cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 agonists modulate hippocampal CA1 LTP via the GABAergic system.

Abstract Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) was shown to modulate hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Synaptic plasticity is the cellular mechanism thought to mediate declarative learning and memory in the hippocampus. Although TRPV1 is involved in modulating hippocampal plasticity, it has yet to be determined how TRPV1 mediates its effects. Using field electrophysiology in hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum we investigated how TRPV1 agonists modulate LTP, low frequency stimulation-induced LTD, and (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-induced LTD. First we confirmed that TRPV1 agonists induce enhancement of CA1 pyramidal cell LTP in the absence the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin. Because it was recently determined that TRPV1 mediates a novel form of LTD in CA1 inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, which can disinhibit CA1 pyramidal cells, we used picrotoxin to block the effect of the GABAergic circuitry on CA1 LTP. When using picrotoxin, the TRPV1 agonist-induced enhancement of CA1 LTP was eliminated suggesting that the GABAergic circuitry is required for TRPV1 agonist mediated increases. Regarding LTD, in contrast to previously reported data, we did not see TRPV1 agonist-mediated effect on low frequency-induced stimulus LTD. However, during DHPG-induced LTD, TRPV1 was involved in the acute, but not the long-term depression phase of this plasticity. In summary, our findings support TRPV1 agonist involvement in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, including its enhancement of CA1 LTP. We demonstrate that the enhancement mediated by TRPV1 agonists requires GABA input to pyramidal cells thus providing a mechanism for how TRPV1 agonists modulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
Some properties of cyclic 3′, 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase of mouse brain: effects of imidazole-4-acetic acid, chlorpromazine, cyclic 3′,5′-GMP, and other substances

Summary A study was made of some of the properties of mouse brain cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CNP). The activity of the CNP was enhanced by several imidazole compounds under different conditions of testing. Imidazole acetic acid (IMA) was chosen for further study because it also has interesting in vivo pharmacological effects. IMA produced an ‘uncompetitive’ activation of the enzyme, probably interacting with it in a manner so as to increase the rate of dissociation from the enzyme of the product of the reaction, 5′-adenylic acid. Mn 2+ was more effective on a molar basis than Mg 2+ in activating the CNP, and the degree of activation by IMA was greater with Mg 2 than with Mn 2+ as the activating ion. Theophylline is a more potent inhibitor of mouse brain CNP than caffeine; but inhibition by caffeine is strictly competitive with substrate, while that by theophylline appears to be of a more complex sort. The nature of the inhibition of CNP by deoxyguanosine, chlorpromazine, and nortriptyline was studied, and the possibility was suggested that a tendency toward increase in brain levels of cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotides might be one of the consequences of the in vivo action of the latter two substances. Cyclic GMP, as well as cyclic AMP, can be hydrolyzed by the CNP. It was shown that when present in the same mixture each of the above substances inhibited the hydrolysis of the other. Cyclic GMP is a potent competitive inhibitor of the splitting of cyclic AMP.
Relation of plasma D-dimer concentrations to coronary artery reperfusion before and after thrombolytic treatment in patients with acute myocardial infarction

This study was designed to investigate the possible role of pre- and posttreatment plasma D-dimer concentration as a reflection of coronary artery thrombolysis. Blood was collected from 206 patients with angiographically documented acute coronary occlusion presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset who were enrolled in a prospective study comparing intravenous APSAC (30 U) (IV-APSAC) with intracoronary streptokinase (160,000 U) (IC-SK). D-dimer concentrations in 104 patients after IV-APSAC therapy were higher than in 90 patients after IC-SK (mean +/- standard error, 1,009 +/- 60 vs 603 +/- 45, p less than 0.001), but there was no difference in patients with and without reperfusion (1,096 +/- 88 vs 875 +/- 67, p = 0.1 for IV-APSAC, and 587 +/- 48 vs 634 +/- 95, p = 0.6 for IC-SK). The median concentrations before treatment were similar in the IV-APSAC and IC-SK groups (93 and 90 ng/ml, respectively). These were higher than the value in 25 ambulatory control subjects (72 ng/ml) but lower than in 29 post-AMI (6 to 30 hours) patients and in preoperative orthopedic patients (140 ng/ml each). There was no difference in D-dimer concentrations in patients with grade 0 or grade 1 coronary artery occlusion (median 85 vs 90 ng/ml) or in patients with or without ultimate successful reperfusion (median 85 vs 93 ng/ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans that form dauer-like larvae☆

