cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex and age interact to determine clinicopathologic differences in Alzheimer's disease.

Women reportedly make up two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia sufferers. Many estimates regarding AD, however, are based on clinical series lacking autopsy confirmation. The Florida Autopsied Multi-Ethnic (FLAME) cohort was queried for AD cases with a total of 1625 identified ranging in age from 53 to 102 years at death. Standard neuropathologic procedures were employed and clinical information was retrospectively collected. Clinicopathologic and genetic data (MAPT and APOE) were stratified by sex. Within the neuropathologically diagnosed AD cohort, the overall number of women and men did not differ. Men were younger at onset of cognitive symptoms, had a shorter disease duration, and more often had atypical (non-amnestic) clinical presentations. The frequency of autopsy-confirmed AD among women and men stratified by age at death revealed an inverse U-shaped curve in men and a U-shaped curve in women, with both curves having inflections at approximately 70 years of age. Regional counts of neurofibrillary tangles differed in women and men, especially when examined by age intervals. Women had overall greater severity of neurofibrillary tangle counts compared to men, especially in the hippocampus. Men were more often classified as hippocampal sparing AD, whereas limbic predominant AD was more common in women. Men and women did not differ in frequency of MAPT haplotype or APOE genotype. Atypical clinical presentations, younger age at onset and shorter disease duration were more frequent in men, suggesting that the lower reported frequency of AD in men may be due to more frequent atypical clinical presentations not recognized as AD. Our data suggest that neuropathologically diagnosed AD cases have the same frequency of women and men, but their clinical presentations and ages at onset tend to differ.
Last Words in Volume 16:1

Marchand talks about plans for the new library including "Philosophy of Service" and ""Growth Assumptions" for collections.
Immigrant-Origin Students in Community College: How Do They Use Their Time on Campus?:

BackgroundImmigrant-origin students are the fastest growing new population in community colleges, making up nearly a third of the community college population. To date, little is known about how im...
Men1 maintains exocrine pancreas homeostasis in response to inflammation and oncogenic stress

A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and cancer, is essential to improve clinical management. MEN1 has established roles in epigenetic regulation and tumor suppression in the endocrine pancreas; however, intriguing recent data suggest MEN1 may also function in the exocrine pancreas. Using physiologically relevant genetic mouse models, we provide direct evidence that Men1 is essential for exocrine pancreas homeostasis in response to inflammation and oncogenic stress. Men1 loss causes increased injury and impaired regeneration following acute caerulein-induced pancreatitis, leading to more severe damage, loss of the normal acinar compartment, and increased cytokeratin 19-positive metaplasias and immune cell infiltration. We further demonstrate the Men1 protein is stabilized in response to insult, and loss of Men1 is associated with the overexpression of proinflammatory Jund target genes, suggesting that loss of Men1-mediated repression of Jund activity is, at least in part, responsible for the impaired response. Finally, we demonstrate that Men1 loss significantly accelerates mutant Kras-dependent oncogenesis. Combined, this work establishes Men1 as an important mediator of pancreas homeostasis in vivo.
Joint associations of physical activity and body mass index with the risk of established excess body fatness-related cancers among postmenopausal women

Excess body fatness and physical activity independently influence the risk of several types of cancer. However, few studies have examined whether physical activity mitigates the excess risk associated with higher body mass index (BMI). We examined the individual and joint associations between BMI (kg/m2) and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, MET-hours/week) with the risk of three established excess body fatness-related cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial) among 43,795 postmenopausal women in the Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II) Nutrition Cohort (1992/1993–2015). Further exclusions for women without an intact uterus resulted in 31,805 women for endometrial cancer analyses. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with interaction terms to assess multiplicative interaction. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was calculated to assess additive interaction. BMI and MVPA were individually associated with breast and endometrial cancer risk, but only BMI was associated with colon cancer risk. In joint analyses, increasing levels of MVPA did not lower the risk of these cancers among obese women. For example, compared to the common referent (BMI 18.5– 0– 0–< 7.5 MET-hours/week: HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.22 − 1.67) and high MVPA (≥ 15 MET-hours/week: HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.25 − 1.87; RERI = 0.20, 95% CI: -0.14, 0.54, multiplicative Pinteraction = 0.64). Our results do not support the hypothesis that leisure-time physical activity mitigates the excess risk associated with higher BMI for risk of breast, endometrial, or colon cancer among postmenopausal women.
Glenoid Pathology, Skeletal Immaturity, and Multiple Preoperative Instability Events Are Risk Factors for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability After Arthroscopic Stabilization in Adolescent Athletes

