cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-dependent alterations in the number, volume, and localization of islands of Calleja within the olfactory tubercle.

Abstract The incidence of olfactory perceptual dysfunction increases substantially with aging. Putative mechanisms for olfactory sensory loss are surfacing, including neuroanatomical modifications within brain regions responsible for odor information processing. The islands of Calleja (IC) are dense cell clusters localized within the olfactory tubercle, a cortical structure receiving monosynaptic input from the olfactory bulb. The IC are hypothesized to be important for intra- and extra-olfactory tubercle information processing, and thus olfaction. However, whether the anatomy of the IC are affected throughout normal aging remains unclear. By examining the IC of C57bl/6 mice throughout adulthood and early aging (4–18 months of age), we found that the number of IC decreases significantly with aging. Stereological analysis revealed that the remaining IC in 18-month-old mice were significantly reduced in estimated volume compared with those in 4- month-old mice. We additionally found that whereas young adults (4 months of age) possess greater numbers of IC within the posterior parts of the olfactory tubercle, by 18 months of age, a greater percentage of IC are found within the anterior-most part of the olfactory tubercle, perhaps providing a substrate for the differential access of the IC to odor information throughout aging. These results show that the IC are highly plastic components of the olfactory cortex, changing in volume, localization, and even number throughout normal aging. We predict that modifications among the IC throughout aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders might be a novel contributor to pathological changes in olfactory cortex function and olfactory perception.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Suppresses Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Expression in the Neointima of Balloon-Injured Rat Aorta

Background Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an important regulator of fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix turnover, has been implicated in a number of vascular diseases. Studies demonstrating angiotensin II (Ang II) to be a potent stimulator of PAI-1 expression in cultured vascular cells suggests that the renin-angiotensin system may modulate vascular PAI-1 expression. Methods and Results We examined the effects of the ACE inhibitor captopril on PAI-1 expression in control and balloon-injured rat aorta. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that aortic PAI-1 mRNA expression was 7.6-fold elevated 3 hours (P<.05) after balloon injury, back to baseline at 2 days, increased again at 4 days, and by 7 days after balloon injury was 3.2-fold elevated (P<.05) when compared with control. In captopril-treated rats, the induction of PAI-1 expression by balloon injury was significantly suppressed by 44% (P<.05) in the 7-day group but was not altered in the 3-hour group. Captopril also reduced baseline aortic...
Attraction of rats to sulfur compounds

Adult male and female Sprague—Dawley rats were assayed for olfactory preference of various sulfur-containing compounds. Both sexes preferred dimethyl disulfide. Male rats were also interested in dimethyl sulfite and hexyl mercaptan odor, while females preferred methyl isothiocyanate. The three latter compounds were found to be present in rat preputial gland volatiles and may aid in sex recognition.
The production of congenital malformations using tissue antisera. VII. Yolk‐sac antiserum

Heterologous antisera against rat yolk sac made in rabbits and sheep produced congenital malformation, fetal growth retardation, and embryonic death when injected into pregnant rats. Antigens present in the cellular or acellular portions of the yolk sac were capable of producing teratogenic antibodies. Fluorescence-labeling techniques revealed that yolk-sac antiserum contained antibodies that reacted strongly with the nonserum-protein antigens of maternal adrenal, ovary, and kidney; fetal yolk sac; and chorioallantoic placenta. Teratogenic yolk-sac antiserum localized in the noncellular and intracellular portions of the parietal and visceral yolk sac including Reichert's membrane. It is postulated that yolk-sac dysfunction is produced by the localization of these antibodies in the yolk sac. The localization of yolk-sac antiserum in the yolk sac was observed at term regardless of whether the antiserum was injected on the 11th or 20th day of gestation, although the time of injection affected the localization at term qualitatively and quantitatively. These results suggest that further studies of the functions of the yolk sac at various periods of gestation are indicated not only in rodents but in humans since the yolk sac may play a role in human teratogenesis. The unanswered questions concerning yolk-sac function and dysfunction in rodents and the importance of the yolk sac in humans add another aspect to the problem of transferring the results of teratogenic studies in rodents to the human situation.
THE EFFECT OF ARGININE VASOPRESSIN (AVP) IN MODULATING CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSE IN HYPOXEMIC (HPX) NEWBORN LAMBS

To evaluate the role of AVP in modulating the hemodynamic response to HPX, chronically catheterized newborn lambs (5-19 days) were studied using a selective antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, to the vasopressor response of AVP. Experimental lambs received a 100 ug bolus infusion of AVP-inhibitor prior to the onset of HPX; control lambs received the vehicle only. Using microspheres, cardiac output (C.O.) and organ flow were measured in both groups. x ± SEM, * for p<0.05. HPX resulted in a similar increase in C.O. and organ flow to critical organs (heart, brain and adrenal) in both groups of animals. In addition, vasoactive substances (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and angiotensin II) were measured and increased similarly in both groups. Thus, AVP does not appear to play a critical role in the cardiovascular response to HPX in newborn lambs.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Cyclic Leukocytosis and Identical Twin Discordance