The development, ultrastructure, and genetics of two mutants that form dauer-like larvae have been characterized. Dauer larva morphogenesis is initiated regardless of environmental stimuli, and it is incomplete or abnormal. The resistance to detergent characteristic of normal dauer larvae is not fully achieved, and the mutants are unable to exit from the dauer-like state of developmental arrest. Mutant life span is not extended beyond the three weeks characteristic of the nondauer life cycle, whereas normal dauer larvae can live for several months. Growth of daf-15(m81)IV, the less dauer-like of the two, is nearly arrested at the second (dauer-specific) molt, but feeding is not completely suppressed. Head shape, cuticle, and intestinal ultrastructure are nondauer, whereas sensory structures (amphid and deirid) and excretory gland morphology are intermediate between that of dauer and nondauer stages. The daf-9(e1406)X mutant is dauer-like in head shape, cuticle, and deirid ultrastructure, intermediate in amphid and inner labial neuron morphology, and nondauer or abnormal in the intestine. Also, the daf-9 mutant exhibits abnormalities in the pharyngeal arcade cell processes and pharyngeal g1 gland. Double mutants carrying both daf-9 and daf-15 are more resistant to detergent than either single mutant. Like the single mutants, they cannot complete morphogenesis, and they are unable to exit from the dauer-like stage. Both daf-9 and daf-15 mutations are epistatic to previously described dauer-defective mutations, indicating that these two genes act late in the pathway leading to the dauer larva. The genetic tests and the mutant ultrastructure suggest that the two genes may affect parallel pathways of morphogenesis.
Photoionization rate in wide band-gap crystals

The Keldysh model of the photoionization [L. V. Keldysh, Sov. Phys. JETP 20, 1307 (1965)] is extended by deriving a formula for the photoionization rate of crystals based on the cosine energy-momentum relation. The relation is characteristic of tight-binding approximation and directly takes into account the influence of Bragg-type reflections of oscillating electrons at the edges of the first Brillouin zone. Due to the reflections and oscillations, the dependence of the photoionization rate on laser and material parameters takes form of a multibranch function with the branches separated by singularity points with unlimited increasing of the rate. Each of the singularities is coupled to the flattening of the effective-band structure. The laser intensity corresponding to the first singularity is found to be about $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{TW}∕{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for most wide band-gap crystals. We also show that the lowest-order branch of the photoionization rate completely corresponds to the multiphoton regime, and the first singularity takes place before the tunneling regime starts to dominate. Analysis of the ionization-rate asymptotic in the vicinity of the first-singularity point suggests possibility of ionization suppression by high-intensity radiation for certain ranges of laser wavelength.
Self-separating homogeneous copper (I) catalysts.

A heptane-soluble polyisobutylene (PIB)−Cu(I) catalyst was synthesized in a heptane/ethanol latent biphasic solvent system. The addition of water to this initially homogeneous solution produced a biphasic solvent system that separates the PIB−Cu(I) complex from the reaction mixture as a heptane solution. This heptane solution can be used in reactions such as “click” chemistry where the PIB−Cu(I) catalyst is again separated from the reaction mixture as a heptane solution with the products of the reaction mixture being separated in the ethanol phase of the latent biphasic solvent system. This PIB−Cu(I) complex can also be used in an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of polystyrene. Using the differential solubilities of PIB and polystyrene in heptane, a PIB-complexed Cu(I) species can be separated and recycled for multiple uses in further polymerization reactions with good control over molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.
Implants in regenerated bone in a primate model.

Background: Earlier publications from our laboratory described the use of guided bone regeneration to fill large bone voids in the mandible created through en bloc resection in primates. The present report describes placement of implants into the regenerated bone with subsequent prostheses construction and loading. Methods: Lesions were created in the mandibles of 9 monkeys in a standardized mandibular defect of 8 × 19 mm. Reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were placed in the animals and held in place with mini screws and sutures for anywhere from 1 to 12 months. No material was added to the defect. In each animal a root-form implant was placed 12 mm distal to the abutment teeth into the regenerated bone and was loaded with a prosthesis for 12 months. These implants were compared to original implants placed in the same monkeys years earlier in the same location in non-regenerated bone. Digital radiology and histomorphometry are described. Results: The results show that root-form implant...
Methods for combination of evidence in function-based 3D object recognition

A system which utilizes a function-based representation has been implemented and tested, using the object category `chair' for a case study. Functional description is used to recognize classes and identify subclasses of known categories of objects, even if the specific object has never been encountered previously. Interpretation of the functionality of an object is accomplished through qualitative reasoning about its 3-D shape. During the recognition process, evidence is gathered as to how well the functional requirements are met by the input shape. An investigation of different types of operators used in the combination of the functional evidence has been made. Three pairs of conjunctive and disjunctive operators have been used in the recognition process of the 100+ object shapes. The results are compared and differences are discussed.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Josephson vortex dynamics in superconducting Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox

Abstract One model for highly anisotropic high temperature superconductors (HTS) due to their layered structure is a series stack of Josephson junctions. The hysteretic nature of c -axis transport characteristics in various HTS as well as the observation of ac Josephson effect support such a view. In this report, we examine the vortex flow behavior for applied fields parallel to the layers under c -axis transport currents. It is shown that the nature of vortex flow is consistent with that of Josephson vortices propagating along layered superconductors. In addition, some aspects of vortex flow characteristics show specific features commonly observed in low damped junctions.
Effects of centrally administered naloxone on phrenic nerve activity.

