cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis

The gut microbiome is made up of a wide range of (chiefly) bacterial species that colonize the small and large intestine. The human gut microbiome contains a subset of thousands of bacterial species, with up to 1014 total bacteria. Studies examining this bacterial content have shown wide variations in which species are present between individuals. The gut microbiome has been shown to have profound effects on the development and maintenance of immune system in both animal models and in humans. A growing body of evidence has implicated the human gut microbiome in a range of disorders, including obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Animal studies present compelling evidence that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in the progression of demyelinating disease, and that modulation of the microbiome can lead to either exacerbation or amelioration of symptoms. Differences in diet, vitamin D insufficiency, smoking, and alcohol use have all been implicated as risk factors in MS, and all have the ability to affect the composition of the gut microbiota. Preliminary clinical trials aimed at modulating the gut microbiota in MS patients are underway and may prove to be a promising and lower-risk treatment option in the future.
Effect of the tensor force on gamma-ray de-excitation angular distributions from dipole states populated in the /sup 12/C( p,p') reaction

Angular distributions have been measured for the de-excitation gamma rays from the isoscalar and isovector 1/sup +/ states populated in the /sup 12/C( p,p') reaction at E/sub p/(lab) =22--27 MeV. Fluctuations in the A/sub 0/ coefficients, which measure the total excitation cross sections, are observed to decrease with energy toward the high end of the region investigated. The a/sub 2/ coefficients are still fluctuating at 27 MeV, but exhibit reasonably well-defined average values of about -0.40 and 0.15 for the T=0 and T=1 levels, respectively. Microscopic distorted-wave calculations based on a realistic G matrix interaction, while not sufficient to completely describe the present data, suggest that the isospin dependence of the a/sub 2/ coefficients is associated with the tensor force. The theoretical calculations have been extended to 50 MeV and this effect of the tensor force persists.
Performance comparison of hyperspectral target detection algorithms in altitude varying scenes

Many different hyperspectral target detection algorithms have been developed and tested under various assumptions, methods, and data sets. This work examines the spectral angle mapper (SAM), adaptive coherence estimator (ACE), and constrained energy maximization (CEM) algorithms. Algorithm performance is examined over multiple images, targets, and backgrounds. Methods to examine algorithm performance are plentiful and several different metrics are used here. Quantitative metrics are used to make direct comparisons between algorithms. Further analysis using visual performance metrics is made to examine interesting trends in the data. Results show an increase in detection algorithm performance as image altitude increases and spatial information decreases. Theories to explain this phenomenon are introduced.
PROGRADE AND RETROGRADE FLUID FLOW DURING CONTACT METAMORPHISM OF SILICEOUS CARBONATE ROCKS FROM THE BALLACHULISH AUREOLE, SCOTLAND

Siliceous dolomites and limestones contain abundant retrograde minerals produced by hydration-carbonation reactions as the aureole cooled. Marbles that contained periclase at the peak of metamorphism bear secondary brucite, dolomite, and serpentine; forsterite-dolomite marbles have retrograde tremolite and serpentine; wollastonite limestones contain secondary calcite and quartz; and wollastonite-free limestones have retrograde tremolite. Secondary tremolite never appears in marbles where brucite has replaced periclase or in wollastonite-bearing limestones. A model for infiltration of siliceous carbonates by CO2-H2O fluid that assumes (a) vertical upwardly-directed flow, (b) fluid flux proportional to cooling rate, and (c) flow and reaction under conditions of local equilibrium between peak temperatures and ≈400 °C, reproduces the modes of altered carbonate rocks, observed reaction textures, and the incompatibility between tremolite and brucite and between tremolite and wollastonite. Except for samples from a dolomite xenolith, retrograde time-integrated flux recorded by reaction progress is on the order of 1000 mol fluid/cm2 rock. Local focusing of flow near the contact is indicated by samples from the xenolith that record values an order of magnitude greater. Formation of periclase, forsterite, and wollastonite at the peak of metamorphism also required infiltration with prograde time-integrated flux approximately 100–1000 mol/cm2. The comparatively small values of prograde and retrograde time-integrated flux are consistent with lack of stable isotope alteration of the carbonates and with the success of conductive thermal models in reproducing peak metamorphic temperatures recorded by mineral equilibria. Although isobaric univariant assemblages are ubiquitous in the carbonates, most formed during retrograde metamorphism. Isobaric univariant assemblages observed in metacarbonates from contact aureoles may not record physical conditions at the peak of metamorphism as is commonly assumed.
Predictors of rape: findings from the National Survey of Adolescents.

