cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishing a process of irradiating small animal brain using a CyberKnife and a microCT scanner.

Purpose: Establish and validate a process of accurately irradiating small animals using the CyberKnife G4 System (version 8.5) with treatment plans designed to irradiate a hemisphere of a mouse brain based on microCT scanner images. Methods: These experiments consisted of four parts: (1) building a mouse phantom for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA), (2) proving usability of a microCT for treatment planning, (3) fabricating a small animal positioning system for use with the CyberKnife's image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) system, and (4)in vivo verification of targeting accuracy. A set of solid water mouse phantoms was designed and fabricated, with radiochromic films (RCF) positioned in selected planes to measure delivered doses. After down-sampling for treatment planning compatibility, a CT image set of a phantom was imported into the CyberKnife treatment planning system—MultiPlan (ver. 3.5.2). A 0.5 cm diameter sphere was contoured within the phantom to represent a hemispherical section of a mouse brain. A nude mouse was scanned in an alpha cradle using a microCT scanner (cone-beam, 157 × 149 pixels slices, 0.2 mm longitudinal slice thickness). Based on the results of our positional accuracy study, a planning treatment volume (PTV) was created. A stereotactic body mold of the mousemore » was “printed” using a 3D printer laying UV curable acrylic plastic. Printer instructions were based on exported contours of the mouse's skin. Positional reproducibility in the mold was checked by measuring ten CT scans. To verify accurate dose delivery in vivo, six mice were irradiated in the mold with a 4 mm target contour and a 2 mm PTV margin to 3 Gy and sacrificed within 20 min to avoid DNA repair. The brain was sliced and stained for analysis. Results: For the IMRT QA using a set of phantoms, the planned dose (6 Gy to the calculation point) was compared to the delivered dose measured via film and analyzed using Gamma analysis (3% and 3 mm). A passing rate of 99% was measured in areas of above 40% of the prescription dose. The final inverse treatment plan was comprised of 43 beams ranging from 5 to 12.5 mm in diameter (2.5 mm size increments are available up to 15 mm in diameter collimation). Using the Xsight Spine Tracking module, the CyberKnife system could not reliably identify and track the tiny mouse spine; however, the CyberKnife system could identify and track the fiducial markers on the 3D mold.In vivo positional accuracy analysis using the 3D mold generated a mean error of 1.41 mm ± 0.73 mm when fiducial markers were used for position tracking. Analysis of the dissected brain confirmed the ability to target the correct brain volume. Conclusions: With the use of a stereotactic body mold with fiducial markers, microCT imaging, and resolution down-sampling, the CyberKnife system can successfully perform small-animal radiotherapy studies.« less
Symmetry Properties for Positive Solutions to Some Elliptic Equations in Sector Domains with Large Amplitude

Abstract In this paper we study symmetry properties for positive solutions of semilinear elliptic equation Δu + f(u) = 0 with mixed boundary condition in a spherical sector Σ(α, R), where α, the amplitude of the sector, is between π and 2π. Under certain conditions on f(u), we prove that all positive solutions are radially symmetric about the origin. Unlike well-known results of B. Gidas et al. (1979, Comm. Math. Phys.68, 209–243) on Dirichlet problem, or early results of Berestycki and Pacella on the same problem for Σ(α, R) with an acute angle, extra conditions on f(u) are needed, as pointed out early by H. Berestycki and F. Pacella (1989, J. Funct. Anal.87, 177–211).
Limits of plasmonic enhancement of third order nonlinear optical effects

We present a rigorous theory to show that while tremendous enhancement of χ(3) can be obtained in nanoplasmonic metamaterials, the overall efficiency remains very small, making them irrelevant for photonic switching and wavelength conversion applications.
The mouse region syntenic for human spinal muscular atrophy lies within the Lgn1 critical interval and contains multiple copies of Naip exon 5

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a relatively common, autosomal recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder that maps to human chromosome 5q13. This region of the human genome has an intricate genomic structure that has complicated the evaluation of SMA candidate genes. We have chosen to study the mouse region syntenic for human SMA in the hope that the homologous mouse interval would contain the same genes as human 5q13 on a simpler genomic background. Here, we report the mapping of such a region to mouse chromosome 13 and to the critical interval for Lgn1, a mouse locus responsible for modulating the intracellular replication and pathogenicity of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. We have generated a mouse YAC contig across the Lgn1/Sma interval and have mapped the two flanking gene markers for the human SMA locus, MAP1B and CCNB1, onto this contig. In addition, we have localized the two SMA candidate genes, SMN and NAIP, to the Lgn1 critical region, making these two genes candidates for the Lgn1 phenotype. Upon subcloning of the YAC contig into P1s and BACs, we have detected a large, low copy number repeat that contains at least one copy of Naip exon 5. Identification of the Lgn1 gene will either provide a novel function for SMN or NAIP or reveal the existence of another, yet uncharacterized gene in the SMA critical region. Mutations in such a gene might help to explain some of the phenotypic variability among the human SMAs.
Numerous Classes of General Anesthetics Inhibit Etomidate Binding to γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A (GABAA) Receptors

Enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR)-mediated inhibition is a property of most general anesthetics and a candidate for a molecular mechanism of anesthesia. Intravenous anesthetics, including etomidate, propofol, barbiturates, and neuroactive steroids, as well as volatile anesthetics and long-chain alcohols, all enhance GABAAR function at anesthetic concentrations. The implied existence of a receptor site for anesthetics on the GABAAR protein was supported by identification, using photoaffinity labeling, of a binding site for etomidate within the GABAAR transmembrane domain at the β-α subunit interface; the etomidate analog [3H]azietomidate photolabeled in a pharmacologically specific manner two amino acids, α1Met-236 in the M1 helix and βMet-286 in the M3 helix (Li, G. D., Chiara, D. C., Sawyer, G. W., Husain, S. S., Olsen, R. W., and Cohen, J. B. (2006) J. Neurosci. 26, 11599–11605). Here, we use [3H]azietomidate photolabeling of bovine brain GABAARs to determine whether other structural classes of anesthetics interact with the etomidate binding site. Photolabeling was inhibited by anesthetic concentrations of propofol, barbiturates, and the volatile agent isoflurane, at low millimolar concentrations, but not by octanol or ethanol. Inhibition by barbiturates, which was pharmacologically specific and stereospecific, and by propofol was only partial, consistent with allosteric interactions, whereas isoflurane inhibition was nearly complete, apparently competitive. Protein sequencing showed that propofol inhibited to the same extent the photolabeling of α1Met-236 and βMet-286. These results indicate that several classes of general anesthetics modulate etomidate binding to the GABAAR: isoflurane binds directly to the site with millimolar affinity, whereas propofol and barbiturates inhibit binding but do not bind in a mutually exclusive manner with etomidate.
Oncogene related sequences in fungi: Linkage of some to actin

Abstract We used v- ras Ki, v- bas , Ras -1, v- mos and v- abl DNA fragments as probes to detect homologous sequences in genomic DNA from a variety of fungi. Cellular homologs were identified in most of them and the number of related fragments detected varied with the probe used. In addition, we found that some onc gene homologs were linked to actin-related sequences.
The National Park Service Health Promotion Initiative: Strengthening the Nexus Between Public Lands and Public Health

A growing body of evidence suggests that human health is linked to the health of our natural world. The US National Park Service Health Promotion Initiative, established in September 2010, seeks to raise awareness about the critical role that public lands can play in improving the health of our nation. National parks are model settings to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and mental health while also demonstrating how human health is inextricably linked with the health and well-being of all species and our environment. We describe priority focus areas and projects for this initiative, including a nutrition environment assessment in national parks.
The time until the first two order statistics of independent poisson processes differ by a certain amount

Consider kindependent Poisson processes having intensities be the ordered statistic at time t. Assuming that Xi (0) = 0, for all i= l,… k, we study the distribution of where c= 1,2, …is a specified integer. The solution for the case of c= 1 is immediate. For c≥2 and k= 2 we provide the system of integral equations, whose solution is the distribution of . Explicit solutions are given for c= 2 and c= 3. In the case of c≥ 2 and k= 3 we provide an approximation. This approximation is applied for a problem in genetics, which has been studied by Goradia and Lange 1990 and Rogatko and Zacks 1993. Numerical comparisons of our approximations with simulation results show that the approximations are generally close to the correct answer
Ostectomy for diabetic neuroarthropathy involving the midfoot.

Diabetic neuroarthropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus that results in instability of the foot, structural deformity, and soft-tissue breakdown secondary to increased plantar pressure. The midfoot is commonly involved in diabetic neuroarthropathy. Collapse of the medial, lateral, or both longitudinal arches may result in increased plantar pressures and subsequent midfoot ulceration. The majority of these wounds can be managed with local wound care, off-loading, and other forms of nonoperative care. Surgical intervention becomes necessary when the wound fails to heal with conservative measures. The authors performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent ostectomy for chronic or recurrent ulceration in the midfoot secondary to diabetic neuroarthropathy. The authors reviewed 27 procedures in 20 patients. There were 18 medial ulcers and 9 lateral ulcers. Wounds had resolved in 20 of 27 cases for 74% healing rate. The majority of failed procedures involved lateral column wounds (six of seven). Revisional surgery was required in five of the nine lateral column wounds for limb salvage. There was a statistically significant difference between the rate of complications by ulcer location (p = .00174). The rate of complications was significantly higher for lateral column ulcers. These results indicate that ostectomy is a reasonable option for medial column ulcers that fail nonoperative care. However, ostectomy for ulcers involving the lateral column is less predictable and failure often requires complex reconstructive soft tissue and osseous procedures for limb salvage.
Absence of cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies from subjects allergic to Hevea brasiliensis latex with a new source of natural rubber latex from guayule (Parthenium argentatum)

