cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The regulatory gene, hXBP-1, and its target, HLA-DRA, utilize both common and distinct regulatory elements and protein complexes

hXBP-1 is a transcription factor of the leucine zipper (b-zip) family important in the expression of the class II major histocompatibility complex gene, DRA. Studies with mouse-human hybrids have mapped hXBP-1 hybridizing fragments to human chromosomes 5 and 22 and the frequent detection of two mRNA transcripts suggested that hXBP-1 may be a member of a small gene family. To analyze the structure and regulation of hXBP-1 further, cosmid clones from both chromosomes were isolated. Mapping and sequence analyses reveal that chromosome 22 contains the functional hXBP-1 gene while chromosome 5 contains a processed pseudogene. hXBP-1 promoter analysis has revealed that cis-active elements within the 5'-untranslated region of hXBP-1 are essential for full promoter activity. One such element, hX2, is identical to the hXBP-1 target sequence in the DRA promoter. Mutagenesis of the hX2 site substantially decreases promoter activity. This element interacts with four distinct protein complexes in mature B cells and cross-competition experiments show that two of these complexes (complex 1 and complex 4) also interact with the hXBP-1 target sequence (X2) from the DRA promoter. The similarities of the hXBP-1 promoter and of the DRA promoter (the gene that the hXBP-1 protein regulates) are further emphasized by the fact that a Y box element is located 3' of both hX2 and X2.
Proceedings of the 2006 workshop on Memory system performance and correctness

We are pleased to present the proceedings of the 2006 Workshop on Memory Systems Performance and Correctness (MSPC 2006). MSPC focuses on improving the memory system performance and correctness of general-purpose programs. MSPC continues the successful series of Memory Systems Performance workshops held in 2002 (Berlin), 2004 (Washington, DC), and 2005 (Chicago). This year, the steering committee decided to add a correctness aspect to the workshop. This multi-disciplinary workshop fosters collaboration among researchers in a range of fields including compilers, memory management, programming languages, architecture, operating systems, performance evaluation, and database systems.MSPC 2006 solicited papers on all aspects of memory system performance and correctness. We received twenty-seven submissions. Each paper received three reviews from the program committee. The program committee met on September 5 via teleconference and selected the eleven papers in these proceedings. The final program contains papers covering a broad range of topics, including traditional topics such as cache design and garbage collection, as well as new topics such as memory models for transactional memory and memory management techniques for improving reliability. In addition to the papers, we are fortunate to include a keynote talk from David Wood on the memory systems challenges of multi-core processors.
Crystallization and properties of p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase from Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract 1. The inducible p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase of Pseudomonas putida which catalyzes the hydroxylation of p-hydroxybenzoate to protocatechuate has been obtained in crystalline form as a protein homogeneous upon ultracentrifugation and electrophoresis. The molecular weight is estimated to be 83,600. 2. The enzyme contains approximately 1 mole of flavin adenine dinucleotide per mole of protein. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, but not reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, serves as the hydrogen donor. 3. The enzyme is highly specific for p-hydroxybenzoate. Only four other aromatic compounds could be attacked at rates of less than 5% of the rate with p-hydroxybenzoate in all cases. 4. Under anaerobic conditions, the enzyme can catalyze the reduction of FAD by NADPH. This reaction requires the presence of the aromatic substrate to proceed at a significant rate. 5. The absorption spectrum of the enzyme in the visible region is slightly modified by the presence of the aromatic substrate.
Positive and negative regulation of telomerase access to the telomere

The protective caps on chromosome ends - known as telomeres - consist of DNA and associated proteins that are essential for chromosome integrity. A fundamental part of ensuring proper telomere function is maintaining adequate length of the telomeric DNA tract. Telomeric repeat sequences are synthesized by the telomerase reverse transcriptase, and, as such, telomerase is a central player in the maintenance of steady-state telomere length. Evidence from both yeast and mammals suggests that telomere-associated proteins positively or negatively control access of telomerase to the chromosome terminus. In yeast, positive regulation of telomerase access appears to be achieved through recruitment of the enzyme by the end-binding protein Cdc13p. In contrast, duplex-DNA-binding proteins assembled along the telomeric tract exert a feedback system that negatively modulates telomere length by limiting the action of telomerase. In mammalian cells, and perhaps also in yeast, binding of these proteins probably promotes a higher-order structure that renders the telomere inaccessible to the telomerase enzyme.
Education and personalized genomics: deciphering the public's genetic health report.

