cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MIF mediates bladder pain, not inflammation, in cyclophosphamide cystitis

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory mediator, is recognized as a player in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) results in bladder inflammation and pain and it's a frequently used animal model of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Because pretreatment with a MIF inhibitor (ISO-1) prevented both CYP-induced bladder pain and inflammation we used genetic MIF knockout (KO) mice to further investigate MIF's role in CYP-induced bladder pain and inflammation. Abdominal mechanical threshold measured bladder pain induced by CYP in wild type (WT) and MIF KO mice at several time points (0-48 hours). End-point (48 hours) changes in micturition parameters and histological signs of bladder inflammation were also evaluated. Abdominal mechanical hypersensitivity developed within 4 hours after CYP injection (and lasted for the entire observation period: 48 hours) in WT mice. MIF KO mice, on the other hand, did not develop abdominal mechanical hypersensitivity suggesting that MIF is a pivotal molecule in mediating CYP-induced bladder pain. Both WT and MIF KO mice treated with CYP showed histological signs of marked bladder inflammation and showed a significant decrease in micturition volume and increase in frequency. Since both changes were blocked in MIF KO mice by pretreatment with a MIF inhibitor (ISO-1) it is likely these are non-specific effects of ISO-1. MIF mediates CYP-induced bladder pain but not CYP-induced bladder inflammation. The locus of effect (bladder) or central (spinal) for MIF mediation of bladder pain remains to be determined.
Control Flow Checking Optimization Based on Regular Patterns Analysis

With the continuous sub-micron process scaling, reliability of integrated circuits has quickly become a first-order design concern. In modern computing systems, transient errors are increasingly likely to corrupt the computation by altering the control flow or sequencing of instructions, leading to catastrophic failures. Prior work on control flow checking provides good coverage but at a high cost. In this paper, by exploring regular control flow patterns found in most applications, we propose the optimization schemes for software signature control flow checking that could reduce the error detection overheads. Specifically, we leverage the fact that most applications have: (1) simple fan-in / fan-out control flow patterns, and (2) most of control flows can be predicted during the compilation stage through static branch prediction heuristics. By exploiting these opportunities, we propose two techniques to reduce the number of inserted codes at common paths and simplify control flow checking of irregular patterns with minimal overheads. Experimental results on a variety of applications demonstrate that our approaches could reduce checking overhead by almost 2.5x on average while leading to similar fault coverage compared to traditional control flow checking.
β-trace protein versus cystatin C: which is a better surrogate marker of renal function versus prognostic indicator in cardiovascular diseases?

Beta trace-protein (BTP), also known as prostaglandin D2 synthase, is a low-molecular-weight glycoprotein (MW 25.2 kDa) that was initially isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and served as a marker of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.(1) It is expressed in all tissues except the ovaries, with biological actions that include vasodilatation, bronchoconstriction, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and recruitment of inflammatory cells. BTP was also found to be increased in the serum of patients with renal failure. The half-life of BTP is approximately 1.2 h and it is freely filtered through the glomerular basement membrane with minimal non-renal elimination. Hence, it has been proposed as a new endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Studies have confirmed a good correlation between serum BTP levels and the GFR measurement based on inulin clearance and nuclear medicine methods(1).
Emotional Contagion and Group Affective Tone in the Student Cohort Model.

OBJECTIVE. The student cohort model used by most occupational therapy programs can produce outcomes that are either adaptive or maladaptive as a result of the unique identities formed by student cohorts. The purpose of this study was to examine the cohort model through the lens of group-level affect and emotional contagion theory. METHOD. The study used a cross-sectional survey design with 159 undergraduate health care cohort members (including occupational therapy assistant students) across 24 student cohorts. The survey consisted of three measures, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Emotional Contagion Scale, and the Emotional Expressivity Scale. RESULTS. Data analysis showed that group affective convergence occurred along a continuum of positive affect. The results also showed that cohort members’ susceptibility to the emotion of anger strengthened the cohort’s emotional convergence. CONCLUSION. Cohort identity may be influenced by the process of emotional contagion, creating a distinct group-level affect.
The Law of Blood: Thinking and Acting as a Nazi. By Johann Chapoutot. Translated by Miranda Richmond Mouillot. (Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2018. Pp. 504. $35.00.)

