cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decrease in hypothalamic epinephrine concentration and other neurochemical changes produced by quinpirole, a dopamine agonist, in rats.

Quinpirole, (4 aR-trans)-4, 4 a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a, 9-octahydro-5-propyl-1 H-pyrazolo[3, 4-g] quinoline, is a dopamine agonist selective for the D2 subtype of dopamine receptors. In rats, quinpirole at doses of 0.3 mg/kg i.p. and higher decreased hypothalamic epinephrine concentrations. The doses required for this effect are only slightly higher than the minimum doses that decreased the concentration of dopamine metabolites in cerebral hemispheres. At higher doses of quinpirole (2–3 mg/kg i.p.), dopamine concentration was increased and norepinephrine concentration was decreased in hypothalamus, and MHPG sulfate (the norepinephrine metabolite) concentration was increased in brain stem and in hypothalamus. All of these neurochemical effects of quinpirole were blocked by pretreatment with spiperone, a dopamine antagonist. The effects were not produced by SKF 38393, a selective D1 agonist, or by the dextrorotatory enantiomer of quinpirole, which lacks D2 agonist activity. The data support the interpretation that quinpirole, by activating D2 receptors, results in a decrease in dopamine metabolites, a decrease in hypothalamic epinephrine concentration, and an increased conversion of norepinephrine to MHPG sulfate in rat brain probably through enhanced norepinephrine release.
Exciton dynamics: Electrons take an unexpected turn.

Traditional wisdom suggests that excited electrons will move towards positively charged parts of a molecule. Advanced time-domain calculations show that the conventional picture breaks down in the ultrafast regime, providing key insights into photo-activated, attosecond processes.
Stable isotope geochemistry of waters and gases (CO2, CH4) from the overpressured Morganza and Moore-Sams fields, Louisiana Gulf Coast

Abstract Oxygen isotope analyses of water, and carbon isotope analyses of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), CO2(g), and CH4(g) have been performed on samples from normal and overpressured horizons in the Louisiana Gulf Coast.δ18OSMOW values of the waters range from −2.2 to +8.7%. Consideration of theδ18O values, the chemical composition of the waters, and the water and gas production values indicate that mixing with a low salinity, isotopically light water has taken place. Mixing lines suggest that the isotopically light component may be water vapor condensed during gas production, with a Rayleigh fractionation process accompanying vapor condensation, rather than shallow groundwater. Mixing lines suggest that all formation waters haveδ18O≈ + 8‰, which is normal for deep, basinal waters, although Cl− concentrations indicate there are 2 water populations (with approximately 35,000 mg/l and 15,000 to 20,000 mg/l). There appears to be no systematic difference between the overpressured and normally pressured samples, or between samples from different fields.δ13CPDB values of DIC range from −10.6 to −3.2‰.δ13CPDB values of CH4 range from −43.9 to −40.8‰, andδ13CPDB values of CO2 range from −8.8 to −6.3‰, indicating that these gases have a thermogenic origin. Significant isotopic differences are observed between the Moore-Sams and Morganza samples which suggest that the Morganza gases were produced at higher temperatures and/or by the decomposition of more mature source material. The CO2 and DIC are not in isotopic equilibrium with calcite and dolomite cements immediately above and below the seal, suggesting that precipitation of calcite and dolomite took place in an earlier event(s). The DIC of most samples is at, or near, isotopic equilibrium with CO2, although it appears that some samples have derived a significant component of DIC from isotopically heavier samples located both higher and lower in the section. The lack of isotopic equilibrium between DIC and CO2 for some samples suggest either that some water samples have little or no contact with coexisting gas samples, or that a dynamic process is taking place that prevents equilibrium being achieved.
Resistance to extinction as a function of reinforcement schedule: A within-subject design

Sixty-four male albino rats were trained to run a straight runway. Half of the subjects were trained on a continuous reinforcement schedule (CRF) and half on a partial reinforcement schedule (PR). On reinforced trials, a lever was introduced into the goalbox and the subject was allowed to make 10 discrete trial leverpresses for sucrose. The lever was not introduced into the goalbox on nonreinforced trials. The subjects were trained under either a CRF or PR leverpress schedule. Upon completion of acquisition half of the subjects in each subgroup were extinguished in the runway and the other half were extinguished in the goalbox on the lever. Results showed that for subjects extinguished on the lever the partial reinforcement effect (PRE) was a function only of the lever reinforcement schedule and was independent of the runway reinforcement schedule. However for subjects extinguished in the runway, PR runway-trained subjects receiving CRF leverpress training were more resistant to extinction than were PR runway-trained subjects receiving PR leverpress training.
Massive Subretinal Exudate after Retinal Detachment Surgery