Where do members of the public turn to understand what genetic tests mean in terms of their own health? Now that genome-wide association studies and complete genome sequencing are widely available, the importance of education in personalized genomics cannot be overstated. Although some media have introduced the concept of genetic testing to better understand health and disease, the public’s understanding of the scope and impact of genetic variation has not kept up with the pace of the science or technology. Unfortunately, the likely sources to which the public turn to for guidance – their physician and the media – are often no better prepared. We examine several venues for information, including print and online guides for both lay and health-oriented audiences, and summarize selected resources in multiple formats. We also note on the roadblocks to progress and discuss ways to remove them, as urgent action is needed to connect people with their genomes in a meaningful way.
Fosphenytoin reduces hippocampal neuronal damage in rat following transient global ischemia.

Fosphenytoin, a water-soluble disodium phosphate ester of phenytoin, is a phenytoin prodrug with similar anticonvulsant properties. In this study, we evaluated its neuroprotective properties in a cardiac arrest-induced global ischemia model. After 12 minute ischemia, Long-Evans hooded rats were resuscitated, given fosphenytoin (30 mg/kg, i.m.) or saline 5 minutes after the ischemic episode, and killed on day 7. Brains were removed, fixed, and vibratome sectioned to assess the numbers of normal appearing CAI pyramidal neurons and for immunohistological staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). After global ischemia, the number of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons decreased significantly (from 14.33±1.73 to 2.19±0.16 per 100 μm2). Most hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons showed signs of injury and GFAP immunoreactivity of the region increased. With fosphenytoin treatment 5 min after ischemia, hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons remained at near control level (13.90±0.92), however, GFAP staining was not significantly changed. Our data, although indicating different neuronal and glial responses following fosphenytoin treatment, nevertheless, suggest that fosphenytoin is an effective neuroprotectant against ischemia-induced damage.
Segmented filamentous bacteria take the stage

Commensal bacteria are crucial for maturation and function of the mucosal immune system. However, the mechanisms of these interactions are poorly understood. In addition, the role of the composition of the microbiota and the importance of individual species in this community in stimulating different types of immunity are major unanswered questions. We recently showed that the balance between two major effector T cell populations in the intestine, IL-17+ Th17 cells and Foxp3+ Tregs, requires signals from commensal bacteria and is dependent on the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Comparison of microbiota from Th17 cell-deficient and Th17 cell-sufficient mice identified segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) as capable of specifically inducing Th17 cells in the gut. SFB represent the first example of a commensal species that can skew the mucosal effector T cell balance and thus affect the immune fitness of the individual.
Tensile behavior of 40 nm Cu/Nb nanoscale multilayers

Until recently, mechanical testing of nanoscale multilayers has largely involved nanoindentation, and few studies have carried out tensile testing of freestanding samples. In this study, freestanding Cu/Nb multilayers with equal individual layer thickness of 40 nm are tested in tension. The material exhibits a flow stress of 1.55 GPa and elongation to failure of 3.4%, in agreement with the strength ascertained by nanoindentation. Fracture surface analysis reveals evidence of ductile fracture, with little necking occurring prior to failure.
Adrenal adenomas in a patient with Gardner's syndrome

Gardner's syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by multiple colorectal polyposis, associated with various soft- and hard-tissue tumors. The occurrence of adrenal adenomas in patients with the syndrome has not been fully appreciated. The following is a report of a member of the original Utah kindred #109, first described in the early 1950's who was found at autopsy to have bilateral adrenal adenomas. A review of the literature resulted in the identification of six cases with adrenal adenomas and one with a primary adrenal carcinoma. The association with the syndrome of these adrenal tumors, as well as other endocrine tumors, especially thyroid tumors, is discussed.
Caring for Alcoholic Patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Nursing care of the alcoholic patient becomes multifaceted and complex with the presence of a psychiatric-mental health disorder. Although issues surrounding dual-diagnosis patients have been addressed in the literature, there is a paucity of research and theory regarding care of the patient who has both alcoholism and dissociative identity disorder. This article presents a synthesis of the nursing literature with the author's experience to elucidate factors that enhance healing. Nursing interventions that are unique and sensitive for the alcoholic patient with dissociative identity disorder are discussed.
Diamagnetic susceptibility of superionic conductors CuI and AgI

Abstract Measurements of the diamagnetic susceptibility χ of the superionic conductors CuI and AgI are reported from room temperature to above the melting point. The pronounced increase of χ with temperature in the disordered α-phases is shown to be caused by a decrease in the interband matrix element in the Van Vleck paramagnetic contribution to χ. This result is compared with the enhanced diamagnetism in other amorphous semiconductors.
Angular dependence of polarizing beam-splitter cubes

The field-of-view dependence of polarizing beam-splitter cubes has been studied to characterize their behavior in imaging systems such as optical computers and optical correlators and in other applications that involve noncollimated light. Significant polarization aberration is present in polarizing beamsplitter cubes for two reasons: (1) the s- and p-component orientations, which define the polarizing axes, at the beam-splitting interface vary with the direction of propagation, and (2) the performance of the coating is a function of the angle of incidence. We describe the polarization aberration of a polarizing beam-splitter cube in terms of its diattenuation (polarizing efficiency). We use an imaging polarimeter to measure six figures of merit for three polarizing beam-splitter cubes demonstrating typical polarization aberrations. Finally, we derive the Mueller matrix for a polarizing beam-splitter cube in terms of the s and p transmittance and reflectance and the phase retardances, the parameters generally calculated with thin-film analysis programs.
Psychometric properties of the eating disorder examination-questionnaire: factor structure and internal consistency.

