cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The acute effects of NMDA antagonism: From the rodent to the human brain

In the past decade, the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia has received support from several lines of clinical evidence, including genetic, postmortem and human psychosis modeling. Recently, superiority of a mGluR2/3 receptor agonist over placebo was demonstrated in a randomized double-blind clinical trial in patients with schizophrenia. Considering the fact that currently available antipsychotics are all dopamine blockers to varying degrees without direct effects on glutamate transmission, this clinical trial highlights the potential utility of glutamatergic agents. In healthy volunteers, the NMDA channel antagonist ketamine induces transient cognitive dysfunction, perceptual aberrations and changes reminiscent of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, how ketamine produces these effects is unclear. Preclinical data on NMDAR hypofunction offer further insights into the pathogenesis of the disorder as it relates to disorganized behavior, stereotypic movements and cognitive dysfunction in the rodent. This review evaluates the existing clinical and preclinical literature in an effort to shed light on the mechanism of action of ketamine as a probe to model NMDAR hypofunction in healthy volunteers. Included in this perspective are direct and indirect effects of ketamine at the neuronal level and in the intact brain. In addition to ketamine's effects on presynaptic and postsynaptic function, effects on glia and other neurotransmitter systems are discussed. While increased extracellular glutamate levels following NMDA antagonist administration stand out as a well replicated finding, evidence suggests that ketamine's effects are not restricted to pyramidal cells, but extend to GABAergic interneurons and the glia. In the glia, ketamine has significant downstream effects on the glutathione metabolism. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanistic connections between ketamine's effects at the cellular and behavioral levels.
Career perspective: Charles M Tipton.

This invited autobiographical article pertains to 52 years as an exercise physiologist of which 16 years were devoted to being an active emeriti. Although the career pathway was circuitous in nature, once resolved, it included preparation of future exercise physiologists; reducing the health hazards associated with the “making of weight” by scholastic wrestlers; using animals (rats and dogs) as the model system with a myriad of experimental procedure for obtaining insights and understandings of various exercise training mechanism in one-G environments, and in simulated μG environments. From the results, we have concluded that (a) inactivity, as represented by immobilization, is the most undesirable physiological state an animal should experience and (b) movement, as represented by training, will have an intrinsic adaptive influence on select biological tissues that, in some situations, can be independent of autonomic and hormonal influences.
Mechanism of formation of antiwear films from zinc dialkyldithiophosphates

Recently developed experimental techniques have allowed better characterization of lubricant-derived antiwear and antifriction surface films. These techniques and the information obtained in earlier studies are being applied to fully formulated engine oils with the objective of assisting implementation of advanced fuel efficient and emissions friendly oil technologies. Published results from those studies were combined with some new experimental results and with background information from related experiments and from experiments delineating the antioxidant chemistry of ZDTP to yield a more global view of antiwear film formation. This more global view has allowed us to propose an improved mechanism for the formation of lubricant-derived antiwear films, which accounts for a substantial body of experimental data, together with some unique observations resulting from our own investigations.
Familial subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in two siblings.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a form of chronic persistent measles encephalitis in childhood which rarely manifests after wild virus infection. One previous case of familial subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in two siblings and a number of reports of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in one member of monozygous twins have been reported in the literature. This report describes a second sibling set who both contracted subacute sclerosing panencephalitis after concurrent sporadic measles infection. Two nonimmunized brothers developed neuropsychological decline and progressive myoclonic and complex partial seizures after earlier measles infection. Stereotyped periodic 5- to 8-second complexes in the electroencephalogram suggested the diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, subsequently confirmed by intrathecal and serum measles-specific immunoglobulin G synthesis and the presence of rubeola nucleocapsid protein and ribonucleic acid in the biopsied brain.The viral genome has not been further subtyped in either patient at this point. Although a rare event, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis cases involving familial and singular monozygous twins may shed light on a variety of host susceptibility factors and specific viral genotype features predisposing to this disease.
Atomic-scale electrochemistry on the surface of a manganite by scanning tunneling microscopy

The doped manganese oxides (manganites) have been widely studied for their colossal magnetoresistive effects, for potential applications in oxide spintronics, electroforming in resistive switching devices, and are materials of choice as cathodes in modern solid oxide fuel cells. However, little experimental knowledge of the dynamics of the surfaces of perovskite manganites at the atomic scale exists. Here, through in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we demonstrate atomic resolution on samples of La0.625Ca0.375MnO3 grown on (001) SrTiO3 by pulsed laser deposition. Furthermore, by applying triangular DC waveforms of increasing amplitude to the STM tip, and measuring the tunneling current, we demonstrate the ability to both perform and monitor surface electrochemical processes at the atomic level, including formation of oxygen vacancies and removal and deposition of individual atomic units or clusters. Our work paves the way for better understanding of surface oxygen reactions in these systems.
Cocaine-induced iritis

