cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aminergic projections to cochlear nucleus via descending auditory pathways.

The cochlear nucleus (CN) receives descending input from a variety of auditory nuclei. Descending inputs from the superior olive in particular have been well described, especially those of olivocochlear neurons, which terminate ultimately in the cochlea. It has been demonstrated that olivocochlear neurons receive serotonergic and noradrenergic inputs and thus form a route by which the aminergic system may modulate cochlear mechanisms. Since olivocochlear neurons send collaterals into the CN, it is possible that they also from a route by which the aminergic systems modulate CN processes. The goal of the current study was to determine if neurons in the superior olive that projected to the CN received serotonergic or noradrenergic inputs. The retrograde tracer WGAapoHRP-Au was injected into the CN of cats. The brainstems were silver-enhanced to visualize the tracer and then immunohistochemically processed with antibodies raised against serotonin or dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) to label serotonergic or noradrenergic fibers, respectively. The sections were viewed with high power light microscopy to determine if the retrogradely labeled neurons were contacted by serotonin- or DBH-immunoreactive varicosities. Retrogradely labeled cells were observed in auditory brainstem nuclei known to project to the CN including the superior olivary complex and inferior colliculus bilaterally and the opposite CN. In these regions, retrogradely labeled neurons were closely associated with serotonin- and/or DBH-immunoreactive varicosities. Assuming a synaptic relationship between the projection neurons and varicosities, these results indicate that the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems innervate the descending pathways to the CN. Since the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems modulate their targets based on level of arousal, these results support the theory that descending systems are involved in selective attention.
Enhanced cardiac function in Gravin mutant mice involves alterations in the β-adrenergic receptor signaling cascade.

Gravin, an A-kinase anchoring protein, targets protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), calcineurin and other signaling molecules to the beta2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR). Gravin mediates desensitization/resensitization of the receptor by facilitating its phosphorylation by PKA and PKC. The role of gravin in β-AR mediated regulation of cardiac function is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute β-AR stimulation on cardiac contractility in mice lacking functional gravin. Using echocardiographic analysis, we observed that contractility parameters such as left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction were increased in gravin mutant (gravin-t/t) animals lacking functional protein compared to wild-type (WT) animals both at baseline and following acute isoproterenol (ISO) administration. In isolated gravin-t/t cardiomyocytes, we observed increased cell shortening fraction and decreased intracellular Ca2+ in response to 1 µmol/L ISO stimulation. These physiological responses occurred in the presence of decreased β2-AR phosphorylation in gravin-t/t hearts, where PKA-dependent β2-AR phosphorylation has been shown to lead to receptor desensitization. cAMP production, PKA activity and phosphorylation of phospholamban and troponin I was comparable in WT and gravin-t/t hearts both with and without ISO stimulation. However, cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyBPC) phosphorylation site at position 273 was significantly increased in gravin-t/t versus WT hearts, in the absence of ISO. Additionally, the cardioprotective heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) was significantly more phosphorylated in gravin-t/t versus WT hearts, in response to ISO. Our results suggest that disruption of gravin’s scaffold mediated signaling is able to increase baseline cardiac function as well as to augment contractility in response to acute β-AR stimulation by decreasing β2-AR phosphorylation and thus attenuating receptor desensitization and perhaps by altering PKA localization to increase the phosphorylation of cMyBPC and the nonclassical PKA substrate Hsp20.
An AM1 semiempirical molecular orbital investigation of the group 14 [1.1.1] propellanes and bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes

Abstract AM1 semiempirical calculations were performed on the group 14 [1.1.1]propellanes and bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes. For the carbon and tin propellanes, the results were in agreement with several previous theoretical and experimental studies, predicting substantial bonding interaction between the bridgehead atoms in the case of carbon and none in the case of tin. Calculations on the silicon propellane were in sharp disagreement with ab initio calculations using a variety of basis sets. Both geometry and singlet-triplet splitting were incorrectly reproduced. The silicon propellane calculations were repeated using the HF/6-31G* basis set, and the singlet-triplet order was in agreement with the previous work. The germanium results show very strong charge localization. We suggest a possible reason for this observation.
A classical enhancer element responsive to both lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ augments induction of the iNOS gene in mouse macrophages

Abstract The ability of macrophages to kill some kinds of tumor cells is dependent upon the production of the free radical nitric oxide (NO) by the inducible enzyme NO synthase (iNOS; EC 1.14.13.39). Expression of the iNOS gene is induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and augmented by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Two regions of the iNOS promoter are known to regulate induction, a promoter proximal region I (RI) and a more distal region II (RII). Reconfiguration of RI within the iNOS regulatory region revealed its dependence upon native position and orientation for maximal activity, suggesting that it is a core promoter module, and further implicated the putative octamer element as a contributor to promoter activity. RII, however, functioned in a relatively orientation- and position-independent manner. Therefore, it had the characteristics of a classical enhancer element.
Plantation science : improving natural indigo in colonial India, 1860-1913