The present study examined the effect on respiration of naloxone administered centrally. Experiments were performed on anesthetized, paralyzed cats whose vagi and carotid sinus nerves had been cut. The animals' end-tidal pCO2 and body temperature were kept constant with servocontrollers. Naloxone administered into the third cerebral ventricle in doses of 40 μg/kg and 400 μg/kg resulted in significant (P < 0.05) increases in phrenic neural activity. The response to the 400 μg/kg dose was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the response to the 40 μg/kg dose. A dose of 40 μg/kg naltrexone administered to each of two animals produced similar increases in respiratory activity. These data indicate that in the preparation studied endogenous opiates exert a tonic inhibitory effect on respiration through their action on central opiate receptors.
Kinetics of diffusion-controlled growth of fayalite

The rate of growth of fayalite (Fe2SiO4) has been measured at one atmosphere total pressure, temperatures from 1000° to 1120° C, and oxygen fugacities controlled by CO/CO2 gas-mixing from 10-9.9 to 10-13.0atm, chosen to span the fayalite stability field. The fine-grained polycrystalline fayalite layer was formed by reacting the oxides FeO or Fe3O4 with a thin slice of single-crystal quartz. The rate of growth of the fayalite increases with increasing temperature and decreasing oxygen fugacity, and is consistent with a parabolic rate law, indicating that the growth rate is controlled by diffusion through the fayalite. Microstructural observations and platinum marker experiments suggest that the reaction phase is formed at the quartz-fayalite interface, and is therefore controlled by the diffusion of iron and oxygen. The parabolic rate constant was analyzed in terms of the oxide activity gradient to yield mean chemical diffusivities for the rate-limiting ionic species, assuming bulk transport through the fayalite layer. Given that iron diffusion in olivine polycrystals occurs either by lattice diffusion, which shows a positive dependence on oxygen activity, or by grain boundary diffusion, which would result in growth rates significantly faster than we observe, we conclude that the diffusivities derived in this study represent oxygen diffusion. However, since oxygen lattice diffusion in fayalite has been established to be much slower than our measurements, it is likely that the transport path for oxygen is along the grain boundaries. Thus, the mean grain boundary diffusivity of oxygen in fayalite % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGabmirayaara% aaaa!36CE! $$\bar D$$ O (m2 s-1), using the measured grain size of 0.25 μm, is then given by % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXafv3ySLgzGmvETj2BSbqefm0B1jxALjhiov2D% aebbfv3ySLgzGueE0jxyaibaieYdg9frVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEiea0d% j9q8arFj0dir-hbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9% q8qr0xc9Fve9Fve9qapdbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcba% GabmirayaaraWaa0baaSqaaGqaaiaa-9eaaeaaieGacaGFNbGaa4Ny% aaaakiaahccacqaH0oazcqGH9aqpcaaIXaGaaiOlaiaaikdacaaI4a% Gaey41aqRaaGymaiaaicdadaahaaWcbeqaaiabgkHiTiaaiodaaaGc% caWGMbWaa0baaSqaaiaa-9eadaWgaaadbaGaa8Nmaaqabaaaleaacq% GHsislcaaIWaGaaiOlaiaaigdacaaI3aaaaOGaaCiiaiaadwgadaah% aaWcbeqaaiabgkHiTiaaiwdacaaI0aGaaGimaiaac+cacaWGsbGaam% ivaaaaaaa!5790! $$\bar D_O^{gb} {\mathbf{ }}\delta = 1.28 \times 10^{ - 3} f_{O_2 }^{ - 0.17} {\mathbf{ }}e^{ - 540/RT} $$ , where δ is the grain boundary width (in m), and the activation energy is in kJ/mol. Assuming δ=10-9 m (Ricoult and Kohlstedt 1983), the oxygen grain boundary diffusivities are about a factor of 30 × slower than those reported by Watson (1986) for Fo90 olivine.
Lessons in policy implementation from experiences with the Northwest Forest Plan, USA

Approximately 20 years ago, the preeminent goal for management of the federal forests of the Pacific Northwest shifted suddenly and permanently from sustained timber harvest to conservation of biodiversity and ecological processes, following a series of court cases over protection of species in decline that were associated with old forests. While old growth harvest has largely ceased, some key species are still in decline and forest management has been restricted more than intended. Creation of openings, even those based on disturbance processes, has been especially difficult. Some lessons from this experience include the difficulty of adaptive management, the importance of ecological foundations for management, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. In addition, it is essential to provide society with a vision of ecologically-based forestry, including field demonstrations, and to communicate this approach and its scientific foundation in the popular media.
A fourth-order eigenvalue problem arising in viscoelastic flow

We consider a fourth-order eigenvalue problem on a semi-infinite strip which arises in the study of viscoelastic shear flow. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are computed by a spectral method involving Laguerre functions and Legendre polynomials.
Interleukin-10 in the Vitreous of Patients With Primary Intraocular Lymphoma

