cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrapulmonary shunt is a potentially unrecognized cause of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.

Background Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a harbinger of stroke. The etiology of stroke in as many as 40% of patients remains undetermined after extensive evaluation. It was hypothesized that intrapulmonary shunt is a potential facilitator of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or TIA. Methods Patients undergoing clinically indicated transesophageal echocardiography were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive multiplane transesophageal echocardiographic imaging was performed and saline contrast done to assess for intrapulmonary shunt and patent foramen ovale. Results Three hundred twenty-one patients with either nonhemorrhagic CVA ( n = 262) or TIA ( n = 59) made up the stroke group. Three hundred twenty-one age-matched and gender-matched patients made up the control group. Intrapulmonary shunt occurred more frequently in the stroke group (72 of 321) compared with the control group (32 of 321) (22% vs 10%, P P n = 71), intrapulmonary shunt occurred more frequently (25 of 71) than in the control group (5 of 71) (35% vs 7%, P P Conclusions These results suggest that intrapulmonary shunt is a potentially unrecognized facilitator of CVA and TIA, especially in patients with cryptogenic CVA and TIA. Future studies assessing the prognostic significance of intrapulmonary shunt on cerebral vascular event recurrence rates in patients after initial CVA or TIA would be of great interest.
Phylogenetic changes in the connections of the lateral preglomerular nucleus in ostariophysan teleosts: a pluralistic view of brain evolution.

The connections of the lateral preglomerular nucleus were examined wjth the fluorescent tracer DiI in a cyprinid, a characin, a catfish and a gymnotoid species. In all of these taxa the lateral preglo
Evaluation of optoacoustic conversion efficiency of light-absorbing films for optoacoustic transmitter applications

Light-absorbing films have been utilized as optoacoustic transmitters for all optical ultrasound transducers. For these thin-film transmitters, however, optoacoustic conversion efficiencies (OCEs) and the output pressures have not been evaluated over a broadband and high frequency range. Here, we characterized such optoacoustic performance with high precision by using optical microring ultrasound detectors (OMUDs) under a plane wave configuration. We obtained ultrasound pulses minimizing diffraction-induced signal distortion, while maintaining broadband spectral information up to 100 MHz owing to the detector wideband response. In order to find an efficient thermal transfer medium for optoacoustic generation, we compared the OCEs and the output pressures for various polymers. Finally, a 2-D gold nanostructure with the polymer layer was characterized over the broadband frequency range.
Abstract A21: Direct transcriptional functions of the APC tumor suppressor in regulating gene expression

Mutation of the APC tumor suppressor gene occurs in approximately 75% of colorectal cancers (CRC) and is considered the central event driving tumor initiation in the large intestine. The APC protein controls gene expression indirectly through the canonical WNT signaling pathway as a component of a cytoplasmic complex that promotes the proteolysis of the transcriptional co-regulator β-catenin. Recent studies have shown that APC is also a chromatin-associated protein that interacts with the promoter of the MYC proto-oncogene to downregulate its transcription. We have tested the hypothesis that APC similarly regulates other genes relevant to tumorigenesis, and that the 75% of CRCs that are deficient in APC may show abnormal activation or suppression of these genes, in comparison to the other 25% of CRCs. These differences could potentially underlie differences in tumor progression and/or responses to chemotherapy, and could enable the identification of new therapeutic targets. The APC genotype of two CRC cell lines was manipulated using siRNA to reduce APC expression in one cell line wild-type for APC and using an APC transgene to induce exogenous APC expression in a second cell line mutated for APC. NanoString and RNA-seq technologies have generated gene expression datasets from these cell lines and identify more than 700 genes that could be directly regulated at the transcriptional level by APC. RT-PCR and in silico analyses have validated a smaller subset of these genes. Functional pathway analysis has led to the hypothesis that APC loss facilitates evasion of apoptosis, with a subset of 17 pro- and anti-apoptotic candidate genes implicated in this effect. Critical experiments in progress will confirm the extent to which the aberrant expression of these genes in vivo is specific to colon tumors lacking APC, using Apc-deficient and Apc-wild-type mouse models of intestinal cancer, and will identify direct chromatin binding sites of APC by ChIP-seq. These approaches will validate our gene expression analyses and identify a set of direct gene targets that APC regulates. Citation Format: William Hankey, Michael A. McIlhatton, Xun Lan, Anil G. Jegga, Victor X. Jin, Bruce J. Aronow, Joanna Groden. Direct transcriptional functions of the APC tumor suppressor in regulating gene expression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.
Responses to messages about health behaviors: The influence of repressive coping.