It is the aim of Johann Chapoutot's The Law of Blood to “to take seriously the texts, the images, and the words of the Nazis” (408). For Chapoutot, this is because the Nazis themselves took these—a...
Reply to the Comment of S. Ayik and D. Lacroix, posted as arXiv:1909.1361v1, on the recent article "Fission Dynamics of 240Pu from Saddle-to-Scission and Beyond" by Bulgac et al, published as Phys. Rev. C 100, 034615 (2019)

A point-by-point answer to the comment authored by S. Ayik and D. Lacroix is presented. At this point in time this text is not aimed at being submitted to Phys. Rev. C or any other journal, unless the authors of the comment choose to follow such an avenue. I also suggest a possible formulation of a stochastic mean field approach free of the difficulties in the stochastic mean field model due to S. Ayik.
Continuous wave laser-induced damage threshold of Schott IRG-24, IRG-25, and IRG-26 at 1.07 microns

The continuous wave laser-induced damage thresholds of Schott chalcogenide glasses, IRG-24, IRG-25, and IRG-26, are measured for a 5s exposure of 1.07 μm light focused to a spot size with 1/e2 diameter of 830 μm, following the International Organization for Standardization standards.
Wealth Creation in the U.S. Public Stock Markets 1926 to 2019

This report quantifies long-run stock market outcomes in terms of the increases or decreases (relative to a Treasury bill benchmark) in shareholder wealth, when considering the full history of both net cash distributions and capital appreciation. The study includes all of the 26,168 firms with publicly-traded U.S. common stock since 1926. Despite the fact that investments in the majority (57.8%) of stocks led to reduced rather than increased shareholder wealth, U.S. stock market investments on net increased shareholder wealth by $47.4 trillion between 1926 and 2019. Technology firms accounted for the largest share, $9.0 trillion, of the total, but Telecommunications, Energy, and Healthcare/ Pharmaceutical stocks created wealth disproportionate to the numbers of firms in the industries. The degree to which stock market wealth creation is concentrated in a few top-performing firms has increased over time, and was particularly strong during the most recent three years, when five firms accounted for 22% of net wealth creation. These results should be of interest to any long-term investor assessing the relative merits of broad diversification vs. narrow portfolio selection.
A transfer-learning approach for first-year developmental infant brain segmentation using deep neural networks

Abstract The months between birth and age 2 are increasingly recognized as a period critical for neuro-development, with potentially life-long implications for cognitive functioning. However, little is known about the growth trajectories of brain structure and function across this time period. This is in large part because of insufficient approaches to analyze infant MRI scans at different months, especially brain segmentation. Addressing technical gaps in infant brain segmentation would significantly improve our capacity to efficiently measure and identify relevant infant brain structures and connectivity, and their role in long-term development. In this paper, we propose a transfer-learning approach based on convolutional neural network (CNN)-based image segmentation architecture, QuickNAT, to segment brain structures for newborns and 6-month infants separately. We pre-trained QuickNAT on auxiliary labels from a large-scale dataset, fine-tuned on manual labels, and then cross-validated the model’s performance on two separate datasets. Compared to other commonly used methods, our transfer-learning approach showed superior segmentation performance on both newborns and 6-month infants. Moreover, we demonstrated improved hippocampus segmentation performance via our approach in preterm infants.
Microspheres Encapsulating Immunotherapy Agents Target the Tumor-Draining Lymph Node in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

The tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) plays a role in tumor immunity. Intratumorally administered microspheres (MS) that encapsulate immunomodulatory agents have emerged as a treatment strategy capa...
Abstract 5681: Design, synthesis and study of small molecules with both AR degradation and AKR1C3 inhibitory activities

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and it is estimated that 32,000 men in the US alone will die of this cancer in 2019. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the mainstay of prostate cancer therapy. However, most of the patients will progress to castration resistance prostate cancer (CRPC) after several years of treatment. The current treatment of CRPC includes chemotherapeutic agents (docetaxel) and agents that target androgen signaling (abiraterone, enzalutamide and apalutamide). Ultimately, however, most patients develop resistance to the treatments. Two of the mechanisms of resistance involve the expression of constitutively active androgen receptor variant (AR-V7) and the increase in intra-tumoral biosynthesis of androgens. Several treatment strategies targeting AR-V7 have been reported. For the intra-tumoral biosynthesis of androgens, one of the enzymes, AKR1C3, plays a critical role in the development of CRPC and has been reported to be consistently elevated in CRPC patients who are resistant to abiraterone and enzalutamide. We have been involved in the development of agents to treat CRPC and overcome drug resistance of CRPC patients. We reported that niclosamide, an FDA-approved anthelminthic agent, could degrade AR-V7. We also reported that niclosamide, as well as an AKR1C3 inhibitor, indomethacin, were able to overcome enzalutamide and abiraterone resistance in several prostate cancer cell lines, suggesting that niclosamide is also an AKR1C3 inhibitor. By examining the reported structures of AKR1C3 inhibitors, niclosamide was found to contain the core scaffold of 4-Hydroxy-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-N-(3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-5-carboxamide. Using this knowledge, we designed a series compounds with dual AR degrading and AKR1C3 inhibitory activities. Preliminary studies showed the compounds caused AR-V7 degradation and to a lesser extent AR full length degradation. The compounds also inhibited AKR1C3 and caused a dose dependent growth inhibition of several prostate cancer cell lines. Citation Format: Enming Xing, Xiaotian Kong, Wei Lou, Ruihua Shi, Xiaolin Cheng, Allen C. Gao, Pui Kai Li. Design, synthesis and study of small molecules with both AR degradation and AKR1C3 inhibitory activities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5681.
Placental origins of neonatal diseases: toward a precision medicine approach.