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the factor structure and the internal consistency of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Method: The EDE-Q was administered to 203 women with bulimic symptoms, who were recruited from five Midwestern communities. Results: Acceptable levels of internal consistency were observed for the EDE-Q total score (α = .90) and subscales: Restraint (α = .70), Eating Concern (α = 0.73), Shape Concern (α = 0.83) and Weight Concern (α = 0.72). Exploratory factor loadings using Principal Axis Analysis supported the Eating Concern and Restraint subscales. Most of the Shape Concern and Weight Concern items loaded on one factor, with the exception of the items focusing on the importance of weight and shape in self-evaluation and preoccupation with shape and weight. Conclusion: The results of this study provide support for the internal consistency of the EDE-Q and indicate a need for further examination of the factor structure of this instrument. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Failed mitral valve repair caused by polypropylene suture

A 65-year-old man with degenerative mitral valve disease had mitral valve repair consisting of posterior leaflet resection and leaflet repair with polypropylene suture and annuloplasty. Six years later, he presented with recurrent mitral regurgitation. The cut tail of a polypropylene suture used at the initial repair had eroded the free edge of the anterior leaflet and its chordae. Chordal transfer was used to re-repair the valve. Soft, braided suture is preferred for leaflet approximation at mitral valve repair; if polypropylene suture is used, suture tails and knots should be positioned such that they do not come into contact with leaflet tissue.
The regulatory and catalytic subunits of rat liver cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases respond differently to thyroparathyroidectomy and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The regulatory subunits of cytoplasmic and nuclear cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases increased, while the holoenzyme activities fell in the livers of thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats. 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reversed this TPTX-induced decline in holoenzyme activities. TPTX also prevented the increase in holoenzyme activities, but not the increase in the concentration of regulatory subunits that normally occurs in partially hepatectomized animals. An injection of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 into these TPTX animals, at the time of partial hepatectomy restored the increases in holoenzyme activities, without affecting the changes in regulatory subunits. Thus, the synthesis of regulatory and catalytic subunits can be uncoupled by TPTX and 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 appears to selectively control the activity of C subunits.
Computational Chemistry in the Undergraduate Laboratory: A Mechanistic Study of the Wittig Reaction

The Wittig reaction is one of the most useful reactions in organic chemistry. Despite its prominence early in the organic chemistry curriculum, the exact mechanism of this reaction is still under debate, and this controversy is often neglected in the classroom. Introducing a simple computational study of the Wittig reaction illustrates the mechanistic uncertainty in this reaction and also demonstrates the use of computational methods in chemistry. This exercise is designed to be used with the Hyperchem software package, but can easily be adapted to other applications, both commercial and freeware. Learning outcomes focus on specific details of the Wittig reaction, the uncertainty of reaction mechanisms in general, and thermodynamic aspects of reactions.
Coping with transition: neonatal nurse practitioner education for the 21st century.

As neonatal intensive care nurses face downsizing and/or cross-training, new opportunities are emerging for advanced practice nurses in follow-up care of neonatal intensive care unit graduates, case management, quality improvement, and community hospital care. This article identifies current issues in neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) education as the model has shifted from hospital-based, certificate programs to graduate degree programs offered by colleges/universities of nursing. Opportunities for increasing NNP role flexibility and recommendations for bridging the transition to a 21st century education model for neonatal advanced practice nurses are also discussed. Despite the turmoil of change and uncertainly, the future for neonatal advanced practice nurses is positive. Successful nurses will master the skills of adaptability, flexibility, self-directed learning, leadership, and the provision of relationship centered care. Neonatal nursing educators must constantly monitor clinical practice and re-evaluate the curriculum to ensure the necessary knowledge and skills for successful practice can be achieved from the educational program. It is critical that faculty are cognizant of emerging trends and changing roles in the practice area. Additional learning opportunities may be required for graduates to successfully move into the next century.
Potential role of ammoniagenesis in the hypocalciuric effect of phosphorus in rats.