This study examined the impact of messages that promoted health behaviors on repressors (persons who report low levels of anxiety and a high need to appear socially desirable), high anxiety participants (persons who report high levels of anxiety and a low need to appear socially desirable), and low anxiety participants (persons who report low anxiety and a low need to appear socially desirable). It was hypothesized that repressors would be more influenced by messages encouraging health promotion behaviors than messages encouraging disease detection behaviors. Also it was hypothesized that low anxiety participants and high anxiety participants would be equally influenced by messages about both types of behavior. To test these hypotheses 40 repressors, 40 high anxiety, and 40 low anxiety participants were randomly assigned to read a message that encouraged the performance of either a disease detection or health promotion behavior. Then participants were asked to indicate their intention to perform the behav...
Morphological modification of polyaniline films for the separation of gases

We have recently reported a potentially useful application for conjugated polymer films in the field of gas separations (Science, 252, 1412, 1991). Here we report additional findings which show how selective control of gas permeability is facilitated by the doping, undoping and redoping (cycling) process of emeraldine films. Specifically, permeability data for H2, He, CH4, CO2, O2, N2, and CH4 are given for films treated with perchloric acid. There is a large increase in permeability to all gases following the doping and undoping film treatment cycle. Moreover, controlled redoping (of the undoped films) results in large separation factors for industrially important gas pairs. These results are consistent with the model based on dopant occupation of free-volume of the “pin-hole free” film. This cycling phenomenon is also found in other conjugated polymers such as poly-dimethoxy-para-phenylene-vinylene (DMPPV). Another important variable for gas transport properties of polyaniline films is the film curing time. Permeability data for films cured at 125° C for 2, 3, and 6 hours, and then cycled, indicate that a three hour cure time produces the most fully dense films. We also present preliminary gas permeability data for a polyimide thin film by itself and, a polyimide blend containing polyaniline.
Rhabdomyolysis after Loss of Consciousness due to Alcoholic Intoxication

We report a case of rhabdomyolysis complicated by acute renal failure caused by loss of consciousness after drinking. A 46-year-old man fell asleep in his living room after drinking beer and whisky. Showing no signs of awakening by 10 a.m. the next morning, he was transferred to our emergency center. On admission his consciousness level was II-30 (Japan coma scale), and his temperature was 31.1°C. Laboratory data showed hypoglycemia; mixed acidosis; and elevation of CPK, GOT and LDH. The serum ethanol concentration was 221mg/dl. At the midnight on the first hospital day, swelling of the right hip area develope and it declined to be growing. The patient's consciousness gradually returned, however, he remained oliguric despite treatment with fluid challenge and diuretics. A diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis complicated by acute renal failure was made, and hemodialysis was performed. A triacetate membrane was selected as the dialyzer in order to eliminate serum myoglobin. The acute renal failure improved after hemodialysis 20 times in 38 days. The cause of the rhabdomyolysis is believed to have been pressure necrosis due to immobility for many hours in addition to muscle damage caused by ethanol. Hemodialysis with a triacetate membrane was useful in eliminating myoglobin in acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis.
Cellulose functions in arid soil development

Abstract Microorganisms play important roles in the transformation of cellulose to soil organic matter, which can affect the fate of this important plant polymer and thus influence the process of desertification. Cellulose releases and utilization by microbes are related to seasonal changes in the plant community. Herbage removal timing and intensity should be able to be managed to maximize production of this important polymer. In addition, the degradation of cellulose can be managed by physical and biological means to maximize accumulation and retention as stabilized soil organic matter. Physical variables include cellulosic litter placement, temperature, and soil moisture variations, all of which can affect decomposition. Biological approaches include control of nitrogen availability and chemical amendments to modify the biological community. A major goal will be to maintain fungal dominance, a vital factor in degradation of cellulose to more resistant organic matter. Microbial inocula can be used to mo...
Community-based Preferences for Stool Cards versus Colonoscopy in Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background In the United States, compliance with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommendations remains suboptimal. Professional organizations advocate use of shared decision making in screening test discussions, but strategies to facilitate informed choice in CRC screening have not been well elucidated.
Deep Blue system overview

One of the oldest Grand Challenge problems in computer science is the creation of a World Championship level chess computer. Combining VLSI custom circuits, dedicated massively parallel C@ search engines, and various new search algorithms, Deep Blue is designed to be such a computer. This paper gives an overview of the system, and examines the prospects of reaching the goal.
Bio/chemical sensors based on liquid core optical ring resonator

Optical ring resonators in the form of a microsphere or microcylinder of a few tens to a few hundreds of μm in diameter represent a new sensing mechanism and have recently drawn increasing attention in bio/chemical sensor development. In a ring resonator, the light circulates along the inner surface in the form of the whispering gallery modes (WGMs) resulting from total internal reflection. Due to the high Q-factor of the WGM, the effective interaction length between the light and the analytes can be 10-100 cm long, despite the sensor's micrometer dimensions. Successful feasibility demonstrations of a single ring resonator sensor have stimulated further investigation on photonic and fluidic integration. In this paper, we present a novel bio/chemical sensor platform based on a liquid core optical ring resonator (LCORR) architecture that takes advantage of the high sensitivity associated with ring resonators and easy sample delivery associated with the hollow core columns. This structure allows for separate engineering of the fluidics and photonics and is well-suited for a 2-D sensor array. The potential result is a micro-sized sensing system capable of detecting multiple agents simultaneously while providing redundancy to reduce false positives. In addition, the sample detection volume can be as low as 100 pL. Here we present an LCORR with a Q-factor of 500,000 (2 pm mode linewidth) and a refractive index sensitivity of 7 nm/RIU. Also, we demonstrate the detection of bovine serum albumin adsorbing to the inner surface as the sample is pumped through the LCORR.
Uranium-to-uranium bonds: do they exist?