Abstract Background: Natural rubber latex sensitization is caused by proteins from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, the Brazilian rubber tree. Alternative non-cross-reactive latex rubber sources are needed for the manufacture of nonallergenic medical devices (e.g., catheters) that require elasticity, which is not currently provided by synthetic materials. Methods: We have studied the ability of IgE antibodies from subjects allergic to Hevea latex and IgG antibodies from hyperimmunized mice to detect proteins derived from guayule ( Parthenium argentatum), an alternative rubber source, using a direct binding and competitive inhibition RAST and Western blot analysis. Results: IgE antibodies from 62 subjects allergic to Hevea latex (46 adults and 16 children with spina bifida) and from serum pools of adults allergic to Hevea latex ( n = 183), pediatric patients ( n = 101), and patients with spina bifida ( n = 53), as well as IgG antibodies from hyperimmunized mice, were unable to detect any proteins in guayule by RAST or Western blot analysis. No competitive inhibition of IgE anti- Hevea binding to Hevea solid phase was detected by the preincubation of sera from subjects allergic to Hevea latex with soluble guayule latex before RAST analysis. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that proteins in guayule latex are not cross-reactive with Hevea latex allergens. Devices that require the elasticity provided by rubber may be manufactured with guayule latex as an alternative rubber source for patients with Hevea latex allergy. (J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1996;98:895-902.)
Neurological and neurobehavioral development of the mutant ‘twitcher’ mouse

The present study described the neurological and locomotor development of the mutant 'twitcher' mouse (B57BL/6J-twi), an enzymatically authentic model of globoid cell (Krabbe) leukodystrophy. Comparisons were made on a neurological developmental battery and a series of behavioral tests, including open field, rotorod, and hangtime performance. Homozygous affected (twi/twi), heterozygous carriers (+/twi) and homozygous normals (+/+) were compared. Neurological development was slowed in twi/twi with some subtler differences between +/twi and normals. Twi/twi reached all functional milestones except grasp. There was a rapid deterioration of motor indices after 20 days of age. However, most sensory markers were preserved. On hangtime, there were significant differences from normal for both twi/twi and +/twi at 15 days of age and across the 15-30 day developmental stage, with the +/twi males slightly more impaired. On the rotorod, all animals were equally unable to stay on the rod at 15 days of age and neither male nor female twi/twi showed significant development. Male +/twi lagged significantly behind male +/+. In the open field, all groups were equally inactive at 13-15 days and showed similar increases in activity, rearing, and grooming until weaning. All groups peaked immediately after weaning and declined thereafter, with twi/twi showing the lowest activity. The data were discussed in terms of the relationship between the human disease and the animal model.
Speech intelligibility estimation using multi-resolution spectral features for speakers undergoing cancer treatment

Head and neck cancer can significantly hamper speech production which often reduces speech intelligibility. A method of extracting spectral features is presented. The method uses a multi-resolution sinusoidal transform scheme, which enables better representation of spectral and harmonic characteristics. Regression methods were used to predict interval-scaled intelligibility scores of utterances in the NKI-CCRT speech corpus. The inclusion of these features lowered the mean squared estimation error from 0.43 to 0.39 on a scale from 1 to 7, with a p-value less than 0.001. For binary intelligibility classification, their inclusion resulted in an improvement by 5.0 percentage points when tested on a disjoint set.
Synthesis and Characterization of Degradable Poly(silyl ester)s.

Polymers containing labile silyl ester bonds along the backbone were synthesized via a transsilylation ester interchange reaction. The condensation of the bis(trimethylsilyl) esters of adipic acid ...
Magnetic-field-enhanced spontaneous two-photon emission of hydrogenic atoms.

Two-photon transitions for hydrogen and hydrogenlike ions in arbitrary magnetic fields are investigated using currently available nonrelativistic energy levels and one-photon dipole transition probabilities. For hydrogen, the 2s-1s two-photon spontaneous-decay rate is shown to increase rapidly with the strength of the applied field from its field-free value of 8.2284 ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ to a maximum of 1.537\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ at 1.41\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ T, approaching that of the 2p-1s one-photon rate, and to drop slightly to 1.055\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ at 4.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ T. The transition rate is shown to scale as ${\mathit{Z}}^{4}$ for hydrogenic ions with nuclear charge Z in fields \ensuremath{\ge}3300${\mathit{Z}}^{2}$ T. The spectral distribution of the photons for the 2s-1s transition in a large field reveals interesting features including resonances due to migration of the 2${\mathit{p}}_{0}$ and 2${\mathit{p}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ energy levels between the 1s and 2s levels and the appearance of minima resulting from destructive interference between the intermediate-state dipole terms. In the field-free case, these spectral features are only present for high-lying-state transitions, i.e., 3s-1s, 4s-1s, etc.
Indirect Determination of Microelectrode Geometry