This paper explores the transition to synthetic dyestuffs through a principal focus on developments within the last major holdout of the natural-dye industry, the blue colourant indigo. It starts by looking closely at existing practices of cultivation and manufacture of the natural dye in colonial India in the second half of the nineteenth century. It also develops a case study based on targeted efforts scientifically to improve plant-derived indigo in labora- tories and experiment stations in colonial India and imperial England. Experts attempted to increase yields and enhance the purity of the natural dye to meet the competition of the cheaper and purer synthetic indigo launched on the international market in 1897 by two German firms, BASF and Hoechst. The paper explains the patronage of science by European planters, the colonial state and the metropolitan government and analyses the nature of science that emerged in the colonial-imperial nexus.
Diffuse esophageal polyposis: an uncommon occurrence.

The presence of multiple esophageal polyps on endoscopy is a rare entity. Most of the literature cited on this phenomenon is based on case reports and small series. A large proportion of the literature describes one or two polyps, with the majority of polyps occurring in the area of the gastroesophageal junction. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease that was found to have extensive esophageal polyposis of the mid-esophagus on upper endoscopy. The patient underwent a transhiatal esophagectomy. Final pathology was consistent with extensive polypoid dsyplasia in the presence of Barrett's esophagus.
Infrared diode laser study of the kinetics of the NCCO + O2 reaction

Abstract Infrared diode laser spectroscopy was used to probe the kinetics of the NCCO + O 2 reaction. Several NCCO transitions were detected at 1887–1890 cm −1 , in good agreement with a recent high-level calculation for the ν 2 fundamental vibrational frequency. The total rate constant of the NCCO + O 2 reaction was measured to be (5.2 ± 0.5) × 10 −13 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 at 2 Torr pressure of N 2 . The NCO + CO 2 product channel was detected for the first time by probing 18 OC 16 O products from NCCO + 18 O 2 . The branching ratio for this channel was estimated to be 0.28 ± 0.06 at 3.2 Torr total pressure.
Photobiological properties of positively charged methylene violet analogs.

Abstract O-Methyl methylene violet (OMeMV), O-methyl bromomethylene violet (OMeBrMV) and O-methyl iodomethylene violet (OMeIMV) have been prepared in order to test their potential utility as anti-viral and anti-tumor phototoxic dyes. Rates of photosensitized toxicity of KB cells with 633 nm irradiation are (×10−19 photon−1): 2.4, 2.2, 1.9 and 0.17 for OMeIMV, OMeBrMV, methylene violet (MV) and OMeMV, respectively. Rates of photosensitized inactivation of Sindbis virus in phosphate-buffered saline with 633 nm irradiation are (×10−18 photon−1): 3.3, 1.8, 0.99, 0.15 for MV, OMeIMV, OMeBrMV and OMeMV, respectively. Quantum efficiencies for singlet oxygen formation were determined as OMeIMV, 0.64; OMeBrMV, 0.40; OMeMV, 0.054. Titration of the dyes with double-stranded (ds)DNA resulted in bathochromic shifts and hypochromic effects in the visible absorption spectra. Association constants for interaction of the methylated dyes with dsDNA of ∼1 × 105 M−1 were determined by Scatchard analysis of equilibrium dialys...
Testing, time limits, and English learners: Does age of school entry affect how quickly students can learn English?

Abstract Using data on young English learners (EL) who enroll in the New York City public school system, I examine how long it takes students to become minimally proficient in English and how the time to proficiency differs for students by their age of school entry. Specifically, I follow four recent entry cohorts of ELs ages 5–10 and use discrete-time survival analysis to model the rate at which different age groups acquire proficiency. I find that approximately half of the students become proficient within three years after school entry and that younger students learn more quickly than older students. Age of entry differences are robust to controls for observed differences between age of entry groups in their economic and demographic characteristics, their disabilities, and the schools they attend. The results lend support to the theory that older students face developmental barriers to learning new languages quickly.
Feeling a Shared History through Song: "A Flower in the Rainy Night" as a Key Cultural Symbol in Taiwan

Released in 1934, “A Flower in the Rainy Night” (U iā hoe) is often considered one of the most heart-rending of old Taiwanese songs. On the eve of the 2002 Taipei mayoral election, Taiwan's former president, Lee Teng-hui, closed the rally for the underdog candidate by leading a crowd of 50,000 in singing the song. An analysis of ethnographic, literary, and media sources indicates that the song serves as an elaborating symbol and aids in conceptualizing the order of the world, making ties between the past and present, and offering visions of alternative futures.
A low-temperature high-strain-rate formable nanocrystalline superplastic ceramic

A fully dense nanocrystalline ceramic consisting of ZrO2, Al2O3 and MgAl2O4 was deformed at 1150 °C at a strain rate on the order of 10−2 s−1. Spark plasma sintering was used in this study as a means of consolidation as well as for subsequent superplastic deformation.
Structure of trihexosylceramide biosynthesized in vitro by rat kidney galactosyltransferase.