Hypocalciuria associated with a high phosphorus intake is known to be both a parathyroid hormone and non-parathyroid hormone dependent event. The present study was designed to define the role that ammoniagenesis may play in the non-parathyroid hormone dependent pathway.Male rats, initially weighing 160 g, were fed a purified diet containing, in g/kg diet, a single level of protein (200) and variable inorganic phosphorus (1.8, 4.5, 9.0) for 20 days.Food intake and body weight were similar for the three groups. Significant inverse correlations were found for both urinary calcium and phosphorus and for urinary ammonia nitrogen and calcium excretion (r = −0.62, p < 0.01). Urinary ammonia nitrogen excretion was highly correlated with both phosphorus intake (r = 0.89, p < 0.001) and urinary phosphorus (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). Urinary urea nitrogen tended to vary inversely with phosphorus intake. High dietary phosphorus decreased the activity of glutamine synthetase and increased the activity of glutaminase I in k...
Advanced 'green' composites

Fully biodegradable high strength composites or 'advanced green composites' were fabricated using yearly renewable soy protein based resins and high strength liquid crystalline cellulose fibers. For comparison, E-glass and aramid (Kevlar®) fiber reinforced composites were also prepared using the same modified soy protein resins. The modification of soy protein included forming an interpenetrating network-like (IPN-like) resin with mechanical properties comparable to commonly used epoxy resins. The IPN-like soy protein based resin was further reinforced using nano-clay and microfibrillated cellulose. Fiber/resin interfacial shear strength was characterized using microbond method. Tensile and flexural properties of the composites were characterized as per ASTM standards. A comparison of the tensile and flexural properties of the high strength composites made using the three fibers is presented. The results suggest that these green composites have excellent mechanical properties and can be considered for use...
Differential effects of p-chlorophenylalanine on indoleamines in brainstem nuclei and spinal cord of rats. I. Biochemical and behavioral analysis.

The involvement of endogenous serotonergic pathways in the mediation of antinociception has been indicated by electrophysiological, pharmacological and behavioral experiments. However, manipulation of the indole pathway, either by lesioning of raphe nuclei or drug intervention, often produces disparate results. In particular, serotonin (5-HT) synthesis inhibition withp-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) has been reported to produce either hyperalgesia or analgesia, depending upon the type of pain measurement examined. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the effects of PCPA on (1) behavioral responses to noxious stimulation, and (2) levels of serotonin, tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in raphe nuclei (pallidus, obscurus, magnus and dorsalis) and spinal cord regions by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Treatment of rats with 400 or 600 mg/kg of PCPA for 3 consecutive days resulted in significant elevations in pain thresholds assessed by tail withdrawal from radiant heat as well as vocalization to electric shock of the tail. The effect of PCPA on vocalization threshold was particularly striking, for the majority of animals showed a nociceptive-specific attenuation of this response. Although the PCPA induced changes in indole content of the various raphe nuclei were not unequivocally dose-dependent, differential reductions of serotonin and 5-HIAA were clearly detected in the various raphe regions. Nuclei raphe pallidus and obscurus were depleted of 5-HT and 5-HIAA to the greatest extent, whereas levels detected in nuclei raphe magnus and dorsalis were reduced by 30–40% from control values. Metabolism of 5-HT and 5-HIAA appeared unaffected by PCPA in all regions examined except the dorsal portion of the spinal cord. These findings collectively suggest that the effects of PCPA are not uniform throughout the central nervous system and raise the possibility that discrepancies in the behavior literature may be attributed to drug-induced changes in some, but not all serotonergic pathways.
Viral Determinants of FeLV Infection and Pathogenesis: Lessons Learned from Analysis of a Natural Cohort

Detailed analysis has been performed over many years of a geographic and temporal cohort of cats naturally infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Molecular analysis of FeLV present in the diseased tissues and application of those viruses to experimental systems has revealed unique isolates with distinctive disease potential, previously uncharacterized virus-receptor interactions, information about the role of recombinant viruses in disease induction, and novel viral and cellular oncogenes implicated in pathogenesis, among other findings. The studies have contributed to an understanding of the selective forces that lead to predominance of distinctive FeLV isolates and disease outcomes in a natural population.
Laser-induced damage in step-index multimode fibers

ABSTRACT Studies of laser-induced damage mechanisms in step-index, multimode fibers are motivated by applications requiring thetransmission of very high optical powers. In our previous investigations, the output of a compact, multimode, Q-switchedNd/YAG laser was focused with a simple lens into fiber samples having cores of pure fused silica. Each fiber sample was subjected to a test sequence of increasing energy densities until damage occurred or until a maximum transmission of 80J/cm2 was reached. The primary fiber characteristic examined was end-face surface properties, as governed by differentmechanical polishing procedures and by several schedules for C02-laser polishing. However, damage was frequentlyobserved to occur at sites other than the fiber end faces. Locations having high static stresses due to fixturing or to bends introduced in the fiber samples showed a preferential tendency to damage. Another persistent damage site was within thefirst few hundred fiber diameters from the entrance face. The corresponding damage mechanism is apparently related to thegeometry of laser injection into the fiber entrance face and to the laser mode structure, and was found to dominate test resultsfor certain mode structures.In the present study, fiber damage experiments were conducted using a new approach for injecting the laser beam into fibersamples. The purpose of this approach was to achieve a test configuration that was independent of the mode structure of the
Flow-rate independent gas-mixing system for drift chambers, using solenoid valves