A cyclic leukocytosis with cycles of approximately 72 days and counts ranging from 4,000 to 145,000 cells/mm3 has been followed for 15 months with no treatment, in a 13-year-old white female with chronic myelogenous leukemia (Ph1 positive). An identical twin has no clinical, morphologic or cytogenetic evidence of leukemia. Differential counts of per. bl. and marrow remain unchanged during the patient's cycles although marrow cellularity is increased during peaks. Studies which were normal include: Rebuck skin windows, phagocytic and bactericidal functions of neutrophils, glutathione peroxidase levels, fetal hemoglobin and immunologic responses. Epinephrine stimulation produced a total release of marginal pool ceels at the high point with only partial release of cells at a low point. Endotoxin and steroid stimulation studies indicate that mechanisms for delivery of cells from marrow are intact and of similar magnitude at both high and low points. Ph1 positive cells were seen in 81% of mitoses from per. bl. cells taken at a peak while in per. bl. specimens taken at a low point such Ph1 positive cells were absent. At both high and low points over 90% of mitoses of bone marrow cells were Ph1 positive. mixed leukocyte cultures showed a non-reciprocal response of the patient's leukocytes to cells of her identical twin, suggesting partial loss of transplantation antigens in some of the patient's cells. Leukokinetics with DFP32-labeled cells, alkaline phosphatase and granulopoietin levels and marrow proliferation studies with H3T were measured at high and low points. These studies would be compatible with the view that controls of leukocyte production and release as well as in immunogenetic characteristics of cells are involved in this leukemic process.
Therapeutic trajectory of hyaluronic acid versus corticosteroids in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective To compare the efficacy of intraarticular hyaluronic acid with corticosteroids for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Our data sources were Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane database, as well as hand- searched reviews, manuscripts, and supplements. For unpublished data we used author contacts. Randomized trials that reported effects of intraarticular hyaluronic acid versus corticosteroids on knee OA were selected based on inclusion criteria. Two reviewers extracted data independently. Using a random-effects model, we computed effect sizes for pain change from baseline at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 26 weeks. We also performed multivariate analyses accounting for within and between-study covariance. We performed sensitivity analyses for trials that reported intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and blinding, and directly compared Hyalgan with methylprednisolone. Results The 7 eligible trials included 606 participants. Five reported ITT analyses. At week 2 the effect size was −0.39 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], −0.65, −0.12) favoring corticosteroids; at week 4 it was −0.01 (95% CI −0.23, 0.21) suggesting equal efficacy. At week 8 the effect size was 0.22 (95% CI −0.05, 0.49) favoring hyaluronic acid, and at week 12 it was 0.35 (95% CI 0.03, 0.66) favoring hyaluronic acid. At week 26 the effect size was 0.39 (95% CI 0.18, 0.59), favoring hyaluronic acid. The multivariate analyses and sensitivity analyses generated consistent results. Conclusion From baseline to week 4, intraarticular corticosteroids appear to be relatively more effective for pain than intraarticular hyaluronic acid. By week 4, the 2 approaches have equal efficacy, but beyond week 8, hyaluronic acid has greater efficacy. Understanding this trend is useful to clinicians when treating knee OA.
Magnetotelluric studies at Cerro Prieto

Ten magnetotelluric soundings were made near the production zone at Cerro Prieto, bringing to 17 the number of stations occupied in and around the geothermal field during 1978 and 1979. Results from the first seven soundings were reported elsewhere (Gamble et al., 1980). Data were analyzed in the field using a DEC LSI-11 microcomputer installed in a recording truck. The new soundings provide new information on the geometry of the geothermal system. We find evidence for a narrow resistive zone plunging southeastward, at a shallow angle, from a concealed apex a few hundred meters north of the power plant. This zone comes within about 500 m of the surface and can be traced roughly 5 km to the south. This zone correlates very well with a region of hydrothermal metamorphism, which has been identified by means of detailed studies of cores and cuttings from wells. The three dimensionality of this feature, combined with the influence of the large resistivity contrast between valley sediments and Cucapa Range granites 10 km to the west, makes a rigorous quantitative interpretation impractical. Although such an interpretation awaits further advancements in the techniques of calculating electromagnetic scattering by complex geological structures, the general picture seems clear. A comparison of the subsurface resistivity model with the position of the production zone and with subsurface geology suggests that the heat source lies at depth, roughly 4 km SSE of the present power plant. North of the power plant a two-dimensional interpretation of the magnetotelluric data is possible. A good fit between observed and calculated parameters is obtained for a subsurface model that is consistent with the model derived from dipole - dipole de resistivity measurements.
Osseous repair in the presence of active tooth hypermobility

