cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction between parkin and alpha‐synuclein

Mutations in the parkin gene have been identified in autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (ARPD) throughout the world. Several groups have shown that parkin acts as an ubiquitin (Ub) ligase in in vivo and in vitro studies and identified several molecules to be ubiquitinated by parkin. Two rare mutations, Ala53Thr and Ala30Pro, in the α-synuclein (αS) gene have been identified in autosomal dominant PD cases. αS is a major constituent of Lewy bodies the pathological hallmark of PD. Therefore, αvS metabolism is likely to play a central role in the pathogenesis of PD. We investigated the possible interaction between the two familial PD-linked gene products, parkin and αS. We first demonstrated that parkin epitopes can be found within Lewy bodies by immunohistochemistry and immuno-EM. We also detected parkin biochemically in affinity purified Lewy bodies. Furthermore, we identified a protein complex in normal human brain that includes parkin as an E3 Ub ligase, UbcH7 as its associated E2 protein and a novel 22 kDa glycosylated isoform of αS (αSp22) as its substrate. In an in vitro ubiquitination assay, αSp22 was further modified by normal but not mutant parkin into high Mr polyubiquitinated species. We observed accumulation of nonubiquitinated αSp22 in ARPD brain homogenates. Importantly enzymatic digestion of αSp22 abolish the binding of recombinant parkin with deglycosylated αS. We conclude that αSp22 is a substrate for parkin's Ub ligase activity in normal brain, and that loss of function in parkin-deficient ARPD causes pathological αSp22 accumulation. These findings demonstrate a critical functional relationship between the two PD-linked gene products.
Impact of aspirin therapy in cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND. Patients with cancer who have thrombocytopenia may experience acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and the use of aspirin (ASA) poses an increased risk of bleeding. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the benefit of ASA therapy in the treatment of ACS would extend to cancer patients with thrombocytopenia and outweigh the risks of severe bleeding. METHODS. The records of all cancer patients diagnosed with an ACS in 2001 and referred for cardiology consultation were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of platelet count, >100 cells k/μL and ≤100 cells k/μL. Data were collected on the use of ASA therapy, bleeding complications, and survival rates. The authors assessed group differences by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test or 2-tailed Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors potentially associated with 7-day survival. RESULTS. In cancer patients with ACS and thrombocytopenia, those who did not receive ASA had a 7-day survival rate of 6% compared with 90% in those who did receive ASA (P 100 cells k/μL) who received ASA had a 7-day survival rate of 88% compared with 45% in those who did not receive ASA (P = .0096). CONCLUSIONS. Therapy with ASA was associated with a significantly improved 7-day survival after ACS in cancer patients, with or without thrombocytopenia, and not associated with more severe bleeding. Cancer 2007;109:621–627. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Study on the Display Positions for the Haptic Rotary Device-Based Integrated In-Vehicle Infotainment Interface

Integrated multimodal systems is one promising direction to improve human–vehicle interaction. In order to create intelligent human–vehicle interfaces and reduce visual load during secondary tasks, combining a haptic rotary device and a graphic display will provide one practical solution. However, in literature, the proper display position for the haptic rotary device is not fully investigated. In this paper, one experimental infotainment system is studied (including a haptic rotary control device and a graphic display) to evaluate the proper display position. Measurements used include task completion time, reaction to road events, lane/velocity keeping during secondary tasks, and user preference. Three display positions are considered: high mounted position, cluster position, and center stack position. The results show that, with increased on-road and off-road visual loads, the cluster display position can reduce lane position deviation significantly compared to high mounted and center stack positions. In addition, the high mounted and cluster display positions are better toward two different road events, including strong wind gust and extreme deceleration of the lead car.
Strategies for Motion Tracking and Correction in PET

With the arrival of increasingly higher-resolution PET systems, small amounts of motion can cause significant blurring in the resulting images compared with the intrinsic resolution of the PET scanner. The authors review advanced correction methods for unwanted patient motion and for motion due to cardiac and respiratory cycles. A general theme in motion correction methods is the use of increasingly sophisticated software to make use of existing advanced hardware. In this sense, the field is open to future novel ideas (hardware and especially software) aimed at improving motion detection, characterization, and compensation.
POSTNATAL ACCUMULATION OF ADENINE NUCLEOTIDES IN RABBIT LIVER MITOCHONDRIA AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CITRULLINE SYNTHESIS

