cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Streptococcal M-Protein Cardiopathogenic Epitopes in Experimental Autoimmune Valvulitis

The M protein of rheumatogenic group A streptococci induces carditis and valvulitis in Lewis rats and may play a role in pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease. To identify the epitopes of M5 protein that produce valvulitis, synthetic peptides spanning A, B, and C repeat regions contained within the extracellular domain of the streptococcal M5 protein were investigated. A repeat region peptides NT4, NT5/6, and NT7 induced valvulitis similar to the intact pepsin fragment of M5 protein. T cell lines from rats with valvulitis recognized M5 peptides NT5/6 and NT6. Passive transfer of an NT5/6-specific T cell line into naive rats produced valvulitis characterized by infiltration of CD4+ cells and upregulation of VCAM-1, while an NT6-specific T cell line did not target the valve. Our new data suggests that M protein-specific T cells may be important mediators of valvulitis in the Lewis rat model of rheumatic carditis.
Novel and unexpected clearance mechanisms for cold platelets

Storage at room temperature is limited to 5 days because of the risk of bacterial growth and loss of platelet functionality. Platelet refrigeration remains impossible, because once chilled, platelets are rapidly removed from circulation. Chilling platelets (<4h) clusters glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha receptors, and beta(2) integrins on hepatic macrophages recognize clustered beta GlcNAc residues leading to rapid clearance of acutely chilled platelets. Prolonged refrigeration increases the exposure of galactose residues such that, unexpectedly, hepatocytes remove platelets using their asialoglycoprotein receptors. Here we review current knowledge of the mechanisms of platelet removal, the existing knowledge of refrigerated platelet function, and methods to preserve platelet concentrates long-term for transfusion.
PID1: EFFICACY OF ZINC LOZENGES ON THE DURATION OF COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS: A META-ANALYSIS REVISITED

OBJECTIVE: Cold symptoms are both common and costly. The effectiveness of zinc lozenges in reducing the duration of common cold symptoms has been investigated in several studies with discrepant results. We therefore performed a meta-analysis in an attempt to clarify these discrepancies and determine the overall effectiveness of zinc lozenges in the treatment of the common cold. METHODS: A computerized search of the MEDLINE database from January 1966 to December 2000 was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing zinc lozenges to placebo for the common cold. Data were systematically abstracted. The outcome assessed was the duration of cold symptoms. Quantitative pooling was undertaken using the Dersimonian and Laird random-effects model. RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria and provided sufficient information to calculate the mean duration of cold symptoms. A total of 562 subjects were included in these trials: 283 in the zinc group and 279 in the placebo group. The summary mean duration of cold symptoms in the zinc group was 2.25 days less than that in the placebo group (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–3.43). However, there was evidence of statistical heterogeneity among studies (P = 0.003). In a subgroup analysis, we found that there were two sets of homogeneous studies with different magnitudes of reduction: 3.6 days (95% CI: 2.77,4.43) and 1.32 days (95% CI: 0.52,2.13). CONCLUSIONS: Zinc lozenges appear to be an effective treatment for reducing the duration of cold symptoms. However, further analyses are required to explore the sources of heterogeneity. A formal cost-effectiveness analysis may be necessary to determine whether this intervention is economical.
A sociological approach to the pop music phenomenon: Radio and music video utilization for expectation, motivation and satisfaction

(1987). A sociological approach to the pop music phenomenon: Radio and music video utilization for expectation, motivation and satisfaction. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 35-46.
Localization of the human cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain (DNECL) to 14qter by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Dyneins are a group of microtubule-activated ATPases that serve to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. They have been divided into two large subgroups, namely the axonemal and cytoplasmic dyneins. Cytoplasmic dynein has been implicated in a variety of other forms of intracellular motility, including retrograde axonal transport, protein sorting between apical and basolateral surfaces, and redistribution of organelles like endosomes and lysosomes. Our report is the first chromosomal localization of the human ctyoplasmic dynein heavy chain (DNECL). 7 refs., 1 fig.
Developing a community-based participatory research model to engage transition age youth using mental health service in research.

We present a model for the development and conduct of a community-based participatory research project with transition age youth (TAY) mental health service users. Community-based participatory research frameworks can facilitate equitable partnerships and meaningful inclusion but have not been fully drawn upon in mental health research. The model included TAY as trained research associates involved in every aspect of the research process. We describe the development of the project, creation of the research team, training, the design and conduct of the study, and challenges faced. The methods developed successfully provided support for the meaningful participation of TAY in the project. Language: en
Forecast Skill and Low-Frequency Variability in NMC DERF90 Experiments