Abstract Trihexosylceramide biosynthesized in vitro from lactosylceramide and UDPgalactose in the presence of galactosyltransferase from rat kidney microsomes was shown by permethylation to consist of two positional isomers in which the galactopyranosyl units are linked 1 → 3 and 1→ 4, respectively.
THE OCCURRENCE OF SETARIA IN REINDEER

Setaria yehi Desset, 1966, is reported from domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus Linnaeus), maintained at College and Cantwell, Alaska. Microfilariae were present in blood from reindeer harboring S. yehi. Gross and microscopic findings in the infected animals revealed a low-grade peritonitis. Caribou, moose, dairy cows, goats, and dogs examined in the local areas were negative for microfilariae.
Dynamic FoxO transcription factors

Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors FoxO1, FoxO3a, FoxO4 and FoxO6, the mammalian orthologs of Caenorhabditis elegans DAF-16, are emerging as an important family of proteins that modulate the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, oxidative stress, cell differentiation, glucose metabolism and other cellular functions. FoxO proteins are regulated by multiple mechanisms. They undergo inhibitory phosphorylation by protein kinases such as Akt, SGK, IKK and CDK2 in response to external and internal stimuli. By contrast, they are activated by upstream regulators such as JNK and MST1 under stress conditions. Their activities are counterbalanced by the acetylases CBP and p300 and the deacetylase SIRT1. Also, whereas polyubiquitylation of FoxO1 and FoxO3a leads to their degradation by the proteasome, monoubiquitylation of FoxO4 facilitates its nuclear localization and augments its transcriptional activity. Thus, the potent functions of FoxO proteins are tightly controlled by complex signaling pathways under physiological conditions; dysregulation of these proteins may ultimately lead to disease such as cancer.
Decorative and indicative contrast: When a Good Thing Goes Bad

Ozcelik et al. used eye tracking technology to show that students performed better at recognizing and recalling key information when information was highlighted through color changes. Conversely, Canham and Hegarty showed that information graphics with larger blocks of information undifferentiated by indicators of key information can hinder user performance in information retention tasks. However, both studies point to conclusions that most designers already know: keep your information simple or else make the key points of information stand out. Studies like these primarily considered information-bearing design elements (i.e., textual elements), and left untested those decorative elements that evoke emotional responses rather than information per se: color, nonindicative imagery, and typeface choices, for instance. This study used eye tracking data to investigate whether extra information, extra indicative strategies, or extra decorative elements interfered more with user experience. Prior research has suggested that users are generally more tolerant of indicative contrasts than of excess decoration. With eye tracking data from both US and international student participants, this study is able to more precisely pinpoint which added visual elements are most difficult to navigate and whether significant differences in eye tracking patterns can be detected across cultures.
Computing with rewrite systems

Term-rewriting systems, that is, sets of directed equations, provide a paradigm of computation with particularly simple syntax and semantics. Rewrite systems may be used for straightforward computation by simplifying terms. We show how, in addition, restricted forms of the Knuth—Bendix “completion” procedure may be used to interpret logic programs written as a set of equivalence-preserving rewrite rules. We discuss verification issues and also illustrate the use of the full completion procedure to synthesize rewrite programs from specifications.
GPS observations of mid-latitude TEC depletions

We have used measurements of TEC values gathered by several networks of GPS receivers, which operated in Central America and the Caribbean region between 2010 and 2013 to investigate the morphology of TEC depletions that develop at magnetic latitudes higher than 20°. We found that these TEC depletions occur mainly during magnetic active conditions, persist for very long periods and are seen even during afternoon hours especially when the level of magnetic activity is high (K p > 5o). The large spatial coverage provided by the GPS receivers in these regions (>150 receivers) allows us to identify their origin and in some cases track their paths. We also employ TEC values from South America to study possible links with the formation of TEC depletions at low latitudes and TEC measurements from North America to determine their latitudinal extensions. The mid-latitude depletions do not appear to be related to auroral plasma processes or to storm enhanced densities (SED). We are studying the possibility that their initiation process is associated with the disturbance dynamo or prompt penetrating electric fields that develop during storm conditions.
Mammography Screening and Overdiagnosis

Breast cancer overdiagnosis, the detection of tumors unlikely to becomeclinically apparent in theabsenceof screening, is an important, but elusive, concept. It is importantbecause thediagnosis and treatment of invasive breast cancer and high-risk noninvasive lesions, particularly ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), involve potentially harmful procedures and therapies andhave considerablepsychosocial impacts onwomen. Becausemost diagnoses of high-risk lesions,DCIS,andearly invasivebreastcancer followscreeningmammography, overdiagnosis is clinically relevant tomillions ofwomen undergoing screening in the United States each year. Overdiagnosis is elusive because it is ill-defined and inconsistently measured. Currently, there is no accepted standard definition or method for estimating overdiagnosis, although differences in study characteristics, methods, and measures and how they influence estimates of overdiagnosis arewell recognized.1,2 Most estimates have been derived from screening trials, screening programs and registries, epidemiologic data, or statistical models. Estimates are based on data from patient populations with differing ages and risks for breast cancer, screening and follow-up times, screening practices, and underlying cancer incidence trends. Calculations includevarious combinationsof numerators anddenominators anddiffer in their assumptions about lead time andprogressionof invasivecancer,whetherboth invasivebreastcancerandDCIS are included, andwhether they report relativeor absolute changes. The most commonly used methods determine differences between the incidence of cancer in the presence and in the absence of screening ormake inferences about the lead time or natural history of breast cancer to estimate the frequency of overdiagnosis.1 Studiesofoverdiagnosisprovideestimates that rangefromnonexistent to over 50% of diagnosed cases, reflecting the heterogeJAMA INTERNALMEDICINE
Survey and Assessment in Women's Colleges: An Issue of Context.

