cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Regulation of Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase-I Gene Isoforms (CPT-I α and CPT-Iβ ) in the Rat Heart

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) is a major control point for fatty acid oxidation. Two kinetically different isoforms, CPT-I alpha and CPT-I beta, have been identified. Cardiac ventricular myocytes are the only cells known to express both CPT-I isoforms. In this study, we characterized the differential regulation of CPT-I alpha and CPT-I beta expression in the heart. Expression of the CPT-I alpha gene was very high in the fetal heart and declined following birth. CPT-I beta was also highly expressed in fetal myocytes and remained so throughout development. CPT-I alpha mRNA abundance was increased in both the liver and heart of diabetic or fasted rats, but CPT-I beta mRNA levels were not altered in these states. A high fat diet elevated expression of the CPT-I alpha gene in the liver but not in the heart. The fat content of the diet did not affect the expression of CPT-I beta. Cultures of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes were transfected with luciferase reporter genes driven by CPT-I alpha or CPT-I beta promoters. Two regions of the CPT-I alpha promoter, including an upstream region (-1300/-960) and a region in the proximal promoter (-193/-52) contributed equally to basal expression in cardiac myocytes. Basal transcription of CPT-I alpha was dependent on Sp1 sites and a CCAAT box in the proximal promoter. Our data indicate that the CPT-I beta gene is expressed in a tissue specific manner, but that it is not subject to the same developmental or hormonal controls imposed on CPT-I alpha. In addition some aspects of CPT-I alpha expression are confined to the liver. The data presented here thus suggest that two types of differential regulation of CPT-I genes exist: (a) differential control of CPT-I alpha and CPT-I beta gene expression in the heart and (b) differential regulation of CPT-I alpha expression in the heart and liver.
Measuring insight through patient self-report: An in-depth analysis of the factor structure of the Birchwood Insight Scale

Little research has focused on item analysis and factor structure of the most commonly used measures of insight. We examined the factorial structure of the Birchwood Insight Scale (BIS), a brief, easy-to-administer, self-report measure. We studied the BIS in 327 first-episode psychosis patients, including a test sample (n=163) and a validation sample (n=164). We then used data from 100 patients with chronic serious mental illnesses as a second, external validation sample. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted with the test subsample, and confirmatory factor analyses with the two validation samples. Confirmatory factor analyses (in both the first-episode psychosis validation sample and the chronic serious mental illness sample) indicated that a single-factor solution, with seven items loading on a single factor-with item 1 ("Some of your symptoms are made by your mind") eliminated-was the best-fitting model. Seven of the eight original BIS items loading on a single factor fit the data well in these samples. Researchers using this efficient measure of patient-reported insight should assess the item distributions and factor structure of the BIS in their samples, and potentially consider eliminating item 1.
Synthesewege zu polyfunktionellen Molekülen über metallierte Dimethylhydrazone

Reaktionen von metallierten Dimethylhydrazonen (DMH's) 3 mit Elektrophilen, wie gesattigten und α-β-ungesattigten Carbonylverbindungen und Oxiranen. werden zu regiospezifischen CC-Verknupfungen in α-Stellung zur Carbonylgruppe ausgenutzt. Oxidative Hydrolyse der resultierenden Produkthydrazone 4, 8, 14, 23 fuhrt zu synthetisch wertvollen, polyfunktionellen Molekulen. Die hohe Effektivitat und Selektivitat der Methode wird an einer Vielzahl von Beispielen, wie regiospezifischen Aldol-Reaktionen ( 5, 7), der Darstellung von γ-Hydroxycarbonyl- 9, 10, 1,4- 11, 12 und 1,5-Dicarbonylverbindungen 15–18 (regiospezifische Robinson-Anellierung 19, DMH-Cuprate 13), Carbonylolefinierungen zu α,β-ungesattigten Aldehyden 20 uber α-silylierte DMH's 21 sowie der regiospezifischen γ-Funktionalisierung von Crotonaldehyd-DMH demonstriert ( 25). Doppelt metalliertes Acetessigsaure-methylester-DMH (27) reagiert mit Carbonylverbindungen zu 5,6-Dihydro-α-pyron-Derivaten 28, die zu Hydroxyketo-carbonsauren 29 hydrolysiert werden konnen. Synthetic Routes to Polyfunctional Molecules via Metallated Dimethylhydrazones Reactions of metallated dimethylhydrazones (DMH's) with electrophiles such as saturated and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and oxiranes are used to effect overall regiospecific CC bond formation in the α-position to a carbonyl group. Oxidative hydrolysis of the resulting hydrazones leads to a wide variety of functionalized carbonyl compounds. The high efficiency and selectivity of the method is demonstrated in a variety of examples which include regiospecific aldol reactions, the preparation of γ-hydroxycarbonyl, 1,4-, and 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds (regiospecific Robinson annulation, DMH-cuprates), carbonyl olefination to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes via α-silylated DMH's as well as the regiospecific γ-functionalisation of crotonaldehyde-DMH. Doubly metallated methyl acetoacetate DMH reacts with carbonyl compounds to give 5,6-dihydro-α-pyrone derivatives, which can be hydrolyzed to hydroxyketo-carboxylic acids.
The tensile response and fracture behavior of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy: Influence of temperature