The current report examines data for 872 female adolescents obtained during the initial and follow-up interviews of the National Survey of Adolescents, a nationally representative sample. Lifetime prevalence of violence exposure reported was 12% and 13% for sexual assault, 19% and 10% for physical assault/punishment, and 33% and 26% for witnessing violence at Waves I and II, respectively. Racial/ethnic status, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and family drug problems emerged as significant predictors of new rape. Each of the PTSD symptom clusters significantly predicted new rape and analyses supported the mediational role of PTSD between CSA and new rape. African American or other racial identity was associated with lower risk. Language: en
Two % saline treatment: failure to alter opiate and cold-water stress analgesia

Abstract While the elevations in pain thresholds induced by cold-water swims are reduced in hypophysectomized rats, morphine analgesia is increased. The procedure of restricting rats to 2% saline as their only liquid nourishment for 72 hr reduces pituitary endorphins to 50% of normal values. This procedure was used to ascertain whether analgesia induced by morphine or cold-water swims would be similarly altered. The flinch-jump thresholds of 10 rats were monitored following morphine injections and cold-water swims under normal and 2% saline drinking conditions. Unlike the recently-reported elimination of acupuncture analgesia following this procedure, the 2% saline regimen failed to alter significantly the analgesic responses to morphine and cold-water swims.
Thermal patterning of amorphous fluoropolymer layers

We study thermal patterning of micro- and nanoscale thin films of low-surface energy amorphous fluoropolymers, which circumvents some of the limitations of conventional photolithography techniques. Controlled heating of a spin-coated Teflon AF® layer leads to reduction in the residual solvent concentration and the dissociation rate. When immersed in a suitable solvent, unheated areas form thick gel-like regions, which can be efficiently removed through mechanical agitation. The kinetics of the solvent evaporation and dissociation processes is studied. Micro-heaters are used as localized heat sources to demonstrate thermal patterning of microscale structures.
The Thymus Gland and Aging

Excerpt Twenty years ago R.A. Good (1) and J.F.A.P. Miller (2) discovered the immunologic function of the thymus gland. These investigators showed that the removal of the thymus early in life preve...
Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Films Prepared By rf Sputtering In He/H2

A preliminary report of some optical and electron spin resonance (ESR) properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (aSi:H) films prepared by rf sputtering in 10 mtorr He, 0.5 mtorr H2, and varying rf power is presented. As the rf power is decreased from 3.3 to 0.27 W/cm2, the deposition rate also decreases but the concentration of Si-H and Si-H2 bonds, the optical energy gap Eq, and the dangling bond spin density all increase. In particular, the optical gap of the He/H2 sputtered films increases from 1.65 to 2.09 eV and is considerably higher than for films sputtered by Ar/H2 under similar conditions. The gap is, however, only slightly higher than that of Ar/H2 sputtered films which contain the same proportion of Si-H2 bonds. The dangling bond spin density is somewhat lower in He/H films than in Ar/H2 deposited at the same rate, and decreases to about lx1016 cm-3 at high rf power.
Immunochemical characterization of human lung epoxide hydrolases.

Immunochemical techniques were used to investigate the biochemical properties of human lung epoxide hydrolases. Two epoxide hydrolases with different immunoreactive properties were identified. These two epoxide hydrolases were found in both cytosolic and microsomal cell fractions. Immunotitration of enzyme activity showed that enzymes that catalyze the hydration of benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide react with antiserum to rat microsomal epoxide hydrolase; those that hydrate trans-stilbene oxide do not. Immunotitration and Western blot experiments showed that microsomal and cytosolic benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide hydrolases have significant structural homology. Immunohistochemical staining of human lung benzo(a)pyrene 4, s-oxide hydrolase showed that the enzyme is localized primarily in the bronchial epithelium. No cell type-specific localization was observed. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed which allows direct quantitation of benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide hydrolase protein. Levels of enzyme protein detected by this assay correlated well with enzyme levels determined by substrate conversion assays.
Tourists' Effects on Drivers of Working Asian Elephants

ABSTRACTA growing wildlife tourist industry in Asia sometimes includes the use of elephants to transport tourists. Elephant drivers are responsible for the safe management of their elephants while loading, transporting, and unloading tourists for rides to view wildlife. This study sought to investigate the preferences and perceptions of elephant drivers regarding tourists when viewing rhinoceroses in the field. Drivers were interviewed with standardized questions with translator assistance and asked to show the distances from the rhinoceros at which both they and tourists preferred to view a rhinoceros. According to drivers, they preferred to be a longer distance from a rhinoceros than did tourists. Drivers described that some tourists wanted to get closer than was safe to rhinoceroses and other wildlife so as to take good photographs; some even wanted to be within touching distance. Drivers noted that tourists with long camera lenses did not seek or request to be as close to the rhinoceros as tourists wi...
Stream compaction for deferred shading

The GPU leverages SIMD efficiency when shading because it rasterizes a triangle at a time, running the same shader on all of its fragments. Ray tracing sacrifices this shader coherence, and the result is that SIMD units often must run different shaders simultaneously resulting in serialization. We study this problem and define a new measure called heterogeneous efficiency to measure SIMD divergence among multiple shaders of different complexities in a ray tracing application. We devise seven different algorithms for scheduling shaders onto SIMD processors to avoid divergence. In all but simply shaded scenes, we show the expense of sorting shaders pays off with better overall shading performance.
Effects of a Concentrated Lidocaine Solution on the Acute Phase Stress Response to Dehorning in Dairy Calves

