cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Merkel cell carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (collision tumor) of the arm: a diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Simultaneous involvement of the same anatomical site by two different primary malignant tumors is rare. Cases of hematopoietic malignancies associated with breast and skin neoplasms have been described. The association of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has been established, although the cause for this association is still unclear. There are reports of MCC metastatic to lymph nodes involved by CLL. We report the case of a 57-year-old man with history of CLL with concurrent involvement of the arm by CLL and MCC diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such tumors colliding in a nonlymphoid site, diagnosed by FNA in the English literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007; 35:293–295. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mechanistic studies of anticancer aptamer AS1411 reveal a novel role for nucleolin in regulating Rac1 activation.

AS1411 is a G-rich quadruplex-forming oligodeoxynucleotide that binds specifically to nucleolin, a protein found on the surface and in the cytoplasm of most malignant cells but absent from the surface/cytoplasm of most normal cells. AS1411 has shown promising clinical activity and is being widely used as a tumor-targeting agent, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Previously, we showed that AS1411 is taken up in cancer cells by macropinocytosis (fluid phase endocytosis) and subsequently stimulates further macropinocytosis by a nucleolin-dependent mechanism. In the current study, we have investigated the significance and molecular mechanisms of AS1411-induced macropinocytosis. Our results indicate that the antiproliferative activity of AS1411 in various cell lines correlated with its capacity to stimulate macropinocytosis. In DU145 prostate cancer cells, AS1411 induced activation of EGFR, Akt, p38, and Rac1. Activation of Akt and p38 were not critical for AS1411 activity because Akt activation was not observed in all AS1411-responsive cell lines and knockdown of p38 had no effect on AS1411's ability to inhibit proliferation. On the other hand, activation of EGFR and Rac1 appeared to play a role in AS1411 activity in all cancer cell lines examined (DU145, MDA-MB-468, A549, LNCaP) and their inhibition significantly reduced AS1411-mediated macropinocytosis and AS1411 antiproliferative activity. Interestingly, downregulation of nucleolin expression by siRNA also produced a substantial increase in activated Rac1, revealing a previously unknown role for nucleolin as a negative regulator of Rac1 activation. Our results are consistent with a model whereby AS1411 binding to nucleolin leads to sustained activation of Rac1 and causes methuosis, a novel type of nonapoptotic cell death characterized by hyperstimulation of macropinocytosis. We speculate that methuosis is a tumor/metastasis suppressor mechanism that opposes the malignant functions of Rac1 and that cancer cells may overexpress nucleolin to surmount this barrier.
Interaction of transmission network and load phasor dynamics in electric power systems

This paper is concerned with modeling and analysis of an interconnected electric power system for frequency ranges in which phasor dynamics of transmission lines and loads may be important to include. In most studies, only phasor dynamics of generators are taken into account. Dynamics of all other system components (transmission lines, loads, and generator stator windings) are assumed stable and instantaneous (static). While several papers have examined phasor dynamics of the transmission lines, particularly when these are equipped with FACTS devices, no systematic investigation has been carried out concerning validity of static load models in this case. It is shown in this paper that problems may arise in particular when a static constant power load model is used at the same time that phasor dynamics of transmission lines are included. Standard singular perturbation-based arguments for neglecting load dynamics are shown not to be applicable in this case. More generally, the paper raises a general concern about consistency of electric power system models in frequency ranges where phasor dynamics of the devices typically assumed to be static must be taken into consideration.
Scene segmentation using motion information.

A scene with moving components can be segmented into its basic objects by estimating the motion content from a series of static pictures. One approach is to approximate the velocity of a point by defining a template around it in one picture, searching for a matching template in a second picture, and then calculating the displacement. Points with the same velocity measurements are grouped together. A supplementary algorithm is to group points which are relatively close together if their motion measurements indicate conditions suggesting mathematical continuity. Since the motion of an object is independent of its color and consequently, gray scale values, whole objects are initially included in one segment. These algorithms successfully grouped points from computer-generated scenes with 96 to 100% accuracy. Points from real test scenes were grouped correctly 90% of the time on the average. The poorest result was 42% accuracy. The best was 100%.
Optimal parallel algorithms for problems modeled by a family of intervals