This chapter outlines the history of women's colleges and concludes with a case study of institutional assessment that provides insights for research and analysis.
On the Importance of the Aromatic Ring Parameter in Studies of the Solvolyses of Cinnamyl and Cinnamoyl Halides.

In solvolysis studies using Grunwald-Winstein plots, dispersions were observed for substrates with aromatic rings at the -carbon. Several examples for the unimolecular solvolysis of monoaryl benzylic derivatives and related diaryl- or naphthyl-substituted derivatives have now been reported, where the application of the aromatic ring parameter removes this dispersion. A recent claim suggesting the presence of an appreciable nucleophilic component to the scale has now been shown, in a review of the solvolysis of highly-hindered alkyl halides, to be unlikely to be correct. Attention is now focused on the application of the term for the solvolysis of compounds containing a double bond in the vicinity of any developing carbocation. Available specific rates of solvolysis (plus some new values) at C of cinnamyl chloride, cinnamyl bromide, cinnamoyl chloride, -chlorocinnamoyl chloride, and p-nitrocinnamoyl chloride are analyzed using the simple and extended (including the term) Grunwald-Winstein equations.
Ultrasound Assessment of Ex Vivo Lung Tissue Properties Using a Fluid-Filled Negative Pressure Bath

Pulmonary compliance is largely influenced by the mechanical properties of the lungs and surrounding tissues [1–3]. Pathological changes in lung structure can alter pulmonary compliance, which can impair the efficiency of ventilation and negatively affect the overall quality of life of the patient. For example, in emphysema the elastic tissue is destroyed and the lung becomes overly compliant. Although it is easy to inflate, the lack of elastic recoil during exhalation impairs lung emptying. Conversely, in pulmonary fibrosis the pulmonary compliance is decreased. Higher pressures are required to inflate the lung, increasing the work of breathing. The measurement of pulmonary compliance can have important diagnostic and prognostic value, although its measurement can be technically challenging [4–6]. In order to calculate compliance, volume change is measured with a spirometer and esophageal pressure is used as a surrogate for intrapleural pressure. This pressure is measured by a balloon catheter swallowed by the patient, which can be an uncomfortable procedure. A noninvasive method with which to accurately measure lung tissue mechanics in patients would therefore be highly valuable. Ultrasound imaging has previously been used in connective tissues to not only provide visual information about a tissue but also quantitatively describe its mechanical properties (i.e., by relating tissue mechanical properties to changes in echo intensity, or the grayscale brightness in the ultrasound image) [7–10]. Ultrasound is highly portable, inexpensive, noninvasive, and requires no radiation or contrast injection. This makes it especially attractive in pediatric patients, pregnant women, patients who are sedated and mechanically ventilated, or those who have advanced kidney disease [11]. A relationship between tissue stress and strain and ultrasonic echo intensity (grayscale brightness in the ultrasound image) has previously been defined in tendons [7], demonstrating a correlation between tissue stiffness and echo intensity. However, the use of pulmonary ultrasound has been limited to guidance for pleural thoracentesis and the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, great vessel abnormalities, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. We postulate that echo intensity could also be related to the mechanical properties of the lung, and that quantitative ultrasound of the lung could be developed as a technology to assess the mechanical properties of lung tissue. Therefore, the goal of this first proof-of-principal experiment was to develop a test setup in which lung tissue mechanics could be related to echo intensity. To that end, we evaluated ex vivo lung compliance in normal rats by a testing method which uses negative pressures to inflate the lungs in a fluid-filled bath specially designed to allow ultrasound imaging to compute lung tissue compliance.
Controls of Tonic and Phasic Dopamine Transmission in the Dorsal and Ventral Striatum

