cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The invasin protein of Yersinia enterocolitica: internalization of invasin-bearing bacteria by eukaryotic cells is associated with reorganization of the cytoskeleton.

Yersinia enterocolitica, a facultative intracellular pathogen of mammals, readily enters (i.e., invades) cultured eukaryotic cells, a process that can be conferred by the cloned inv locus of the species. We have studied the mechanism by which the product of inv, a microbial outer membrane protein termed "invasin," mediates the internalization of bacteria by HEp-2 cells and chicken embryo fibroblasts. Invasin-bearing bacteria initially bound the filopodia and the leading edges of cultured cells. Multiple points of contact between the bacterial surface and the surface of the cell ensued and led to the internalization of the bacterium within an endocytic vacuole; the same multi-step process could be induced by an inert particle coated with invasin-containing membranes. Both adherence and internalization were blocked by an antisera directed against the beta 1 integrin cell-adherence molecule. Ultrastructural studies of detergent-insoluble cytoskeletons from infected cells and immunofluorescence microscopy of phalloidin-labeled cells showed alterations in the structure of the cytoskeleton during the internalization process including the accumulation of polymerized actin around entering bacteria. Bacterial entry was prevented by cytochalasin D indicating that the internalization process requires actin microfilament function. Possible linkages between beta 1 containing integrins and the cytoskeleton were examined during the internalization process through the use of protein-specific antibodies and immunofluorescence microscopy. Like actin, the actin-associated proteins filamin, talin and the beta 1 integrin subunit were also found to accumulate around entering bacteria. These findings suggest that the invasin-mediated internalization process is associated with cytoskeletal reorganization.
Plasma albumin repletion after transfusion with polymerized hemoglobin

Abstract Pyridoxalated polymerized hemoglobin (PPHG) has promise as a blood substitute for transfusing patients with hemorrhage. Exchange transfusion with PPHG depletes plasma proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine if, during the early repletion of intravascular proteins, albumin was transported from the interstitium of skin or skeletal muscle into the vascular compartment. PPHG was prepared from stroma-free human hemoglobin (100–120 mg/ml). The Hct of anesthetized rats dropped from 42 ± 4% to 10 ± 1% after exchange transfusion. Immediately postexchange plasma albumin declined from 24 ± 2 to 6 ± 3 mg/ml. Five hours postexchange transfusion plasma albumin had doubled and the skin and skeletal muscle albumin content was 80% of control. These data indicate that a shift of interstitial albumin from skin and skeletal muscle can rapidly replace plasma protein deficits after massive transfusion with PPHG.
Excited-state properties of lamellar solids derived from hydrogen uranyl phosphate and lanthanon ions☆

Hydrogen uranyl phosphate tetrahydrate (HUP) undergoes an essentially complete intercalative ion-exchange reaction with aqueous lanthanon ions to yield a family of hydrated lamellar solids of approximate composition Ln13UO2PO4 (Ln ≡ La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy and Yb) (LnUP). These compounds have all been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction; the last technique reveals an expansion of the interlamellar spacing on intercalation. All the solids exhibit visible absorption spectra characteristic of the UO22+ and Ln3+ chromophores. With the exception of the cerium, praseodymium and neodymium derivatives, which are weakly emissive, the LnUP samples emit efficiently at 295 K when excited with blue or near-UV light. Photoluminescence decay curves are exponential and yield lifetimes for the strongly emissive samples of about 90–210 μs; their radiative quantum yields are typically about 0.1–0.2. These data have been used to calculate unimolecular radiative and non-radiative rate constants for excited-state decay as being about (0.8–1) × 103s−1 and (4–10) × 103s−1 respectively.
Effects of 2000–2050 changes in climate and emissions on global tropospheric ozone and the policy-relevant background surface ozone in the United States

[1] We use a global chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) driven by a general circulation model (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies GCM) to investigate the effects of 2000–2050 global change in climate and emissions (the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A1B scenario) on the global tropospheric ozone budget and on the policy-relevant background (PRB) ozone in the United States. The PRB ozone, defined as the ozone that would be present in U.S. surface air in the absence of North American anthropogenic emissions, has important implications for setting national air quality standards. We examine separately and then together the effects of changes in climate and anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors. We find that the 2000–2050 change in global anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors increases the global tropospheric ozone burden by 17%. The 2000–2050 climate change increases the tropospheric ozone burden by 1.6%, due mostly to lightning in the upper troposphere, and also increases global tropospheric OH by 12%. In the lower troposphere, by contrast, climate change generally decreases the background ozone. The 2000–2050 increase in global anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors increases PRB ozone by 2–6 ppb in summer; the maximum effect is found in April (3–7 ppb). The summertime PRB ozone decreases by up to 2 ppb with 2000–2050 climate change, except over the Great Plains, where it increases slightly as a result of increasing soil NOx emission. Climate change cancels out the effect of rising global anthropogenic emissions on the summertime PRB ozone in the eastern United States, but there is still a 2–5 ppb increase in the west.
Fast Binding Kinetics of RNA Aptamers Measured using a Novel Microfluidic Mixer