A family of intervals on the real line provides a natural model for a vast number of scheduling and VLSI problems. Recently, a number of parallel algorithms to solve a variety of practical problems on such a family of intervals have been proposed in the literature. The authors develop computational tools and show how they can be used for the purpose of devising cost-optimal parallel algorithms for a number of interval-related problems, including finding a largest subset of pairwise nonoverlapping intervals, a minimum dominating subset of intervals, along with algorithms to compute the shortest path between a pair of intervals and, based on the shortest path, a parallel algorithm to find the center of the family of intervals. More precisely, with an arbitrary family of n intervals as input, all the algorithms run in O(log n) time using O(n) processors in the EREW-PRAM model of computation. >
Silicon Carbide Nanotube Oxidation at High Temperatures

Silicon Carbide Nanotubes (SiCNTs) have high mechanical strength and also have many potential functional applications. In this study, SiCNTs were investigated for use in strengthening high temperature silicate and oxide materials for high performance ceramic nanocomposites and environmental barrier coating bond coats. The high · temperature oxidation behavior of the nanotubes was of particular interest. The SiCNTs were synthesized by a direct reactive conversion process of multiwall carbon nanotubes and silicon at high temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the oxidation kinetics of SiCNTs at temperatures ranging from 800degC to1300degC. The specific oxidation mechanisms were also investigated.
Intrusion Techniques: Comparative Study of Network Intrusion Detection Systems

Organizations require security systems that are flexible and adaptable in order to combat increasing threats from software vulnerabilities, virus attacks and other malicious code, in addition to internal attacks. Network intrusion detection systems, which are part of the layered defense scheme, must be able to meet these organizational objectives in order to be effective. Although signature based network intrusion detection systems meet several organizational security objectives, heuristic based network intrusion detection systems are able to fully meet the objectives of the organization. Through a comparative theoretical study, this paper analyzes several organizational security objectives in order to determine the network intrusion detection system that effectively meets these objectives. Through conclusive analysis of the study, heuristic based systems are better served to meet the organizational objectives than signature based systems. The analysis was based on which system provided definitive security objectives and offered the flexibility, adaptability, and reduced vulnerability that an organization requires.
Time-varying matching for receiving wideband pulse through electrically small antennas

In this paper, we present a time-varying matching design for electrically small antennas in pulse-based systems. The proposed technique is applied to small loop antennas in the receiving mode. Simulated results show that substantial improvement in the overall antenna efficiency can be achieved without dispersion that is one of the major limitations of a conventional matching network of equivalent complexity. The large pulse amplitude and short pulse width achieved by the proposed matching scheme make it suitable for receiving systems under common modulation schemes such as PAM and OOK.
Yoga workshop impacts psychological functioning and mood of women with self-reported history of eating disorders.

Eating disorders can lead to severe medical and psychological consequences. Traditional interventions may neglect some of the crucial elements of eating disorders, specifically mood and body awareness. Other modalities, particularly yoga, should be considered as an adjunct to traditional treatments. This pilot study explored the benefits of a 6-day yoga workshop for women with a history of eating disorders. Results indicated improvements in mood, psychological adjustment, physical and emotional awareness, and eating disorder symptoms. This study concluded that other modalities, such as yoga, may be efficacious in improving mood and psychological functioning for those with a self-reported history of eating disorders.
A superconducting microwave engine

In this paper a new technique of electromechanical energy conversion is proposed. This technique would make use of the high Q's attainable in superconducting resonators to achieve direct mechanical to microwave energy conversion with a net efficiency greater than 90% a value which is far higher than that obtained by conventional techniques. In addition, if surface magnetic and electric field levels are limited by the critical fields obtained in fixed resonators, power densities would be achieved which are large enough to make such a machine a practical means both for generating microwave energy and for re-converting the microwave again to mechanical energy for power transmission purposes.
A Toolbox for ab initio 3-D reconstructions in single-particle electron microscopy

Structure determination of a novel macromolecular complex via single-particle electron microscopy depends upon overcoming the challenge of establishing a reliable 3-D reconstruction using only 2-D images. There are a variety of strategies that deal with this issue, but not all of them are readily accessible and straightforward to use. We have developed a “toolbox” of ab initio reconstruction techniques that provide several options for calculating 3-D volumes in an easily managed and tightly controlled work-flow that adheres to standard conventions and formats. This toolbox is designed to streamline the reconstruction process by removing the necessity for bookkeeping, while facilitating transparent data transfer between different software packages. It currently includes procedures for calculating ab initio reconstructions via random or orthogonal tilt geometry, tomograms, and common lines, all of which have been tested using the 50S ribosomal subunit. Our goal is that the accessibility of multiple independent reconstruction algorithms via this toolbox will improve the ease with which models can be generated, and provide a means of evaluating the confidence and reliability of the final reconstructed map.
Diagnostic approach to children with minor traumatic brain injury.

