cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicological effects of sodium selenite in sprague‐dawley rats

Acute and chronic effects of Se as sodium selenite given as a supplement in the drinking water of Sprague‐Dawley rats for 35 d, 1 yr, and 2 yr are compared. For the 35‐d study the experimental groups were untreated controls and rats supplemented with 1, 4, 8, 16, and 64 ppm Se. Survival was 100% in the control and 1 and 4 ppm groups, decreased in the 8 and 16 ppm groups, and was zero in the 64 ppm group. Body weights increased and were equivalent in the control and 1 and 4 ppm groups and substantially decreased in the 16 and 64 ppm groups. Serum alkaline phosphatase and glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) increased with 16 ppm Se and higher supplements. Se toxicity was apparent in microscopic pathology showing liver congestion, fatty degeneration of parenchymal cells, and necrosis. In the chronic studies untreated controls are compared with rats receiving 4 ppm Se in the drinking water. In general, the weight gains throughout were equivalent for both groups. The 1‐yr survival in each was above 90% an...
Role of the nuclear envelope in the regulation of mRNA transport.

The export of processed RNA molecules from the nucleus is an intricately regulated process, subject to various developmental and physiological controls. The structural and biochemical properties of the nuclear envelope that are involved in this process are described here.
Balanced subdivision and enumeration in balanced spheres

We study here the affine space generated by the extendedf-vectors of simplicial homology (d ? 1)-spheres which are balanced of a given type. This space is determined, and its dimension is computed, by deriving a balanced version of the Dehn-Sommerville equations and exhibiting a set of balanced polytopes whose extendedf-vectors span it. To this end, a unique minimal complex of a given type is defined, along with a balanced version of stellar subdivision, and such a subdivision of a face in a minimal complex is realized as the boundary complex of a balanced polytope. For these complexes, we obtain an explicit computation of their extendedh-vectors, and, implicitly,f-vectors.
Predicting opponent resource allocations when qualitative and contextual information is not available

How one predicts another's behavior depends on the type of behavior being predicted and the context of the prediction. In this paper we describe an agent based on ELPH [1] for a two player, zero-sum game where success depends on predicting the opponent's resource allocation in a domain lacking qualitative and contextual information. This problem is made difficult in that many of the traits necessary for many opponent modeling algorithms do not exist (there is no meaningful context, all options are of equal value, there are no meaningful sequences, no signaling of intention, etc.), the agent's behavior changes significantly and frequently and the agent is actively trying to be unpredictable.
A Reinvestigation of the Dichlorination of Thymidine

Abstract The reaction of thymidine with thionyl chloride in HMPA, reported1 to give pure 1-(3,5-dichloro-2,3,5-trideoxy-β-D-threo-pentofuranosyl)thymine, has been found to give a mixture of erythro and threo isomers. Upon reacting thymidine with thionyl chloride, according to the literature procedure,1 a product was isolated which melted 138–141°C [reported1 138–140°C] and gave one spot in CHCl3/ETOH (4:1) on Eastman silica gel sheets at Rf=0.6 [reported1 one spot at Rf=0.7 on Baker silica gel sheets]. However, the TLC of the product in neat ethyl acetate or CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) gave two spots. A sample was separated into pure components by flash chromatography2.
MicroRNAs determine human intestinal epithelial cell fate.

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Evidence has shown that miRNAs play important roles in various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation and survival. The intestinal epithelium is regenerated throughout life, and enterocytes undergo differentiation during migration along the crypt/villus axis. Our study aimed at establishing the expression profiles of miRNAs during intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) differentiation and determining a miRNA “signature” that distinguishes between small and large IECs. MiRNA arrays were employed to profile miRNA expression in two IEC models: the enterocyte-like Caco2-BBE and the colonocyte-like HT29-Cl.19A cell lines. Microarray data showed that in both cell lineages, the differentiated stage exhibited a different miRNA expression profile from undifferentiated stage. Interestingly, Caco2-BBE cells were distinguished from HT29-Cl.19A cells by their unique miRNA expression profile. Notably, HT29-Cl.19A cells exhibited down-regulation of miR-1269 and up-regulation of miR-99b and miR-125a-5p compared with Caco2-BBE cells. Most importantly, transfection of Caco2-BBE cells with mature miR-99b, mature miR-125a-5p and antisense of mature miR-1269 decreased growth rate and trans-epithelial resistance of the cells, indicating their shift toward HT29-Cl.19A cell phenotype. In conclusion, our study shows that miRNAs might play a role in determining the unique physiological characteristics of IECs.
An indomethacin analogue, N-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-melatonin, is a selective inhibitor of aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (type 2 3α-HSD, type 5 17β-HSD, and prostaglandin F synthase), a potential target for the treatment of hormone dependent and hormone independent malignancies

Aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C3 (type 2 3alpha-HSD, type 5 17beta-HSD, and prostaglandin F synthase) regulates ligand access to steroid hormone and prostaglandin receptors and may stimulate proliferation of prostate and breast cancer cells. NSAIDs are known inhibitors of AKR1C enzymes. An NSAID analogue that inhibits AKR1C3 but is inactive against the cyclooxygenases and the other AKR1C family members would provide an important tool to examine the role of AKR1C3 in proliferative signaling. We tested NSAIDs and NSAID analogues for inhibition of the reduction of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) catalyzed by AKR1C3 and the closely related isoforms AKR1C1 and AKR1C2. Two of the compounds initially screened, indomethacin and its methyl ester, were specific for AKR1C3 versus the other AKR1C isoforms. Based on these results and the crystal structure of AKR1C3, we predicted that N-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-melatonin (CBM), an indomethacin analogue that does not inhibit the cyclooxygenases, would selectively inhibit AKR1C3. CBM inhibited the reduction of PQ by AKR1C3, but did not significantly inhibit AKR1C1 or AKR1C2. Indomethacin and CBM also inhibited the AKR1C3-catalyzed reduction of Delta(4)-androstene-3,17-dione but did not significantly inhibit the reduction of steroid hormones catalyzed by AKR1C1 or AKR1C2. The pattern of inhibition of AKR1C3 by indomethacin and CBM was uncompetitive versus PQ, but competitive versus Delta(4)-androstene-3,17-dione, indicating that two different inhibitory complexes form during the ordered bi bi reactions. The identification of CBM as a specific inhibitor of AKR1C3 will aid the investigation of its roles in steroid hormone and prostaglandin signaling and the resultant effects on cancer development.
An Ultra-High Discrimination Y Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Multiplex DNA Typing System

In forensic casework, Y chromosome short tandem repeat markers (Y-STRs) are often used to identify a male donor DNA profile in the presence of excess quantities of female DNA, such as is found in many sexual assault investigations. Commercially available Y-STR multiplexes incorporating 12-17 loci are currently used in forensic casework (Promega's PowerPlex Y and Applied Biosystems' AmpFlSTR Yfiler). Despite the robustness of these commercial multiplex Y-STR systems and the ability to discriminate two male individuals in most cases, the coincidence match probabilities between unrelated males are modest compared with the standard set of autosomal STR markers. Hence there is still a need to develop new multiplex systems to supplement these for those cases where additional discriminatory power is desired or where there is a coincidental Y-STR match between potential male participants. Over 400 Y-STR loci have been identified on the Y chromosome. While these have the potential to increase the discrimination potential afforded by the commercially available kits, many have not been well characterized. In the present work, 91 loci were tested for their relative ability to increase the discrimination potential of the commonly used 'core' Y-STR loci. The result of this extensive evaluation was the development of an ultra high discrimination (UHD) multiplex DNA typing system that allows for the robust co-amplification of 14 non-core Y-STR loci. Population studies with a mixed African American and American Caucasian sample set (n = 572) indicated that the overall discriminatory potential of the UHD multiplex was superior to all commercial kits tested. The combined use of the UHD multiplex and the Applied Biosystems' AmpFlSTR Yfiler kit resulted in 100% discrimination of all individuals within the sample set, which presages its potential to maximally augment currently available forensic casework markers. It could also find applications in human evolutionary genetics and genetic genealogy.
Kainate-like neurotoxicity of folates.

Kainic acid (KA) is one of the most powerful of a group of ‘excitotoxic’ analogues of the putative neurotransmitter glu-tamate (Glu) whose neurotoxicity may involve an excitatory mechanism mediated through glutamergic postsynaptic receptors1–8. The finding9 that neural membranes have specific sites where KA binds quite firmly and that Glu inhibits such binding very weakly, however, raises the possibility that KA and Glu receptors may be separate and distinct (see also refs 10, 11). It is in any case known that the neurotoxic properties of K A and Glu are not identical. Thus, when injected into the amygdala, both Glu and KA destroy local neurones but only KA induces sustained limbic seizures and an apparently seizure-mediated pattern of extra-amygdaloid brain damage12–14. Ruck et al.15, having recently found that the folic acid derivative, methyl-tetrahydrofolate (MTHF), competes powerfully for KA binding sites on rat cerebellar membranes and mimics KA in depolarizing frog spinal neurones, proposed that MTHF may be an endogenous neuromodulator with both excitatory and neurotoxic properties. We have therefore injected MTHF directly into the amygdala of the adult rat and found that at a rather high dose (300 nmol), it reproduces the specific component of KA neurotoxicity that Glu fails to reproduce, namely the limbic seizure/brain damage syndrome. We have also found that folic acid itself (pteroyl-L-glutamic acid, PGA) and one of its reduced derivatives (N-5-formyltetrahydrofolate, FTHF) are substantially more powerful than MTHF in reproducing this syndrome.
HEART TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH PRE-TRANSPLANT COAGULOPATHY HAVE AN INCREASED INDEPENDENT RISK OF IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY: A PROPENSITY-MATCHED NATIONWIDE INPATIENT SAMPLE STUDY

Pre-transplant coagulopathy trends and associated outcomes among heart transplant recipients have not been studied from a national database. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) databases 2003-2010 we assembled a weighted sample of 13,966 first-time heart transplant recipients, of which 3,
Social video caching

