cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Gastrointestinal Mucosal Growth

ABSTRACT The mammalian gastrointestinal mucosa is a rapidly self-renewing tissue in the body, and its homeostasis is preserved through the strict regulation of epithelial cell proliferation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. The control of the growth of gastrointestinal mucosa is unique and, compared with most other tissue in the body, complex. Mucosal growth is regulated by the same hormones that alter metabolism in other tissues, but the gastrointestinal mucosa also responds to a host of events triggered by the ingestion and presence of food within the digestive tract. These gut hormones and peptides regulate the growth of the exocrine pancreas, gallbladder epithelium, and the mucosa of the oxyntic gland region of the stomach and the small and large intestines. Luminal factors (nutrients or other dietary factors, secretions, and microbes), which occur within the lumen and distribute over a proximal-to-distal gradient, are also crucial for the maintenance of the normal gut mucosal growth and could explain th...
On the fine structure of osmosis including three-dimensional pore entrance and exit behaviour

This paper presents a detailed quantitative model of osmotic fine structure for both permeable and semi-permeable membranes in dilute bathing solutions. The analysis differs from all previous studies in that it treats for the first time, albeit in an approximate manner, the detailed three-dimensional hydrodynamic interaction of the particles in the entrance and exit regions and the coupling of the convective—diffusive effects in these regions with those in the interior of the pore. Reasonable interpolations between various asymptotic formulas are used to derive the tensorial components of the particle diffusivity and the slip between the fluid and particle phases as functions of position throughout the entire flow field. The solutions show that the entrance and exit regions in the case of permeable membranes can have a significant effect on the osmotic solvent flux q for small particles in short pores although changes in the overall reflection coefficient are small. This is due to the nonlinear sweeping effect of convection at the higher osmotic-flow rates. For semi-permeable membranes the predictions of the model support the hypothesis of Mauro (1957) and Ray (1960) that there is a region of near-discontinuity in pressure and concentration at the plane of the pore entrance and the sweeping effects of convection on the concentration profile are very minor for the dilute solutions studied herein. In contrast, the solutions for the permeable membrane clearly show the existence of three-dimensional unstirred regions which extend two-to-three pore radii from the pore openings. These solutions form the ubstructure of the much thicker one-dimensional unstirred layer described by Dainty (1963) and Pedley et al. (1978). It is shown that when the porosity is low (such as in most biological membranes), the wall concentration in Pedley's solution is the far-field concentration for the entrance/exit solutions presented herein.
Steroid Therapy Attenuates Acute Phase Reactant Response Among Children on Ventricular Assist Device Support

Background Hyperfibrinogenemia, which can create a procoagulant milieu, is frequently observed in patients supported with the Berlin EXCOR (Berlin Heart GmbH, Berlin, Germany) ventricular assist device (VAD). We began initiating corticosteroids in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) episodes to mitigate hyperfibrinogenemia. We set forth to describe the impact of corticosteroids on the hyperfibrinogenemic state in our institutional experience. Methods Retrospective data was collected on 44 consecutive patients implanted with the Berlin EXCOR VAD from April 15, 2005 through May 6, 2013. Pertinent information was abstracted from the electronic medical record. The reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels among days from corticosteroid treatment were described. Infections and insulin use were reported based on whether patients received steroids and if steroids were given for SIRS. Results Over the initial 44 Berlin EXCOR VAD implantations, 14 patients were treated with 21 courses of corticosteroids for SIRS episodes as identified by clinical features and rise in CRP. Treatment with corticosteroids reduced fibrinogen levels by day 2 to a statistically significant degree ( p = 0.008). No difference in hyperglycemia or infections occurred among patients receiving corticosteroids for SIRS. Conclusions Treatment with corticosteroids can potentially mitigate the SIRS response among children supported on the Berlin EXCOR VAD. In patients who received corticosteroids to mitigate inflammation, there was no increase in infections or hyperglycemia requiring insulin administration compared with patients who did not receive steroids.
X-ray crystal structure of the UCS domain-containing UNC-45 myosin chaperone from Drosophila melanogaster

UCS proteins, such as UNC-45, influence muscle contraction and other myosin-dependent motile processes. We report the first X-ray crystal structure of a UCS domain-containing protein, the UNC-45 myosin chaperone from Drosophila melanogaster (DmUNC-45). The structure reveals that the central and UCS domains form a contiguous arrangement of 17 consecutive helical layers that arrange themselves into five discrete armadillo repeat subdomains. Small-angle X-ray scattering data suggest that free DmUNC-45 adopts an elongated conformation and exhibits flexibility in solution. Protease sensitivity maps to a conserved loop that contacts the most carboxy-terminal UNC-45 armadillo repeat subdomain. Amino acid conservation across diverse UCS proteins maps to one face of this carboxy-terminal subdomain, and the majority of mutations that affect myosin-dependent cellular activities lie within or around this region. Our crystallographic, biophysical, and biochemical analyses suggest that DmUNC-45 function is afforded by its flexibility and by structural integrity of its UCS domain.
Non-classical nucleation in supercooled nickel