To analyse the management of minor traumatic brain injury (MTBI) in paediatric hospitals in Germany. An electronic survey was sent to 72 children hospitals. All participating (45/72; 62.5 %) hospitals had facilities to perform an electroencephalogram (EEG), 98 % cranial ultrasonography, 94 % MRI studies, and 87 % a CT scan. The initial Glasgow Coma Scale, the clinical presentation/neurological deficits, the intensity of the trauma and external/visible injuries were most important for initial assessment. The main reason for in-patient monitoring was initial clinical neurologic presentation (44 %). X-ray scans were used routinely in only 2.2 %, cMRI scans in 6.7 % and cCT scans in 13.3 %; approximately one third employed ultrasonography. In 22.2 % was an EEG part of the routine diagnostic work-up. Inpatient monitoring for 24–48 h was done in 80 %. Children with MTBI are often monitored clinically without resorting to potentially harmful and expensive diagnostic procedures (cCT scans).
1-day quadruple therapy was not inferior to 7-day triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspepsia.

Source Citation Lara LF, Cisneros G, Gurney M, et al. One-day quadruple therapy compared with 7-day triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2079-84. 14504122
Comparative aspects of congestive heart failure in dogs.

A curious paradox in medical research is that animals are frequently employed for the experimental production of diseases and seldom for the observation of spontaneous disorders. In the production of experimental disease, it is seldom possible to duplicate the time course and complexity of spontaneous disease in the aging organism. Such experimental studies may be employed to test hypotheses, but are unlikely to suggest new or unsuspected etiological factors.
Using Computer-Assisted Personalized Assignment System in a Large-Enrollment General Physics.

The on-line tutoring system, LON-CAPA, was implemented in Introductory Calculus-Based Physics-II course at Colorado School of Mines in fall 2008 and spring 2009. In this paper, the features and the case study of the LON-CAPA implementation were described. The performance data obtained from the scores of students enrolled in the course represented students’ lower performances on written assignments and exams relative to LON-CAPA problems. The outcome could be students’ insufficient problem solving abilities which arises because of poor knowledge of fundamental concepts. To overcome this drawback, an alternate technique to the LON-CAPA questioning method was designed. The technique is intended to increase the students’ problem solving skills with a better conceptual understanding by using three integrated problem solving strategies which was incorporated with LON-CAPA type problem. If developed problem solving strategy steps can be introduced into the LON-CAPA problem, it is expected that students also will become experienced problem solvers.
Perihematomal Mitochondrial Dysfunction After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— Recent measurements in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients suggest a primary reduction in brain metabolism is responsible for reduced cerebral blood flow and low oxygen ...
Overexpression of murine phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase type Iβ disrupts a phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate regulated endosomal pathway

The type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinases (PI4P5K) phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] to produce phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. PI(4,5)P2 has been implicated in signal transduction, receptor mediated endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeletal structure, and membrane ruffling. However, the specific type I enzymes associated with the production of PI(4,5)P2 for the specific cellular processes have not been rigorously defined. Murine PI4P5K type Iβ (mPIP5K-Iβ) was implicated in receptor mediated endocytosis through the isolation of a truncated and inactive form of the enzyme that blocked the ligand-dependent downregulation of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor. The present study shows that enforced expression of mPIP5K-Iβ in 293T cells resulted in the accumulation of large vesicles that were linked to an endosomal pathway. Similar results were obtained after the expression of the PI(4,5)P2-binding pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of phospholipase-Cδ (PLC-δ). Analysis of the conserved domains of mPIP5K-Iβ led to the identification of dimerization domains in the N- and C-terminal regions. Enforced expression of the individual dimerization domains interfered with the proper subcellular localization of mPIP5K-Iβ and the PLC-δ-PH domain and blocked the accumulation of the endocytic vesicles induced by these proteins. In addition to regulating early steps in endocytosis, these results suggest that mPIP5K-Iβ acts through PI(4,5)P2 to regulate endosomal trafficking and/or fusion. J. Cell. Biochem. 85: 131–145, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Si isotope variability in Proterozoic cherts

