cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Valence force field treatment of the rutile structure at zero-wave vector

Abstract The lattice vibrational frequencies at zero-wave vector of 10 MX2-type rutile structures (X = O, F) are analyzed using a valence bond force field which includes parameters to accommodate the two types of M-X bonds and the forces associated with the two types of nearest neighbor X…X interactions. The two different M-X force constants are constrained to a single adjustable parameter by applying the relationship K mx = K ′ mx ( r mx r ′ mx ) 6 . This simplified force field with three adjustable paramete and one constraining relationship reproduces the Raman active phonon frequencies of all 10 rutile compounds with an average error of ⩽ 5% in almost all cases. The agreement between observation and calculation is not as good for the infrared active phonons—a result which is attributed in part to discrepancies in the measurement and analysis of infrared reflectivity spectra and in part to the absence in the simplified valence bond force field of a term to account for forces along the c-axis of the rutile structure.
Radiation pneumonitis. Bronchoalveolar lavage assessment and modulation by a recombinant cytokine.

A common side effect of radiotherapy is the development of fibrosis in the irradiated tissue. To study the mechanisms of this fibrogenic response, we developed a model system of whole-lung radiation in the rat and studied the evolution of injury by assessment of the cells and protein recovered by lavage. Once the pattern of injury was known, we attempted to modulate this reaction by administering the cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Rats received 15 Gy radiation to the whole thorax and were studied by lung lavage at intervals of 1 to 35 days after radiation. The effect of radiation was an initial (24 h) leak of protein, unaccompanied by cellular alterations, that resolved by 48 h. This was followed 2 wk later by a phase of inflammatory cell recruitment and more significant protein leak. A third phase of increase in inflammatory cells and further increase in protein flux was noted at Day 35. A significant cellular infiltrate was seen in lung sections obtained from animals treated in parallel experiments. IFN...
Flipping the switch from electrical to chemical communication

Immature neurons in many brain regions are electrically coupled through gap junctions, which are lost as chemical synaptic transmission matures. This developmental uncoupling is now shown to require NMDA receptor activation.
Analyses of spares for new weapons systems using Markov chains

Abstract A high percentage of a new weapons systems components are usually identical to existing components in the inventory or components which can be slightly modified to serve the same purpose. Thus COD can rely upon field experience to determine the proper quantity of these components for Tables of Allowance (TA). In determining the proper allowance for such tables, only 20 percent of a new aircraft's components must rely heavily upon estimates of failure rates and average repair times of the craft. This report centers on techniques involved in answering the complex questions of equipment, spares, meantime between failures (MTBF), and service time trade-off. Actual data were used to validate the model and confirm its logic and potential value.
MAPK Signaling Is Critical to Estradiol Protection of CA1 Neurons in Global Ischemia

The importance of hormone therapy in affording protection against the sequelae of global ischemia in postmenopausal women remains controversial. Global ischemia arising during cardiac arrest or cardiac surgery causes highly selective, delayed death of hippocampal CA1 neurons. Exogenous estradiol ameliorates global ischemia-induced neuronal death and cognitive impairment in male and female rodents. However, the molecular mechanisms by which estrogens intervene in global ischemia-induced apoptotic cell death are unclear. Here we show that estradiol acts via the classical estrogen receptors, the IGF-I receptor, and the ERK/MAPK signaling cascade to protect CA1 neurons in ovariectomized female rats and gerbils. We demonstrate that global ischemia promotes early dephosphorylation and inactivation of ERK1 and the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), subsequent down-regulation of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, a known gene target of estradiol and CREB, and activation of caspase-3. Estradiol treatment increases basal phosphorylation of both ERK1 and ERK2 in hippocampal CA1 and prevents ischemia-induced dephosphorylation and inactivation of ERK1 and CREB, down-regulation of Bcl-2 and activation of the caspase death cascade. Whereas ERK/MAPK signaling is critical to CREB activation and neuronal survival, the impact of estradiol on Bcl-2 levels is ERK independent. These findings support a model whereby estradiol acts via the classical estrogen receptors and IGF-I receptors, which converge on activation of ERK/MAPK signaling and CREB to promote neuronal survival in the face of global ischemia.
Allogeneic grafts of fetal dopamine neurons: behavioral indices of immunological interactions.

Abstract Fetal central nervous system transplants to the adult brain have been utilized to understand brain connectivity and as replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we use fetal brain allografting in the rat unilaterally depleted of dopamine, a unilateral model of PD, and apomorphine-induced rotations as an index of graft functional status while peripherally manipulating the host's alloimmune status. This system allows the investigator to examine, dynamically, host-allograft interactions in the brain under differing states of alloimmunoreactivity without the need to biopsy or sacrifice the animal. In addition to this novel application, we established that brain allografts are differentially susceptible to immunologic attack depending upon the graft's duration of residence in the host brain. Increasing residence time increases graft ‘rejectability’ to peripheral allosensitization. Passive immunization also sensitizes the host to subsequent graft rejection. Lastly, simple host alloimmunocompetence is necessary but not sufficient to cause fetal graft ‘rejection’, defined as a return of apomorphine-induced rotations.
Trisubstituted pyrimidines as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonists with improved solubility.