A high-performance, high-strength, and novel Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy in the T7751 condition was deformed to failure in laboratory air environment at ambient and elevated temperatures. Temperature influenced the tensile response of the alloy for both the longitudinal and transverse orientations. Strength decreased with an increase in test temperature, with a concomitant improvement in ductility. Test results indicate the alloy response to be the same for both the longitudinal and transverse orientations. No major change in the macroscopic fracture mode was observed with the direction of testing. Tensile fracture, on a microscopic scale, revealed features reminiscent of both ductile and brittle mechanisms. The microscopic fracture behavior was a function of test temperature. The mechanisms and intrinsic micromechanisms governing the tensile fracture process are discussed in terms of mutually interactive influences of microstructural effects, matrix deformation characteristics, test temperature, and grain boundary failure.
Palliative care in hospitals

Palliative care is medical care focused on the relief of suffering and support for the best possible quality of life for patients facing serious, life-threatening illness and their families. It aims to identify and address the physical, psychological, and practical burdens of illness. Palliative care may be delivered simultaneously with all appropriate curative and life-prolonging interventions. In practice, palliative care practitioners provide assessment and treatment of pain and other symptom distress; employ communication skills with patients, families, and colleagues; support complex medical decision making and goal setting based on identifying and respecting patient wishes and goals; and promote medically informed care coordination, continuity, and practical support for patients, family caregivers, and professional colleagues across healthcare settings and through the trajectory of an illness. The field of hospital palliative care has grown rapidly in recent years in response to patient need and clinician interest in effective approaches to managing chronic life-threatening illness. The growth in the number and needs of seriously and chronically ill patients who are not clearly terminally ill has led to the development of palliative care services outside the hospice benefit provided by Medicare (and other insurers). This article reviews the clinical, educational, demographic, and financial imperatives driving this growth, describes the clinical components of palliative care and the range of service models available, defines the relation of hospital-based palliative care to hospice, summarizes the literature on palliative care outcomes, and presents practical resources for clinicians seeking knowledge and skills in the field.
Naming Horror: Legal and Political Words for Mass Atrocities

����� and vicious brutalities in the Darfur region of the Sudan escalate and Rwanda, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and still other regions stagger to recover from the legacies of their own mass atrocities. Other nations participate in the creation and operation of ad hoc and long-term international criminal institutions, and at times use the United Nations’ cumbersome mechanisms to name and even condemn mass violence, but fail to provide swift and effective action to prevent or mitigate mass atrocities. In this context, one can only welcome David Scheffer’s thoughtful and practical call to separate the political and legal uses of ‘‘genocide’’ and to devise the broader category of ‘‘atrocity crimes’’ for public communication about genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Scheffer’s essay represents the kind of scholarship on vital international affairs that is most needed. Every page reveals both his on-the-ground experience as US ambassador-at-large for war crimes and US representative to the United Nations and his analytic care. His report of barriers to effective action in response to recent experiences of genocide and mass violence is compelling and distressing. He identifies four problems: first, the legal requirements for establishing what is a genocide are stringent and cumbersome and contribute to delays in international responses; second, the absence of a well-developed idea of stages prior to but leading to genocide similarly contributes to delays in international responses; third, the reliance on legal terms in political discourse confuses the demands of each realm; and, fourth, there is no easy public term for the collection of horrors that lawyers name ‘‘genocide,’’ ‘‘crimes against humanity,’’ and harms of comparable seriousness and massiveness. Therefore, Scheffer recommends the development of new terms, including ‘‘precursors of genocide’’ and ‘‘atrocity crimes.’’ The frustration behind Scheffer’s effort is palpable and telling, and the failures of national and international response deserve much more serious attention than they have received. 2 But the problems he addresses will not be cured by new words. It is a matter of some interest that a person of Scheffer’s wisdom and expertise should put his emphasis in that direction. That choice in itself deserves some discussion, but the necessary energy would be better spent pursuing better leadership, better media and educational efforts to mobilize sustained public responsiveness, and the development of a richer spectrum of available responses to join national and international efforts to halt mass and dehumanizing violence. I will try to elaborate through three comments.
Aspects of the stability of isoindoles derived from the reaction of o-phthalaldehyde-ethanethiol with primary amino compounds.