Abstract The objective of this study was to more fully define the surgical stress response to dehorning by heat cauterization in dairy calves by measuring behavioral, hormonal, inflammatory, and immunological markers of stress and to determine whether a nerve block of the surgical site with a concentrated solution of lidocaine (5%) reduces the degree of stress. Thirty-two 10- to 12-wk-old female Holstein calves were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments: 5% lidocaine followed by dehorning, 2% lidocaine followed by dehorning, saline followed by dehorning, or 5% lidocaine followed by sham dehorning. Plasma cortisol concentration was measured in blood samples collected via a jugular catheter at −0.5, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72h. Various other blood constituents were measured in samples collected at −0.5, 12, 24, 48, and 72h. Feeding, drinking, scratching, grooming, rubbing, licking, and inactivity behaviors were observed in the standing and recumbent positions using a 10-min scan sampling method analyzed on a time period and daily basis for 72h following the dehorning procedure. The frequency of vocalization, kicking, and lying in the chute during the dehorning procedure were also assessed. The overall plasma cortisol concentrations were higher in calves subjected to dehorning than in control calves. Compared with the control group, the saline-treated calves had a higher cortisol concentration at 30 and 60min postdehorning. Plasma cortisol concentrations were higher in all groups at 30min postdehorning than at other sampling times. The percentage of circulating neutrophils and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were increased in the saline and 2% lidocaine group. Total plasma protein, fibrinogen, and α 1 -acid glycoprotein concentrations were similar among treatments. The behavioral response to dehorning, as manifested by kicking while in the chute, was greater in the saline and 2% lidocaine group than in the control or 5% lidocaine treatment groups. In the postdehorning period, the percentage of time calves spent performing various maintenance behaviors did not differ among treatments. Thus, injection of 5% lidocaine may not provide any added comfort after the dehorning but may decrease the overall stress response during the procedure.
Involvement of extracellular matrix constituents in breast cancer

It has recently been established that the extracellular matrix is required for normal functional differentiation of mammary epithelia not only in culture, but also in vivo. The mechanisms by which extracellular matrix affects differentiation, as well as the nature of extracellular matrix constituents which have major impacts on mammary gland function, have only now begun to be dissected. The intricate variety of extracellular matrix-mediated events and the remarkable degree of plasticity of extracellular matrix structure and composition at virtually all times during ontogeny, make such studies difficult. Similarly, during carcinogenesis, the extracellular matrix undergoes gross alterations, the consequences of which are not yet precisely understood. Nevertheless, an increasing amount of data suggests that the extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix-receptors might participate in the control of most, if not all, of the successive stages of breast tumors, from appearance to progression and metastasis.
Inhibition of Lapatinib-Induced Kinome Reprogramming in ERBB2-Positive Breast Cancer by Targeting BET Family Bromodomains

Therapeutics that target ERBB2, such as lapatinib, often provide initial clinical benefit, but resistance frequently develops. Adaptive responses leading to lapatinib resistance involve reprogramming of the kinome through reactivation of ERBB2/ERBB3 signaling and transcriptional upregulation and activation of multiple tyrosine kinases. The heterogeneity of induced kinases prevents their targeting by a single kinase inhibitor, underscoring the challenge of predicting effective kinase inhibitor combination therapies. We hypothesized that, to make the tumor response to single kinase inhibitors durable, the adaptive kinome response itself must be inhibited. Genetic and chemical inhibition of BET bromodomain chromatin readers suppresses transcription of many lapatinib-induced kinases involved in resistance, including ERBB3, IGF1R, DDR1, MET, and FGFRs, preventing downstream SRC/FAK signaling and AKT reactivation. Combining inhibitors of kinases and chromatin readers prevents kinome adaptation by blocking transcription, generating a durable response to lapatinib, and overcoming the dilemma of heterogeneity in the adaptive response.
Photophysics of hole injection in liquid cycloalkanes.

In liquid cycloalkanes, single-photon excitation of solute radical cations leads to rapid transfer of a valence band electron and formation of a free solvent hole (“hole injection”). Quantum yields for this process upon 2.3 and 5 eV laser excitation of several aromatic radical cations in trans-decalin are reported and the photophysics of the hole injection in cycloalkane liquids is discussed.
A comparison of signal detection theory to the objective threshold/strategic model of unconscious perception

A key problem in unconscious perception research is ruling out the possibility that weak conscious awareness of stimuli might explain the results. In the present study, signal detection theory was compared with the objective threshold/strategic model as explanations of results for detection and identification sensitivity in a commonly used unconscious perception task. In the task, 64 undergraduate participants detected and identified one of four briefly displayed, visually masked letters. Identification was significantly above baseline (i.e., proportion correct > .25) at the highest detection confidence rating. This result is most consistent with signal detection theory's continuum of sensory states and serves as a possible index of conscious perception. However, there was limited support for the other model in the form of a predicted "looker's inhibition" effect, which produced identification performance that was significantly below baseline. One additional result, an interaction between the target stimulus and type of mask, raised concerns for the generality of unconscious perception effects.
Murmurs erroneously attributed to congenital intracardiac shunts