Abstract A series of trisubstituted pyrimidines were synthesized to improve aqueous solubility of our first TRPV1 clinical candidate (1; AMG 517), while maintaining potent TRPV1 inhibitory activity. Structure–activity and structure–solubility studies led to the identification of compound 26. The aqueous solubility of 26 (⩾200 μg/mL, 0.01 HCl; 6.7 μg/mL, phosphate buffered saline (PBS); 150 μg/mL, fasted-state simulated intestinal fluid (SIF)) was significantly improved over 1. In addition, compound 26 was found to be orally bioavailable (rat Foral = 24%) and had potent TRPV1 antagonist activity (capsaicin IC50 = 1.5 nM) comparable to that of 1.
Ethics across the curriculum

Colleges cannot avoid teaching ethics across their undergraduate curriculums, but they can be deliberate in approach rather than uncoordinated.
Synaptic Activation of Presynaptic Kainate Receptors on Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses

Kainate receptors (KARs) are a poorly understood family of ionotropic glutamate receptors. A role for these receptors in the presynaptic control of transmitter release has been proposed but remains controversial. Here, KAR agonists are shown to enhance fiber excitability, and a number of experiments show that this is a direct effect of KARs on the presynaptic fibers. In addition, KAR activation inhibits evoked transmitter release from mossy fiber synapses. Synaptic release of glutamate from either neighboring mossy fiber synapses or associational/commisural (A/C) synapses results in the activation of these presynaptic ionotropic KARs. These results, along with previous studies, indicate that KARs, through the endogenous release of glutamate, mediate excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), alter presynaptic excitability, and modulate transmitter release.
Second degree atrioventricular block.

Mechanisms of clinically known varieties of second degree A-V block were studied in isolated rabbit hearts, utilizing ultramicroelectrode techniques. Progressive A-V conduction delay in Wenckebach phenomenon was due mainly to depressed conduction within the A-V node, while Mobitz type 2 block was due to either block in or below His bundle or concealed re-excitation in the A-V junction. Two levels of block were demonstrated both in forward and retrograde A-V transmission.
Accounting behavior of German firms after an ADR issuance: A discussion

Abstract Hilary [Int. J. Account. 38(3) (2003) 357–378 (this issue)] analyzes the impact of German firms listing their stock on U.S. exchanges by means of American Depositary Receipts (ADR) on the noisiness of their accounting numbers, which is interesting. Unfortunately, due to severe sample size restrictions (i.e., the sample consists of 10 firms), the empirical designs lack the power to provide reliable evidence about any such impact. Moreover, across a broad set of noisiness measures, including several not considered by Hilary, the evidence of any ADR-issuance impact is decidedly mixed.
2-D Image Localization in Hyperspectral Image Analysis of Pharmaceutical Materials

Discriminant analysis (DA) is often used in hyperspectral image processing to classify multiple components on a sample matrix. In DA, a customized threshold is typically applied in a univariate domain, such as a projected score or predicted concentration value, in order to differentiate multiple components. However, determination of an appropriate threshold is subjective and influenced by both material- and user-dependent factors. Moreover, the potential of different thresholds to yield conflicting results poses a significant concern and challenge for pharmaceutical scientists. The photon radial diffusion among adjacent pixels in a near-infrared chemical image has been documented in literature to be a significant contributor to the challenges associated with the threshold-dependent image analysis. Therefore, in this study, a 2-D image of a score scatter plot was developed to visualize and identify the localization of individual components in a sample matrix, instead of a univariate projected score. An NIR chemical imaging dataset of cylindrical compacts of binary mixtures, including microcrystalline cellulose and different sized polystyrene microspheres, was used to demonstrate the efficiency of the method. The application of the method on hyperspectral image analysis on pharmaceutical multi-component systems was also presented.
Abstract C57: The role of stromal cells in tumor metastases