Purpose To identify risk factors for recurrent shoulder instability after arthroscopic stabilization in adolescent athletes. Methods A retrospective case-control study was undertaken of all patients younger than 18 years undergoing arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for anterior instability between 2009 and 2016. Two patient cohorts were identified: (1) patients with recurrent instability (frank dislocations or subluxations) after arthroscopic stabilization and (2) an age- and sex-matched cohort of patients with no recurrent instability at a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up from index surgery. Patient demographic, injury, radiographic, and surgical variables were recorded. Variables with P Results We identified 35 patients (20.5%) in whom arthroscopic stabilization failed at a mean of 1.2 ± 1.0 years after their index surgical procedure. A separate age- and sex-matched cohort of 35 patients with no evidence of recurrent instability was identified (mean follow-up, 5.4 ± 2.0 years; minimum follow-up, 2 years). Univariate analysis identified increased glenoid bone loss (P = .039), decreased glenoid retroversion (P = .024), and more than 1 instability event prior to surgery (P = .017) as significant risk factors for recurrent instability. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that glenoid retroversion less than 6°, skeletal immaturity, and more than 1 prior instability event significantly and independently predicted future recurrence. The risk of recurrence after arthroscopic stabilization was increased by 3 times in patients with 2 risk factors and by 4 times in patients with all 3 risk factors. Conclusions Anterior glenoid bone loss, glenoid version, skeletal immaturity, and multiple preoperative instability events are risk factors for failed arthroscopic stabilization in adolescent athletes with anterior instability. Level of Evidence Level III, case-control study.
A Simple Configural Approach for Testing Person-Oriented Mediation Hypotheses

Statistical methods to test hypotheses about direct and indirect effects from a person-oriented research perspective are scarce. For categorical variables, previously suggested approaches use configural frequency analysis (CFA) to detect extreme patterns (CFA Types/Antitypes) that are responsible for the observed direct and indirect effects. Existing methods rest on complex (log-linear) model comparison strategies and may perform poorly with respect to Type I error protection and statistical power. We, therefore, propose a simplified configural approach to answer the question "What carries a mediation process?" This simplified approach is based on two log-linear models that are needed to estimate (variable-oriented) direct and indirect effects. The first model identifies extreme patterns for the predictor-mediator path, the second model searches for extreme cells in the mediator-outcome path. Joint significance testing can be used to test the presence of mediation. Definitions of Mediation Types/Antitypes are given based on possible Type/Antitype patterns for the binary simple mediation model. In two Monte-Carlo simulation experiments, we evaluate the performance of the simplified approach in a homogenous population (i.e., where all individuals develop homogenously along a variable-oriented mediation mechanism) and a heterogenous population (i.e., where specific configurations, instead of a variable-oriented effect, drive the mediation process). Results suggest that the presented approach performs acceptably with respect to Type I error protection and statistical power. In general, larger sample sizes are preferable to reliably detect mediation-generating configurations. An empirical example is given for illustrative purposes and extensions and limitations of the proposed method are discussed.
3D Steerable Biopsy Needle with a Motorized Manipulation System and Ultrasound Tracking to Navigate inside Tissue

Needle insertion techniques have been used in several minimally invasive procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For example, in tissue biopsy, a small sample of suspicious tissue is ex...
Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is a crucially important aspect of improving trust and reliability of artificial intelligent and machine learning (AI/ML) systems. In this special issue, we have included a diverse group of articles addressing different aspects of XAI in a variety of domains. From real-time systems to human-in-the-loop fault detection, the articles here have looked into AI explanation from varying perspectives and for multiple groups of audience. These articles shed light on some of the important and useful aspects of XAI and its application.
Mapping the Changing Structure of Conflict Networks in North and West Africa

Contemporary conflict in North and West Africa is characterized by a high degree of social and political complexity. Hundreds of rebel groups and extremist organizations are involved in a shifting ...
The Internet is Not a Lawless Prairie: Data Protection and Privacy in Italy

As the Internet has become more pervasive, so too have concerns about the security of personal data online. The rapid evolution of Internet technology has outpaced the legislative process, leaving courts to resolve complex and important questions of policy. Their answers to these questions can have dramatic implications for the future of the Internet as a platform for global communication. The judicial decisions in this area are frequently issued ad hoc by judges who may be unfamiliar with the technology at issue and unaware of the potential ramifications of their rulings. The February 2010 conviction in Italy of three Google executives for violations of data protection laws sparked widespread controversy and criticism on this basis. This Comment argues that the Italian court’s decision is a prominent example of the broader trend of inexpert judicial regulation of the Internet.
In vivo loading model to examine bone adaptation in humans: A pilot study

Bone is typically well suited for its habitual loading environment because of its ability to adapt. Although characteristics of the mechanical loading environment predict the bone adaptive response in animals, this has not been prospectively validated in humans. Here, we describe an in vivo loading model in which women apply forces to the radius by leaning onto their hand. We characterized the strain environment imposed on the radius using cadaveric experimentation and conducted a prospective study in which 19 adult women loaded their distal radii 50 cycles/day, 3 days/week, for 28 weeks and seven additional adult women served as controls. In four cadaveric specimens, loading caused compressive principal strains of -1,695 ± 396 μe with radial bending dorsally and towards the ulna. Prospective in vivo loading produced measurable improvements to bone and appeared to protect against bone loss associated with seasonal fluctuations in physical activity and sun exposure. Experimental subjects had significant gains to bone volume (BV) and moments of inertia, while, control subjects had significant losses in BMC and moments of inertia. The loading model is thus suitable as a model system for exploring bone adaptation in humans, and may eventually be clinically useful for strengthening the radius of women.
Search for SUSY Dark Matter with CMS at LHC