Liver mitochondria (mito) accumulate adenine nucleotides right after birth thereby greatly increasing the matrix ATP+ADP+AMP content (BBA: 681:300, 1982). Bioenergetic function is also enhanced. Overall, there is a large increase in matrix ATP that might be expected to stimulate ATP-dependent pathways within the mito. Carbamyl phosphate synthetase and ornithine carbamyltransferase are enzymes of the urea cycle that are localized in the matrix; they catalyze citrulline (CIT) synthesis from ornithine, NH3, and CO2 in an ATP-dependent reaction sequence. We investigated whether the postnatal increase in the matrix ATP pool size affects CIT synthesis. Mito were isolated from rabbit pups at birth and at 2 hrs of age. ATP, ADP and AMP were determined enzymatically in PCA extracts. CIT synthesis (assayed by 14CO2 fixation) increased between birth and 2 hrs, from 1.38±.35 to 2.40± .26 umol/hr/mg mito protein. The matrix ATP+ADP+AMP pool size (nmol/mg mito protein) increased from 5.7±.8 at birth to 15.1±1.6 at 2 hrs and the matrix ATP/ADP ratio increased from 1.47 to 3.52. The larger adenine nucleotide pool size together with the higher ATP/ADP ratio resulted in a 3.4-fold increase in matrix ATP concentration. Two moles ATP are required per mole CIT, so the increase in ATP appears to account for the 1.8-fold increase in CIT synthesis. Conclusion: The accumulation of adenine nucleotides and the maturation of energetic functions within the first few hours after birth allow a rapid postnatal increase in the capacity for CIT synthesis. (NIH HD 16936)
A summary of projective mapping observations – The effect of replicates and shape, and individual performance measurements

Abstract Projective mapping (PM) or Napping® are fast alternatives to traditional descriptive analysis (DA), and are becoming more popular among sensory scientists to obtain a quick overview of (dis)similarities among a certain sample set. Ideally, PM should be able to deliver similar results as a DA, and this aspect has been studied extensively in the last years, also in comparison to other fast alternative descriptive methods. Other aspects of research include the effect of replication and how to analyze the data. Besides the two previously mentioned aspects (the effect of replicates and the comparability with DA), we focused in this study on the effect of the provided PM space, and compared a square to a rectangular space, and whether the obtained results would differ. In two consecutive studies, we compared a square configuration to a horizontal and a vertical rectangle configuration. We found that the judges did position their samples in a different way when confronted with a differently shaped space. These results suggest that the PM product representation depends on the provided space. A last aspect of this study was dealing with individual performance, how this could be measured, and how large the effect of the individual judges on the overall solution is. Generally, judges that did not use the usual Cartesian coordinate system to position their samples did not affect the consensus PM solution. This can be most likely attributed to the large number of panelists in our studies. Additionally, we propose a people performance index (PPI) to measure the ability of an individual to place blind duplicated samples close to each other.
Steady state model of electrochemical gas sensors with multiple reactions

Abstract We present an extension of the first-principles model for the steady state response of electrochemical (e.g. zirconia) gas sensors. In earlier work, it was assumed that only one electrochemical reaction couples the electrical and the chemical parts of the sensing system; i.e. in an O 2 /CO/CO 2 gas mixture, the emf is due to the reaction O ads + v 0 2+ (oxide) + 2e − (electrode) O 0 that changes the concentration of charged oxygen vacancies, v 0 2+ (oxide); while CO ads , indirectly affects the emf by chemically reacting and changing the concentration of O ads , the adsorbed oxygen atoms on the metal electrode. However, CO may additionally react directly with oxygen in the metal oxide: CO ads + O 0 (oxide) CO 2ads + v 0 2+ (oxide)+ 2e − (electrode). In this paper, the model is extended to also include this reaction. For certain values of the parameters, it is shown that this additional reaction produces new features in the sensor emf versus gas-redox ratio relationship in good agreement with the experimental results. This generalized model reveals a rich diversity of sensor behavior and provides insights that can be useful in developing improved gas sensors. With appropriate modifications, the formalism is readily adaptable to resistive type of gas sensors.
Intraoperative rupture of the endoaortic clamp balloon in a patient undergoing port-access mitral valve repair.