Abstract Eight clinical patients, followed up for several years and presenting loud murmurs or other auscultatory, electrocardiographic or roentgenologic abnormalities, were erroneously diagnosed as having congenital intracardiac shunts. Subsequent studies, including right heart catheterization in all, intracardiac phonocardiography in five, and autopsy in one, failed to disclose congenital shunts. Fibroelastosis of the left heart existed in one. Tentative, although not completely proved diagnoses, are presented for some of the others.
The SSA Method: Not just old wine in a new bottle

The Systematic Screening and Assessment (SSA) Method is a novel application of evaluability assessment (EA), entwined with the work of an expert panel that nominates programs worthy of EA and then, on the basis of the findings from the EAs, recommends programs for evaluation. The author compares and contrasts the SSA Method with the usual practice of EA and discusses how the method has contributed to the revival of EA in recent years. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
School Age Workaholic Children: Type A Behaviors, Self-esteem, Anxiety and Locus of Control∗

The relationships between childhood workaholism and Type A behaviors among school‐age children were examined in terms of their self‐esteem, anxiety, and locus of control. A total of 40 elementary‐school children, their parents, and teachers took a battery of tests. No relationships were found between child Type A behaviors as rated by parents and children's self‐perceived workaholism, self‐esteem, anxiety, and locus of control. There was no relationship between parental workaholism and any of the child instrument scores. Teachers’ competitiveness ratings of children were positively related to children's internal locus of control and social self‐esteem. Teachers’ impatience ratings of children were negatively related to children's school self‐esteem. Workaholism among the children was positively related to their anxiety and inversely related to their self‐esteem and internal locus of control. Child anxiety also was inversely related to childhood self‐esteem and internal locus of control. ∗This work was fun...
Rainbow surface tension analysis

In this paper we outline a new all-optical non-contact technique for measurement of the surface tension of a Newtonian fluid. It is based on the accurate measurement of the spacing of the supernumerary fringes produced by the diffraction pattern of a laser beam transmitted through or reflected by a thin vertically-draining film of the liquid. We discuss the basic theory and application of this technique, and several issues which must be addressed before it can be used commercially.
Psychosocial and Reincarceration Risks Among Older Adults in Mental Health Courts

Objective Older adults are increasingly involved in the criminal justice system, yet there is limited research regarding their needs and experiences. This study examined differences in psychosocial experiences and reincarceration between older and younger adults with psychiatric disorders involved in the criminal justice system. Methods Participants (N = 80) were recruited from two mental health courts in the midwestern United States. Bivariate analyses examined age-related differences in psychosocial experiences and reincarceration between younger and older participants. Results Older adults, on average, experienced more treatment adherence and fewer probation violations than younger adults during the 6-month follow-up; however, they experienced comparable risk for reincarceration. Older adults' substance use, service use, housing instability, and program retention were similar to their younger counterparts. Conclusion Despite older mental health court participants' treatment adherence and reduced probation violations, they are at risk for incarceration, substance use, and housing instability.
Molecular basis for severe epimerase deficiency galactosemia. X-ray structure of the human V94m-substituted UDP-galactose 4-epimerase.

Galactosemia is an inherited disorder characterized by an inability to metabolize galactose. Although classical galactosemia results from impairment of the second enzyme of the Leloir pathway, namely galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, alternate forms of the disorder can occur due to either galactokinase or UDP-galactose 4-epimerase deficiencies. One of the more severe cases of epimerase deficiency galactosemia arises from an amino acid substitution at position 94. It has been previously demonstrated that the V94M protein is impaired relative to the wild-type enzyme predominantly at the level of Vmax rather thanKm. To address the molecular consequences the mutation imparts on the three-dimensional architecture of the enzyme, we have solved the structures of the V94M-substituted human epimerase complexed with NADH and UDP-glucose, UDP-galactose, UDP-GlcNAc, or UDP-GalNAc. In the wild-type enzyme, the hydrophobic side chain of Val94 packs near the aromatic group of the catalytic Tyr157 and serves as a molecular "fence" to limit the rotation of the glycosyl portions of the UDP-sugar substrates within the active site. The net effect of the V94M substitution is an opening up of the Ala93 to Glu96 surface loop, which allows free rotation of the sugars into nonproductive binding modes.1I3M1I3N1I3K1I3L
Gene expression comparison of flow diversion and coiling in an experimental aneurysm model