Measurement of the electrical properties of living cell membranes often involves electrolyte filled glass capillary microelectrodes, the properties of which enter into the interpretation of the measurements. Since the tips of the electrodes are beyond the resolving power of the light microscope, we present here indirect methods for the determination of the tip geometry based on resistance measurements. A model consisting of a 2-parameter family of geometric shapes is selected to agree with observed resistances over a range of hydrostatic pressure heads and fluid conductivities. For a specific electrode the two defining parameters are evaluated from the resistances of the electrode when immersed successively in pools of two different conductivities.
The Electronic Admittance of a C.W. Magnetron Oscillator

ABSTRACT The space-chargo cloud of a magnetron can be represented by an ‘ electronic admittance ’ placod across the terminals of a lumped-constant, equivalent of the tube's r.f. circuit. If this electronic admittance can be measured, many otherwise-baffling performance characteristics (such as operation into a frequency-sensitive load) can bo explained. In the past, great labour was involved in making electronic-admittance measurements and the results exhibited a high degree of experimental error. This report presents a now measurement, method which is both rapid and accurate. The method is applied to the Raytheon QEv582, an X-batid, C.W., 200-watt magnetron. The measurements cover a wide range of operation. The results show that tho electronic suscoptance ( the imaginary part of the electronic admittance) is always positive ( eapacitive) It varies strongly with r.f. voltage, but is (surprisingly) nearly independent, of anode current.
Bird Assemblages in Phragmites Dominated and Non-Phragmites Habitats in Two Lake Erie Coastal Marshes

ABSTRACT: A decline in Lake Erie water levels in 2000 from historic high levels of the 1990s has facilitated a shift in coastal wetland vegetation from open-water floating-leaf plant communities to emergent communities often dominated by the invasive perennial grass, Phragmites australis. Dense, near monotypic stands of this grass may lead to the loss of native plants and reduce suitable habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds. To assess avian response to this shift in plant community structure, we conducted bird surveys (June–August, 2007) across four vegetation types in two coastal wetlands in the western basin of Lake Erie. Phragmites habitat had higher overall bird abundance but contained the lowest species diversity (H' = 0.71) of the four habitat types. Of the 35 species observed across habitat types, 4 species: (1) red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus); (2) tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor); (3) barn swallow (Hirundo rustica); and (4) bank swallow (Riparia riparia), accounted for 94% of...
Mechanism of ductile rupture in the Al/sapphire system elucidated using x-ray tomographic microscopy

The fracture of a thin metal foil constrained between alumina or sapphire blocks has been studied by a number of investigators. The systems that have been investigated include Al, Au, Nb, and Cu. Except for Al/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} interfaces, these systems exhibit a common fracture mechanism: pores form at the metal/ceramic interface several foil thicknesses ahead of the crack which, under increasing load, grow and link with the initial crack. This mechanism leaves metal o none side of the fracture surface and clean ceramic on the other. This has not been the observation in Al/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} bonds where at appropriate thicknesses of Al, the fracture appears to proceed as a ductile rupture through the metal. This paper addresses the question of why the fracture of the Al/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} system appears to be different from other systems by probing the fracture mechanism using X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM). The authors have experimentally duplicated the simplified geometry of the micromechanics models and subjected the specimens to a well defined stress state in bending. The bend tests were interrupted and XTM was performed to reveal the mechanism of crack extension.
A scientific basis for choosing the technique of hair removal used prior to wound closure

ED staff seem to have a growing realization of the risks of infection associated with shaving wounds with razors. In general, less and less shaving seems to be done, except in cases in which hair surrounding the wound will interfere with wound closure, such as wounds beneath the scalp, beard, axilla, and groin. When hair removal is desirable, emergency nurses and physicians are not always well versed in the scientific basis for the choice of one technique over another. The following overview of the literature will give an indepth, comprehensive picture of the issue.
Development of left atrial thrombus following attempted percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty

In this report, we describe two cases of attempted mitral valvuloplasty using an Inoue balloon in which left atrial thrombus was not present before transseptal puncture but developed within minutes of the puncture in one, and within 1 mo in the other, despite systemic anticoagulation. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multi-sensor data fusion for improved prediction of apple fruit firmness and soluble solids content

Several nondestructive technologies have been developed for assessing the firmness and soluble solids content (SSC) of apples. Each of these technologies has its merits and limitations in predicting the two quality parameters. With the concept of multi-sensor data fusion, different sensors would work synergistically and complementarily to improve the quality prediction of apples. In this research, four sensing systems (i.e., an acoustic sensor, a bioyield firmness tester, a miniature near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, and an online hyperspectral scattering system) were evaluated and combined for nondestructive prediction of firmness and SSC of 'Jonagold' (JG), 'Golden Delicious' (GD), and 'Delicious' (RD) apples. A total of 6,535 apples harvested in 2009 and 2010 were used for analysis. Each of the four sensors showed various degrees of ability to predict apple quality. Better predictions of the firmness and, in most cases, of the SSC were obtained using sensors fusion than using individual sensors, as measured by number of latent variables, correlation coefficient, and standard error of prediction (SEP). Results obtained from the two harvest seasons with the multi-sensor fusion approach were quite consistent, confirming the validity and robustness of the proposed approach. The SEPs for firmness measurement of JG, GD and RD using the best combination of two-sensor data were reduced by 13.3, 19.7 and 7.9% for the 2009 data and 16.0, 12.6 and 4.7% for the 2010 data; and using all four-sensor data by 21.8, 25.6 and 13.6% in 2009, and 14.9, 21.9, and 7.9% in 2010, respectively. For SSC prediction, using the two-sensor data (i.e., NIR and scattering) improved predictions for JG, GD and RD apples harvested in 2009, with their SEP values being reduced by 10.4, 6.6 and 6.8%, respectively. This research demonstrated that the fused systems provided more complete complementary information and, thus, were more powerful than individual sensors in prediction of apple quality.
Implications for intervention: categorising the quantitative mental imagery of children