Dopamine (DA) release varies within subregions and local environments of the striatum, suggesting that controls intrinsic and extrinsic to the DA fibers and terminals regulate release. While applying fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and using tonic and phasic stimulus trains, we investigated the regulation of DA release in the dorsolateral to ventral striatum. The ratio of phasic-to-tonic-evoked DA signals varied with the average ongoing firing frequency, and the ratio was generally higher in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) compared with the dorsolateral striatum. At the normal average firing frequency, burst stimulation produces a larger increase in the DA response in the NAc than the dorsolateral striatum. This finding was comparable whether the DA measurements were made using in vitro brain slices or were recorded in vivo from freely moving rodents. Blockade of the dopamine transporters and dopamine D2 receptors particularly enhanced the tonic DA signals. Conversely, blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the β2 subunit (β2*) predominantly suppressed tonic DA signals. The suppression of tonic DA release increased the contrast between phasic and tonic DA signals, and that made the frequency-dependent DA dynamics between the dorsolateral striatum and NAc more similar. The results indicate that intrinsic differences in the DA fibers that innervate specific regions of the striatum combine with (at least) DA transporters, DA receptors, and nAChRs to regulate the frequency dependence of DA release. A combination of mechanisms provides specific local control of DA release that underlies pathway-specific information associated with motor and reward-related functions.
The Protective Effect of Minocycline in a Paraquat-Induced Parkinson's Disease Model in Drosophila is Modified in Altered Genetic Backgrounds

Epidemiological studies link the herbicide paraquat to increased incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD). We previously reported that Drosophila exposed to paraquat recapitulate PD symptoms, including region-specific degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Minocycline, a tetracycline derivative, exerts ameliorative effects in neurodegenerative disease models, including Drosophila. We investigated whether our environmental toxin-based PD model could contribute to an understanding of cellular and genetic mechanisms of minocycline action and whether we could assess potential interference with these drug effects in altered genetic backgrounds. Cofeeding of minocycline with paraquat prolonged survival, rescued mobility defects, blocked generation of reactive oxygen species, and extended dopaminergic neuron survival, as has been reported previously for a genetic model of PD in Drosophila. We then extended this study to identify potential interactions of minocycline with genes regulating dopamine homeostasis that might modify protection against paraquat and found that deficits in GTP cyclohydrolase adversely affect minocycline rescue. We further performed genetic studies to identify signaling pathways that are necessary for minocycline protection against paraquat toxicity and found that mutations in the Drosophila genes that encode c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Akt/Protein kinase B block minocycline rescue.
Großtechnische Nutzung der Thermokompression bei der Destillation von 1,2‐Dichlorethan

On etudie l'utilisation a grande echelle de la thermocompression au cours de la distillation de 1,2-dichloroethane
Cardiorenal Consideration as a Risk Factor for Heart Failure

Cardiovascular disease–related factors are responsible for about 50% of the mortality in patients with both chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Therefore, it is not surprising that 30%–50% of patients with congestive heart failure also have an impaired glomerular filtration rate. This signifies a co-dependence between the kidneys and the heart. The role of anemia, microalbuminuria, calcium, and phosphorus imbalance in this cardiorenal interdependence is discussed in this article.
Sample size cognizant detection of signals in white noise

The detection and estimation of signals in noisy, limited data is a problem of interest to many scientific and engineering communities. We present a computationally simple, sample eigenvalue based procedure for estimating the number of high-dimensional signals in white noise when there are relatively few samples. We highlight a fundamental asymptotic limit of sample eigenvalue based detection of weak high-dimensional signals from a limited sample size and discuss its implication for the detection of two closely spaced signals. This motivates our heuristic definition of the effective number of identifiable signals. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the consistency of the algorithm with respect to the effective number of signals and the superior performance of the algorithm with respect to Wax and Kailath's "asymptotically consistent" MDL based estimator.
Microwave-facilitated extraction of furanocoumarins onto paper substrates: an imaging technique to analyse spatial distribution and abundance in leaves

An impediment to studying the implications of ﬁne-scale variation in the distribution of secondary compounds within plants has been an inability to map their distribution. Conventional approaches require ﬁne-scale dissections, followed by extraction and analysis, a strategy which is often limited by the large number of extractions required and by the difﬁculty in quantifying compounds in very small samples. A method has been developed which allows the microwave-facilitated transfer of furanocoumarins from fresh leaves to two-dimensional substrates (phase separation paper). The ﬂuorescence of these compounds under UV light is enhanced by treatment with base, which probably opens the lactone ring of the compounds. The developed prints are then photographed under UV light and the images analysed with commonly available software programs. Images so obtained for furanocoumarins in wild parsnip foliage revealed that the total ﬂuorescence from extracted furanocoumarins is correlated with the amount of furanocoumarins remaining in the leaf. Thus, the images provide information not only on spatial distribution but also quantitative data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal Circumcisions Performed by Pediatric Residents: Implementation of a Training Program