A 70-year-old woman developed massive subretinal exudation after surgical repair of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Postoperative choroidal detachment suggested a choroidal source of the subretinal exudate. We believe the cause of the choroidal detachment and exudation was vortex ampulla obstruction resulting from the encircling band. The subretinal exudate underwent gradual resolution and did not influence the anatomic result of retinal reattachment.
Superconductivity in reduced and then reoxidized Nd1.05Ba1.95(Cu1−xFex)3O7−δ

Abstract The system Nd 1.05 Ba 1.95 (Cu 1− x Fe x ) 3 O 7− δ (NdFe-123) was studied. Substitution of Fe for Cu suppresses superconducting transition temperature T c more rapidly in the NdFe-123 system than in the comparable YBa 2 (Cu 1− x Fe x ) 3 O 7− δ (YFe-123) system. Samples reduced in argon and then reoxidized in oxygen at 400°C show considerable increases in T c . However, the T c of these reoxidized samples still fall below those of similar YFe-123. Microstructural investigation by electron microscopy, structure from X-ray diffraction and their relationships to superconductivity are developed. Possible mechanisms for the T c variations are discussed.
LACTATION IN RAT MAMMARY GLANDS AFTER SPINAL CORD SECTION.

The essentiality of the nervous component of suckling in the maintenance of lactation was tested in the rat. The milk ducts of the 6 pectoral mammary glands were ligated on postpartum day 2. After 1 to 2 days the 6 young nursed only the 6 pelvic mammary glands. On postpartum day 9 or 10 the pelvic glands were deprived of somatic sensory innervation by pithing the spinal cord caudal to T-13 and removing it by suction. Suckling young were able to retard the loss of body weight, or maintain or increase body weight during the following 5 days though suckling only the pelvic glands. Injections of oxytocin into the mothers 3 times daily did not result in significant improvement in litter growth. Litter growth was reduced in both groups in comparison with control groups. The pelvic mammary glands at autopsy were large and well vascularized, in contrast with the small and relatively avascular involuted pectoral glands. These data indicate that some milk synthesis can occur in the absence of somatic sensory innerv...
Measurement of blood flow in the dental pulp of dogs with the 133xenon washout method

Following rapid injection of 133Xe into the maxillary artery, the radioactivity from a dog canine tooth was monitored with a specially-designed scintillation probe connected to a multichannel analyser. With a PDP 11/10 minicomputer, the semilogarithmic radioactivity-time curve was resolved into a fast component and a slow component using best fit least-square lines and the exponential rate constant (k) was determined for each component. The blood flow per unit of pulp mass (Q, in ml/min per 100 g) was obtained using the equation: Q = k X lambda tb, where lambda tb is the tissue-blood partition coefficient of 133Xe in the pulp determined for the haematocrit value of the individual experiments. The fast-component blood flow was 53.12 +/- 3.12 and the slow-component blood flow was 8.86 +/- 0.53 ml/min per 100 g (mean +/- SEM, n = 21). Although the exact anatomical areas for the fast and slow components are yet to be determined, the results show heterogeneity of blood flow in the pulp. The study showed that pulp blood flow in an intact tooth can be measured with the 133Xe washout method; the method enables study of circulatory physiology of the pulp in health and disease.
Hydrogen migration and vinylidene pathway for formation of methane in the 193 nm photodissociation of propene: CH3CH=CH2 and CD3CD=CD2.

Photodissociation channels and the final product yields from the 193 nm photolysis of propene-h6 (CH2=CHCH3) and propene-d6 (CD2=CDCD3) have been investigated, employing gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, and flame ionization (GC/MS/FID) detection methods. The yields of methane as well as butadiene relative to ethane show considerable variations when propene-h6 or propene-d6 are photolyzed. This suggests significant variances in the relative importance of primary photolytic processes and/or secondary radical reactions, occurring subsequent to the photolysis. Theoretical calculations suggest the potential occurrence of an intramolecular dissociation through a mechanism involving vinylidene formation, accompanied by an ethylenic H-migration through the pi-orbitals. This process affects the final yields of methane-h4 versus methane-d4 with respect to other products. The product yields from previous studies of the 193 nm photolysis of methyl vinyl ketone-h6 and -d6 (CH2=CHCOCH3, CD2=CDCOCD3), alternative precursors for generating methyl and vinyl radicals, are compared with the current results for propene.
Assessment of Risk Tolerance for Adverse Events in Emergency Department Chest Pain Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract Background: Emergency physicians commonly encounter low-probability/high-morbidity decisions, and chest pain is a prime example. Negative outcomes are improbable but feared, resulting in substantially more patients admitted for chest pain than have important disease. The literature gives little guidance on patient preferences for decision-making when the negative outcomes are unlikely but potentially severe. Objectives: The objective of this pilot study was to assess the tolerance of Emergency Department (ED) patients with chest pain for adverse events occurring within 2 weeks of the episode. Method: We recruited a convenience sample of patients with a chief complaint of chest pain from the ED of an urban tertiary-care referral center. Each subject was interviewed to determine demographic information, perceived health status, insurance status, and tolerance for adverse events related to chest pain. Adverse events were defined loosely but were suggested to be heart attack, the need for emergency cardiac surgery, or death. The risk tolerance question was framed by describing a specific numeric risk and determining at what risk the patient switched from desiring hospital admission to desiring discharge; we termed this the decision threshold. Results: Sixty-eight (68) subjects were included. Fifty-four percent of subjects were male, 60% were African-American, and 35% were white; 40% of the subjects classified themselves as being of average health. Of the 31 subjects who had prior heart trouble, 48% (n = 15) stated they had a prior heart attack and 19% (n = 6) an irregular heartbeat. The median decision threshold, or the acceptable personal risk of an adverse event for a person to forego admission to hospital, was 6.5% (interquartile range 0.5–22.9%). The mode was 0.5%, and 44% (30/68) of subjects had a decision threshold of 2% or less. There was no obvious pattern for most of these explanatory variables, though there was a suggestion that race may affect patients' risk tolerance. Conclusions: There is substantial variation in patients' reported tolerance for adverse events from ED chest pain. Further investigation of this phenomenon may lead to better decision-making.
Identification of the reactive oxygen species responsible for carbon tetrachloride degradation in modified Fenton's systems.