The case of a 31-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with iritis from intranasal cocaine use is described. This was the second episode of iritis in this patient after casual cocaine use. The differential diagnosis of iritis and a proposed pathophysiologic mechanism are discussed.
EPA-0189 – Comparison of characteristics and treatment outcomes between minority and non-minority patients with depression treated under collaborative care

Robust evidence already exists on the effectiveness of the collaborative care management (CCM) in achieving and sustaining treatment response among patients with depression (1). This study aimed at determining and comparing baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes between minority and non-minority patients enrolled in CCM. From March 2008 until August 2013, 3591 eligible patients (adults 18 and up with PHQ-9 score =/>10) had been enrolled in CCM; 3350 are Caucasian while 241 constitute the non-Caucasian or minority group. While majority are female in both groups, those in minority group are younger, had higher baseline PHQ-9 score with greater severity (p value: 0.03). GAD-7 result was also higher, scoring moderate to severe (p value: 0.02). In contrast, Caucasian group tended to score more positively on AUDIT (alcohol) screening and Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). There was no significant difference in 6 month remission rate, defined as PHQ-9 score =/ 50% remission rate. The average duration of enrollment in CCM was 5 months in both groups. After controlling for age, gender, marital status, depression severity, and treatment modality (CCM vs usual care), the odds of 6 month remission among minority patients is lower although not statistically significant (p value: 0.4). Conclusion Certain baseline characteristics are significantly different between minority and non-minority patients with depression; however, both groups achieved effective remission under CCM. The odd of 6 month remission, although lower among minority patients, is not statistically significant.
Bridging the gap from knowledge to action: putting analytics in the hands of academic advisors

This paper presents current findings from an ongoing design-based research project aimed at developing an early warning system (EWS) for academic mentors in an undergraduate engineering mentoring program. This paper details our progress in mining Learning Management System data and translating these data into an EWS for academic mentors. We focus on the role of mentors and advisors, and elaborate on their importance in learning analytics-based interventions developed for higher education.
The efficacy of transcervical recanalization of obstructed postoperative Fallopian tubes

The efficacy of transcervical recanalization of obstructed postoperative Fallopian tubes was evaluated in 29 patients who were referred for recanalization. Nineteen had strictures at the site of Fallopian tube reconstruction, and five had strictures, three had fistulae, and two had fistulae and strictures at the site of reversal surgery. A 0.014-inch highly flexible guidewire was passed through the obstruction into the ampullary segment, followed by a 1.1–2.2 Fr bougie catheter to dilate the stricture. After recanalization, the distal tube was studied by selective salpingography. The method was technically successful in 17 of 19 patients with underlying inflammatory disease and resultant postoperative strictures. The tubes remained patent in 12 patients for a period of 12–48 months; three patients conceived, all delivering healthy babies. Significant disease of the distal tubes was present in seven patients. The technique succeeded in three of five patients with postoperative strictures following reversal surgery. One patient subsequently conceived and delivered a healthy baby. The technique failed in all five patients with fistulae complicating reversal surgery. Transcervical recanalization is thus recommended in the management of patients with postoperative strictures with underlying inflammatory obstruction and strictures complicating reversal surgery.
Displacement of hepatic ornithine carbamoyltransferase from mitochondria to cytosol in Reye's Syndrome☆

In two patients with fatal Reye's Syndrome, total ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCTase) activity in the liver was 50 and 75% of that found in three control livers. The levels of enzymatic activity would not be expected to have resulted in the 7- and 17-fold elevations in plasma ammonia levels found in the patients. Levels of 47 and 60% of the OCTase activity, however, were found in the cytosolic fraction compared to an average of 7% for control livers. Thus, the amount of enzymatic activity in the mitochondrial fractions was only 20 and 30% of that found in control mitochondrial fractions. This study suggests that, if only mitochondrial OCTase is active in the urea cycle, the decreases in functional enzyme found in Reye's Syndrome may be considerably greater than that reflected in total enzyme assays.
Establishment of Normative Cochlear and Vestibular Measurements to Aid in the Diagnosis of Inner Ear Malformations

Abstract Objective: We sought to establish normative measurements of the inner ear using computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone to aid in the diagnosis of inner ear malformations. Study Design and Setting: Prospective measurements of the inner ear structures were made on axial and coronal temporal bone CT scans on 15 patients with normal hearing and 15 patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Results: The vertical height of the cochlea on coronal scan and the size of the central bony island within the lateral semicircular canal on axial scan along with visual inspection identified 7 inner ear abnormalities in 6 patients: 5 cases of lateral semicircular canal dysplasia and 2 cases of cochlear hypoplasia. In contrast, visual inspection alone identified only 4 of the 7 abnormalities. Conclusions and Significance: Routine measurement of the cochlear height and bony island of the lateral semicircular canal, in conjunction with visual inspection of CT images, will increase recognition of common inner ear malformations. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003;128:78-87.)
Estimating theoretical strength of brittle materials using fractal geometry