A series of 90-day integrations by a low-resolution version (T40) of the National Meteorological Center's global spectral model was analyzed for its performance as well as its low-frequency variability behavior. In particular, 5-day mean 500-mb forecasts with leads up to 88 days were examined and compared with the observations. The forecast mean height decreased rapidly as forecast lead increased. A severe negative bias of the mean height in the Tropics was caused by a negative temperature bias and a drop of the surface pressure of about 2 mb. The forecast variance also dropped rapidly to a minimum of 75% of the atmospheric standard deviation before being stabilized at day 18. The model could not maintain large anomalous flows from the atmospheric initial conditions. However, it is quite capable of generating and maintaining large anomalies after drifting to its own climatology and temporal variability. At extended ranges, the model showed better skill over the North Pacific than North Atlantic when the season advanced to the colder period of the DERF90 (dynamical extended-range forecasts 1990) experiments. The model also displayed dependence on circulation regimes, although the skill fluctuated widely from day to day in general. Blocking flows in the forecast were found to systematically retrogress to the Baffin Island area from the North Atlantic. Therefore, improvements of the model's systematic errors, including its drift, appear to be essential in order to achieve a higher level of forecast performance. However, no generalization can be made due to the usage of a low-resolution model and the experiments being carried out over a rather short time span, from only 3 May to 6 December 1990.
Acute Respiratory Failure That Complicates the Resuscitation of Pediatric Patients With Scald Injuries

Respiratory failure that requires endotracheal intubation is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of scald burns in children. Because scalds are rarely associated with a direct pulmonary injury, the pathophysiology of respiratory failure is unclear. A possible mechanism may be upper airway edema, diminished pulmonary compliance secondary to fluid resuscitation, or both. To identify an at-risk population for intubation after a scald injury, the hospital courses of 174 consecutive patients under the age of 14 years who were admitted after a scald injury to a single burn center during a 6-year period were examined. Seven of these patients (4%) required endotracheal intubation. No patient older than 2.8 years or who had a scald injury that covered less than 19% of the total body surface area required intubation. Patients who required intubation were younger (mean age, 1.4 vs. 2.8 years, P<.001), had a larger mean burn size (29.9% vs. 12.3% total body surface area, P<.001), and required more fluid resuscitation (7.66 vs. 4.07 cc/kg per percentage of total body surface area burned, P<.001) than patients who did not require intubation. Examination of the adequacy of resuscitation revealed that the intubated patients had an average hourly urine output of 0.84 cc/kg during the first 24 hours, suggesting that resuscitation was not excessive. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both larger burn size (P = .041) and younger age (P = .049) were independent predictors of the need for intubation. Young patients with large body surface area burns that required large volumes of resuscitation comprise an at-risk group for respiratory failure after a scald injury. Increased vigilance is merited during the resuscitation of these patients.
Recovery from Leachate and Soil Samples of Fipronil at Termiticide Concentration

Abstract. Longevity, mobility, and dissipation of Termidor® SC termiticide/ insecticide (fipronil) at the highest recommended label rate (0.125%) was applied to sandy loam soil in greenhouse experiments to simulate field application. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze soil and leachate samples at regular intervals for 12 months after treatment. The mean concentrations of fipronil from initial treated soil and leachate samples were 1,101.75 ± 24.21 µg/g and 0.00 ± 0.00 µl/liter, respectively. Fipronil was recovered from all soil samples throughout the study; however, no fipronil was found in leachate samples. At all post-treatment analyses the highest concentration of fipronil recovered was in the middle soil profile. Results of this study indicated that fipronil was bound to the soil, and there was little movement of the active ingredient within the soil profile.
Mechanisms of failure of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux based on endoscopic anatomy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We examined the mechanisms responsible for technical failure of the endoscopic technique for correcting vesicoureteral reflux based on endoscopic anatomy.Materials and Methods: The study included 25 patients, 2 to 15 years old (mean age 8) who received 57 ureteral injections on 1 or more occasions which failed to correct reflux. Each endoscopic procedure for every patient was videotaped and endoscopic photographs were taken to document pretreatment and posttreatment anatomy. Based on the comparative endoscopic anatomical findings, failures were categorized as secondary to volume loss, mound displacement, mound extrusion or indeterminate etiology.Results: Of the 57 ureters the cause of failure was believed to be due to mound displacement in 35%, volume loss in 23%, displacement and volume loss in 29%, mound extrusion in 2% and indeterminate in 11%. The direction of mound displacement was toward the bladder neck (medial, distal) in 76% of those cases.Conclusions: Endoscopic anatomical findi...
Rapid hypertonic cell volume regulation in the perfused inner medullary collecting duct