Abstract The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the periodontal response after resolution of inflammation in a situation of established marginal periodontitis, but in the presence of active, continued tooth hypermobility. Periodontitis was induced unilaterally around mandibular second and third bicuspids in 4 squirrel monkeys by tying plaque retentive silk ligatures at the gingival margins. Jiggling trauma to the periodontium between these bicuspids was begun 5 weeks later and continued for the remaining 20 weeks. Ligatures were removed 15 weeks after placement, whereupon regular oral hygiene was begun and continued. Periodontitis and trauma were produced around the corresponding contralateral teeth (control) so that the interproximal area represented the situation immediately prior to ligature removal. Infiltrated connective tissue, loss of connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone, and percentage of bone were determined histometrically for each coronal interproximal periodontium. In control specimens, 58 % of the supracrestal tissue was infiltrated with inflammatory cells compared to 19% in experimental specimens. There were no differences in levels of connective tissue attachment or crestal alveolar bone. However, bone repair occurred in the experimental specimens which increased bone volume from 11 to 18% (P < 0.05). It was concluded that osseous repair occurred in the presence of active, continued tooth hypermobility after resolution of inflammation.
Isolation of a polyamine transport deficient cell line from the human non-small cell lung carcinoma line NCI H157.

In an effort to study the mechanism underlying the observed phenotype-specific response of human lung cancer cell lines to a polyamine analogue, N1,N12-bis(ethyl)spermine(BESpm), we have isolated a BESpm resistant cell line from the BESpm-sensitive large cell lung carcinoma line NCIH157. The mutant line exhibits identical growth rates in the presence or absence of the analogue. However, the overall growth of mutant cells reaches stationary phase earlier than that of the parental cells. In contrast to the parental cells, where a superinduction of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) is associated with BESpm toxicity, treatment of this resistant line with BESpm did not induce SSAT mRNA or enzyme activity. BESpm treatment was not effective in depleting the intracellular polyamine pools and very low intracellular BESpm levels were detected. This BESpm resistance is not mediated by multidrug resistance (MDR) protein, since these cells maintain their sensitivity to the antineoplastic agent adriamycin. Treatment of these cells with methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG), an AdoMetDC inhibitor which enters cell using polyamine transport system, shows no inhibition of cell growth. Our data suggest that these mutant cells are deficient in polyamine transport. Consistent with this hypothesis, exogenous polyamines did not prevent difluoromethylomithine (DFMO) induced growth inhibition in the mutant cells. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The surface topography of pyrolitic carbons and of gold thin films by scanning tunneling microscopy: Grain boundaries and surface defects

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy is a technique to characterize the morphology of conductor surfaces (metals and semiconductors) which is experiencing an explosive growth in many areas where surfaces are important. One of these areas is the surface characterization of the morphology of coatings and thin film surfaces. We have built a scanning tunneling microscope and applied it to the characterization of thin films of gold evaporated onto mica. We have also studied the stability of the monoatomic steps in an Au(334) single crystal in an air environment. The step structure which is clearly resolved in a crystal initially prepared in ultrahigh vacuum is profoundly modified by the segregation of oxide impurities upon annealing in air at 600 °C. A faceted structure is formed with large (approximately 400 A) atomically smooth (111) terraces. We have also studied the surfaces of disordered pyrolitic carbons that have been heated to various temperatures. Small graphitic-type domains are observed that are separated by grain boundaries. The observation of the grain boundaries in the carbons, along with a multitude of defects on the center of each grain, will be illustrated.
Binding of basic proteins to glycoproteins in human bronchial secretions.

Abstract 1. 1. Secretions were aspirated from a patient with no history of pulmonary disorder. 2. 2. Mucus glycoproteins, which exhibited blood group A activity, were separated into cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (cetavlon)- and ethanol-precipitable fractions. 3. 3. The cetavlon-precipitable mucin was pure by analytical ultracentrifugation and upon chemical analysis had a composition typical for mucin preparations. 4. 4. The fraction that precipitated with ethanol was found to bind tightly to proteins of a basic nature from which it could be separated by using 6 M urea. 5. 5. This non-covalent interaction may explain the lack of precipitation of this mucus glycoprotein by cetavlon. 6. 6. These basic proteins may be important in determining the rheological behavior of mucociliary secretions.
Application of ‘molecular’ theories to the structure of the crystalline state

Recent years have seen the development of simple molecular orbital based ideas to view the structures of molecular ring, cage and cluster compounds. The principles of these methods are used here to demonstrate in a new way how the structures of solids depend on electronic configuration.
Gender differences in cardiac development: are hormones at the heart of the matter?