Background: In 1889, Stephen Paget hypothesized that metastatic cells ‐ the “seeds” ‐ only grow in the secondary sites ‐ the soil” ‐ with a permissive microenvironment. Here, we show that the “seeds” can carry their own “soil” ‐ activated fibroblasts from primary site of metastatic tumors. Moreover, we report that carryover of these non‐malignant host‐derived cells during metastatic cell colonization in the lungs can increase cancer9s metastatic efficiency. Materials and Methods: We use multiple animal models and two lung tumor cell lines (LLC1 and LA‐P0297) to study the composition, origin and role of fragments shed by tumors in the metastatic process. Results: We have shown that, in addition to single cells (81%), tumors shed fragments consisting of both tumor and host cells. We show that these fragments are more viable in the circulation compared to tumor cells alone (p Discussion: We found that tumor‐associated stromal cells can escape primary tumors along with cancer cells, survive in blood circulation and in metastatic nodules. Pre‐existence of a tissue‐like structure in the form of heterotypic cell fragments may increase the viability of cancer cells in blood circulation and modulate metastasic efficiency. How this mechanism contributes to the organo‐tropism of certain metastatic tumors is not known, but demonstration of the involvement of tumor “soil” in both the primary tumor as well as the metastatic site, has important conceptual and clinical implications for colonization during metastasis progression. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):C57.
Characterization and in vitro release of methotrexate from gelatin/methotrexate conjugates formed using different preparation variables.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of preparation variables on the composition of gelatin-methotrexate conjugates, and to evaluate their in vitro stability. Conjugation variables of pH, amount of conjugating agent 1-ethyl-3-(diaminopropyl)carbodiimide HCl (EDC), and methotrexate (MTX), with unfractionated gelatin were examined. Conjugate composition was determined spectrophotometrically. The molar ratios of MTX to gelatin in the conjugates ranged from 5.9 to 64.9. Molar ratios increased with molecular weight (MW) of gelatin in the conjugate, but the weight ratio was constant. This common conjugating procedure, however, produces by-product crosslinking and produces a mix of covalent MTX binding to carboxyl and amino groups of the gelatin. For release studies, gelatin was fractionated by size exclusion spectra (SEC) into MW of 21, 91, and 195 kDa prior to conjugation. MTX release from conjugates in dialysis cassettes at 25, 37, and 50°C, in isotonic pH 7.4, buffer over 72 h was assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There was no effect of gelatin MW on MTX release. MTX release was approximately linear and attained 2.3, 7.2, and 13% by 72 h at 25, 37, and 50°C, respectively, for the 91 kDa conjugates. First-order release rate constants were 0.23×10 −3 , 0.95×10 −3 , and 1.8×10 −3 h −1 , respectively. The calculated activation energy for MTX release was 15.8 kcal/mol. Rate constants and the activation energy for MTX release are consistent with hydrolysis of a peptide bond. Non-degraded MTX species were found in the release medium at amounts similar to free MTX and were attributed to MTX polymers and MTX/gelatin fragments
Bridging theory: Where cultures meet in self and science

In this chapter, I argue that Dialogical Self Theory (DST) represents a compelling answer to how to conceptualize the psychology of the self in today's world, when people increasingly are aware of more than one way to think, feel, and relate to others. DST envisions a self of plural voices. The chapters in this volume show intriguing applications of the theory, ranging from microlevel infant-caregiver interactions to macrolevel repercussions of globalization among Pacific island communities. I end by suggesting that the pliable nature of DST, illustrated in the chapter on an Indian social movement, is a strength. In my view, it fits with today's need for a new philosophy of social science. One-size-fits-all approaches are often too broad and too biased to adequately capture the complexities of human selves and relations. The challenge and opportunity that we face today is one of bridging universal theories with cultural ones--and the present volume can be read as one example of how to meet that challenge with respect to a psychology of the self.
Trigeminocardiac reflex in the Postanesthesia care unit

Bradycardia caused by the oculocardiac reflex is an anticipated occurrence during certain surgeries. The afferent pathway involves the trigeminal nerve's ophthalmic division. Reflex bradycardia from the trigeminocardiac reflex, via stimulation of maxillary or mandibular divisions of cranial nerve V, although less well known, has also been reported intraoperatively. Unstable bradycardia associated with stimulation of the mandibular division of cranial nerve V during trigeminal neuralgia pain episodes in the Postanesthesia Care Unit is presented.
A maneuver around the modified manipulation argument

In the recent article “A new approach to manipulation arguments,” Patrick Todd seeks to reframe a common incompatibilist form of argument often leveraged against compatibilist theories of moral responsibility. Known as manipulation arguments, these objections rely on cases in which agents, though they have met standard compatibilist conditions for responsibility, have been manipulated in such a way that they fail to be blameworthy for their behavior. Traditionally, in order to get a manipulation argument off the ground, an incompatibilist must illustrate that a manipulated agent is not at all responsible for her behavior. Todd argues that this is an unnecessarily heavy burden—the incompatibilist need only show that the presence of manipulation mitigates ascriptions of responsibility. Though innovative, Todd fails to present his modified manipulation argument in a way that poses a true threat to the compatibilist. In fact, by introducing a scalar conception of moral responsibility, Todd gives the compatibilist the tools necessary to better handle the incompatibilist’s original manipulation argument.
Analytical Modeling of Temperature Distribution in Interposer-Based Microelectronic Systems