Differential interference contrast microscopic images were used to assess the cell volume regulatory increase (VRI) response of rat IMCD segments isolated from the mid-inner medullary region of pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats and perfused in vitro at 37 degrees C. In the absence of ADH. IMCD cells behaved in an osmometric fashion over the range of extracellular osmolalities 290 to 386 mOsm/kg H2O and had an osmotic space equal to 54.2% of total geometric volume. After initial shrinkage in hypertonic perfusing and bathing solutions (340 mOsm/kg H2O using sucrose), cell volume increased rapidly to the isotonic value only in tubules preincubated in ADH (100 microU/ml). The rates of VIR were: (-ADH) 0.0142 +/- 0.0046 nl.min-1.cm-1 or 0.30 +/- 0.10%/min and (+ADH) 0.7225 +/- 0.1278 nl.min-1.cm-1 or 15.42 +/- 2.31%/min (N = 4; P less than 0.01). An overshoot in cell volume was observed on return to isotonic media only in the ADH exposed tubules showing a hypertonic VRI response, indicating that IMCD cells accumulated solute during hypertonic VRI. In the absence of ADH, one mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP mimicked the effect of hormone on hypertonic VRI. This ADH-dependent VRI process required Na+ and (CO2 + HCO3-) in external media and was reduced or abolished by 0.1 mM amiloride, 0.1 mM 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2-'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) in peritubular solutions. These data suggest that ADH-dependent, rapid hypertonic cell volume regulation in rat inner medullary collecting duct depends on NA+ uptake, which may be mediated by parallel Na+-H+ and an HCO3(-)-dependent. DIDS-sensitive pathway (such as, Cl+-HCO3- exchanger) in basolateral cell membrane. In addition, a luminal amiloride-sensitive pathway (most likely the cation-selective channel) may contribute to cell volume regulation in the rat IMCD.
Irreversible effects in the FeTi-H system☆

The equilibrium hydrogen absorption isotherm using annealed strain-free FeTi exhibits only one plateau up to a composition of FeTiH1.95. However, the desorption isotherm exhibits the usual two plateaux. X-ray diffraction results of samples with compositions within the absorption plateau limits indicate the major phases present to be α and γ, although a small amount of β phase was always detected. Apparently the absorption isotherm represents the direct α → γ conversion and β phase precipitation is almost completely suppressed. The results are attributed to the influence of lattice strain upon the behavior of the β1 and β2 phases. A practical consequence of the effect is the distortion of the pressure-composition isotherm in the β-γ region as a function of hydriding-dehydriding cycles.
Magnolia grandiflora L. Range Expansion: A Case Study in a North Carolina Piedmont Forest

Abstract We analyzed a naturalized population of Magnolia grandiflora L. occurring north of its native range in a temperate deciduous forest of the North Carolina piedmont. The population was likely expanding, based on its size-class distribution; however, it had not reached a reproductive size or age. The maximum size of established stems was 9.8 cm dbh and the maximum age, based on a subset of sampled stems, was 26 years. We analyzed the establishment of M. grandiflora trees with respect to several environmental variables. Climatic variables included annual minimum winter temperatures, frost-free periods, and precipitation, and topographic variables included elevation, aspect, and slope. We found a strong correlation between establishment and minimum winter temperatures as well as frost-free periods, but not with other environmental variables. Magnolia grandiflora has become naturalized north and west of its native range on the southeastern coastal plain; among the possible causes are climate change and...
A Quantitative and Qualitative Study of Math Anxiety Among Preservice Teachers

Abstract This project investigated the effects of a standards-based mathematics methods course on the mathematics anxiety levels of preservice teachers. The qualitative portion of the study examined aspects of a math methods course that affected mathematics anxiety levels and the antecedents of mathematics anxiety. Findings revealed a significant difference (p.05) between pretest and posttest mathematics anxiety levels, indicating a decrease in mathematics anxiety from the onset of the mathematics methods course.
Quasi-optimality of the SUPG method for the one-dimensional advection-diffusion problem.

In this paper, we propose quasi-optimal error estimates, in various norms, for the streamline-upwind Petrov--Galerkin (SUPG) method applied to the linear one-dimensional advection-diffusion problem. We follow the classical argument due to Babuska and Brezzi; therefore, the goal of this work is the proof of the inf-sup and of the continuity conditions for the bilinear stabilized variational form, with respect to suitable norms. These norms are suggested by our previous work [G. Sangalli, Technical report 1221, IAN-CNR, Pavia, Italy, 2001; Numer. Math., to appear], in which we analyze the continuous multidimensional advection-diffusion operator. We obtain these results by means of function space interpolation.
Time-resolved circular dichroism of the lowest excited state of (Δ)-Ru(bpy)32+

Abstract The circular dichroism (CD) of the excited MLCT state of (Δ)-Ru(bpy) 3 2+ was determined in the region from 260 to 400 nm using time-resolved circular dichroism (TRCD) spectroscopy with multichannel spectral detection. A monosignet CD is seen for the bpy − ππ* absorption centered near 370 nm. A bisignet CD is seen for the bpy ππ* absorption centered near 300 nm. The positions and magnitudes of these CDs can be understood by comparing them with the CDs of (Δ)-Ru(bpy) 3 +/2+/3+ . The CD of the MLCT state is consistent with the description of the state as Ru(III)(bpy) 2 (bpy − ) 2+ , with a significant amount of coupling between the bpy and bpy − .
Effects of imperfections of the buckling response of composite shells