Structures cristallines des complexes U 3 O(CO) 10 et U 2 (OP r i ) 10 . Aucune liaison U-U n'est mise en evidence dans les deux complexes
Preparation of a "twisted basket" Mn(4)N(8) cluster: a two-hydrogen-atom reduced analogue of the Mn(4)N(8) pinned butterfly.

Mn4(μ-NHPh)4(μ-PhNNPh-κ2N,N′)2(py)4 (3) is synthesized via self assembly from dimeric Mn2(μ-NHPh)2(NR2)2 and PhNHNHPh (R = SiMe3). This cluster represents the N–N cleaved version of the previously-reported Mn4(μ-NHPh)2(μ3-PhNNPh-κ3N,N′)2(μ-PhNNPh-κ2N,N′)(py)4 “pinned butterfly” cluster (2), formally reduced by two hydrogen atoms. Cluster 2 may be converted to 3 by addition of N,N′-diphenylhydrazine as a two-electron reductant.
Global and regional N2O measurements

Real-time N2O measurements have been made in situ at the South Pole, Antarctica, north and south of the equator from on board the Alpha Helix and over the Pacific Ocean on several aircraft flights from the U.S. to New Zealand, Australia and 90 deg S. In addition, an automated EC-GC has been operated for the past year intermittently monitoring N2O in surface air at a rural site in the wheatlands of eastern Washington state. The data obtained are consistent and in agreement with the data obtained from the analyses of a large number of samples collected both from ground stations and a variety of aircraft flights made in the southern and northern hemisphere. The observed global data show no interhemispheric differences. The present concentration of N2O in the troposphere is measured to be 330 + or - 3 ppbv. Its vertical distribution in the troposphere is very uniform. A small decrease (2-3 percent) across the tropopause is characteristically observed in the high-altitude flights.
Nitroglycerin alters matrix remodeling proteins in THP-1 human macrophages and plasma metalloproteinase activity in rats.

Abstract Several studies suggested that long-term nitrate therapy may produce negative outcomes in patient mortality and morbidity. A possible mechanism may involve nitrate-mediated activation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteases, particularly matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and adhesion molecules in human macrophages, leading to the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. We examined the gene and protein regulating effects on THP-1 human macrophages by repeated exposure to therapeutically relevant concentrations of nitroglycerin (NTG) and possible involvement of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling mechanism in mediating some of these observed effects. THP-1 human macrophages repeatedly exposed to NTG (at 10 nM, added on days 1, 4 and 7) exhibited extensive alterations in the expression of multiple genes encoding ECM proteases and adhesion molecules. These effects were dissimilar to those produced by a direct nitric oxide donor, diethylenetriamine NONOate. NTG exposure significantly up-regulated NF-κB DNA nuclear binding activity and MMP-9 protein expression, and reduced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression; these effects were abrogated in the presence of the NF-κB inhibitor parthenolide (a chemical inhibitor derived from the feverfew plant). Further, we examined whether our in vitro findings (an elevated MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and gelatinase activity) can be translated to in vivo effects, in a rat model. Sprague–Dawley rats exposed continuously to NTG subcutaneously for 8 days via mini-osmotic pumps showed significant induction of plasma MMP-9 dimer concentrations and the expression of a complex of MMP-9 with lipocalin-2 or neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). Plasma gelatinase activity was significantly increased by NTG over the entire study period, attaining peak elevation at day 6. Plasma TIMP-1 protein was down-regulated significantly by day 2 and days 4–7 in the NTG-treated rats. Pharmacokinetic monitoring of NTG and its dinitrate metabolites indicated that concentrations were well within therapeutic levels observed in humans. Our studies indicate that clinically relevant concentrations of NTG not only altered ECM matrix by changing the expression of multiple genes that govern cellular integrity, affecting cellular MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance in THP-1 human macrophages possibly via NF-κB activation, but also led to systemic changes in MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression and gelatinase activity in rats. These effects may contribute to extracellular matrix degradation and possible atherosclerotic plaque destabilization.
The General Linear Model I

Econometrics is the study of estimating the parameters of economic models and testing the predictions of theory. In this text, we develop and estimate the general linear regression model and test its forecasting efficiency. In many contexts of empirical research in economics we deal with situations in which one variable, say y, is determined by one or more other variables, say {x i : i = 1, 2, … , n}, without the former determining the latter. For example, suppose we are interested in the household demand for food. Typically, we assume that the household’s operations in the market for food are too insignificant to affect the price in the market, so that our view of the household is that of an atomistic competitor. Thus, we take the price of food, as well as the other commodity prices, as given irrespective of the actions of the household. The household’s income is, typically, determined independently of its food consumption activity—even if the household is engaged in agricultural pursuits. Here, then, we have a situation in which a variable of interest viz, the demand for food by a given household, is determined by its income and the prices of food and other commodities, while the latter group of variables is not influenced by the household’s demand for food.
Who is in Control? How Women in a Halfway House Use Faith to Recover from Drug Addiction