The dynamics of homogeneous nucleation and growth of crystalline nickel from the supercooled melt is examined during rapid quenching using molecular dynamics and a modified embedded atom method potential. The character of the critical nuclei of the crystallization transition is examined using common neighbour analysis and visualization. At nucleation, the saddle point droplet consists of randomly stacked planar structures with an in-plane triangular order. These results support previous theories predicting that in the presence of long-range forces the critical nucleus is non-classical.
Movement patterns used by the elderly when getting out of bed

Background and Purpose: Getting out of bed is difficult for 27.6% of people over 65. The purpose of this study is to describe movement patterns used by older adults for rising from bed.Subjects: 42 healthy subjects between the ages of 65 and 90.Methods: Subjects were videotaped performing 5 trials of getting out of bed. Movement patterns were categorized for each body part.Results: A number of movement patterns occurred that were not reported in younger people. The most frequent movement patterns used were: “roll off” (38.3 %) for the trunk, “double push” (34.7%) for the far arm, “multi-push” (36.0%) for the near arm, and “synchronous” (31.2%) for the legs.Discussion and Conclusion: A variety of movement patterns are used by older people for rising from bed. Movement patterns described in this study can be used as a guide for physical therapists and occupational therapists in teaching age-appropriate strategies for getting out of bed.
Predicting screening sensitivity from workload in gynecologic cytology: A review

Recent studies have shown that it is possible to correlate workload or epithelial cell abnormality (ECA) adjusted workload with screening sensitivity. The results show that for manual screening of conventional smears or SurePath slides, screening sensitivity begins to fall with workloads as low as 30 slides/day. For review of slides with the ThinPrep Imaging System, screening sensitivity appears to be better correlated with ECA adjusted workload (workload × ECA rate) than workload alone. Screening sensitivity with the ThinPrep imager appears to fall at ECA adjusted workloads of 7 slides/day at a threshold of ASCUS and above and LSIL, and slightly lower for HSIL. This corresponds to 70 slides/day at an ECA rate of 10%. The variance in these models is likely high reflecting a wide range of individual cytotechnologist performance. Strategies to most effectively incorporate this data in the management of workload in the laboratory are reviewed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Components and relative weights in utilization of dashboard measurement systems like the Balanced Scorecard

Abstract This study provides empirical evidence on how dashboard measures are utilized in the evaluation of organizational performance. A hypothetical case, complete with dashboard measures, was presented to MBA students and graduate accounting students. Participants were asked to identify the importance of various measures and evaluate the organization's performance. Evidence gathered through the use of principal components analysis provided insight into the number of perspectives or components utilized in evaluating an organization's performance and the relative weight placed on each of those components by users of dashboard measurement systems. The evidence suggests that the number of performance measurement components and their relative composition is situational. They depend heavily on strategies of the organization. Bottom-line financial measures like return on invested capital and net profit, while perceived as more important than their nonfinancial counterparts, were not part of the extracted components suggesting that they were viewed as outcomes to be achieved by controlling more significant nonfinancial measures.
Novel fluorogenic calix[4]arene-bis(crown-6-ether) for selective recognition of thallium(I)

A new fluorogenic, dansyl group-containing derivative of 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene-bis(crown-6-ether) provides optical recognition of Tl+ with selectivity over many other metal cations, including Na+, K+, Ca2+, Ag+, Hg2+ and Pb2+, and embodies the first example of a calixarene-based fluorescent Tl+-chemosensor.
A light scattering study of interactions of oppositely charged proteins in solution

In experiments involving electrophoresis of proteins in gels, it was observed that the mobility of FITC tagged albumin (FITC albumin) was greater than that of TRITC tagged albumin (TRITC albumin). To further understand the effects of tagging proteins with fluorescent dyes, interactions of anionic proteins FITC albumin and untagged bovine serum albumin (BSA), with cationic protein ploy-L-lysine was studied using dynamical light scattering. It was found that aggregates formed by the interaction of FITC albumin with poly-L-lysine were larger than those formed by the interaction between poly-L-lysine and BSA. Using zeta potential measurements it was observed that irrespective of the fluorescent tags attached to them, the zeta potential values of cationic proteins changed from negative to positive with increasing amounts of poly-L-lysine. It was also observed that addition of small amounts of poly-L-lysine to solutions containing FITC albumin decreased the zeta potential drastically. To explain this data, we are proposing a model that suggests that low concentrations of poly-L-lysine serve as scaffold - like structures on which several FITC albumin molecules anchor. We conclude that FITC appears to change the surface charge of albumin significantly and thereby influencing its behavior in solution and its interaction with cationic poly-L-lysine.
Response of Broilers to Hyperthermic Stress Following Treatment with a New Cyclo-Oxygenase Inhibitor,,

Abstract Two trials were conducted using broiler chickens to test the efficacy of pretreatment with Banamine,® an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on various heat stress indices. Significant differences were found in peripheral prostaglandin F (PGF) levels between immature male and female broilers with pullets having a higher concentration. Females also had less mortality during the hyperthermic challenge, which was independent of medication treatment. Confinement and transport of male broilers resulted in elevated levels of PGF, which were markedly lowered near the time of heat stress death. All levels of Banamine appeared to give some measure of protection against heat stress in male broilers as evidenced by higher survival rates and longer survival times.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone in the Pathophysiology of Melancholic and Atypical Depression and in the Mechanism of Action of Antidepressant Drugs