Background and purpose Mechanisms of both healing and complications, including spontaneous aneurysm rupture, remain unclear following flow diverter treatment. The aim of this study was to compare gene expression of various key molecules involved in the healing of aneurysms, between aneurysms treated with microcoils and flow diverters. Methods Saccular aneurysms were created in rabbits. Aneurysms were treated with coils (n=6) or flow diverters (n=6). Aneurysms were harvested at 4 weeks following treatment and used for gene expression and zymography experiments. Genes with a fold change of 1.2 or more were considered upregulated whereas those with a fold change of 0.8 or less were considered downregulated. Results All coil embolized aneurysms were completely occluded at follow-up. Two aneurysms were occluded and the remaining four samples were incompletely occluded in the flow diverter treated group. The following genes were expressed at lower levels in the flow diverter group compared with the coiled aneurysm group: proteinases (matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9), cellular markers (endothelial nitric oxide synthase and smooth muscle actin), and structural proteins (collagens and fibronectin). Genes related to inflammation (tumor necrosis factor α and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were upregulated in flow diverter treated aneurysms compared with coil embolized aneurysms. Notably, the enzymatic activity of active matrix metalloproteinase 9 was high in aneurysms treated with flow diverters. Conclusions Our findings may provide improved understanding of rupture risk and healing following aneurysm treatment and inform development of therapies aimed at lowering rupture risk and accelerating healing.
A Multichannel Submillimeter Wave Interferometer System On Atf

A high resolution multichannel far-infrared interferometer has been constructed for the ATF experiment at Oak Ridge. The system consists of a pair of cw 119-pm methanol lasers, optically pumped by separate CO2 lasers. An external Stark-cell modulation scheme is used to stabilize the frequencies of the CO2 lasers. The system is designed to be operated, monitored, and stabilized by a PC computer.
A novel lipoprotein from Oomycete fungi

Abstract This work reports on the presence of an endogenous lipoprotein in Lagenidium giganteum and Phytophthora cinnamomi as well as from the related non-sterol-deficient Oomycete species Lagenidium callinectes , and Zoophagus insidians . The lipoproteins comprise 0.2-1.0% of the total cell protein and are easily extracted with 0.2% Tween-80. The lipoprotein is homogeneous following heparin-agarose chromatography and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. This holoprotein from all species had a molecular mass of 320,000 Da and contained four identical protein subunits of molecular mass 40,600. The lipoprotein exhibited similar physical characteristics to human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as it comigrated with LDL on agarose gels, coeluted with LDL from heparin-agarose columns, and had a similar buoyant density of 1.006-1.063 g/cm 3 . The associated lipids varied quantitatively by species and included dolichol, diglycerides, and phospholipids. The lipoproteins from sterol-deficient species bound exogenous cholesterol without displacement of any of the native lipids of the lipoprotein.
Normal Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of some fungicides and related chemical compounds

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of Thiram (C 6 H 12 N 2 S 4 ) and Ferbam (C 9 H 18 N 3 S 6 Fe); and normal Raman scattering (NRS) spectra of Thiram and Metam-Sodium (C 2 H 4 NNaS 2 ) were investigated. The SERS spectra of the two compounds and NRS spectrum of Metam-Sodium were recorded for the first time. The SERS signals useful for trace analysis of these fungicides are identified. The spectral features of these compounds are discussed and compared with the previous data. The importance of SERS analyses to ensure the environmentally safe use of such compounds is discussed
Outcomes of multidisciplinary management in pediatric low-grade gliomas.

Purpose To evaluate the outcomes in pediatric low-grade gliomas managed in a multidisciplinary setting. Methods and Materials We conducted a single-institution retrospective study of 181 children with Grade I–II gliomas. Log-rank and stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival (OS). Results Median follow-up was 6.4 years. Thirty-four (19%) of patients had neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and because of their favorable prognosis were evaluated separately. In the 147 (81%) of patients without NF1, actuarial 7-year FFP and OS were 67 ± 4% (standard error) and 94 ± 2%, respectively. In this population, tumor location in the optic pathway/hypothalamus was associated with worse FFP (39% vs. 76%, p p p p p p p Conclusions Low-grade gliomas in children ≤5 years old with tumors in the optic pathway/hypothalamus are more likely to progress, but this does not confer worse OS because of the success of salvage therapy. When GTR is not achieved, adjuvant RT improves FFP but not OS. Routine adjuvant RT can be avoided and instead reserved as salvage.
Formation of rectifying contacts to Langmuir-Blodgett films of poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Abstract Rectifying contacts have been fabricated to structurally anisotropic Langmuir-Blodgett films of poly(3-hexylthiophene). The Schottky barriers were found to be of low resistance compared to the transverse resistance of the anisotropic films. The transport properties indicate bulk limited conduction and charge carrier tunnelling through thin rectifying barriers. The capacitive properties were analyzed within the framework of an appropriate equivalence circuit, and reasonable parameter values were obtained for the thin depletion layers and dopant concentrations.
À LA mode atrioventricular mechanical coupling.

Left atrial (LA) size and function have been popularized as barometers of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure and diastolic function. However, the specific role of the left atrium, independent of the left ventricle, and its clinical assessment remain challenging. Several recent investigations
The relation of silica dust to accelerated silicosis.