Unlike a child’s observable, physical interactions with mathematical tools (e.g., physically touching blocks in order to count them), the subtle manifestations of imagery construction can be considerably more challenging to identify and act upon. Although there have been substantive examinations of mental imagery in a variety of mathematical contexts (i.e., spatial patterns, geometric rotation, etc.) there is a paucity of study regarding the nature of mathematical imagery with respect to initial counting acts. Towards that end, we conducted clinical interviews and longitudinal teaching experiments to ascertain the salient features of early quantitative mental imagery. Our findings indicate that children construct imagined units that are variably connected to the mathematical tool of the moment. Moreover, while this variability appears congruent with existing mathematical progressions, attending to nuances in children’s mental imagery provides a platform for more refined instructional design. Indeed, identification of and attention to the child’s quantitative imagery in whatever form it may take is essential to maximising mathematical experiences.
Solar radiation-induced toxicity of anthracene to Daphnia pulex

Photoinduced anthracene toxicity to Daphnia pulex was investigated. Organisms were exposed to three nominal anthracene concentrations (3.0, 9.6 and 30.0 μg L−1) in static bioassays on clear, partly cloudy and cloudy days. A “shell coating” technique was used to achieve concentrations within the aqueous solubility range of anthracene and to obviate the need for a carrier solvent. Photoinduced anthracene toxicity was not observed under laboratory lighting conditions; it occurred only in the presence of solar radiation. A dose-response relationship existed for both anthracene concentration and solar radiation intensity. Anthracene was only slightly less toxic to organisms transferred into water containing no anthracene before exposure to solar radiation. This indicates that toxicity resulted from activation by solar radiation of material present on or within the animals and not in the water. Activation appeared to be of anthracene molecules and not anthracene degradation products, since similar concentrations of anthraquinone, the primary and most stable degradation product of anthracene, were not toxic at similar solar radiation intensities. Additionally, a series of filters was used to selectively remove UV wavelengths from solar radiation to determine the photoactive wavelengths. Mylar film absorbs in the UV-B region (285 to 315 nm) of solar radiation and Corning 0-52 glass absorbs essentially the entire spectrum of UV wavelengths (285 to 380 nm). Placement of Mylar film over bioassay beakers diminished photoinduced anthracene toxicity only slightly, whereas Corning 0-52 glass reduced toxicity proportionate to the reduction in UV intensity. Thus, wavelengths in the UV-A region (315 to 380) are primarily responsible for photoinduced anthracene toxicity.
Combined effects of sleep disordered breathing and metabolic syndrome on endothelial function: the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the combined impact of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in endothelial dysfunction. DESIGN Cross-sectional assessment of endothelial function, MetS and SDB status in a population-based sample. SETTING Community-based cohort. PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 431) from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort were studied between 2004 and 2007. MetS was defined following the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. SDB severity was defined by the apnea-hypopnea index ([AHI] events/h of sleep) during overnight polysomnography. Fasting lipids, glucose, and insulin were measured and homeostasis model assessment was calculated to quantify insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess associations of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) with SDB, MetS, and their interaction. INTERVENTION None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Participants averaged 60.2 years of age (SD 7.8 years), 44% were female, and 97% Caucasian. MetS was present in 35%; 22% had AHI ≥ 15 events/hour. Of the no-MetS group, 7% had AHI ≥ 15 events/hour. FMD (mean 5.5%; SD 3.5%) was inversely associated with age (r = -0.16, P = 0.001) and mean brachial artery diameter (r = -0.29, P < 0.001). Multivariate linear models adjusted for CVD risk factors showed that the negative association between SDB and FMD was present among subjects with MetS (β FMD(per unit log2(AHI+1)) = -0.55%, P = 0.014), but not among subjects with normal metabolic function (β = 0.13, not significant), P for interaction = 0.011. CONCLUSION Sleep disordered breathing and concurrent metabolic syndrome are synergistically associated with worse endothelial function. Individuals with both of these conditions appear to be at a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease complications.
DNA image cytometric analysis of macroregenerative nodules (adenomatous hyperplasia) of the liver: Evidence in support of their preneoplastic nature