Hypercortisolism in depression seems to preferentially reflect activation of hypothalamic CRH secretion. Although it has been postulated that this hypercortisolism is an epiphenomenon of the pain and stress of major depression, our data showing preferential participation of AVP in the hypercortisolism of chronic inflammatory disease suggest specificity for the pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in depression. Our findings that imipramine causes a down-regulation of the HPA axis in experimental animals and healthy controls support an intrinsic role for CRH in the pathophysiology of melancholia and in the mechanism of action of psychotropic agents. Our data suggest that hypercortisolism is not the only form of HPA dysregulation in major depression. In a series of studies, commencing in patients with Cushing's disease, and extending to hyperimmune fatigue states such as chronic fatigue syndrome and examples of atypical depression such as seasonal affective disorder, we have advanced data suggesting hypofunction of hypothalamic CRH neurons. These data raise the question that the hyperphagia, hypersomnia, and fatigue associated with syndromes of atypical depression could reflect a central deficiency of a potent arousal-producing anorexogenic neuropeptide. In the light of data presented elsewhere in this symposium regarding the role of a hypofunctioning hypothalamic CRH neuron in susceptibility to inflammatory disease, these data also raise the question of a common pathophysiological mechanism in syndromes associated both with inflammatory manifestations and atypical depressive symptoms. This concept of hypofunctioning of hypothalamic CRH neurons in these disorders also raises the question of novel forms of neuropharmacological intervention in both inflammatory diseases and atypical depressive syndromes.
The role of natural killer cells in the development of herpes simplex virus type 1 induced stromal keratitis in mice

Natural killer (NK) cells and acquired cell-mediated immunity effector cells (delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)) have been reported to play a vital role in the defence of the host against tumour and viral infections in locations other than the eye. A vigorous cellular inflammatory response to viral infections of the cornea, however, with the attendant damage to the corneal clarity, has obvious evolutionary disadvantages, and a substantial body of evidence indicates that in animals (e.g. mice) which are highly susceptible to inflammatory destruction of the cornea following corneal encounter with herpes simplex virus, it is the animal's immunological/inflammatory response which is responsible for the corneal damage. We examined the role of natural killer cells in the development of herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) in NK-deficient (C57BL/6J-bgj (beige)) mice and their NK-competent (C57BL/6J (black) relatives. The beige (NK-deficient) mice were just as resistant to HSK as were the black mice. We also studied the effects of NK cell depletion of BALB/c Igh-1 disparate congenic mice. C.AL-20 (Igh-1d) mice are ordinarily highly susceptible to necrotising HSK. In vivo NK-cell depletion in these mice significantly decreased the incidence and severity of HSK in these animals (p < 0.0005). Corneas from untreated C.AL-20 mice contained T cells, macrophages and NK cells. The corneal infiltrate from NK-depleted C.AL-20 mice consisted of T cells and macrophages but no NK cells. These data indicate that NK cells are participants in the development of HSK in the murine model of this disease.
Deficiency of Interleukin-2 Production and Interleukin-2 Receptor Expression on Peripheral Blood Leukocytes after Phytohemagglutinin Stimulation in Pemphigus

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 22 pemphigus patients with active disease and 30 normal subjects were evaluated for interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and IL-2 receptor expression following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin P (PHA-P). The IL-2 levels were lower in patients compared to corresponding controls and the production was delayed after PHA stimulation. This deficiency was most pronounced in severely affected patients. IL-2 receptor appearance also was lower after PHA stimulation in a small number of patients tested. These results indicate that some cellular immune functions are altered in pemphigus.
A fatal presentation of dermatomyositis with facial swelling

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common inflammatory autoimmune myopathy in children. Most common presentations consist of heliotrophic rash and/or gottron's papules in addition to proximal muscle weakness. A typical presentations have been reported. We present a 13-year-old African American male who presented with a two-week history of bilateral periorbital edema that was unresponsive to glucocorticoids. He had elevated transaminases but no detectable muscle weakness. A muscle biopsy was consistent with juvenile dermatomyositis. This case highlights the need to consider dermatomyositis in cases of facial swelling and the use of aggressive immunosuppressive therapies due to its associated vasculopathies.
Fourier Transform Emission Spectroscopy of the A1Σ+−X1Σ+ System of YN

Abstract The electronic emission spectrum of YN has been observed in the 2.3-2.6 μm spectral region using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The bands were excited in a yttrium hollow cathode lamp in the presence of a trace of molecular nitrogen. The observed bands, with origins at 3882.7625(4), 4229.0457(3), 4528.6562(46), 4798.5145(13), 5049.4429(20), and 5281.2129(27) cm −1 , have been assigned as the 0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, and 5-5 vibrational bands, respectively, of the A 1 Σ + − X 1 Σ + electronic transition. The principal equilibrium constants for the ground state obtained from this analysis are B ″ e = 0.42815(24) cm −1 and r ″ e = 1.80405(50) A, and the corresponding excited state values are B ′ e = 0.42311(30) cm −1 and r ′ e = 1.81477(64) A. This work represents the first observation of the YN molecule.
Abnormal analyte preeclampsia: do the second-trimester maternal serum analytes help differentiate preeclampsia subtypes?