Purpose To find an accurate and simple method to diagnose primary intraocular lymphoma. Methods We prospectively analyzed concentrations of interleukin-10, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, and interleukin-6 in vitrectomy specimens from three patients with primary intraocular lymphoma and five patients with uveitis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Interleukin-10 in the vitreous was detected in patients with primary intraocular lymphoma. Interleukin-10 levels correlated with clinical activity and the number of malignant cells. Conclusion Concentrations of interleukin-10 in the vitreous may be a helpful clue to both clinicians and pathologists in diagnosing primary intraocular lymphoma.
5‘-RNA Self-Capping from Guanosine Diphosphate†

A selected RNA (isolate 6) efficiently catalyzes a self-capping reaction with free GDP, yielding the same 5‘-capped structure as is formed by protein GTP:RNA guanylyltransferase. This unexplored RNA-catalyzed reaction type involving nucleophilic attack on phosphate by phosphate adds to the variety of possible postsynthetic RNA-catalyzed RNA modifications. The selected RNA requires only Ca2+ for activation and has a broad active pH range of 4.5−9.0. The RNA also has a 5‘-pyrophosphatase activity.
Le chaos de la traduction et la traduction du chaos

Les affinites sont etonnantes entre les constatations epistemologiques que la theorie du chaos a amene les sciences dites exactes a faire et une pensee de la traduction liberee d’une conception fixiste du sens. Penser la traduction en passant par la theorie du chaos, c’est surtout annuler les dichotomies inoperantes echues des conceptualisations traditionnelles, visee participant des discours de la « troisieme voie ». Non-linearite, sensibilite critique aux conditions initiales et geometrie fractale sont autant de themes qui potentialisent la theorisation de la traduction dans une epistemologie tablant sur la mouvance et la subjectivite des parametres d’interpretation, sur l’instabilite persistante entre l’ordre et le desordre, sur la valeur heuristique donc positive du desordre et sur l’incompletude.
Trace amine receptor ligands: tritiation at high specific activity

d-amphetamine and tyramine are both amines which are active at the recently discovered trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and analogues of these compounds labelled with tritium would be useful reagents for neurochemistry investigators. This paper describes the tritiation and characterization of these substances. d-amphetamine was radiolabelled by a direct tritium catalytic method and characterized by proton decoupled tritium NMR. For tyramine, a bromination—catalytic tritium debromination approach worked best to afford a tritiated analogue at high specific activity.
Combined Brownian Dynamics and Spectral Simulation of the Recovery of Polymeric Fluids after Shear Flow

The constrained recovery of polymeric fluids following cessation of steady shear flow is studied using linear bead−spring chain models for dilute polymer solutions and the Curtiss−Bird model for polymer melts. Brownian dynamics simulation techniques are combined with a spectral method for solution of the continuum equation of motion. The shear stress required to solve the continuum equation is computed directly from ensemble averages over internal configurations of model molecules, thereby eliminating the need for a closed-form constitutive equation. Simultaneous solution of the equation of motion for actual fluid velocities obviates the linear velocity profile assumption used in previous studies of constrained recoil. For each of the models examined in the present work, a maximum was observed in the overall recovery with increasing steady-state shear rate. These maxima are an inherent consequence of the polymer models' shear thinning behavior but are more pronounced if the assumption of a linear velocity...
Comparison of numerical simulations and laboratory studies of laser thrombolysis

We compare Los Alamos numerical simulations with Oregon Medical Laser Center laser deposition experiments conducted with gelatin thrombus surrogates specifically chosen for relevance to clinical laser thrombolysis. Initial idealized calculations suggest that a surprisingly large fraction of the absorbed laser energy is dissipated as acoustic radiation. We build on these results here by investigating geometrical effects, material property variations, and sources of dissipation including viscosity and plastic flow, as well as acoustic radiation in an effort to explain flow effects observed in the experiments. In particular, strong jetting is observed in the simulations when the gelatin is given a kinematic viscosity in excess of {approx} 1.0 cm{sup 2}/s. Jetting is clearly evident in the experiments.
Certain quotient spaces are countably separated, II

Abstract Let G be a locally compact group, N a closed normal subgroup, and α a multiplier for G such that every α-representation of G is Type I and such that every α-representation of N is Type I. Let N α be the α-dual space of N. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given such that N α G is countably separated. Generalizations of many known sufficient conditions for countable separability are easy corollaries.
The silver lining in shift work: Can your organization take advantage of it?