The results of an experimental and analytical study of the effects of initial imperfections on the buckling response and failure of unstiffened thin-walled compression-loaded graphite-epoxy cylindrical shells are presented. The shells considered in the study have six different shell-wall laminates two different shell-radius-to-thickness ratios. The shell-wall laminates include four different orthotropic laminates and two different quasi-isotropic laminates. The shell-radius-to-thickness ratios includes shell-radius-to-thickness ratios equal to 100 and 200. The numerical results include the effects of traditional and nontraditional initial imperfections and selected shell parameter uncertainties. The traditional imperfections include the geometric shell-wall mid-surface imperfections that are commonly discussed in the literature on thin shell buckling. The nontraditional imperfections include shell-wall thickness variations, local shell-wall ply-gaps associated with the fabrication process, shell-end geometric imperfections, nonuniform applied end loads, and variations in the boundary conditions including the effects of elastic boundary conditions. The cylinder parameter uncertainties considered include uncertainties in geometric imperfection measurements, lamina fiber volume fraction, fiber and matrix properties, boundary conditions, and applied end load distribution. Results that include the effects of these traditional and nontraditional imperfections and uncertainties on the nonlinear response characteristics, buckling loads and failure of the shells are presented. The analysis procedure includes a nonlinear static analysis that predicts the stable response characteristics of the shells, and a nonlinear transient analysis that predicts the unstable response characteristics. In addition, a common failure analysis is used to predict material failures in the shells.
COMPARISON OF THREE RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST PROCEDURES IN THE EVALUATION OF THE CANINE LUMBOSACRAL SPINAL CANAL

Lumbar myelography, intraosseous caudal vertebral venography, and epidurography were performed in 12 normal, mature mixed-breed dogs. The radiographic appearance of the lumbosacral region was evaluated in both the lateral and ventrodorsal projections. These three radiographic contrast procedures were repeated in the same dogs after the introduction of a silicone mass into the spinal canal at the lumbosacral junction. The radiographic findings were compared with postmortem findings to determine which contrast procedure was most useful in detecting the mass in the lumbosacral spine. None of the procedures evaluated consistently produced good-quality studies in the normal dogs. After introduction of the silicone mass, lumbosacral epidurography yielded the largest number of positive correlations. However, the sensitivity of lumbosacral epidurography was less than 50% in the lateral projection and less than 20% in the ventrodorsal projection. Though none of the procedures were consistently helpful in the diagnosis of the lumbosacral masses, lumbosacral epidurography has the most potential to give consistently good-quality studies and thereby a greater probability of detecting an abnormality.
23Na MRI Accurately Measures Fixed Charge Density in Articular Cartilage

One of the initiating steps of osteoarthritis is the loss of proteoglycan (PG) molecules from the cartilage matrix. One method for assessing cartilage integrity, therefore, is to measure the PG content or fixed charge density (FCD) of cartilage. This report shows the feasibility of calculating FCD by (23)Na MRI and introduces MRI protocols for human studies, in vivo. (23)Na MRI was used to measure the sodium concentration inside bovine patellar cartilage. The sodium concentration was then converted to FCD (mM) by considering ideal Donnan equilibrium. These FCD measurements were compared to FCD measurements obtained through standard dimethylmethylene blue PG assays. There was a high correlation (slope = 0.89, r(2) = 0.81) between the FCD measurements obtained by (23)Na MRI and those obtained by the PG assays. These methods were then employed in quantifying the FCD of articular cartilage of human volunteers in vivo. Two imaging protocols were compared: one using a birdcage coil, the other using a transmit/receive surface coil. Both methodologies gave similar results, with the average sodium concentration of normal human patellar cartilage ranging from approximately 240 to 260 mM. This corresponds to FCDs of -158 mM to -182 mM.
Large Extracellular Spikes Recordable From Axons in Microtunnels

When extracellular action potentials (spikes) from cultured neurons are recorded using microelectrode arrays in open wells, their amplitudes are usually quite small (often below the noise level) despite the extracellular currents originating from the relatively large surface area of neural cell somata. In this paper rat cortical neurons were seeded into one well of a two well system separated by 3 ×10 μm microtunnels and then seven days later into the second well forming a feed-forward network between two small neuronal assemblies. In contrast to measurements in the open well spikes recorded from axons within the restricted volumes imposed by the microtunnels are often several orders of magnitude larger than in the open well, with high signal to noise ratio, despite the currents originating in the much smaller surface area of the axon. Average signal amplitudes exceeding 250 μV are typical, with some signals as large as 4.5 mV (signal-to-noise ratio up to 450), 20 times greater than the maximum recorded from electrodes in adjacent but open wells. We confirm the dependence of signal amplitude on the impedance of the microtunnel and discuss possible reasons for the phenomenon.
Importance of Hydrogen Bonding for Efficiency and Specificity of the Human Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase

To assess the contribution to discrimination afforded by base pair hydrogen bonding during DNA replication by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase, we examined nucleoside mimics lacking hydrogen bond forming capability but retaining the overall steric shape of the natural nucleotide. We employed oligonucleotide templates containing either a deoxyadenosine shape mimic (dQ) or a deoxythymidine shape mimic (dF). Additionally, the nucleoside triphosphate analogs difluorotoluene deoxynucleoside triphosphate, 9-methyl-1-H-imidazo[(4,5)-b]pyridine deoxyribose triphosphate, and 4-methylbenzimidazole deoxyribose triphosphate (dZTP; another dATP shape mimic) were assayed. We used pre-steady state methods to determine the kinetic parameters governing nucleotide incorporation, kpol and Kd. In general, the loss of hydrogen bonding potential led to 2–3 kcal/mol reduction in ground state binding free energy, whereas effects on the maximum rate of polymerization were quite variable, ranging from negligible (dATP:dF) to nearly 4 kcal/mol (dZTP:dT). Although we observed only a 46-fold reduction in discrimination when dF was present in the template, there was a complete elimination of discrimination when dQ was present in the template. Our data with dF indicate that hydrogen bonding contributes 2.2 kcal/mol toward the efficiency of incorporation, whereas data with dQ (which may overestimate the effect due to poor steric mimicry) suggest a contribution of up to 6.8 kcal/mol. Taken together, the data suggest that sterics are necessary but not sufficient to achieve optimal efficiency and fidelity for DNA polymerase. Base pair hydrogen bonding contributes at least a third of the energy underlying nucleoside incorporation efficiency and specificity.
Inhibition of Milk Lipolysis by Lambda Carrageenan

Lambda carrageenan inhibited lipolysis in both raw and homogenized milk. Bulk raw milk samples with and without carrageenan were subjected to both thermal and Waring Blendor activations. Acid degree values revealed that .01 to .05% carrageenan reduced thermally activated lipolysis by 55 to 100% and Waring Blendor activated lipolysis by 36 to 85%. Flavor evaluations by a trained taste panel confirmed the inhibition. Carrageenan (.05%) also reduced the extent of lipolysis produced by the addition of 2% raw skim milk to pasteurized homogenized milk. Carrageenan even inhibited the lipolysis induced by the homogenization of raw milk. Regardless of activation procedure, carrageenan was more effective in inhibiting lipolysis when added before rather than after activation. Addition of carrageenan after lipolysis had occurred did not reduce acid degree values. The inhibitory effect of carrageenan is at least partially from an interaction with lipase. However, it is conceivable that carrageenan may protect the substrate to some extent by partially encapsulating it.
The role of ventricular wall stress in cardiac hypertrophy

This study tested the hypothesis that stable cardiac disease occurs when hypertrophy is sufficient to normalize wall stress imposed by a hemodynamic load and that cardiac decompensation occurs when wall stress becomes abnormal as the limit of the hypertrophic process is reached. Toward this end, comprehensive stress analysis of the left ventricle was performed on 46 autopsy heart specimens constituting three groups: normal control, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy. Our analytical method took into account the effect of residual stress on the total stress distribution and represented an approach to stress analysis of the left ventricle that is more accurate than the conventional approach. The stress gradient in the left ventricular wall attributable to pressure alone showed very high values in all three groups according to the conventional model. Using our newly developed model, the resultant stress gradients attributable to the superimposed residual stress were much lower. There was a significant association between clinical cardiac decompensation and both maximum resultant stress (p < 0.005) and resultant stress gradient (p < 0.05). We also found close association between cardiac decompensation and heart weight (p < 0.0015). Furthermore, maximum resultant stress showed a close correlation with heart weight (p < 0.025). Maximum resultant stress in the eccentric hypertrophy group was higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.0015). The results from this study indicate that the left ventricular wall stress is closely correlated with left ventricular performance and is a good predictor of chronic cardiac failure.
LIPID–POLYMER HYBRID NANOPARTICLES: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS

Nanotechnology has been extensively explored in the past decade to develop a myriad of functional nanostructures to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents for various medical applications. Liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles represent two primary delivery vehicles that are currently under investigation. While many advantages of these two particle platforms have been disclosed, some intrinsic limitations remain to limit their applications at certain extent. Recently, a new type of nanoparticle platform, named lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle, has been developed that combines the positive attributes of both liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles while excluding some of their shortages. This new nanoparticle consists of a hydrophobic polymeric core, a lipid shell surrounding the polymeric core, and a hydrophilic polymer stealth layer outside the lipid shell. In this review, we first introduce the synthesis and surface functionalization techniques of the lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle, followed by a review of typical characterization of the particles. We then summarize the current and potential medical applications of this new nanoparticle as a delivery vehicle of therapeutic and imaging agents. Finally we highlight some challenges faced in further developing this robust delivery platform.
Estradiol Attenuates Ischemia-Induced Death of Hippocampal Neurons and Enhances Synaptic Transmission in Aged, Long-Term Hormone-Deprived Female Rats

Background Transient global forebrain ischemia causes selective, delayed death of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, and the ovarian hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) reduces neuronal loss in young and middle-aged females. The neuroprotective efficacy of E2 after a prolonged period of hormone deprivation is controversial, and few studies examine this issue in aged animals given E2 treatment after induction of ischemia.
Cervical neural space narrowing during simulated rear crashes with anti-whiplash systems