The placenta is the single most reliable source for precise information on intrauterine environment, as well as maternal and fetal health. It mediates the physiology of two distinct yet highly interconnected individuals. The pathology that develops in the placenta, and the adaptations the placenta undergoes to mitigate this pathology, may influence the later life health of the mother and baby. Pathological placental examination provides a unique opportunity to explore and understand the intrauterine environment, as well as providing a record of events that may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A number of placental lesions have been described in association with various neonatal morbidities. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for the association of placental pathologic lesions with neurodevelopmental outcomes infants with specific neonatal morbidities, including (1) neonatal encephalopathy, (2) bronchopulmonary dysplasia, (3) congenital heart diseases, and (4) autism spectrum disorders. For each of these disease processes, we will also propose specific research priorities in future studies. We conclude with a hospital-specific protocol for triaging which placentas should receive histological evaluation as a fundamental first step for the field of neuroplacentology to guide precision-based therapeutic approaches in the affected newborns.
Nonhost Disease Resistance in Pea: Chitosan’s Suggested Role in DNA Minor Groove Actions Relative to Phytoalexin-Eliciting Anti-Cancer Compounds

A stable intense resistance called "nonhost resistance" generates a complete multiple-gene resistance against plant pathogenic species that are not pathogens of pea such as the bean pathogen, Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli (Fsph). Chitosan is a natural nonhost resistance response gene activator of defense responses in peas. Chitosan may share with cancer-treatment compounds, netropsin and some anti-cancer drugs, a DNA minor groove target in plant host tissue. The chitosan heptamer and netropsin have the appropriate size and charge to reside in the DNA minor groove. The localization of a percentage of administered radio-labeled chitosan in the nucleus of plant tissue in vivo indicates its potential to transport to site(s) within the nuclear chromatin (1,2). Other minor groove-localizing compounds administered to pea tissue activate the same secondary plant pathway that terminates in the production of the anti-fungal isoflavonoid, pisatin an indicator of the generated resistance response. Some DNA minor groove compounds also induce defense genes designated as "pathogenesis-related" (PR) genes. Hypothetically, DNA targeting components alter host DNA in a manner enabling the transcription of defense genes previously silenced or minimally expressed. Defense-response-elicitors can directly (a) target host DNA at the site of transcription or (b) act by a series of cascading events beginning at the cell membrane and indirectly influence transcription. A single defense response, pisatin induction, induced by chitosan and compounds with known DNA minor groove attachment potential was followed herein. A hypothesis is formulated suggesting that this DNA target may be accountable for a portion of the defense response generated in nonhost resistance.
From Traditional and Socialist Work-Unit Communities to Commercial Housing: The Association between Neighborhood Types and Adult Health in Urban China.

The urban structure in China has been transformed profoundly through rounds of economic reforms. Over the past 60 years, various types of neighborhoods have emerged at different stages of economic ...
Aperiodic hyperbolic metamaterial superlens with random distribution

Abstract In this work, a first model of aperiodic hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM superlens) with random distribution is proposed for breaking conventional image resolution enforced by diffraction limit. To theoretical analysis of proposed structures, perturbed Floquet theory is considered to express wave behavior in aperiodic HMM which periodicity is perturbed. However, unlike conventional works, a new methodology is determined for acceptable range of perturbation to keep validity of Bloch-Floquet eigenmodes in aperiodic HMMs. In this methodology, a criterion for acceptable threshold of perturbation is determined based on reconstructed image distortion caused by perturbing periodicity of HMM superlens. Also, to show the efficacy of the proposed superlens based on developed methodology, an aperiodic HMM superlens operating at 193.5 THz (communication network frequency) is demonstrated as an illustration.
A Theorem on Congruences

Let f(x) denote a polynomial with rational integral coefficients and discriminant D. In this note we prove the theorem that if f(x) = 0 (mod p r ), (1.1) is solvable for r - δ + 1, where p δ is the highest power of the prime p dividing D, then the congruence is solvable for all r. While this theorem is contained in a more general theorem of Hensel [1, p. 68], a direct proof seems of interest. Also Theorem 1 below is perhaps of interest in itself.
The structure and volume of large geysers in Yellowstone National Park, USA and the mineralogy and chemistry of their silica sinter deposits

Abstract Siliceous sinter is formed by biogenic and abiogenic opal deposition around hot springs and geysers. Using Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry we generated three-dimensional models of Giant and Castle Geysers from the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. We use these models to calculate an approximate mass of sinter for each (~2 and ~ 5 kton, respectively) and estimate a range of plausible long-term deposition rates for Castle Geyser (470 to 940 kg·yr−1). We estimate ~2% of the silica discharged from Castle Geyser is deposited as sinter in the cone and proximal terraces. We collected 15 sinter samples following the stratigraphy of each geyser from the older terrace to the younger cone and examined them using a variety of analytical methods. We find that young opaline sinter with high water content (
3D Optoelectronic Computer Architectures for the Conjugate Gradient and Multigrid Benchmark Algorithms