Religious adherents from most major faith traditions struggle in balancing their individual agency with divine leadership. While this issue of individual versus divine control is complex for those in free society, it becomes even more so when applied to those in correctional and treatment settings. For those attempting to recover from drug addiction, a common conclusion is that drugs have taken control of their lives, thus it is necessary for them to reclaim control. Via a narrative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 former drug addicts residing in a faith-based halfway house for women, we explore how the women make sense of losing control of their lives due to their drug use, but then being taught to regain control by surrendering to a higher power. We find strong evidence of Deferring and Collaborative religious coping styles and these coping styles structure how the women discuss the future and their strategies for success.
Macular hole closure with triamcinolone-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling.

PURPOSE To evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of patients treated with triamcinolone-assisted internal membrane peeling for macular hole. METHODS A retrospective chart review of 37 consecutive cases done by a single vitreoretinal surgeon for idiopathic macular hole. All surgery involved triamcinolone-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling. All patients had at least 3-month follow-up. Main outcome measures included anatomic macular hole closure, visual acuity, and operative complications. RESULTS Mean follow-up was 11 months (range, 3-56 months). Anatomic macular hole closure was achieved in 36 eyes (97%). Mean overall preoperative visual acuity was 20/150 and final acuity was 20/63 (P or =20/50. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS Triamcinolone-assisted internal limiting membrane peel is an effective surgical technique in macular hole surgery. Use of triamcinolone acetonide did not adversely impact macular hole closure. Anatomic closure rates and visual outcomes compared favorably with published literature on macular hole surgery.
MORPHOLOGY-DEPENDENT ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF CYTOCHROME C AT AU COLLOID-MODIFIED SNO2 ELECTRODES

Reversible electrochemistry of horse heart cytochrome c (Cc) has been obtained at SnO2 electrodes modified with 12-nm-diameter colloidal Au particles. Previous experiments had demonstrated electrochemical addressability of these particle ensembles; the high current densities and small peak-to-peak separations observed for Cc are indicative of facile electron transfer. In contrast to previously described modified electrodes for Cc, these data were acquired without polishing and without any modification of the Au particle surface. Quasireversible voltammetry was obtained with surfaces comprising monodisperse 36-nm-diameter and polydisperse 6-nm-diameter Au particles, but no voltammetric wave for Cc was seen at surfaces composed of aggregates of 12-nm-diameter or 22-nm-diameter Au particles. These data indicate that nanometer-scale morphology of metals plays a key role in protein electrochemistry, and suggest that isolated, surface-confined colloidal Au particles may be useful building blocks for macroscopic...
Molecular dynamics simulation of gas phase ion cluster formation

Abstract The structure, energetics, and dynamics of gas phase cluster ions formed by the collision between an atomic ion, Cs+, and a neutral molecular cluster, have been characterized using molecular dynamics simulations. These studies have shown that cluster ions stabilize by evaporative cooling, i.e. the loss of a molecule, to dissipate excess internal energy within the nascent cluster ion. Particular emphasis has been placed on characterizing the distribution of internal energy within the cluster ion and how subsequent evaporative steps affect that distribution. The mechanism of the evaporative process and the time scale associated with the formation of the first solvent shell around the ion were also investigated.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder volvulus.

Torsion of the gallbladder is a rare entity. Approximately 300 cases have been reported since it was first described in 1898 by Wendel (Ann. Surg. 1898; 27:199). The condition occurs most often in the elderly. Although the etiology is unknown, a constant finding is the presence of the gallbladder on a mobile mesentery (“floating” gallbladder). Torsion, or volvulus, of the gallbladder occurs when this gallbladder twists axially, with subsequent occlusion of bile and/or blood flow.
Receptive Fields of Opponent Color Units in the Optic Nerve of the Ground Squirrel

When mapped with white light, each receptive field consisted either of an excitatory ("on") center and a concentric inhibitory ("off") surround, or of the reverse arrangement. Monochromatic stimuli revealed that each receptive field was composed of two mutually antagonistic components (one excitatory, one inhibitory) which had different spectral sensitivities and different spatial distributions. For some units the two chromatic components had identical spatial distributions.
Optimization via Liquid Phase Mixtures in Capillary Gas Chromatography

Summary The use of sequentially coupled columns to achieve a binary liquid phase mixture has been simplified by the availability of zero dead volume fittings compatible with fused silica columns. The extent to which the velocity gradient through the coupled column affects the “apparent” liquid phase ratio can be determined by graphic interpolation; the length ratio of the coupled column segments can then be adjusted so that the “apparent” liquid phase ratio actually experienced by the solutes agrees with the targeted value. The f8Ct that the direction of flow through the coupled column affects the chromatographic dispersion suggests that accepted generalizations on flow optimization throughout the column may not be precisely correct.
Correlation between low-temperature tunneling density of states in glasses and the glass transition temperature