Heterogeneous integration in microelectronic systems using interposer technology has attracted significant research attention in the past few years. Interposer technology is based on stacking of several heterogeneous chips on a common carrier substrate, also referred to as the interposer. Compared to other technologies such as System-on-Chip (SoC) or System-in-Package (SiP), interposer-based integration offers several technological advantages. However, the thermal management of an interposer-based system is not well understood. The presence of multiple heat sources in various die and the interposer itself needs to be accounted for in any effective thermal model. While a finite-element based simulation may provide a reasonable temperature prediction tool, an analytical solution is highly desirable for understanding the fundamentals of the heat transfer process in interposers. In this paper, we describe our recent work on analytical modeling of heat transfer in interposer-based microelectronic systems. The basic governing energy conservation equations are solved to derive analytical expressions for the temperature distribution in an interposer-based microelectronic system. These solutions are combined with an iterative approach to provide the three-dimensional temperature field in an interposer. Results are in excellent agreement with finite-element solutions. The analytical model is utilized to study the effect of various parameters on the temperature field in an interposer system. Results from this work may be helpful in the thermal design of microelectronic systems containing interposers.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Substance abuse and the impaired provider

Physicians have a similar rate of substance abuse as the general population, though their choice of substance may tend to be different. The impact on the physician and his or her patients seriously compromises the delivery of safe and effective medical care. This article reviews our knowledge base regarding the physician with substance abuse issues and presents a methodology to assist in mitigating the risks presented to the provider and patients.
OA14.01. Relaxation-induced anxiety: predictors and subjective explanations among young adults

Purpose Relaxation is used to treat multiple physical and mental health conditions. However, with 17% to 53% of adults reporting relaxation-induced anxiety (RIA), relaxation treatments may not be suitable for all individuals. Indeed, RIA is associated with poor treatment outcomes (e.g., increased panic attack frequency). Therefore, understanding the characteristics of and reasons for the fear of relaxation will help determine how to administer relaxation treatments safely and appropriately. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine predictors and explanations for RIA.
Family-wide Investigation of PDZ Domain-Mediated Protein-Protein Interactions Implicates β-Catenin in Maintaining the Integrity of Tight Junctions

Summary β-catenin is a multifunctional protein that plays a critical role in cell-cell contacts and signal transduction. β-catenin has previously been shown to interact with PDZ-domain-containing proteins through its C terminus. Using protein microarrays comprising 206 mouse PDZ domains, we identified 26 PDZ-domain-mediated interactions with β-catenin and confirmed them biochemically and in cellular lysates. Many of the previously unreported interactions involved proteins with annotated roles in tight junctions. We found that four tight-junction-associated PDZ proteins—Scrib, Magi-1, Pard3, and ZO-3—colocalize with β-catenin at the plasma membrane. Disrupting these interactions by RNA interference, overexpression of PDZ domains, or overexpression of the β-catenin C terminus altered localization of the full-length proteins, weakened tight junctions, and decreased cellular adhesion. These results suggest that β-catenin serves as a scaffold to establish the location and function of tight-junction-associated proteins.
Abstract 3309: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) growth is mediated through gamma-aminobutyric acid a receptor (GABAAR)

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The GABAergic signaling and growth factor pathways have been implicated in neuroendocrine differentiation and CRPC progression. We hypothesized that the GABAergic signaling and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway worked together to promote prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Using androgen receptor (AR)-negative PC-3 cells and AR-positive LNCaP cells derived from human PCa patients, we demonstrated that both cell lines responded to GABA(10-7M - 10-14M) and isoguvacine [a GABAAR antagonist] (10-7M - 10-11M) treatments over two days with elevated growth in a concentration-dependent manner (n=3 for each). Both GABA and isoguvacine also significantly (p<0.05) stimulated expressions of EGFR ligands (EGF, HB-EGF, and TGF-α) (n=3 for each) in both PCa cell lines as determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Immunoblot analyses indicated significant (p<0.05, n=3) elevation of phosphorylation levels of EGFR (Tyr1068) and downstream signal component Src (Tyr416) after GABA and isoguvacine treatments in both cell types with the same temporal changes as those observed with EGFR ligand expressions. Further involvement of GABAAR and EGFR signaling pathway in GABA and isoguvacine-stimulated PCa cell growth and signal transduction was studied using picrotoxin (a GABAAR antagonist) (10-6M ) and gefitinib (an EGFR inhibitor)( 10-6M). Both picrotoxin and gefitinib significantly (p<0.05, n=3) suppressed the GABA and isoguvacine-stimulated cell growth, as well as EGFR (Tyr1068) and Src (Tyr416) phosphorylation. Immunohistochemical studies of GABAAR α1 and phospho-Src (Tyr416) demonstrated that the presence of these molecules was largely limited to prostate carcinomatous glands, but the levels were extremely low or absent in the normal prostate. In addition, GABAAR α1 and phosphor-Src (Tyr416) were co-localized within the cancerous prostate. Our results demonstrate for the first time, that the GABAergic signaling in CRPC cells is mediated through the EGFR pathway, suggesting that GABA may work as autocrine or paracine to promote PCa progression. The clinical implications of this pathway in CRPC may be of significance by therapeutically targeting the GABAAR pathway. Citation Format: Weijuan Wu. Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) growth is mediated through gamma-aminobutyric acid a receptor (GABAAR). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3309. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3309
Object interaction detection using hand posture cues in an office setting