We report Si-isotopic compositions of 75 sedimentologically and petrographically characterized chert samples with ages ranging from similar to 2600 to 750 Ma using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. delta Si-30 values of the cherts analyzed in this study show a similar to 7 parts per thousand range, from -4.29 to +2.85. This variability can be explained in part by (1) simple mixing of silica derived from continental (higher delta Si-30) and hydrothermal (lower delta Si-30) sources, (2) multiple mechanisms of silica precipitation and (3) Rayleigh-type fractionations within pore waters of individual basins. We observe similar to 3 parts per thousand variation in peritidal cherts from a single Neoproterozoic sedimentary basin (Spitsbergen). This variation can be explained by Rayleigh-type fractionation during precipitation from silica-saturated porewaters. In some samples, post-dissolution and reprecipitation of silica could have added to this effect. Our data also indicate that peritidal cherts are enriched in the heavier isotopes of Si whereas basinal cherts associated with banded iron formations (BIF) show lower delta Si-30. This difference could partly be due to Si being derived from hydrothermal sources in BIFs. We postulate that the difference in delta Si-30 between non-BIF and BIF cherts is consistent with the contrasting genesis of these deposits. Low delta Si-30 in BIF is consistent with laboratory experiments showing that silica adsorbed onto Fe-hydroxide particles preferentially incorporates lighter Si isotopes. Despite large intrabasinal variation and environmental differences, the data show a clear pattern of secular variation. Low delta Si-30 in Archean cherts is consistent with a dominantly hydrothermal source of silica to the oceans at that time. The monotonically increasing delta Si-30 from 3.8 to 1.5 Ga appears to reflect a general increase in continental versus hydrothermal sources of Si in seawater, as well as the preferential removal of lighter Si isotopes during silica precipitation in iron-associated cherts from silica-saturated seawater. The highest delta Si-30 values are observed in 1.5 Ga peritidal cherts; in part, these enriched values could reflect increasing sequestration of light silica during soil-forming processes, thus, delivering relatively heavy dissolved silica to the oceans from continental sources. The causes behind the reversal in trend towards lower delta Si-30 in cherts younger than 1.5 Ga old are less clear. Cherts deposited 1800-1900 Ma are especially low delta Si-30, a possible indication of transiently strong hydrothermal input at this time. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cycle Life Modeling of Lithium-Ion Batteries

A first-principles-based charge-discharge model was developed to simulate the capacity fade of Li-ion batteries. The model is based on the loss of active lithium ions due to solvent reduction reaction and on the rise of the anode film resistance. The effect of parameters such as exchange current density, depth of discharge (DOD), end of charge voltage, film resistance, and the overvoltage of parasitic reaction were studied quantitatively. The model controls the required DOD by controlling the discharge time and estimates the end of discharge voltages as a function of cycle number. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
THE RULE OF EQUIVALENT STATES IN LIMIT-STATE ANALYSIS OF SOILS

Soil is typically regarded as a frictional or cohesive-frictional material in limit-state considerations. Often the solution to a limit-state problem (for instance, the bearing capacity of footings) for a purely frictional soil is easier to obtain than the solution for a cohesive-frictional material. A theorem was presented that makes it possible to obtain a solution for cohesive-frictional soil through a transformation of a known solution for purely frictional soil. However, application of the transformation rule based on this theorem is shown to have limitations. This rule appears to be applicable for boundary-value problems where boundary stresses have only normal components and principal stress trajectories are not altered by the transformation. With modern com- putational tools the correspondence rule is bypassed. However, its applicability is a consequential issue in soil mechanics education, even if of a somewhat historical nature. An example of limit loads on a strip footing is presented, a solution to inclination coefficients is produced, and the consequences of the rule of corresponding states are discussed. Finally, the application of the rule of correspondence in the kinematic approach of limit analysis is investigated. A convenient method is developed for calculations of the energy dissipation rate, which does not require tedious calculations of dissipation on all velocity discontinuity surfaces or in continually de- forming regions.
Galactosyl receptor in human testis and sperm is antigenically related to the minor C-type (Ca2+-dependent) lectin variant of human and rat liver