Abstract We describe an inexpensive system for mixing argon and ethane gas for drift chambers which was used for an experiment at Fermilab. This system is based on the idea of intermittent mixing of gases with fixed mixing flow rates. A dual-action pressure switch senses the pressure in a mixed gas reservoir tank and operates solenoid valves to control mixing action and regulate reservoir pressure. This system has the advantages that simple controls accurately regulate the mixing ratio and that the mixing ratio is nearly flow-rate independent without readjustments. We also report the results of the gas analysis of various samplings, and the reliability of the system in long-term running.
Elevation of retinyl ester level in the lungs of rats following repeated intraperitoneal injections of retinoic acid or retinoyl glucuronide.

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA) is involved in the development of both the conducting airway and alveolar portions of the lung. RA plays a key role in the induction of the formation of alveolar septa. Retinoyl β-glucuronide (RAG), an endogenous retinoid, acts like RA, but is much less cytotoxic. We examined the effect of daily intraperitoneal doses of RA and RAG (1.66 μmol/kg) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and cotton seed oil on the stores of retinol and retinyl ester (RE) in the lung of rats. In two separate experiments, one involving normal rats, and the other involving elastase-treated rats, there was up to a 9-fold increase in REs content in the lungs of rats that received RA or RAG for 12 days as compared to Control rats. The accumulation was most profound when RA was injected in DMSO and least when RAG was injected in cotton seed oil. The reason for the accumulation of REs in the lung is not clearly known.
On sliding block coding for transmission of a source over a stationary nonanticipatory channel

It is shown that the capacity Cb of a stationary nonanticipatory channel with respect to block coding is at least as great as the capacity Cs of the channel with respect to sliding block coding. For several types of stationary nonanticipatory channels (namely, ergodic channels, channels with additive random noise, and averaged channels whose components are discrete memoryless channels), it is shown that Cb = Cs, thereby generalizing a result of Gray and Ornstein for the discrete memoryless channel.
The effect of ammonium ion upon ribonucleic acid polymerase and guanidine triphosphatase activity in isolated bovine endometrial nuclei.

Die Wirkung von 0,3M (NH4)2SO4 auf die RNS Polymerasen und GTPasen Aktivitat wurde in einem System isolierter endometrialer Zellkerne bovinen Ursprungs untersucht. Bei Zugabe von NH 4 + verlief die RNS-Polymerasen Reaktion fur 2 h linear, anstatt nach 20–30 min in ein Plateau einzumunden. Dies beruht nicht auf einer zweiten RNS-Polymerase, sondern auf der Hemmung der GTPase, welche das Substrat mit wesentlich hoherer Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit umsetzt.
Intrinsic disorder in transcription factors.

Intrinsic disorder (ID) is highly abundant in eukaryotes, which reflect the greater need for disorder-associated signaling and transcriptional regulation in nucleated cells. Although several well-characterized examples of intrinsically disordered proteins in transcriptional regulation have been reported, no systematic analysis has been reported so far. To test for the general prevalence of intrinsic disorder in transcriptional regulation, we used the predictor of natural disorder regions (PONDR) to analyze the abundance of intrinsic disorder in three transcription factor datasets and two control sets. This analysis revealed that from 94.13 to 82.63% of transcription factors possess extended regions of intrinsic disorder, relative to 54.51 and 18.64% of the proteins in two control datasets, which indicates the significant prevalence of intrinsic disorder in transcription factors. This propensity of transcription factors to intrinsic disorder was confirmed by cumulative distribution function analysis and ch...
Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter: Patterns of failure

Abstract Objectives To identify recurrence patterns and possible indications for adjuvant treatment. Methods Ninety-four patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter were reviewed to determine their pattern of failure. Factors including gender and age, tumor stage and grade, and extent of surgical procedure and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) were analyzed with respect to local and distant recurrence and survival. Results Seventy-seven patients had resections without residual. On multivariate analysis, grade ( P = 0.01) and adjuvant RT ( P = 0.02) had significant effects on local control. Metastases were solely dependent on stage ( P = 0.0001). Survival was dependent on stage ( P = 0.0059) and age ( P = 0.036), with the use of adjuvant RT of borderline significance ( P = 0.07). Twenty-seven patients were excluded from local failure and survival analysis; of these, 3 died within 1 month of surgery, 5 had metastasis at presentation, and 19 had local disease that was unresectable. Eleven of these 19 were treated by RT, resulting in 2 long-term disease-free survivors after receiving doses of 45 and 50.4 Gy. Conclusions In patients with adverse factors, such as high grade or stage, close margins, or positive nodes, local control can be improved with adjuvant radiation. Improvement in survival is of borderline significance on multivariate analysis, with approximately 50% of high stage or grade patients developing metastasis.
Coenzyme Q-10 treatment of patients with a 7445A--->G mitochondrial DNA mutation stops the progression of hearing loss.