See article by Valverde et al. [10] (pgaes 625–631) in this issue. Male/female differences in cardiac electrophysiology have long been noted, but only in recent years has there been an increased awareness and appreciation of the influence of a patient's sex on presentation of various cardiac arrhythmias [1]. One of the most dramatic and important differences between men and women regarding sex and arrhythmia is the greater risk in women of torsades de pointes induced by drugs that prolong repolarization [2]. Additionally, female gender is an independent risk factor for syncope and sudden death in the congenital long QT syndrome [3]. Although the molecular mechanisms for these sex-related differences are largely unknown, fundamental differences in the electrophysiology of the male and female hearts are postulated to be responsible. Women have faster resting heart rates and longer rate-corrected QTc intervals than men [4]. However, young boys and girls have similar heart rates and QT intervals [5,6]. From puberty through adult years, the duration of the QTc in men abbreviates and then gradually increases until the age of 50 when QTc approaches that of women [5]. These gender- and age-dependent changes in ventricular repolarization are also present in congenital LTQS patients [7,8]. Further, there is an age-dependent distribution of initial arrhythmic events [9]. The probability of a first ventricular tachyarrhythmia is higher in boys than … * Tel.: +1-305-243-5922; fax: +1-305-243-4555. tpham{at}med.miami.edu
High-Speed Machining

Abstract Applications of High Speed Milling to face milling of cast iron with silicon nitride tools, to end milling of aluminum aircraft structures, to end milling of titanium fan blades and to end milling of hardened steel dies are described. A case of High Speed Grinding of gears is also introduced. The problem of loss of Process Damping is dealt with as well as the use of spindle speed regulation for improving stability. The various aspects of HSM discussed are the spindle and guideway design, feed drives for fast cornering, lightweight structures.
Amino acid sequences of the amino and the carboxyl terminal cyanogen bromide peptides of bovine plasma albumin.

Abstract The amino acid sequences of two of the five cyanogen bromide peptides of bovine plasma albumin have been determined. These two peptides, containing 88 and 36 amino acid residues, represent, respectively, the amino and the carboxyl terminal portions of the albumin molecule. The single cysteine residue of ablumin was shown to be at position 34 of the molecule.
Step bunching of vicinal 6H-SiC{0001} surfaces

We use kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to understand growth-induced and etching-induced step bunching of $6H\text{-SiC}{0001}$ vicinal surfaces oriented toward $⟨1\overline{1}00⟩$ and $⟨11\overline{2}0⟩$. By taking account of the different rates of surface diffusion on three inequivalent terraces, we reproduce the experimentally observed tendency for single bilayer height steps to bunch into half unit-cell height steps. By taking account of the different mobilities of steps with different structures, we reproduce the experimentally observed tendency for adjacent pairs of half unit-cell height steps to bunch into full unit-cell height steps. A prediction of our simulations is that growth-induced and etching-induced step bunching lead to different surface terminations for the exposed terraces when full unit-cell height steps are present.
A carbene-yielding amino acid for incorporation into peptide photoaffinity reagents.

Abstract 3-[p-[3-(Trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl]phenyl]alanine has been prepared in 10 steps from p-bromobenzyl alcohol. The alcohol was converted to 3-(α-iodo-p-tolyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirine, which was used to alkylate N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine ethyl ester. After deprotection the amino acid was obtained with an overall yield of 18%. The d - and l -isomers of 3-[p-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl]phenyl]alanine have also been resolved, and 3-[p-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl]phenyl]alanine labeled with tritium has been prepared. The advantages of using this amino acid as a building block for peptide photoaffinity reagents is discussed.
Lebbeus laurentae: a replacement name for Lebbeus carinatus de Saint Laurent, 1984 (Decapoda: Caridea: Hippolytidae) and a redescription of the species

Abstract Lebbeus carinatus de Saint Laurent, 1984, is a junior homonym of L. carinatus Zarenkov, 1976. Both are deep-sea Pacific species, differing in the dorsal carina of the carapace and epipods of the pereopods. I provide a replacement name for L. carinatus de Saint Laurent, illustrations, and a more complete description.
Is there a relationship between hypertension and cognitive function in older adults

Yes, and there is some evidence that treating hypertension protects against cognitive decline later in life.
Diltiazem treatment does not alter renal function after thoracic surgery.