Purpose Chronic radicular symptoms have been documented in whiplash patients, potentially caused by cervical neural tissue compression during an automobile rear crash. Our goals were to determine neural space narrowing of the lower cervical spine during simulated rear crashes with whiplash protection system (WHIPS) and active head restraint (AHR) and to compare these data to those obtained with no head restraint (NHR). We extrapolated our results to determine the potential for cord, ganglion, and nerve root compression.
A prothrombotic phenotype in the Copenhagen rat strain

Abstract Introduction Experimental and epidemiologic studies have identified several potential genetic components for increased thrombotic risk. Studies of thrombosis often use rat models without considering the effect of strain differences on thrombotic propensity. Materials and methods A comparison of in vivo thrombotic occlusion after small-vessel anastomosis was made between age/weight-matched male Copenhagen and Lewis rats. Results One-day thrombotic occlusion rates were significantly higher in Copenhagen arteries (67%) and veins (100%) compared to Lewis arteries (8%) and veins (50%), respectively. Single-bolus intravenous heparin (150 units/kg body weight) had a slight effect on reducing occlusion rates in Copenhagen rats (50% and 67% for arteries and veins, respectively), while occlusion was totally prevented by heparin in both vessel types of Lewis rats (0% occlusion). In vitro assays for platelet aggregation and coagulation revealed no apparent differences between these two rats strains, although AT-III levels were slightly higher in Copenhagen rats, contrary to the prothrombotic state. Conclusions These findings indicate a profound prothrombotic tendency in the Copenhagen rat strain and support a broader investigation of the genetic basis of this thrombotic potential.
Particle production at high energy. II. Accumulative impact and clustering in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Transverse energy dependence ${\mathrm{dE}}_{T}/d\ensuremath{\eta}$ of O+Ag, S+Ag, and S+W collisions at 200 GeV/$c$ are analyzed in a parameter-free phenomenological model of cascade and clustering based on $p$+$p$ and $p$+Ag collisions. The model uses an event generator which explicitly displays the impact parameter dependence of the colliding hadrons and incorporates basic features of multiparticle production in $p$+$p$ collisions. $p$+Ag data at 200 GeV/$c$ are first analyzed with special attention to the time ordering of the cascading many-body processes using the space-time geometry and the impact parameter dependence of the colliding hadrons. We introduce a relaxation time parameter $\ensuremath{\tau},$ the size of a time interval of the overlapping regions of space-time in the center-of-momentum frame of the colliding hadrons. Within a $\ensuremath{\tau}$ interval of relaxation, impacts of all collisions are accumulative. Only after this time has passed are pions allowed to be emitted from excited nuclear matter according to a set of rules for cascade. A value of $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\sim}0.1$ fm/$c$ used for $p$+Ag data leads to a description of the gross features of the transverse energy dependence ${\mathrm{dE}}_{T}/d\ensuremath{\eta}$ of O+Ag and S+Ag data of WA80 and S+W data in the forward region of HELIOS.
Improving the readability of defect reports

Bug reports and the user comments associated with them are an important source of information for developers. When many comments are posted in response to a bug description, the discussion becomes difficult to understand. In order to keep discussions coherent and easy to understand, comments should specify if they contain responses to previously posted comments and should not refer to more than one topic.We propose a system, which recommends developers a set of comments related to their own comment, such that developers can explicitly make connections between the new comment and existing ones. The goal is to improve the readability of the discussion thread.
Winter Anomalies of Seston, Phytoplankton and Cations in a Colorado (U.S.A.) Alpine Flowage Lake

Year-round changes of phytoplankton, organic and inorganic seston, and dissolved and suspended concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were studied and correlated in Long Lake, an ultra-oligotrophic alpine flowage lake of northcentral Colorado, U.S.A. Dissolved cation levels for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, and Fe, both sestonic fractions and phytoplankton densities reached and sustained a maximum during April and May under heavy cover of ice and snow, and a minimum during open-season from mid-June to mid-October. Rates of monthly water renewal varied greatly with a low of 0.28 turnovers in April and a high of 15.37 turnovers in June. Massive flushing in June and July reduced dissolved Fe levels to 8.0 mg/l in April and May. Tests for linear correlation between the various cations, sestonic fractions and phytoplankton showed in most cases positive and significant (p <.05) relationships. For most dissolved Fe and Mn pairings with phytoplankton and seston exceptionally significant (p < 0.001) relationships were observed.
Effects of low‐energy gallium‐aluminum‐arsenide laser irradiation on cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes

Background and Objective To assess whether the gallium-aluminum-arsenide low energy laser will increase cell proliferation, cell attachment, or cell migration in cultured fibroblasts and keratinocyte models. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Monolayer cultures of fibroblasts and keratinocytes were subjected to gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser irradiation at varying power densities for varying time intervals. Cell proliferation was assessed by absorbent spectrophotometry while cell adhesion was assessed by a microcolorimetric assay for cells attached to bovine dermis collagen. Cell migration was assessed through a filter utilizing high power microscopic fields. Results There were no differences in cell proliferation, adhesion, or migration in either the fibroblast or keratinocyte culture treated with the gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser at any power density of time compared with nontreated controls. Conclusion The gallium-aluminum arsenide laser, when utilized at powers of 5–100 milliwatts and times of between 10–120 seconds has no biostimulatory effect on fibroblasts or keratinocyte cultures as assessed by cell proliferation, adhesion, or migration. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:426–432, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Synthesis of Recursive Digital Filters

The circumstances and methods of the synthesis of linear digital recursive filters which are both stable and physically realizable are described. It is shown that any amplitude requency transfer function expressible as an even trigonometric rational polynomial can be synthesized by a real stable linear digital recursive filter. The degree of the corresponding difference equation is twice the degree of the denominator of the rational trigonometric polynomial.A class of even rational trigonometric functions which exhibit pointwise convergence to the deal rectangular low or high-pass amplitude frequency transfer function is chosen. A member of this class is shown to approximate more closely the ideal rectangular filter than does the corresponding classical continuous Butterworth filter. This class of filters is then mechanized. The phase and unit-impulse response functions are calculated for the corresponding difference equations of degrees 2 and 4.
Effects of payer status on breast cancer survival: a retrospective study

Background Breast cancer outcomes are influenced by multiple factors including access to care, and payer status is a recognized barrier to treatment access. To further define the influence of payer status on outcome, the National Cancer Data Base data from 1998–2006 was analyzed.
Sarcoidosis of the larynx: Preserving and restoring airway and professional voice

Summary Professional voice users may present with disastrous dysponia and life-threatening upper airway disturbances due to a rare condition. Two teachers demonstrated extrathoracic obstructive laryngeal lesions by videolaryngoscopy and pulmonary function flow-volume loops. A characteristic “honking” voice and edematous, pink, diffuse turban-like enlargement of the supraglottic structures are considered pathognomonic of laryngeal sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsies, and clinical and radiologic findings. Sarcoidosis is a variable, disseminated disease involving many body organs, self-limited or progressive, with frequent exacerbations and remissions, affecting the larynx in 0.5–1.4% of patients. Spinal cord involvement demonstrated by new magnetic resonance imaging techniques can be heralded by voice changes detected in professional voice users. Systemic corticosteroid therapy combined with intralesional steroid injections and microendoscopic surgery, with or without tracheostomy, preserved and restored both professional voice and airway.
Meditations on birth weight: is it better to reduce the variance or increase the mean?

A conceptual model is presented here in which the birth weight distribution is decomposed into a distribution of target weights and a distribution of perturbations from the target. The target weight is the adaptive goal of fetal development. In the simplest model, perinatal mortality is independent of variation in target weight and determined solely by the magnitude of the perturbation of birth weight from the target. In this model, mortality risk is concentrated in the tails of the birth weight distribution. A difference between populations in their distributions of target weights will be associated with a corresponding shift in their curves of weight-specific risk, without any difference between the populations in overall risk. In this model, risk would be reduced by decreasing the variance of the distribution of perturbations. The model is discussed in the context of the so-called "paradoxes of low birth weight."
New findings in alcohol and comorbid mental health disorders in older adults.

The U.S. Census shows that the older adult population has begun to grow rapidly from 2010 when the leading edge of the Baby Boom generation reached the age of 65 years. By 2030, it is expected that there will be about 72.1 million older persons, almost twice their number in 2008. People aged 65þ represented 12.9% of the population in the year 2009 but are expected to grow to be 19.3% of the population by 2030. 1,2 The new millennium has brought the challenge of caring for an increasingly large population of older adults who have significant healthcare needs. The United States faces what has been called a “silver tsunami” that has the potential to overwhelm the healthcare system. 3 As this group of adults move from mid to later life, they are likely to use more alcohol than previous cohorts. They are also more likely to use prescription drugs, in general, and use/misuse psychoactive medications, in particular. Additionally, with the size of the Baby Boom population and higher alcohol and other drug use, when compared to earlier older adult cohort, there is a growing concern that there could be a substantial increase in the number of older adults with substance misuse and abuse problems 4,5 as well as those who suffer from comorbid mental health conditions. The relationship between alcohol use and comorbid mental health disorders is complex and multifaceted. The co-occurrence of alcohol misuse/abuse and mental health problems increases the potential for poor outcomes in older adults. 6 Alcohol misuse/
Advanced anisogamy in Chlamydomonas monadina (Chlorophyceae) with special reference to vacuolar activity during sexuality