While massive layoffs, mergers, and downsizings continue to grab media attention, more profound changes in the workforce that have received far less attention are well underway. For most employed Americans today, the standard workweek – 9-to-5, Monday through Friday – is a relic of the past. Far more common are ‘‘nonstandard’’ work schedules. Indeed, only a minority of employees in the United States (30 percent) work a standard workweek (35–40 hours, Monday through Friday). The large majority of workers work longer or shorter hours, work nonstandard shifts (evenings or nights), or work at least one weekend day. Even ignoring the number of hours worked, only a bare majority (54 percent) of U.S. workers are employed Monday–Friday during day hours. This increase constitutes a potential, but as yet invisible, crisis. As we will suggest in this paper, the effects of shift work can be profound and, if implemented badly, harmful to employees and their families. But we are also happy to report that there is good news: The effects of shift work can be positive, in some surprising ways. Thus, the key question is, how can an organization tap the positive potential of this silent wave of growing shift work?
ANTENNA IMPEDANCE MATCHING WITH NEURAL NETWORKS

Impedance matching between transmission lines and antennas is an important and fundamental concept in electromagnetic theory. One definition of antenna impedance is the resistance and reactance seen at the antenna terminals or the ratio of electric to magnetic fields at the input. The primary intent of this paper is real-time compensation for changes in the driving point impedance of an antenna due to frequency deviations. In general, the driving point impedance of an antenna or antenna array is computed by numerical methods such as the method of moments or similar techniques. Some configurations do lend themselves to analytical solutions, which will be the primary focus of this work. This paper employs a neural control system to match antenna feed lines to two common antennas during frequency sweeps. In practice, impedance matching is performed off-line with Smith charts or relatively complex formulas but they rarely perform optimally over a large bandwidth. There have been very few attempts to compensate for matching errors while the transmission system is in operation and most techniques have been targeted to a relatively small range of frequencies. The approach proposed here employs three small neural networks to perform real-time impedance matching over a broad range of frequencies during transmitter operation. Double stub tuners are being explored in this paper but the approach can certainly be applied to other methodologies. The ultimate purpose of this work is the development of an inexpensive microcontroller-based system.
CD40 ligand (CD154) involvement in platelet transfusion reactions

Abstract Platelet transfusions are commonly used treatments that occasionally lead to adverse reactions. Clinical trials, in vitro and animal studies have been performed to try to understand the causes of such reactions. Multiple studies have shown that the supernatant fraction of platelet concentrates contain prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory mediators. The origin of these mediators was first ascribed to white blood cells contaminating the platelet preparation. However, the accumulation of bioactive mediators after leukoreduction focused attention on platelets themselves during storage. Numerous cytokines, chemokines and prostaglandins are released in stored platelet concentrates. We have focused on a powerful mediator called soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L, formally known as CD154) as a seminal contributor to adverse reactions. sCD40L can bind and signal the surface receptor, CD40, which is present on various types of human cells including white blood cells, vascular cells and fibroblasts. Downstream results of sCD40L/CD40 signaling include pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, prothrombotic mediator release, adherence and transmigration of leukocytes to endothelium and other undesirable vascular inflammatory events. Increased plasma levels of sCD40L can be detected in conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, high cholesterol, or other cardiovascular conditions. In retrospective studies, correlations were made between increased sCD40L levels of platelet concentrates and adverse transfusion reactions. We hypothesize that transfusion of partially activated, CD40L-expressing platelets along with sCD40L into a recipient with damaged or dysfunctional vascular tissue results in a “double-hit”, thus inciting inflammation and vascular damage in the recipient.
Adipose tissue dysregulation in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Context: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous groups have shown increased circulating biomarkers of inflammation in MetS. However, there are scanty data on the cellular sources contributing to this low-grade inflammation. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of sc adipose tissue (SAT) biology in nascent MetS without concomitant diabetes or CVD. Patients and Methods: Subjects with MetS and controls were recruited after informed consent. Fasting blood was collected, and SAT was obtained by biopsy. Results: Circulating biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-6, IL-1β, leptin, serum amyloid A, and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4) concentrations were significantly higher in the MetS subjects than controls, whereas adiponectin concentrations were lower. In SAT, leptin, RBP-4, CRP, serum amyloid A, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, ...
Combined endoscopic transmaxillary-transnasal approach to the pterygoid region, lateral sphenoid sinus, and retrobulbar orbit

Objectives:The sublabial transmaxillary approach to the pterygoid region was a popular one during the Caldwell-Luc, pre-endoscopic era. It was the procedure of choice for management of lesions of the pterygopalatine space, for internal maxillary artery ligation, and for vidian neurectomy. With the introduction of endoscopic instrumentation and techniques, the Caldwell-Luc procedure is rarely performed today. Also, because vidian neurectomy is performed less frequently, and because internal maxillary artery ligation for severe epistaxis has been replaced with transnasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation, the sublabial transmaxillary route is rarely used. We have found that combining the use of endoscopes via the sublabial approach and the transnasal endoscopic approach is very helpful for management of extreme lateral lesions of the sphenoid sinus, as well as the pterygoid region and the posterior orbit.Methods:The records of patients who underwent a combined endoscopic transmaxillary-transnasal ap...
Ingestion of crude oil: effects on digesta retention times and nutrient uptake in captive river otters.