We discuss the domain of parameter space (m0, m1/2) in Minimal Supergravity (mSUGRA) model, which can be explored in squark and gluino searches. Particular emphasis is put on how well can be probed the domain where the lightest neutralino, χ∼0 1 would be an adequate dark matter particle candidate. The inclusive production of next-to-lightest neutralino, χ∼0 2 decaying directly, or via slepton, into two leptons and the lightest neutralino is also studied and the region of parameter space (m0, m1/2), where the χ∼0 2 observable by characteristic shape of the dilepton invariant mass spectrum is determined. The possibility to determine the mass of the χ∼0 1 from the χ∼0 2 decays is discussed.
Graph Algorithms with a Functional Flavous

Graph algorithms have long been a challenge to program in a pure functional language. Previous attempts have either tended to be unreadable, or have failed to achieve standard asymptotic complexity measures. We explore a number of graph search algorithms in which we achieve standard complexities, while significantly improving upon traditional imperative presentations. In particular, we construct the algorithms from reusable components, so providing a greater level of modularity than is typical elsewhere. Furthermore, we provide examples of correctness proofs which are quite different from traditional proofs, largely because they are not based upon reasoning about the dynamic process of graph traversal, but rather reason about a static value.
A Filter for Fast Flux Testing in a Thermal Test Reactor

The present shortage of fast reactor test space, particularly for test regions > 2cm in diameter, led to a series of tests to develop an adequate spectrum-hardening filter so that a suitable fast-n...
Evaluation of the non-isothermal rate equation proposed by s̆esták and bercgren by computer methods: The dehydration of manganese(II) formate dihydrate

Abstract The equation proposed by Sestak and Berggren was applied to the dehydration of Mn(HCO2)2· 2H2O as studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Systematic variation of the parameters m, n, and p and linear least-squares analysis of the Arrhenius plot resulting from each equation were accomplished with a computer program. The method was found to be successful for preliminary appraisal of reaction mechanism or as a means of checking isothermal results. The problem of finding a suitable fraction of reaction, α, over which any particular rate law is valid, is somewhat circumvented by the ease with which multiple runs may be made with various α ranges. The possible rate expressions found for Mn(HCO2)2·2H2O using the Sestak-Berggren equation include those reported in the literature for 0.15 ⪯ α ⪯ 0.45, and activation energies for interfacial advance agree with those obtained in previous studies.
Chapter 148 Nanoscale rare earth-transition metal multilayers: Magnetic structure and properties

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the magnetic structure, the interfacial magnetism, and the origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of lanthanide–transition metal nanoscale multilayers, denoted as “R/T.” In R/T multilayers, the PMA, which is produced by the interaction between 4f electrons of R ions and the electric gradient field of the neighbor ions, is the core of the interfacial magnetism. An additional desirable feature of the lanthanides is that their chemical similarity leads to easy substitution of one for another. The Hund's rule interaction and the presence or absence of orbital angular momentum produces a wide range of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic structures when combined with T ions, and either very strong or rather weak magnetic anisotropies. The interactions among all the R and T atoms are the basis for understanding the magnetic properties of multilayers. A brief overview of the magnetic interactions and structures that are important for understanding amorphous R and R–T alloys is presented. The roles that random magnetic anisotropy and exchange interactions play in determining the magnetic structure are emphasized. For the multilayered structure there are many interfaces, each of which is characterized by reduced symmetry in the surrounding atoms, and this feature favors PMA.
Sulfate Reduction in Peat from a New Jersey Pinelands Cedar Swamp

Microbial sulfate reduction rates in acidic peat from a New Jersey Pine Barrens cedar swamp in 1986 were similar to sulfate reduction rates in freshwater lake sediments. The rates ranged from a low of 1.0 nmol cm−3 day−1 in February at 7.5- to 10.0-cm depth to 173.4 nmol cm−3 day−1 in July at 5.0- to 7.5-cm depth. The presence of living Sphagnum moss at the surface generally resulted in reduced rates of sulfate reduction. Pore water sulfate concentrations and water table height also apparently affected the sulfate reduction rate. Concentrations of sulfate in pore water were nearly always higher than those in surface water and groundwater, ranging from 26 to 522 μM. The elevated pore water sulfate levels did not result from the evapotranspiratory concentration of infiltrating stream water or groundwater, but probably resulted from oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds, hydrolysis of ester sulfates present in the peat, or both. The total sulfur content of peat that had no living moss at the surface was 164.64 ± 1.5 and 195.8 ± 21.7 μmol g (dry weight)−1 for peat collected from 2.5 to 5.0 and 7.5 to 10.0 cm, respectively. Organosulfur compounds accounted for 84 to 88% of the total sulfur that was present in the peat. C-bonded sulfur accounted for 91 to 94% of the organic sulfur, with ester sulfate being only a minor constituent. Reduced inorganic sulfur species in peat from 2.5 to 7.5 cm were dominated by H2S-FeS (68%), while pyritic sulfide was the predominant inorganic sulfur species in the peat from depths of 7.5 to 10.0 cm (75%).
Annealing of Radiation Damaged Monazite