RNA aptamers that target specific biomolecules with high specificity are growing in popularity due to their ease of production compared to antibodies and their tight binding. Aptamers have uses ranging from targeted protein inhibition to the creation of new fluorescent labels. One example of the latter is the Spinach aptamer which binds 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone (DFHBI) to form a fluorescent complex resembling the chromophore of GFP. Upon binding its target, the RNA aptamercauses a conformational stabilization of DFHBI resulting in a fluorescent complex. The kinetics of Spinach aptamer binding and activation of the fluorophore have not been thoroughly investigated. Using a novel microfluidic fast mixing device which has been shown to have dead time for mixing of ∼500 μs and be especially useful for viscous solutions, we have examined the on-rate of the Spinach/DFHBI binding reaction to gain an increased understanding the kinetics of aptamer-ligand binding.
Base lines for measuring adverse effects of air pollution: Some evidence for weather effects on mortality

Abstract In many air pollution studies it is assumed that other factors which may influence the daily death rate in a community are negligible or randomized. One of these is weather, and this study was undertaken to determine if provision should be made for the suspected effects of everyday, or nonextreme, weather. Daily deaths in 10 large cities in the United States were correlated with weather elements for the months of January, April, July, and October of the years 1962–1965. In addition to showing the effects of spells of hot, humid weather and pollution episodes (“extreme” weather), it was determined that large interdiurnal changes of temperature, dewpoint, and pressure are accompanied by fluctuations in daily mortality. This applies to the north central and northeastern United States, where increases in mortality are coincident with prefrontal weather, decreases with postfrontal weather. Thus, there appear to be fluctuations in daily mortality on days which are the meteorological opposite of those on which pollution is most serious.
TU‐C‐213CD‐03: Fiducial Marker Motion Tracking Using Dynamic Programming

Purpose: To develop a novel algorithm based on a global optimization strategy ‐ dynamic programming (DP) ‐ to track the motion of fiducial markers due to respiratory motion in cone beam CT projections. Methods: A two‐step iterative algorithm was used to track the marker locations. First, search windows were constructed to limit the search space. Second, DP was used to minimize a cost function involving the marker location, trajectory, and intensity. This algorithm was tested on 11 human data sets with varying number (1–8), type (Visicoils, embolization coils, stents, surgical clips), size (0.1–2 cm), and shape of markers. Markers often overlapped with other markers or background objects. The algorithm was also compared to the traditional template matching algorithms. Results: The 11 data sets contained 7144 projection images. The algorithm correctly identified the markers in 99.15% of the images. Of the images where the algorithm failed, the average error was 0.72+−0.39 mm. The algorithm takes about 0.1 seconds per marker per data set to run on a 1.6 GHz computer. Compared to template matching, which succeeded in only one of 11 data sets, our algorithm is more robust, faster, and requires no a priori knowledge about the markers. Conclusions: Our work provides superior tracking capabilities of fiducial markers in cone beam CT projections. It can be used in clinical settings to aid radiation therapists in the patient setup process and gating window selection, decreasing the patient setup time and radiation exposure. Research sponsored in part by Varian Medical Systems Funded in part by Varian Medical Systems
Laws of Information which Govern Systems

The structure of n-dimensional information theory is well adapted to the study of complex systems of many parts interacting in a nonsimple way, since it allows quantifications of the degree to which the parts are interdependent, i.e., are in communication with each other. It is particularly well suited to hierarchical systems. Even when calculations are impossible, informal interpretations of informational equations shed interesting light on the behavior of systems. These informal interpretations are emphasized. It is shown that the requirements on a system for selection of appropriate information (and therefore blockage of irrelevant information), internal coordination of parts, and throughput are essentially additive and therefore compete for the computational resources of the system. This observation has implications for system architecture. It is shown that under certain assumptions (valid, for example, for networks of parallel processors) systems are constraintlosing as well as information-losing. The importance and usefulness of the loss of information by a system is discussed briefly.
Potential roles for RUNX1 and its orthologs in determining hematopoietic cell fate.

Runx1 (also known as AML1, Cbfa2 and Pebpa2b) and Cbfb encode a DNA-binding α subunit and the non-DNA-binding β subunit of a mammalian core-binding factor (CBF). The discovery of RUNX1 and CBFB as genes rearranged in human leukemias prompted predictions that both genes would play important roles in normal hematopoiesis. These predictions were borne out, as indeed Runx1 and its Xenopus and Drosophila homologs, Xaml and lozenge (lz), appear to determine hematopoietic cell fate during development. We will review what is known about Runx1 function in hematopoiesis in three model organisms, mouse, frog and fly, focusing on the earliest events of hematopoietic cell emergence in the embryo.
Disturbances in Cardiac Conduction and their Management