Abstract We investigate online browsing of interrelated content, represented as a catalog of items of interest featuring graph dependencies. The content is served to clients via a system of decentralized proxy caches connected to cloud servers. A client selects the next item to browse from the list of recommended items, displayed on the currently browsed item׳s catalog page. A cache has a limited size to have every item selected by its browsing clients available for local access. Thus, the system pays a penalty, whenever a client selects an item that cannot be served directly from the proxy. Conversely, the system gains a reward, if a client selects an immediately available item. We aim to select the items to cache that maximize the profit earned by the system, for the given cache capacity. We design two linear-time optimization techniques for finding the desired items to cache. We enhance the operation of the system via two additional strategies. The first one dynamically tracks the items׳ selection probabilities for a client, as a function of its prior catalog access pattern and those of its community peers. The second one constructs dynamic overlays, on behalf of the clients, that are used to share the selected items directly among them. This augments the system׳s serving capacity and enhances the clients׳ browsing experience. We study the performance of the optimization techniques via numerical experiments. They exhibit efficiency gains over reference methods, by exploiting the content dependencies and correlated community-driven access patterns of the clients. We also report proxy bandwidth savings achieved by our overlay strategy over state-of-the-art methods, on content access patterns of clients with Facebook or Twitter ties.
Observations of the impact of cloud processing on aerosol light-scattering efficiency

Airborne data are presented on the impact of cloud processing on the aerosol mass light-scattering efficiency. The measurements, on marine stratocumulus, suggest that cloud processing significantly enhanced the mass light-scattering efficiency in three of the five cases analysed. Enhancements were of the order of 10% for air detraining from the cloud deck relative to non-detraining air. A diagnostic modelling analysis suggested that the observed enhancements were consistent with the previously proposed explanation of in-cloud sulfate production in the particle size range for efficient light scattering.
Managing Constitutional Change in the Nigerian Federation

Since making the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed intensive, but largely unfulfilled, pressures for comprehensive federal constitutional change. This article analyzes the multiple ethno-political drivers and institutional themes of Nigeria’s constitutional struggles, the conflicting approaches to federal reform by governmental, civic, and ethno-regional groups, and potential pathways to a more effective governance of the country’s constitutional challenges. The article contends that incremental constitutional change and non-constitutional renewal, including benign constitutional transgressions and creative legislative and judicial interventions, offer the most feasible path to federal accommodation and development in Nigeria in the absence of national consensus on the desirability and modality of wholesale, mega-constitutional reform.
Synthesis of Doxorubicin Conjugates Through 14-Hydroxy Group to Melanotransferrin P97

Abstract Using Fmoc to protect the amino group, Fmoc-doxorubicin is conjugated through the 14-hydroxy group to the amino group of melanotransferrin p97 by spacer arms such as succinate and glutarate. The Fmoc group is then removed under basic conditions, which affords doxorubicin-p97 conjugates. The resulting bioconjugates are potential agents for treating brain tumors.
Coenzyme Q: a molecular orbital study.

Abstract The molecular structure and electronic properties of coenzyme Q, also known as ubiquinone, have been studied with the methods of semiempirical molecular orbital theory. It is found that the preferred conformation of the isoprene unit is such that formation of the chroman is favorable. The methoxy groups then assume a nonplanar configuration. Orbital energies, dipole moments, and spectra for the coenzyme Q 1 molecule and some of its chroman intermediates are also given in the calculations. The possibility of charge-transfer complex formation of chroman intermediate with inorganic phosphate is discussed.
Orobuccal dyskinesia associated with trihexyphenidyl therapy in a patient with Parkinson's disease

Dyskinesia is a common adverse effect complicating chronic dopaminergic therapy for Parkinson's disease. Movements are frequently choreic in nature and have been ascribed to overstimulation of "supersensitive" striatal postsynaptic dopamine receptors. Anticholinergic medications, despite some clinical efficacy in Parkinson's disease, have rarely been reported to cause dyskinesia. We report a patient with Parkinson's disease who developed orobuccal dyskinesia while being treated with trihexyphenidyl (Artane). Dyskinesia was observed following the introduction of trihexyphenidyl, resolved with its discontinuation, and reappeared with its reinstitution. Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) alone did not cause dyskinesia but augmented dyskinesia associated with trihexyphenidyl.
Effects of Competition on Selective Adsorption of Heteropolymers onto Heterogeneous Surfaces