Conclusion CoQ10 may be helpful in delaying the progression of hearing loss in patients with the 7445A→G mitochondrial mutation. Objective To assess the effect of an antioxidant drug (Coenzyme Q-10) on the hearing level of patients with the mitochondrial DNA 7445A→G mutation and associated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Material and methods We identified three patients with bilateral non-syndromic SNHL harboring the mitochondrial 7445A→G mutation. Two patients had a family history of hearing loss with a strong matrilineal inheritance. The other patient did not have a family history of hearing loss. Two patients (1 with familial and 1 with sporadic SNHL) received treatment with 75 mg of Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) twice a day for 1 year. The remaining patient with a familial form of hearing loss did not agree to take the treatment. Average bone conduction pure-tone thresholds for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz were obtained before and after diagnosis of mitochondrial hearing loss, and before and after treatment with Co...
Older and younger adult cochlear implant users: speech recognition in quiet and noise, quality of life, and music perception.

Purpose To determine whether older cochlear implant (CI) listeners differ from younger CI listeners on measures of speech understanding, music perception, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In the study, the authors hypothesized that speech recognition would be more difficult for older adults, especially in noisy conditions. Performance on music perception was expected to be lower for older implanted listeners. No differences between age groups were expected on HRQoL. Method Twenty older (>60 years) and 20 younger (<60 years) implanted adults participated. Speech understanding was assessed using words and sentences presented in quiet, and sentences presented at +15, +10, and +5 dB signal-to-noise ratio conditions. Music perception was tested using the University of Washington Clinical Assessment of Music, and HRQoL was measured using the Njimegen CI survey. Results Speech understanding was significantly lower for the older compared with the younger group in all conditions. Older implanted adults ...
A Comparative and Regional Study of Potassium Induced Relaxation of Vascular Smooth Muscle

The current study was undertaken to assess species and regional variations in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle in response to potassium and in the ouabain sensitivity of this relaxation. The effect of species variation was investigated through the use of tail arteries from rats, dogs, cats, monkeys, and pigs; the effect of regional variation was studied in tail, middle cerebral, femoral, and posterior coronary arteries from baboons. Helical strips from all of these vessels were made to contract with norepinephrine or serotonin in a potassium-free solution. The vessels relaxed when potassium was added back to the solution. Strips of tail artery from rats, dogs, and monkeys showed greater relaxation in response to potassium than did strips from pigs and cats. Helical strips from tail, cerebral, and coronary arteries of the baboon relaxed to a greater degree in response to potassium than did strips from the femoral artery. Ouabain produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the magnitude of potassium relaxation in all vessel types. Half-maximal inhibition occurred at approximately 10−8 to 10−7 M in all arterial strips except those obtained from rat tail artery (5×10−5 M). The inhibition of potassium relaxation by ouabain was fully reversed by 30 min exposure to a ouabain-free solution in only the rat tail artery strips. A component of potassium-induced relaxation in tail artery strips from monkeys and baboons was not inhibited by ouabain. The results show that the magnitude of response, potassium and ouabain sensitivity, and recovery from ouabain treatment of potassium relaxation are species related. The regional bed from which the vascular smooth muscle is derived also determines the magnitude and potassium sensitivity of the relaxation. These parameters of potassium-dependent relaxation may reflect corresponding differences in the electrogenic pumping of sodium and potassium among various animal species and various regional vascular beds.
Environmental Fatigue-Crack Surface Crystallography for Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-Mn/Zr

The scanning electron microscope (SEM)–based electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD)/stereology technique quantitatively establishes distributions of the crystallographic characteristics of environmental-fatigue crack features for slightly overaged Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-X (X = Zr or Mn) alloys stressed in the low-growth-rate regime. Results for these homogeneous slip alloys conform to a substantial companion study of planar slip-prone Al-Cu-Mg/Li. Transgranular-crack characteristics are similar for the Mn and Zr variants, independent of grain size and recrystallization. Two morphologies of facetlike features exhibit a wide range of crystallographic orientations, change character at grain boundaries indicating an important role of grain orientation, and form in highly tensile-stressed spatial orientations about a crack tip. Similar characteristics for Al-Zn and Al-Cu suggest a common damage mechanism, speculatively attributed to hydrogen-environment embrittlement by decohesion. Slip-deformation band cracking resulting in facets near {111}, stimulated by H-enhanced localized plasticity, is not a viable mechanism for environmental fatigue. Repetitively stepped facets with surface curvature may involve H-enhanced cleavage along {100} or {110} planes subsequently distorted by plasticity. Broad-flat facets speculatively result from tensile stress-based cracking through dislocation cell structure, evolved by cyclic plasticity and containing trapped H.
Challenges of democratic experimentalism: A case study of the National Quality Forum in health care