A 66-year-old man (t65 cm, 71 kg) had a 10-year history of mitral valve disease with minimal symptoms. Over the last year, he developed increased shortness of breath and fatigue with physical activity; in the last several months, he was unable to climb a flight of stairs without dyspnea. He underwent a cardiac catheterization, which showed a mildly dilated left ventricle (LV) with an estimated ejection fraction of 83%, 3 + to 4+ mitral regurgitation with a flail posterior mitral leaflet, and a mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 13 mmHg, increasing to 24 mmHg with a V wave to 45 mmHg. Coronary anatomy was normal. He was referred for mitral valve repair or replacement, and a Port-Access, minimally invasive procedure using the Heartport EndoCPB system (Heartport Inc, Redwood City, CA) was planned, The patient was admitted on the same day of surgery. Bilateral radial artery catheters and a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz; BaxterEdwards Inc, Deerfield, IL) were inserted. Midazolam, 5 rag, was administered intravenously for sedation. On arrival in the operating room, arterial blood pressure was 125165 mmHg (mean arterial pressure, 80 mmHg); mean pulmonary artery pressure, 30 mmHg; cardiac index, 2.2 L/min/m 2, and heart rate, 60 beats/rain. After preoxygenation, general anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, 500 pg; midazolam, 5 rag; and cisatracurium, 16 mg. The trachea was intubated, and the lungs were ventilated with isoflurane in oxygen. A biplane transesophagoal echocardiography (TEE) probe (Hewlett-Packard, MA) was inserted. The baseline two-dimensional and color-flow Doppler examination confirmed severe mitral regurgitation and valvular changes suggestive of myxomatous degenerative disease, with ruptured chordae and a flail posterior leaflet. The aortic valve appeared normal without regurgitant flow, and the ascending and descending parts of the thoracic aorta were without echocardio~:aphic evidence of significant atheromatous disease. Access to the heart was achieved through a 6-era submammary incision, and the chest was entered through the fourth right intercostal space. The left femoral vessels were exposed through a groin incision, and after systemic anticoagulation with heparin, the Heartport Endoarterial Return cannula was inserted into the femoral artery. A guidewire was advanced from the femoral vein to the right atrium, visualized by TEE, and the Heartport Endovenous Drainage cannula was advanced into the fight atrium with the tip at the superior caval atrial junction. The Heartport Endoaortic Clamp was advanced over a guidewire and positioned in the ascending aorta with the tip slighdy above the sinotubular ridge, as seen by TEE. The surgeon inserted a retrograde cardioplegia catheter through a right atrial purse-string cannulation site into the coronary sinus, guided by TEE and pressure waveform.
Some practical measuring devices

IN the operation of a large utility very often it is desirable to make practical measurements which are not generally obtainable from the usual manufactured devices. It therefore becomes necessary to make some unusual devices to record information that will assist in the operation of a large system. This discussion will present some devices that have proved very useful for years, and some more recent ones that are being tried out.
Preferential adsorption of mercury(II) ions in water: chelation of mercury, cadmium, and lead ions to silica derivatized with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid

Meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) covalently attached to silica gel via amide bond linkages (DMSA-[silica]) was evaluated as a chelate for Hg(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II). All three metal ions are separately chelated by DMSA-[silica]; 95% of Hg(II) is chelated, 81% of Cd(II), and 74% of Pb(II). When equal molar concentrations of the three metals are allowed to react simultaneously with DMSA-[silica] for 2 h, mercury is preferentially bound (99%) compared to cadmium (13%) or lead (0.4%). Attachment of DMSA to silica surfaces via amide bond formation, which increases the thiol to carboxylic acid ratio over free DMSA, is suggested as a factor in enhancing the preference of DMSA-[silica] for mercury.
Tracking Aquatic Invaders: Autonomous Robots for Monitoring Invasive Fish

Carp is a highly invasive bottom-feeding fish that pollutes and dominates lakes by releasing harmful nutrients. Recently, biologists started studying the behavior of carp by tagging the fish with radio emitters. The biologists search for and localize the radio-tagged fish manually using a global positioning system (GPS) and a directional antenna. We are developing a novel robotic sensor system in which human effort is replaced by autonomous robots capable of finding and tracking tagged carp. In this article, we report the current state of our system. We present a new coverage algorithm for finding tagged fish and active localization algorithms for precisely localizing them. In addition to theoretical analysis and simulation results, we report results from field experiments.
Molecular recognition of cAMP by an RNA aptamer.

Two classes of RNA aptamers that bind the second messenger adenosine 3‘,5‘-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP; 1) were isolated from a random-sequence pool using in vitro selection. Class I and class II aptamers are formed by 33- and 31-nucleotide RNAs, respectively, and each is comprised of similar stem−loop and single-stranded structural elements. Class II aptamers, which dominate the final selected RNA population, require divalent cations for complex formation and display a dissociation constant (KD) for cAMP of ∼10 μM. A representative class II aptamer exhibits substantial discrimination against 5‘- and 3‘-phosphorylated nucleosides such as ATP, 5‘-AMP, and 3‘-AMP. However, components of cAMP such as adenine and adenosine also are bound, indicating that the adenine moiety is the primary positive determinant of ligand binding. Specificity of cAMP binding appears to be established by hydrogen bonding interactions with the adenine base as well as by steric interactions with groups on the ribose moiety. In additi...
The effect of wind direction on ozone levels: a case study

This paper provides an illustrative case study on how the wind direction plays an important role in determining the ozone levels, in a suburb of Houston. Circular correlation and circular regression methods are used in the analysis and the primary goal is to illustrate how circular data analytic methods help in analyzing certain environmental issues.
Time-dependent effects of fructose on the modulation of a reactivated memory.