A simple classification of atrioventricular block, criteria for diagnosis, and suggested therapy are discussed. The differences between Mobitz I and II second-degree A-V block are reviewed. Good management of patients who have bundle-branch or other forms of intraventricular block depends on informed judgment which includes consideration of (1) the effect of intraventricular conduction disturbances on the pumping action of the heart, and (2) the likelihood that a specific intraventricular conduction disturbance will be complicated by complete heart block. Evidence suggests that common forms of intraventricular disturbance, unlike ventricular fibrillation, do not alter significantly the pumping action of the heart. The role of intraventricular conduction disturbances in the genesis of ventricular fibrillation is assessed. We concluded that only when right bundle-branch block is combined with block of the anterior or posterior fascicle of the left bundle branch is complete heart block sufficiently imminent ...
Do central banks lose on foreign-exchange intervention? A review article

Abstract Estimates of central bank intervention losses or profits vary widely; some estimates find substantial losses, others profits. In most cases, estimated profits are not risk-adjusted, and risk adjustment can have large effects. Furthermore, profit estimates involve variables integrated of order one, and because of this test-statistics may have nonstandard distributions; few studies take this into account. Estimates of risk-adjusted profits for the US Fed and the Swedish Riksbank, with allowances for possible nonstandard distributions, suggest that neither made losses and might have made significant profits.
An estimate of blood donor eligibility in the general population

. To estimate the number of adults medically eligible to donate blood, the percent of the general population over the age of 16 deferrable by 13 current American Red Cross donor guidelines was calculated using the best available United States data. Categories examined included age, weight, hematocrit, pregnancy, blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes requiring insulin, male homosexual activity since 1977, intravenous drug use, sexual partner of high-risk group member, recent transfusion, history of cancer, and other (medical, surgical, travel history). Sex-specific total eligibility rates were estimated by serial multiplication of individual eligibility rates (1.0 minus deferral rates) to account for the proportionate overlap of independent categories, with corrections for expected associations between categories. The resultant eligibility rates for women (57%) and men (70%) indicate fewer eligible donors than commonly stated. Surrogate testing (ALT, anti-HBc) for non-A, non-B hepatitis would further reduce the percent of eligible donors to 55 and 67%, respectively. Based on the actual numbers of women and men in the population, these calculations indicate that an equal number of women and men are medically eligible to donate.
Neurotoxins: overview of an emerging research technology

Abstract Neurotoxins have highly specific actions on molecular targets, and thus offer an effective means of characterizing the growing number of identified ion channels and receptors in the nervous system. This article and the Neurotoxins Supplement accompanying this issue of TINS provide a convenient reference source to facilitate the use of toxins as selective, diagnostic ligands in research. However, while many toxins exert potent actions on target receptors, it must be emphasized that their effects can be complex, and certain general pitfalls often become apparent. Some examples will be given illustrating these complexities and their impact on experimental interpretation. In addition, the potential for the purposeful creation of new ‘designer' toxins using molecular cloning will also be addressed.
Altered tetracycline resistance in pSC101 recombinant plasmids

Investigation of tetracycline resistance genetically determined by the plasmid pSC101 and several recombinants of pSC101 containing EcoRI generated DNA fragments inserted at the EcoRI site has revealed significant differences in the phenotypic expression of that resistance. The altered phenotypes of the recombinant plasmids may be the result of the location of the EcoRI site of pSC101, which has been determined to be near the genetic elements involved with tetracycline resistance.
Negative regulators of cell proliferation

Cell proliferation is governed by the influence of both mitogens and inhibitors. Although cell contact has long been thought to play a fundamental role in cell cycling regulation, and negative regulators have long been suspected to exist, their isolation and purification has been complicated by a variety of technical difficulties. Nevertheless, over recent years an ever-expanding list of putative negative regulators have emerged. In many cases, their biological inhibitory activities are consistent with density-dependent growth inhibition. Most likely their interactions with mitogenic agents, at an intracellular level, are responsible for either mitotic arrest or continued cell cycling. A review of naturally occurring cell growth inhibitors is presented with an emphasis on those factors shown to be residents of the cell surface membrane. Particular attention is focused on a cell surface sialoglycopeptide, isolated from intact bovine cerebral cortex cells, which has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of an unusually wide range of target cells. The glycopeptide arrest cells obtained from diverse species, both fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and a broad variety of transformed cells. Signal transduction events and a limited spectrum of cells that are refractory to the sialoglycopeptide have provided insight into the molecular events mediated by this cell surface inhibitor.
Very rapid prototyping of wearable computers: a case study of custom versus off-the-shelf design methodologies