Lattice grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations of heteropolymers adsorbing on heterogeneous surfaces are performed to help understand molecular recognition. The heteropolymers are self-avoiding walks of AB copolymers, which interact with a single heterogeneous surface composed of two different types of surface sites, type 1 and type 2. Interactions of type A beads with type I sites and type B beads with type 2 sites are attractive, whereas other interactions are neutral. Two polymer chain types with different statistical sequences simultaneously interact with a surface with a defined statistical pattern, enabling the study of the effects of competition for the limited number of surface sites during adsorption. We find that competition results in a significant increase in selectivity. In some cases, for example, the adsorption of alternating sequences on an alternating surface completely suppresses the adsorption of other competing sequence types. The selection rules, however, remain the same as in the noncompetitive adsorption. Surfaces with extreme patterns (i.e., completely alternating or highly patchy) exhibit the highest selectivity toward the matching sequences (completely alternating or blocky, respectively). On moderately patchy or moderately alternating surfaces, sequences with extreme patterns (highly blocky or completely alternating), not the sequences with matching statistics, have the highest selectivity. Random surfaces have little or no selectivity toward different sequence types.
Fine structure and histochemistry of the parenchyma and uterine egg capsules ofOochoristica anolis (Cestoda: Linstowiidae)

Gravid proglottids of the linstowiid cestode,Oochoristica anolis, were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and light microscope histochemistry. Primary attention was given to the structure of uterine egg capsules and the medullary parenchyma throughout which they are distributed. Each capsule consists of a syncytial uterine epithelium, with material that appears to be its secretory product deposited in the lumen. Each capsule contains one egg. A basal lamina connects the uterine epithelium to medullary parenchyma cells, each of which is almost completely filled by a single lipid droplet. Parenchyma cells are sarcoplasmic extensions of medullary myocytons and possess a glycogen-rich cytoplasm. The overall proglottid structure results in each uterine egg capsule being surrounded completely by lipid-containing cells. This arrangement may facilitate transmission of oncospheres by slowing desiccation outside the host.
Maternal substance use and mother–infant feeding interactions

Le but de cette etude etaient d'examiner l'impact de l'utilisation maternelle de la cocaine durant la grossesse et les facteurs de risque qui y sont lies, comme une psychopathologie maternelle et un temperament infantile negatif sur la qualite des interactions mere-nourrisson lors de la prise de biberon a l'âge de 2 mois pour le nourrisson. Les participantes etaient 45 dyades mere-nourrisson (19 exposees a la cocaine et 26 non-exposees a la cocaine) qui furent recrutees a la naissance et evaluees a nouveau lorsque les nourrissons avaient 2 mois. Les interactions mere-nourrisson durant la prise de biberon ont ete filmees a la video et codees en ce qui concerne la reciprocite dyadique, le manque de resources maternel et le conflit dyadique. Les resultats indiquerent que l'utilisation maternelle de la cocaine etait liees a des conflits dyadiques plus eleves. De plus, les meres utilisant de la cocaine etaient aussi plus a meme d'utiliser de la marijuana et de l'alcool, et l'utilisation de telles substances etait liee a une reciprocite dyadique inferieure ainsi qu'a un manque de resources plus eleve durant les interactions. Les resultats suggerent egalement qu'un des chemins menant a un conflit dyadique plus eleve pendant l'interaction, chez les meres utilisatrices de cocaine, etait l'impact de la cocaine sur les conditions de risques infantiles comme un âge gestationnel moins eleve et un temperament negatif (c'est-a-dire, un desarroi plus grand devant la nouveaute). Les interventions mettant l'accent sur la promotion de la qualite des interactions mere-nourrison combine a un traitement contre la drogue et l'alcoolisme peuvent s'avererparticulierement prometteuses pour cette population.
Diurnal Characteristics of Precipitation Features over the Tropical East Pacific: A Comparison of the EPIC and TEPPS Regions

Abstract This study examines the diurnal cycle of precipitation features in two regions of the tropical east Pacific where field campaigns [the East Pacific Investigation of Climate Processes in the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere System (EPIC) and the Tropical Eastern Pacific Process Study (TEPPS)] were recently conducted. EPIC (10°N, 95°W) was undertaken in September 2001 and TEPPS (8°N, 125°W) was carried out in August 1997. Both studies employed C-band radar observations on board the NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown (RHB) and periodic upper-air sounding launches to observe conditions in the surrounding environment. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) IR data are used to place the RHB data in a climatological context and Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) buoy data are used to evaluate changes in boundary layer fluxes in context with the observed diurnal cycle of radar observations of precipitation features. Precipitation featu...
Asymmetrical Coding of Food and No-Food Events by Pigeons: Sample Pecking versus Food as the Basis of the Sample Code

Abstract Pigeons trained on food- versus no-food-sample conditional discriminations typically show nonparallel retention functions. With increasing delay, performance on food-sample trials decreases sharply whereas no-food-sample trial performance remains high. This finding has been interpreted as evidence that pigeons code only the food event and in the absence of memory for food, respond by default to the comparison associated with no food. It is possible, however, that the event that is coded during presentation of a food sample could also be the pecking (eating) that occurs during sample presentation. To determine whether pecking or food or either can serve as the basis of the single code, pigeons were trained to either peck or refrain from pecking a hue sample that was associated either with the same comparison as a food sample or with the same comparison as a no-food sample. For each of the three groups in which pigeons could use either pecking or food or both as the basis of the single code, nonparallel retention functions were found. Only for the group in which pigeons could use neither pecking nor food as the basis of a single code were parallel retention functions found. That either pecking or food can serve effectively as the single coded event in such discriminations indicates the flexibility of pigeons′ memory processes.
Understanding Maternal Breastfeeding Confidence: A Gadamerian Hermeneutic Analysis of Women's Stories