Abstract 1. 1. A passive-avoidance-to-active-avoidance negative transfer paradigm was used to investigate systematically the time-dependent effects of fructose on reactivated memories in rats. 2. 2. Memory reactivation consisted of re-exposing the rats 24 hr after passive-avoidance conditioning to environmental and learning cues present during training; postreactivation injections of fructose (100 mg/kg, sc) or saline were followed 24 hr later by active-avoidance (discrimination reversal) conditioning. Fructose or saline was administered in the experimental room 0, 2, 5, or 30 min, or in the colony room 60 min, after reactivation. 3. 3. The results showed a time-dependent decrease in the ability of fructose to modulate a reactivated memory. 4. 4. These results suggest that the time-dependent effects for the modulation of a reactivated memory by fructose (a hexose that does not readily pass the blood-brain barrier) and glucose (a hexose that readily passes the blood-brain barrier) follow similar trends.
The impact of artificial vehicle sounds for pedestrians on driver stress

Electrically based vehicles have produced some concern over their lack of sound, but the impact of artificial sounds now being implemented have not been examined in respect to their effects upon the driver. The impact of two different implementations of vehicle sound on driver stress in electric vehicles was examined. A Nissan HEV running in electric vehicle mode was driven by participants in an area of congestion using three sound implementations: (1) no artificial sounds, (2) manually engaged sounds and (3) automatically engaged sounds. Physiological and self-report questionnaire measures were collected to determine stress and acceptance of the automated sound protocol. Driver stress was significantly higher in the manually activated warning condition, compared to both no artificial sounds and automatically engaged sounds. Implications for automation usage and measurement methods are discussed and future research directions suggested. Practitioner Summary: The advent of hybrid- and all-electric vehicles...
Brain maturation following administration of phenobarbital, phenytoin, and sodium valproate to developing rats or to their dams: effects on synthesis of brain myelin and other subcellular membrane proteins

The anticonvulsant drugs phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate, and phenytoin-sodium valproate in combination were administered daily to (a) pregnant rats starting on the 5th day after conception, and continued through 17 days postpartum, or (b) to developing rats between 3 and 17 days of age. Each drug was prepared in water and administered at either a therapeutic dose (TD), three times therapeutic dose (3TD), or 9TD. Drug administration had no discernible effect on litter size or sex ratio in the offspring; however, phenobarbital administration to dams caused small but significant reductions in birth weights. Body weights of developing rats treated with anticonvulsant drugs either via dams of directly by intraperitoneal injection lagged behind controls. At 20-24 days of age the brain weights of the offspring of phenobarbital (9TD)-exposed dams lagged control weights by 5% whereas brain weights in the offspring of the other treated groups were indistinguishable from controls. In contrast, administration of phenobarbital directly to developing rats caused no significant brain weight deficits whereas significant deficits were observed with phenytoin (9TD), sodium valproate (9TD), and phenytoin-sodium valproate (9TD) in combination. AT 20-24 days of age the relative incorporation of radioactive leucine into purified myelin and crude nuclear proteins of drug-treated rats or the offspring of drug-treated dams was reduced by 10-20% in all cases. Dose-related differences were not observed however, and the effects of phenytoin and sodium valproate in combination approximated those of phenytoin administered alone.
Reduction of GaAs diode laser spontaneous emission

Spontaneous emission from GaAs lasers is substantially reduced by fabricating a high‐reflection dielectric stack coating for the rear facet and apertured coatings of highly absorbing Te for the front (output) facet. After deposition the Te is ablated by the laser mode itself and the aperture is stabilized by Al2O3 overcoating. The stimulated emission at mode center passes through the aperture unattenuated, whereas the spontaneous emission at the edges of the mode is strongly absorbed. Since spontaneous emission at mode center saturates above threshold we estimate that the ratio of stimulated to spontaneous power will approach 100 at near‐10‐mW output levels.
Effects of the Great Lakes' thermal influence on freeze-free dates in spring and fall as determined by Hopkins' bioclimatic law

Abstract In this paper, an attempt is made to show that Hopkins' (1938) bioclimatic law, in the form of an isophanic model, makes possible a quantitative declaration and examination of the thermal effects of the Great Lakes in advancing the beginning of the freeze-free season in the spring, and retarding its departure in the fall. For the first time, the number of days that the frost-free period is lengthened due primarily to the lakes' effect is determined. Similarly, the application of bioclimatic law has made possible a quantitative comparison of the degree of influence expressed by these water bodies on daily minimum temperatures at the start and end of the freeze-free season.
Determination of T1 and T2 by simulation of EPR power saturation curves and saturated spectra. Application to spin-labeled iron porphyrins

Abstract Values of T1 and T2 have been obtained by computer simulation of fluid-solution EPR power saturation curves, unsaturated spectra, and saturated spectra. Unresolved proton hyperfine splitting was included explicitly. Inter- and intramolecular spin-spin interactions between two nitroxyl spin-labeled porphyrins and high-spin iron (III) were examined. In these systems the spin-spin interaction influences T2 more than it influences T1.
Internal residue criteria for predicting three-dimensional protein structures