The stability of a series of fluorescent isoindoles formed under analytical conditions following the reaction of o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and ethanethiol (ET) with a series of primary amines is reported. Increasing the bulk and degree of substitution of the isoindole N-substituent resulted in substantial increases in isoindole stability. The effects of excess reagents on isoindole stability is examined and OPA is observed to accelerate isoindole degradation whilst ET provides a stabilizing effect. Comparison with previously reported data involving the use of 2-mercaptoethanol revealed that ET clearly forms the more stable isoindole derivatives, i.e. a minimum of five-fold improved stability based on the time for 10% degradation to occur. Identification of the major degradation product together with kinetic data suggests that degradation proceeds via autoxidation.
Tillage and Crop Sequence Effects on Heterodera glycines and Soybean Yields

Conservation tillage has been increasingly used in the midwestern USA. Long-term effects of tillage practices on the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, and soybean yields in corn-soybean rotation were studied in two fields in Minnesota (USA). The experiments were arranged in a split-plot design with tillage treatments as main plots and crop sequences as subplots. Tillage treatments were no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). The crop sequences were six (Waseca) or nine (New Richland) combinations of SCN-susceptible 'Sturdy', SCN-resistant 'Freeborn' ('PI 88788' resistance source) and 'Pioneer brand 9234' ('Peking' resistance source) soybean rotated annually with corn. Tillage did not affect SCN population density at New Richland and had only minimal and inconsistent effects on SCN at Waseca. However, CT resulted in up to 370 kg ha -1 greater soybean yield than NT at Waseca. Growing SCN-resistant cultivars was effective in the corn-soybean rotation for managing SCN and minimizing yield loss to SCN. Resistant soybean not only reduced SCN population density and increased soybean yield in the year when it was grown, but also resulted in a smaller inoculum population density and increased yield of susceptible and resistant soybean in the following soybean years. Pioneer brand 9234 was more effective than Freeborn in reducing SCN population density and increasing soybean yield in the following years. This study confirmed that use of resistant cultivars is an effective tactic for SCN management, but tillage is not an option solely for managing SCN population in the northern climate and soil conditions.
Experimental and numerical study of distortion in flat, L‐shaped, and U‐shaped carbon fiber–epoxy composite parts

In this study, flat composite panels were fabricated to find the effect of different manufacturing parameters, including stacking sequence, part thickness, and tooling material, on distortion of carbon fiber-epoxy composite parts. L-shaped and U-shaped panels were also made to investigate the effect of stacking sequence on spring-in angle and warpage of the curved panels. Results showed that distortion of the flat panels caused by asymmetry in the stacking sequence was an order of magnitude greater than distortion of the panels with an unbalanced stacking sequence; whereas in the curved panels, the panel with an asymmetric stacking sequence showed the least spring-in angle, and the largest angle was observed in the symmetric panel. MSC Marc was used to predict distortion of the panels, and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results for several stacking sequences of the flat and the L-shaped panels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40439.
Theory of the energy distribution of photoelectrons

Because of the thermal energies of the electrons in a metal there can be no sharply defined maximum emission energy of photoelectrons, as was once supposed. On the basis of the Sommerfeld theory and the Fermi-Dirac statistics, expressions are derived for the form of the energy distribution and current voltage curves in the vicinity of the apparent maximum energy. The method used is similar to that used by Fowler in computing the total emission current. In Part I the energies normal to the emitting surface are considered. At 0°K the theoretical current-voltage curve is a parabola tangent to the energy axis at Vmax, while for higher temperatures it approaches the axis asymptotically. In Part II the treatment is extended to the total energy of emission and in this case the current-voltage curve at 0°K is a parabola concave toward the voltage axis and cutting it at a large angle. At higher temperatures there is an asymptotic approach. Even at room temperature there is an uncertainty of several hundredths of a volt in Vmax, though the theory yields a method of determining the maximum energy which would be observed at 0°K. Both parts of the theory are found to be in agreement with new experiments on molybdenum. The bearing of the theory on the photoelectric determination of h is discussed.
Happy-People-Pills For All

It is argued that we have a moral duty to create, and make available, advanced pharmacological agents to boost the happiness of those in the normal, i.e., the non-depressed, range of happiness. Happiness, conceived as a propensity to positive moods, is a quantitative trait with a sizeable genetic component. One means to boost the happiness of those in the normal range is to test the efficacy of antidepressants for enhancement. A second possibility is to model new pharmacologicals based on the genetics of the happiest amongst us, that is, the hyperthymic. The suggestion, in other words, is to “reverse engineer” the hyperthymic: to investigate what makes the hyperthymic genetically and physiologically different and then put what they have into pill form. To the ‘ Brave New World ’ objection, that there is more to wellbeing than happiness and that taking happy-people-pills will require the sacrifice of these other aspects of wellbeing, it is countered that contemporary social science research supports the view that happiness promotes achievement in the ‘higher’ endeavors of humanity, including work, love and virtue. In other words, happiness promotes acquisition of traits valued by perfectionists. Those born with genes for hyperthymia, on average, tend to be doubly blessed: they are happier and achieve more than the rest of the population. Happy-people-pills are a means to allow everyone else to share in this good fortune. The paper seeks to rebut two further criticisms: that happy-people-pills will lead to emotional inappropriateness and inauthentic happiness. Finally, it is argued that depending on the view about the role of government in individual welfare, either government has a positive duty to develop happy-people-pills, or government has a duty not to interfere with private companies that seek to develop such pharmacological agents.
Measurement of multiple inorganic arsenic species