Studies following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska indicated that river otters (Lontra canadensis) from oiled regions displayed symptoms of degraded health, including reduced body weight. We examined the fate of ingested oil in the digestive tract and its effects on gut function in captive river otters. Fifteen wild-caught males were assigned to three groups, two of which were given weathered crude oil in food (i.e., control, 5 ppm day−1, and 50 ppm day−1) under controlled conditions at the Alaska Sealife Center. Using glass beads as non-specific digesta markers and stable isotope analysis, we determined the effects of ingested oil on retention time and nutrient uptake. Our data indicated that oil ingestion reduced marker retention time when we controlled for activity and meal size. Fecal isotope ratios suggested that absorption of lipids in the oiled otters might have been affected by reduced retention time of food. In addition, a dilution model indicated that as much as 80% of ingested oil was not absorbed in high-dose animals. Thus, while the ingestion of large quantities of weathered crude oil appears to reduce absorption of oil hydrocarbons and may alleviate systemic effects, it may concurrently affect body condition by impacting digestive function.
The surface hydrocarbons of larval Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa zea

Abstract Third instar larvae of Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa zea could be distinguished based on the hydrocarbons of their surface lipids. Hydrocarbons were the major components of the surface lipids and a distinctive capillary gas chromatographic profile could be obtained from a hexane extract of the surface lipids of a single larva. Analysis of hexane extracts of the surface lipids by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CGC-MS) showed several obvious differences between the two species: (1) in their gas chromatographic profiles; (2) in the presence of a major alkene, hentriacontene, only in H. zea ; (3) in H. virescens the CGC-MS peak with a KI of approximately 2860 was 2-methyloctacosane, but in H. zea it was a mixture of 4-methyloctacosane plus 9,13- and 8,12-dimethyloctacosanes; and (4) in the methyl branch positions of dimethyl-branched alkanes with carbon backbones of C 31 , C 33 , C 35 , C 45 , C 47 , C 49 and C 51 . The methyl branch points of H. virescens dimethylalkanes were separated by seven or nine methylenes, while in H. zea the methyl branch points of the dimethylalkanes were separated by three and sometimes five methylenes.
Dermatologic Conditions Seen in End‐Stage Renal Disease

The skin changes reported in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are diverse and manifold. In this article we focus on a collection of specific cutaneous entities seen most frequently in the setting of ESRD, each presenting with distinctive and unique morphology. These include perforating disorders, porphyria cutanea tarda, pseudoporphyria, calcinosis cutis, calciphylaxis, and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The clinical features, histopathology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management of each entity are reviewed.
New Methods of Induction Motor Torque Regulation

Two methods of induction motor torque regulation are described utilizing speed and current feedback into the frequency and amplitude channels of a pulsewidth modulated inverter. Transfer characteristics illustrating the steady-state behavior of the two configurations are presented. Transient characteristics are discussed in detail by examining the linearized system transfer functions. An analytical approach to design of a closed loop controller for a practical application is outlined. Experimental results are presented showing correlation with predicted results.
On Ranks of Matrices Associated with Trees

A sign pattern matrix is a matrix whose entries are from the set {+,−,0}. The purpose of this paper is to obtain bounds on the minimum rank of any symmetric sign pattern matrix A whose graph is a tree T (possibly with loops). In the special case when A is nonnegative with positive diagonal and the graph of A is “star-like”, the exact value of the minimum rank of A is obtained. As a result, it is shown that the gap between the symmetric minimal and maximal ranks can be arbitrarily large for a symmetric tree sign pattern A.
Absolute cross section for hydrogen forward scattering

Abstract The differential cross section for hydrogen recoil scattering from helium ions has been determined for energies in the range 1–3 MeV and forward scattering angles of 20, 25, 30 and 35°. Polystyrene (C 8 H 8 ) n thin films were used as a reference standard, enabling the recoil cross section to be determined with reference to the backscattering cross section for carbon, which was itself newly determined in terms of the simple Rutherford cross section.
The potential for myocardial imaging with hypoxia markers.

Direct “hot spot” imaging of myocardial tissue hypoxia is potentially of great clinical importance because available noninvasive approaches for the detection of myocardial ischemia have generally been based on the detection of flow heterogeneity or identification of regional alterations of myocardial metabolism. These existing approaches provide only an indirect assessment of regional myocardial ischemia, and may be affected by either sympathetic activation or substrate availability. The assessment of tissue oxygenation with hypoxic compounds may be the best indicator of the balance of flow and oxygen consumption. These compounds may provide a means of identifying dysfunctional chronically ischemic but viable “hibernating” myocardium and find a critical place in the assessment of angiogenesis. Nitroimidazole compounds hold promise for positive imaging of hypoxia in the heart. However, refinement of these compounds is needed to improve target specificity. The potential of technetium-99m (Tc99m) complexes derived from removal of the nitroimidazole moiety from a nitroimidazole-containing ligand is interesting and warrants further investigation. Experimental studies support the possibility of identifying myocardial hypoxia with the positron-emitting compound F18-fluoromisonidazole noninvasively. The potential of a Tc99m labeled nitroimidazole for positive imaging of myocardial ischemia is tremendous because single-photon imaging is more widely available. The true clinical potential of these nitroimidazole compounds can only be defined with future experimental and clinical studies. Ideally, these studies should include comparisons of tracer uprake with independent measures of regional ischemia or measures of oxygen tension, potentially using magnetic resonance imaging.
Cycloserine-isoniazid combination therapy in virgin cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.