Activity recognition plays a key role in providing information for context-aware applications. When attempting to model activities, some researchers have looked towards Activity Theory, which theorizes that activities have objectives and are accomplished through interactions with tools and objects. The goal of this paper is to determine if hand posture can be used as a cue to determine the types of interactions a user has with objects in a desk/office environment. Furthermore, we wish to determine if hand posture is user-independent across all users when interacting with the same objects in a natural manner. Our experiments indicate that (a) hand posture can be used to determine object interaction, with accuracy rates around 97%, and (b) hand posture is dependent upon the individual user when users are allowed to interact with objects as they would naturally.
Smart civil structures: an overview

This paper presents an overview of the engineering applications of smart structures technology to civil structures. The definition used for smart structures will include those cases where the smartness entails the ability of the structure to sense its present state and the external loads that are acting on it, as well as those cases where the structures are able to respond to external loads so as to ameliorate their effects. The first case will be referred to as `Sensing Structures.' The second case will be referred to as `Sensing and Reacting Structures.' The sequel contains a discussion of applications of sensing structures, sensing and reacting structures, and a brief section that speculates on future opportunities for smart civil structures technologies.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1)-Driven Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells into a Gonadal Lineage

Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is essential for the development and function of steroidogenic tissues. Stable incorporation of SF-1 into embryonic stem cells (SF-1-ES cells) has been shown to prime the cells for steroidogenesis. When provided with exogenous cholesterol substrate, and after treatment with retinoic acid and cAMP, SF-1-ES cells produce progesterone but do not produce other steroids such as cortisol, estradiol, or testosterone. In this study, we explored culture conditions that optimize SF-1-mediated differentiation of ES cells into defined steroidogenic lineages. When embryoid body formation was used to facilitate cell lineage differentiation, SF-1-ES cells were found to be restricted in their differentiation, with fewer cells entering neuronal pathways and a larger fraction entering the steroidogenic lineage. Among the differentiation protocols tested, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) removal, followed by prolonged cAMP treatment was most efficacious for inducing steroidogenesis in SF-1-ES cells. In this protocol, a subset of SF-1-ES cells survives after LIF withdrawal, undergoes morphologic differentiation, and recovers proliferative capacity. These cells are characterized by induction of steroidogenic enzyme genes, use of de novo cholesterol, and production of multiple steroids including estradiol and testosterone. Microarray studies identified additional pathways associated with SF-1 mediated differentiation. Using biotinylated SF-1 in chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, SF-1 was shown to bind directly to multiple target genes, with induction of binding to some targets after steroidogenic treatment. These studies indicate that SF-1 expression, followed by LIF removal and treatment with cAMP drives ES cells into a steroidogenic pathway characteristic of gonadal steroid-producing cells.
Phylogeny of Halgerda (Mollusca:Gastropoda) based on combined analysis of mitochondrial CO1 and morphology

A phylogeny of the nudibranch Halgerda Bergh, 1880 is presented based on mitochondrial CO1 and compared with a previously published morphology-based phylogeny. Incongruence length difference (ILD) tests indicated possibly conflicting phylogenetic signals. Both separate and combined analyses resulted in trees that were very similar in topology, both to each other and to the morphology-based tree (albeit with lower consistency and retention indices). Some differences are noted in the topology based on the optimality criteria used: parsimony and maximum likelihood. Results of this study indicate that the CO1 gene contains sufficient phylogenetic signal for inferring species-level phylogeny in the Nudibranchia and also supports many of the clades in the morphological phylogeny. Specifically, the more basal clades of the morphology-based phylogeny are supported with differences noted at the most terminal taxa.
Pediatric trauma associated with all-terrain vehicles

The frequency of injuries secondary to use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) isincreasing at an alarming rate, and these injuries are usually multiple and severe. Between January 1, 1983, and February 28, 1985, 415 pediatric patients were admitted to the University of Virginia Hospital for care of injuries secondary to trauma; 66 of these patients required intensive care. Of the 415 patients, 12 were injured secondary to ATV use, and four of these required intensive care. The average age was 12 years (range 2 to 16 years), and the average hospital stay was 20 days. Injuries included five closed head injuries, two associated with a basilar skull fracture requiring intracranial pressure monitoring; five long bone fractures, two requiring open reduction and internal fixation; two small bone fractures; two splenic ruptures; two liver lacerations, one of them requiring laparotomy; and one renal hematoma. One patient has required long-term rehabilitation for neurologic deficits. Physicians and the public should be aware of the injury potential of these vehicies and should advocate legislation promoting helmet laws and high safety standards for ATV users.
LNFPIII/LeX-Stimulated Macrophages Activate Natural Killer Cells via CD40-CD40L Interaction

Lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFPIII) is a human milk sugar containing the biologically active Lewis X (LeX) trisaccharide. LNFPIII/LeX is also expressed by immunosuppressive helminth parasites, by bacteria, and on a number of tumor/cancer cells. In this report, we first demonstrate that LNFPIII activates macrophages in vitro as indicated by upregulation of Gr-1 expression on F4/80+ cells. Further, we investigated the effect of LNFPIII-activated macrophages on NK cell activity. We found that LNFPIII-stimulated F4/80+ cells were able to activate NK cells, inducing upregulation of CD69 expression and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production. The experiments show that NK cell activation is macrophage dependent, since NK cells alone did not secrete IFN-γ in response to LNFPIII. Furthermore, we found that activation of NK cells by glycan-stimulated macrophages required cell-cell contact. As part of the cell-cell contact mechanism, we determined that CD40-CD40L interaction was critical for IFN-γ secretion by NK cells, as the addition of anti-CD40L antibodies to the coculture blocked IFN-γ production. We also demonstrated that LNFPIII-stimulated macrophages secrete prostaglandin E2, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) but a very low level of IL-12. Interestingly, addition of anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-10, or anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibodies did not significantly alter NK cell activity. Our data show that these soluble mediators are not critical for LNFPIII-stimulated macrophage activation of NK cells and provide further evidence for the importance of cell-cell contact and CD40-CD40L interactions between macrophages and NK cells.
Results of the META-Health Study Suggest Pathways by Which Vitamin D Affect Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk through Adiponectin Levels may Require Further Characterization in Subgroups

Recent review of Bidulescu and colleagues’ article on the association between vitamin D and adiponectin and its relationship with body mass index in African-Americans, as compared to Whites, reinforced the value of conducting stratified analyses using more resolute subpopulation/subgroup data (1). Although potential mechanisms were carefully considered and described by the investigators of the META-Health Study, the mixed results raised questions about how vitamin D and adiponectin interact in the presence of normal weight versus obesity. For example, the authors hypothesized that the inverse association between vitamin D and adiponectin among lean African-American women may be due to a possible reduced negative regulation of the adipose-tissue renin-angiotensin system by vitamin D metabolites. While this explanation has some support in the literature (2, 3), the significant direct association between vitamin D and adiponectin among lean White women and the lack of association found among obese individuals suggest biological pathways by which vitamin D affects adiponectin expression may be more complex in subgroups and may require further characterization. Prior studies have indicated that adiponectin secretion is paradoxically decreased in obesity, likely as a result of the inhibitory effects of inflammatory factors secreted by hypertrophic adipocytes (i.e., as in obesity) (3–5). Taken together, the results of the META-Health Study suggest that further research may be needed to characterize how vitamin D actually mediate obesity and cardiovascular risk through adiponectin levels by race, gender, and body mass index categories. As indicated by the authors, these study data, in spite of their inherent limitations, could be used to inform if and how randomized controlled trials and other studies on vitamin D supplementation should be conducted. An added value of Bidulescu et al.’s investigation is the contribution of mixed results to the evidence base in this field. All too often, publication bias impedes release of these kinds of null or mixed result findings, especially as they relate to subpopulations or subgroups with high burden of obesity, diabetes, and/or cardiovascular disease. In the “real” world setting, e.g., in health policy and clinical practice, negative or mixed results frequently have as much of an impact as positive results on decision-making.
Bridging the Gap between Monkey Neurophysiology and Human Perception: An Ambiguity Resolution Theory of Visual Selective Attention ☆

Abstract When the visual system must process multiple objects simultaneously, as in the visual search paradigm, the neural coding of individual objects can become ambiguous due to the visual system's extensive use of coarse coding and distributed representations. Here we propose that the primary role of visual selective attention within the ventral object recognition pathway is to resolve these ambiguities. We begin by reviewing previous studies of the effects of attention on neural responses in monkeys, which provide the basis for this hypothesis, and then describe a new set of experiments showing that similar attentional mechanisms operate in the human brain. In these new experiments, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from normal human observers while they performed tasks analogous to those used previously in monkeys. The central finding was that an attention-related ERP wave called the “N2pc component” was present under the same conditions that led to attentional modulations of neural responses in monkey visual cortex. These human electrophysiological results provide a bridge between cognitive-level theories of visual attention and the behavior of individual neurons in visual cortex.
Diversity of neural responses in the brainstem during smooth pursuit eye movements constrains the circuit mechanisms of neural integration