Abnormal analyte preeclampsia: do the second-trimester maternal serum analytes help differentiate preeclampsia subtypes?
Changes in Mouse Thymus and Spleen after Return from the STS-135 Mission in Space

Our previous results with flight (FLT) mice showed abnormalities in thymuses and spleens that have potential to compromise immune defense mechanisms. In this study, the organs were further evaluated in C57BL/6 mice after Space Shuttle Atlantis returned from a 13-day mission. Thymuses and spleens were harvested from FLT mice and ground controls housed in similar animal enclosure modules (AEM). Organ and body mass, DNA fragmentation and expression of genes related to T cells and cancer were determined. Although significance was not obtained for thymus mass, DNA fragmentation was greater in the FLT group (P<0.01). Spleen mass alone and relative to body mass was significantly decreased in FLT mice (P<0.05). In FLT thymuses, 6/84 T cell-related genes were affected versus the AEM control group (P<0.05; up: IL10, Il18bp, Il18r1, Spp1; down: Ccl7, IL6); 15/84 cancer-related genes had altered expression (P<0.05; up: Casp8, FGFR2, Figf, Hgf, IGF1, Itga4, Ncam1, Pdgfa, Pik3r1, Serpinb2, Sykb; down: Cdc25a, E2F1, Mmp9, Myc). In the spleen, 8/84 cancer-related genes were affected in FLT mice compared to AEM controls (P<0.05; up: Cdkn2a; down: Birc5, Casp8, Ctnnb1, Map2k1, Mdm2, NFkB1, Pdgfa). Pathway analysis (apoptosis signaling and checkpoint regulation) was used to map relationships among the cancer–related genes. The results showed that a relatively short mission in space had a significant impact on both organs. The findings also indicate that immune system aberrations due to stressors associated with space travel should be included when estimating risk for pathologies such as cancer and infection and in designing appropriate countermeasures. Although this was the historic last flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, exploration of space will undoubtedly continue.
Structure and Energetics of Vacancies, Antisites and Divacancy Complexes in the Ni-Al system

We studied the energetics and structure of simple point defects and defect clusters in the Ni-Al system. Atomistic computer simulation was used for this purpose with embedded atom interatomic potentials. In both, Ni3Al and NiAl the energetics are such that excess Ni is accommodated by anitisite defects more easily than excess Al. Structural vacancies are therefore more likely with stoichiometry deviations in the Al-rich side than in the Ni-rich side. The interaction of vacancies of different types to form divacancies was studied. Several configurations were found with a very similar energy to that of the two monovacancies far apart. Some configurations show attraction and others show repulsion. The vacancy interaction distance is limited to a few interatomic distances. The relaxation around these defects was studied in detail and the results can be interpreted in terms of the larger size of the Al atom.
Interaction of Decaying Freestream Turbulence with a Moving Shock Wave: Pressure Field

Theunsteady interaction of a moving shock wavewith nearly homogeneousand isotropic decaying compressible turbulence has been studied experimentally in a large-scale shock-tube facility by using rectangular grids of various sizes. The interaction has been investigated by measuring velocity, total pressure, and temperature inside thee owe eldandstaticpressureatthewalloftheshocktubewithinstrumentationoftemporalandspatialresolution. Attenuation of theshock wavestrength has been found to take placeas a result oftheinteraction with theturbulent e owe eld, which depends on the mesh size of the grid or its Reynolds number, the e ow Mach number, and the initial Mach number of the shock wave. Finer grids produce turbulence, which attenuates the shock wave more than coarse grids at the same Mach number. Amplie cation of pressure e uctuations after the interaction has been observed in all experiments, depending on grid size (initial turbulencelevel )and shock strength. Furthermore, this amplie cation is not the same through the whole range of wave numbers resolved. I. Introduction T RAVELINGshockwavesorexpansionwavescanbegenerated inside turbines or compressors of turbine engines as a result of unsteady e ow phenomena. These moving waves can interact with rotating or stationary blades, as well as with the e ow, and may result in phenomena that can affect the operation and performance of the engine. One of these phenomena is the interaction of passing shock waves with turbulence. Of particular interest to those studying turbomachinery is the interaction of traveling shock waves with freestream turbulence, which can be considered as nearly isotropic and nearly homogeneous. In general, interactions of shock waves with turbulent e ows are of great practical importance in external or internal aerodynamics of engineering applications because they considerably modify the e uid e eld by vorticity and entropy production and transport. PastworkthathasbeenrecentlyreviewedbyAndreopoulosetal. 1 hasshownthattheinteractionbetweentheshockwaveandturbulent e ow is mutual and that the coupling between them is very strong. Complex linear and nonlinear mechanisms are involved that can cause considerable changes in the structure of turbulence and its statistical properties and alter the dynamics of the shock wave motion. Amplie cation of velocity e uctuations and substantial changes in length scales are the most important outcomes of interactions of shock waves with turbulence. This indicates that such interactions may greatly affect mixing. The use of shock waves, for instance, has been proposed by Budzinski et al. 2 as means to enhance mixing
What are the ages of persons studied in autism research: A 20-year review

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopment disorder that affects individuals of all ages. Currently, the majority of autism research is focused on children and adolescents. Although this trend has been a norm, there has not been research showing this pattern. The current review aimed to systematically review autism research in the past 20 years to determine who is being studied. The results of this review revealed that 94% of the reviewed studies ( n = 2688) included younger population (infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents). Implications regarding these findings are discussed.
Presenilins in the heart: presenilin-2 expression is increased by low glucose and by hypoxia in cardiac cells.