While multiple species of inorganic arsenic can coexist in industrial environments, traditional air sampling methods and analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry quantify only total inorganic arsenic. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently conducted laboratory experiments and field studies to develop a technique to separate mixtures of particulate inorganic arsenic compounds and arsine, and to detect and quantify arsenic trioxide vapor. A field study in a lead-acid battery manufacturing plant showed airborne particulate arsenic in Post Burn, Element Battery Repair, and Salvage and Remelt operations; measured widespread low levels of arsine; and suggested that both particulate arsenic and arsine were transported between work areas by in-plant air currents. Arsenic trioxide vapor contributed to the total airborne arsenic collected and was most prevalent in torching or welding areas. This finding suggests that, in the presence of heated arsenic sources, monitoring solely...
Uncoupling of RNA Binding and PKR Kinase Activation by Viral Inhibitor RNAs

Protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR) is a serine/threonine kinase that contains an N-terminal RNA-binding domain and a C-terminal kinase domain. Upon binding double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), PKR can become activated and phosphorylate cellular targets, such as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF-2α). Phosphorylation of eIF-2α results in attenuation of protein translation by the ribosome in either a general or an mRNA-specific manner. Therefore, the interaction between PKR and dsRNAs represents a crucial host cell defense mechanism against viral infection. Viruses can circumvent PKR function by transcription of virus-encoded dsRNA inhibitors that bind to and inactivate PKR. We present here a biophysical characterization of the interactions between human PKR and two viral inhibitor RNAs, EBERI (from Epstein-Barr virus) and VAI (from human adenovirus). Autophosphorylation assays confirmed that both EBERI and VAI are inhibitors of PKR activation, and profiled the kinetics of the inhibition. Binding affinities of dsRNAs to PKR double-stranded RNA-binding domains (dsRBDs) were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry and gel electrophoresis. A single stem–loop domain from each inhibitory RNA mediates the interaction with both dsRBDs of PKR. The binding sites on inhibitor RNAs and the dsRBDs of PKR have been mapped by NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments, which indicate that inhibitors of PKR employ similar surfaces of interaction as activators. Finally, we show that dsRNA binding and inactivation are non-equivalent; regions other than the dsRBD stem–loops of inhibitory RNA are required for inhibition.
The Impact of Perceived Loafing and Collective Efficacy on Group Goal Processes and Group Performance

This paper presents two studies investigating the influence of social perceptions (perceived loafing, collective efficacy, and cohesion) on group goal processes (difficulty and commitment) and group performance. The role of group goal processes as mediators of the relationships between social perception variables and group performance was also tested. The first study involved a sample of 247 college students in 59 groups working on a team interdependent, divisible academic task. Results supported all but one hypothesis. The mediation hypothesis was not supported as both group goal and social perception variables related similarly to group performance. The second study employed a different design to address some limitations of the first study and to extend those findings. Results from the second study, using 383 college students in 101 groups, were consistent with Study 1 with two exceptions. First, the mediation hypothesis was supported in Study 2, replicating the findings of Klein and Mulvey (1995). Second, anticipated lower effort and the sucker effect, additional intervening variables examined in Study 2, partially mediated the relationship between perceived loafing and collective goal difficulty as hypothesized.
The influence of rank on affect perception by pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina).

Previous studies of affect perception in nonhuman primates have involved young animals and/or manipulations of early experience. Based upon data suggesting that middle-ranked monkeys in small social groups show patterns of behavior different from their low- or high-ranked counterparts, the current study examined the role of social rank in affect perception by normally reared, adult female pigtailed macaques. Employing color videotapes as the presentation medium, we observed animals as they watched unfamiliar animals display social (aggressive or submissive) or nonsocial behavior. Virtually all threats were recorded as the subjects watched the submissive presentations, and most submissive signals occurred while watching aggressive behavior tapes. Middle-ranked monkeys were most attentive during all presentations, and levels of disturbance behavior were related to rank of the watcher and type of presentation observed. The results suggest that dominance status is an influence in the process of affect perception.
Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis in T cells from aged humans: a role of TNFR-I and downstream signaling molecules