Abstract More than 130 cases of silicosis among sandblasters with an average exposure to free silica of 10 years have been studied in Louisiana. The mortality was approximately 25%. Examination of 180 gravimetric respirable dust samples from the breathing zones of sandblasters and other associated workers in two steel fabrication yards showed extensive dust exposure (up to 42.8 times the threshold limit value). The silica fraction of the respirable dust was determined either by X-ray diffraction or by a modified colorimetric technique based on that of Talvitie and Hyslop (Amer. Indust. Hyg. Assoc. J. 19, 54–58, 1958). Sandblasters wearing non-air-supplied defective hoods were at the greatest risk. Their exposure to silica dust varied greatly depending on the type of hood, maintenance, proper fit, and atmospheric dust concentrations during nonblasting periods when they were unhooded. The development of so-called accelerated silicosis is related to ordinary and faulty characteristics of sandblasting: high free-silica content of sand, use of inadequate or faulty protective devices, carelessness, and incomplete safety training.
Conduits and endoconduits, percutaneous access

Despite technologic improvements in endovascular devices used to treat thoracic aortic diseases and rapidly growing physician familiarity with the use of these devices, access-related complications remain one of the most common sources of morbidity and mortality during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Standard, remote arterial access through a femoral artery approach is often not possible during TEVAR when these patients have smallcaliber or diseased iliofemoral vessels. Various methods have been developed to combat these issues and include the use of open iliac conduits or direct aortic access through retroperitoneal exposures, or more recently, endoconduits that enable treatment of remote disease processes in the thoracic aorta through a femoral approach. One of the goals of this article is to discuss the options available for addressing these access-related limitations of TEVAR— conduits and endoconduits—and provide physicians with descriptions of techniques that can become part of their armamentarium in treating these difficult patients. The standard approach to the femoral arteries during TEVAR is through open groin exposure. This is largely because TEVAR requires delivery sheath sizes of 18F to 24F. An effort has been made to make these procedures even less invasive and to avoid the complications inherent in surgical exposure of the femoral arteries. As endovascular specialists have become more familiar with percutaneous closure devices routinely used in interventions that use smaller sheaths, the use of a totally percutaneous approach has been adopted by many physicians who perform TEVAR. This article will discuss the “Preclose” technique used in percutaneous endovascular aortic repair and review the current literature related to this approach. CONDUITS AND ENDOCONDUITS Besides having an adequate proximal or distal seal zone, one of the major determinants of whether a patient is a candidate for TEVAR is the status of the iliofemoral arterial system. Small-caliber vessels or the presence of occlusive disease often prevents femoral access. This, combined with the need for large-diameter delivery sheaths, makes remote
Botulinum toxin type A treatment in neurogenetic syndromes.

Purpose: To review the use of therapeutic botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) treatments in uncommon neurogenetic syndromes.Method: A retrospective questionnaire and interview study of a selected case series to assess the efficacy and safety following initial BoNT-A treatment (50–400 units per subject) was conducted to determine the response of families to treatment. Twelve male and six female subjects with ages from 2–19 years were included. The reasons for treatments were based on both patient-related and caregiver-related objectives. Satisfaction with achievement of stated goals was assessed by follow-up interviews.Results: Beneficial effects were reported in 56%, some effects in 22% and no to minimal effects in 22%. The duration of effect ranged from 10 days to 12 months with an average of 3.16 months. Ten families would repeat the injections as needed, four would not and four were not sure. Unanticipated effects of BoNT-A treatments were reported by some families. Adverse effects did not occur with the d...
Strychnine seizure potentiation by azaspirodecanedione anxiolytics in rats

Buspirone, gepirone and ipsaperone administered intraperitoneally (40 mg/kg) to naive rats were found to be proconvulsive for strychnine-induced seizures. The dose of strychnine required to induce seizures in 50% of test animals (CD50) was 2.18 mg/kg in naive rats, while CD50s for rats treated with the azaspirodecanediones ipsaperone, gepirone and buspirone were 1.65, 0.97 and 0.70 mg/kg respectively. Azaspirodecanediones have high affinity for the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, however, the specific 5-HT1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) had no effect on strychnine seizure in naive rats (CD50 = 2.0 mg/kg). The strychnine specific proconvulsive effects of inferior olive lesions and buspirone were additive, resulting in a CD50 of 0.1 mg/kg. This observation indicates that the buspirone-induced decrease in strychnine seizure threshold does not require intact inferior olive-climbing fiber pathways. Cerebellar sites for possible azaspirodecanedione action are discussed.
Can Normality of Yields Be Assumed for Crop Insurance