Our aim in this Gadamerian hermeneutic study was to understand maternal breastfeeding confidence and its meaning through listening to women's voices describing their experiences within the context of the United States. We asked 13 women, aged 23 to 42 years, who had breastfed a child within the last 2 years to tell us their breastfeeding stories. Women experienced maternal breastfeeding confidence as a dynamic interaction between their expectations, their infant(')s breastfeeding behavior, and sources of support. They described experiences that enhanced or diminished their confidence. Health professionals can use these findings to plan approaches that promote and support maternal breastfeeding confidence.
Characterization of the submandibular gland microsomal calcium transport system.

Abstract Calcium accumulation by submandibular gland microsomes (first described by Selinger and Naim, ((1970) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 323, 337–341) has been further characterized. Accumulation was concentration dependent, had a K m of 25 μM added calcium and a V max of 12 nM calcium/mg protein per min. No accumulation was observed in the presence of either the calcium ionophore A23187, or the detergent Triton X-100 (0.05%). The divalent cations Sr 2+ and Mn 2+ inhibited accumulation competitively with K i values of 67 μM and 200 μM, respectively. The effect of various enzyme inhibitors were tested on the microsomal calcium transport system and it was found that chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, and DIDS all inhibited. The mitochondrial transport inhibitors ruthenium red and CCCP had no effect on transport. Experiments directed at clarifying the cellular location of the system are described. It was found that the membrane vesicles responsible for transport show different purification properties than the membrane vesicles which contain the standard enzyme markers for total and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, plasma membrane, and lysosomes. These conclusions are based upon experiments using three properties for membrane purification, density, size, and electrophoretic mobility. Three possible explanations of the results are given and it is suggested that the calcium transporting membrane represents a specialized region of one of the cellular organelles. The significance of the results in: (1) understanding the biochemical properties of the submandibular gland microsomal calcium transport system, (2) clarifying the cellular location of the system, and (3) clarifying the function of the system in salivary secretion are discussed.
Self-Objectification and Condom Use Self-Efficacy in Women University Students

This study investigated the roles of indicators of the self-objectification process in women's condom use self-efficacy. Data were collected from 595 college women. Self-objectification variables were assessed with measures of internalization of cultural standards of beauty, body surveillance, and body shame. Participants also completed measures of perceived control over sexual activity, acceptance of sexuality, and condom use self-efficacy. Measurement and structural invariance were supported, indicating that the measurement model and hypothesized structural model did not differ across participants who were or were not sexually active. Structural equation modeling results were consistent with hypotheses and prior evidence indicating that body surveillance partially mediated the link between internalization of cultural standards of beauty and body shame. Results also indicated that body shame was associated with lower condom use self-efficacy both directly and indirectly through the partial mediation of perceived control over sexual activity; acceptance of sexuality was not a significant mediator of this link but was associated directly with greater condom use self-efficacy. These results connect the substantial literature on the self-objectification process with women's condom use self-efficacy. Specifically, these results point to interrupting the self-objectification process and reducing body shame as well as to enhancing acceptance of sexuality and control over sexual activity as potentially fruitful targets for interventions to promote women's condom use self-efficacy.
Detailed Characterization of LWR Fuel Rods for the U.S. Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Program

Characterizations are being conducted on light-water reactor (LWR) spent fuel with peak burnups from ∼31 to 46 MWd/kgM and rod-average fission gas releases of ∼0.3 to 11%. Measured concentrations of nuclides agreed within ∼10 to 15% of the predicted amounts. Radiochemistry of deposits on the cladding interior surface, fuel ceramography, beta/gamma autoradiog-raphy, and gamma scan data were consistent with fuel burnups and apparent operating temperatures. Microstructural observations also indicated increased porosity at the fuel center in high-release fuels and at the edge in high-burnup fuels. Cladding oxide thickness increased with exterior cladding temperatures as did the trend in hydriding.
The Breathmobile program: a good investment for underserved children with asthma.

Background The Breathmobile, a specialty-based mobile asthma clinic, provides free care to underserved children. The cost of symptom-free day (SFD) improvement in this population has not been previously reported. Objective To examine the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of the Baltimore Breathmobile. Methods Existing computerized data were analyzed for Breathmobile patient visits between 2002 and 2007. All SFDs were calculated, and direct medical cost savings attributable to decreased emergency department visits and hospitalizations (after program utilization vs the previous year) were compared with annual operating costs. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were determined by calculating the incremental costs of Breathmobile care per additional SFD gained per child per year. Results The analysis included 255 patients enrolled in the program for at least 1 year. Most participants were black (93.3%), and 54.9% were male. At baseline, patients reported a mean (SD) of 199 (118) SFDs in the year before enrollment. After 1 year in the program, patients had a mean (SD) improvement of 44 (9) SFDs. The program resulted in overall cost savings of $79.43 per SFD gained, with greater cost savings for children aged 5 to 11 years (−$116.84 per SFD gained) and those with intermittent asthma (−$126.71 per SFD gained). Conclusions The Baltimore Breathmobile program has demonstrated significant improvement in SFDs, with direct medical cost savings of the program outweighing the operational costs. These data support the need to continue to sustain and expand Breathmobile programs for children at high risk for asthma exacerbations and to conduct a randomized clinical trial to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the Breathmobile.
The influence of calcium ions and 2‐(alkoxy)1‐((alkoyloxy)methyl)‐ethyl‐7‐(4‐heptyl‐5,6)‐dicarboxy‐2‐cyclohexene‐1‐yl) heptanoate on a simplified model of the stratum corneum lipids