The internal amino acid residues of proteins are almost always non-polar since the hydrophobic effect is very important in stabilizing the three-dimensional structure. This fact suggests several new criteria for judging the correctness of structures predicted from sequence data. The dinucleotide binding domain has been used as a test structure for these criteria. The percentage of ionic residues, mutation data, hydrophobicity, dipole moments, and internal preferences of the residues on the interiors of the known dinucleotide binding folds are consistent with expectations. On the other hand, the values of these parameters for predicted domains in glutamate dehydrogenase (Wootton, J.C. (1974) Nature 252, 542--546) and aldolase (Stellwagen, E. (1976) J. Mol. Biol. 106, 903--911) differ significantly from the expected values indicating that these predictions are not entirely correct. The internal residue criteria can then be used to test modifications of the predictions for a better correlation with the internal residue pattern of the domain.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN MEDICAL OUTCOMES RESEARCH: THE VIEW FROM HARVARD

This study evaluates the emerging field of medical outcomes research based on interviews at Harvard Medical School. Medical outcomes research at Harvard is multifaceted, but may be summarized as involving certain key components. The emphasis at Harvard is on “quality of care,” viewed as a combination of outcomes evaluation and process evaluation, delivery of the service and its result. In a time of shrinking budgets, outcomes and process research can be justified economically because of the relatively low cost of patient self-reports and because of their usefulness. Physicians may be motivated to measure quality of care by emphasizing the positive effects of research on the process of care and outcomes. Medical outcomes research is a field that is undergoing change and is becoming increasingly oriented toward the practical needs of patients and physicians.
Release of LH-Releasing Factor (LRF) Into the Peripheral Circulation of Hypophysectomized Rats by Dopamine and Its Blockage by Estradiol

Stainless steel cannulae were implanted into the 3rd ventricle (V) of hypophysectomized (hypox) rats. Several days after cannulation blood samples were drawn directly before (control) and 15 min after (experimental) intraventricular injection of a 2 el isotonic saline solution of various adrenergic drugs. The control and experimental hypox plasma samples were injected into the jugular vein of ovariectomized, steroid-blocked (OS) assay rats to estimate plasma LH-releasing activity (LRF) by the increase in plasma LH produced in the OS rats. Plasma LH levels of the OS rats were measured by radioimmunoassay. None of the hypox rats had detectable immunoreactive LH in their plasma but significant resting levels of peripheral LRF. An equal volume of plasma from estrous rats was also injected into the OS rats. It had no effect on plasma LH, which means that no LRF was detectable in plasma from the estrous animals and further indicates that the positive response to hypox plasma was due to circulating LRF. Intraven...
Is docosahexaenoic acid necessary in infant formula ? Evaluation of high linolenate diets in the neonatal rat

Neural accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is thought to play an important role in the neural development of human infants. The lack of DHA in infant formulas contributes to the lowered neural accretion of DHA observed in formula-fed infants relative to those breast-fed. We hypothesized that lowering the dietary linoleic acid (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) ratio may lead to increases in the level of DHA in the developing brain and retina. Lowering the LA to LNA ratio from 10:1 to 1:1 and to 1:12 in the artificially reared (AR) neonatal rat pup resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of brain DHA between AR dietary groups. The brain level of DHA in the AR group fed a 1:12 ratio was similar to that of a dam-reared reference group. However, levels of DHA in the retina of all AR groups were significantly lower than that of the (chow fed) dam-reared group. It appears that LNA may serve as an adequate substrate for the accretion of DHA in the brain, but not the retina of the developing rat. In both the brain and the retina, levels of arachidonic acid in the AR pups fed the 1:1 ratio were similar to that of the dam-reared group. However, levels in the 1:12 group were significantly reduced. The addition of long chain n-3 polyunsaturates such as DHA to infant formula may therefore be necessary for adequate neural DHA accretion and optimal neural development.
Systemic and translesional activation of coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inhibitory systems in candidates for coronary angioplasty: Basal state and effect of successful dilation

Abstract Objectives Thrombosis is a major contributor to complications associated with coronary interventions. It is unclear whether patients who have undergone angioplasty are predisposed to thrombus formation because of underlying perturbations in their hemostatic equilibrium. Methods Concentration or activity was measured for 14 plasma proteins involved in the coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inhibitory systems. Baseline systemic measurements were compared between patients undergoing balloon angioplasty (n = 15) and normal subjects (n = 32), with sampling repeated at the end of the procedure. To better assess the local hemostatic environment near the site of dilation, intracoronary arterial samples were also obtained just proximal and distal to the dilated stenosis. Results Multiple differences in measured coagulation proteins were found at baseline between the angioplasty candidates and control subjects, including higher mean concentration of plasma fibrinogen ( P P P P P P P P 2 -antiplasmin ( P Conclusions Patients with active ischemic syndromes who are considered candidates for coronary angioplasty demonstrate significant and multiple alterations in their coagulation, inhibitory, and fibrinolytic systems. However, no further changes were observed during coronary dilation, either systemically or locally, after pretreatment with typical doses of heparin and aspirin. (Am Heart J 1999;137:274-83.)
Serial Pediatric Symptom Checklist Screening in Children With Prenatal Drug Exposure