Differential scanning calorimetry measurements have been carried out on a specimen of monazite mineral, (Ce,La)PO 4 after irradiation by 3 MeV Ar + ions with fluences up to 20 ions nm - 2 . Specimens were annealed before irradiation to remove any radiation damage effects in the natural mineral. The degree of damage due to irradiation is assessed by measurement of the principal x-ray diffraction lines. Upon scanning the temperature to 750K, the annealing process is completed and the x-ray diffraction lines return to their original intensities. The activation energy for annealing is found to be 3.25 ′ 0.4 eV and the rate constant for the process may be expressed as k T = 4 x 10 2 1 exp(-3.25 eV/k B T) s - 1 . The stored energy increases with increase in fluence but seems to saturate at a maximum value of about 8 cal g - 1 . The generally crystalline condition of naturally occurring mineral monazite is accounted for by the equilibrium between the damaging process due to radioactive impurities and the natural annealing at ambient temperatures. This equilibrium is heavily in favour of the annealing process.
International Standards and the WTO

This study provides an overview of how the World Trade Organization rules relate to international standards, that is, standards propounded by some international entity. The topic of standards is a cross-cutting issue in the WTO because rules regarding international standards appear in several of the covered WTO agreements. The paper contains several parts. Part I of the paper explores the meaning of the term international standard and adopts a broad definition for analytical purposes. Part II introduces a typology for international standards. Part III discusses why international standards are important to economic development. Part IV examines some of the key WTO provisions regarding international standards. Part V looks at how WTO intergovernmental committees and bodies have implemented these provisions during the first several years of the WTO. Part VI describes some of the key standard-setting organizations that directly affect the WTO.
NSF's role in photonics (optoelectronics, optical communications, information processing, and optical computing)

In this presentation the topic surrounding NSF's role in the growing research area of photonics, i.e., optical communications, optical information processing, optoelectronics, and optical computing, is discussed. In particular, the interaction of university research and industrial participation is explored. Opportunities for joint projects, information exchange, sharing of equipment, expertise, and facilities among research partners is explored. The changing posture of NSF in terms of emphasis on education, cross-disciplinary activities, human resources, and interaction with government labs and industry is introduced.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gravity anomalies of the Northern Hawaiian Islands: Implications on the shield evolutions of Kauai and Niihau

[1] New land and marine gravity data reveal two positive residual gravity anomalies in the Northern Hawaiian Islands: one over Kaua'i, the other between the islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. These gravitational highs are similar in size and magnitude to those of other Hawaiian volcanoes, indicating local zones of high-density crust, attributed to olivine cumulates in solidified magma reservoirs. The residual gravity high over Kaua'i is located in the Līhu'e Basin, offset 8-12 km east of Kaua'i's geologically mapped caldera. This offset suggests that the mapped caldera is a collapsed feature later filled in with lava and not the long-term center of Kaua'i shield volcanism. A second residual gravity high, in the submarine channel between Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, marks the volcanic center of the Ni'ihau shield volcano. This second residual gravity anomaly implies that Ni'ihau's eastern boundary extended ∼20 km east of its present location. Through inversion, the residual gravity anomalies were modeled as being produced by two solidified magma reservoirs with average densities of 3100 kg/m3 and volumes between 2470 and 2540 km3. Considering the locations and sizes of the residual gravity anomalies/magma reservoirs, the extent of the two islands' paleoshorelines and potassium-argon dating of shield-stage lavas, we conclude that the two islands were not connected subaerially during their respective shield stages and that Ni'ihau's topographic summit was removed by an eastern flank collapse between 4.3 and 5.6 Ma. Continued constructional volcanism on western Kaua'i likely covered much of the submerged remains of eastern Ni'ihau.
School calendars, child care availability and maternal employment

Abstract A year-round calendar redistributes schools days around the year. This paper studies how this redistribution of school days, and therefore child care days available through school, affects maternal employment. The presence of year-round calendars in a district could be correlated with other district level attributes that might affect female employment rates. I therefore use a differencing method that compares the influence of district year-round enrollment on the employment rates of women with school-aged children relative to women whose eldest child is pre-school-aged. Unobserved district factors should affect employment rates of women with school-aged and pre-school-aged children similarly, yet only women with school-aged children should be directly impacted by school calendar. I find that redistributing child care days available through school into shorter intervals over time negatively impacts maternal employment. Among those women with school-aged children, those also having pre-school-aged children have the hardest time adjusting to differences in existing availability.
Linear polarized fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background

