated in vitro. Platelet count and hyper-reactivity correlated with plasma LDL in CAD. The circulating platelets express on their surface and release substantial amounts of PCSK9. Release of PCSK9 augmented platelet-dependent thrombosis, monocyte migration, and differentiation into macrophages/foam cells. Platelets and PCSK9 accumulated in tissue derived from atherosclerotic carotid arteries in areas of macrophages. PCSK9 inhibition reduced platelet activation and platelet-dependent thrombo-inflammation. The authors identified platelets as a source of PCSK9 in CAD, which may have an impact on LDL metabolism. Furthermore, platelet-derived PCSK9 contributes to atherothrombosis, and inhibition of PCSK9 attenuates thrombo-inflammation, which may contribute to the reported beneficial clinical effects.     

C-terminal modifications of a protein by UAG-encoded incorporation of puromycin during in vitro protein synthesis in the absence of release factor 1

Deactivation of release factor 1 by polyclonal antibodies in an in vitro translation system, which was used to express the esterase gene, led to the reversible elimination of naturally occurring termination. This technique allowed the antibiotic puromycin to be used as an acceptor substrate for the peptidyl residue in the peptidyl-transferase reaction. This resulted in more than 80 % yield of protein with C-terminally incorporated puromycin. pCpPuromycin that was either conjugated with the Cy3 fluorophor or biotin by N4 alkylation of cytosine, also acted as an acceptor substrate for the peptidyl-transferase reaction and was incorporated into the protein C terminus. The resulting conjugates possessed Cy3-specific fluorescence and affinity to streptavidin-coated surfaces, respectively. This left the enzymatic activity of the reporter protein unaffected. It was also shown that extension of puromycin on its 5'-hydroxyl end by up to ten deoxyoligonucleotides also allowed conjugation with the C terminus of in vitro translated protein when RF1-dependent termination was suppressed. However, the conjugation yield decreased upon addition of more than six nucleotides.     

Vorkommen von Vanadium im Grundwasser der Vulkaneifel

Grundwasser - In Quellwasserproben rund um den Ringseitert-Vulkankomplex südöstlich der Gemeinde Kirchweiler (Westeifel) wurden weit über dem Geringfügigkeitsschwellenwert...