Background: There are conflicting reports on the effects of diltiazem treatment on renal function in surgical patients. We sought to determine whether diltiazem treatment alters renal function in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery. Methods: In a prospective study, 330 patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery received either IV diltiazem (n = 167) or placebo (n = 163) immediately after the operation and orally thereafter for 14 days in an effort to prevent postoperative atrial arrhythmias. Serum creatinine and BUN levels were compared before and during the first postoperative week. Results: Patients treated with diltiazem were similar to control subjects in terms of age (mean ±SD, 66 ± 10 years vs 67 ± 10 years, respectively), baseline serum creatinine or BUN levels, prevalence of comorbid conditions, and surgical characteristics. During the first 5 postoperative days, the two groups did not differ in terms of serum creatinine or BUN levels. The incidence of renal failure was 0.6% in the diltiazem group and 1.2% in the placebo group (difference was not significant). There was no difference in the length of hospitalization or mortality rate. Conclusions: In patients without renal disease who are undergoing elective thoracic surgery, prophylactic diltiazem treatment did not alter postoperative renal function.
Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride induce intrachromosomal recombination and oxidative free radicals in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Chlorination of drinking water results in the generation of low levels of numerous chlorinated hydrocarbons due to the reaction of chlorine with naturally occurring organic compounds in the water. Concern has been raised about the safety of these chlorinated contaminants as several of them, most notably chloroform (trichloromethane), have been shown to be carcinogenic in long-term rodent bioassays and weak correlations between trihalomethane levels in drinking water and an increased risk of bladder and colorectal cancer in humans have been found. Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride induce liver cancer in rats and mice only at doses where significant hepatotoxicity is observed and have been classed as non-genotoxic carcinogens. We have investigated the ability of chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane to induce deletions via intrachromosomal recombination in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride induced this genotoxic recombination event at similar doses, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane gave only a weak response in the DEL recombination assay and only at the highest dose. We further show that chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, but not trichloroethane, induced oxidative free radical species in our yeast strain. The free radical scavenger N-acetylcysteine reduced chloroform-induced toxicity and recombination, and both chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were able to oxidize the free radical-sensitive reporter compound dichlorofluorescein diacetate in vivo. The implications of these findings to the carcinogenic activities of the three compounds are discussed.
2'-O-methylation of the wobble residue of elongator pre-tRNAMet in Haloferax volcanii is guided by a box C/D RNA containing unique features

The wobble residue C34 of Haloferax volcanii elongator tRNAMet is 2'-O-methylated. Neither a protein enzyme nor a guide RNA for this modification has been described. In this study, we show that this methylation is guided by a box C/D RNA targeting the intron-containing precursor of the tRNA. This guide RNA is starkly different from its homologs. This unique RNA of approximately 75 bases, named sR-tMet, is encoded in the genomes of H. volcanii and several other haloarchaea. A unique feature of sR-tMet is that the mature RNA in H. volcanii is substantially larger than its predicted size, whereas those in other haloarchaea are as predicted. While the 5'-ends of all tested haloarchaeal sR-tMets are equivalent, H. volcanii sR-tMet possesses an additional 51-base extension at its 3' end. This extension is present in the precursor but not in the mature sR-tMet of Halobacterium sp., suggesting differential 3'-end processing of sR-tMet in these two closely related organisms. Archaeal box C/D RNAs mostly contain a ...
Elastic properties of the reconstructed aorta in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Background Patients with repaired coarctation of the aorta retain abnormal elastic properties of the aorta. It is not known whether patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome also manifest abnormal elastic properties after palliative surgery. The presence of such abnormalities may have important clinical implications as reduced aortic compliance might adversely impact single right ventricular function. Methods We prospectively evaluated the elastic properties of the aorta in a cohort of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who had undergone the Norwood procedure with aortic arch reconstruction and subsequent bidirectional Glenn or Fontan procedure. The hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients (n = 20) were compared with single-ventricle patients (n = 18) without history of arch reconstruction and patients with double-ventricular lesions (n = 22). Aortic elastic function was quantified by distensibility index and stiffness index. M-mode measurements of the transverse aortic arch were obtained with transesophageal echocardiography under general anesthesia. Patients were evaluated at a median age of 22.2 months with no age difference between patient subgroups. Results Distensibility index was significantly less ( p = 0.007) and stiffness index greater ( p = 0.005) in the reconstructed arch of hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients compared with single-ventricle and double-ventricle patients. Conclusions Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after Norwood palliation have increased aortic stiffness and decreased distensibility in the reconstructed transverse arch. As previous studies in adults have shown that decreased aortic compliance increases the energy cost of cardiac ejection, examination of modifications to the surgical technique that might improve elastic properties is warranted.
INFLUENCE OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE ABILITY OF THE RAT TO REMOVE FRUCTOSE FROM ITS BLOOD1

GOETSCH, CUSHING AND JACOBSON (1) found that the amount of fructose needed to cause fructosuria when given by mouth was increased in man in clinical states diagnosed as primary hypopituitarism. Rowe et al (2), however, found that this type of fructose tolerance was not characteristically altered in their series of cases of pituitary hypofunction. The study reported here was undertaken to explore further the possible relationship of the pituitary gland to fructose metabolism. Adult, male, albino rats hypophysectomized by a parapharyngeal route were matched with controls given a sham operation which was identical except that the gland was not removed. The sellae turcicae together with a layer of overlying brain were sectioned serially to prove the absence of all gland normally lying below the diaphragma sellae. The results from any hypophysectomized animal in which a fragment remained were discarded.
Clinical evaluation of anterior vaginal wall support defects: interexaminer and intraexaminer reliability.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the clinical examination of anterior vaginal wall support defects. Study design Sixty-three patients with at least stage II anterior vaginal wall prolapse were prospectively evaluated with a standardized examination to detect anterior vaginal wall support defects. Interobserver reliability was assessed with a duplicate examination performed by a blinded second examiner. Intraobserver reliability was assessed with a second examination performed at least 3 weeks later by 1 of the original 2 examiners. Examination reliability for the 4 types of defects (central, right lateral, left lateral, and superior) was evaluated with the kappa statistic. Results The inter- and intraexaminer reliability of the clinical examination for central, superior, and right and left paravaginal defects was poor; all kappas were less than 0.50. Overall interexaminer agreement was 42% with a kappa of 0.16 (95% CI, 0-0.32). Overall intraexaminer agreement was 46% with a kappa of 0.16 (95% CI, 0-0.45). Reliability was noted to improve with increasing stage of prolapse. Conclusion The clinical examination of anterior vaginal wall support defects displays poor interexaminer and intraexaminer agreement.
Bayesians in clinical trials: Asleep at the switch