Galactosyl receptor, a cell surface Ca(2+)-dependent lectin with binding affinity for galactose, was evaluated by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, Northern blotting, and immunocytochemistry in human liver, testis, and sperm. Polyclonal antisera raised against the minor asialoglycoprotein receptor variant of rat hepatocytes (designated rat hepatic lectin-2/3, RHL-2/3), and its human liver-equivalent (designated H2), recognize native galactosyl receptor in the testis and sperm in immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunocytochemical experiments. An equivalent to the major hepatocyte asialoglycoprotein receptor variant (rat RHL-1 and human H1) was not detected. Human testis and sperm galactosyl receptor was resolved, after immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, as a single protein component of molecular mass 50 kD. The single protein component in human testis and sperm contrasted with the doublet nature of rat testis and sperm galactosyl receptor, consisting of two components of molecular masses of 54 and 49 kD. Northern blotting experiments using radiolabeled H1 and H2 cDNA probes confirmed the presence of H2 mRNA and the lack of H1 mRNA in the human testis. Immunocytochemical studies detected specific antigenic sites on the entire surfaces of spermatogenic cells. However, immunoreactivity in epididymal and ejaculated sperm was confined to head surfaces overlying the acrosome. Results from these studies, and from previous studies in the rat, suggest that the testis/sperm galactosyl receptor is a C-type Ca(2+)-dependent lectin with possible roles in cell-cell interaction during spermatogenesis and sperm-zona pellucida binding at fertilization.
The 1963 Wheat Referendum: An Interpretation

In May 1963, U.S. wheat farmers voted down a government sponsored wheat program. The purpose of this article is to ascertain the relationship between the outcome of the referendum and a selected group of five independent variables. A multiple linear regression technique was used in analyzing the data for 28 wheat producing states. The results generally suggest that part‐time farmers and Farm Bureau members voted against the program while small wheat producers, tobacco growers, and supporters of John F. Kennedy voted for its passage.
Defining Current Strategies for Future Human Trials in Gene Therapy

Current application of gene transfer technology to human blood diseases in clinical protocols has been hampered by inefficient transduction of hematopoietic stem cells. The limitation of efficient transduction appears to relate to multiple aspects of retroviral and stem cell biology, including retroviral receptor expression on stem cells, requirement for division of normally quiescent stem cells for integration of Moloney leukemia-based vectors, and loss of repopulating ability due to growth factor or manipulation-induced changes in stem cell behavior. These limitations suggest specific strategies which are necessary in the design of future human gene therapy trials if significant therapeutic benefit are to be realized. Such strategies are simultaneously being pursued in a number of laboratories, and include: 1. optimal definition of the expression and modulation of viral receptors for a number of different retrovirus envelopes; 2. exploitation of viruses which have the capacity to integrate without the requirement for cell division; 3. definition of optimal ex-vivo conditions for hematopoietic stem cells, allowing maintenance of repopulating capacity in the presence of limited cell division; 4. characterization of specific primitive hematopoietic cell populations which might allow short term (or permanent) correction/change in the phenotype of the manipulated cells, due to differences in proliferative capacity; and 5. development of selection schemes to enrich transduced populations, either in vivo or in vitro. sThese strategies will be reviewed with specific examples of modifications in the infection protocols using physiologic ligands for co-localization of vectors and target cells.
The effect of calcium ions on cell volume and motility of bovine spermatozoa.

SummaryCa2+ was added to a buffered medium containing various combinations of K+, fructose, CN-, ouabain, and BSA. Constant osmolarity, pH, and temperature of the incubation media were maintained. Without K+ in the medium, Ca2+ limited the duration of rapid swelling of spermatozoa by causing early onset of shrinkage to about 90% of initial cell volume. Shrinkage occurred sooner as the Ca2+ level increased, and was associated with a fuzzy microscopic appearance of the sperm cells. Addition of 2.25 to 3.0 mM K+, and to a lesser extent 1.0 mM of fructose, delayed the onset of swelling and subsequent shrinkage associated with Ca2+ alone. This delay also was observed in a variety of media which promoted good sperm motility. BSA was able to counteract the effects of Ca2+, but this was abolished by addition of CN-. Fructose overcame the CN- effect, indicating that the process is energy related. It appears likely that Ca2+ enters the cell only after energy sources are depleted, and its presence there causes struc...
Microbiologic assay of erythrocytic folate content by the aseptic addition method.