The reactive oxygen species responsible for the transformation of carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane, CT) by modified Fenton's reagent using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations >0.1 M was investigated. Addition of the hydroxyl radical scavenger 2-propanol to modified Fenton's reactions did not significantly lower CT transformation rates. Scavenging by 2-propanol not only confirmed that hydroxyl radicals are not responsible for CT destruction, but also suggested that a major product of an iron (III)-driven initiation reaction, superoxide radical anion (O2•-), is the species responsible for CT transformation. To investigate this hypothesis, CT degradation was studied in aqueous KO2 reactions. Minimal CT degradation was found in CT−KO2 reactions; however, when H2O2 was added to the KO2 reactions at concentrations similar to those in the modified Fenton's reactions (0.1, 0.5, and 1 M), CT degradation increased significantly. Similar results were obtained when 1 M concentrations of other solvents wer...
Turnover intention: the effects of core self-evaluations, proactive personality, perceived organizational support, developmental feedback, and job complexity

Despite extensive examination of predictors for turnover and turnover intention, most studies have focused on attitudinal and behavioural aspects of individual employees. Based on a study of knowledge workers in a Korean conglomerate, we investigated the effects of personal (i.e. core self-evaluations and proactive personality) and contextual factors (i.e. perceived organizational support, developmental feedback, and job complexity) on turnover intention. There were modestly negative but significant correlations between the contextual factors and turnover intention. In addition, core self-evaluations were found to be negatively related to turnover intention. Managers and human resource development professionals could play a pivotal role in retention of these knowledge workers by building better practices related to organizational culture, providing job redesign, and engaging in other employee developmental practices such as coaching.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging examination of the magnocellular visual pathway in nonpsychotic relatives of persons with schizophrenia.

Physiological research with monkeys and psychophysical research with humans has demonstrated the ability of diffuse red light to suppress activity in the magnocellular (M) visual pathway. In contrast, a previous psychophysical study found that a subset of nonpsychotic relatives of persons with schizophrenia showed the opposite effect, suggesting a novel biobehavioral marker for the disorder. Other research suggests that persons with schizophrenia have a dysfunctional M pathway under neutral (non-red) light conditions. However, it does not appear that these findings have been explored with physiological methods in nonpsychotic relatives, which would provide support for genetic contributions. The current study used physiological methodology to explore whether, as a group: 1) healthy adults show suppression of the M pathway in response to diffuse red light; 2) nonpsychotic relatives of persons with schizophrenia have a dysfunctional M pathway under neutral light conditions; and 3) nonpsychotic relatives of persons with schizophrenia have a differential M pathway response to red light. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate a group of 13 nonpsychotic relatives of persons with schizophrenia and 11 controls. Moving concentric rings were presented on both red and green backgrounds to stimulate the M pathway. The fMRI signal strength in bilateral cortical region V5 (MT) was measured as a marker of M pathway functioning. Statistically significant results were limited to measures of fMRI signal in right hemisphere V5 relative to signal from bilateral V5, and suggested that: 1) the control group had reduced M pathway activity in response to diffuse red light; 2) the relative group had a hypoactive M pathway; and 3) a subset of the relatives had the opposite M pathway response to diffuse red light. The differential M pathway response to red light in the relatives remained a statistical trend after controlling for M pathway signal from the neutral (green) background condition. Results provide preliminary evidence that genetic risk for schizophrenia is related to a hypoactive M pathway and an independent differential response (increase in activity) of the M pathway to red light. These features may be more evident in the right hemisphere when examining cortical region V5.
Effect of interval between hypophysectomy and injection of gonadotrophin on ovulation in the rat.