The Wearable Computer Project is a testbed integratingresearch on rapid design and prototyping. Based onrepresentative examples from six generations of wearablecomputers, the paper focuses on the differences in rapidprototyping using custom design versus off-the-shelfcomponents. The attributes characterizing these two designstyles are defined and illustrated by experimentalmeasurements. The off-the-shelf approach required ten timesthe overhead, 30% more cost, fifty times the storage resources,20% more effort, five times more power, but 30% less effort toport software than the embedded approach.
Distal splenorenal and temporary mesocaval shunting at the time of pancreatectomy for cancer: initial experience from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Background Vascular resection/reconstruction at the time of pancreatectomy is performed when limited vascular involvement is the only barrier to complete resection. Splenic vein (SV) ligation facilitates resection/reconstruction of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV)–portal vein (PV) confluence and widely exposes the superior mesenteric artery and celiac origin. If the inferior mesenteric vein does not provide for retrograde decompression, SV ligation may result in sinistral portal hypertension; creation of a distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) can prevent this complication. Additional complexity occurs in the setting of cavernous transformation of the PV. A mesocaval shunt (MCS) can be utilized to temporarily divert portal flow allowing for a safe portal dissection. Herein we report our initial experience utilizing DSRS and MCS at the time of pancreatectomy for cancer. Methods We reviewed all patients who underwent pancreatic resection for cancer and had either a DSRS and/or MCS performed between January 1, 2009 and February 1, 2012. Results Of 11 patients identified, 10 had adenocarcinoma, 9 underwent standard or extended pancreaticoduodenectomy, and 2 underwent total pancreatectomy. Median operative time was 9.5 hours, median blood loss was 1,000 mL and median duration of stay was 10 days. There were no mortalities. There was 1 Clavien grade III complication during the index admission and 3 others were readmitted. No patient required reoperation. Conclusion We provide proof of concept that extended pancreatic resection in the setting of limited vascular involvement can be safely performed. This is the first report utilizing MCS and DSRS to facilitate resection of the SMV-PV confluence in the setting of cavernous transformation of the PV.
Hollow cathode-based plasma contactor experiments for electrodynamic tether

The role plasma contactors play in effective electrodynamic tether operation is discussed. Hollow cathodes and hollow cathode-based plasma sources have been identified as leading candidates for the electrodynamic tether plasma contactor. Present experimental efforts to evaluate the suitability of these devices as plasma contactors are reviewed. This research includes the definition of preliminary plasma contactor designs, and the characterization of their operation as electron collectors from a simulated space plasma. The discovery of an 'ignited mode' regime of high contactor efficiency and low impedance is discussed, as well as is the application of recent models of the plasma coupling process to contactor operation. Results indicate that ampere-level electron currents can be exchanged between hollow cathode-based plasma contactors and a dilute plasma in this regime. A discussion of design considerations for plasma contactors is given which includes expressions defining the total mass flow rate and power requirements of plasma contactors operating in both the cathodic and anodic regimes, and correlation of this to the tether current. Finally, future ground and spaceflight experiments are proposed to resolve critical issues of plasma contactor operation.
Potentiating group psychotherapy for bulimia with ancillary rational-emotive-hypnotherapy

A rational-emotive-hypnotherapy (REH) treatment was administered to five bulimic females who were concurrently participating in electic group psychotherapy. A within-group time series analysis design was employed to examine subjects' binge and purge symptoms. The combined treatments produced a declining frequency in symptoms for four subjects across three phases of the study. REH was responsible for 4 out of 8 possible treatment effects and appeared to potentiate the group psychotherapy. A theoretical explanation is offered for the REH effects along with recommendations for future REH with bulimics.
Asymptotic Behavior in Grain Growth

Hillert’s model of grain growth consists of a drift term in size space that leads asymptotically to a distribution function and a growth exponent not often observed. Later theories introduce a diffusion term that is either assumed to dominate the drift term or a correction to it. This paper shows that the lower order drift term alone determines asymptotic grain growth behavior. A possible conclusion is that experimental results may need to be reinterpreted.
Effect of chronic renal failure in rats on structure and function of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract Functional, histochemical, and ultrastructural studies of the liver were performed in rats rendered chronically azotemic following unilateral nephrectomy and segmental infarction of the remaining kidney. Zoxazolamine paralysis time and ketamine narcosis time were significantly prolonged; cytochrome P -450 content and benzphetamine and aminopyrine demethylase activities were decreased; and o -aminophenol UDP-glucuronyl transferase activity was unaltered. Histochemical examination of the liver by light microscopy revealed little abnormality except for lipid accumulation associated with increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Electron microscopy demonstrated alterations in endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. Dichloroethane treatment of uremic rats prevented the ultrastructural changes and enhanced drug-metabolizing enzyme systems. These observations indicate that experimental chronic renal failure influences the structure and function of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum and support the hypothesis that some features of the uremic syndrome in man may result from altered hepatic subcellular function.
Effectiveness of hemodialysis in the extracorporeal therapy of phenobarbital overdose