The refreshing Bayes perspective has much to offer biostatistics. Yet, from its 225-year-old roots sprung difficulties that blocked its growth at the beginning of the 20th century. Computational obstacles in concert with an inability to identify the best indifferent prior revealed a weakness on which frequentists capitalized. It took Bayesians 40 years to recover, allowing the infant field of biostatistics to fall firmly in the hands of the frequentists. Recent disillusionment with the frequentist perspective, and its hegemony of p-values, has produced a second opportunity for the Bayesian philosophy to make solid contributions to clinical trials.However, difficulty with the applicability of the likelihood principle, problems with prevalent prior 'disinformation' in clinical medicine, in concert with the complexity of truly representative loss functions threaten again to thwart the Bayesian march into biostatistics. Seven suggestions are offered to the Bayesians to help them adapt to the rigors of clinical research.
Perforation in Adults with Acute Appendicitis Linked to Insurance Status, Not Ethnicity

Background Delay in presentation is associated with increased perforation rates in acute appendicitis. Perforation is linked to greater morbidity, and greater risk of complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether ethnicity or insurance status is associated with differences in presentation and outcomes in adult patients with acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for all patients 18 y of age and over with acute appendicitis between July 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008 at the only teaching hospital in the region. χ2 and regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of ethnicity and insurance status on perforation rates. Results A total of 1003 patients with acute appendicitis were identified, of which 239 (23.8%) were perforated. Those patients with public insurance were significantly more likely to have perforated disease (P < 0.001). Additionally, those patients in the older age groups (41–64 and ≥65) were also significantly more likely (P < 0.001) to have perforated appendicitis (35.8% and 38.24%, respectively, versus 19.2% for those 18–40). The patients who presented with perforation had a greater length of stay (2.71 ± 2.14 versus 6.04 ± 3.91 d, P < 0.001). Conclusions In our population sample, ethnicity does not predict perforation rates in adult patients with acute appendicitis. Significant risks of perforation appear related to insurance status and age.
"The best laid plans . . .": an evaluation of a patient education program.

Graphic instructions for the collection of clean-voided urine specimens were posted in outpatient clinic bathrooms. These signs were intended to supplant clinic staff verbal instructions and to improve patients' ability to perform this procedure correctly. To assess the impact of the signs, the contamination rates were determined for urine culture specimens for the 6-month periods immediately preceding and following their introduction. The contamination rate for 306 consecutive specimens submitted before the signs were hung (12 per cent) was significantly lower (p = 0.004) than for the 360 specimens submitted afterward (20.6 per cent). Further, the incidence of true bacteriuria was significantly higher before the signs were posted (21.8 per cent) than afterward (15.2 per cent) (p = 0.02). There was no reported change in the provision of verbal instructions by clinic personnel, and the signs provoked some negative reactions from patients and visitors. This unexpected adverse outcome of a well-intended patient education effort is reported so that others may profit from the authors' mistakes.
Investigation of the classically controlled ion-motion interface in a multiplexed ion-trap quantum computer

We design and implement a SIMD scheduler that returns the distribution of quantum operations when taking into account communication and layout constraints. We define the ion-motion path interface for trapped ion quantum computing architectures and analyze the design constraints involved in assembling the control circuitry necessary to implement this interface. Finally, we describe an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) that we can use to optimize and provide a library of fault-tolerant building blocks for scalable quantum computation.
Ultrafast dynamics of self-assembled monolayers under shock compression: effects of molecular and substrate structure.