It has been recognized since the early work of Silk1 and Sachs and Wolfe2 that inhomogeneities in density, velocity fields or gravitational potential can produce small amplitude fluctuations in the intensity of the cosmic microwave background on small angular scales. Searches3 for such intensity fluctuations on scales of arc seconds to degrees have now reached sensitivities of 10−4 in ΔT/T or better (where T is the temperature of the background). It is less often noted that density inhomogeneities can introduce small-scale fluctuations in linear polarization into the microwave background. Work by Bond and Efstathiou4 in the context of cold dark matter models for the origin of galaxies, for instance, suggests that fluctuations in polarization will be present on characteristically smaller angular scales than total intensity fluctuations, and will be ∼1/10 their amplitude. Lubin et al.5 have shown that the large-scale linear polarization is ≲0.2 mK, or ≲7 x 10−5 in ΔT/T. We report here limits on the linear (and circular) polarization of the cosmic microwave background on small angular scales,18″≤ Θ≤160″.
System Modeling for V&V

Simulation and formal models are becoming an accepted part of the early stages of system design. This paper discusses the use of executable system models during system design and implementation. RTI recently developed an abstract executable model of the operating system developed for an avionics test bed based on the PAVE PILLAR architecture. The target hardware consisted of two processing clusters, each with five VHSIC 1750A modules connected by a parallel bus and a system mass memory. The three components are connected by two optical high-speed data busses. The modeling was done while both the hardware and software were under development. The process of developing and validating the models produced a significant V&V payoff for the design teams. Formal modeling forced early consideration of hardware/software, inter-module, and inter-application interfaces that were overlooked during the system design process. This led to forecasting system problems that normally would not have been discovered until system integration. This paper will review the modeling effort and show, in a systems engineering context, how abstract modeling can serve as a powerful method for early discovery of interface errors normally not found until integration.
Primary Immunodeficiency Disease in Children: Recognizing Problems in Primary Care Practice

Dealing with recurrently ill children is a difficult task. Understanding when the health care provider should suspect primary immunodeficiency and what screening tests can be beneficial prior to referring a child to another health care facility is important for the primary care provider. This article presents a brief description of the immune system, diseases of primary immune deficiencies, and the clinical evaluation of a child with a primary immunodeficiency.
Discrimination in Healthcare Settings is Associated with Disability in Older Adults: Health and Retirement Study, 2008–2012

BACKGROUND As our society ages, improving medical care for an older population will be crucial. Discrimination in healthcare may contribute to substandard experiences with the healthcare system, increasing the burden of poor health in older adults. Few studies have focused on the presence of healthcare discrimination and its effects on older adults.
The effect of fondaparinux versus enoxaparin in the survival of a congested skin flap in a rabbit model.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fondaparinux, a selective antithrombin III agonist, in comparison to the low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin in the survival of a congested skin flap. Materials and Methods: Eighteen axial-pattern auricular flaps were performed on rabbits using a well-described congested flap model. Animals were randomized into 2 treatment groups, enoxaparin (n = 6) and fondaparinux (n = 6), and a control group (n = 6) that received no treatment. Skin flap survival area was measured postoperatively at 7 and 14 days. Results: The groups that received fondaparinux and enoxaparin had similar mean flap survival areas and were not statistically different. However, both treatment groups significantly increased flap survival compared with controls (P < 0.014). Conclusions: Fondaparinux, like enoxaparin, significantly improves survival of congested flaps in rabbits. Its use instead of enoxaparin may be warranted, given that it eliminates the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Further study in humans is warranted.
Unexpected renal actions of erythropoietin.

Erythropoietin (EPO) in the renal cortex is synthesized by fibroblast-like cells that are in direct contact with capillaries and adjacent tubular cells. Prompted by this anatomical relationship, we asked whether renal cells express EPO receptors (EPORs) through which EPO could act as a renotropic cytokine. We found that all regions of human, rat and mouse kidney, mesangial and proximal and distal tubular cells express authentic EPORs. Similar EPOR expression was detected in kidney cancer cells, and in cyst epithelia from polycystic kidneys. In vitro, EPO stimulated mitogenesis in all normal and malignant cells, and cell survival and motogenesis in injured tubular cells. Since the normal kidney is essentially unresponsive to EPO, we hypothesized that EPO's cytokine effects in the kidney are revealed when tubular cells are induced to proliferate by a prior insult, as occurs in acute renal failure. Accordingly, we found that EPO treatment of rats with 'ischemic' acute renal failure afforded renoprotection and accelerated functional recovery.
Binding of acetaldehyde to rat liver microsomes: Enhancement after chronic alcohol consumption