1. New, previously untreated cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were treated with a cycloserine-isoniazid combination given orally. 2. Eighty-one cases have been treated for from six weeks to 16 months, with but a single reaction, which did not necessitate discontinuance of treatment. 3. Clinical improvement, reduction of fever, lessening of the volume of sputum, and gain in weight occurred promptly in every case. In addition, the administration of a single capsule containing cycloserine and isoniazid, twice daily, was more acceptable to the patients than the usual INH-PAS combination. 4. Within six weeks, 40 per cent of the x-ray films showed evidence of improvement. The figure rose to 74 per cent in 12 weeks, and to 93 per cent of 48 subjects treated for six months. 5. Evidence of reduction in the bacillary content of the sputum was obtained within six weeks of treatment. Within three months, 80 per cent of 64 sputa were negative on culture, and at six months the figure rose to 87 per cent. 6. Bacillary sensitivity to cycloserine fell slowly and slightly during prolonged treatment with the larger doses. From 0.5 Gm. of cycloserine per day, there was no evidence of decreased sensitivity. 7. Resistance to INH developed during the administration of the cycloserine isoniazid combination at approximately the same rate as is seen when INH is given alone. 8. It is our conclusion that a combination of 0.25 Gm. of cycloserine and 0.15 Gm. of INH given twice daily is effective and safe therapy against previously untreated cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. We feel that our clinical results were superior to the usual INH-PAS therapy, both in speed and degree of response, as gauged by x-ray film changes and sputum conversion.
Menopausal and Reproductive Factors and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Objective: To investigate whether estrogen exposures are associated with lower risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Postmenopausal hormone (PMH) use, past use of oral contraceptives (OCs), ages at menarche and menopause, and parity were assessed among 74 996 postmenopausal women. Over 22 years, cases of early (n=554) and neovascular (n=334) AMD with a visual acuity of 20/30 or worse were identified. Cox models were used to calculate the relative risk for each exposure, adjusted for smoking and other factors. Results: Current PMH users had a notable 48% lower risk of neovascular AMD compared with those who had never used PMH, although risk did not decline linearly with longer durations of use. Risk was lowest for PMH users who had used OCs in the past (P value for interaction, .03). In contrast, risk of early AMD was a notable 34% higher among current PMH users and OC use was unassociated with risk. The only remarkable finding for the endogenous estrogenic factors was a 26% lower risk of early AMD for parous women. Conclusions: Although PMH and OC use were associated with a lower risk of neovascular AMD, no benefit was observed for early AMD. Factors influencing lifetime exposure to estrogens were not consistently associated with the disease.
China cuts energy intensity, but overall energy growth continues, report notes

A new report states that China has cut its energy intensity—defined as energy use per unit of economic output—by 19.1% from 2006 to 2010, reversing the previous upward trend. However, energy use and carbon emissions in the country continue to grow sharply, according to the Climate Policy Initiative's (CPI)Annual Review of Low-Carbon Development in China: 2010, the second of such reports. China nearly hit its goal of a 20% target reduction in energy intensity during that time period, which spanned the country's eleventh Five-Year Period (FYP) for social and economic development, but during that same period energy-related growth in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China increased by 33.6%, from 5.15 billion tons to 6.88 billion tons, said Qi Ye, CPI's Beijing office director, at a 2 February briefing held at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D. C.
Saintly sacrifice: The traditional transmission of moral elevation

This paper combines the social psychology concept of moral elevation with the evolutionary concept of traditions as descendant-leaving strategies to produce a new explanation of the role of saints in Christianity. Moral elevation refers to the ability of prosocial acts to inspire people to engage in their own acts of charity and kindness. When morally elevating stories and visual depictions become traditional by being passed from one generation to the next, they can produce prosocial behavior advantageous to survival and reproduction among many generations of descendants. Traditions that increase the number of descendants in future generations can be seen as descendant-leaving strategies. Stories and visual depictions of the sacrifices of saints appear to be designed to produce states of moral elevation, and they have been transmitted from one generation to the next for many centuries. We propose that this ability of sacrificing saints to inspire future generations to engage in prosocial acts has contributed to the continuation and spread of Christianity.
High-throughput measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential in a neural cell line using a fluorescence plate reader