Normality of crop yield residuals pooled to the state and regional level is examined using a procedure that accounts for trend and heteroscedasticity. Normality tests are conducted using farm-level yield data from over 200,000 producers of six crops in seven U.S. states. The results indicate consistent non-normality of crop yields. The effects of assuming normality on insurance premium rates are examined. Assuming normality is found to generate premiums that can differ substantially from premiums derived using data-based empirical distributions. Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 2001-7. The Risk Management Agency, USDA, also provided support for this research. The views expressed herein are the authors' and do not necessarily represent those of Montana State University or the Risk Management Agency. Les auteurs ont analyse la normalite du rendement residuel des cultures a l'echelon de l'Etat et a l'echelon regional au moyen d'une methode tenant compte des conjectures et de l'heteroscedasticite. Ils ont utilise les donnees sur le rendement fournies par plus de 200 000 cultivateurs produisant six cultures dans sept Etats americains pour effectuer des tests de normalite. Les resultats revelent l'anormalite constante des rendements. Les auteurs s'interrogent sur les consequences d'une normalite hypothetique sur les primes d'assurance. En supposant des rendements normaux, on obtient des primes sensiblement differentes de cedes calculees avec une distribution empirique des donnees.
Calculations of the binding affinities of protein-protein complexes with the fast multipole method.

In this paper, we used a coarse-grained model at the residue level to calculate the binding free energies of three protein-protein complexes. General formulations to calculate the electrostatic binding free energy and the van der Waals free energy are presented by solving linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equations using the boundary element method in combination with the fast multipole method. The residue level model with the fast multipole method allows us to efficiently investigate how the mutations on the active site of the protein-protein interface affect the changes in binding affinities of protein complexes. Good correlations between the calculated results and the experimental ones indicate that our model can capture the dominant contributions to the protein-protein interactions. At the same time, additional effects on protein binding due to atomic details are also discussed in the context of the limitations of such a coarse-grained model.
The human Y-encoded testis-specific protein interacts functionally with eukaryotic translation elongation factor eEF1A, a putative oncoprotein.

Testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) is the putative gene for the gonadoblastoma locus on the Y chromosome. TSPY is expressed in normal germ cells of fetal and adult testis and ectopically in tumor germ cells, including gonadoblastoma in intersex patients, testicular germ cell tumors, prostate cancer and other somatic cancers. It is a member of the TSPY/SET/NAP1 superfamily and harbors a highly conserved domain, termed SET/NAP domain. To explore its possible role(s) in tumorigenesis, we had performed a yeast two-hybrid screen of a fetal gonadal cDNA library and identified the translation elongation factor eEF1A as a binding partner for TSPY at the SET/NAP domain. TSPY and eEF1A were highly expressed and colocalized in tumor germ cells of human seminoma specimens, suggesting their possible interaction in germ cell tumors. They were colocalized in the cytoplasm and could be co-immunoprecipitated from transfected COS7 cells. Significantly, both eEF1A1 and eEF1A2 have postulated to be involved in various types of human cancer, including breast and prostate cancers. TSPY enhanced protein synthesis of a reporter gene, which was augmented by an overexpression of eEF1A. TSPY also increased the nuclear redistribution of eEF1A, resulting in a parallel increase in reporter gene transcripts. Our results suggest that TSPY could exert its oncogenic function(s) by interacting with eEF1As and stimulating gene expression via its enhancements in protein synthesis and gene transcription. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
IMPACT OF INCOME AND WIFE'S EDUCATION ON FAMILY CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURES

Data from the 1972–73 Consumer Expenditure Surveys were used to investigate whether wife's education influences family expenditure once the effects of income and other factors are taken into account. The double-log function was used in the multiple regression analysis of fifteen consumption expenditure categories. Education and income elasticities were also compared. Wife's education was influential in determining family consumption expenditures even after taking family income and other factors into account.
Supramolecular structures of polyethylenimine-sodium alkyl sulfate complexes

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has been used to investigate the supramolecular structures of complexes formed by polyethylenimine (PEI) interacting with oppositely charged surfactants of sodiu...
Parathyroid visualization with cibacron blue/BB5-G1.

BB5-G1 is a murine monoclonal antibody with proven affinity for human parathyroid tissue. The authors conjugated BB5-G1 to cibacron blue, a watersoluble dye, in an attempt to enhance intraoperative parathyroid visualization. Athymic nude mice possessing intramuscularly implanted human parathyroid tissue were infused with the conjugate, then surgically explored. Intraoperative findings were video-captured, then analyzed by three independent observers and by computer, generating subjective and objective data quantifying parathyroid visualization. Parathyroid tissue implants were stained and were easily visualized. The implants in the test mice displayed higher computer-generated color intensity ratings (mean, 10.25 units) compared to control mice (mean, 6.10 units) (p<0.5). Histologic sections confirmed the presence of dye and antibody within parathyroid tissue. This represents the first study to use such a conjugate to selectively enhance parathyroid visualization.
Interactions between the recipient immune system and the left ventricular assist device surface: immunological and clinical implications