Abstract Cardiac cells are subjected to hypoxia in many cardiovascular diseases. We studied a broad spectrum of genes using a macroarrays-based method to analyze RNA of rat cardiac fetal cell line H9c2 after 4 h of hypoxic conditions in the incubator—1% oxygen concentration, as compared to normoxic conditions (21% oxygen). The cDNAs were prepared from total RNAs using Atlas Rat 1.2 Array (Clontech Laboratories) and hybridized to the membrane containing 1176 rat cDNAs and 9 housekeeping control cDNAs. Genes expression was analyzed using AtlasImage 1.01 software. We found over 45 genes up-regulated in a range of 1.5–2.9 times and 9 genes down-regulated to a range of 0.4–0.7 times, under hypoxia versus normoxia. Presenilin-2 (PS2) was detected in the cultured heart cells. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of PS2 in the heart of adult rats. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we further studied the expression of presenilin-2 mRNA under conditions of low oxygen supply and glucose starvation. Glucose deprivation itself caused significant up-regulation of the presenilin-2 (to 160%) and with low oxygen increased presenilin-2 level to over 200% of the control. Presenilin-2 has previously been associated with intercellular signaling in the central nervous system, in Alzheimer's disease. The finding of presenilin-2 in the heart and the responsiveness to low glucose and hypoxia suggests that PS2 may be regulated by conditions of ischemia, a condition which both the heart and brain may experience.
Hyperviscosity syndrome secondary to a myeloma-associated IgG1κ paraprotein strongly reactive against the HIV-1 p24 gag antigen

Hyperviscosity syndrome secondary to hypergammaglobulinemia is a rare and potentially fatal complication in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. We studied an HIV-1-positive patient with symptomatic hyperviscosity attributable to IgG1κ multiple myeloma. The patient initially responded to plasmapheresis and was subsequently treated with cytotoxic immunosuppressive chemotherapy. The patient remained asymptomatic during a 3-year follow-up period. The monoclonal IgG1κ gammopathy evolved to a biclonal variant of the same subtype with an expansion of marrow plasma cell population. Western blot analysis demonstrated that this myeloma-associated paraprotein was strongly reactive against the HIV-1 p24 gag antigen. Am. J. Hematol. 64:210–213, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fever in the Elderly

Infections in the elderly, similar to other acute illnesses in this age group, may present in atypical, nonclassical fashions. Fever, the cardinal sign of infection, may be absent or blunted 20%-30% of the time. An absent or blunted fever response may in turn contribute to diagnostic delays in this population, which is already at risk for increased morbidity and mortality due to infection. On the other hand, the presence of a fever in the geriatric patient is more likely to be associated with a serious viral or bacterial infection than is fever in a younger patient. Finally, a diagnosis can be made in the majority of cases of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in the elderly. FUO is often associated with treatable conditions in this age group.
Ion Absorption and Retention by Chlorella Pyrenoidosa. II. Permeability of the Cell to Sodium and Rubidium.

The Na and Rb permeability of Chlorella pyrenoidosa were estimated from the rates of radioisotope self-diffusion. The isotopic exchange in absence of net ionic movements followed first order kinetics. This suggested that for sodium, which reached isotopic equilibrium in approximately 90 minutes, the cell behaved as 1 compartment with respect to isotopic exchange. Rubidium in 180 minutes approached isotopic equilibrium by 67%; thus, the existence of a single compartment for Rb has not been demonstrated. Net fluxes, calculated from the isotope exchange data, and expressed on a dry weight and surface area base showed that Na fluxes were approximately 7 times larger than Rb fluxes. Net Na fluxes of 90 milli-equivalents per 100 g dry weight per hour were far in excess of the observed maximum net accumulation of Na. However, Rb fluxes of 13 milliequivalents per 100 g dry weight per hour were of similar magnitude as the rate of Rb accumulation. Thus, permeability could be a limiting factor for Rb but not for Na accumulation. Sodium and Rb fluxes in absence of net ionic movements were inhibited by low temperature, dark air and dark N 2 conditions. This change in flux rates was explained mainly on the basis of metabolically dependent changes in the cell surface layers. Isotope fluxes of Rb were drastically reduced in dark air and dark N 2 in the absence or presence of net cation movements. Dark N 2 essentially eliminated net cation accumulation, whereas dark air had relatively little effect on the net K and Rb accumulation by Chlorella . Thus the 2 major factors involved in net cation accumulation in the Chlorella cell, permeability and processes leading to cation retention, respond differently to metabolic inhibition permitting a separation of these 2 important aspects of cation accumulation.
Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on intestinal calcium absorption in strontium-fed rats.