Mutations in mitochondrial genes cause mitochondrial genetic disease, which is often associated with deficiency of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). We present a high-throughput method for measuring MMP in intact neural cells using TMRM, a well-known potentiometric dye, in a 48-well plate format. Addition of known MMP depolarizing agents, FCCP or DNP, resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in fluorescence, which was saturable, whereas the addition of drugs that affect non-mitochondrial properties did not. A cell line deficient in mtDNA had decreased fluorescence, which was not further depleted by a depolarizing agent. The high-throughput results are similar to those produced by more time-consuming and low-throughput flow cytometry or microscopy methods. This plate-based system could facilitate the identification of cell-permeant small molecules (i.e., drugs) that modify MMP, which could be used to enhance mitochondrial function, and also for screening small populations of neural cells for mutations in nuclear or mtDNA genes that decrease MMP.
Apoptosis in muscle atrophy: relevance to sarcopenia

The loss of muscle mass with aging, or sarcopenia, is an important contributor to the functional decline and loss of independence observed with aging. Little is known about the role of apoptosis in sarcopenia. Studies in adult animals have shown that apoptosis is involved in the loss of muscle nuclei during acute disuse atrophy, and caspase-3 dependent pathways play an important role in this process. Elevated apoptosis has also been observed in muscles of aged animals, but this does not depend upon caspase-3 pathways to the same extent as disuse atrophy. Moreover, disuse atrophy induced in aged animals is associated with a higher amount of apoptosis than in young and intracellular mechanisms are different from those in young, depending more on caspase-independent pathways. The functional relevance of the increase in apoptosis with respect to the loss of muscle fibers and muscle cross-sectional area with aging remains to be determined and interventions to decrease apoptosis in muscle need to be evaluated.
Argon ion laser excitation of supersonic seeded molecular beams of I2

Abstract Experiments on the laser excitation (B « X) of seeded supersonic beams of I2 by a cw argon-ion laser at 314.5 nm are reported. Measurements consisted of laser-induced fluorescence and I2 beam attenuations and I2 time-of-flight distributions as a function of carrier-gas pressure and nozzle temperature. From the laser-induced beam loss, the direct photodissociation cross-section is found to be (2.4 ± 0.5)×10−19 cm2. A simple model has been formulated to determine the fraction of molecules that are excited by the laser, utilizing the above data base and available spectroscopic data. From the laser power dependence of the fluorescence, the model also yields the magnitude of the hyperfine-averaged Einstein B coefficient, found to be (4.9 ± 1.0)×1016 erg−1 cm3 s−2. The fractional excitation of fast, cold beams of I2 is much greater than for slow or maxwellian beams, and dependent (via the Doppler effect) upon the angle of intersection of the laser and molecular beams. With 1 W of laser power = 1% excitation can be achieved. Rotational temperatures attained in the supersonic expansions are deduced from the fluorescence analysis. They compare well with translational temperatures measured by time-of-flight, ranging from nozzle temperatures down to 10 K.
Racial diversity of actionable mutations in non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. The reasons for higher incidence and poorer sur- vival rates among black compared with white lung cancer patients have not been defined. We hypothesized that differential incidence of somatic cancer gene mutations may be a contributing factor. Previous genomic studies of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not adequately represented black patients. Methods: A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and time-of- flight mass spectrometry approach was used to analyze tumor DNA for 214 coding mutations in 26 cancer genes previously identified in NSCLC. The samples included NSCLC from 335 white patients and 137 black patients. For 299 of these, normal matched DNA was available and analyzed. Results: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions were only detected in women cases, with increased odds for black women compared with white women (odds ratio = 3.914, 95% confidence inter - val: 1.014-15.099, p = 0.048). Beyond race, variations in mutation fre- quencies were seen by histology. DDR2 alterations, previously described as somatic mutations, were identified as constitutional variants. Conclusions: This study is among the largest comparing somatic mutations in black and white patients. The results point to the molec- ular diversity of NSCLC and raise new questions as to the impor- tance of inherited alleles. Genomic tumor testing will benefit both populations, although the mutation spectrum appears to vary by sex, race, and histology.
Computation of mu with real and complex uncertainties

The robustness analysis of system performance is one of the key issues in control theory, and one approach is to reduce this problem to that of computing the structured singular value, mu . When real parametric uncertainty is included, then mu must be computed with respect to a block structure containing both real and complex uncertainties. It is shown that mu is equivalent to a real eigenvalue maximization problem, and a power algorithm is developed to solve this problem. The algorithm has the property that mu is (almost) always an equilibrium point of the algorithm, and that whenever the algorithm converges a lower bound for mu results. This scheme has been found to have fairly good convergence properties. Each iteration of the scheme is very cheap, requiring only such operations as matrix-vector multiplications and vector inner products, and the method is sufficiently general to handle arbitrary numbers of repeated real scalars, repeated complex scalars, and full complex blocks. >
Reactive astrogliosis in response to hemorrhagic fever virus: microarray profile of Junin virus-infected human astrocytes.

Background Arenavirus Junin is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Limited information is available concerning the pathogenesis of this human disease, especially the pathogenesis of acute and late neurological symptoms.