Most patients with phenobarbital overdose can be adequately treated with general supportive care, cathartics, activated charcoal, and a forced alkaline diuresis. In severely compromised patients, both hemodialysis and hemoperfusion have been used to enhance elimination of the drug. Of these two therapies, hemoperfusion is generally considered to be more effective because phenobarbital shows significant protein binding. Prior reports describing the use of hemodialysis in the treatment of phenobarbital overdose used small low-efficiency dialyzers at much lower blood flow rates compared with what is available today. In this report, a patient with life-threatening phenobarbital overdose is described who was treated with hemodialysis. This is the first reported case describing the effects of a high-efficiency dialyzer using high blood flow rates on phenobarbital pharmakokinetics. Using this technique, the clearance of phenobarbital was found to be greater than what has been previously reported with hemodialysis and greater than most reported cases describing the use of hemoperfusion. The procedure was associated with a rapid fall in phenobarbital levels and a dramatic improvement in the patient's clinical condition. The findings in this case show that use of a high-efficiency dialyzer with high blood flow rates is an effective therapy for patients with life-threatening phenobarbital poisoning. The excellent clearance of phenobarbital shown in this case, combined with the lack of thrombocytopenia, more widespread availability, and greater familiarity by the staff who administer it, support the idea that hemodialysis should be considered the preferred mode of extracorporeal therapy for phenobarbital intoxication.
IGF I Induction of p53 Requires Activation of MAP Kinase in Cardiac Muscle Cells

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate whether IGF I induction of p53 expression and p21 promoter require activation of MAP kinase in cardiac muscle cells. Compared to cardiomyocytes transfected with control vector, activation of MAP kinase by IGF I was decreased by approximately 60-70% in the cells transfected with dominant negative MAP kinase Y185. Transfection with Y185 also resulted in decreased induction of p53 mRNA by IGF I (70% reduction). In the cells transfected with a wildtype p21 WAF1/CIP1 promoter construct, activation of luciferase reporter gene by IGF I was decreased in the cells co-transfected with Y185. To further confirm these findings, cells were pre-incubated with PD98059, a specific MAP kinase kinase inhibitor. As expected, PD98059 inhibited induction of p53 mRNA and p21 WAF1/CIP1 promoter by IGF I. These data indicate that transcriptional activation of p53 and p21 WAF1/CIP1 by IGF I involves MAP kinase pathway in cardiomyocytes, and thus link MAP kinase to negative modulation of the cell cycle in cardiac muscle cells.
47.1: Invited Paper: Human Vision in Complex Environments

Acuity, attention, and working memory all limit the acquisition of information by human subjects in natural environments. We show that stimulus salience is a relatively minor factor. Instead, information is selectively acquired to subserve specific behavioral goals, and relies heavily on learning the statistical structure of the environment.
Identification of endosulfan based on the products of laboratory photolysis.

In this study, the endosulfan isomers were individually exposed to a laboratory ultraviolet (UV) lamp, and the photolytic products were separated by gas chromatography (GC). The purpose of this work was to investigate the possibility of obtaining "fingerprint" GC patterns of photolytic products which might aid in the routine identification of a few ng of endosulfan. As a matter of interest, mass spectrometry (MS) was used to characterize some of the photolytic products. METHODS Separations of ~- and B-endosulfan and their photolytic products were carried out with a F & M Model 810 GC equipped with a tritium electron capture detector and a 122 cm x 4 mm I.D. glass column packed with 2% SE-30/2~ QF-I on AnakromABS 70/80mesh. The^injector, column, and detector temperatures were 210~ C, 180 ~ C and 200 v C, respectively. Argon-methane (95:5) was used as the carrier gas with a column flow of 60 ml/min.
Neuroscience and Appetitive Behavior Research: 25 Years☆☆☆

Neuroscience techniques have made major contributions to the understanding of appetitive behavior. Highlights in six areas are summarized to illustrate progress during the 25 years of the Columbia Appetitive Behavior Seminar: (1) discovery of angiotensin and aldosterone in the control of thirst and salt appetite; (2) electrophysiological decoding of chemoreceptive information in the brain; (3) a new foundation in the hypothalamus built on peptides, such as neuropeptide Y and galanin, interacting with monoamines and steroids in the control of appetite for macronutrients; (4) discovery of numerous peptides that mediate and integrate satiety, such as cholecystokinin, insulin, leptin and enterostatin, and other systems that suppress eating during illness; (5) better understanding of appetite suppressant drugs, and (6) exploration of a circuit that translates hypothalamic signals into behavioral action through connections to brainstem reflex arcs and forebrain instrumental response systems.
On Araki's Theory of Inverted Alkali Doublets

The explanation of Araki that the inversion of doublets in certain alkali spectra is due to the spin-orbit interactions between the valence electron and the core electrons has been examined more closely, It is found that his “good agreement” between theory and observation is the result, of unjustified approximations and that the proposed interactions are entirely inadequate for the expiation of the observed inversion.
Estrogen Increases Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase via Estrogen Receptors in Rat Cerebral Blood Vessels Effect Preserved After Concurrent Treatment With Medroxyprogesterone Acetate or Progesterone