Optics can be used to build faster and more complex inter-connection networks for parallel processors. Such systems will be composed of arrays of electronic processing elements interconnected with three-dimensional free space optics. We call this a 3D optoelectronic computer. We show that for the conjugate gradient benchmark an architecture with an adequately fast reconfigurable interconnection network can outperform all parallel supercomputers, but its performance is not as impressive when a fixed network is used. In the case of the multigrid benchmark, the 3D optoelectronic architecture can perform orders of magnitude better than the best parallel supercomputers.
Mg-protoporphyrin-IX and δ-aminolevulinic acid synthesis from glutamate in isolated greening chloroplasts: δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthesis

Abstract A cell-free chloroplast preparation obtained from greening cucumber cotyledons catalyzes the biosynthesis of δ-amino[ 14 C]levulinic acid from [ 14 C]glutamate. The reaction is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of ATP, glutathione, and levulinic acid (an inhibitor of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase). The presence of NAD, light, and α,α′-dipyridyl stimulated the reaction slightly. Oxygen was not required for the reaction. Synthesis was linear for the first 15 min of the reaction at 6.6 pmol · min −1 · (mg of protein) −1 and then slowed to a rate of 0.75 pmol · min −1 (mg of protein) −1 , which was sustained for at least 1.5 h. The optimum temperature for this conversion is 37 °C. Although the activity was drastically diminshed by lysing, intactness was not an absolute requirement. Possible mechanisms of reaction and regulation are discussed.
Multilevel marketing and pyramid schemes in the United States: An historical analysis

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the evolution of direct selling – a retail channel that successfully sold products ranging from cosmetics to radios to automobiles – to multilevel marketing (MLM), an industry now apparently heavily reliant on selling to itself. As the courts have found some MLM companies to be pyramid schemes, the analysis includes the overlap between the legal MLM model and an illegal pyramid scheme. Design/methodology/approach – The development of direct selling in the USA was examined, followed by the factors contributing to the design and growth of the MLM model and its non-commission-based compensation structure. Then, the key legal decisions regarding illegal pyramid schemes operating under the guise of MLM, the relative stagnation of direct selling and the state of the MLM industry were examined. Findings – As the MLM model operates on the dual premise of retailing through a network of distributors and recruiting new distributors to do the same, it was found that federal regula...
Human Impacts on Weather and Climate

Climate change is a worldwide environmental, social, and economic challenge. It includes issues of air pollution, land use, toxic waste, transportation, industry, energy, government policies, development strategies, and individual freedoms and responsibilities. Human use of the atmosphere as an unpriced dumping space has led to the buildup of gases and particles such as carbon dioxide and methane that can alter the energy exchange between the Earth's surface and space. There is a great deal of confusion among policy makers and the public about just how much is known about our climate, and what makes it change. However, although many aspects of the science of climate change are laced with major uncertainties, many others are actually scientifically well established. Human modification of the climate system has far-reaching implications for human welfare and the health of our planet. Are our actions causing the climate to change in ways or at rates that will threaten natural systems or make human adaptation difficult? This chapter outlines the current state of scientific knowledge regarding human impacts on the climate system. Keywords: climate change; climate science; climate impacts; global warming; greenhouse effect
Building Programmatic Capacity at the Grassroots Level: The Reactions of Local Nonprofit Organizations to Public Participation Geographic Information Systems

Diffusion and acceptance of geographic information systems (GIS) technology is not fully understood in public or private organizations, and even less is known about the role of GIS in the nonprofit...
The effects of thyroxine on metabolism and water balance in a desert-dwelling rodent, Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami).

Desert-dwelling mammals such as Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) need to conserve both energy and water to survive desert conditions characterized by aridity and low productivity. The thyroid hormone thyroxine increases both basal metabolic rate and urinary water loss in mammals. Increases in basal metabolism and urinary water loss are likely to be detrimental to D. merriami, therefore the regulation of this hormone may be important. To examine the effects of thyroxine in this species, we implanted adult kangaroo rats with pellets designed to release specific doses of thyroxine at a constant rate for 90 days or a placebo pellet. We measured plasma thyroxine concentration, basal metabolic rate, food consumption, urine concentration and water loss in all implanted animals. Thyroxine implants significantly increased both plasma thyroxine and basal metabolic rate in a relatively dose-dependent manner. In response to thyroxine, kangaroo rats increased food consumption only slightly, but this small increase was sufficient to compensate for their elevated metabolic rates. Neither urine concentration nor water loss varied among treatment groups. Thyroxine increased energy expenditure but not water loss in this species.
Role of Mitochondria in Ischemic Acute Renal Failure