Abstract The estimation of the theoretical strength of materials is important in order to assess the potential for improvements in processing and design of structures, especially with the increased interests in nanostructured materials. Most estimates are based on knowledge of inexact potential energy functions. Fractal geometry presents a mathematical approach to the understanding of fracture in materials at all length scales. The fractal dimension, which is a quantitative characterization of the tortuosity of the fracture surface, is directly related to the toughness of a material. Fractal geometry provides a framework by which bond rupture can be described as a series of bond reconfigurations. This article shows how fractal geometry can use this framework to estimate the theoretical strength of materials based on crack tip geometry and generated fracture surface without any assumption of the shape or type of potential energy function. The estimates are between the commonly quoted values of E / π and E / 8.
Modeling Lewy pathology propagation in Parkinson's disease

Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs), comprised of alpha-synuclein (aSyn), are intraneuronal inclusions that characterize Parkinson's disease. Although the association between the extent of Lewy pathology and clinical symptoms is well established, how these proteinaceous deposits originate and target selectively vulnerable cell populations is unknown. Our knowledge of their role in PD pathogenesis is also limited. Here, we summarize recent findings demonstrating this pathology can be experimentally transmitted between animals by misfolded forms of aSyn that are capable of initiating and inducing LB and LN inclusion formation through a self-propagating mechanism reminiscent of prions. "Seeded" LBs and LNs in animal models also spread to multiple connected nuclei in a predictable pattern, recapitulating a phenomenon observed during human PD progression, leading to the dysfunction and degeneration of afflicted neurons. These models provide new perspectives on how this and other misfolded proteins may contribute to neurodegeneration in human disease.
Multi-moment ADER-Taylor methods for systems of conservation laws with source terms in one dimension

A new integration method combining the ADER time discretization with a multi-moment finite-volume framework is introduced. ADER runtime is reduced by performing only one Cauchy-Kowalewski (C-K) procedure per cell per time step and by using the Differential Transform Method for high-order derivatives. Three methods are implemented: (1) single-moment WENO (WENO), (2) two-moment Hermite WENO (HWENO), and (3) entirely local multi-moment (MM-Loc). MM-Loc evolves all moments, sharing the locality of Galerkin methods yet with a constant time step during p-refinement.Five 1-D experiments validate the methods: (1) linear advection, (2) Burger's equation shock, (3) transient shallow-water (SW), (4) steady-state SW simulation, and (5) SW shock. WENO and HWENO methods showed expected polynomial h-refinement convergence and successfully limited oscillations for shock experiments. MM-Loc showed expected polynomial h-refinement and exponential p-refinement convergence for linear advection and showed sub-exponential (yet super-polynomial) convergence with p-refinement in the SW case.HWENO accuracy was generally equal to or better than a five-moment MM-Loc scheme. MM-Loc was less accurate than RKDG at lower refinements, but with greater h- and p-convergence, RKDG accuracy is eventually surpassed. The ADER time integrator of MM-Loc also proved more accurate with p-refinement at a CFL of unity than a semi-discrete RK analog of MM-Loc. Being faster in serial and requiring less frequent inter-node communication than Galerkin methods, the ADER-based MM-Loc and HWENO schemes can be spatially refined and have the same runtime, making them a competitive option for further investigation.
The Rapid Ovarian Secretory Response to Pituitary Stimulation by the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Nafarelin in Sexual Precocity

We evaluated a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) as a potential single stimulus to both pituitary and ovarian secretion in 13 girls with true precocious puberty. We compared the GnRH agonist [6-D-(2-naphthyl)alanine]GnRH acetate (nafarelin, Syntex) administered as a single sc injection of 0.2 microgram/kg to GnRH infused iv in a dose of 2 micrograms/kg X h for 3 h and assessed the response of plasma steroid intermediates in estradiol (E2) biosynthesis. Although serum LH and FSH levels increased to similar peaks 3 h after commencing GnRH and nafarelin testing, they rose faster (P less than 0.01 at 1 h) and remained elevated longer (P less than 0.05 at 24 h) after nafarelin administration. At the third hour of testing with either agent, LH and FSH rose 8.8- and 3.4-fold, respectively (P less than 0.001 vs. baseline), whereas the rise in E2 was inconsistent and averaged only one third (P less than 0.02). However, plasma E2 increased later after nafarelin, but not after GnRH, rising from a baseline level of 30 +/- 6 (+/- SEM) to 115 +/- 13 pg/ml at 24 h (P less than 0.001). The least E2 response to nafarelin at this time was 150%. This rise is probably an underestimate of the maximum E2 rise, since a 6-fold response to nafarelin was found at 12 h in patients sampled then. Measurement of steroid intermediates from progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone to E2 indicated that the response to nafarelin was typical of normal ovarian follicular secretion. That is, plasma levels of the intermediates in E2 biosynthesis rose less than 2-fold, and only the elevations in androstenedione, from 58 +/- 10 to 78 +/- 16 ng/dl (P less than 0.05), and estrone, from 14 +/- 3 to 38 +/- 7 pg/ml (P less than 0.02), at 24 h were significant. The greater effectiveness of nafarelin than GnRH in stimulating E2 secretion appears to be related to the more prolonged gonadotropin response. The magnitude, consistency, specificity, and rapidity of the gonadotropin and E2 responses to nafarelin indicate that this is a promising agent for rapidly testing pituitary and ovarian function simultaneously.
Comparison of the effects of gamma-rays and maleic hydrazide on enzyme systems of maize seed☆