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces apoptosis predominantly via TNF-receptor I (TNF-RI). We have examined the molecular and biochemical pathways of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in T cells from aged and young subjects. Aged subjects show absolute lymphopenia and decreased numbers of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. T cells from aged subjects show increased sensitivity to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis that is associated with increased expression of TNF-RI and decreased expression of TNF-RII in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Agonistic TNF-RI also induced greater apoptosis in T cells from aged subjects as compared to young subjects, suggesting that increased TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in aging is predominantly mediated via TNF-RI. There was an increased expression of FADD and increased activation of caspase 8 and caspase 3 in lymphocytes from aged humans as compared to young subjects. A role of impaired TNF-RII-mediated signaling in increased apoptosis in aged subjects is also discussed.
Diamond coatings from a solid carbon source

Abstract A plasma-enhanced chemical transport process was developed to deposit diamond films from a solid carbon source in a subatmospheric pressure hydrogen environment (106–400 mbar (80–300 Torr)). The process uses inexpensive simple equipment. The diamond films were examined by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. High quality diamond films were grown at 1 ωm h−1 deposition rate in static and dynamic flow systems. The effect of various surface coatings on diamond nucleation on a silicon substrate was investigated. The nucleation density on bare silicon was 4×106 cm−2. A high nucleation density up to 109 cm−2 was found on a fullerence-enriched carbon-coated silicon substrate. Diamond film morphology variations with deposition conditions were studied.
Benefits of The Middle Eastern Food Model on Women’S Hormonal Balance

Abstract This study proposes a multi-cultural approach to post-menopausal life style by including food items from Middle-Eastern and Asian cuisines. A questionnaire was administered to 1010 women in Iran and Japan as part of Women's Cultural Wisdom Study. In these cultures, women anticipated the onset of menopause positively, had fewer reported symptoms typically associated with menopause and the symptoms were less severe. Diets included a heavy consumption of legumes (in Iran-garbanzo and in Japan-soy). These legumes have weak phytoestrogen activity and there was a correlation between the intake of phytoestrogens and isoflavonoids and the severity of post-menopausal symptoms in the women as reported by questionnaire. The study continued with supplementing American women's diet with garbanzo beans with similar results in fewer complaints and severity of complaints in post-menopausal women.
Combining models in longitudinal data analysis

Model selection uncertainty in longitudinal data analysis is often much more serious than that in simpler regression settings, which challenges the validity of drawing conclusions based on a single selected model when model selection uncertainty is high. We advocate the use of appropriate model selection diagnostics to formally assess the degree of uncertainty in variable/model selection as well as in estimating a quantity of interest. We propose a model combining method with its theoretical properties examined. Simulations and real data examples demonstrate its advantage over popular model selection methods.
Interactive behavior ofOrius insidiosus [Hem.: Anthocoridae] andSericothrips variabilis [Thys.: Thripidae]: Predator searching strategies and prey escape tactics

The searching strategies ofOrius insidiosus (Say) exposed to various densities of the soybean thrips,Sericothrips variabilis (Beach), were observed on soybean trifoliolates under laboratory conditions. The effects of prey density on the predator's searching speed and feeding time were evaluated. Predator searching speed and feeding time per soybean thrips declined with increases in prey density. The greatest number of predator-prey encounters occurred on the upper midrib of the soybean trifoliolate. Adult soybean thrips were captured in 45 and 56% of their total encounters with adult male and femaleO. insidiosus, respectively. Running was found to be the primary escape tactic used by soybean thrips in response to attack byO. insidiosus.
Prism adaptation in left-handers.

Two experiments with left-handers examined the features of prism adaptation established by previous research with right-handers. Regardless of handedness, (1) rapid adaptation occurs in exposure pointing with developing error in the opposite direction after target achievement, especially with early visual feedback in target pointing; (2) proprioceptive or visual aftereffects are larger, depending on whether visual feedback is available early or late, respectively, in target pointing; (3) the sum of these aftereffects is equal to the total aftereffect for the eye–hand coordination loop; (4) intermanual transfer of visual aftereffects occurs only for the dominant hand; and (5) visual aftereffects are larger in left space when the dominant hand is exposed to leftward displacement. A notable handedness difference is that, while transfer of proprioceptive aftereffects only occurs to the nondominant hand in right-handers, transfer occurs in both directions for left-handers, but regardless of handedness, such transfer only occurs when the exposed hand is tested first after exposure. A discussion then focuses on the implications of these data for a theory of handedness.
Winds and the occultation experiment

A spacecraft orbiting about another planet, such as Mars or Venus, may be used to obtain data about the pressure, density, and temperature fields over the planet from multiple occultations if the orbit precesses or retrogresses. Under certain conditions successive occultations will provide mean dynamic information such as wind speeds over the time and spacing intervals. It is shown that data concerning winds may be found by comparing refractivity information rather than pressure or temperature.
Late Preterm Birth, Maternal Depression, and Risk of Preschool Psychiatric Disorders.