Ischemic ARF is characterized by progressive mitochondrial accumulation of Ca++ which is inversely correlated with the level of oxidative phosphorylation. At least two possibilities exist which would be compatible with these data 1) depressed respiration leads to Ca++ accumulation or 2) increased mitochondrial Ca++ leads to reduced mitochondrial respiration. We favor the latter hypothesis for the reasons outlined above; furthermore, this conclusion is supported by the observations of Lehninger, made some 20 years ago: first, that either oxidative phosphorylation or mitochondrial Ca++ accumulation can be accomplished by intact mitochondria but that these events cannot occur simultaneously and second, that Ca++ accumulation takes precedence over oxidative phosphorylation. Our observation made during post-ischemic reflow that mitochondrial Ca++ accumulation occurs to a significant degree, strongly suggest a potential role for mitochondrial Ca++ overload in the pathogenesis of ARF. Nevertheless, this is not an irreversible pathogenetic process. Clearly, impermeant solutes, vasodilators and Ca++ membrane blockers will alter the natural history of this injury and prevent the severity of the functional defect. A common mechanism of action may involve direct or indirect modification of cellular Ca++ overload in renal vascular and epithelial tissue. The vascular smooth muscle may then revert to a less constricted state with a subsequent more rapid recovery of renal blood flow and that the renal epithelial cell death may be minimized thereby reducing tubular obstruction.
SIGN A Gaseous-Neon-Based Underground Physics Detector

Recent progress on the development of a room-temperature, nuclear-recoil-discriminating detector based on Scintillation and Ionization in Gaseous Neon (SIGN) will be discussed. Preliminary studies show that pure neon and neon + X mixtures (X = Ar, Xe, CH4 etc.) at pressure of > = 100 atmospheres can be used to detect radiation at low energies with excellent resolution in the range useful for a dark matter search. This also allows for the detection of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering for neutrino energies greater than ∼ 10 MeV , thus making a large mass detector sensitive to supernovae and high energy solar neutrinos.
Increased cellular levels of spermidine or spermine are required for optimal DNA synthesis in lymphocytes activated by concanavalin A

There are large increases in cellular levels of the polyamines spermidine and spermine in lymphocytes induced to transform by concanavalin A. The anti-leukemic agent methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) blocks synthesis of these polyamines by inhibiting S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase. Previous results showed that when cells are activated in the presence of MGBG the synthesis and processing of RNA, as well as protein synthesis, proceed as in the absence of the drug. In contrast, the incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine into DNA and the rate of entry of the cells into mitosis are inhibited by 60% in the presence of MGBG. Several experiments suggest that MGBG inhibits cell proliferation by directly blocking polyamine synthesis and not by an unrelated pharmacological effect: (1) the inhibitory action of MGBG is reversed by exogenously added spermidine or spermine; (2) inhibition of DNA synthesis by MGBG shows the same dose-response curve as does inhibition of spermidine and spermine synthesis; and (3) if MGBG is added to cells which have been allowed to accumulate their maximum complement of polyamines, there is no inhibition of thymidine incorporation. MGBG-treated and control cultures initiate DNA synthesis at the same time and show the same percentage of labeled cells by autoradiography. Therefore, it appears that in the absence of increased cellular levels of polyamines, lymphocytes progress normally from G0 through G1 and into S-phase. Furthermore, these experiments suggest that the increased levels of spermidine and spermine generally seen in rapidly proliferating eukaryotic systems are necessary for enhanced rates of DNA replication.
Magnetophonon resonance of two-dimensional electrons by leaky interface-acoustic phonons

Abstract Low-magnetic field (B kG ) magnetoresistance oscillations (periodic in 1/ B ) have been observed in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Such novel oscillations appear only in a limited temperature range (approximately, 2 K K ). The effect is attributed to magnetophonon resonance of 2DEG with thermally excited leaky interface-acoustic phonons. Results from Fourier analysis of the temperature dependence data are consistent with a model in which two branches of phonon modes contribute to the resonance.
Thermal Properties of Novel Carbonaceous Fiber Battings

There is a need for materials and battings which provide fire resistant properties and are lightweight, washable, and aesthetically accep table. Thermal properties of batts constructed from a new carbonaceous fiber were evaluated to determine its usefulness in military and commercial applica tions for thermal and fire protection. Carbonaceous batts were compared to batts available in commercial and military products on thermal transmittance (conductance and resistance) and thermal protective performance. Results indicated that experimental batts could be constructed to provide insulation comparable to available products. Thermal protective performance tests indicated that the carbonaceous batts provided flame protection superior to current military and commercial products.
Sodium-coupled amino acid and sugar transport by Necturus small intestine. An equivalent electrical circuit analysis of a rheogenic co-transport system.