Abstract Effects of γ-rays on enzyme systems of maize seed were zymographically examined and compared with those of maleic hydrazide (MH) during initial growth of seedlings. Dry hybrid seeds were treated with 60 Co γ-rays (50 kR) and 0·01 M MH. Both treatments caused a similar level of growth retardation. Enzyme changes in the seedlings were analysed at the isozyme level taking daily post treatment samplings over a 6-day period. In 4-day old seedlings, the enzyme profile of the control was almost indistinguishable from those of both treated materials, but 9 days after germination the profiles were strikingly different. Irradiation, in general, exerted more severe effects on the enzyme systems than MH-treatment. The striking radiation-induced changes were: increase in most arylesterases of the first internode after 5 days, decrease in the pH 7·5 esterases of the shoot after 7 days and increase in some peroxidases as well as the appearance of a trailing peroxidase band. The striking MH-induced changes were: retention of activity of the pH 7·5 esterases in the first internode and of one of the malate dehydrogenases in older seedlings. Activity of the enzymes decreased in both control and irradiated materials. The results suggest that each treatment acts on different regulatory systems controlling gene activation and/or repression, resulting in differential alterations of the enzyme pattern.
Outer Surface Protein C Is a Dissemination-Facilitating Factor of Borrelia burgdorferi during Mammalian Infection

Background The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi dramatically upregulates outer surface protein C (OspC) in response to fresh bloodmeal during transmission from the tick vector to a mammal, and abundantly produces the antigen during early infection. As OspC is an effective immune target, to evade the immune system B. burgdorferi downregulates the antigen once the anti-OspC humoral response has developed, suggesting an important role for OspC during early infection. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, a borrelial mutant producing an OspC antigen with a 5-amino-acid deletion was generated. The deletion didn't significantly increase the 50% infectious dose or reduce the tissue bacterial burden during infection of the murine host, indicating that the truncated OspC can effectively protect B. burgdorferi against innate elimination. However, the deletion greatly impaired the ability of B. burgdorferi to disseminate to remote tissues after inoculation into mice. Conclusions/Significance The study indicates that OspC plays an important role in dissemination of B. burgdorferi during mammalian infection.
Autoradiographic patterns of hippocampal metabolism during induced hypothermia

Abstract [ 14 C]2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake in the hippocampal formation was studied in the ground squirrel subjected to induced hypothermia. Whereas the stratum lacunosum-moleculare has the highest 2-DG uptake in the dorsal hippocampus during euthermia, 2-DG uptake in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare and stratum radiatum are similar during hypothermia. This may indicate activation of a cholinergic input to the hippocampus during hypothermia.
761-6 PTCA in the Elderly: Epidemiology, Clinical Risk Factors and Their Relationship to Outcomes

We report on 521 patients≥80 years old (AGED) from a regional, populationbased study of 12,902 hospitalizations for PTCA between 10/89-12/93. Over this time period, the proportion of AGED doubled t...
Changes in in vitro compressive contact stress in the rat tibiofemoral joint with varus loading

Abstract Increased compression of the tibiofemoral joint, due to increased body mass or malalignment, is a risk factor for the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. This work investigates compressive stresses and contact areas in the articular cartilage of the rat tibiofemoral joint during standing with different applied varus loads. Cadaver rat knees underwent loading of the extensors combined with varus loading (0%, 50% or 100% of bodyweight) of the tibiofemoral joint. Articular cartilage contact stress was evaluated using stereophotogrammetric measurements of biplanar radiographs, high-resolution micro-computed tomography and discrete element analysis. Random coefficients regression models were used to analyze the relationship between peak and spatially averaged contact stresses and contact areas as a function of increasing varus loadings. The contact stresses increased linearly in the medial compartment. Peak stress significantly increased 0.042 MPa ( p =0.006) and spatially averaged stress significantly increased 0.029 MPa ( p =0.045) for each 10% increase in varus loading. There was a trend for a small decrease in contact areas in the lateral compartment with varus loading. This is the first report of the contact stresses in a rat tibiofemoral joints under simulated weight bearing conditions. The 0.42 MPa increase in peak contact stress at the cartilage–cartilage interface of the medial compartment with 100% bodyweight varus load is similar to the reported change in peak contact stress associated with development of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in humans. Determination of contact stresses in rat tibiofemoral joints allows comparison to contact stresses in humans with the development of osteoarthritis.
Utility of fasting essential amino acid plasma levels in formulation of nutritionally adequate diets III: Lowering of rat serum cholesterol levels by lysine supplementation