Addition of calcium ions to a lamellar liquid crystal of sodium oleate/oleic acid/water led to crystallization of calcium soap as detected by optical microscopy. Addition of the acid of the title (the complex acid, ca) reduced the crystallization because of the calcium ions’ preferential bonding to the complex acid.
The isotropic and anisotropic EPR spectra of the tetrafluoroethylene radical anion

Abstract The tetrafluoroethylene radical anion has been generated in solid solutions by electron addition to the parent molecule. Both its isotropic and anisotropic EPR spectra have been observed, including the isotropic 13C satellite lines in natural abundance. The isotropic EPR parameters are aF = 94.3 G, aC = 48.7 G, and g = 2.0027. Two possible geometries, planar and chair, are discussed for this radical anion. The magnitude of the 19F and 13C hyperfine coupling constants are consistent with a planar (D2h) structure provided that the unpaired electron occupies the 5b1u (σ*) rather than the 2b1g (π*) molecular orbital which is predicted by ab initio calculations to be the LUMO of the parent molecule. On the other hand, the EPR parameters do not rule out a chair (C2h) structure if the bending of the CF2 groups introduces only a small distortion from planarity.
Benign Myoepithelial Tumors of the Breast Have Immunophenotypic Characteristics Similar to Metaplastic Matrix-Producing and Spindle Cell Carcinomas

We immunohistochemically compared benign myoepithelial tumors (adenomyoepitheliomas [AMEs]) and metaplastic matrix-producing (MMP-CA) and spindle cell (MSC-CA) carcinomas of the breast to identify helpful diagnostic markers. Normal myoepithelial cells (MECs) consistently expressed cytokeratin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), myosin, S-100, CD10, and maspin. They were variably positive for vimentin and negative for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), steroid receptors, p53, and HER-2/neu. MECs in AMEs less frequently expressed CD10 (4/8 [50%]) and myosin (6/8 [75%]) but frequently acquired characteristics of luminal cells, such as expression of EMA (5/8 [63%]) and steroid receptors (5/8 [63%]). No abnormal p53 or HER-2/neu expression was seen in AMEs. MMP-CA and MSC-CA were similar to AMEs in cytokeratin, vimentin, S-100, maspin, and HER-2/neu expression. MMP-CAs expressed less α-SMA (2/8 [25%]) and myosin (2/7 [29%]) and lacked estrogen receptor (0/9 [0%]). MSC-CAs were consistently CD10+ (4/4 [100%]) yet failed to express myosin (0/3 [0%]). p53 overexpression was seen frequently in MMP-CAs (4/8 [50%]) and MSC-CAs (1/3 [33%]). Benign myoepithelial mammary tumors differ immunophenotypically from normal MECs; a panel of immunohistochemical markers may be required to establish their myoepithelial origin. A similarly altered myoepithelial phenotype also is characteristic of metaplastic mammary carcinomas. The abnormal expression of oncogenes or antioncogenes, such as p53, may be more useful for distinguishing between those entities than the expression of the classic myoepithelial markers.
Sinus bradycardia during exercise: unusual manifestation of ischemia in the territory of the left anterior descending artery.

Autonomic disturbances in heart rate regulation during myocardial ischemia are well known. 1 Inferior wall ischemia is usually associated with bradyarrhythmia and anterior wall involvement with tachyarrhythmia. 2 Furthermore, severe sinus bradycardia has been described in inferior wall ischemia both in humans and in experimental animal models. We present a case of sinus node deceleration during exercise-induced anterior wall ischemia in a 79year-old white woman. The patient underwent exercise myocardial perfusion imaging. The baseline electrocardiogram showed T-wave changes ( Figure 1A ). She exercised for almost 6 minutes and stopped because of fatigue. Blood pressure increased from 124/65 to 142/80 mm Hg. Immediately after cessation of exercise, she became pale and light-headed and complained of angina. The electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia with ST elevation in leads V 2 and V3 and ST depression in 2, 3, and aVF ( Figure 1B ); the heart rate was 45 beats/min, and systolic blood pressure was 70 mm Hg. She remained bradycardiac for 5 minutes and gradually returned to a baseline heart rate of 68 beats/min. Single photon emission computed tomography images showed a large area of anteroseptal ischemia involving almost 30% of the left ventricle and an increased stress-rest left ventricular cavity ratio (transient ischFrom the Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala. Reprint requests: Rajesh Venkataraman, MD, MPH, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, LHR 314, 1530 Third Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007; rajeshv@uab.edu. J Nucl Cardiol 2008;15:e24-e25. 1071-3581/$34.00 Copyright © 2008 by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. doi:10.1016/j.nuclcard.2008.02.030
Phase transitions in a saturating chiral theory of nuclear matter