ABSTRACT:Objective:To examine screening results obtained by serial annual behavioral assessment of children with prenatal drug exposure.Method:The Maternal Lifestyle Study enrolled children with prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) at birth for longitudinal assessments of developmental, behavioral, and h
Alteration of rat hepatic plasma membrane functions by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

In vivo administration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to rats produced significant alterations in Na-K, Ca, Mg ATPase and protein kinase activity, and receptor binding activity to insulin, concanavalin A, glucagon and epidermal growth factor in the canaliculi-rich plasma membrane fraction of the hepatocytes. Some of the changes are dose-related, and generally follow the time course of the sign of TCDD poisoning in the rat (e.g., the loss in body weight). Such TCDD-induced changes in membrane proteins and subsequent alteration in membrane functions appear to be extensive.
Cesarean scar pregnancy: imaging and treatment with conservative surgery.

Abstract Background: Pregnancy in a cesarean scar represents a rare type of secondary abdominal pregnancy. Early diagnosis can be challenging and optimal treatment is unknown. Case: A 21-year-old woman presented for an abortion at 8 weeks’ gestation. A cesarean delivery had been performed 5 months earlier. Suspecting a cervical pregnancy, her physician referred her to us, and an 8-week cesarean scar gestation was diagnosed and then confirmed by serial sonograms, cystoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient elected pregnancy termination, which was accomplished by hysterotomy with uterine preservation followed by intramuscular methotrexate. Conclusion: We report a case of cesarean scar pregnancy treated surgically with uterine preservation. This approach should be considered when cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed.
A systematic literature review on using mobile computing as a learning intervention

Many computing departments are integrating mobile computing into their curriculum to provide students with the requisite technical, entrepreneurial, software engineering and programming skills desired in today's job market. Mobile computing has also been used as a learning intervention to motivate student interest and contextualize learning. This work presents the results of a literature analysis investigating the state of practice in computing education to understand the contexts, themes and approaches that the academic community is taking to teach mobile computing.
Stabilization of a variable quantity with respect to a single valued reference

A feedback system consisting of two interacting loops is studied, which stabilizes an output variable using a single valued reference. The deviation of the output quantity caused by an external disturbance depends on the equality of the two loops, and can be made to approach zero by suitable adjustment of system parameters. Results of the theory were confirmed experimentally using a system of two variable frequency oscillators and a quartz crystal as a reference.
Contractile responses to sumatriptan and ergotamine in the rabbit saphenous vein : effect of selective 5-HT1F receptor agonists and PGF2α

Contractile responses to ergotamine, sumatriptan and the novel 5-HT1F receptor agonists, LY334370 and LY344864 were examined using the rabbit saphenous vein. Ergotamine (pEC50=8.7±0.06) was 30 fold more potent than 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (pEC50=7.2±0.13) and 300 fold more potent than sumatriptan (pEC50=6.0±0.08) in contracting the rabbit saphenous vein in vitro. The selective 5-HT1F receptor agonists, LY334370 or LY344864 (up to 10−4 M), did not contract the rabbit saphenous vein. The contractile response to ergotamine in this tissue resulted from activation of both alpha1 and 5-HT1B/1D receptors based on the observation that prazosin (10−6 M), an α-adrenoceptor antagonist, and GR127935 (10−8 M) a 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, dextrally shifted the contractile response to ergotamine. In contrast, prazosin (10−6 M) did not alter contraction to sumatriptan whereas GR127935 (10−8 M) was a potent antagonist (−log KB=10.0) suggesting that sumatriptan-induced contraction of the rabbit saphenous vein was mediated only by activation of receptors similar or identical to 5-HT1B/1D receptors. PGF2α (3×10−7 M) produced a modest increase (approximately 5.0–10.0% maximum PGF2α contraction) in saphenous vein force. Precontraction with PGF2α (3×10−7 M) dramatically augmented the potency and maximal contractile response to sumatriptan (pEC50=7.1) and modestly enhanced the contractile potency of ergotamine (pEC50=9.0) in the rabbit saphenous vein. However, PGF2α (3×10−7 M) only unmasked a contraction to the 5-HT1F receptor agonists when concentrations exceeded 10−5 M, concentrations considerably higher than their 5-HT1F receptor affinities. LY334370 (10−6 M) pretreatment did not alter contraction to either sumatriptan or ergotamine and a higher concentration (10−5 M) of LY334370 or LY344864 inhibited contraction to sumatriptan. Thus, activation of 5-HT1F receptors will not induce vascular contraction (either alone or following modest tone with PGF2α) or augment contraction to other contractile agonists in the rabbit saphenous vein. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 131, 562–568; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703587
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization: Algorithms, Complexity and Applications