Objective.—To implement a pilot training program on neonatal circumcisions for pediatric residents in a residency training program, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in improving knowledge and skills in performing circumcisions. Design.—Educational curriculum. Setting.—The mother-baby unit of a tertiary care university medical center. Participants.—Nineteen pediatric residents in training. Intervention.—A 1-month circumcision-training program. Outcome Measures.—Successful completion of the training program, change in mean knowledge scores, and change in attitudes regarding circumcision. Results.—All 19 residents successfully completed the pilot program. Residents were enthusiastic about the opportunity to train in performing circumcisions. The mean test scores on the content items increased significantly from 5.0 (SD, 1.8) before training to 8.3 (SD, 1.0) after training (P Conclusions.—Given a structured curriculum, pediatric residents can be taught to safely and successfully perform neonatal circumcisions with adequate technical competency and pain relief skills. Training results in increased knowledge and increased level of comfort in performing this routine procedure.
DNA triple helix stabilization by aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Abstract The stabilization of the poly(dA) 2poly(dT) triple helix by neomycin is reported. Preliminary results indicate that neomycin stabilizes DNA triple helices and the double helical structures composed of poly(dA) poly(dT) are virtually unaffected. This is the first report of the interaction of aminoglycoside antibiotics with DNA triple helices.
Contact With Myelin Evokes a Release of Calcium From Internal Stores in Neonatal Rat Oligodendrocytes In Vitro

The response of neonatal rat oligodendrocytes to contact with myelin extracts prepared from the central and peripheral nervous system was examined. Contact with either CNS myelin or PNS myelin resulted in collapse of the fine structure of the leading edge of oligodendrocytes in vitro. The collapse of the fine structure of oligodendrocyte processes was preceded by a substantial (approximately fivefold) increase in intracellular free calcium concentration. The calcium concentration increase was due, at least in part, to a release of calcium from internal stores, since it persisted when extracellular calcium was removed by chelation with EGTA. The increase in calcium concentration and the coincident morphological change suggest that oligodendrocytes might be able to recognize and react to specific molecules on the surface of other oligodendrocytes.
Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle and ovulation in the rhesus monkey.

In primates, as in all other vertebrates, cyclic reproductive phenomena represent the outcome of complex, and still imperfectly understood, functional neuroendocrine interactions involving the ovarian hormones, the gonadotrophic hormones of the adenohypophysis and the hypophysiotrophic hormones of the hypothalamus. The following summary largely focuses on our own studies designed to describe the dynamics of the endocrine events throughout the menstrual cycle and to elucidate their control in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).
High resolution 13C spectroscopy by Fourier transform NMR. Thiete sulfone

The high resolution 13C NMR spectrum of thiete sulfone (obtained without wide-band 1H decoupling) indicates that ring strain and re-hybridization in this small ring compound are significant. Pulsed-Fourier operation allows rapid determination of spectral parameters. Experimental acquisition time by pulsed NMR without 1H decoupling is comparable to the experimental time required for swept 13C NMR with complete 1H decoupling.
The effect of branch lengths on phylogeny: An empirical study using highly conserved orthologs from mammalian genomes

Phylogenetic analyses were applied to 269 families of putative orthologs represented by a single member in the genomes of human, mouse, dog, and chicken. Five methods were used: maximum parsimony (NP), neighbor-joining (NJ) with Poisson and Gamma distances; and maximum likelihood (ML) with JTT and JTT + gamma models. When applied to the concatenated sequence of all families, all methods strongly supported a tree in which mouse branched before human and dog. In analyses of individual families, the same topology was supported more than any other. Although there was evidence of an increased rate of amino acid replacement in the mouse lineage in comparison to the other two mammals, there was no evidence that support for the mouse’s basal position was due to long-branch attraction; rather, this topology was seen in the families with the lowest rate variation among the three mammalian branches. In families with highly divergent mouse sequences, ML with both JTT and JTT + gamma and NJ with the gamma distance tended to support a topology in which the dog, rather than the mouse, branched first. Thus, in these data, a tendency of long and short branches to cluster together (“opposite-branch attraction”) seemed to be more of a problem than long-branch attraction.
Complete clinical responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for uterine serous carcinoma.

Three cases of serous carcinoma of the uterus with radiographically documented widespread metastases are presented. Following confirmation of histopathology, all were treated with a standard regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel for eight courses with complete resolution of distant metastases on CT scan prior to postchemotherapy surgical exploration. Two patients had gross disease at laparotomy, and one had only microscopic tumor found in the uterine specimen. This experience offers rationale for treatment of patients with widely metastatic uterine serous carcinoma or other relative contraindications to surgery with primary carboplatin and paclitaxel. In addition, we believe this experience supports the hypothesis that this regimen may result in prolonged disease-free survival when employed as postsurgical adjuvant therapy.
ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS NOS ANOS INICIAIS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: POSSIBILIDADES E DESAFIOS EM CANOAS-RS