SummaryAfter an interval of about 10 hours following hypophysectomy in early proestrus, the mature follicles in the ovary of the rat become refractory to a single intravenous injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin but the ability of the follicle to luteinize is retained for a longer time.
That One Might Not Fall: A New Testament Theology of Food:

While we may use the Gospels and Paul’s letters to justify eating with wild abandon and enjoying every bite, we should revisit the greater principle in the New Testament: to feed others to the poin...
Mediaeval French Translations of the Latin Classics to 1500

THE translation of the Latin classics into French during the Middle Ages has attracted surprisingly little attention among scholars since the first studies appeared in the 18th century.' Though we have since had occasional and excellent investigations of individual classical authors or their translators, the first studies have not yet been entirely replaced, nor a definitive history of translation into French before the 16th century been written.2 In fact, many of the problems confronting such a task still await discussion.3 Among them, curiously enough, is the definition of the term "translation." To the modern reader, the 15th-century "translation" of Valerius Maximus by Simon de Hesdin and Nicolas de Gonesse presents only a paraphrase, and that at times scarcely distinguishable from the translators' commentary. Neither this, however, nor, say, the random insertions of Justinus, Plutarch, or Demosthenes in Vasque de Lucene's translation of Quintus Curtius would have been questioned by their contemporary readers. The task of definition, then, becomes all the more complicated and one unlikely to be reduced to a science by the fact that compilation,4 paraphrase, and abridgment5 enjoyed an equal respect in the Middle Ages as means of rendering classical texts into the vernacular. Pseudo-classical texts, on the other hand, are more a diversion than a difficulty. Few would be deceived today by "Ovid's" Pamphilius or the De Vetula "found in the 13th century in Ovid's tomb." But the question of pseudo-Seneca literature
Biotransformation of flumequine by the fungus Cunninghamella elegans.

The metabolism of the antibacterial fluoroquinolone drug flumequine by Cunninghamella elegans was investigated using cultures grown in Sabouraud dextrose broth with 308 μM flumequine. The cultures were extracted with ethyl acetate; metabolites were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Flumequine was transformed to two diastereomers of 7-hydroxyflumequine (23 and 43% of the total chromatographic peak area at 280 nm) and 7-oxoflumequine (11% of the total peak area). This is the first time that the two 7-hydroxy diastereomers have been characterized structurally; the hydroxyflumequines are known to have less antimicrobial activity than flumequine.
The control of pensions: a brief history and possibilities for the future

Institutional history is important in the context of understanding the control of pension systems. This history has both theoretical and practical value for developing policy choices at the micro and macro levels. The central theme is that we can raise the quality of thought about options for the future if we better understand the past. The paper synthesizes previous work, and draws upon archive research and unpublished case studies by the author.
Desensitized Renal Transplant Recipients Show Reduced Cellular Responses to In Vitro Challenge

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) desensitization protocols permit transplantation of sensitized renal recipients against alloantibody incompatibility barriers. It appears that IVIG induces a sustained down-regulation of alloantibody that facilitates crossmatch compatibility. However, the consequence of desensitization upon cellular immunity has not been addressed. We compared in vitro proliferative responses and cytokine expression between desensitized transplant recipients (IVIG) and non-IVIG-treated patients (controls). Eleven patients who were crossmatch-incompatible with living donors underwent treatment with IVIG and plasmapheresis. Nine patients converted to negative crossmatches and were transplanted. With a mean follow-up time of 17.6 +/- 6.7 months, graft survival is 100%. Peripheral mononuclear cells were collected 12.5 +/- 9 months after transplantation and tested for proliferative response and cytokine elaboration following challenge with staphylococcal enterotoxin b (SEB) and donor-specific mixed lymphocyte reaction (dMLR). Proliferative reactions were 90% lower (P < .05) among IVIG versus controls in response to SEB and dMLR challenge. Cytokine response to SEB challenge was equivalent (P = NS) between IVIG and controls. In contrast, cytokine elaboration was 60% lower (P < .05) for IVIG versus controls in response to dMLR. One year after renal transplantation, desensitized patients showed in vitro hyporesponsiveness to superantigen and donor-specific challenge. This suggests that IVIG promotes a down-regulation in cellular immunity that may facilitate good graft outcome.
Production of toxic equivalents to 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD in municipal-waste incinerators (MWIs)

Abstract We have modified the model of Shaub and Tsang to calculate dioxin formation from precursors in the gas phase and on fly ash, by estimating congener-specific parameters from measurements of dioxin production over 2 h time periods on fly ash performed by Vogg et al. The resulting kinetic data have been combined with a previously determined temperature-time history in an MWI and with relative EPA toxicity estimates to determine toxic equivalents to 2,3,7,8-TCDD obtained in a representative MWI. If toxic inputs producing precursors were measured, together with the toxic equivalents of the outputs, then our model could be used to define furnace destruction factors for the inputs.
Hypoplastic right lung with systemic blood supply and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage: Reversal of pulmonary hypertension with surgical management in infancy☆

Abstract The clinical course, cineangiocardiographic data, and results of surgical therapy are presented in an infant with dextrocardia, systemic arterial supply to a hypoplastic right lung, and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the right lung to the azygous system. The reversal of this infant's pulmonary hypertension with successful surgical management at age 28 days is contrasted to previously reported cases of scimitar syndrome with similar anatomical defects and pulmonary hypertension.
In vivo labeling of serotonin uptake sites with [3H]paroxetine.