Abstract The formalism of a relativistically covariant saturating chiral field theory of nuclear matter is developed in the mean field approximation, and some of the properties are studied. The theory possesses the normal saturated state of nuclear matter. The finite temperature properties are examined. A normal gas-liquid phase equilibrium region exists below T ≈ 23MeV. The maximum mass for a neutron star is calculated, and it lies well above the lower bound set by observation. In the high-temperature regime, there is a second minimum in the free energy, on which branch the effective baryon mass is very small. However, this branch is everywhere mechanically unstable, and so is not a realizable state of the theory. Above a certain critical temperature there is in fact no stable state at low baryon density. There is no density or temperature regime where chiral symmetry is restored.
Altered arachidonic acid metabolism and platelet size in atopic subjects.

The release and metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid (AA) in physiologically activated platelets obtained from 11 atopic patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma was compared to that of sex- and age-matched nonatopic controls. Prelabeled (/sup 3/H)AA platelets were stimulated with thrombin or collagen and the amount of free (/sup 3/H)AA and radiolabeled metabolites released were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results obtained indicate that although the incorporation of (/sup 3/H)AA into platelet phospholipids and total release of /sup 3/H-radioactivity upon stimulation were comparable in the two groups, the percentage of /sup 3/H-radioactivity released from platelets as free AA was significantly lower (P less than 0.01) in the atopic group. The reduction in free (/sup 3/H)AA was accompanied by an increase (P less than 0.01) in the percentage of /sup 3/H-radioactivity released as cyclooxygenase products in atopic platelets (compared to nonatopic cells) after stimulation with 10 and 25 micrograms/ml collagen. The amount of platelet lipoxygenase product released was comparable between the two groups. Although the blood platelet counts were similar, the mean platelet volume was statistically higher (P less than 0.01) in the atopic group. These results indicate that arachidonic acid metabolism in atopic platelets is altered, the pathophysiological significancemore » of which remains to be clarified.« less
Na+/H+ exchanger 1 inhibition reverses manifestation of peripheral diabetic neuropathy in type 1 diabetic rats.

Evidence for an important role for Na+/H+ exchangers in diabetic complications is emerging. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Na+/H+ exchanger 1 inhibition reverses experimental peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats were treated with the specific Na+/H+ exchanger 1 inhibitor cariporide for 4 wk after 12 wk without treatment. Neuropathy end points included sciatic motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, endoneurial nutritive blood flow, vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles, thermal nociception, tactile allodynia, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Advanced glycation end product and markers of oxidative stress, including nitrated protein levels in sciatic nerve, were evaluated by Western blot. Rats with 12-wk duration of diabetes developed motor and sensory nerve conduction deficits, thermal hypoalgesia, tactile allodynia, and intraepidermal nerve fiber loss. All these changes, including impairment of nerve blood flow and vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles, were partially reversed by 4 wk of cariporide treatment. Na+/H+ exchanger 1 inhibition was also associated with reduction of diabetes-induced accumulation of advanced glycation endproduct, oxidative stress, and nitrated proteins in sciatic nerve. In conclusion, these findings support an important role for Na+/H+ exchanger 1 in functional, structural, and biochemical manifestations of peripheral diabetic neuropathy and provide the rationale for development of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 inhibitors for treatment of diabetic vascular and neural complications.
On Monitoring Structural Changes of Anisotropic Tissues by Means of Statistical Analysis of Ultrasonic Images

An investigation into statistical properties of ultrasonic image texture from three-dimensional clusters of anisotropic scatterers is carried out. The structural properties of the clusters are modeled after those of soft biological tissues, such as skeletal muscle tissues, both in their healthy condition and at the early stage of degenerative diseases. The average axial autocorrelation function of the intensity of the image texture is used to characterize and monitor changes of the geometrical properties of the tissue components. A distinct local increase of the autocorrelation is observed within a range of small time shifts, and it is explained in terms of the structure of the time-domain backscattered signal from each individual scatterer. It is shown that such an increase is sensitive to structural variations of the cluster similar to those occurring at the early stage of several muscular diseases.
Ethology and Reproduction of Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