Abstract Objective Preterm children are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), than their term-born peers. Prior research has focused primarily on children born at early gestational ages. Less is known about the rate of psychiatric disorders among late preterm or early term children. In addition, whether a history of maternal depression also associated with prematurity has an impact on the risk for psychiatric disorders remains underexplored. Method Preschoolers between ages 3 and 6 years (N = 306) were recruited for a study examining preschool depression that included healthy and disruptive preschoolers. Preschoolers were placed in the following groups: late preterm (34–36 weeks, n=39), early term (37–39 weeks, n=78), and full term (40–41 weeks, n=154). DSM-IV psychiatric disorders were assessed via the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment. Maternal history of psychiatric disorders was assessed using the Family Interview for Genetic Studies. Results Late preterm children had higher rates of any Axis I psychiatric diagnosis (odds ratio=3.18, 95% confidence interval=1.09–4.76) and of any anxiety disorder (odds ratio=3.74, 95% confidence interval=1.59–8.78) than full term children after adjusting for gender, ethnicity, family income, and IQ. There were no differences in rates of psychiatric diagnoses between early term and full term children. A history of maternal depression mediated the relationship between late preterm birth and anxiety disorders in preschoolers. Conclusions Late preterm children were at increased risk for anxiety disorders at preschool age. A history of maternal depression mediated this association. Findings confirm the extension of the risk of psychiatric disorders associated with prematurity to the late preterm group, and suggest that maternal depression may play a key role in this risk trajectory.
A functional characterization of macrophage alterations in casein-treated B6C3F1 mice

Abstract We have previously reported that subcutaneous injection of casein, a potent inducer of the immunomodulatory acute phase reactant, serum amyloid A (SAA) protein, produces a marked suppression of humoral responses that require macrophage accessory cell cooperativity in the B6C3F1 mouse. The objective of these studies was to further characterize the immunological changes produced by casein treatment. It was observed that the inhibition of the sRBC IgM AFC response which accompanies casein treatment is dose related to the amount of casein introduced subcutaneously to the mouse. These studies, as well as those previously reported by several laboratories including our own have demonstrated that spleen cells isolated from casein-treated mice also exhibit markedly suppressed humoral responses in vitro. However, casein added directly to naive spleen cell cultures at concentrations significantly higher than those which would be found in the lymphoid tissues of the intact animal have no direct inhibitory effect on the sRBC IgM AFC response, suggesting that casein alone does not exert a direct immunosuppressive effect. Kinetics of recovery studies indicate that the casein-induced immunosuppression is readily reversible. Humoral responses are fully recovered within 3 days, once subcutaneous injections of casein are terminated. In vitro measurements of IL-1 secretion following stimulation of splenic macrophages, isolated from casein treated mice, with lipopolysaccharide indicate no significant effect on the capacity of these cells to produce this cytokine. Direct addition of recombinant IL-1 or interferon-γ to spleen cell cultures isolated from casein-treated mice also was found to be incapable of reversing the inhibited IgM AFC response. Taken together, these studies strongly suggest that the accessory cell dysfunction associated with macrophages from casein-treated mice is not due to the inability of these cells to secrete IL-1 and indicate that the dysfunction cannot be reversed by IL-1 or interferon-γ. Casein treatment was also found to markedly inhibit DTH, a cell-mediated immune response requiring macrophage accessory cell function. Interestingly, the DTH responses were only affected by casein when it was administered post-sensitization with antigen (sRBC) but prior to antigen challenge. When casein was administered prior to sensitization with antigen, which is analogous to the treatment schedule that was found to suppress the sRBC antibody response, no effect was observed on DTH.
Breast enlargement observed after power liposuction: a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND After undergoing power liposuction to various body areas, a significant number of subjects reported an increase in their breast size that occurred spontaneously several months after their procedure. OBJECTIVE To establish the incidence of breast enlargement among subjects who underwent power liposuction and to identify variables that are associated with the phenomenon. METHODS A retrospective chart review and patient interview were performed from among 73 subjects who had undergone power liposuction at our center. Variables such as age, original weight, volume of aspirated fat, estrogen supplements, amount of weight loss or gain, and body areas aspirated were compared between those who experienced breast enlargement and those who did not. RESULTS Thirty-four percent of the subjects (25 of 73) reported an increase in breast size. Of this group, 32% (8 of 25) reported an increase in cup size of one or more. Variables associated with the cohort who experienced breast enlargement included larger volume of fat aspiration and liposuction in the abdomen and hip location. CONCLUSION Breast enlargement was observed in 34% of the subjects after power liposuction either in the form of a larger bra cup size or a subjective feeling of increased fullness. We hypothesize that an altered androgen to estrogen ratio after liposuction may be responsible for this change.
Subintimal Angioplasty of Chronic Total Occlusion in Iliac Arteries: A Safe and Durable Option