Folate activity in the erythrocyte is a better indicator of folate deficiency in man than the serum folate content. In this report, a relatively simple and practical method for the determination of erythrocytic folate is described. Hemolysate prepared by diluting whole blood in ion-free water containing freshly added ascorbic acid (1 Gm. per 100 ml.), is assayed directly by the aseptic addition method without further dilution and autoclaving to precipitate protein. The reproducibility of this method is good, and erythrocytic folate levels of normal controls and patients with megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency are in close agreement with the results reported by other investigators.
Abstract 550: Regulation of Macrophage Functions by a Synthetic ROR Ligand

In the United States, approximately 16 million people suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD) and its various complications. Despite significant research effort and advances in the field of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality. Atherosclerosis is a multi-step inflammatory disease characterized at the early steps by accumulation of cholesterol in the arterial wall followed by recruitment of immune cells (macrophages and lymphocytes). Previous studies suggest that a member of the nuclear receptor family, retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptors alpha (RORα), may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis but mechanisms are still unclear. Recent work from our lab shows that ROR is involved in inflammatory process. We hypothesize that synthetic ROR ligands can be used as a tool to investigate the role of ROR in the regulation of inflammation and cholesterol handling and could have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis. ...
Anaphylactoid Purpura: III. Early Morphologic Glomerular Changes

Renal biopsy samples from five patients with systemic signs of anaphylactoid purpura but no or minimal signs of renal disease were examined by light and fluorescence microscopy. Electron microscopic studies were performed on the renal tissue specimens of two patients. Fibrin deposition without associated immunoglobulin deposits was a prominent feature in renal lesions seen by the immunofluorescent technic. Occasional unidentified subendothelial deposits, presumably fibrin, were observed using electron microscopy. Light microscopic examination did not reveal significant abnormalities. The limited data presented suggest the possibility that alterations of the coagulation system may be of pathogenetic importance in the renal disease of anaphylactoid purpura.
Hepatic Intramitochondrial Filaments in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Intestinal Bypass

The characteristics of hepatocyte intramitochondrial filaments (IMF's) were studied in 16 patients undergoing jejunal ileal bypass for morbid obesity. At the time of bypass, all of the liver biopsies showed varying degrees of steatosis and IMF's were present in 13 of the 16 operative specimens. The IMF's were most prominent in the periportal cells, whereas the intracellular lipid was concentrated in centrilobular cells. Midzonal hepatocytes were intermediate in both respects. The IMF's were more abundant in biopsies showing moderate steatosis than in those with marked lipid accumulation in which the IMF's were limited to hepatocytes in juxtaposition to portal triads. The IMF's appeared to originate from mitochondrial cristae. When steatosis resolved 12 to 18 months after intestinal bypass the prevalence of IMF's diminished also. It is hypothesized that the presence of IMF's is ultrastructural evidence of an adaption to an altered metabolic environment which resolves when the inciting influence is removed.
Neuropathy and Other Neurological Disorders in Gaucher Disease Type 1

Neurological manifestations of 31 patients with Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) were evaluated in a study at Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.
Na+ and Cl- transport across rabbit nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cells.

Radioisotopic flux measurements were performed on rabbit Clara cell epithelium cultured in serum-free hormone-supplemented medium to identify the major ion transport pathways in the cell type. Clara cells cultured in serum-free hormone-supplemented medium exhibit a large short-circuit current compared with cells maintained in serum-containing medium (45 microA/cm2 vs. 15 microA/cm2). The responses to amiloride and isoproterenol, however, are similar for cells grown in the two media. A net amiloride-sensitive movement of Na+ in the mucosal (M)-to-serosal (S) direction undershort- and open-circuit conditions is detected (1.48 and 0.67 mueq.h-1.cm-2, respectively). No statistically significant difference in the unidirectional fluxes of Cl- is apparent in the basal state, but a net flux of Cl- in the S-to-M direction is observed after exposure of the apical membrane to amiloride (0.93 mueq.h-1.cm-2). The partial ionic conductances for Na+ and Cl- estimated from the fluxes measured in the passive directions (JNaS----M, JClM----S) exceed the total tissue conductance by 20%. Ussing flux ratio analyses of Cl- movements at clamped potentials between -60 and +20 mV show that Cl- movements are not strictly through passive conductive pathways at negative potentials. The movement of Cl- can be modeled by passive diffusion combined with Cl- -Cl- exchange equal to 20% of total passive fluxes of Na+ and Cl-. These observations indicate that 1) Na+ absorption is the major active ion transport pathway across cultured Clara cells, 2) active Cl- secretion is minimal in the basal state, and 3) approximately 20% of the unidirectional Cl- fluxes occur via nonconductive pathways.
Specialized Networks for Social Cognition: A Defining Role for the Oxytocin Receptor