Necturus small intestine actively absorbs sugars and amino acids by Na-coupled mechanisms that result in increases in the transepithelial electrical potential difference (ψms) and the short-circuit current (Isc) which can be attributed entirely to an increase in the rate of active Na absorption. Studies employing conventional microelectrodes indicate that the addition of alanine or galactose to the mucosal solution is followed by a biphasic response. Initially, there is a rapid depolarization of the electrical potential difference across the apical membrane (ψms) which reverses polarity (i.e. cell interior becomes positive with respect to the mucosal solution) and a marked decrease in the ratio of the effective resistance of the mucosal membrane to that of the serosal membrane (Rm/Rs); these events do not appear to be dependent on the availability of metabolic energy. These initial, rapid events are followed by a slow increase in (Rm/Rs) toward control values which is paralleled by a repolarization ofψms and increases inψms andIsc; this slow series of events is dependent upon the availability of metabolic energy.
Identifying patterns in treatment response profiles in acute bipolar mania: a cluster analysis approach.

Background Patients with acute mania respond differentially to treatment and, in many cases, fail to obtain or sustain symptom remission. The objective of this exploratory analysis was to characterize response in bipolar disorder by identifying groups of patients with similar manic symptom response profiles.
Transport in molecular transistors: Symmetry effects and nonlinearities

We report first-principles calculations of the current-voltage and current-gate-field characteristics of model molecular transistors to explore the factors that control current amplification and other properties. We show that both the position and amplitude of resonant peaks are modified by the use of substituents that affect the symmetry and dipole moments of the molecules, and allow a linear versus nonlinear Stark effect. In addition, strong nonlinearities arise at large source-drain currents.
Neuropharmacology of S-adenosyl-L-methionine

The metabolite S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), when prepared as the stable p-toluene-sulfonate complex of its sulfate salt and given parenterally in high doses, appears to have mood-elevating effects in depressed adults. The material is remarkably well tolerated when given by injection or intravenous infusion for this purpose, even in elderly or demented patients. Assuming that the toluene sulfonate component is inert, SAMe appears to have central neuropharmacologic effects after systemic injection in high doses. Nevertheless, the functional consequences of these remain unclear and, indeed, the ability of exogenous SAMe to reach the brain, and especially neuronal cytoplasm, is limited. SAMe has small effects on monoamine metabolism and, after injection, appears to have effects on the microviscosity of cell membranes that may be related to stimulation of phospholipid synthesis. The recent introduction of an orally administered form of SAMe for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis promises to stimulate further study of SAMe in disease-associated depression, major depressive disorder, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Approximate Newton Methods and Homotopy for Stationary Operator Equations

A quadratically convergent algorithm based on a Newton-type iteration is defined to approximate roots of operator equations in Banach spaces. Frechet derivative operator invertibility is not required; approximate right inverses are used in a neighborhood of the root. This result, which requires an initially small residual, is sufficiently robust to yield existence; it may be viewed as a generalized version of the Kantorovich theorem. A second algorithm, based on continuation via single, Euler-predictor-Newton-corrector iterates, is also presented. It has the merit of controlling the residual until the homotopy terminates, at which point the first algorithm applies. This method is capable of yielding existence of a solution curve as well. An application is given for operators described by compact perturbations of the identity.
Repairing a small leak in a dilution refrigerator

A process for locating and patching leaks in the complicated joints of a standard dilution refigeration heat exchange column is described. Our leaks were of the order 10−7 mbar-L/sec at 77K and were not present at the 10−10 mbar-L/sec level at room temperature. Precise motor-driven positioning of liquid nitrogen levels around the immersed dilution unit, and the application of silicone grease for “temporary” patching, allowed us to pinpoint the locations of the three leaks in our unit. The application of silicone grease turned out to be so effective during diagnosis that it was left in place during operation. The patches have held to well below 100mK, and have stood repeated cycling.
Anatomy of the Conduction System

Some, but not all, cardiac arrhythmias are related to pathologic lesions of the cardiac conduction system. Common atrial dysrhythmias and first-degree atrioventricular (A-V) block rarely are explained on the basis of anatomic lesions in specific sites of the conduction system or its blood supply. Second-degree A-V block of Mobitz type II, which may be a precursor of complete (third-degree) heart block, commonly is associated with fibrotic lesions of uncertain etiology in the branching part of the bundle of His or the bundle branches. Ischemic lesions are found less often, and other pathologic processes rarely are present. Chronic complete heart block most often results from nonspecific, fibrotic interruption of the distal bundle of His, or of the first parts of the bundle branches after their origins. Ischemic lesions are uncommonly the cause of chronic block. High-grade A-V block complicating acute myocardial infarction may be associated with infarction of the A-V conduction system, but often morphologic...
Platelet α2-adrenergic receptor responsiveness is increased in elderly men but not in elderly women