Laser-driven ∼1 GPa shock waves are used to dynamically compress self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) consisting of octadecanethiol (ODT) on Au and Ag, and pentanedecanethiol (PDT) and benzyl mercaptan (BMT) on Au. The SAM response to <4 ps shock loading and ∼25 ps shock unloading is monitored by vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG), which is sensitive to the instantaneous tilt angle of the SAM terminal group relative to the surface normal. Arrival of the shock front causes SFG signal loss in all SAMs with a material time constant <3.5 ps. Thermal desorption and shock recovery experiments show that SAMs remain adsorbed on the substrate, so signal loss is attributed to shock tilting of the methyl or phenyl groups to angles near 90°. When the shock unloads, PDT/Au returns elastically to its native structure whereas ODT/Au does not. ODT evidences a complicated viscoelastic response that arises from at least two conformers, one that remains kinetically trapped in a large-tilt-angle conformation...
Investigation of the Reactive Oxygen Intermediate in an Arene Hydroxylation Reaction Performed by Xylyl-Bridged Binuclear Copper Complexes

The kinetics of the reaction, via an oxygen-bound intermediate, of [CuI2(NO2-XYL)][ClO4]2·CH3CN to [Cu2(NO2-XYL-O-)(OH)]2+, where the bridging arene is hydroxylated, have been examined with use of resonance Raman spectroscopy. A resonance Raman peak characteristic of peroxide bound in a side-on, μ-η2:η2 geometry is observed upon oxygenation of [CuI2(NO2-XYL)] for both intramolecularly and intermolecularly bridged complexes. The decay of the intramolecularly bridged peroxide stretch at ∼750 cm-1 and the growth of the phenolate stretch of the product at 1320 cm-1 were monitored over time with use of an excitation wavelength of 406.9 nm. Both the decay of the peroxide stretch and the growth of the phenolate stretch were found to be first order, and the rate constants are consistent, within experimental error, with the peroxide intermediate reacting directly to form the hydroxylated product. The possibility of an unobservable amount of a bis-μ-oxo isomer which is in rapid equilibrium with the side-on peroxide...
Cytokines and cytotoxic pathways in engraftment resistance to purified allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract The way that allogeneic hematopoietic cells are rejected is not completely understood. Regimen-resistant populations, including natural killer (NK) cells and lymphocytes, are thought to mediate the allograft barrier. In this report, the mechanism by which recipient cell populations resist engraftment of purified allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) was examined in mice. To define the immunoregulatory pathways involved in allogeneic hematopoietic cell resistance, HSC transplantations were performed in immune-defective recipients. Recipients were wild-type mice treated with α-NK cell antibodies or knockout strain mice lacking expression of CD8, perforin, Fas ligand, or 1 of the following cytokines: tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β, interferon γ, interleukin 4, or interleukin 10. Elimination of a single cytotoxic pathway was ineffective in reducing engraftment resistance, although mice treated with a polyclonal antibody that recognizes NK-cell determinants or CD8 expression showed a profound reduction in the engraftment barrier. Posttransplantation chimerism analysis revealed regeneration of host hematopoiesis in some experimental groups. These studies show, for the first time, that elimination of selected cytokines does not alter allogeneic hematopoietic resistance. Furthermore, the chimerism data reinforce the importance of competition for HSC niches in conjunction with immune mechanisms in resistance to long-term HSC engraftment.
Influences of light intensity on weed-induced stresses of tree seedlings

Growth of northern red oak (Quercusrubra L.), white ash (Fraxinusamericana L.), and white pine (Pinusstrobus L.) seedlings was evaluated for 2 years after germination in 12 environments that consis...
New directions in the treatment of somatization.

In this article the authors present their model of treatment for somatization disorder and related syndromes. It begins with a brief history of somatization followed by a discussion of theory and research on medically unexplained symptoms. Finally, it describes in some detail the authors' psychosocial treatment for medically unexplained symptoms, which uses methods from both cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential emotion-focused therapy.
Enhancing vigilance in operators with prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Sustained attention, often referred to as vigilance in humans, is the ability to maintain goal-directed behavior for extended periods of time and respond to intermittent targets in the environment. With greater time-on-task the ability to detect targets decreases and reaction time increases-a phenomenon termed the vigilance decrement. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the vigilance decrement. Subjects (n=19) received prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at one of two different time points during a vigilance task (early or late). The impact of tDCS was examined using measures of behavior, hemispheric blood flow velocity, and regional blood oxygenation relative to sham stimulation. In the sham condition greater time-on-task was accompanied by fewer target detections and slower reaction times, indicating a vigilance decrement, and decreased blood flow velocity. tDCS significantly altered baseline task-induced physiologic and behavioral changes, dependent on the time of stimulation administration and electrode configuration (determining polarity of stimulation). Compared to the sham condition, with more time-on-task blood flow velocity decreased less and cerebral oxygenation increased more in the tDCS condition. Behavioral measures showed a significant improvement in target detection performance with tDCS compared to the sham stimulation. Signal detection analysis revealed a significant change in operator discriminability and response bias with increased time-on-task, as well as interactions between time of stimulation administration and electrode configuration. Current density modeling of tDCS showed high densities in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. These findings confirm that cerebral hemodynamic measures provide an index of resource utilization and point to the central role of the frontal cortex in vigilance. Further, they suggest that modulation of the frontal cortices-and connected structures-influences the availability of vigilance resources. These findings indicate that tDCS may be well-suited to mitigate performance degradation in work settings requiring sustained attention or as a possible treatment for neurological or psychiatric disorders involving sustained attention.
Long-term neurochemical and behavioral effects induced by acute chlorpyrifos treatment