Oxytocin is a member of a neuropeptide family with a well established role modulating reproductive and social behaviors ([Donaldson and Young, 2008][1]). Oxytocin is expressed in conserved populations of neurons that release oxytocin broadly throughout the brain ([Venkatesh et al., 1997][2]; [Ross
High neurological complication rates for extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion and related techniques: A review of safety concerns.

Background There are frequent reports of lumbosacral plexus and other neurological injuries occurring with extreme lateral interbody fusions (XLIF) and other related lateral lumbar techniques. Methods This review focuses on the new neurological deficits (e.g. lumbosacral plexus, root injuries) that occur following minimally invasive surgery (MIS) XLIF and other related lateral lumbar techniques. Results A review of multiple articles revealed the following ranges of new postoperative neurological complications for XLIF procedures: plexus injuries 13.28%; sensory deficits 0-75% (permanent in 62.5%); motor deficits 0.7-33.6%; anterior thigh pain 12.5-25%. Of interest, in a study by Lykissas et al., the frequency of long-term neural injury following lateral lumber interbody fusion (LLIF) with BMP-2 (72 patients) was much higher than for LLIF performed with autograft/allograft (72 patients). The addition of bone morphogenetic protein led to persistent sensory deficits in 29 vs. 20 without BMP; persistent motor deficits in 35 with vs. 17 without BMP; and persistent anterior thigh/groin pain in 8 with vs. 0 without BMP. They should also have noted the unacceptably high incidence of neural injury occurring with LLIF alone without BMP. Conclusion This review highlights the high risk of neural injury (up to 75% for sensory, 33.6% for motor, and an overall plexus injury rate of 13.28%) utilizing the XLIF and other similar lateral lumbar approaches. With such extensive neurological injuries, is the XLIF really safe, and should it still be performed?
Binocular vs. monocular hue perception.

Abstract Hue perception has been shown to differ for the same stimulus when presented to the temporal and the nasal areas of the retina. The present study investigated perceptual differences in stimuli viewed binocularly or monocularly in the peripheral retina to determine how hue information combines across the two retinas for a stimulus falling on the temporal retina of one eye and the nasal retina of the other. A hue-scaling procedure was utilized to ascertain hue perception for three color- and binocular-normal observers viewing monochromatic stimuli (450–670 nm, 20 nm steps) ranging in size from 1.0° to 3.7°. Peripherally-presented binocular stimuli fell upon the nasal retina of one eye and the temporal retina of the other. Hue-scaling results indicated that peripheral binocular hue and saturation perceptions for smaller stimuli were more similar to those of stimuli falling on the temporal retina in the monocular condition. Hue-scaling data were also used to determine perceptive field sizes for the four elemental hues. Binocular perceptive field sizes were more similar to those obtained for stimuli falling on the temporal retina in the monocular conditions. Eye dominance did not appear to have an effect on hue perception. The results seem to indicate that visual information from the temporal retina is weighted more heavily when information from the two eyes is combined cortically. This finding may relate to differences in V1 cortical activation for stimuli presented to the nasal retina versus the temporal retina.
The impact of time-of-flight acquisition on PET/CT standardized uptake values