O estudo proposto tem como tematica investigativa o ensino de ciencias nos anos iniciais, suas contribuicoes e obstaculos para a alfabetizacao cientifica dos alunos, como tambem abordara a importância dos espacos de formacao permanentes como desafio de tornarmos nossa sala de aula um espaco mais proximo da realidade, mais proximo de nossos alunos. Esta pesquisa tentou contribuir junto ao trabalho dos professores dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental, colaborando na sua pratica pedagogica e fazendo com que o professor sinta-se motivado a fazer o ensino de ciencias mais atrativo e eficaz, obtendo bons resultados com seus alunos, trazendo novas ideias e caminhos para melhorar a sua pratica docente. O ambiente de pesquisa se cria na observacao das praticas dos docentes, gerando alguns questionamentos que surgiram durante esta observacao. A Abordagem Metodologica e apresentada pela: caracterizacao do estudo, campo de estudo, participantes da pesquisa, instrumentos da coleta de dados e analise dos dados. O presente estudo constatou que para poder sanar as deficiencias da formacao inicial e academica dos professores, cabe dar mais oferta em cursos de capacitacao voltados ao ensino de ciencias nos anos iniciais. Entao o professor pode usar os espacos de formacao permanente na escola para suprir suas necessidades. Os saberes produzidos no âmbito escolar possibilitam compartilhar e partilhar ideias e e no coletivo que construimos a nossa caminhada e crescemos profissionalmente.
Abstract 3: Cholesterol Crystals Produced by Endothelial Cells During Hyperlipidemia Initiate Atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is caused by prolonged dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation. Although much is known about advanced stages of atherosclerosis, events leading to its initiation are poorly understood. Cholesterol crystals (CC) have been associated with advanced plaque, but their origin and potential role in the initiation of atherosclerosis and early plaque development are unknown. Using polarized light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy we show for the first time that CC are present in the very early plaque induced after only 1 week of high fat diet in ldlr-null mice. We determined that the source of CC is the endothelial monolayer by treatment of human aortic endothelial cells with LDL for 5 days. Other cell types like monocytes, fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells failed to form CC upon LDL, AcLDL or oxLDL treatment. To identify in vitro formed CC we used polarized light, transmission electron and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, we identified that CC are generated within ...
Impact of trainees on length of stay in the emergency department at an Academic Medical Center.

OBJECTIVES Emergency department (ED) overcrowding remains a growing concern despite continued efforts by hospitals to improve efficiency while also maintaining quality of care and medical education. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the total number of trainees rotating in the ED affects length of stay (LOS). METHODS This was a single-center study conducted at an urban university teaching hospital and level I trauma center that averages 65,000 adult ED visits per year. Data were collected retrospectively during a 13-month period from September 2012 to September 2013. The mean daily LOS was generated by the hospital's electronic medical record system, and the total number of trainees (medical students, postgraduate year-1 students/interns, and nurse practitioners) rotating in the ED each day was collected from monthly shift calendars. Correlations were used to examine the relation between LOS and number of trainees rotating in the ED. Independent sample t tests were conducted to compare differences in average LOS on days with and without trainees rotating in the ED. RESULTS The mean daily LOS ranged from 3.39 to 7.13 hours (mean 4.97, standard deviation [SD] 0.59). The number of trainees rotating in the ED each day ranged from 0 to 11 (mean 5.32, SD 2.39). No significant relation was found between LOS and the number of trainees rotating in the ED (r = 0.06). Subsequent analyses using independent sample t test revealed that LOS did not vary even when no trainees were rotating in the ED (mean 4.93, SD 0.69) versus when at least one trainee was working (mean 4.97, SD 0.59). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest that ED LOS is unaffected by the presence or total number of trainees (medical students, postgraduate year-1 students/interns, and nurse practitioners) rotating in the ED. Further research is needed to examine what, if any, adjustments are being made to accommodate trainees and whether the quality of education suffers when the trainee-to-attending ratio is high.
Influence of hydroprene on German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) populations in public housing.

Four treatment regimes involving the insect growth regulator hydroprene were evaluated in 1983–84 against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), in low-income, multifamily, public housing apartments. Results showed that all treatments significantly reduced cockroach populations. An initial application of a 1.2% hydroprene total release fogger with a 1.0% propetamphos spray, followed by reapplication of the hydroprene at 3 months, was superior. Population reduction attained by this treatment extended control at least 6 months longer than two applications of a 1.0% propetamphos spray.
Beyond the Glass Ceiling:Case Study of the Female Presidents of American Universities

This research starts from the lack of female in high ranking positions,revealing the "glass ceiling" phenomena which thwarts female from the high stages.Thus it conducts an interview and a case study of the female president of University of Northern Colorado(UNC),describing her pursuit of presidency,environmental governance and responsive strategies.Based on the case study,the following conclusions are reached: family and social environment are the kindling to ignite women's dream;the awareness of female and their efforts are the keys of success; the transcendent mentality and clinging pursuit are the best way to overcome obstacles;the understanding and help from men are the most powerful support.
Analysis of Burden of Stroke Disease in Urban and Rural Residents of Liaoning Province

Objective To assess ihe burden of stroke disease in urban and rural residents of Liaoning province. Methods The method of the Global Burden of Disease(GBD2000)study was used to calculate the Disability Adjusted Life Years(DALY)of stroke with the prevalence and mortality data of stroke in Liaoning.Results The DALYs lost of stroke in Lia- oning province were 17.2 per 1000 in 2003.significantly higher for males than females(20.2 vs 14.1)and in rural area than in urban area(18.8 vs 14.1).Conclusion The DALYs of stroke in Liaoning province is 1.6 times that of China estimated by GBD2000.
The Fall of Napoleon