Summary Rat hepatic microsomal preparations were assessed for their capacity to bind exogenous 14C-acetaldehyde and 14C-acetaldehyde formed endogenously from 14C-ethanol in the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS). Exogenous acetaldehyde was found to bind to rat liver microsomes. Blocking of the free amino groups and thiol groups with site specific reagents (pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate) reduced the binding of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde formed endogenously from ethanol also bound to hepatic microsomes. This was increased after chronic alcohol consumption, in association with enhanced MEOS activity. The binding of acetaldehyde produced by MEOS was significantly greater than that of an equivalent amount of exogenous acetaldehyde. Thus, acetaldehyde produced in situ may exert local toxic effects on the endoplasmic reticulum.
Some clinical and EEG aspects of benign juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Summary: Twelve patients with benign juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (BJME) representing 4% of our population of epileptics (n = 275) are presented. Only two patients (17%) had myoclonic jerks as the only seizure type. Seven (58%) had generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and myoclonus. Three patients (25%) had absence seizures (AS), GTCS, and myoclonic jerks. Electroencephalographic evidence of photosensitivity was found in four (33%). Auditory precipitation of seizures was found in one patient. As is the case with other primary generalized epilepsies, the onset of BJME seems to be age specific. In our series the mean age of onset in years was 4.3 for AS, 14.75 for myoclonic jerks, and 16.4 for GTCS. It took an average of 8.5 years from the onset of BJME (range, 2–20 years) and 6.5 years from the onset of GTCS (range, 2 months-6 years) until the condition was properly recognized. Five patients experienced at least one episode of myoclonic status epilepticus. Generalized, paroxysmal, symmetric poly spike and slow wave discharges are the typical EEG finding. These complexes, however, showed considerable interpatient variability. Sleep deprivation proved to be the most valuable activating procedure. Valproic acid monotherapy effectively controlled myoclonic jerks as well as associated GTCS in most patients. RESUMEN Se presentan los hallazgos clinicos y electroencefalograficos de 12 pacientes con epilepsia juvenil mioclonica benigna. Dichos individuos representan el 4% de nuestra poblacion de pacientes epilepticos (n = 275). Solo dos pacientes (17%) presentaron mioclonias exclusivamente, sin otro tipo de crisis epilepticas. Siete pacientes (58%) presentaron la combinacion de mioclonias y crisis generalizadas tonico clonicas. Tres pacientes (25%) de-mostraron mioclonias, ausencias y crisis generalizadas tonico clonicas. Evidencia electroencefalografica de fotosensibilidad se demostro en cuatro casos (33%). Un paciente presento precipitacion auditiva de crisis epilepticas. En forma similar a otros tipos de epilepsia generalizada, la edad de comienzo de la epilepsia juvenil mioclonica benigna resulto ser especifica. La edad de comienzo en anos, para los distintos tipos de crisis epilepticas, fue la siguiente: 4,3 en las ausencias; 14,75 en las mioclonias; y 16,4 en las crisis generalizadas tonico clonicas. El diagnostico correcto de esta forma de epilepsia se demoro un promedio de 8,5 anos desde el comienzo de las mioclonias (rango, 2–20 anos) y 6,5 anos desde el comienzo de las crisis generalizadas tonico clonicas (rango, 2 meses-6 anos). Cinco pacientes demostraron, por lo menos, un episodio de estado epileptico mioclonico. El hallazgo tipico en el EEG es la polipunta onda, generalizada, simetrica. Dichas descargas, sin embargo, demostraron una variabilidad considerable entre los diferentes individuos. La deprivacion de sueno demostro ser un valioso metodo de activacion. Monoterapia con acido valproico controlo las mioclonias y las crisis generalizadas tonico clonicas en la mayoria de los casos.
Tyrosine availability and dopamine synthesis in the striatum: studies with gamma-butyrolactone.

Abstract The administration of tyrosine (200 mg/kg) to adult male rats significantly enhanced the increase in striatal dopamine (DA) levels that followed gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) injection. Tyrosine injection also stimulated the rise in striatal dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accumulation after injection of m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine dihydrochloride (NSD-1015) that resulted from GBL administration. These results identify a new paradigm in which an increase in the brain levels of tyrosine enhances the rate of formation of dopamine. In addition, They support the notion that tyrosine hydroxylase must be “activated” in order for tyrosine availability to influence DA synthesis.
Undulatory Swimming in Viscoelastic Fluids

The effects of fluid elasticity on the swimming behavior of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are experimentally investigated by tracking the nematode's motion and measuring the corresponding velocity fields. We find that fluid elasticity hinders self-propulsion. Compared to Newtonian solutions, fluid elasticity leads to up to 35% slower propulsion. Furthermore, self-propulsion decreases as elastic stresses grow in magnitude in the fluid. This decrease in self-propulsion in viscoelastic fluids is related to the stretching of flexible molecules near hyperbolic points in the flow.
Myxoid Leiomyosarcoma of the Uterus