Abstract A homothallic strain of Chlamydomonas monadina Stein, UTEX 760, produced cells of three sizes. The largest were always vegetative while the middle size and smallest cells could act as gametes. As observed in polar view, the macrogamete orientated itself at a right angle to the surface of the liquid medium and held this position by its flagella outstretched at a 180° angle to each other in the surface microlayer. No agglutination of the flagella of the gametes occurred. The anterior end of the microgamete penetrated the side of the macrogamete, with both gametes retaining their cell walls and flagella during the initial contact. The microgamete then formed an anterior papilla. As the papillar wall fused with the wall of the macrogamete, flagellar activity was lost. Although the macrogamete remained stationary prior to and during gametic union, it did not lose its flagella until the moment of fusion of the protoplasts within the macrogametangium. Attempted cases of polyspermy were noted, but none w...
Disparity in Hospital Utilization of Rapid HIV-1 Testing for Women in Labor with Undocumented HIV Status

Objectives The implementation of rapid HIV-1 testing for women in labor with undocumented HIV status is an essential tool for the prevention of perinatal HIV transmission. Unfortunately, practices of rapid HIV testing for women with unknown HIV status in labor have not been studied. We evaluated the utilization of rapid HIV testing prior to and after implementation of CDC recommendations as well as factors that may affect the utilization rate. Design Study participants were randomly selected from all deliveries (n = 2,359) six months prior to (n = 422) and after (n = 403) hospital implementation of the rapid HIV testing protocol. We reviewed prenatal and labor/delivery records to identify HIV testing history during pregnancy and HIV status at admission; we studied Rapid HIV testing utilization in respect to the implementation of the CDC recommendation; and we analyzed maternal sociodemographic and perinatal factors in association with rapid HIV testing utilization. Results Unknown HIV status at admission was recorded for 22.0% of women who gave birth prior to, and 18.1% after, implementation of the hospital policy due to either no offering or no acceptance of HIV testing during the pregnancy. Among those eligible for rapid HIV testing, 7.6% were tested prior to, and 9.6% were tested after, implementation of the new policy. As compared with tested women, women not tested were more likely to be white, married, and to have received prenatal primary care from a private physician. Conclusions We found that low utilization of rapid HIV-1 testing for women in labor with undocumented HIV status is mostly associated with the sociodemographic inequality of the population of women served. Continuous education of health care providers and a systematic review of rapid HIV testing utilization in the hospital setting are needed in order to achieve successful implementation of the current CDC recommendations.
β-aminoisobutyrate in the coupled enzymic assay of bovine lens γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase

Abstract The formation of ADP, a product of bovine lens γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity, was determined by measurement of NADH oxidation in the pyruvate kinase-lactate dehydrogenase coupled assay system. Using α-aminobutyrate in place of cysteine, the time course of the spectrophotometric procedure was shown to be identical with the formation of [ 14 C]-labeled dipeptide from [U 14 C]- l -glutamate. The assay for γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase was used to demonstrate that β-(+)-aminoisobutyrate was utilized at a rate two to three times that of the (−) isomer. The ability of the enzyme to distinguish between isomers suggests the binding site for the α-methyl group is a relatively broad area within the enzyme's active site.
Hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene is a tumor suppressor frequently inactivated in various types of tumors. The authors evaluated the occurrence of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the FHIT locus and FHIT protein changes in breast tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood and breast tissue samples were obtained from 35 women with mammary disorders. The occurrence of LOH in FHIT locus was assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the results obtained from blood and breast tissues from each patient were compared. FHIT protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: LOH in the FHIT gene occurred in 48.6% (17/35) of patients with mammary disorder. Among patients with malignant breast disorders, 59.1% (13/22) presented LOH in the FHIT gene in comparison with patients with benign breast lumps, in which the LOH was observed in 30.8% (4/13) of women, suggesting that changes in this gene occur prior to the process of mammary carcinogenesis. The changes in the locus of the FHIT gene occur with greater frequency in the coded region of the gene, principally near exons 5 and 8, where the FRA3B site and the histidine triad respectively are found. Changes in FHIT did not modify protein expression. The association between menopause and LOH in the FHIT gene was evident. CONCLUSIONS: LOH in the FHIT gene may be related to menopause in women with breast disorders.
Precision measurements of gamma rays from 60Co, 41Ar and 53Cr(n,γ)54Cr

Abstract The energies of the 60 Co and 41 Ar γ-rays were measured with a Ge(Li) detector to be 1173.23±0.04, 1332.54±0.04 and 1293.64±0.04 keV, respectively. The limit of validity of the second-escape peak method is discussed in terms of the comparison of the 60 Co results with other measurements. The method is used to determine the prominent γ-rays from the 53 Cr(n,γ) 54 Cr reaction spanning the region 1–10 Mev. The neutron binding energy of 54 Cr is found to be 9719.77±0.65 keV.
Measurement of sea surface partial pressure of C02 from a moored buoy

Abstract An autonomous analytical system for measuring the difference in partial pressure of CO 2 between the sea surface and the atmosphere was constructed and deployed on a buoy moored off the central coast of California. The apparatus was based on the conventional analytical techniques of sea surface gas equilibrium and non-dispersive infrared spectrometry. Hourly data were collected for a 70 day period in the winter-spring of 1993. Internal and shipboard calibrations indicate that an accuracy of 1–2 μatm was achieved and that long-term instrument drift was minimal.