Abstract The density of states of the low-temperature tunneling levels which contribute to the excess specific heat and other anomalous properties of amorphous materials is shown to be proportional to the reciprocal glass transition temperature. This result agrees with recent experimental observations for a number of glass formers.
Electronic structure of gadolinium calcium oxoborate

Gadolinium calcium oxoborate (GdCOB) is a nonlinear optical material that belongs to the calcium--rare-earth (R) oxoborate family, with general composition Ca{sub 4}RO(BO{sub 3}){sub 3} (R{sup 3+} = La, Sm, Gd, Lu, Y). X-ray photoemission was applied to study the valence band electronic structure and surface chemistry of this material. High resolution photoemission measurements on the valence band electronic structure and Gd 3d and 4d, Ca 2p, B 1s and O 1s core lines were used to evaluate the surface and near surface chemistry. These results provide measurements of the valence band electronic structure and surface chemistry of this rare-earth oxoborate.
High-dose methotrexate pharmacokinetics and outcome of children and young adults with osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is used frequently in combination regimens that include nephrotoxic chemotherapy. The authors evaluated the impact of factors such as age and prior nephrotoxic agents on MTX pharmacokinetics in children and young adults with osteosarcoma and examined whether MTX pharmacokinetic parameters were associated with outcome. METHODS The authors evaluated MTX pharmacokinetics in 140 patients who were treated with 1083 courses of HDMTX on 3 consecutive studies of multiagent chemotherapy at a single institution. The influence of MTX pharmacokinetics on the outcome of 107 patients with localized disease was examined. RESULTS Mean peak MTX concentrations ≥ 1000 μM were achieved in 135 patients (96%). MTX clearance was decreased after cisplatin therapy (P = 0.01), after cisplatin in combination with ifosfamide therapy (P 1500 μM were found to have a worse outcome (estimated 5-year EFS, 58.5% ± 6.7%) compared with patients who had a mean peak concentration ≤ 1500 μM (estimated 5-year EFS, 75.5% ± 6.6%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS When HDMTX (12 g/m2) was used with multiagent therapy for patients with osteosarcoma, very high MTX exposures were associated with poorer outcome. The prospective evaluation of MTX pharmacokinetics and their relation to outcome in a large study is warranted to further substantiate the current findings and to elucidate the causative mechanism. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
β-Adrenergic activity of (±)-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol in isolated rat fat cells and hepatocytes

The pharmacology of (±)-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol with respect to stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation by isolated rat fat cells and liver cells was examined. (±)-Hydroxybenzylisoproterenol was found to be a full agonist and twice as potent as (−)-isoproterenol in liver cells, and equipotent to (−)-isoproterenol in fat cells with regard to stimulating cyclic AMP accumulation. A study of the ability of this catecholamine to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity of broken-cell preparations revealed that (±)-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol was equipotent to (−)-isoproterenol in liver cell homogenates, while 3- to 4-fold more potent than (−)-isoproterenol in fat cell ghost membranes. (±)-Hydroxybenzylisoproterenol was also found to be as potent as (−)-isoproterenol in stimulating cyclase activity of S49 mouse lymphoma cell membranes. Competition studies of specific [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol binding to liver cell membranes revealed a Kd of 10 nM for (±)-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol and 25 nM for (−)-isoproterenol binding to the liver β-adrenergic receptor. Competition studies of specific (−)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol binding to fat cell membranes indicated a similar affinity of these sites for both (±)-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol and (−)-isoproterenol. The guanyl nucleotide Gpp(NH)p induced a shift in the curve for competition of (−)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol binding by (−)-isoproterenol to the right, but failed to do so when (±)-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol was the competing agonist. Properties of (±)-[3H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol binding to fat cell or liver cell membranes were inconsistent with those expected of adenylate cyclase coupled β-adrenergic receptors.
Broadening of the RF Power-Density Window for Calcium-ion Efflux from Brain Tissue

Blackman et al. [1], [2] have reported enhanced efflux of calcium ions from chicken forebrains, exposed in vitro in a 50 ?stripline to 147 MHz radiation, modulated sinusoidally at 16 Hz. When the spacing between the sample tubes was 3.8 cm on center, enhancement occurred at an incident power density of 0.83 mW/cm2, but not at 0.11, 0.5S, 1.11, or 1.38 mW/cm2. When the spacing between sample tubes was reduced to 1.9 cm, significant enhanced efflux was observed at incident power densities of 0.55, 0.83, 1.11, and 1.38 mW/cm2. This broadening of the effective power-density range is explained herein by calculations which show that the more closely spaced samples interact electrically in a way that both lowers and broadens the range of spatial variation-of absorbed power density (MW/cm3) within the sample for a given incident power density (mW/cm2). Electrical coupling among the samples allows several different values of incident power to yield exactly the same value of power absorbed at given points within the brain sample. Because the absorbed power density must be directly related to the power that interacts with the brain to enhance the efflux of calcium ions, the electromagnetic conditions for efflux enhancement in coupled and uncoupled brains are the same if the absorbed power density is the same. Ranges of absorbed power density are identified that could be effective in enhancing the efflux of calcium ions from the brain tissue.
4-imidazolyl-3-amino-2-butanone (McN-A-1293), a new specific inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase.