Background and Purpose — In vivo and in vitro rat models of hormone therapy were used to test the following hypotheses: (1) estrogen acts directly on cerebrovascular estrogen receptors to increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS); (2) increased protein correlates with higher NOS activity; and (3) effects of estrogen on eNOS are altered by concurrent treatment with either medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or progesterone. Methods — Blood vessels were isolated from brains of ovariectomized female rats; some were treated for 1 month with estrogen, estrogen and progesterone, or estrogen and MPA. Isolated cerebral vessels were also treated in vitro with estrogen in the absence and presence of progesterone, MPA, tamoxifen, and the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182 780. Levels of eNOS were measured by Western blot, and NOS activity was measured by [14C]arginine-[14C]citrulline conversion. Results — Chronic hormone treatment in vivo resulted in plasma levels of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and MPA in the range of values found in humans. Estrogen treatment resulted in higher levels of cerebrovascular NOS activity that paralleled increases in eNOS protein. In vitro estrogen treatment for 18 hours also resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in eNOS protein (EC50 ≈300 pmol/L) that was completely prevented by estrogen receptor antagonists tamoxifen or ICI 182 780. However, cotreatment with progesterone or MPA, either in vivo or in vitro, did not alter the effect of estrogen on eNOS protein. Conclusions — Estrogen receptor activation in cerebrovascular tissue results in increased eNOS activity and protein levels. The latter effect persists in the presence of either progesterone or MPA. Thus, increased NO production by eNOS may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of estrogen.
Finite-Element Analysis of Flexible Fixturing System

A computer software has been developed for the analysis and design of fixtures. This software can lead the designer to the optimal design of the fixturing system which minimizes the total work done on the workpiece, the fixturing force, the deformation index, or the maximum effective stress. The workpiece is modeled as a linear isotropic elastic solid. The machining forces are simulated by specifying applied forces acting on part of the surface of the workpiece. The fixturing system consists of a number of fixture elements, each in contact with the workpiece with specified location and area of contact. At the interface of contact, Coulomb’s law of friction is employed. The boundary conditions at the interface of contact are treated exactly. This computer software system is composed of a finite-element program and a computer graphic program which displays the undeformed and deformed workpiece with hidden lines removed. Three sample problems have been solved and the numerical results are presented in this paper.
Preschoolers’ narrative representations and childhood adaptation in an ethnoracially diverse sample

This investigation evaluated relations between preschoolers’ representational content and coherence in the MacArthur Story Stem Battery (MSSB) at age four as related to child adjustment at age six. A community sample of 250 preschoolers (50% female; Mage= 49.05 months, SD = 2.9; 46% Hispanic, 18% Black, 11.2% White, 0.4% Asian, and 24.4% multiracial) completed assessments of relational representations using the MSSB at age four and of child adjustment at age six, including a measure of child-reported depressive symptomatology and observer ratings of child aggression during a Bobo doll task and inhibitory control during a delay of gratification task. Regression analyses demonstrated prospective relations between negative mother representation and less inhibitory control, negative child representation and higher aggression, and narrative coherence and more inhibitory control. Interactive analyses revealed relations between negative mother representation and difficulties in inhibitory control among White chi...
Hypertrophic Scarring of Tracheoesophageal Fistula Causing Vocal Failure

• There are many known complications of tracheoesophageal puncture for voice restoration. A patient developed hypertrophic scarring with subsequent vocal failure, an as yet unreported complication. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1988;114:1324-1325)
Serological reactivity of some monoclonal antibodies to varicella-zoster virus.

Monoclonal antibodies to varicella-zoster virus, free from host cell reactivity, were produced by cell fusion technics. Antibodies from four different clones showed diverse activities in neutralization, immunofluorescence and complement fixation assays. The antibodies provide useful reagents for viral diagnosis and viral antigenic characterization.
Influence of tooth proprioception on speech articulation

Based on an analysis of the data obtained, the following conclusion can be made: 1. Time used to pronounce /S/ is increased for patients when their prostheses are not being worn. 2. There is a decrease in formant frequency when pronounciation of /S/ takes place without the prosthesis in place. 3. The amount of time span increase was less for overdenture group than for the complete denture group; the drop of formant frequency was not as greater as that of the complete denture group. 4. The precision of speech movement for the production /S/ is affected by the presence of tooth proprioception.
164 REDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY OF CISPLATINUM BY USE OF AMILORIDE

High-dose (100 mg/m2 body surface) cisplatinum (CPL) for treatment of osteogenic sarcoma causes a considerable degree of nephrotoxicity. We studied 18 patients receiving high-dose CPL 37 times. In 17 treatment episodes amiloride, a diuretic agent, was given (dosage about 0.15 mg/kg body weight). Renal function was monitored by endogenous creatinine clearance (CC), serum β2-microglobulin (β2-M), urinary β2-M and alanin-aminopeptidase (AAP) urinary excretion. In response to CPL administration urinary β2-M and AAP rose tremendously with a peak level about 25 times and a 24 hours excretion about ten-fold higher than before CPL treatment. Serum β2-M and CC were less alterated. After additional use of amiloride urinary β2-M showed a peak level below 30 per cent and a 24 hours excretion below 45 per cent compared to the treatment episodes without amiloride. The AAP excretion did not change significantly. The different effect of amiloride on β2-M and AAP may give a hint to its way of action, since these two substances indicate tubular damage of different localization.
High-resolution genetic, physical, and transcript map of the mnd2 region of mouse chromosome 6