A lysine-supplemented ration lowered the serum cholesterol levels of rats. The level of lysine supplementation was derived from the fasting plasma essential amino acid profile.
Nucleophile Specificity in Anthranilate Synthase, Aminodeoxychorismate Synthase, Isochorismate Synthase, and Salicylate Synthase

Anthranilate synthase (AS), aminodeoxychorismate synthase (ADCS), isochorismate synthase (IS), and salicylate synthase (SS) are structurally homologous chorismate-utilizing enzymes that carry out the first committed step in the formation of tryptophan, folate, and the siderophores enterobactin and mycobactin, respectively. Each enzyme catalyzes a nucleophilic substitution reaction, but IS and SS are uniquely able to employ water as a nucleophile. Lys147 has been proposed to be the catalytic base that activates water for nucleophilic attack in IS and SS reactions; in AS and ADCS, glutamine occupies the analogous position. To probe the role of Lys147 as a catalytic base, the K147Q IS, K147Q SS, Q147K AS, and Q147K ADCS mutants were prepared and enzyme reactions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Q147K AS employs water as a nucleophile to a small extent, and the cognate activities of K147Q IS and K147Q SS were reduced ∼25- and ∼50-fold, respectively. Therefore, Lys147 is not solely resp...
Short Inverted Repeats Are Hotspots for Genetic Instability: Relevance to Cancer Genomes

Analyses of chromosomal aberrations in human genetic disorders have revealed that inverted repeat sequences (IRs) often co-localize with endogenous chromosomal instability and breakage hotspots. Approximately 80% of all IRs in the human genome are short (<100 bp), yet the mutagenic potential of such short cruciform-forming sequences has not been characterized. Here, we find that short IRs are enriched at translocation breakpoints in human cancer and stimulate the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and deletions in mammalian and yeast cells. We provide evidence for replication-related mechanisms of IR-induced genetic instability and a novel XPF cleavage-based mechanism independent of DNA replication. These discoveries implicate short IRs as endogenous sources of DNA breakage involved in disease etiology and suggest that these repeats represent a feature of genome plasticity that may contribute to the evolution of the human genome by providing a means for diversity within the population.
A metabolic signature for long life in the Caenorhabditis elegans Mit mutants

Summary Mit mutations that disrupt function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain can, inexplicably, prolong Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan. In this study we use a metabolomics approach to identify an ensemble of mitochondrial-derived α-ketoacids and α-hydroxyacids that are produced by long-lived Mit mutants but not by other long-lived mutants or by short-lived mitochondrial mutants. We show that accumulation of these compounds is dependent on concerted inhibition of three α-ketoacid dehydrogenases that share dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) as a common subunit, a protein previously linked in humans with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. When the expression of DLD in wild-type animals was reduced using RNA interference we observed an unprecedented effect on lifespan – as RNAi dosage was increased lifespan was significantly shortened, but, at higher doses, it was significantly lengthened, suggesting that DLD plays a unique role in modulating length of life. Our findings provide novel insight into the origin of the Mit phenotype.
Convective Heat Transfer for Water-Based Alumina Nanofluids in a Single 1.02-mm Tube

Nanofluids are colloidal solutions, which contain a small volume fraction of suspended submicron particles or fibers in heat transfer liquids such as water or glycol mixtures. Compared with the base fluid, numerous experiments have generally indicated an increase in effective thermal conductivity and a strong temperature dependence of the static effective thermal conductivity. However, in practical applications, a heat conduction mechanism may not be sufficient for cooling high heat dissipation devices such as microelectronics or powerful optical equipment. Thus, thermal performance under convective heat transfer conditions becomes of primary interest. We report here the heat transfer coefficient h in both developing and fully developed regions by using water-based alumina nanofluids. Our experimental test section consists of a single 1.02-mm diameter stainless steel tube, which is electrically heated to provide a constant wall heat flux. Both pressure drop and temperature differences are measured, but mostly here we report our h measurements under laminar flow conditions. An extensive characterization of the nanofluid samples, including pH, electrical conductivity, particle sizing, and zeta potential, is also documented. The measured h values for nanofluids are generally higher than those for pure water. In the developing region, this can be at least partially explained by Pr number effects.
Real Time Space Integrating Optical Ambiguity Processor

An optical ambiguity processor is described which allows realtime processing of wideband signals. One-dimensional acousto-optic cells are used as input transducers and no light-to-light modulators are required. Performance is predicted and measured. The material in this paper is distilled from the author's master's thesis of spring, 19801.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Excision of large cystic ovarian tumors: combining minimal invasive surgery techniques and cancer surgery—the best of both worlds

