Changes in the buffer-soluble proteins during maturation of the wheat kernel

Head samples of two cultivars of hard red winter wheat were taken from 4 days after heading until mature. Buffer extracts (0.025 M -phosphate, 0.5 M-NaCl, pH 6.8) of samples from the various stages of development were analysed for protein content and submitted to immunoelectrophoretic analysis (i.e.a.). Results were similar for both cultivars. Protein content of extracts of the more immature samples was higher than for the more mature samples (dry weight basis), but proteins corresponding to those of mature wheat were lower in the immature samples. I.e.a., using complete anti-mature-wheat serum and the same serum absorbed by extracts from different maturity stages, showed the development of 7 new protein components during the course of development of the wheat kernel. Results also suggested the presence, in immature wheat, of proteins antigenically different from those in mature wheat.     

Recombinant Silk Fiber Properties Correlate to Prefibrillar Self‐Assembly

Spider silks are desirable materials with mechanical properties superior to most synthetic materials coupled with biodegradability and biocompatibility. In order to replicate natural silk properties using recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) and wet‐spinning methods, the focus to date has typically been on modifying protein sequence, protein size, and spinning conditions. Here, an alternative approach is demonstrated. Namely, using the same ≈57 kDa recombinant aciniform silk protein with a consistent wet‐spinning protocol, fiber mechanical properties are shown to significantly differ as a function of the solvent used to dissolve the protein at high concentration (the “spinning dope” solution). A fluorinated acid/alcohol/water dope leads to drastic improvement in fibrillar extensibility and, correspondingly, toughness compared to fibers produced using a previously developed fluorinated alcohol/water dope. To understand the underlying cause for these mechanical differences, morphology and structure of the two classes of silk fiber are compared, with features tracing back to dope‐state protein structuring and preassembly. Specifically, distinct classes of spidroin nanoparticles appear to form in each dope prior to fiber spinning and these preassembled states are, in turn, linked to fiber morphology, structure, and mechanical properties. Tailoring of dope‐state spidroin nanoparticle assembly, thus, appears a promising strategy to modulate fibrillar silk properties.     

The NCI-H295 cell line: a pluripotent model for human adrenocortical studies

The human adrenal cortex is a complex endocrine organ that secretes mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens. These steroids arise from morphologically and biochemically distinct zones of the adrenal gland. Studying secretion of these distinct steroid hormones has, in the past, required the isolation of cells from each of the adrenocortical zones. Indeed, the lack of a human adrenocortical cell line retaining the ability to produce any of the major adrenal steroid products has slowed studies on normal and abnormal adrenal function. This obstacle has now been largely overcome with the availability of H295 cells, which represents the first adrenocortical cell line to maintain the ability, under specified conditions, to produce all the adrenocortical steroids (i.e., mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens). Thus, H295 cells appear to act as pluripotent adrenocortical cells capable of being directed to produce each of the zone-specific steroids. The H295 cell line should prove to be of value in studying the molecular and biochemical mechanisms controlling adrenal steroidogenesis.     

A cognitive approach to child abuse prevention.

This investigation tested the incremental utility of cognitive retraining as a component within a program designed to prevent child maltreatment. High-risk families (N=96) were randomly assigned to a control condition, home visitation modeled after the Healthy Start program (unenhanced home visitation), or home visitation that included a cognitive component (enhanced home visitation). Mothers were identified late during pregnancy or soon after birth, and their participation continued for 1 year. Lower levels of harsh parenting were found among mothers in the enhanced home visitation condition than among those in the unenhanced home visitation or control conditions. Prevalence of physical abuse (percentage of mothers who were abusive) during the first year was 26% in the control condition, 23% in the unenhanced home visitation condition, and 4% in the enhanced home visitation condition. Benefits were greatest in families that included a medically at-risk child. A linear pattern of benefits was found for child health; as program features were added, benefits for child health increased. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Audibility of train horns in passenger vehicles

Studies of accident rates associated with train horn bans indicate that motorists rely on horns to warn them of approaching trains. However, researchers have not yet established the levels of horn sounds necessary for detection at railroad crossings. The purpose of this study was to obtain baseline measures of the auditory component of the motorist's detection task. Horn sounds recorded in three test vehicles were presented to 20 normal-hearing listeners in quiet and in four types of vehicle interior noise: engine idling, ventilation fan off; engine idling, fan on; vehicle moving at 30 miles/hr (mph), fan off; and vehicle moving at 30 mph, fan on. Thresholds of the horn sounds were determined by an adaptive procedure. Mean thresholds were lowest in quiet (1.8-4.4 dBA) and highest for the 30-mph, fan-on condition (49.7-58.4 dBA). Mean horn thresholds for all 12 noise conditions were more than 10 dB below the overall level of the vehicle interior noise. Our data are compared with those of previous studies and their implications are discussed. Actual or potential applications of this research include the establishment of a lower limit of signal-to-noise ratios required for the detection of horn sounds at highway-rail crossings.     

Using a newsletter to deliver the message of cost containment

Nurse educators often ask themselves how they can affect the bottom line of their organization. At the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Education Services is using a newsletter to promote cost-effective practice. "Dollars and Sense" has proven to be an effective and efficient educational methodology. A small investment of time and resources can reap substantial savings at the bedside. This article discusses how to develop a similar newsletter.