Twenty-eight macroregenerative nodules from 14 cirrhotic patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation were evaluated for DNA ploidy by means of image analysis of Feulgen-stained tissue sections. The lesions were classified as type 1 (16 cases) or type 2 (12 cases) on the basis of the absence or presence of cellular or architectural atypia in the nodules. The surrounding cirrhotic nodules were evaluated for liver cell dysplasia. Aneuploid peaks were significantly more frequent in type 2 macroregenerative nodules (58.3%) than in the cirrhotic regenerative nodules (7.1%) (p < 0.007). In addition, aneuploid peaks occurred with increased frequency in type 2 nodules (58.3%) than in type 1 macroregenerative nodules (6.2%) (p < 0.02). Only two aneuploid peaks (14.2%) were found in dysplastic cirrhotic livers. The nuclear area of aneuploid hepatocytes (71.6 microns 2 +/- 10.1%, mean +/- S.D.) differed significantly from that of diploid liver cells (45.4 microns 2 +/- 6.5%) (p < 0.0001). Tetraploid peaks occurred in three type 2 lesions (25%); they were also found in one type 1 macroregenerative nodule (6.2%), one cirrhotic liver without dysplasia (7.1%) and three cirrhotic livers with dysplasia (21.4%). These findings support the notion that macroregenerative type 2 nodules are directly implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis and that their presence should be sought as an indicator of malignant potential in cirrhotic livers.
Liquid secondary ion mass spectra of 2‐iminothiolane derivatives

The derivatization reaction of 2-iminothiolane with several small peptides has been studied using liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry. The 2-iminothiolane reagent reacts with side-chain amino groups and with N-terminal amines in peptides. Addition of 2-iminothiolane introduces a free sulfhydryl group and an immonium group into the peptide. The signal intensity for the derivative of a small peptide is approximately the same as that of the [M + H]+ ion of the same underivatized peptide from a glycerol solution. The pattern of dissociation observed in the product ion MS/MS spectrum is altered to reflect the derivative. The sulfhydryl group introduced via 2-iminothiolane reaction further allows for the incorporation of maleimide fluorophores into the peptide for sensitive detection by ultraviolet/visible absorption or fluorescence. This work also reports a previously unrecognized recyclization side-reaction that involves loss of the immonium group during the derivatization reaction.
Dominant lethal mutations induced in mouse spermatogonia by antineoplastic drugs

Male mice were treated with nitrogen mustard (2.25 mg/kg), procarbazine (100 mg/kg) or vincristine (0.67 mg/kg). 5 weeks later they were mated to untreated females and the dominant lethal mutant rate was determined in the offspring by an in vitro analysis. Nitrogen mustard and procarbazine induced dominant lethal mutations to significant levels. Mutations were expressed, throughout early development, especially as a failure to form a trophectoderm outgrowth and to differentiate and proliferate an inner cell mass. Variations in the dominant lethal mutant rate were found from one week to the next, suggesting that differentiated and stem cell spermatogonia have differential sensitivity to mutation induction and cell killing by each drug.
Pulse Pressure and Adverse Outcomes in Women: A Report From the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE)

Multiple reports have suggested that brachial pulse pressure (PP) is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in general populations.1–4 However, studies evaluating the relative contributions of PP, as compared to other blood pressure (BP) components, are limited and results are inconsistent. The Framingham Heart Study, a geographic cohort, has revealed an incremental contribution of PP to risk for both coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure,5,6 but this finding was not reproduced in a similar large, healthy cohort from Chicago.7 Some others have reported results consistent with the Framingham data, in elderly patients.8,9 Several reports in hypertensive patients have suggested that PP may be the strongest predictor of myocardial infarction (MI) among the BP components.10,11 Data on female populations, however, are scant. A recent report from the Estrogen Replacement in Atherosclerosis trial of postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease found that PP was a better predictor of angiographic progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) than systolic (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP).12 Sousa et al. also recently reported increased CAD severity in women with increased central PP at the time of cardiac catheterization for unstable angina.13 Neither of these studies, however, provided information with regard to clinical outcomes. There is an increasing recognition of gender differences in the presentation of, and outcomes associated with CV disease. The Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) cohort, consisting of women undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD and myocardial ischemia, represents an ideal population in which to extend our knowledge in this area. We, therefore, investigated the relative contributions of baseline conditions and brachial BP components (systolic, mean, diastolic, and pulse) to risk of major adverse CV outcomes in WISE participants.
Evidence That Transcription Factor IIB Is Required for a Post-assembly Step in Transcription Initiation