We ascertained platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in healthy young and elderly men and women by determining the minimum concentration of methylnorepinephrine, a selective alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, required to initiate the primary and secondary aggregation response in platelet-rich plasma. We observed that platelets from elderly men required a smaller concentration of methylnorepinephrine to stimulate primary aggregation than did platelets obtained from young men. However, the concentration of alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist to trigger the secondary aggregation response did not vary with age. There was no difference in the responsiveness of platelets from young and elderly women for either the primary or secondary aggregation response. We conclude that platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor responsiveness is increased with age rather than decreased, as predicted from some studies of the density of platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and their coupling to adenylyl cyclase. Furthermore, the increase in alpha 2-adrenergic receptor responsiveness is gender specific.
Expression of the placental cytokines tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 10 is increased in preeclampsia ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract Objective: We sought to determine whether placental cytokine expression is altered in patients with preeclampsia. Study Design: Whole placental tissue was collected at cesarean delivery, and total ribonucleic acid was extracted. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine cytokine expression. Product bands were quantitated by scanning densitometry, and results were expressed as a ratio of cytokine/housekeeping gene (cytokine expression index). Statistical analysis was performed by the Student t test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Placentas from 6 patients with preeclampsia and 4 normotensive patients were analyzed. Placental expression of interleukin 1β and interleukin 10 was greater in preeclamptic women than in normotensive subjects (median interleukin 1β cytokine expression index, 0.675; range, 0.394-0.953; vs 0.106; range, 0.084-0.166; P = .011; median interleukin 10 cytokine expression index, 1.042; range, 0.672-1.192; vs 0.126; range, 0.062-0.398; P Conclusion: Placentas from preeclamptic patients demonstrated increased expression of interleukin 1β, interleukin 10, and tumor necrosis factor α. This may be in association with placental hypoxia and may contribute to the global endothelial dysfunction observed in preeclampsia. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:915-20.)
A lateral meniscus tear incarcerated behind the popliteus tendon: A case report☆

A 51-year-old male, sustained an injury to his left knee after being pinned between his motorcycle and a road barrier. In the ER, the patient complained of medial knee pain, and had a significant joint effusion. MRI demonstrated an ACL injury, medial meniscal tear, bone bruising and impaction at the lateral femoral condyle and tibial plateau, and a tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus that was displaced behind the popliteus. Unfortunately, the patient also presented with a deep vein thrombosis and thus could not proceed to the operating room for two months. During this time, scar tissue developed around the lateral meniscus. The purpose of this report is to present an unusual variant of a common injury pattern previously unreported where the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus became incarcerated behind the popliteus tendon and was left in place. It is likely that our patient will develop osteoarthritis in the future, but considering the circumstances he received a favorable early clinical outcome. Early recognition and a mobile fragment are essential restoring a patient's original anatomical features and achieving an optimal clinical outcome.
A classic case of amyloid cardiomyopathy.

A 55-year-old-woman with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia and carpal tunnel syndrome had slowly progressive fatigue, weight loss, early satiety and diarrhoea over a 12-month period. She then developed several syncopal episodes attributed to orthostatic hypotension and one episode of cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to ventricular tachycardia. She was successfully resuscitated and was transferred to our hospital for further assessment. Evaluation included an ECG which was significant for peripheral low-voltage QRS and pseudo-anteroseptal-infarction pattern (figure 1). Transthoracic echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 50% and a constellation of findings strongly suggestive of amyloidosis (figures 2 and 3; videos 1–5). Figure 1 Twelve-lead ECG. This ECG was obtained at the time of admission and shows sinus rhythm with first-degree atrioventricular block. There was also left posterior fascicular block. The most remarkable finding was low-voltage QRS of the limb leads. There was poor R wave progression of the surface leads with non-specific ST segment and T wave changes. Figure 2 Transthoracic echocardiogram …
Ablation of Urethral Strictures Using Contact Chisel Crystal Firing Neodymium: Yag Laser

ABSTRACTPurpose: The technique for ablation of urethral strictures using the contact crystal tip firing neodymium:YAG laser was evaluated for adequacy and long-term durability of the ablation.Materials and Methods: A total of 42 male spinal cord injured patients with suspected urethral strictures approximately 1 to 4 cm. long was evaluated. The strictures were localized and the men underwent endoscopic laser ablation using a contact laser chisel probe (2.5 or 3.5 mm.) screwed onto the end of a semirigid fiber. The usual power setting was 25 to 35 watts. Circumferential vaporization of fibrous tissue was done to achieve complete ablation. For pinpoint strictures with dense fibrosis, subsurface buttonholes were also made to vaporize and ablate expediently all fibrous tissue. A catheter was usually left indwelling overnight only. Estimated blood loss was 25 to 50 ml.Results: All patients were followed for a mean of 28.2 months (range 12 to 46). Of the patients 39 (93%) have adequate voiding and have maintain...
Father's absence, psychopathology, and poetic eminence.