Neural integration converts transient events into sustained neural activity. In the smooth pursuit eye movement system, neural integration is required to convert cerebellar output into the sustained discharge of extraocular motoneurons. We recorded the expression of integration in the time-varying firing rates of cerebellar and brainstem neurons in the monkey during pursuit of step-ramp target motion. Electrical stimulation with single shocks in the cerebellum identified brainstem neurons that are monosynaptic targets of inhibition from the cerebellar floccular complex. They discharge in relation to eye acceleration, eye velocity, and eye position, with a stronger acceleration signal than found in most other brainstem neurons. The acceleration and velocity signals can be accounted for by opponent contributions from the two sides of the cerebellum, without integration; the position signal implies participation in the integrator. Other neurons in the vestibular nucleus show a wide range of blends of signals related to eye velocity and eye position, reflecting different stages of integration. Neurons in the abducens nucleus discharge homogeneously in relation mainly to eye position, and reflect almost perfect integration of the cerebellar outputs. Average responses of neural populations and the diverse individual responses of large samples of individual neurons are reproduced by a hierarchical neural circuit based on a model suggested the anatomy and physiology of the larval zebrafish brainstem. The model uses a combination of feedforward and feedback connections to support a neural circuit basis for integration in monkeys and other species.
Surgical revascularization versus endovascular therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia: a comparative experience.

Introduction Endovascular therapy (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA] with stenting) has been increasingly applied in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) to avoid morbidities associated with open repair (OR). The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of PTA/Stent vs OR in patients with symptomatic CMI. Methods During the interval of January 1991 to December 2005, 80 consecutive patients presenting with symptomatic CMI underwent elective revascularization. Patients with acute mesenteric ischemia or those with mesenteric revascularization performed as part of complex aneurysm repair were excluded. PTA/Stent (with stenting in 87%) was the initial procedure in 31 patients (42 vessels). OR was performed in 49 patients (88 vessels) and consisted of bypass grafting in 31 (63%), transaortic endarterectomy in 7 (14%), patch angioplasty in 4 (8%), or combined in 7 (15%). Mean follow-up was 15 months in the PTA/Stent group and 42 months in the OR cohort. Study end points included perioperative morbidity, mortality, late survival (Kaplan-Meier), and symptomatic and radiographic recurrence. Results Baseline comorbidities, with the exception of heart disease ( P = .025) and serum albumin P = .025), were similar between PTA/Stent and OR patients. The PTA/Stent group had fewer vessels revascularized (1.5 vs 1.8 vessels, P = .001). Hospital length of stay was less for the PTA/Stent group (5.6 vs 16.7 days, P = .001). No difference was noted in in-hospital major morbidity (4/31 vs 2/49, P = .23) or mortality (1/31 vs 1/49, P = .74). Actuarial survival at 2 years was similar between the groups (88% PTA/Stent vs 74% OR, P = .28). There was no difference in the incidence of symptomatic (7/31 [23%] vs 11/49 [22%], P =.98) or radiographic recurrence (10/31 [32%] vs 18/49 [37%], P =.40) between the two groups. Radiographic primary patency (58% vs 90%, P = .001) and primary assisted patency (65% vs 96%, P P = .49). Conclusions Symptomatic recurrence requiring reintervention is common (overall 16/80 [20%]) after open and endovascular treatment for CMI. PTA/Stent was associated with decreased primary patency, primary assisted patency, and the need for earlier reintervention. In-hospital mortality or major morbidity were similar in patients undergoing PTA/Stent and OR. These findings suggest that OR and PTA/Stent should be applied selectively in CMI patients in accordance with individual patient anatomic and comorbidity considerations.
Review article: pharmacological approaches to the optimal control of nocturnal intragastric acidity

Summary Once daily, or even twice daily, dosing with proton-pump inhibitors does not reliably achieve optimal control of nocturnal intragastric acidity. The phenomenon of nocturnal acid breakthrough, defined as intragastric pH < 4 for more than 1 h in the overnight period, was initially described during twice daily dosing with proton-pump inhibitors and found to affect around 70% of individuals. Given recent renewed interest in the potential consequences of nocturnal oesophageal acid exposure, it is appropriate to consider alternative pharmacological approaches to optimizing the control of nocturnal intragastric acidity. Nocturnal acid control is considered to be the maintenance of intragastric pH > 4 for the duration of the night-time period. At pH > 4, gastric refluxate entering the oesophagus is non-caustic because pepsin is biologically inactive in this pH range. Although conventional delayed-release proton-pump inhibitors effectively control daytime, food-stimulated gastric acid secretion, they allow recovery of acid secretion during the night. Bedtime administration of immediate-release omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid, Santarus, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) has been shown to be highly effective in maintaining overnight intragastric pH above 4 for prolonged periods. Pharmacodynamic studies in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease have compared the effects of bedtime administration of immediate-release omeprazole, to either predinner or bedtime administration of three different delayed-release proton-pump inhibitors. Bedtime administration of immediate-release omeprazole was more effective at controlling overnight intragastric acidity than predinner administration of pantoprazole or bedtime administration of lansoprazole.
Serum progesterone and luteinizing hormone following prostaglandin F2α during the sow's estrous cycle