Mutation of glutamate 62 to lysine in yeast transcription factor (TF) IIB (Sua7) causes a cold-sensitive phenotype. This mutant also leads to preferential transcription of downstream start sites on some promoters in vivo. To explore the molecular nature of these phenotypes, the TFIIB E62K mutant was characterized in vitro. The mutant interacts with TATA-binding protein normally. In three different assays, the mutant can also interact with RNA polymerase II and recruit it and the other basal transcription factors to a promoter. Despite the ability to assemble a transcription complex, the TFIIB E62K protein is severely defective in transcription in vitro. Therefore, the role of TFIIB must be more than simply bridging TATA-binding protein and polymerase at the promoter. We propose that the region around Glu-62 in yeast TFIIB plays a role in start site selection, perhaps mediating a conformational change in the polymerase or the DNA during the search for initiation sites. This step may be related to the yeast-specific spacing between TATA elements and start sites since mutations of the corresponding glutamate in mammalian TFIIB do not produce a similar effect.
Role of stress voltage on structural degradation of GaN high-electron-mobility transistors

In GaN high-electron-mobility transistors, electrical degradation due to high-voltage stress is characterized by a critical voltage at which irreversible degradation starts to take place. Separately, cross-sectional TEM analysis has revealed significant crystallographic damage for severely degraded devices. Furthermore, a close correlation between the degree of drain current degradation and material degradation has been reported. However, the role of the critical voltage in physical degradation has not been explored. In this work, we investigate the connection between electrical degradation that occurs around and beyond the critical voltage and the formation of crystallographic defects through detailed electrical and TEM analysis, respectively. We find that a groove in the GaN cap starts to be generated around the critical voltage. At higher voltages, a pit develops that penetrates into the AlGaN barrier. The size of the pit increases with stress voltage. We also observe a good correlation between electrical and material degradation.
Changes in histology and fibrogenic cytokines in irradiated colorectum of two murine strains

Abstract Purpose: A strain difference in the development of radiation-induced fibrosis of the colorectum was recently observed. C57B1/6 mice developed colorectal obstruction with significantly higher incidence compared to C3Hf/Kam mice after partial volume irradiation with 30 Gy. Previous reports have demonstrated differences in cytokine mRNA levels in fibrosis-prone and -resistant mice after lung irradiation. The aims of this study are to determine if there are strain differences in: 1) the histology of the lesion, 2) mRNA levels for transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) isoforms and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and 3) immunohistochemical staining patterns using antibodies against the TGFβ isoforms and latency-associated peptide (LAP). Methods and Materials: The colorectum of male C3Hf/Kam (C3H) and C57Bl/6 (B6) mice were irradiated using a dose/length combination (30 Gy to 13.7 mm) that resulted in 10 or 100% incidence of obstruction by 6 months in each strain, respectively. Colorectal tissue was removed from 6 hours to 120 days after irradiation as well as from obstructed mice and prepared for histology, RNase protection assay, and immunofluorescence. Results: Distinct differences in the histological phenotype for the two strains were observed at times preceding obstruction. Samples from B6 mice showed increased hyperplastic crypts, colitis cystica profunda, and fibrosis within the lamina propria, compared to identically treated C3H mice. Fibrosis in the lamina propria of B6 mice appeared early, beginning at 75 days after irradiation, and was progressive, whereas fibrosis in C3H mice appeared simultaneous with obstruction and may have been a reaction to ulceration. No consistent strain difference in mRNA levels for TGFβ1, 2, 3 or TNFα were observed, although mRNA levels of TGFβ1 and TNFα were significantly elevated in both strains relative to nonirradiated controls. Immunofluorescent staining for TGFβ1, 3 and LAP was observed in hyperplastic crypts and colitis cystica profunda adjacent to regions of fibrosis, histological changes that were present predominately in the B6 strain. Conclusions: The response of the colorectum to irradiation involves changes in the expression of several different cytokines. However, the lack of a consistent strain difference in TGFβ1, 2, 3 and TNFα mRNA levels, despite strain differences in both the incidence of colorectal obstruction and histological features preceding obstruction, suggests that mRNA changes in these fibrogenic cytokines are not the critical determinant of the strain difference and are not related to the process of radiation-induced colorectal fibrosis in these mouse strains. Strain-dependent differences were observed in the localization of active TGFβ, but these differences were related to the histological changes specifically found in the irradiated colon of the B6 strain.
Properties and regulation of the thyrotropin receptor in the FRTL5 rat thyroid cell line.

Despite extensive use of FRTL5 cells in studies of responses to TSH and anti-TSH receptor antibodies, almost nothing is known of the properties of their TSH receptors, possibly because binding of TSH by these cells is negligible when studied in their usual culture medium. In the present studies, we have demonstrated that specific binding of TSH can readily be demonstrated in confluent monolayers of FRTL5 cells if their culture medium is replaced by Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) buffer. In keeping with previous observations concerning the effects of cations on the binding of TSH in other thyroid systems, binding of TSH to FRTL5 was far greater when the medium used was a modified KRB in which an isosmotic substitution of sucrose for NaCl had been made. Kinetic studies of TSH binding in both types of medium suggested the presence of two binding sites, one with a higher affinity and lower maximum binding capacity than the other. The influence of NaCl was to decrease the capacity of both sites, that of the lo...
Linking Motor Learning to Function Approximation: Learning in an Unlearnable Force Field