Ratings of degree of psychopathology and of probability of cross-sexual identification were made on temporally stratified samples of 42 eminent English and French poets. 55% of Ss had life histories indicating some possibility of cross-sexual identification; of these, 30% came from father-absent homes. 48% exhibited some symptoms of psychopathology; of these, 15% were rated as psychotic. Psychopathology and cross-sexual identification were highly related. Reasons why temporally stratified samples should yield high incidence rates on the variables were explored.
Baccalaureate Attainment of College Students at 4-Year Institutions as a Function of Student Engagement Behaviors: Social and Academic Student Engagement Behaviors Matter

Vincent Tinto originally asserted, “… it is the individual’s integration into the academic and social systems of the college that most directly related to his continuance in that college” (Tinto, Review of Educational Research 45(10): 89–125, 1975), yet the rates of college degree attainment are still stagnant. Institution-level research on student engagement indicates that both types of engagement contribute to increased student persistence and degree attainment. Research has prompted going beyond institutional-level data and calls for using of nationally representative, longitudinal data to addressing engagement. Using the 2004/09 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09) and logistic regression, this study finds that both academic and social student engagement behaviors significantly impact degree attainment in postsecondary education net of individual and institutional factors. Interaction analysis of the two different types of engagement finds that the impact is not additive but instead is differential and dependent upon the student’s engagement typology as proposed by Coates (Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education 32(2): 121–141, 2007).
ATLANTA: LOCAL INITIATIVE COMBINES WITH NATIONAL SUPPORT

For over a decade the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council has had a reputation as an activist council engaged in innovative coalition building. Looking to build on this work and learning from the power-building experiences in California and elsewhere, the Council founded the nonprofit Georgia Stand-Up in 2005. The new organization immediately leaped into coalition work around Atlanta's massive new economic development initiative—the BeltLine Project. This article looks at how local leadership was able to combine seeds laid by prior work with national support to produce a dynamic example of the new second generation of regional power building.
The Histone-Like Nucleoid Structuring Protein (H-NS) Is a Repressor of Vibrio cholerae Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis (vps) Genes

The capacity of Vibrio cholerae to form biofilms has been shown to enhance its survival in the aquatic environment and play important roles in pathogenesis and disease transmission. In this study, we demonstrated that the histone-like nucleoid structuring protein is a repressor of exopolysaccharide (vps) biosynthesis genes and biofilm formation.
A review of research at Sandia National Laboratories associated with the problem of smoke corrosivity

This paper presents certain results of fire safety research at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The work presented here is related to the issue of the development of standardized tests for determining the corrosive potential of materials when burned. This paper will focus on information about five specific aspects of the corrosivity issue that has been gathered as a part of several individual experimental and analytical studies. These five topics are (1) the current perception of fire risk for nuclear power plants and the role of corrosivity in that risk, (2) the composition of smoke particulate from large-scale enclosure cable fire tests and observations of chloride scavenging behavior by soot, (3) the aging behavior of smoke particulate, (4) the effect of fire size on the physical characteristics of generated smoke particulate, and (5) electrical equipment fire exposure test results.
Extinction theorem, dispersion forces, and latent heat

We show that multiple dipole scattering of zero-point radiation gives rise to the nonadditive contributions to the van der Waals dispersion interaction, and use the Ewald-Oseen extinction theorem to justify the Lifshitz theory of macroscopic (Casimir) effects of intermolecular van der Waals forces in the limit of continuous media. We derive the interaction energy between an atom and a dielectric medium of identical atoms and obtain, using standard cavity-QED'' methods, results identical to those of the source theory of Schwinger, DeRaad, and Milton (Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 115, 1 (1978)). Following Schwinger, DeRaad, and Milton, we apply the results to estimate the latent heat of liquid helium. We argue that the macroscopic theory does not unambiguously justify the conclusion that the dispersion interaction makes a significant contribution to the latent heat and surface tension. Simpler and well-established microscopic models, without the divergences incurred in the macroscopic theory, are invoked to support this conclusion.
Phantom auditory perception (tinnitus): mechanisms of generation and perception

Phantom auditory perception--tinnitus--is a symptom of many pathologies. Although there are a number of theories postulating certain mechanisms of its generation, none have been proven yet. This paper analyses the phenomenon of tinnitus from the point of view of general neurophysiology. Existing theories and their extrapolation are presented, together with some new potential mechanisms of tinnitus generation, encompassing the involvement of calcium and calcium channels in cochlear function, with implications for malfunction and aging of the auditory and vestibular systems. It is hypothesized that most tinnitus results from the perception of abnormal activity, defined as activity which cannot be induced by any combination of external sounds. Moreover, it is hypothesized that signal recognition and classification circuits, working on holographic or neuronal network-like representation, are involved in the perception of tinnitus and are subject to plastic modification. Furthermore, it is proposed that all levels of the nervous system, to varying degrees, are involved in tinnitus manifestation. These concepts are used to unravel the inexplicable, unique features of tinnitus and its masking. Some clinical implications of these theories are suggested.