Networks are an increasingly common aspect of administrative life in almost any public policy arena. In health care, networks have emerged in order to address “wicked” quality problems. One such network organization, the National Quality Forum (NQF), was created as a response to the fragmentation and information deficit that have plagued the health care industry’s efforts to improve health care quality. Its purpose is to bring diverse health care stakeholders from the public and private sectors together to discuss and debate quality and performance measurement issues. Democratic experimentalism offers one way of assessing the NQF’s efforts. The purpose of this article is to examine the NQF’s efforts through the lens of democratic experimentalism and to explore some of the virtues and shortcomings of applying a democratic experimentalist approach to health care regulation.
Clozapine-induced neutropenia: A review of lithium and other currently available options

Available options are limited for patients with neutropenia needing to be initiated or maintained on clozapine therapy. A common strategy that is often utilized in these patients is the use of lithium as augmentation to clozapine, which enables the health care provider a means of continuing or initiating clozapine therapy. This article reviews the mechanism and literature evidence behind this treatment strategy.
Could screening for colorectal cancer be harmful

There is substantial evidence for the beneficial effect of screening programs aimed at reducing mortality from colorectal cancer. The effect on all-cause mortality, however, may not necessarily be beneficial. In this small randomized trial (n = 799), colorectal cancer incidence was reduced 80% among subjects undergoing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy with colonoscopy follow-up and surveillance over 13 yr for subjects with polyps at initial screening. The all-cause mortality was higher, however, among subjects in the screened group, mainly because of an excess of cardiovascular deaths. This study evaluated the long term effects of informing participants about findings at flexible sigmoidoscopy screening. There were no severe complications, and there was no long term difference in deaths related to whether there had been any mucosal rupture (biopsy or snare resection). As a group, those who were informed that they had polyps tended to improve their smoking habits more than those informed that they had no polyps. The group with polyps had a trend toward a smaller increase in body mass index (+0.7 [95% CI = 0.2–1.1]) than the polyp-free group (+1.2 [95% CI = 0.9–1.6]) (p = 0.07). The authors suggest that flexible sigmoidoscopy screening may be associated with unfavorable lifestyle changes among screenees without polyps, an effect that may more than outweigh the beneficial effect of screening.
A systematic review of interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination from 2002 to 2013: how far have we come?

Introduction : HIV-related stigma and discrimination continue to hamper efforts to prevent new infections and engage people in HIV treatment, care and support programmes. The identification of effective interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination that can be integrated into national responses is crucial to the success of the global AIDS response. Methods : We conducted a systematic review of studies and reports that assessed the effectiveness of interventions to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination between 1 January 2002 and 1 March 2013. Databases searched for peer-reviewed articles included PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO Host -CINAHL Plus, Psycinfo, Ovid, Sociofile and Popline. Reports were obtained from the www.HIVAIDSClearinghouse.eu , USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse, UNESCO HIV and AIDS Education Clearinghouse, Google, WHO and UNAIDS. Ancestry searches for articles included in the systematic review were also conducted. Studies of any design that sought to reduce stigma as a primary or secondary objective and included pre- and post-intervention measures of stigma were included. Results : Of 2368 peer-reviewed articles and reports identified, 48 were included in our review representing 14 different target populations in 28 countries. The majority of interventions utilized two or more strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination, and ten included structural or biomedical components. However, most interventions targeted a single socio-ecological level and a single domain of stigma. Outcome measures lacked uniformity and validity, making both interpretation and comparison of study results difficult. While the majority of studies were effective at reducing the aspects of stigma they measured, none assessed the influence of stigma or discrimination reduction on HIV-related health outcomes. Conclusions : Our review revealed considerable progress in the stigma-reduction field. However, critical challenges and gaps remain which are impeding the identification of effective stigma-reduction strategies that can be implemented by national governments on a larger scale. The development, validation, and consistent use of globally relevant scales of stigma and discrimination are a critical next step for advancing the field of research in this area. Studies comparing the effectiveness of different stigma-reduction strategies and studies assessing the influence of stigma reduction on key behavioural and biomedical outcomes are also needed to maximize biomedical prevention efforts. Keywords : systematic review; HIV; stigma reduction; discrimination reduction; interventions; measurement. (Published: 13 November 2013) To access the supplementary material to this article please see Supplementary Files in the column to the right (under Article Tools). Citation : Stangl AL et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2013, 16 (Suppl 2):18734 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/18734 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.16.3.18734
Monetary policy implications of electronic currency: an empirical analysis

Using the 2001 Survey of Consumer Finances, evidence is found that electronic currency is not a substitute for demand deposits: electronic currency ownership is associated with holding higher balan...
Danazol therapy in hormone-sensitive mammary carcinoma.