This book tells the story of the invasion of France at the twilight of Napoleon's empire. With more than a million men under arms throughout central Europe, Coalition forces poured over the Rhine River to invade France between late November 1813 and early January 1814. Three principal army groups drove across the great German landmark, smashing the exhausted French forces that attempted to defend the eastern frontier. In less than a month, French forces ingloriously retreated from the Rhine to the Marne; Allied forces were within one week of reaching Paris. This book provides the first complete English-language study of the invasion of France along a front that extended from Holland to Switzerland.
Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis

The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) includes a consideration of genetic and environmental factors. Comparative studies of different populations have revealed prevalence and incidence rates that vary with geography and ethnicity. With a prevalence ranging from 2 per 100,000 in Japan to greater than 100 per 100,000 in Northern Europe and North America, the burden of MS is similarly unevenly influenced by longevity and comorbid disorders. Well-powered genome-wide association studies have investigated the genetic substrate of MS, providing insight into autoimmune mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of MS and elucidating possible avenues of biological treatment.
Preoperative Levels of Catecholamines and Metanephrines and Intraoperative Hemodynamics of Patients Undergoing Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Resection

Objective To determine whether, despite pharmacologic adrenergic receptor blockade, higher preoperative levels of catecholamines and metanephrines (adrenergic activity) are associated with increased intraoperative complications. Materials and Methods Records of patients undergoing paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma (PGL-PCC) resection from January 1, 2000, to June 30, 2015, were reviewed for preoperative levels of adrenergic activity, intraoperative variability in blood pressure and heart rate (range), and postoperative outcomes (hypotension requiring treatment). Patients were categorized by maximum preoperative adrenergic activity by greater degree of abnormality, categorized as normal (≤100%) or 101%-200%, 201%-500%, 501%-1000%, and ≥1001% of upper limit of normal. Results In total, 258 patients underwent intrathoracic or intra-abdominal PGL-PCC resection, of whom 240 received pretreatment with nonselective α1,2-blockers and 7 received pretreatment with selective α1-blockers. Intraoperative hemodynamic variability was greater with higher preoperative levels of adrenergic activity (P <.001). However, substantial variability was observed even with adrenergic activity levels within the normal range: systolic blood pressure (median [interquartile range], 75 [63-83] mm Hg) and heart rate (34 [26-43] beats per minute). Among patients with preoperative levels of adrenergic activity ≤500% vs ≥501% of the upper limit of normal, higher levels were associated with greater likelihood of postoperative diagnosis of volume overload (8% vs 2%, P = .04) and greater requirement for vasopressor infusions for hypotension (5% vs 1%, P = .01). Conclusion Substantial intraoperative hemodynamic instability was encountered in patients with PGL-PCC resection, regardless of preoperative hormonal activity level; therefore, universal preoperative adrenergic receptor blockade should be recommended. Postoperative hypotension was rare and more prevalent in those with higher preoperative hormonal activity.
Coordinated Rural-Urban Development in China: a New Social Spatial Reorganization Plan for Urbanization, Migration, and Rural Development

This essay focuses on a new social spatial reorganization plan for urbanization, migration, and rural development in China. The plan addresses China’s need to have urban, peri-urban, and rural areas reorganized in a coordinated way. The goal of the plan is to incorporate hundreds of millions of rural residents into the urban economy and its improved way of life. Rural residents are currently unable to be supported by the traditional farm, yet China’s large cities are already hard-pressed to serve its existing citizens. The plan calls for rural-urban development that is comprehensive, concentrated, and coordinated. The heart of the proposed social space redesign is the creation of the “super-municipality.” This is an enormous political jurisdiction in both geographical size and population to be managed and supported by the central government, and including modernized new Agricultural Commercial Enterprises to transform China’s agricultural sector.
Evaluation of a Minimally Disruptive Treatment Protocol for Frontal Sinus Fractures

Importance Despite common goals of frontal sinus fracture treatment (restoring forehead contour and creating a safe sinus), there remains significant variability in evaluation and treatment. Object...
Role of immunohistochemical analysis in the diagnosis of gastric carcinosarcoma, a rare tumour — case report

Carcinosarcoma is a malignant tumour that has carcinomatous and sarcomatous components occurring rarely in the stomach with only a handful of case reports, mainly from Japan. We report a case of carcinosarcoma in a fifty-two-year-old female with clinical and histopathological features. The patient underwent complete workup followed by surgical resection. Macroscopically, the tumour was large and ulcerating. Microscopically, it was a carcinosarcoma with myogenic differentiation. Immunohistochemical analysis was done, which led to the diagnosis of gastric carcinosarcoma. Carcinosarcoma can mimic an adenocarcinoma clinically, and making a diagnosis on the basis of endoscopy or radiology alone is not possible. Our case report highlights the importance of immunohistochemical analysis in the diagnosis of gastric carcinosarcoma.