Abstract Background . A case of myxoid leiomyosarcoma of the uterus is presented. In contrast to 10 of the 11 previously published cases, our patient has a tumor with a high mitotic rate. Case . The patient presented with a 2-month history of vaginal bleeding and a 20-week-size uterine mass. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. At the time of surgery, the tumor appeared well circumscribed. Microscopically, an infiltrative growth pattern, bizarre nuclei, and 30 abnormal mitotic figures per 10 high power fields were noted. The patient was treated with ifosfamide and mesna. After the fifth course of chemotherapy, a pelvic mass was palpated. Exploratory laparotomy demonstrated a large sidewall recurrence and upper abdominal metastases which were completely resected. The patient is currently being treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, Adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide. Conclusion . Ten of the 11 previously reported cases of myxoid leiomyosarcoma had a low mitotic count. However, our patient has a high mitotic count in combination with an infiltrative growth pattern. Ifosfamide was ineffective as adjuvant chemotherapy and there was aggressive tumor growth while the patient was on this regimen.
Cytomegalovirus-induced necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis in a renal transplant patient

A 35-year-old black man with end-stage renal disease from biopsy-proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis developed worsening function of his renal allograft 160 days after living related donor renal transplantation. Renal biopsy showed necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis (NCGN) and presence of intraglomerular viral inclusions confirmed by immunocytochemical stain and in situ hybridization techniques to be cytomegaloviral in origin. Electron microscopy showed no immune complexes, and workup for other causes of NCGN was negative. The patient was treated with ganciclovir without other changes in his immunosuppressive regimen. After 8 weeks of ganciclovir therapy, a second renal transplant biopsy showed resolution of the glomerular process and disappearance of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) inclusions. The resolution of the glomerular process with treatment for CMV infection, and without other change in therapy, strongly supports a causative link between CMV and NCGN in this patient. This case represents the first report of CMV-associated NCGN in a renal transplant patient.
Effects of Film Interfaces on the Properties of Poly-Si Grown by The Metal-Induced Technique for Solar Cell Applications

In the metal-induced growth (MIG) process, the poly-Si layer hetero-epitaxially grows from a thin silicide layer, formed by reaction of a metal seed-layer and sputtered silicon, due to an extremely close lattice match between silicon and the metal silicide. The produced poly-Si has shown a promising device quality for photovoltaic applications. Recent results show that the interface of the silicide and poly-Si has a significant effect on the properties of the poly-Si which works as an active layer for photon absorption. In the study of the MIG process, two metals were used as a seedlayer, i.e. Ni and Co. Although CoSi2 has a larger lattice mismatch with Si (1.2%) than does NiSi2 (0.4%), the poly-Si growing from Co has a smoother interface between the poly-Si and silicide, while the one for the Ni seed-layer samples is rather rough. Backscattered XSEM shows that the Ni-contained phase extended into the Si layer by forming long spikes. This might cause crystal defects in the Si layer. The Auger depth profile also showed that the Ni atoms diffuse into the Si layer much more than does the Co. This kind of difference in interface structure causes the different properties of the poly-Si layer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis on the Si layer showed that the Co seedlayer sample had a predominant growth orientation of (220) and the FWHM of 0.2°. The Ni seed-layer samples grew mainly in both and direction, with FWHM of 0.3° and 0.4°, respectively. By comparison, the poly-Si from the Co seed-layer had a higher carrier lifetime of 0.458μs compared to 0.305μs from Ni.
Factors involved in the inactivation of vasopressin after intracerebroventricular injection in mice

Abstract Behavioral excitation induced by intracerebroventricularly administered vasopressin in mice is very short-lasting, suggesting a half-life of the injected peptide of only a few minutes. The results of the present study suggest that vasopressin and related peptides are too hydrophilic to penetrate lipid membranes readily by passive diffusion and that passive diffusion from the extracellular space into cells or the bloodstream is an unlikely mechanism of inactivation. Pharmacological desensitization (tachyphylaxis) occurs after higher doses, but does not seem to be the major factor responsible for the short duration of action. Some deamino-analogs of vasopressin, however, show a prolonged action, suggesting that degradation by (an) aminopeptidase(s) is a major route of inactivation. These results also suggest that vasopressin-degrading aminopeptidases are accessible from the extracellular space.
Ovine caveolin-1: cDNA cloning, E. coli expression, and association with endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Abstract Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the principal coat protein of caveolae, plays an obligatory role in regulating the activity of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS). We propose that Cav-1 may be critical to eNOS–NO mediated uterine vasodilatation during pregnancy and estrogen replacement therapy. To test this hypothesis in the sheep model, we isolated the full-length cDNA of ovine Cav-1 (oCav-1) from a Lambda ZAP cDNA library of ovine placental artery endothelial cells. Thirty-two positive oCav-1 clones were recognized by a partial oCav-1 cDNA from this library, of which eight were sequenced. Restriction digestion of these clones revealed that the cDNAs of oCav-1 ranged from ∼2.1 to 2.7 kb. Northern analysis of Cav-1 mRNAs in ovine uterine artery endothelial cells (UAEC) showed two transcripts of ∼2.1 and 2.7 kb, respectively. Immunoreactive Cav-1 protein, but not caveolin-2 or caveolin-3, was detected in UAEC. Sequence analysis revealed that in addition to a 537-bp open reading frame encoding a 178 amino acid oCav-1 protein, full-length oCav-1 cDNAs apparently possess a ∼1.6–2.1 kb 3′-untranslated region. Database searches with oCav-1 cDNA revealed that the coding region of mammalian Cav-1 genes is highly conserved. We prepared a recombinant full-length oCav-1 protein in which six consecutive histidine residues were tagged at the end of its COOH-terminus and developed a [His]6-tagged oCav-1 ‘pull-down assay’ for studying the association of eNOS with Cav-1. Incubation of exogenous [His]6-tagged oCav-1 with resting UAEC extracts led to the formation of a [His]6-tagged oCav-1–eNOS complex. In the presence of a synthetic caveolin-scaffolding domain (CSD, aa 82–101) peptide, but not a mutated CSD peptide, [His]6-tagged oCav-1 associated eNOS was dose (0–10 μM)-dependently inhibited. eNOS association with Cav-1 in UAEC was further confirmed by the facts that eNOS co-immunoprecipitated with Cav-1 and vice versa, and that eNOS co-existed with Cav-1 during the isolation of caveolae membranes. Because dissociation of eNOS from Cav-1 is required for the activation of eNOS, eNOS association with Cav-1 in UAEC suggests an important role of Cav-1 in regulating UAEC production of NO and possibly NO-mediated uterine vasodilatation.
Changes in cytosolic calcium during cholinergic and adrenergic stimulation of the parotid salivary gland