Abstract These studies investigated the initial stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption in the rat by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 . To produce a functional vitamin D 3 -deficiency, rats were fed a diet containing 2.4% strontium. After 10 days on the diet, intestinal calcium uptake, as measured by everted gut sacs, was significantly depressed. Strontium-fed rats were dosed orally with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , and changes in intestinal calcium uptake, intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity, and intestinal calcium-binding protein were measured as a function of time after dose. Calcium uptake was significantly increased in the proximal 2.5 cm of the duodenum at 4 h and along the whole duodenum by 7 h. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity, measured in a Triton extract of the mucosal homogenate and in isolated brush border complexes, was also increased by 7 h. Using both gel electrophoresis and immunodiffusion against a specific antiserum, an increase in intestinal calcium-binding protein was detected in intestinal supernate at 4 h after dosing. Almost no calcium-binding protein was detectable in strontium-fed rats dosed with propylene glycol only. These time studies are consistent with a role for both alkaline phosphatase and calcium-binding protein in the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 -stimulated uptake of calcium by the intestine. In addition, the usefulness of strontium feeding for producing a functional vitamin D 3 deficiency in rats is demonstrated.
Gender differences on the WPPSI, the WISC-R, and the WPPSI-R

The WPPSI, WISC-R, and WPPSI-R were administered in a counterbalanced design to 72 children between the ages of 5 years, 10 months, 16 days, and 6 years, 7 months, and 15 days to test the hypothesis that mean verbal IQs on these scales would be higher for boys than for girls. Results indicated that the mean verbal IQs for boys were significantly (p<.05) higher than those for girls on all three scales. Also, significant (p<.05) differences favoring boys were found onVocabulary andComprehension subtests on all three scales. These differences are probably a peculiarity of these scales and may not need any elaborate theoretical explanation. However, clinical uses of verbal and performance IQ discrepancies may not justifiably ignore the examinees’ gender.
Two Kinds of To-Kind Benefits and Other Reasons Why Shared Vulnerability Can Keep Clinical Studies Ethical

Imagine a variant trolley case in which, intuitively, (a) it is permissible to save the many, but (b) when the one is vulnerable and the many aren’t, it is often impermissible to do so. By “impermi...
Current Status of Drug-Eluting Stents and Drug-Eluting Balloons for the Superficial Femoral Artery

The endovascular management of symptomatic atherosclerotic superficial femoral artery disease is challenging and requires consideration of unique anatomic, hemodynamic, and biomechanical factors. For innovative local drug delivery technologies to have a cost-effective and clinically meaningful benefit, they must provide patency rates in more complex lesions equivalent or superior to those currently approved devices are able to provide. Several proof-of-concept trials have either been published or been recently presented and many more are in the pipeline suggesting biologic effectiveness of these hybrid devices in reducing restenosis. Local drug delivery technology has already been commercially introduced in some countries for a variety of clinical settings. However, although these technologies offer promise in improving outcomes following lower extremity intervention, caution and safety are paramount. Adequately powered, multicenter, well-designed, randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up (3–5 years) are still needed to accurately assess safety and efficacy.
Conformational control of photoreactivity: Three α-mesityl ketones that undergo efficient radical cleavage

Abstract α-Mesitylisobutyropohenone, 1,2-dimesitylethanone, and 2-phenyl- 1,2-dimesitylethanone all undergo only one photoreaction in solution, α-cleavage to acyl radicals. Quantum yields are all over 0.30 and triplet rate constants are ≥5 x 10 8 s −1 . In each case, bond rotations are so slow that reaction occurs from the preferred ground state geometries, which hold the molecules in conformations ideal for cleavage. The large cleavage rate constants reflect relief of steric strain as well as ideal orientation of π and σ orbitals.
Metabolic inhibitors and mitosis: II. Effects of dinitrophenol/deoxyglucose and nocodazole on the microtubule cytoskeleton

To examine the effects exerted on the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton by dinitrophenol/deoxyglucose (DNP/DOG) and nocodazole, live PtK1 cells were treated with the drugs and then fixed and examined by immunofluorescence staining and electronmicroscopy. DNP/DOG had little effect on interphase MTs. In mitotic cells, kinetochore and some astral fibers were clearly shortened in metaphase figures by DNP/DOG. Nocodazole rapidly broke down spindle MTs (except those in the midbody), while interphase cells showed considerable variation in the susceptibility of their MTs. Nocodazole had little effect on MTs in energy-depleted (DNP/DOG-treated) cells. When cytoplasmic MTs had all been broken down by prolonged nocodazole treatment and the cells then released from the nocodazole block into DNP/DOG, some MT reassembly occurred in the ATP-depleted state. MTs in permeabilized, extracted cells were also examined with antitubulin staining; the well-preserved interphase and mitotic arrays of MTs showed no susceptibility to nocodazole. In contrast, MTs suffered considerable breakdown by ATP, GTP and ATPγS; AMPPNP had little effect. This susceptibility of extracted MT cytoskeleton to nucleotide phosphates was highly variable; some interphase cells lost all MTs, most were severely affected, but some retained extensive MT networks; mitotic spindles were diminished but structurally coherent and more stable than most interphase MT arrays.
Determination of switching-off and switching-on time of overall nuclear RNA synthesis.