: Previous work has shown that [3H]paroxetine is a potent and selective in vitro label for serotonin uptake sites in the mammalian brain. In the present study, [3H]paroxetine was tested in mice as an in vivo label for serotonin uptake sites. Maximum tritium concentration in the whole brain (1.4% of the intravenous dose) was reached 1 h after injection into a tail vein. Distribution of the tracer at 3 h after injection followed the distribution of serotonin uptake sites known from previous in vitro binding studies (r= 0.85). The areas of highest [3H]paroxetine concentration, in decreasing order, were: hypothalamus > frontal cortex > olfactory tubercles > thalamus > upper colliculi > brainstem > hippocampus > striatum > cerebellum. Preinjection of carrier paroxetine (1 mg/kg) significantly decreased [3H]paroxetine concentration in all areas except in the cerebellum, which is known to contain a relatively low number of specific binding sites. Kinetic studies showed highest specific [3H]paroxetine binding (tissue minus cerebellum) at 2 h after injection and slow clearance of activity thereafter (half-time of dissociation from the hypothalamus, 215 min). The specificity of in vivo [3H]paroxetine binding was studied by preinjecting monoamine uptake blockers or receptor antagonists 5 min before administration of [3H]paroxetine. Serotonergic or muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonists and dopamine or norepinephrine uptake blockers did not reduce the in vivo binding of [3H]paroxetine. In contrast, there was an excellent correlation (r= 0.99) between the in vivo inhibitory potencies of serotonin uptake blockers in this study and previously published in vitro data on inhibition of [3H]serotonin uptake in brain synaptosomes. In addition, [3H]paroxetine binding in the hypothalamus was found to be stereospecifically inhibited, (Z)-norzimelidine displaying a greater than fourfold higher potency than the E isomer. These studies indicate that [3H]paroxetine is a potent and selective agent for the in vivo labeling of cerebral serotonin uptake sites.
ZIPF'S LAWS IN TEXT MODELING

Abstract Zipf's first and second laws define two striking phenomena in literary text. The two laws have applications in various fields of computer science. Recently, the study of continuous speech recognition in artificial intelligence has called for the use of statistical models of text generation. A major issue is the lack of effective and objective evaluation of the models. In this paper, four leading statistical models of text generation are evaluated with respect to Zipf's laws and we identify the Simon-Yule model as a promising approach. A significant implication of the findings for text modeling is also discussed.
Theory of interstellar abundances of the isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.

It is shown that CNO hydrogen burning in stars with a mass of 3 to 8 solar masses can account for both the likely abundances of C-13, N-14, and O-17 in the interstellar medium and the observed ratios C-12/C-13 O-16/O-17 in the atmospheres of evolved stars. A model which gives these abundances is shown to be consistent also with previously suggested mechanisms for the production of He-3, N-15, and O-18.
Survey of the 1999 surface plasmon resonance biosensor literature.

The application of surface plasmon resonance biosensors in life sciences and pharmaceutical research continues to increase. This review provides a comprehensive list of the commercial 1999 SPR biosensor literature and highlights emerging applications that are of general interest to users of the technology. Given the variability in the quality of published biosensor data, we present some general guidelines to help increase confidence in the results reported from biosensor analyses. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: SPR surface plasmon resonance
Novel use of the Amplatzer septal occluder device in the percutaneous closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms: a case series.

Pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta are a potentially fatal condition that usually necessitates definitive surgical management. In this series of three cases, we describe the novel use of the Amplatzer® septal occluder device in percutaneously managing this problem. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Replication of Cryptococcus neoformans in macrophages is accompanied by phagosomal permeabilization and accumulation of vesicles containing polysaccharide in the cytoplasm

Cryptococcus neoformans (CN), an encapsulated, ubiquitous environmental yeast, is pathogenic for humans, primarily those with compromised immune function. CN is believed to be a facultative intracellular pathogen. Time-lapsed video microscopy revealed that yeast began to replicate and divide 2 hours after ingestion by J774.16 macrophage cells, with the average cell hosting 10-40 organisms of varying morphologies before ultimately lysing and releasing organisms, either singly or in clumps. Intracellular growth was accompanied by the accumulation of polysaccharide-filled vesicles in the macrophage. Studies with fluorescently labeled dextran revealed that the phagolysosomal compartment became leaky during the course of intracellular infection. Consistent with this observation, phagosomes containing CN had an increased pH relative to similar phagosomes containing inert magnetic beads, as indicated by a colorimetric change in the pH-sensitive Lysosensor dye. Immunocytochemistry revealed differences in the reactivity of polysaccharide elaborated by CN inside macrophages relative to that expressed in vitro. Taken together these results are suggestive of a novel mechanism of intracellular survival by an encapsulated organism, whereby ingestion is followed by damage to the phagosomal membrane resulting in continuity with the cytoplasm, accumulation of polysaccharide-containing vesicles, and possibly, production of a structurally different polysaccharide.
New drug classes for the treatment of partial onset epilepsy: focus on perampanel.