Abstract 4-Imidazolyl-3-amino-2-butanone (McN-A-1293) was shown to be an effective inhibitor of fetal rat histidine decarboxylase, but not guinea pig kidney aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase in vitro . McN-A-1293 was a more potent inhibitor than α-methylhistidine, but less potent than brocresine (NSD-1055) and other aminooxyamines. Kinetic studies using fetal rat histidine decarboxylase indicated the inhibition to be reversible and competitive with histidine. McN-A-1293 in vitro was a less potent inhibitor of diamine oxidase than brocresine and was only a weak inhibitor of imidazole- N -methyltransferase. Administration of McN-A-1293 (200 mg/kg, i.p.) to fed rats resulted in 55 per cent inhibition of gastric histidine decarboxylase, while gastric aromatic l -amino acid decarboxylase was only slightly inhibited (17 per cent). Brocresine (200 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited both gastric decarboxylases > 60 per cent. Doses of McN-A-1293 as low as 50 mg/kg, i.p., inhibited gastric histidine decarboxylase activity. In fasted rats, McN-A-1293 (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to inhibit the elevation in gastric histidine decarboxylase induced by gastrin or insulin. 4-Imidazolyl-3-amino-2-butanone (McN-A-1293) is an effective and specific inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase both in vitro and in vivo and should be a useful agent for studies on the role of histidine decarboxylase in histamine physiology.
Vascular anatomy of the rat ventral prostate

The rat ventral prostate gland is a model tissue to study the effects of androgenic steroids on prostate cells. Recent reports suggest that the prostatic vascular system is a primary target of androgen action in this tissue. In order to better understand how the vascular system of the ventral prostate supports the tissue in an androgenically normal adult male rat we utilized a variety of microscopic imaging techniques to more fully characterize its structural anatomy and its interaction with other prostatic cell types. Vascular corrosion casts were produced from the mature ventral prostate glands of rats. These casts were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to describe gross and fine details of the prostate vascular anatomy. Fixed thin sections of ventral prostates were immunostained with antiFactor XIII and analyzed by light microscopy for the presence of capillary elements within the prostatic glands. Other sections were directly analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to describe the anatomical relationship between the capillaries and the prostatic ducts and their associated glands. The rat ventral prostate is supplied with blood by branches of the inferior vesical artery which enters the apex of the tissue from the base of the urinary bladder. Visualization of the prostatic vascular network under SEM shows that this major vessel is found on the posterior-medial surface of the tissue (closest to the bladder). This surface also has numerous serpentine vessels that appear to facilitate a stable blood supply to the prostate in accommodation of urinary bladder distension. Examination of the opposing surface of the casts allowed a crude description of the structure of the prostatic ductal system with the distal tips of the ducts (containing the prostate glands) oriented towards the anterior-lateral surface of the tissue. On this surface, one can discern a series of adjacent basket-shaped vascular structures of distributing arterioles that supply a dense complex of fine capillaries to the glands. Analysis of the interface of the prostatic ductal system with its vascular elements by light microscopy and TEM shows that some capillaries lie immediately adjacent to the basement membranes of the glands while others can be found interspersed within the myofibroblast layer surrounding the ducts and glands. Veins accompany the arteries and combine with the superior vesical before entering the common iliac vein. This study gives a comprehensive and detailed view of the microvasculature of the rat ventral prostate gland. The findings here will provide the basis for future experiments to evaluate how the ventral prostate vascular system changes in response to androgenic manipulation and to other pathological conditions. Anat Rec 256:403–411, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment planning for stereotactic radiosurgery of intra-cranial lesions

Stereotactic radiosurgery of intra-cranial lesions is a treatment modality where a well defined target volume receives a high radiation dose in a single treatment. Our technique delivers this dose using a set of non-coplanar arcs and small circular collimators. We use a standard linear accelerator in our treatments, and the adjustable treatment parameters are: isocenter location, gantry arc rotation interval, couch angle, collimator field size, and dose. The treatment planning phase of the treatment determines these parameters such that the target volume is sufficiently irradiated, and dose to surrounding healthy tissue and critical, dose-limiting structures is minimized. The attachment of a BRW localizing frame to the patient's cranium combined with CT imaging (and optionally MRI or angiography) provides the required accuracy for localizing individual structures in the treatment volume. The treatment is fundamentally 3-dimensional and requires a volumetric assessment of the treatment plan. The selection of treatment arcs relies primarily on geometric constraints and the beam's eye view concept to avoid irradiating critical structures. The assessment of a treatment plan involves isodose distributions throughout the volume and integral dose-volume histograms. We present the essential concepts of our treatment planning approach, and illustrate these in three clinical cases.
Determination by High Performance Liquid Chromatography of Stability of Tetrahydro-β-carbolines at Different Ambient Temperatures