How quickly can we compute the nonnegative rank (r) of an m x n matrix? This problem ---- and the companion problem of finding a nonnegative matrix factorization with minimum inner-dimension ---- has a rich history, with applications in quantum mechanics, probability theory, data analysis, communication complexity and polyhedral combinatorics. Here we will survey the recent progress on this question, that has essentially resolved its worst-case complexity.
The exercise-induced expression of BDNF within the hippocampus varies across life-span

Voluntary exercise increases hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in young animals. In this investigation we examined the induction of BDNF protein in the hippocampus of young (2 months), late middle-aged (15 months) and old (24 months) animals over 4 weeks of exercise. Average running distances decreased with age, with the old animals also maintaining a constant level of activity over time, whereas the other groups tended to increase their average running distance. All animals demonstrated a biphasic profile of BDNF protein induction, with a significant (P < 0.05) increase after 1 week of exercise followed by a decrease to near sedentary levels at 2 weeks. After this, BDNF protein levels increased significantly (P < 0.05), as compared to baseline, primarily only in the young animals. In whole hippocampal homogenates, only particular BDNF mRNA exons were significantly (P < 0.05) changed as a result of exercise, with the largest induction occurring in young animals. BDNF protein induction may, therefore, not be directly correlated with significant mRNA changes. Exercise may represent a therapeutic tool for disorders which involve a decrease in BDNF.
Comorbid pain and opioid addiction: psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.

Treating comorbid pain (nonmalignant) and opioid addiction is a complex endeavor that requires cooperation of multi-modal treatment teams incorporating pharmacological, psychological, and social components. There are multiple barriers for patients, mental health practitioners, and physical health practitioners to provide complete treatment for this difficult treatment population. In this article, we will review which treatments have been empirically validated in this treatment population, where further research is required, and considerations for potential “best approaches” to use for patient treatment while waiting for empirically validated treatment data. We will also discuss some complementary and alternative medicine approaches that have empirical validity in treating either pain or addiction individually, though empirical validity for the treatment of comorbid pain and addiction has not been established.
Successful Aging of Oldest Old Women in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

Health life ways of six oldest old women, who have lived in northeastern Vermont for an average of 70 years are described. Life histories were obtained using participant observation and intensive interviewing to identify dominant themes associated with successful aging: being a woman with family and friends, living off the land, dealing with difficult times, and working hard and staying active. Health values and practices as well as personal characteristics combined with a strong network of social support emerge as dimensions of successful aging and considerations for nursing practice.
Der Mechanismus der Zersetzung von α.α'-Dichlor-azoalkanen in wässrigem Aceton

Die Zersetzung von 2.2'-Dichlor-[2.2'-azopropan] (DCAP) in 85-proz. wasrigem Aceton wurde durch Messung des entwickelten Stickstoffs kinetisch verfolgt. Sie ist annahernd 1. Ordnung in bezug auf DCAP und zeigt einen positiven Salzeffekt sowie einen von Chlorid-Ionen verursachten Massenwirkungseffekt; sie ist nicht saurekatalysiert. Es wird ein Mechanismus angegeben, dessen geschwindigkeitsbestimmender Schritt eine teilweise reversible Dissoziation von DCAP in ein Chlorid-Ion und ein resonanzstabilisiertes Carbonium-Ion ist. Er erlaubt auch die Erklarung ahnlicher Reaktionen.
Fabrication of Field-Effect Transistors from Hexathiapentacene Single-Crystal Nanowires

This paper describes a simple, solution-phase route to the synthesis of bulk quantities of hexathiapentacene (HTP) single-crystal nanowires. These nanowires have also been successfully incorporated as the semiconducting material in field-effect transistors (FETs). For devices based on single nanowires, the carrier mobilities and current on/off ratios could be as high as 0.27 cm2/Vs and >103, respectively. For transistors fabricated from a network of nanowires, the mobilities and current on/off ratios could reach 0.057 cm2/Vs and >104, respectively. We have further demonstrated the use of nanowire networks in fabricating transistors on mechanically flexible substrates. Preliminary results show that these devices could withstand mechanical strain and still remain functional. The results from this study demonstrate the potential of utilizing solution-dispersible, nanostructured organic materials for use in low-cost, flexible electronic applications.
Isothermal Grain Growth of Pressure‐Sintered PLZT Ceramics

PLZT specimens 99.99% of theoretical density containing 7 at.% La with a 65/35 Zr/Ti atom ratio were fabricated with average grain diameters of ∼1 μm by pressure sintering. The dense, single-phase specimens were isothermally heat-treated in a low PbO activity atmosphere. For grain diameters from 1 to 5 μm, grain growth obeyed the D3-D03=k't relation, with an apparent activation energy of 86 kcal/mol. The mechanism controlling the grain-growth rate is consistent with a solid-solution impurity drag caused by an La ion concentration gradient near the grain boundaries.
Social interaction in online support groups: Preference for online social interaction over offline social interaction