Reaching movements require the brain to generate motor commands that rely on an internal model of the task's dynamics. Here we consider the errors that subjects make early in their reaching trajectories to various targets as they learn an internal model. Using a framework from function approximation, we argue that the sequence of errors should reflect the process of gradient descent. If so, then the sequence of errors should obey hidden state transitions of a simple dynamical system. Fitting the system to human data, we find a surprisingly good fit accounting for 98% of the variance. This allows us to draw tentative conclusions about the basis elements used by the brain in transforming sensory space to motor commands. To test the robustness of the results, we estimate the shape of the basis elements under two conditions: in a traditional learning paradigm with a consistent force field, and in a random sequence of force fields where learning is not possible. Remarkably, we find that the basis remains invariant.
Glucosamine inhibits angiotensin II-induced cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevation in neonatal cardiomyocytes via protein-associated O-linked N-acetylglucosamine.

We previously reported that glucosamine and hyperglycemia attenuate the response of cardiomyocytes to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-generating agonists such as ANG II. This appears to be related to ...
Ability of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory to detect response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis

Objective—To determine whether the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) can detect changes in dogs with osteoarthritis treated with an NSAID or a placebo. Design—Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Animals—70 dogs with osteoarthritis. Procedures—Owners completed the CBPI on day 0. Dogs received carprofen or a placebo on days 1 through 14. Owners completed the CBPI again on day 14. Pain severity and pain interference scores from the CBPI were calculated, and the change from day 0 to day 14 was assessed within each group and between groups. Results—No significant differences were detected in median scores for pain severity (3.50 and 3.25 on days 0 and 14, respectively) and pain interference (3.92 and 3.25 on days 0 and 14, respectively) in dogs receiving the placebo. Dogs receiving carprofen had significant changes in median scores for pain severity (4.25 to 2.25 on days 0 and 14, respectively) and pain interference (4.33 to 2.67 on days 0 and 14, respectively). There was a significan...
Studies of the formation and utilization of bound CoA in glyceride biosynthesis

Abstract 1. 1. The formation of protein-bound CoA by the utilization of palmityl-CoA or palmitic acid activation for triglyceride biosynthesis has been demonstrated. The bound coenzyme is also formed enzymatically in the presence of ATP, Mg 2+ and CoA. 2. 2. When bound CoA was assayed for the presence of CoA by the citratecleavage enzyme or phosphate acetyltransferase, no CoA was detected. However, the requirement of CoA in the activation of fatty acids can be replaced by bound CoA. Both 2-monopalmitin and l -α-glycerophosphate serve as acyl acceptors in this sytem. 3. 3. Bound CoA acts catalytically. The fatty acid transfer reaction occurs in the presence of palmitic acid and ATP or palmityl-adenylate. 4. 4. Bound CoA is stable to heat inactivation and partially stable to trichloroacetic acid precipitation. The activity of bound CoA is destroyed enzymatically. However, the addition of ATP prevents this loss of activity. 5. 5. The formation and utilization of bound CoA is not affected by the prior treatment with certain sulphydryl reagents. However, the presence of N -ethylmaleimide during the acyl transfer completely inhibits this reaction.
Isospin quartic term in the kinetic energy of neutron-rich nucleonic matter

The energy of a free gas of neutrons and protons is well known to be approximately isospin parabolic with a negligibly small quartic term of only $0.45$ MeV at the saturation density of nuclear matter ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}=0.16\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Using an isospin-dependent single-nucleon momentum distribution including a high (low) momentum tail (depletion) with its shape parameters constrained by recent high-energy electron scattering and medium-energy nuclear photodisintegration experiments as well as the state-of-the-art calculations of the deuteron wave function and the equation of state of pure neutron matter near the unitary limit within several modern microscopic many-body theories, we show for the first time that the kinetic energy of interacting nucleons in neutron-rich nucleonic matter has a significant quartic term of $7.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.52$ MeV. Such a large quartic term has broad ramifications in determining the equation of state of neutron-rich nucleonic matter using observables of nuclear reactions and neutron stars.
Inadequate prenatal care and risk of preterm delivery among adolescents: a retrospective study over 10 years.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether inadequate prenatal care is associated with increased risk of preterm birth among adolescents. Study Design We selected a random sample of women under age 20 years with singleton pregnancies delivering in Washington State between 1995 and 2006. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between prenatal care adequacy (percent of expected visits attended, adjusted for gestational age) and preterm birth. Results Of 30,000 subjects, 27,107 (90%) had complete data. Women without prenatal care had more than 7-fold higher risk of preterm birth (n = 84 [24.1%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.4), compared with those attending 75-100% of recommended visits (n = 346 [3.9%]). Women with less than 25%, 25-49%, or 50-74% of expected prenatal visits were at significantly increased risk of preterm birth; risk decreased linearly as prenatal care increased (n = 60 [9.5%], 132 (5.9%], 288 [5%]; and aOR, 2.5, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively). Conclusion Inadequate prenatal care is strongly associated with preterm birth among adolescents.