Perampanel (2-[2-oxo-1-phenyl-5-pyridin-2-yl-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl] benzonitrile hydrate) is the latest in the line of new antiepileptic drugs with a novel mechanism of action. Perampanel inhibits α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA)-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ and selectively blocks AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, thus reducing neuronal excitation. Three Phase III multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated the efficacy and good tolerability of perampanel as adjunctive treatment in patients with refractory partial-onset seizures. The drug is approved for use in the European Union and United States, with expected release onto the American market in June–September 2013, pending US Drug Enforcement Agency classification. The pharmacology of perampanel offers potential as more than just another new antiepileptic drug. This first-in-class drug will provide another option for practitioners of rational polytherapy. As an AMPA-receptor antagonist, perampanel may possess antiepileptogenic properties in addition to its demonstrated antiseizure properties.
Efficacy of various disinfectants in killing a resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by comparing zones of inhibition: implications for endoscopic equipment reprocessing.

Efficacy of various disinfectants in killing a resistant strain of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa by comparing zones of inhibition: implications for endoscopic equipment reprocessing
Birth by cesarean section, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization among children with a parental history of atopy

Background Cesarean delivery can alter neonatal immune responses and increase the risk of atopy. Studies of the relation between cesarean delivery and allergic diseases in children not selected on the basis of a family history of atopy have yielded inconsistent findings. Objective We sought to examine the relation between birth by cesarean delivery and atopy and allergic diseases in children at risk for atopy. Methods We examined the relation between mode of delivery and the development of atopy and allergic diseases among 432 children with a parental history of atopy followed from birth to age 9 years. Asthma was defined as physician-diagnosed asthma and wheeze in the previous year, and allergic rhinitis was defined as physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis and naso-ocular symptoms apart from colds in the previous year. Atopy was considered present at school age if there was 1 or more positive skin test response or specific IgE to common allergens. Stepwise logistic regression was used to study the relation between cesarean delivery and the outcomes of interest. Results After adjustment for other covariates, children born by cesarean section had 2-fold higher odds of atopy than those born by vaginal delivery (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9). In multivariate analyses birth by cesarean section was significantly associated with increased odds of allergic rhinitis (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-3.1) but not with asthma. Conclusions Our findings suggest that cesarean delivery is associated with allergic rhinitis and atopy among children with a parental history of asthma or allergies. This could be explained by lack of contact with the maternal vaginal/fecal flora or reduced/absent labor during cesarean delivery.
Impaired Cardiometabolic Responses to Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has insulin-like effects on myocardial glucose uptake which may contribute to its beneficial effects in the setting of myocardial ischemia. Whether these effects are different in the setting of obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2DM) requires investigation. We examined the cardiometabolic actions of GLP-1 (7-36) in lean and obese/T2DM humans, and in lean and obese Ossabaw swine. GLP-1 significantly augmented myocardial glucose uptake under resting conditions in lean humans, but this effect was impaired in T2DM. This observation was confirmed and extended in swine, where GLP-1 effects to augment myocardial glucose uptake during exercise were seen in lean but not in obese swine. GLP-1 did not increase myocardial oxygen consumption or blood flow in humans or in swine. Impaired myocardial responsiveness to GLP-1 in obesity was not associated with any apparent alterations in myocardial or coronary GLP1-R expression. No evidence for GLP-1-mediated activation of cAMP/PKA or AMPK signaling in lean or obese hearts was observed. GLP-1 treatment augmented p38-MAPK activity in lean, but not obese cardiac tissue. Taken together, these data provide novel evidence indicating that the cardiometabolic effects of GLP-1 are attenuated in obesity and T2DM, via mechanisms that may involve impaired p38-MAPK signaling.
Analysis of material instability at an impact loaded crack tip

Abstract Assuming that a material point becomes unstable when the effective plastic strain there reaches a critical value, it is found that a material instability will initiate at a point on the crack-tip of an impulsively loaded prenotched plate that makes an angle of −14° to the notch-tip. This agrees well with the observed values of −5° to −15°.
Risk Factors for Bladder Tumors in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated risk factors for the development of bladder tumors in spinal cord injury patients.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was done of all bladder tumors at 1 institution with matched controls for 7 years.Results: We identified 17 malignant and 2 benign tumors. Indwelling bladder catheters and a history of bladder stones were statistically significant risk factors. Four patients with negative biopsies underwent repeat biopsy due to suspicious cytology and cancer was found.Conclusions: An indwelling urinary catheter and a history of bladder stones are statistically significant risk factors. Cytology and biopsy are complementary in the evaluation of urothelial malignancy in this population. A high index of suspicion and thorough evaluation are needed in spinal cord injury patients.
Molecular characterization of the loss of p75NTR expression in human prostate tumor cells