THERE may be at least three modes of mRNA synthesis regulation in cultured mammalian cells: the repression of gene action as postulated in bacteria by Jacob and Monod1; a mechanism in interphase nuclei (G1, S and G2 stages) involving mRNA synthesis only in the uncondensed chromatin and not in the condensed chromatin2,3; and the lack of or, at least, slowing down of mRNA synthesis in M stage cells. Inherent in the last mechanism is the tacit assumption that the overall mRNA synthesis is switched off about the beginning of M stage and on again about the end of the same stage4–13.
Effects of cortisone and 11-desoxycortisone on pain thresholds in man.

SummaryUnder the conditions of these experiments, 11-desoxycortisone (25 mg) lowered the tooth pain threshold, but did not alter the wrist pain threshold, and cortisone (25 mg) did not alter the tooth or wrist pain thresholds. An alteration of the pathophysiologic state initiating pain is suggested as an explanation for the pain relief afforded by cortisone.
Problems with excess mitral leaflet after repair: possible issues during repair and preservation of the posterior leaflet.

HE NORMAL NATIVE MITRAL VALVE exists in a dynamic balance involving all components of the apparatus to provide optimal coaptation during ventricular systole and minimal resistance to forward flow during ventricular diastole. The repaired myxomatous mitral valve has a similar balance, but with different annular and leaflet dimensions. Most commonly, repairs include resection and reduction of the posterior leaflet (PL) and a reduction annuloplasty, with or without repair of the anterior leaflet (AL). Green et al 1 described the postrepair PL as restricted, acting to buttress the coapting AL. Functionally, this repaired valve appears like a “unicuspid valve,” which relies heavily on a normally functioning AL. 1,2 Although not a new concept, there has been renewed interest in preserving and repairing a prolapsing PL (“respect rather than resect” [RRR]). 3-7 Proponents of RRR seek to treat the prolapse and return the PL toward a normal dimension, yielding a bileaflet valve, with a larger diastolic area and a larger coapting surface. 3-7 Whether RRR involves preservation of the entire PL 3,5-7 or a combination of resection and preservation 4 is decided case by case. The authors present 3 patients in whom repair and preservation of the PL were performed. These 3 cases represent the authors’ initial experience with the placement of new chordae to repair the PL. Two patients developed systolic anterior motion (SAM) with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and mitral regurgitation (MR), one immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the other in the postoperative period. In the third patient, hemodynamic assessment showed mitral stenosis. For all 3 patients, the authors speculate that the complications were the result of excess postrepair leaflet tissue below the annular plane. CASE REPORTS Case 1 An 80-year-old woman presented with myxomatous mitral valve disease, severe MR, and a history of congestive heart failure and was scheduled for valve repair. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) immediately before CPB visualized a torn posterior (P) chordae, flail of the P3, and prolapse of P2 leaflet scallops (Fig 1). The AL appeared to have myxomatous changes but did not prolapse. Risk assessment for postrepair SAM was based on previously published data8 and included ratios of the systolic heights of the AL and PL (AL/PL; 0.9) and the distance from the mitral coaptation point to the proximal ventricular septum (CSEPT; 2.0 cm). Based on these data (AL/PL 1.4; CSEPT 2.5 cm), this patient was at risk for postrepair SAM and LVOTO.8
Perturbation of lymphocyte mitochondrial function and imbalance between BCL-2 family members as molecular mechanisms for g-csf-induced immune dysfunction

Abstract Sera from healthy subjects receiving recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF) to mobilize CD34 + peripheral blood progenitors (PBPC) can render allogeneic lymphocytes unresponsive to mitogenic challenge. In the present investigation, the effects of rHuG-CSF on the early stages of lymphocyte activation-induced apoptosis were evaluated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal untreated donors were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence of serum collected prior to (preG) or after (postG) rHuG-CSF administration. Mitochondrial function, i.e., incorporation of dihexyloxa-carbocyanine iodide [DiOC 6 (3)] and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the expression of Bcl-2 family members were evaluated by multiparameter flow cytometry. CD4 + DiOC 6 (3) low and CD8 + DiOC 6 (3) low T-lymphocytes increased and reached 32% (range 27–38) and 20% (range 15–23) of circulating T-cells, respectively, on day 4 of rHuG-CSF administration. Hypergeneration of ROS could be demonstrated in 65% (58–82) of CD4 + T-lymphocytes and in 0.4% (0.2–0.8) of circulating CD8 + T-cells. When PBMC were challenged with PHA in the presence of postG-serum, both collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨ m ) and hypergeneration of ROS were induced, and lymphocytes displayed fragmentation of genomic DNA. Interestingly, the neutralization of surface CD95 abrogated the perturbation of lymphocyte ΔΨ m , suggesting that the CD95 signaling pathway might be involved. Moreover, Bax protein was overexpressed in postG (MFI = 180, range 168–186) compared with preG cultures (MFI = 75, range 68–80; P L staining intensity were observed. We hypothesize that soluble immunoregulatory mediators contained in postG-serum might signal through CD95 surface receptors leading to Bax overexpression and to the subsequent collapse of lymphocyte ΔΨ m . Whether immune dysfunction will favourably impact on incidence and severity of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic PBPC transplantation by enhancing apoptosis of alloreactive T-cells remains to be determined.
Volumetric determination of enucleation implant size.