A single dose of the organophosphate insecticide O,O′-diethyl-O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridylphosphorothioate [chlorpyrifos (CPF), 279 mg/kg, SC] caused extensive inhibition of cortical and striatal cholinesterase (ChE) activity in adult rats at 2 (94–96%), 4 (83–84%), and 6(58–60%) weeks after treatment. These persistent changes in ChE activity were concomitant with reductions in muscarinic receptor binding sites in cortex (34, 33, and 18% reduction in Bmax) and striatum (48, 40, and 23% reduction in Bmax) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after exposure. Neither ChE activities nor muscarinic receptor densities were different from control levels at 12 weeks after exposure. CPF treatment caused a reduction in locomotor activity for the first 2 days after treatment, after which basal activity levels were not different from controls. CPF-treated rats showed higher activity relative to controls, however, following challenge with scopolamine (1 mg/kg, IP) at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. These data indicate that acute exposure to CPF in adult rats can cause long-term neurobehavioral changes that may persist following the recovery of neurochemical parameters associated with exposure and tolerance to cholinesterase hibitors.
Induction of mitotic S-phase of host and neighboring cells by Toxoplasma gondii enhances parasite invasion

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii extensively modifies its host cell so as to efficiently grow and divide. Among these cellular changes, T. gondii alters the cell cycle of host cells it has invaded. We found that T. gondii affects the cell cycle of not only the cells it directly invades, but neighboring cells as well. Both direct invasion by T. gondii and exposure to filtered medium from cultures of T. gondii-infected cells (conditioned medium) caused normally quiescent fibroblasts to enter S-phase. T. gondii has been shown to attach to and invade S-phase host cells more readily, and we found that conditioned medium increased the rate of invasion of T. gondii into new host cells. Thus it appears that T. gondii directly releases, or induces parasitized host cells to release, a factor that induces neighboring cells to enter S-phase, allowing more rapid invasion by extracellular T. gondii and providing a possible selective advantage for the parasite.
Isolation and identification of egg ribosomes of the housefly, Musca domestica.

Abstract Ribosomes from Musca domestica eggs have been isolated and studied. They exist in monomeric, dimeric, and polymeric forms and were identified by sucrose density-gradient separation and electron micrographs. Further studies showed that the ribosomes were sensitive to RNAse but not DNAse.
Effectiveness of genes for leaf rust resistance in international wheat rust nurseries, 1970–1975

Monogenic lines resistant to leaf rust of spring and winter wheats were grown in the world wheat-producing areas from 1970 through 1975. Lines containing the alleles Lr9 (Wi), Lr9 (Tc), and Lr19 (Tc) were more resistant to the leaf rust pathogen than those containing Lr1 (Tc), −1 (Wi), −1,3 (Wi), −2A (Tc), −2A (Wi), −2D (Tc), −3 (Tc), −3 (Wi), −10 (Tc), −16 (Tc), −17 (Tc), −18 (Tc), or −2D (Pld). Monogenic line Lr1 (Wi) possibly has more than one gene for resistance and resistance properties similar to cultivars with ‘field resistance’. A computer data base was created to produce the information used in this paper.
The "sugar pack" health marketing campaign in Los Angeles County, 2011-2012

As part of a comprehensive approach to combating the obesity epidemic, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched the "Sugar Pack" health marketing campaign in fall 2011. Carried out in three stages, the campaign sought to educate and motivate the public to reduce excess calorie intake from sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. The primary Sugar Pack creative concepts provided consumers with information about the number of sugar packs contained in sugary drinks. Data from formative market research as well as lessons from previous campaigns in other U.S. jurisdictions informed the development of the materials. These materials were disseminated through a multipronged platform that included paid outdoor media on transit and billboards and messaging using social media (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and sendable e-cards). Initial findings from a postcampaign assessment indicate that the Sugar Pack campaign reached broadly into targeted communities, resulting in more than 515 million impressions. Lessons learned from the campaign suggest that employing health marketing to engage the public can lead to increased knowledge, favorable recognition of health messages, and self-reported intention to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, potentially complementing other obesity prevention strategies in the field.
Electrochemical template synthesis of multisegment nanowires: fabrication and protein functionalization

Multisegment nanowires represent a unique platform for engineering multifunctional nanoparticles for a wide range of applications. For example, the optical and magnetic properties of nanowires can be tailored by modifying the size, shape, and composition of each segment. Similarly, surface modification can be used to tailor chemical and biological properties. In this article, we report on recent work on electrochemical template synthesis of nanogap electrodes, the fabrication of multisegment nanowires with embedded catalysts, and the selective functionalization of multisegment nanowires with proteins.