Background Traditionally, aortobifemoral bypass has been the intervention of choice for iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs). However, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, limiting its use in high-risk patients. To reduce procedural risk, subintimal angioplasty (SIA) for femoropopliteal CTO has been utilized by many, but few have extended this endovascular technique to treating iliac artery CTOs. We present our experience with 101 successful SIAs for iliac artery CTOs. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive patients with iliac artery CTOs treated with subintimal angioplasty from June 2000 to January 2009 was completed. Demographic and risk factor data were obtained, along with procedural data. Primary and secondary patency, survival, freedom from claudication, and limb salvage rates were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed to identify factors adversely affecting primary patency. Results One hundred twenty patients underwent an attempted SIA of an iliac artery CTO, and 101 iliac artery CTOs were successfully treated, giving a technical success rate of 84%. Technical failure was due to the inability to re-enter the lumen in all cases. Indications for intervention were lifestyle-altering claudication in 64 patients (63%) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), in 37 (37%). Eighty-five patients underwent percutaneous SIA, while 11 patients underwent a combined SIA with surgical outflow procedure. Lesions were classified as TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus (TASC) B, 39 (39%); TASC C, 27 (27%); and TASC D, 35 (35%). In 82 (81%) lesions, stents were deployed with an average of 1.2 (range, 0-3) stents utilized. A re-entry device was used in 14 (14%) lesions. Major complication rate was 3.0%, with a 30-day mortality rate of 1.0%. Primary and secondary patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 86% and 94%, 76% and 92%, and 68% and 80%, respectively. Survival rate was 67% at 5 years, reflecting the poor health of this cohort. Limb salvage for CLI patients at 1 and 5 years was 97% and 95%, respectively. Freedom from claudication at 1 and 3 years was 89% and 73%. Univariate analysis identified hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and prior surgical bypass in treated limb as factors for loss of primary patency; however, on multivariate analysis, no factors remained statistically significant. Conclusion This study demonstrates that SIA of iliac CTOs is feasible and can be performed safely and effectively, even in high-risk patients. Excellent patency and limb salvage rates can be achieved. In our experience, the safety and durability of SIA makes it an attractive first-line therapy for iliac artery occlusive disease.
Divergent roles of superoxide and nitric oxide in reduced-size liver ischemia and reperfusion injury: Implications for partial liver transplantation

Abstract Hepatic resection with concomitant periods of ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) are required to perform partial liver transplantation procedures such as split liver or living donor transplantation. Although great progress has been made using these types of surgeries, there remains substantial risk to both donors and recipients, with a significant number of patients developing liver injury and failure during the course these operations. Therefore, there is need to investigate the different mechanisms responsible for the tissue injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion of a reduced-size liver (RSL+I/R) with the ultimate objective of developing new therapeutic agents that may limit hepatocellular damage induced during partial liver transplantation. This review summarizes recent studies that have been performed in a mouse model of RSL+I/R. In addition, we present data demonstrating how the pathophysiological mechanisms identified in this model compare to those observed in a rat model of RSL transplantation.
Imprinting in Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) are caused by deficiencies of gene expression from paternal or maternal chromosome 15q11-q13, respectively. Many advances have occurred during the past year. The gene for necdin was mapped in the PWS candidate region and found to be paternally expressed in mouse and human. The bisulfite method for analysis of methylation was established for genomic sequencing and diagnostics, and the methylation of Snrpn was studied in detail in the mouse. A region near the Snrpn promoter was shown to function as a silencer in Drosophila. Point mutations were found in the gene for E6-AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (UBE3A) identifying it as the AS gene, and tissue-specific imprinting (maternal expression) was shown in the human brain and in hippocampal neurons and Purkinje cells in the mouse.
Serotonin turnover in raphe neurons transplanted into rat hippocampus.

Abstract Injections of the neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, into rostral raphe nuclei in rats reduced serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in hippocampus to 35–;50% of normal levels but only reduced 5-HT synthesis and catabolism by 20–35%. The small reduction in 5-HT metabolism as compared to depletion of 5-HT suggests that 5-HT turnover was increased in nerve terminals that survived the neurotoxin lesion. Transplantation of rat fetal raphe cells into the 5-HT-denervated hippocampus restored 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels and 5-HT synthesis to 125–150% of normal. This demonstrates that transplantation of fetal raphe tissue can restore metabolism to normal levels in the 5-HT-denervated hippocampus.
From molecular diagnostics to personalized testing.