and Summary The activity rhythm, reproductive cycle, and maintenance, social and reproductive behavior of a pair of captive giant pandas were studied at the National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. Results from this study and the available literature indicate that: 1) Giant pandas are probably nocturnal, although they may be polycyclic in activity. 2) Males are more active than females, especially in locomotor behavior and scent-marking activity 3) Activity levels are inversely correlated with age. 4) There is a single annual estrous period of one to three days between March and June, preceded by conspicuous behavioral changes in the female consisting of a depressed appetite, increased restlessness and scent-marking, and increased vocalizing. Behavioral changes in the male are similar and are synchronized with the female reproductive cycle. 5) The major communicatory modes are through scent-marking and vocalizations. A variety of postures is used to deposit urine and anogenital gland secretions throughout the environment. Most of the major call types show considerable variation and grading; they are prominent during agonistic and reproductive activities. Visual signals are only poorly developed. Tactile contact is more frequent during social interactions than might be predicted, considering the solitary nature of the species. However, significant tactile contact may be limited to the initial stages of encounters, with avoidance and intolerance occurring thereafter. 6) Both the giant panda's copulatory posture and the temporal patterning of copulation (numerous short mounts and a brief ejaculatory intromission with a long inter-ejaculation interval) differ significantly from sexual behavior reported for other closely related carnivores. Observations suggest that the prior compatibility of a pair is essential for successful reproductive behavior. 7) Comparative data on giant panda reproduction suggest that the 140 day average gestation length (range: 122–163 days) includes a delay, either in implantation or early development. The neonatalimaternal weight ratio may be the smallest among the Eutherian mammals. 8) Three major reproductive characteristics— (a) the occurrence of a weak estrus in the autumn in some females (b) variability in the duration of the “gestation” period and (c) survivorship of only one young despite a litter size of one to three young — and fossil evidence for a much wider previous geographic distribution, suggest that giant pandas may have had a more flexible and opportunistic reproductive strategy during their past evolutionary history, and have recently undergone K-selection, with increasing dietary and habitat specialization.
X-Ray Crystal Structures of Five Nitrogen-Bridged Bifurazan Compounds

The molecular structures of five furazan compounds in which two amino- or 1 nitro-substituted furazan rings are bridged by azo, azoxy or hydrazo groups were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. These are diaminoazofurazan, diaminoazoxyfurazan, dinitroazoxyfurazan, diaminohydrazofurazan and dinitrohydrazofurazan. The structures are compared to those previously reported on dinitroazofurazan, aminonitroazoxyfurazan and another polymorph of diaminoazoxyfurazan. Kristallstruktur von funf uber Stickstoffbrucken verknupften Bifurazan-Verbindungen Die Molekulstrukturen von funf Furazan-Verbindungen, in denen zwei amino- oder nitrosubstituierte Furazanringe durch Azo-, Azoxy- oder Hydrazo-Gruppen verbunden sind, wurden durch Rontgenbeugung an Einkristallen bestimmt. Untersucht wurden Diaminoazofurazan, Diaminoazoxyfurazan, Dinitroazoxyfurazan, Diaminohydrazo-furazan und Dinitrohydrazofurazan. Die Strukturen werden mit den fruher veroffentlichten Strukturen von Dinitroazofurazan, Aminonitro-azoxyfurazan und einem weiteren Polymorph von Diaminoazoxy-furazan verglichen. Structure cristalline de cinq composes bifurazane relies par des ponts d'azote Les structures moleculaires de cinq composes furazane, dans lesquels deux cycles furazanes portant des groupes amino ou nitro sont relies par des ponts azo, azoxy ou hydrazo, ont ete determinees par diffraction aux rayons X sur des monocristaux. On a etudie le diaminoazofurazane, le diaminoazoxyfurazane, le dinitroazoxyfura-zane, le diaminohydrazofurazane et le dinitrohydrazofurazane. Les structures sont comparees aux structures, publiees dans le passe, du dinitroazofurazane et de l'aminonitroazoxyfurazane et a celle d'un autre polymorphe du diaminoazoxyfurazane.
A novel CMOS distributed receiver front‐end for wireless ultrawideband receivers

An ultrawideband CMOS distributed receiver front-end utilizing cascade gain cell structure is designed in Jazz 0.18-μm CMOS process.The proposed distributed front-end, fully integrating a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and mixer together, demonstrates 11.5–14 dB gain, 5–6.5 dB noise figure and more than 9-dB RF/LO return loss over 2–17 GHz with a fixed IF frequency of 500 MHz and LO power of 5 dBm. The entire circuit occupies 1.7 × 1.0 mm2 including on-wafer pads and consumes 170 mA from 1.8-V voltage supply. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1790–1792, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25316
Quantitation of Cinnamaldehyde and Cinnamic Acid in Blood by HPLC

A rapid and sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for the quantitation of cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) in rat blood at concentrations of 0.1-100 micrograms/mL. One of the metabolites of CNMA, cinnamic acid, can also be quantified simultaneously. CNMA is unstable in rat blood, probably because of rapid oxidation to cinnamic acid by enzymatic catalysis and nonenzymatic Schiff base formation with free amine groups of blood proteins. The disappearance of CNMA from rat blood follows first-order reaction kinetics with a half-life of 9 min at room temperature. The current analysis method involves the addition of an agent that will prevent CNMA degradation by denaturing protein and competitively blocking nucleophilic addition reactions, resulting in the nearly complete recovery of CNMA from blood. Recovery of cinnamic acid was approximately 80% at concentrations of 1-10 micrograms/mL.