Abstract To determine the stability of tetrahydro-β-carboline compounds over time and at different temperatures, a reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography system with electrochemical detection was utilized. Noreleagnine (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline) and tetrahydroharman (1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline) were dissolved in water or ascorbate (0.1 mg/ml) vehicle and stored at −20°C, 22°C, or 37°C for one, seven or 12 days. After each solution was injected in the column in a concentration of 400–600 ng/10 μl, peak height values were obtained for the compound under each condition. Analysis of percent recovery showed that the two β-carbolines were relatively stable with a maximal degradation of 14% occurring only at the 12-day assay interval. These results suggest that this class of compound can be used in pharmacological studies in which they can be dispensed from a mini-pump implanted in tissue. Further, an HPLC system with electrochemical detector provides a valid and reliable procedure...
Synthesis of a novel hydrogel based on a coordinate covalent polymer network

A new type of polymeric inorganic hydrogel is synthesized from the ligand substitution reaction of K[sub 2]PdCl[sub 4] by a cyanometalate such as K[sub 3]Fe(CN)[sub 6] in aqueous solution. These gels typically contain >95% water, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The Pd:Fe ratio is 2:1, independent of the stoichiometry employed, and two chloride ligands are displaced per palladium center. Infrared and electrochemical measurements indicate the presence of bridging cyanide ligands (i.e., Fe-CN-Pd), which lead to the formation of polymeric chains. Interchain cross-links are possible by a number of mechanisms. Dynamic oscillatory rheological measurements were performed during the sol-gel process. The effect of the reactant concentration, Pd:Fe ratio, and concentration of spectator ions on the gelation rate is discussed. 16 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.
The first ionization of carbonic acid in aqueous solutions of potassium chloride including the activity coefficients of potassium bicarbonate

Abstract The electrochemical cell without liquid junction: Pt H 2 , CO 2 KHCO 3 (m 1 ) , KCl(m2), CO2(m3)/AgCl/Ag has been used to determine the first ionization constant of carbonic acid and the activity coefficient of KHCO3 in potassium chloride solutions and in water at 278.15, 298.15, and 318.15 K. The molality ratios m 1 m 2 were approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. The range of molality for KHCO3 varied from 0.015 to about 1 mol·kg−1, whereas that for KCl ranged from 0.01 to about 0.34 mol·kg−1. The average value of pK1 for all different ratios of m 1 m 2 at 298.15 K is 6.360, which is the same as the previous result of 6.360 for NaHCO3 + NaCl + H2O. The results were also treated by fitting to the Pitzer equations for mixed electrolytes. All parameters reliably and accurately known from other systems were adopted leaving only the KHCO3 parameters to be determined. From these results, values are calculated for activity and osmotic coefficients of pure KHCO3 at selected molalities and temperatures as well as the trace activity coefficient of KHCO3 in KCl.
Update on Management of Patients With Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a multifactorial neuropsychiatric disease that affects patients with cirrhosis. We review the clinical impact, pathogenesis, evaluation, management, and prevention of overt HE in patients with cirrhosis. Articles published between January 1960 and November 2012 were acquired through a MEDLINE search of different combinations of the terms hepatic encephalopathy, pathophysiology, treatment, prophylaxis, prevention, prognosis, and recurrence. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database was used to obtain prevalence and cost information related to hospitalizations of patients with HE. The literature describes significant morbidity and mortality of HE in patients with cirrhosis. Overt HE develops in 30% to 45% of patients with cirrhosis and is associated with a substantial pharmacoeconomic burden, particularly HE-related hospitalizations. The development of HE in patients with cirrhosis portends a worsened prognosis and is incorporated into the Child-Pugh classification of the severity of liver disease. In the hospitalized patient, the development of HE is associated with precipitating events (eg, gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration, infection), and in some patients, its course is characterized by frequent and severe relapses. In addition, hospitalized patients with overt HE have a 3.9-fold increased mortality risk. Patient management employs nonabsorbable disaccharides, the nonsystemic antibiotic rifaximin, or both, to treat acute HE episodes and prevent HE relapse. In open-label trials, use of the nonabsorbable disaccharide lactulose reduced the risk of overt HE recurrence in patients compared with no-lactulose control groups for ≤ a median of 14 months. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, rifaximin 550 mg twice daily was more effective in maintaining HE remission compared with placebo and was associated with a reduction in HE-related hospitalizations. Recent advances in treatment and preventative therapies may reduce the personal, societal, and economic impact of this disorder.
Endovascular Repair of a Saccular Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm in a Liver Transplant Patient

Saccular infrarenal aortic aneurysms are rare lesions that usually require prompt surgical repair. In clinical situations where morbidity and mortality associated with open aortic surgery appear to be prohibitively high, an endovascular approach may serve as a life-saving alternative. We report successful endovascular repair of a symptomatic saccular infrarenal aortic aneurysm in a complicated liver transplant patient.
JNK1 as a Molecular Target To Limit Cellular Mortality under Hypoxia