Abstract Background/Purpose Cystic ovarian lesions can be massive, and preoperative evaluations can often not distinguish benign from malignant tumors. Up to 57% of malignant ovarian tumors have a cystic component. We present an approach to these neoplasms that adheres to oncologic principles using minimally invasive techniques. Methods A 5-cm Pfannensteil incision is performed followed by peritoneal washings. The mass is identified and dried. Dermabond (Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey) is applied to an area of the capsule (measuring 3 × 3 cm) and to a sterile plastic ultrasound bag. The bag is then applied directly to the exposed capsule. BioGlue (Cyrolife Inc, Kennesaw, GA) is then injected into and around the bag/mass interface and allowed to solidify. A veress needle decompresses the cyst, and the ovary is delivered out of the peritoneal cavity for either cystectomy or an oophorectomy. Routine surveillance of the omentum, lymph nodes, contralateral ovary, and peritoneal surface is then performed. Results Nine female patients (mean age, 14.1 ± 2 years) were treated. All had normal α -fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin. Computed tomographic scans demonstrated cystic lesions ranging from 8.9 to 27 cm in diameter (17.1 ± 2.6 cm 2 ). Operative procedures were: 4 salpingooophorectomies and 5 unilateral oophorectomies. In a single case, the contralateral ovary had a suspicious lesion, which was biopsied. No tumors spills occurred. The pathology included 2 simple cysts, 3 serous cyst adenomas, 3 mature cystic teratomas, and 1 immature teratoma with grade 2 to 3 immature elements. Peritoneal washings were negative. All patients were discharged within 48 hours and are well 15 months to 3.1 years postoperatively. Conclusions The containment of the ovarian cyst with the application of surgical adhesives and a plastic sleeve offers a significant advancement in our ability to safely treat these lesions. This approach markedly reduces the length of the surgical incision while insuring the prevention of peritoneal contamination with cystic fluid.
Topologies of learning and development

Abstract How systems can represent and how systems can learn are two central problems in the study of cognition. Conventional contemporary approaches to these problems are vitiated by a shared error in their presuppositions about representation. Consequently, such approaches share further errors about the sorts of architectures that are required to support either representation or learning. We argue that the architectural requirements for genuine representing systems lead to architectural characteristics that are necessary (though not sufficient) for heuristic learning and development. These architectural constraints, in turn, explain properties of the functioning of the central nervous system that remain inexplicable for standard approaches.
Single-fault diagnosis of nonlinear resistive networks

The paper presents a simulation-aftertest algorithm for fault diagnosis of a nonlinear resistive network. Fault diagnosis equations are expressed in terms of a modified nodal description of the test network. The linear programming technique is used to obtain different solutions of these equations. It is assumed that the maximum number of simultaneous faults in the circuit is bounded. This enables us to apply logical analysis to these solutions and to obtain the diagnosis problem solution. In addition, theoretical conditions under which a faulty element can be located uniquely are discussed. Several numerical examples are given to illustrate the implementation of these algorithms.
Patterns of Protein Synthesis at the Onset of Oogenesis in the Mouse

Two-dimensional electrophoresis has been used to examine the pattern of proteins synthesized in germ cells at the beginning of oogenesis in the mouse. Three stage-specific changes in proteins were detected during the three observational periods studied (12,14, and 17 days of gestation). One protein is present in 12 day female germ cells and nongerminal gonadal preparations, but disappears by day 14. Two of the proteins appear for the first time in fourteen day female germ cell preparations, and are not detectable in nongerminal gonadal tissue. No stage-specific changes in proteins were observed in preparations of male germ cells of the same age. A preliminary DNA-binding protein analysis suggests that none of the stage-specific proteins mentioned above are DNA-binding proteins.
Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy due to electromagnetic interference in patient with a HeartWare HVAD left ventricular assist device.

Introduction Advances in implantable technology have led to innovating new features, increased durability and longevity, lower risks of complications, and miniaturization. Such has been the case with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) over the last decade, resulting in their increased use and patient acceptance. In the face of substantial mortality associated with advanced heart failure and a diminishing pool of donor hearts, the number of patients managed with a combination of these life-saving devices as a bridge-to-transplant continues to grow. Recent clinical trials have shown pulsatile-flow VADs improved survival compared with medical therapy n patients with contraindications to transplant, further exanding the LVAD’s scope for use as destination or permaent therapy. More recently, continuous-flow LVADs have shown superior outcomes compared with older pulsatile LVADs in this same destination therapy patient population. The HeartWare HVAD LVAD (HeartWare, Inc, Framingham, MA, USA) is a miniaturized centrifugal pump that allows intrapericardial placement without the need for a preperitoneal abdominal LVAD pocket. The impeller is uspended within the pump housing through a combinaion of passive magnets and hydrodynamic forces. The eartWare HVAD currently is undergoing clinical trials in he United States as bridge-to-transplant therapy. To date, o formal studies have assessed the interaction of ICDs and VADs. We report on the case of inappropriate ICD shock n a patient with this investigational, intrapericardially imlanted, centrifugal-flow LVAD.
Filtering artifacts from lifetime distributions when maximizing entropy using a bootstrapped model.