The effect of Danazol, a synthetic gonadotropin inhibitor, on two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats with dimethylbenze (a) anthracine (DMBA) induced mammary carcinoma was studied. Twenty-four (83%) of 29 control animals developed mammary tumors. Forty-four rats in one treatment group received Danazol after tumor reached 0.5 cm in diameter. Twenty-nine (66%) demonstrated tumor regression (p < 0.0005) and in 16 (36%) tumor disappeared (p < 0.005). In a second treatment group (given Danazol daily after administration of DMBA), only seven of 50 rats (14%) developed palpable mammary carcinoma (p < 0.0005). Danazol therapy resulted in regression of established mammary carcinoma in rats, and produced a striking inhibition of carcinogenesis in those animals treated from the time DMBA was administered. Danazol is clinically safe; studies using it in the treatment of breast cancer in women who are candidates for hormonal ablative therapy seem warranted. Cancer 40:2797-2800, 1977.
The biochemical and histochemical demonstration of lactase induction in fetal rat intestine by intra-amniotic injection of lactose.

A single dose of 20 mg β-d-lactose injected into the amniotic sac of rats on day 17 of pregnancy induced an increase in lactase activity in fetal jejunum. This effect was first noted two days after injection and lasted for at least two additional days. Histoenzymatic investigation indicated that this enzyme was located on the surface of the absorptive cells lining the villi and thus corresponds to the “dietary” form of β-galactosidase. A much smaller increase, based presumably on progressive increase in fetal size (age), was found in control fetuses which had received glucose or no injections. Peak lactase values in fetuses receiving lactose were substantially higher than peak values in control fetuses. In both lactose-injected and non-injected rats which were allowed to deliver, there was a sharp drop in lactase values coincident with birth.
The responsibility of the scientific community in matters of national security

Abstract Scientists must provide more and better leadership in the debate over how to avoid catastrophe, whether it be through war, or starvation, or plague, or environmental degradation. Scientists should be vigilant about challenging false perceptions and defending the truth. They should alert our citizenry to major dangers—such as those brought about by weapons of great destructive potential—whether they be nuclear, biological, chemical, or even psychological. The scientific community needs to provide accurate and understandable analyses of these issues. It is their duty to develop and disseminate factual information by engaging in research, teaching, public outreach, and even lobbying. The scientific community has an obligation to identify and challenge muddled thinking. It is absolutely essential that the quality of public debate be raised well above where it now resides, in this election year. Some years ago, the American Physical Society created a Panel on Public Affairs. It has sponsored in-depth studies on critical national concerns such as energy and the environment. In this connection, I quote from a letter to the membership from Sid Drell, when he was President of the American Physical Society: As a result of the great impact of technology on our conditions of life and especially the threat of nuclear holocaust, there has never been a greater need for scientists, and physicists in particular, to be involved with public policy. The Society can and should play a constructive and instructive role in informing its members and in supporting and presenting appropriate studies to members of government and to the public. The council and officers of the Society have an important trust in protecting a high standard for such studies. The APS directedenergy weapons study stands out as the most pressing item on the society's agenda this year. I hope that by this coming summer the council will be able to release a report which will contribute significantly to the national dabate on the strategic defense initiative. The above report has, indeed, been released. But scientists have not yet done enough to make it understandable to the public.
Cubic B-spline for finite element analysis of axisymmetric shells

Abstract Analysis of thin axisymmetric shells by means of finite elements based on cubic B-splines is described. The elements are isoparametric, i.e. both geometry and displacements are described by cubic B-splines. At the interior nodes of the meridian, the degrees of freedom are two nodal displacements. Three degrees of freedom are used at the edge nodes: two displacements and the rotation of the meridian. Since the spline interpolant has continuous first and second derivatives, meridional curvature and the bending moments at the interior nodes are also continuous. Three benchmark examples are solved with this element to demonstrate its capability.
Semantic routines and LR(k) parsers

Most applications of parsing require that the parser call semantic action routines while processing the input. For LR(k) parsers it is well known that a semantic action routine can be called when the end of a production is recognized. Often, however, it is desirable to call routines at other times. This paper presents fast algorithms that determine, for an LR(k) (or SLR(k)) grammar, which positions are suitable for calling routines. The algorithms are practical for use with LR(1) (SLR(1)) parser building programs, because the worst case running time is dominated by the time required to build the LR(1) (SLR(1)) parser. Applications of the algorithms to attribute grammars and automatic indentation are discussed.