The low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75NTR is a 75-kDa glycoprotein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and has been implicated in the induction of apoptosis in various tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemistry on tissue sections from radical prostatectomies has shown that expression of p75NTR is limited to the epithelial cells. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses have also shown a progressive loss of p75NTR expression in prostate epithelial cells during the malignant progression of organ-confined adenocarcinomas, with complete loss of expression in the naturally occurring prostate tumor cell lines DU-145, PC-3, LNCaP, and TSU-pr1, which were derived from metastases. Reintroduction of p75NTR expression into the TSU-pr1 tumor cell line was shown to reestablish the ability of these cells to undergo p75NTR-mediated apoptosis. It is not known whether this loss of expression is due to deletion of part or the entire p75NTR gene or to other factors. Through the use of southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we showed that loss of p75NTR protein expression was not due to deletion or loss of the gene. Furthermore, through reverse transcription–PCR, RNase protection, and the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we showed that transcription of the p75NTR gene occurred in these prostate tumor cell lines. Finally, through transient transfection using two constructs of p75NTR, one containing the full 2-kb 3′ untranslated region and one that contains only a few hundred bases of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR), we showed that the 3′ UTR may have a role in the loss of p75NTR expression in prostate cancer. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
WARNING! Sign and Label Effectiveness:

The purpose of warnings is twofold. The first goal is to inform people so they appreciate potential hazards. The second goal is to change behavior, that is, to redi rect people away from performing unsafe acts that they might other wise perform. With today's tech nology, warnings have become in creasingly necessary. Products, equipment, tools, and the environ ment have become more complex; how they work, their composition, and their inherent hazards are fre
Lipase and pancreatic amylase versus total amylase as biomarkers of pancreatitis: an analytical investigation

Abstract Objective To evaluate the biomarkers of pancreatitis Colorimetric Lipase, Total Amylase and Pancreatic Amylase (immunoinhibition) assays on the Roche COBAS INTEGRA 700. Results Pancreatic and Total Amylase assays and Colorimetric Lipase showed excellent imprecision of 1.6 to 2.3% and linearity (slope = 0.94–0.99, y-intercepts–1 to +3 U/L, r = 0.999) over the range of 17 to 900, 35 to 880, and 21 to 150 U/L, respectively. There was an excellent correlation between Pancreatic and Total Amylase: Pancreatic Amylase = 0.99 (± 0.02) × Total Amylase–36(± 8) (n = 106, r = 0.97, p Conclusion We recommend running the more specific Pancreatic Amylase as biomarker of pancreatitis on the Roche COBAS INTEGRA.
Engaging stakeholders to develop a depression management decision support tool in a tribal health system

Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native tribal health organization, has had a depression screening program in primary care since 2001. Program monitoring identified gaps in antidepressant refills and patients’ follow-up with behavioral health services. With extensive stakeholder participation, we developed an electronic, patient-centered, depression-management decision support tool (DM-DST). Quality of life and other outcomes are being assessed in a separate study; this case study reports on the multi-year stakeholder engagement process. Data sources included interviews with patients and providers from integrated primary care teams, notes from research meetings, steering committee meetings, and consultations with tribal health system leadership, human subjects review committees, providers, and software designers, and a pilot test of the DS-DMT with patients and providers. We analyzed these sources using qualitative methods to assess the impact of stakeholder input on project processes and outcomes. One comprehensive, iPad-based tool was originally planned to facilitate discussions about depression management. Stakeholder input emphasized the role of family and cultural context of depression and management and improving the usability of the DM-DST. Stakeholder direction led us to split the DM-DST into: (1) a brief iPad-based tool to facilitate conversations between patients and providers during clinic visits; and (2) a complementary Web site that provides detailed information and allows patients flexibility and time to learn more about depression and share information and preferences with family and friends. Stakeholder input across the project substantially modified the DM-DST to ensure cultural applicability to patients and providers and facilitate integration into clinics.
The infant as a prelinguistic model for language learning impairments: Predicting from event-related potentials to behavior