Abstract Thirty-six sows and gilts (hereafter called sows) received one of three prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) treatments on day 6, 10, or 14 of the estrous cycle to determine the effect of prostaglandin treatment on subsequent concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone. Also, the effect of treatment on estrous cycle lengths was evaluated. Blood was sampled every 15 min for 6 h. Starting from time 0, sows received 25 mg of PGF2α at 4 h (treatment 1), 50 mg at 4 h (treatment 2), or 25 mg at both 1 h and 4 h (treatment 3). Treatment and day of cycle that sows were treated modified estrous cycle lengths (P 0.05) among the three cycle stages nor altered by quantity of PGF2α although the response to a second injection (treatment 3) was diminished (P 0.05) at any time. Therefore, it appears that resistance of naturally occurring corpora lutea (of the estrous cycle) in swine to the luteolytic action of PGF2α is not due to gonadotropic support from the pituitary.
Mass spectrometric study of the high temperature chemistry of benzene

The high temperature pyrolysis of benzene was studied by monitoring the gas phase species flowing from a Knudsen reaction cell using modulated molecular beam mass spectrometry. The pyrolysis was studied at temperatures up to 1900/sup 0/C and pressures to 5 Torr. At low pressures hydrogen and carbonaceous deposits (soot) on the reaction cell wall were the dominant products. The disappearance of benzene at the low pressure limit was found to have an apparent activation energy of 82 +- 5 kcal/mole. The rate of carbon formation was determined indirectly from the difference between carbon from benzene flow into the reactor and products leaving the reactor, and good agreement was noted for carbon recovered from the reactor for extended experiments at 1600/sup 0/C. Carbon deposition is most efficient at low pressures; carbon deposition increases with pressure but the fraction of deposited carbon decreases as gas phase reactions become important. At higher pressures, where gas phase reactions dominate, C/sub 2/H/sub 2/, C/sub 4/H/sub 2/, C/sub 6/H/sub 2/, C/sub 8/H/sub 6/, C/sub 12/H/sub 10/, C/sub 12/H/sub 8/, H/sub 2/, and carbon were the major products. The results suggest that the pyrolysis of benzene primarily involves the reaction of an excited benzene molecule to formmore » a C/sub 12/H/sub 12/ intermediate which decomposes to yield C/sub 12/H/sub 10/ and other products. Isotopic exchange in C/sub 6/H/sub 6/-D/sub 2/ and C/sub 6/H/sub 6/-C/sub 6/D/sub 6/ mixtures occurs at the same temperature as biomolecular reaction. At temperatures greater than 1100/sup 0/C more direct processes involving C/sub 6/H/sub 4/ appear to contribute. The pyrolysis occurs primarily by molecular processes, possibly due to the effects of wall-related reactions. 41 references, 16 figures, 1 table.« less
Diagnostic Merits of Current and Potential Applications of Single Photon and Positron Imaging - A Perspective

A brief review of the limitations of medical radionuclide imaging techniques in competition with X-ray CAT scanning and ultrasound suggest that the emphasis in this area should be on measurement of the physiologic uptake of tracer materials. Tomography greatly improves the possibilities of quantitation of this uptake - examples using positron and single photon techniques are presented for 13NH3 and 201T1 in the heart.
Selective, quantitative measurement of releasable synaptic zinc in human autopsy hippocampal brain tissue from Alzheimer's disease patients

Aberrant central nervous system zinc homeostasis has been reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are conflicting reports describing zinc concentration either increased or decreased in the brain of AD patients. Such discrepancies may be due to differences in the brain area examined, zinc detection method, and/or tissue composition. Furthermore, detection and measurement of the releasable zinc pool in autopsy tissue is difficult and usually unreliable. Obtaining an adequate assessment of this releasable zinc pool is of particular significance in AD research in that zinc can coordinate with and stabilize toxic amyloid beta oligomers, which are believed to play a key role in AD neuropathology. In addition, zinc released into the synaptic cleft can interact with the postsynaptic neurons causing altered signaling and synaptic dysfunction, which is a well established event in AD. The method presented here combines two approaches, biochemical fractionation and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, to allow, in addition to extracellular zinc concentration, the reliable and quantitative measurement of zinc specifically localized in synaptic vesicles, which contain the majority of the neuronal releasable zinc. Using this methodology, we found that synaptic vesicle zinc concentrations were increased in AD hippocampi compared to age-matched controls and that this increase in releasable zinc matched increased concentration of zinc in the extracellular space.