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine whether volumetric calculation of enucleation implant size improves the results of the enucleation procedure. METHODS: The volume of the enucleated globe was measured in 33 eyes of 33 patients, allowing intraoperative calculation of implant size. The degree of postoperative anophthalmic volume deficit was evaluated by determining the relative enophthalmic position of the implant using Hertel exophthalmometry. These results were compared with those obtained from two groups of historical control patients who had previously undergone enucleation with the insertion of standard size 18-mm or 20-mm implants. RESULTS: There was significant variability in the volume of "normal" size globes (range, 7.0 to 9.0 ml; mean, 7.9 ml; standard deviation [SD], 0.7), resulting in the placement of implants between 18 to 22 mm in diameter. Study patients undergoing volumetric determination of implant size demonstrated less implant enophthalmos (mean, 5.9 mm) than historical control patients who received 18-mm (mean, 8.5 mm; P = .0001) or 20-mm (mean, 6.8 mm, P = .0332) implants. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric determination and individualization of enucleation implant size appears to reduce postoperative anophthalmic volume deficit.
New advances with REBL for maskless high-throughput EBDW lithography

REBL (Reflective Electron Beam Lithography) is a program for the development of a novel approach for highthroughput maskless lithography. The program at KLA-Tencor is funded under the DARPA Maskless Nanowriter Program. A DPG (digital pattern generator) chip containing over 1 million reflective pixels that can be individually turned on or off is used to project an electron beam pattern onto the wafer. The DARPA program is targeting 5 to 7 wafers per hour at the 45 nm node, and this paper will describe improvements to both increase the throughput as well as extend the system to the 2x nm node and beyond. This paper focuses on three specific areas of REBL technology. First, a new column design has been developed based on a Wien filter to separate the illumination and projection beams. The new column design is much smaller, and has better performance both in resolution and throughput than the first column which used a magnetic prism for separation. This new column design is the first step leading to a multiple column system. Second, the rotary stage latest results of a fully integrated DPG CMOS chip with lenslets will be reviewed. An array of over 1 million micro lenses which is fabricated on top of the CMOS DPG chip has been developed. The microlens array eliminates crosstalk between adjacent pixels, maximizes contrast between on and off states, and provides matching of the NA between the DPG reflector and the projection optics.
Studies on the Requirements and Interaction of Copper and Iron in Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys to 4 Weeks of Age

Abstract IRON and copper have been recognized as essential trace elements for poultry for a number of years. Many important functions which these elements perform in metabolism have been determined. However, we have been unable to find published data concerning the turkey’s requirements for copper and iron. Hart et al. (1925, 1928) and Elvehjem and Hart (1929) reported that copper acts as a cofactor or supplement to iron in hemoglobin synthesis in chicks and rats. Gallapher (1957) was unable to produce a pure copper-deficiency anemia in chicks. Hill and Matrone (1961), on the other hand, conducted studies in which copper deficiency and/or iron deficiency anemias were produced in the chick. With a copper deficiency they observed a decrease in the number of erythrocytes, decreased feather pigmentation and reduced heart cytochrome oxidase activity. A deficiency of iron decreased the hemoglobin content of erythrocytes and decreased feather pigmentation only slightly. Hill and Matrone…
Traded, Waived, or Gassed: Failure in the Occupational World of Ice Hockey

Data presented from participant observation among minor league hockey players reveals how workers react to individual and collective failure in their occupational world. Failure on the group level refers to losing hockey games. Failure on the individual level involves not making the team. A player can fail to make the team by being gassed, by being traded, or by being placed on waivers. Each of these ways has a separate meaning with a distinct set of experiences, consequences, and reactions.A continuum of failure in this occupational world is presented by describing the consequences of failed performance and the differing reactions among co-workers to each type of failure. Group reactions to failure in hockey involve the interruption of social relationships based on the ensuing separation from the status position previously held by the failed player. As one moves along this continuum of failure, co- workers view the failed player and react to him as if the failed no longer existed, as socially dead or at ...
Multiple Hox/HOM-Class Homeoboxes in Platyhelminthes

The importance of the Hox/HOM class of homeobox genes in early anterior-posterior pattern formation and the conserved genomic organization of this gene family provides an interesting study in genome evolution. The Platyhelminthes (flatworms) are a basal metazoan group with a simple bilateral body plan. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Hox/HOM-class homeobox genes from species representing two classes of flatworms. Seven planarian and five trematode Hox/HOM-class homeoboxes were found. The sequences of the genes are consistent with the presence of one Hox/HOM-type cluster in the flatworms. Further analysis of this putative cluster may be expected to provide outgroup information for studying the evolution of the Hox/HOM clusters in the higher metazoa.