The unquestionable clinical success of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has, nevertheless, been accompanied by complications arising from interactions between the implanted biomaterial and the host immune system. The aberrant state of monocyte and T-cell activation resulting from these host/device interactions is accompanied by two parallel processes: (1) selective loss of Th1 cytokine producing CD4 T-cells through activation-induced cell death; and (2) unopposed activation of Th2 cytokine producing CD4 T-cells resulting in B-cell hyperreactivity and dysregulated immunoglobulin synthesis through Th2 cytokines and heightened CD40 ligand-CD40 interactions. The net results of these events is that, on the one hand, the LVAD recipient develops progressive defects in cellular immunity and is at increased risk of serious infection, and, on the other hand, is more likely to develop allosensitization, posing a significant risk to successful transplant outcome. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is an effective and safe modality for sensitized LVAD recipients awaiting cardiac transplantation, reducing serum anti-human lymphoicyte antigen (HLA) alloreactivity and shortening the duration to transplantation. The therapeutic and safety profile of intravenous immunoglobulin would appear to be superior to plasmapheresis. Immunosuppression incorporating intravenous cyclophosphamide before and after transplantation is safe and highly effective in sensitized LVAD recipients of cardiac transplantation. When used after transplantation as part of triple immunosuppressive regimens, cyclophosphamide is superior to mycophenolate mofetil in reducing episodes of allograft rejection in these patients. Because these immune dysfunctions appear to be related to the effects of excessive biomaterial-associated T-cell activation, future efforts will need to be directed at either altering the physical properties of the materials interacting with the host circulation or pharmacological intervention aimed more selectively at inhibiting T-cell activation.
Sterol metabolism—XXXVIII. Oxidation of 4-cholsten-3β-ol by soybean lipoxygenase

Abstract 4-Cholesten-3β-ol was oxidized by soybean lipoxygenase in reaction coupled to the oxidation of ethyl linoleate to give 4-cholesten-3-one as initial product which in turn was oxidized to a mixture of epimeric 3-oxo-4-cholestene-6-hydroperoxides. The 6-hydroperoxides were interconverted readily and thermally decomposed to the corresponding epimeric 6-alcohol and 6-ketone derivatives. The data implicate nonspecific free radical processes but not participation of electronically excited (singlet) molecular oxygen.
Exploration of inorganic C and N assimilation by soil microbes with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry

Stable C and N isotopes have long been used to examine properties of various C and N cycling processes in soils. Unfortunately, relatively large sample sizes are needed for accurate gas phase isotope ratio mass spectrometric analysis. This limitation has prevented researchers from addressing C and N cycling issues at microbially meaningful scales. Here we explore the use of time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) to detect 13C and 15N assimilation by individual bacterial cells and to quantify N isotope ratios in bacterial samples and individual fungal hyphae. This was accomplished by measuring the relative abundances of mass 26 (12C14N) and mass 27 (13C14N and 12C15N) ions sputtered with a Ga+ probe form cells adhered to a Si contact slide. TOF-SIMS was successfully used to locate and quantify the relative 15N content of individual hyhpae that grew onto Si contact slides in intimate contact with a model organomineral porous matrix composed of kaolin, straw fragments, and freshly deposited manure that was supplemented with 15NO-3. We observed that 15N content of fungal hyphae grown on the slides was significantly lower in regions where the hyhpae were influenced by N-rich manure than in regions influenced by N-deficient straw. This effectmore » occurred over distances of tens of hundreds of microns. Our data illustrates that TOF-SIMS has the potential to locate N assimilating microorganisms in soil, to quantify the 15N content of cells that have assimilated 15N-labeled mineral N, and shows promise as a tool to explore the factors controlling microsite heterogeneities in soil.« less
Comparative distribution of opiate receptors and three opioid peptide neuronal systems in rhesus monkey central nervous system.

Abstract Using combined autoradiography-immunocytochemistry, the anatomical distribution of [ 3 H]naloxone-labelled opiate receptors was compared to the loci of neuronal systems immunoreactive for β -endorphin, [Leu]enkephalin and dynorphin A in rhesus monkey brain. High densities of binding were observed in relation to each of the systems, consistent with findings that each opioid precursor can synthesize one or more peptides with substantial (though not selective) activity at μ receptors.
On the Height of a Random Set of Points in a $d$-Dimensional Unit Cube

We investigate, through numerical experiments, the asymptotic behavior of the length Hd(n) of a maximal chain (longest totally ordered subset) of a set of n points drawn from a uniform distribution on the d-dimensional unit cube V D = [0, 1]d. For d ≥ 2, it is known that cd(n) = Hd(n)/n1/d converges in probability to a constant Cd < e, with Iim d→∞ Cd = e. For d = 2, the problem has been extensively studied, and it is known that C2 = 2; Cd is not currently known for any d ≥ 3. Straightforward Monte Carlo simulations to obtain Cd have already been proposed, and shown to be beyond the scope of current computational resources. In this paper, we present a computational approach which yields feasible experiments that lead to estimates for Cd. We prove that Hd(n) can be estimated by considering only those chains close to the diagonal of the cube. A new conjecture regarding the asymptotic behavior of cd(n) leads to even more efficient experiments. We present experimental support for our conjecture, and the new e...