Many pathological conditions and environmental impacts lead to a decrease in tissue oxygen supply and severe cellular hypoxia. This secondary hypoxia can disturb cellular homeostasis, limiting the efficacy of the prescribed treatment for the primary lesion, eventually leading to cellular and organismal death. Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) plays a major role in the hypoxic cellular damage. Therefore, we hypothesized that suppression of JNK1 activity will decrease cellular mortality under hypoxia and might increase the efficacy of traditional treatment of many pathological conditions. These investigations are aimed at studying the influence of the suppression of JNK1 activity on the development of cellular hypoxic damage. We used antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to JNK1 mRNA to inhibit the protein synthesis. Experiments were carried out on a cell culture under normoxia and hypoxic conditions that led to the death of ∼50% of cells. ASO or siRNA was delivered by neu...
Temperature and frequency dependence of ultrasonic attenuation in selected tissues

Ultrasonic attenuation over the frequency range of 1.5-10 MHz has been measured as a function of temperature for porcine liver, backfat, kidney and spleen as well as for a single specimen of human liver. The attenuation in these excised specimens increases nearly linearly with frequency. Over the temperature range of approximately 4-37 C the attenuation decreases with increasing temperature for most soft tissue studied.
Nonlinear Scoring Functions for Similarity-Based Ligand Docking and Binding Affinity Prediction

A common strategy for virtual screening considers a systematic docking of a large library of organic compounds into the target sites in protein receptors with promising leads selected based on favorable intermolecular interactions. Despite a continuous progress in the modeling of protein–ligand interactions for pharmaceutical design, important challenges still remain, thus the development of novel techniques is required. In this communication, we describe eSimDock, a new approach to ligand docking and binding affinity prediction. eSimDock employs nonlinear machine learning-based scoring functions to improve the accuracy of ligand ranking and similarity-based binding pose prediction, and to increase the tolerance to structural imperfections in the target structures. In large-scale benchmarking using the Astex/CCDC data set, we show that 53.9% (67.9%) of the predicted ligand poses have RMSD of <2 A (<3 A). Moreover, using binding sites predicted by recently developed eFindSite, eSimDock models ligand bindin...
The sustainability of South African fiscal policy: an historical perspective

This article examines the issue of long-run fiscal sustainability in South Africa by applying a battery of recently developed unit root and cointegration tests to real revenue and spending data for the period 1895 to 2005. The results provide evidence that, allowing for structural breaks, South African revenue and spending during this period were I(1) series and cointegrated, with the estimated long-run equilibrium relation supporting the presence of a weak deficit sustainability condition. † The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the International Monetary Fund.
Dendrimer-based chemically amplified resists for sub-100-nm lithography

Several new poly(benzyl ether) and poly(benzyl ester) dendrimers that incorporate acid- and thermally- labile peripheral groups have been synthesized. Tertiary butyl ester terminated poly(benzyl ether) dendrimers were synthesized using (alpha) -bromo-t-butyl acetate in the preliminary protection step to afford the first generation alcohol. A standard bromination of the focal point benzylic alcohol was used for the activation step, while standard Williamson ether conditions were used for the coupling steps to afford higher generation poly(benzyl ether) dendrons. Tertiary butyl ester terminated dendrons were then coupled to a difunctional core to produce the [G-3] dendrimer. Tertiary butyl carbonate (t-Boc) terminated poly(benzyl ester) dendrimers were also synthesized. This class of dendrimers was synthesized by first protecting monomeric building block 3,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde with di-t-butyl dicarbonate. A reductive activation step afforded the [G-1] alcohol. The growth steps were accomplished by either Mitsunobu etherification with 3,5- dihydroxybenzaldehyde or by esterification with 5- hydroxymethylisophthalic acid. Finally, coupling of the benzyl alcohol dendrons to a polyfunctional core afforded second and third generation dendrimers. Chemically amplified resists formulated from both t-butyl ester and t-Boc terminated dendrimers show high sensitivity to DUV and e-beam irradiation. Feature sizes well below 100 nm have been routinely patterned using e-beam lithography.
Cobalt-protoporphyrin, a synthetic heme analogue, feminizes hepatic androgen metabolism in the rat.

Abstract A single injection of cobalt-protoporphyrin (50 μmol/kg) produced marked changes in the metabolism of 14C-labeled testosterone and 4-androstenedione by male rat liver microsomes and this effect was maintained for at least 3 weeks. The rate of 3β- and 5α-reduction was increased to levels observed in untreated adult female animals and cobalt-protoporphyrin altered the metabolic profile of testosterone towards that observed after infusion of growth hormone whereas hypophysectomy produced a more general inhibition of androgen metabolism. The reduction of testosterone or 4-androstenedione by liver microsomes was also increased when cobalt-protoporphyrin (10–30 μM) was added in vitro but a higher concentration (100 μM) led to inhibition of androgen metabolism. The identity of the main androgen metabolites was established by TLC, HPLC and mass spectrometry and the role of 5α-reductase was demonstrated using a specific inhibitor of this enzyme. The possible sites of action of cobalt-protoporphyrin are discussed in relation to its in vivo effects on serum testosterone and LH concentrations.