The purpose of the current study was to identify potential factors leading to preference for social interaction in online support groups (OSGs) over offline interaction. By identifying such factors, the current study advances understanding of the way patients use the Internet as a supportive resource and integrate support from offline and online relationships. An online survey was conducted with current users of health-related OSGs (N=158). Findings show that those who were dissatisfied with the support they received from their current offline contacts were more likely to prefer social interaction in OSGs. Such a preference was prominent among those who built deeper social relationships in OSGs. Results suggest that some people develop a preference for social interaction in OSGs over offline interaction and use computer-mediated relationships as a possible alternative to offline support networks. Healthcare professionals and users as well as designers of OSGs must acknowledge the limits of online support and caution against the possibility of developing excessive reliance on online support resources.
Relationship between penicillin susceptibility and virulence of Staphylococcus aureus.

SummaryNo distinct correlation was established between penicillin susceptibility and virulence of 80 coagulase positive, hemolytic, mannitol fermenting strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Both penicillin-resistant and penicillin-sensitive strains vary considerably in their mouse pathogenicity but a significantly higher proportion of the former proved to be virulent as compared to the latter which were fairly evenly divided between virulent and avirulent strains. No definite pattern with respect to change in virulence was observed with 4 originally penicillin-sensitive strains following artificial induction of resistance to the antibiotic.
Selective hydrolysis of a mitochondrial pool of sphingomyelin induces apoptosis

Our previous results have indicated that the major cellular pool of sphingomyelin present on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane is not involved in the ceramide pathway of apoptosis. Thus, in ...
The Clinical Course of Serpiginous Choroidopathy

We closely observed nine patients (17 eyes) with serpiginous choroidopathy for time periods ranging from two to ten years. There were seven men and two women with ages ranging from 22 to 58 years, average age was 46 years. Eight patients were bilaterally affected; one patient had only one eye. The clinical course of the disease was characterized by multiple recurrences. The recurrences and progression of the disease often were not noticed by patients if the macular area was not involved. Serial fundus photographs proved to be invaluable in establishing progression. Although the disease usually progresses in a centrifugal manner from the disk toward the periphery, three patients demonstrated centripetal progression and one of these three permanently lost central acuity. Visual acuity was affected only when the foveal or parafoveal areas became involved, but in nine of the 17 eyes, visual acuity returned to a variable degree. None of the patients had any general systemic illness. However, five of the patients reported chronic exposure to an unusual variety of chemicals.
Strong wavevector dependence of hole transport in heterostructures

Abstract Heterostructures such as resonant tunneling diodes, quantum well photodetectors and lasers, and cascade lasers break the symmetry of the crystalline lattice. Such break in lattice symmetry causes a strong interaction of heavy-, light- and split-off hole bands. A resonant tunneling diode is used as a vehicle to study hole transport in heterostructures including the subband dispersion transverse to the main transport direction. Four key findings are demonstrated: (1) the heavy and light hole interaction is shown to be strong enough to result in dominant current flow off the Γ zone center (more holes flow through the structure at an angle than straight through), (2) explicit inclusion of the transverse momentum in the current integration is needed, (3) most of the current flow is due to injection from heavy holes in the emitter, and (4) the dependence on the angle φ of the transverse momentum k is weak. Two bandstructure models are utilized to demonstrate the underlying physics: (1) independent/uncoupled heavy-, light- and split-off bands, and (2) second-nearest neighbor sp3s* tight-binding model. Current–voltage (I–V) simulations including explicit integration of the total energy E, transverse momentum | k | and transverse momentum angle φ are analyzed. An analytic formula for the current densityJ (k) as a function of transverse momentum k is derived and utilized to explain the three independent mechanisms that generate off-zone-center current flow: (1) nonmonotonic (electron-like) hole dispersion, (2) different quantum well and emitter effective masses, and (3) momentum-dependent quantum well coupling strength. The analytic expression is also used to generate a complete I–V characteristic that compares well to the full numerical solution. The Fermi level and temperature dependence on the I–V is examined. Finally a simulation is compared to experimental data.
Cytotoxicity as an indicator for transport mechanism. Evidence that melphalan is transported by two leucine-preferring carrier systems in the L1210 murine leukemia cell

Abstract Melphalan, l -phenylalanine mustard, is transported by the L1210 cell through carriers of the leucine (L) type. Its initial rate of transport is inhibited by both l -leucine, a naturally occurring L system amino acid and 2-aminobicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH), a synthetic amino acid which is transported by the L system in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell. Both amino acids inhibited melphalan transport comparably in sodium-free medium. However, BCH, in medium containing sodium, was unable to reduce a component of melphalan transport which was readily inhibited by leucine but not by α-aminoisobutyric acid. Inhibition analysis indicated that leucine competes with BCH for transport but that a portion of leucine transport is not readily inhibited by BCH. These results suggest that in the L1210 cell melphalan is transported equally by a BCH-sensitive, sodium-independent L system and a BCH-insensitive, sodium-dependent L system.