The maximum entropy method (MEM) has been used in many studies to reliably recover effective lifetimes from kinetics, whether measured experimentally or simulated computationally. Here, recent claims made by Mulligan et al. regarding MEM analyses of kinetics (Anal. Biochem. 421 (2012) 181–190) are shown to be unfounded. Their assertion that their software allows “analysis of datasets too noisy to process by existing iterative search algorithms” is refuted with a MEM analysis of their triexponential test case with increased noise. In addition, it is shown that lifetime distributions recovered from noisy kinetics data with the MEM can be improved by using a simple filter when bootstrapping the prior model. When deriving the bootstrapped model from the lifetime distribution obtained using a uniform model, only the slower processes are represented as Gaussians in the bootstrapped model. Using this new approach, results are clearly superior to those of Mulligan et al. despite the presence of increased noise. In a second example, ambiguity in the interpretation of Poisson kinetics in the presence of scattered excitation light is resolved by filtering the prior model.
On the magnetic topology of October/November 2003 events

[1] We examine the topology of several magnetic ejecta events during October–November 2003. The Grad-Shafranov reconstruction results from ACE magnetic and plasma data show magnetic flux rope configurations. Some are large scale, with sizes of tenths of an AU, typical of magnetic clouds. Some are of sizes hundredths of an AU. Their characteristic parameters are reported. Magnetic field data from Wind spacecraft are utilized to compare the prediction from numerical modeling with the actual measurement. Poor to good agreement is achieved. The deviations are discussed, particularly in the context of extremely high-speed solar wind flows.
Sulfide exposure experiments: The sulfide electrode and a set-up automatically controlling sulfide, oxygen and pH

A method for automatic control of hydrogen sulfide, oxygen and pH in exposure experiments is described. The set-up uses a computer to calculate and regulate experimental conditions. The regulation method is feedback control (i.e., closed loop process control). In test runs the computer based system has been shown to control experimental conditions. In a 24 h test run the set-up controlled the sulfide to 20.2 ± 1.1 μM, the oxygen to 0.51 ± 0.09 kPa and the pH to 7.50 ± 0.01. The electrochemistry of the Ag-Ag2S electrode for sulfide measurements is described and the practical use of the electrode empirical equations are given. The overall electrode performance is evaluated.
Characterization, chromosomal localization, and the complete 30-kb DNA sequence of the human Jagged2 (JAG2) gene.

The genomic sequence of the human Jagged2 (JAG2) gene, which encodes a ligand for the Notch receptors, was determined. The 30-kb DNA sequence spanning the JAG2 gene contains 26 exons and a putative promoter region. Several potential binding sites for transcription factors, including NF-κb, E47, E12, E2F, Ets-1, MyoD, and OCT-1, were found in the human JAG2 promoter region. The JAG2 gene was also mapped to the chromosomal region 14q32 using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Thyroid Dysfunction in Survivors of Hodgkin's Disease (HD): Data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)

Thyroid Dysfunction in Survivors of Hodgkin's Disease (HD): Data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS)
Self-directed in vivo exposure practice in behavioral and pharmacological treatments of agoraphobia

This study investigated the role of self-directed in vivo prolonged exposure (practice) in 49 agoraphobics treated with either combined imipramine-flooding, imipramine, flooding, or a control condition consisting of rationale, instructions, and reinforcment for practice, which were common to all treatment conditions. None of the behavioral diary variables such as number of outings, number of alone-outings, number of practices, and time spent in these actities, differentited treatment groups or discriminated between postteatment “low” versus “high” functioning patients. Lower level of anxiety (SUDS) during outings, in general, and practice, in particular, was the only measure to differentiate both effective treatments and highly improved patients. The discrepancy between behavioral and subjective diary measures coupled with the significantly greater improvement obtained in the imipramine, flooding, and combined conditions, suggest that imipramine and therapist-assisted flooding enhance the therapeutic benefit derived from an equivalent amount of practice. The possible mechanisms underlying this potentiation and recommendations for the use of diaries in future clinical reseerch are briefly discussed.
The price elasticity of export demand for US agricultural commodities reconsidered