The autosomal recessive mutation mnd2 is responsible for a lethal neuromuscular wasting disorder in the mouse. A high-resolution genetic map of the mnd2 region of mouse chromosome 6 was generated by analysis of 1147 F2 offspring from an intersubspecific cross between strains C57BL/6J- mnd2/+ and CAST/Ei. The results localize mnd2 to the 0.2-cM interval between D6Mit164 and D6Mit128. A contig of overlapping YAC, BAC, and P1 clones spanning the nonrecombinant interval was constructed. One novel gene isolated from the contig, D6Mm3e, is a new member of the WD repeat gene family. The observed gene order for the five positional candidate genes previously mapped to the region and five newly isolated genes is centromere–Hexokinase II– D6Mm5e –p62 Dok– Aup1 –Rhotekin, D6Mm3e –Dynactin 1–Smooth muscle γ actin– D6Mm4e –β-adducin–telomere. Seven of these genes are located within the 400-kb nonrecombinant interval for mnd2. Comparison between wildtype and mutant failed to detect any differences in mRNA size, abundance, or coding sequence for these seven genes. The genes described here are positional candidates for the Parkinson disease susceptibility locus PARK3 that was recently mapped to the corresponding region of human chromosome band 2p13.1.
Glutathione, cysteine, and ascorbate concentrations in clinically ill dogs and cats.

Background: Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of many systemic diseases. Hospitalized human patients are glutathione, cysteine, and ascorbate deficient, and antioxidant depletion has been correlated with poor clinical outcome. To date little is known about antioxidant concentrations in hospitalized veterinary patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ascorbate, cysteine, or glutathione depletion is present in ill dogs and cats compared with healthy controls. Hypothesis: Clinically ill dogs and cats would be antioxidant depleted, and depletion would correlate with illness severity and clinical outcome. Animals: Clinically ill client-owned dogs (n = 61) and cats (n = 37), healthy control dogs (n = 37) and cats (n = 33). Methods: Prospective, observational, case control study. Erythrocyte reduced glutathione, plasma cysteine, and plasma ascorbate were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Clinically ill dogs had significantly lower erythrocyte glutathione concentrations (1.22 mM, range 0.55–3.61) compared with controls (1.91 mM, range 0.87–3.51; P = .0004), and glutathione depletion correlated with both illness severity (P = .038) and mortality (P = .010). Cats had higher ascorbate concentrations when ill (10.65 μM, range 1.13–25.26) compared with controls (3.68 μM, range 0.36–13.57; P = .0009). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinically ill dogs had decreased erythrocyte glutathione concentrations, which could be a marker of illness severity and prognostic of a poor outcome. Clinically ill cats had an unexpectedly high plasma ascorbate, which could represent a unique species response to oxidative stress.
Novel Hyaluronic Acid Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Cartilage Tissue Engineering: Utilizing Yield Stress for Ease of Implantation

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults, and yet surprisingly, current therapies fail to effectively treat cartilage damage [1]. Instead, treatment primarily involves reducing symptoms, or in the case of osteoarthritis, a costly joint replacement. Thus, tissue engineering is aspiring to regenerate cartilage by providing a biocompatible and biodegradable construct that provides the structural integrity of the native cartilage and facilitates cartilage cell growth and tissue integration. Promising materials for these constructs are hydrogels, which are commonly comprised of materials such as collagen, agarose, poly(ethylene glycol), and hyaluronic acid (HA) [2].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Ethanol and opioid receptor signalling.

Ethanol may modulate endogenous opioid systems by disrupting opioid receptor signalling. Low concentrations of ethanol slightly potentiate μ-opioid receptor binding by increasing receptor Bmax, and, in some cases, chronic ethanol exposure decreases the density or affinity of the μ-opioid receptors. By contrast, high concentrations of ethanol acutely decrease λ-opioid receptor binding by decreasing receptor affinity, whereas chronic exposure of animals and neuronal cell lines to lower concentrations of ethanol leads to possibly adaptive increases in the density or affinity of the λ-opioid receptors. In the neuronal cell line NG108-15, ethanol does not up-regulate the λ-opioid receptor by blocking receptor degradation or endocytosis, but protein synthesis is required for this response. Up-regulation of the λ-opioid receptor renders ethanol-treated NG108-15 cells 3.5-fold more sensitive to opioid inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Long-term treatment with ethanol also increases maximal opioid inhibition in NG108-15 cells, possibly by decreasing levels of Gαs and its mRNA. Ethanol differentially modulates signal transduction proteins in three additional neuronal cell lines, N18TG2, N4TG1, and N1E-115. Ethanol-treated N18TG2 cells show the least up-regulation of the λ-opioid receptor, little heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase, and no changes in Gαs or Gαi. By contrast, ethanol-treated N1E-115 cells show the largest up-regulation of the λ-opioid receptor, the most heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase, and concentration-dependent decreases in Gαs and increases in Gαi. Further analysis of these related neuronal cell lines may help to identify the molecular elements that endow some, but not all, neuronal cells with the capacity to adapt to ethanol.
Hemodynamic Aspects of Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis

The circulatory changes associated with diffuse myocardial fibrosis have been studied in 11 patients. The characteristics of this form of congestive failure and its similarities to those manifested by constrictive pericarditis and endocardial fibroelastosis are discussed.
Closed retracts and perfect retracts

Abstract This paper explores conditions under which a retract E of a space X must be a perfect (respectively closed) retract of X , that is, the image of X under a perfect (respectively closed) retraction.
Factors Associated With Nonadherence to Early Goal-Directed Therapy in the ED

Background: Protocol-driven early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in the ED. EGDT appears to be underused, even in centers with formalized protocols. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with not initiating EGDT in the ED. Methods: This was a cohort study of 340 EGDT-eligible patients presenting to a single center ED from 2005 to 2007. EGDT eligibility was defi ned as a serum lactate 4 mmol/L or systolic BP , 90 mm Hg after volume resuscitation. EGDT initiation was defi ned as the measurement of central venous oxygen saturation via central venous catheter. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding. Results: EGDT was not initiated in 142 eligible patients (42%). EGDT was not completed in 43% of patients in whom EGDT was initiated. Compliance with the protocol varied signifi cantly at the physician level, ranging from 0% to 100%. Four risk factors were found to be associated independently with decreased odds of initiating EGDT: female sex of the patient ( P 5 .001), female sex of the clinician ( P 5 .041), serum lactate (rather than hemodynamic) criterion for EGDT ( P 5 .018), and nonconsultation to the Severe Sepsis Service ( P , .001). Conclusions: Despite a formalized protocol, we found that EGDT was underused. We identifi ed potential barriers to the effective implementation of EGDT at the patient, clinician, and organizational level. The use of a consultation service to facilitate the implementation of EGDT may be an effective strategy to improve protocol adherence.
HBI-3000 Prevents Secondary Sudden Cardiac Death

Background:In postmyocardial infarction patients, transient episodes of ischemia are associated with a greater incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are responsible for the majority of SCDs, but current pharmacological interventions for prevention of lethal ventricular arrhythmias are less than satisfactory. We investigated the efficacy of HBI-3000 (HBI), a novel antiarrhythmic agent, in preventing SCD in a conscious canine model.Methods:After 3 to 7 days of a surgically induced myocardial infarction (ie, 90-minute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion), conscious animals were administered vehicle (0.9% NaCl solution for injection) or HBI (15 mg/kg) intravenously. An occlusive thrombus at a site remote from the previous myocardial infarction was induced by electrolytic injury to the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery.Results:Control animals developed premature ventricu...
Incentives to Rebel, Bargaining, and Civil War

To fully understand the effects of factors that encourage rebellion, we must differentiate between the way such factors influence mass decisions to join an ongoing rebellion and the way they influence the level of concessions offered by the government. We analyze a three-player bargaining model that allows us to do so. Our results indicate that governments tolerate a greater risk of conflict with their chosen concessions when any conflict that does occur is likely to take the form of a limited, rather than popular, rebellion. We demonstrate that rebellions are more likely to be popular when the general populace is relatively dissatisfied with the status quo and when the government is relatively incapable of putting down rebellions. Widespread poverty and low state capacity might therefore be associated with a lower likelihood of conflict, but a greater probability that the general populace will participate in any conflict that does occur.
FIST Small Break Accident Analysis with BWR TRACB02 — Pretest Predictions

The BWR Full Integral Simulation Test (FIST) program includes experimental simulation and analytical evaluation of BWR thermal-hydraulic phenomena during transient events. One such event is a small size break in the suction line of one of the recirculation pumps. The results from a test simulating this transient in the FIST facility are compared with a system analysis using the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRACB02). This comparison demonstrates BWR-TRAC capability for small break analyses and provides detailed understanding of the phenomena.
Fertilizing ability of cock spermatozoa from the testis epididymis and vas deferens following intramagnal insemination.

A reexamination of the fertilizing ability of cock spermatozoa from the testis, epididymis and vas deferens was accomplished through the use of intramagnal insemination. Intramagnal insemination of spermatozoa taken from the testes, epididymides and vas deferentia resulted in fertility levels of 85-90% during the first week and levels of 67-90% the second week after a single insemination. In contrast, vaginal insemination of testicular spermatozoa resulted in a total absence of fertile eggs. Vaginal and intrainagnal insemination of ejaculated spermatozoa resulted in fertility levels of 70 and 71%, respectively, during the first week and levels of 42 and 53%, respectively, the second week after a single insemination. There were no significant differences in hatchability of fertile eggs from hens inseminated with semen from different regions of the male tract or by different routes of insemination.