Associations between efficient processing of brief, rapidly presented, successive stimuli and language learning impairments (LLI) in older children and adults have been well documented. In this paper we examine the role that impaired rapid auditory processing (RAP) might play during early language acquisition. Using behavioral measures we have demonstrated that RAP abilities in infancy are critically linked to later language abilities for both non-speech and speech stimuli. Variance in infant RAP thresholds reliably predict language outcome at 3 years-of-age for infants at risk for LLI and control infants. We present data here describing patterns of electrocortical (EEG/ERP) activation at 6 month-of-age to the same non-verbal stimuli used in our behavioral studies. Well-defined differences were seen between infants from families with a history of LLI (FH+) and FH- controls in the amplitude of the mismatch response (MMR) as well as the latency of the N250 component in the 70 ms ISI condition only. Smaller mismatch responses and delayed onsets of the N250 component were seen in the FH+ group. The latency differences in the N250 component, but not the MMR amplitude variation, were significantly related to 24-month language outcome. Such converging tasks provide the opportunity to examine early precursors of LLI and allow the opportunity for earlier identification and intervention.
MIS Planning: a methodology for systems prioritization

Abstract The literature proposes a number of approaches that allow for the consideration of corporate goals and objectives in prioritizing information systems using both financial and non-financial criteria. Research in cognitive psychology suggests that an individual confronted with a simultaneous consideration of both qualitative and quantitative factors tends to assign greater salience to concrete factors than to more abstract criteria. This paper proposes a multi-dimensional methodology that allows for the prioritization of systems proposals based on attributes that are mostly qualitative as the first step in the resource allocation phase of MIS planning. This initial prioritization is used in conjunction with other quantitative factors to arrive at a final system portfolio. The methodology is illustrated with the aid of a case study conducted at a non-profit organization.
Improving the stability and catalyst lifetime of the halogenase RebH by directed evolution.

We previously reported that the halogenase RebH catalyzes selective halogenation of several heterocycles and carbocycles, but product yields were limited by enzyme instability. Here, we use directed evolution to engineer an RebH variant, 3-LR, with a Topt over 5 °C higher than that of wild-type, and 3-LSR, with a Tm 18 °C higher than that of wild-type. These enzymes provided significantly improved conversion (up to fourfold) for halogenation of tryptophan and several non-natural substrates. This initial evolution of RebH not only provides improved enzymes for immediate synthetic applications, but also establishes a robust protocol for further halogenase evolution.
MedSMan: a live multimedia stream querying system

Querying live media streams is a challenging problem that is becoming an essential requirement in a growing number of applications. Research in multimedia information systems has addressed and made good progress in dealing with archived data. Meanwhile, research in stream databases has received significant attention for querying alphanumeric symbolic streams. The lack of a data model capable of representing different multimedia data in a declarative way, hiding the media heterogeneity and providing reasonable abstractions for querying live multimedia streams poses the challenge of how to make the best use of data in video, audio and other media sources for various applications. In this paper we propose a system that enables directly capturing media streams from sensors and automatically generating more meaningful feature streams that can be queried by a data stream processor. The system provides an effective combination between extendible digital processing techniques and general data stream management research. Together with other query techniques developed in related data stream management streams, our system can be used in those application areas where multifarious live media senors are deployed for surveillance, disaster response, live conferencing, telepresence, etc.
A Reference Price Theory of the Endowment Effect

Abstract The common finding that selling prices exceed buying prices (the so-called endowment effect) is typically explained by the assumptions that consumers evaluate potential transactions with respect to their current holdings and that the owners of a good regard its potential loss to be more significant than nonowners regard its potential acquisition. In contrast to this “pain-of-losing” account, the authors propose that the endowment effect reflects a reluctance to trade on terms that appear unfavorable with respect to salient reference prices. In six experiments (and eight more summarized in appendixes), the authors show that manipulations that reduce the gap between valuations and reference prices reduce or eliminate the endowment effect. These results suggest that the endowment effect is often best construed as an aversion to bad deals rather than an aversion to losing possessions.
Report of the Joint Committee for Stroke Facilities

Because it contains material concerned with the many critical problems of diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment which arise when a patient presents with a possible stroke, Medical and Surgical Management is one of the most important Sections to appear in this series of publications from the Joint Committee for Stroke Facilities. Practical aspects of the management of transient ischemic attacks (TIA), strokes-inevolution, completed strokes, and the comatose patient are discussed in detail, and attempts made to distinguish between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Recommendations of the study group are listed.
Fouling mechanism of separator membranes for the iron/chromium redox battery

Abstract The NASA chromium/iron redox battery being developed for photovoltaic and load-levelling storage applications uses an anionic permselective membrane to keep the reactants separate while providing electrical continuity. The membrane resistance increases as a function of time when exposed to a ferric chloride solution. The resistance increase termed “fouling” is related to the ability of the ferric ion to form ferric chloride complexes which are not electrically repelled by the anionic membrane. Electron microprobe analyses show that fouling is associated with an uptake of iron that approaches a uniform distribution across the membrane thickness. Since the iron does not cause fouling by covering the surface of the membrane, alternative explanations were considered. The amount of water in the membrane was found to decrease when the membrane became fouled. Percolation theory was used to relate the resistance of fouled membranes to the volume fraction of water. The fit was excellent and the fitting parameters were physically reasonable. The water loss is caused by an osmotic effect from placing the membrane in a ionic solution and a displacement effect when the ferric chloride complex enters the membrane.