Ca-selective microelectrodes were used to examine calcium transport during acetylcholine (ACh) and Epinephrine (Ep) stimulation of amylase secretion in the parotid gland. The cytosolic concentration of free ionized Ca2+ ([Ca]i) determined in unstimulated cells was 0.44 ±0.04 μM. By measuring the induced changes in intracellular electrode potentials (ECa, EM) we were able to demonstrate that ACh at 10−9, 10−8, 10−7, 10−6, and 10−5 M increased [Ca]i by 0.20±0.02, 0.61±0.04, 0.53±0.02, 0.30±0.05, and 0.14±0.03 μM. Similarly, Ep increased [Ca]i by 0.14±0.01, 0.42±0.06, 0.31±0.04, 0.15±0.03, and 0.05±0.04, respectively. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ significantly (P<0.001) altered the changes in ECa in response to ACh and Ep stimulation, thereby demonstrating that the induced increases in [Ca]i must be due to a transmembrane movement of Ca2+. Enzyme secretion was found to vary with the concentration of the stimulus used. Maximal secretion occurred during stimulation using 10−7 M and 10−8 M Ep with a suppression of release at supramaximal concentrations. The dose-response curve for ACh differed in that there were two concentrations of stimulus (2×10−9 and 1×10−6 M ACh) in which the greatest rate of secretion occurred. Concentrations of stimulus which increase [Ca]i between 0.86±0.06 μM and 0.74±0.05 appeared to produce optimal amylase secretion, indicating that salivary secretion in the mouse parotid is regulated within a narrow concentration range of cytosolic Ca2+.
Preparation of a self-supporting cell architecture mimic by water channel confined photocrosslinking within a lamellar structured hydrogel

A self-supporting biomimetic chemical hydrogel that can be reversibly swollen in water is described. An aqueous dispersion of a diacrylate end-derivatized PEO-PPO-PEO macromer, a saturated phospholipid, and a zwitterionic co-surfactant self-assembles into a multilamellar-structured physical gel at room temperature as determined by SAXS. The addition of a water soluble PEGDA co-monomer and photoinitiator within the water layers does not alter the self-assembled structure. ATR/FT-IR spectroscopy reveals that photoirradiation initiates the crosslinking between the acrylate end groups on the macromer with the PEGDA, forming a polymeric network within the aqueous domains. The primitive cytoskeleton mimic serves to stabilize the amphiphile bilayer, converting the physical gel into an elastic self-supporting chemical gel. Storage under ambient conditions causes dehydration of the hydrogel to 5 wt % water which can be reversed by swelling in water. The fully water swollen gel (85 wt % water) remains self-supporting but converts to a non-lamellar structure. As water is lost the chemical gel regains its lamellar structure. Incubation of the hydrogel in nonpolar organic solvents that do not dissolve the uncrosslinked lipid component (hexane) allow for swelling without loss of structural integrity. Chloroform, which readily solubilizes the lipid, causes irreversible loss of the lamellar structure.
ATPase activities of inner and outer regions of the vitelline membrane during development.

Abstract ATPase activity has been demonstrated to be present in the vitelline membrane complex of the hen's egg. This activity increases markedly after ovulation. The vitelline membrane complex has been isolated by dissection and studied in an Ussing chamber such that the inner and outer surfaces can be examined independently. Coupled activity has been detected whereby the presence of substrate on one side affects activity on the other side. Measurements demonstrate that the vitelline membranes of eggs laid in the fall have low enzymatic and no coupled activity. The vitelline membranes of eggs laid in the summer have high enzymatic and marked coupled activity. The coupled activity is reversed in the fertilized compared to the unfertilized egg. This study sheds light on both the physiological character of the ATPases and the roles played by the vitelline membrane in the development of the ovum prior to and after fertilization.