Gene-based molecular diagnostics is changing the practice of medicine and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The major underlying principle of these diagnostic tests is the use of specific nucleic acid sequences as surrogates; amplification of the surrogate markers enables the detection of pathogens or disease-related gene mutations. Gene targets can be amplified by target-, probe- or signal-based methods. Combined use of nucleic acid amplification and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with methods such as immuno-polymerase-chain reaction allows us to detect protein at femtogram (10–15 g) levels. A variety of choices are available for the detection of amplified amplicons with the fluorophore-linked nanoparticles as the most sensitive markers. The unique advantages of using covalently-linked nanoparticles include the detection of single molecules, the ability to enrich molecules of interest with unprecedented detection sensitivity (up to zeptogram levels, 10–21 g) and the flexibility of mul...
Sensation seeking as a predictor of treatment compliance and smoking cessation treatment outcomes in heavy social drinkers

The personality trait of sensation seeking has been positively associated with risk of smoking initiation and level of tobacco use. However, its role in smoking cessation is much less established. This study examined the association between sensation seeking and smoking cessation among 236 heavy social drinkers participating in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of incorporating brief alcohol intervention into smoking cessation treatment. As hypothesized, higher sensation seeking predicted reduced odds of abstinence from smoking as well as greater alcohol use over 26 weeks of follow-up. Sensation seeking also significantly interacted with age, having a protective influence on smoking outcomes among the youngest participants and an increasingly negative effect on smoking outcomes with greater age. Compliance with nicotine replacement therapy and use of smoking cessation strategies (e.g., planning for high risk situations, thinking about the benefits of quitting, avoiding smoking situations) were negatively associated with sensation seeking and accounted for most of the main effect of sensation seeking on smoking outcomes. Findings suggest (a) that smokers high in sensation seeking may require a specific emphasis on treatment compliance and behavioral rehearsal of cessation strategies, and (b) that the significance of sensation seeking for smoking cessation may change with increasing age.
Functional Schrödinger equation approach to high-energy multiparticle scattering☆

Abstract We summarize a series of arguments, based on semi-classical techniques, for calculating fixed-angle scattering amplitudes such as T2→N in a weekly-coupled theory with coupling g2⪡1, and Ng2⩾1. These techniques are applied to the (functional) Schrodinger equation for the quartic oscillator, including the double well, and for d=4 field theories. The result is that for processes with no tunneling, T2→N has the leading behavior exp (−αN), α=O(1). (For the quartic oscillator, α= 1 2 π .) For theories with tunneling, when the energy is at the top of the barrier, we make it plausible that T 2→N ∼ exp ( 1 2 I) , where I is the zero-energy (instanton) tunneling exponent.
An analysis of postpartum contraceptive strategies— policies for preventive medicine

Abstract A need for testing the efficacy of strategies for accepting contraception following the birth of a child arises in the operation of family planning programs. Three classes of strategies may be distinguished. Firstly, there is a fixed time strategy; all women accept contraception in some fixed month τ following childbirth. Secondly, there is a postamenorrheic strategy; all women accept contraception immediately following the first postpartum menses. Thirdly, there is a mixed strategy; all women accept contraception right after their first postpartum menses or at some fixed time τ, whichever comes first. In addition to the postamenorrheic strategy, three fixed time strategies, with τ=1,6,18, and two mixed strategies, with τ=6, 18, were studied. The strategy which proved to be the most efficacious in preventing unwanted pregnancies in the numerical examples, representative of rural Bangladesh women, studied in this paper was the postamenorrheic. The results represent a reformulation and extension of the algorithms developed by Potter et al. (1979). Among other things, the results presented herein differ from those of these authors in that contraception may be reaccepted following discontinuation and attention is focused on calculating the distribution of the waiting times till conception rather than confining attention to its mean.
Oxidative stress in the pathology and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

What is oxidative stress and how is it implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? Complex molecular pathways leading to and from redox imbalance in the context of SLE, including oxidative modification of autoantigens, are reviewed in this manuscript, alongside developmental approaches that aim to tackle and/or exploit oxidative stress in the clinical management of this disease.
A protocol for the emergency treatment of acute asthma in adults.

Despite a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma (1) and an enlarging armamentarium of drugs used to treat it, acute exacerbations remain a frequent cause of visits to hospital emergency rooms. Many different therapies have been utilized to treat acute asthma and in recent years a number of investigators have studied various components of the assessment and treatment of acute attacks (2-6). Although our level of sophistication in approaching asthma has increased, no gold standard has evolved for emergency therapy. To a large degree, the personal preference of the treating physician remains the greatest determinant of therapy for acute exacerbations.
Effect of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing factor on serum testosterone and gonadotropins in prepubertal, pubertal and adult males.

ABSTRACT Following the acute intravenous injection of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LRF), plasma testosterone rises to peak levels by 4 hr and increases significantly (p = .02) in adult and pubertal males but not in prepubertal males. The mean maximal increase above basal testosterone levels ±sem in ng/100 ml was 132 ± 31 in 10 adult males, 52 ± 13 in 18 pubertal males, and 0.9 ± 2 in 8 prepubertal males. There was a positive correlation (p pubertal males > prepubertal males. We conclude that an ordered, sequential maturation of the hypothalamic → pituitary gonadotropin → gonadal axis presages the onset of puberty in man.