Abstract In this paper, the question of whether the export demand for three agricultural commodities (corn, soybeans and wheat) in the United States has structurally changed over the 1971 to 1986 period is examined. The export demand specification considered in the analysis is one that has been used extensively in the empirical literature. The stability question is explored. The results suggest that both the export demand for corn and the export demand for soybeans destabilized over the sample period. When corrected for this instability, the estimated long run price elasticities do not allow for a definitive conclusion with regard to the question of whether the demand for exports of agricultural commodities is now elastic. This means that agricultural policy alternatives become obfuscated.
Perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices of the macaque monkey: Cortical afferents

Neuropsychological studies have recently demonstrated that the macaque monkey perirhinal (areas 35 and 36) and parahippocampal (areas TH and TF) cortices contribute importantly to normal memory function. Unfortunately, neuroanatomical information concerning the cytoarchitectonic organization and extrinsic connectivity of these cortical regions is meager. We investigated the organization of cortical inputs to the macaque monkey perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices by placing discrete injections of the retrograde tracers fast blue, diamidino yellow, and wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase throughout these areas. We found that the macaque monkey perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices receive different complements of cortical inputs. The major cortical inputs to the perirhinal cortex arise from the unimodal visual areas TE and rostral TEO and from area TF of the parahippocampal cortex. The perirhinal cortex also receives projections from the dysgranular and granular subdivisions of the insular cortex and from area 13 of the orbitofrontal cortex. In contrast, area TF of the parahippocampal cortex receives its strongest input from more caudal visual areas V4, TEO, and caudal TE, as well as prominent inputs from polymodal association cortices, including the retrosplenial cortex and the dorsal bank of the superior temporal sulcus. Area TF also receives projections from areas 7a and LIP of the posterior parietal lobe, insular cortex, and areas 46, 13, 45, and 9 of the frontal lobe. As with area TF, area TH receives substantial projections from the retrosplenial cortex as well as moderate projections from the dorsal bank of the superior temporal sulcus; unlike area TF, area TH receives almost no innervation from areas TE and TEO. It does, however, receive relatively strong inputs from auditory association areas on the convexity of the superior temporal gyrus.
Studies on corneal polysaccharides. III. Topographic and comparative biochemistry.

An earlier described method for the isolation and fractionation of corneal polysaccharides has been modified for application to small tissue samples. With this method 1.5 to 5.0 mg of glycosarninoglycans can be fractionated with good reproducibility. The method has been used to study the distribution of these substances in the bovine corneal stroma. Their composition and concentration were found to be similar in the central and peripheral areas. A smaller amount of a relatively high sulphated galactosaminoglycan fraction was found in the anterior part of the cornea than in the posterior. The glycosaminoglycans in various animal corneas were studied. Only small differences were found in their concentration as well as in the glucosamine-galaotosamine ratio between the different mammals, and between these, birds and some phylogenetically lower animals. In the turtle and the tuna a relatively high glucosamme-galactosamine ratio was noted. The total glyoosaminoglycan content and glucosamine-galaotosamine ratio in the squid “cornea” was very low.
Induction of apoptosis by all-trans-retinoic acid and C2-ceramide treatment in rat stromal-vascular cultures.

Apoptosis of preadipocytes and adipocytes contributes to the balance of adipose tissue mass by reducing adipocyte number. To address this phenomenon, we treated cultured rat S-V cells with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) (10 μM) or C2-ceramide (50 μM) during adipogenesis. Gel electrophoresis of DNA from treated cells cultured in serum-free medium showed that 10 μM RA or 50 μM ceramide induced a distinct laddering pattern of DNA fragments. Cellular caspase 3 activity, another marker of apoptosis, was increased by RA (10 μM) (P < 0.05), but not by 50 μm C2-ceramide. RT-PCR results showed that RA (10 μM) decreased the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA. These results suggest that fat cell loss by apoptosis can be regulated, in part, by RA (10 μM) which increases caspase 3 activity and decreases Bcl-2 expression in rat S-V cells. C2-ceramide apparently works through a different cellular mechanism to induce apoptosis.
Syntheses and structures of novel paramagnetic organometallic complexes of manganese(II) and chromium(II)

Abstract The reactions of LiC6H4CH2NMe2 with MnI2 and CrCl2 in tetrahydrofuran gave the air-sensitive, paramagnetic complexes Li2(THF)2MX2(C6H4CH2NMe2)2. The solvated lithium halide may be removed from these complexes to give M(C6H4CH2NMe2)2 as paramagnetic organometallic complexes. Similarly the reactions of LiCH2C6H4NMe2 with CrCl2 and MnI2 gave M(CH2C6H4NMe2)2 whose magnetic moments and molecular weight measurements indicate that association occurs in solution. The X-ray crystal structure of Mn(CH2C6H4NMe2)2 was determined. The molecule is dimeric, containing one bridging and one terminal CH2C6H4NMe2 ligand per metal. The bridging ligand is bonded to both manganese atoms through a common CH2 group. One manganese atom has a bidentate CH2C6H4NMe2 ligand while the other manganese atom has a monodentate o-dimethylaminobenzyl ligand.