591 Objectives The improvement of PET/CT image quality provided by time-of-flight (TOF) acquisition also expands its usefulness in initial staging of disease and in response assessment. However the direct impact of the addition of TOF on quantification may affect the accuracy of such tumor response evaluations. We investigated the variation in quantification among TOF and non-TOF acquisition and reconstruction in clinical data sets. Methods PET/CT scans were collected for 100 consecutive patients on a Siemens Biograph 64 mCT PET/CT and reconstructed according to the standard local protocol, a 3D OSEM reconstruction with 3 iterations and 24 subsets with the exclusion of TOF information. The scan data were then reconstructed a second time with the inclusion of TOF information. Identical and matched regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on target lesions, as well as background tissues, of both reconstructed PET data sets. SUVmax was recorded for each ROI. Results For target lesions the average change in SUVmax with the addition of TOF was a 10.3 ± 16.2% increase from standard reconstructed scan values. However there was markedly wide variation among individual lesion measurements, with the differences ranging from a 103.9% decrease from the non-TOF value to an 8.7% increase. The discrepancy decreased with increasing lesion uptake levels as well as tumor volume. The average percent differences in each of the background tissues, heart (5.5%), bladder (3.0%), and liver (4.7%) were considerably lower than in target lesions, and also appeared less dependent on volume and activity concentration for these tissues. Conclusions PET/CT images acquired with TOF information compared to without demonstrated wide variation when comparing individual target lesion measurements. These variations were dependent upon both lesion volume and uptake. While TOF acquisition appears to be the standard going forward, careful consideration must then be given when comparing differently acquired and reconstructed data sets in order to ensure accurate quantitative and therapy response assessment. Research Support Wright Project TECH 10-012 and OIRAIN TECH 09-028
Grazing in a porous environment. 2. Nematode community structure

The influence of soil matric potential on nematode community composition and grazing associations were examined. Undisturbed cores (5 cm diameter, 10 cm depth) were collected in an old field dominated by perennial grasses on a Hinckley sandy loam at Peckham Farm near Kingston, Rhode Island. Ten pairs of cores were incubated at −3, −10, −20 and −50 kPa matric potential after saturation for 21–28 or 42–58 days. Nematodes were extracted using Cobb's decanting and sieving method followed by sucrose centrifugal-flotation and identified to family or genus. Collembola and enchytraeids present were also enumerated because they are grazers that reside in air-filled spaces. Direct counts of bacteria and fungi were made to estimate biovolume using fluorescein isothiocyanate and fluorescein diacetate stains, respectively. Trophic diversity and maturity indices were calculated for nematode communities. Three patterns of matric potential effect were observed for nematode taxa. One, there was a consistent effect of matric potential for all seasons for Alaimus, Monhysteridae, Prismatolaimus, Paraxonchium and Dorylaimoides. Two, some effects of matric potential were consistent among seasons and other effects were inconsistent for Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, Cephalobidae, Coomansus, Eudorylaimus, Huntaphelenchoides, Panagrolaimidae, Paraphelenchus, Sectonema, and Tripyla. Third, effects of matric potential were always inconsistent among seasons for Aphanolaimus, Aporcelaimellus, Bunonema, Rhabditidae, and Tylencholaimus. As predicted, fungal and bacterial biomass responded oppositely to matric potential. Total bacterial biomass was greater at −3 kPa than −10, −20 and −50 kPa (P=0.0095). Total fungal biomass was greater at −50, −20 and −10 kPa than −3 kPa (P=0.0095). Neither bacterial-feeding, fungal-feeding nor predacious nematodes correlated significantly with bacterial or fungal biomass. Omnivorous and predacious nematodes correlated positively with number of bacterial-feeding nematodes; predacious nematodes also correlated positively with fungal-feeding nematodes. Numbers of Collembola and enchytraeids were more often correlated positively with microbial-grazing nematode numbers in drier than moist soils. From this study, we propose two mechanisms that may explain nematode community structure changes with matric potential: differential anhydrobiosis and/or enclosure hypotheses. The later suggests that drying of soil generates pockets of moisture in aggregates that become isolated from one another enclosing nematodes and their food in relatively high concentrations creating patches of activity separated by larger areas of inactivity.
Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis after a single epidural triamcinolone injection.

To quantify adrenocorticotropin and cortisol secretion after epidural glucocorticoid injection. Eight men (ages 25–63 year) were studied at baseline, 1, 4, and 12 weeks after triamcinolone (80 mg) injection epidurally. Adrenocorticotropin (pg/mL) and cortisol (µg/dL) were measured every 10 min for 4 h, and after Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (1 µg/kg) injection. Epidural triamcinolone markedly suppressed: (1) pre-CRH injection ACTH (from 18 ± 3.1 to 4.8 ± 0.4: P < 0.01) and cortisol (from 12.2 ± 1.6 to 1.6 ± 0.3: P < 0.0001) at week 1, with recovery at 4 weeks, and (2) CRH-stimulated 3-h summed ACTH (from 633 ± 116 to 129 ± 10 pg/mL, P < 0.0001), and 3-h summed cortisol at week 1 (from 385 ± 29 to 56 ± 22 µg/dL, P < 0.0001) and 4 weeks (284 ± 53; P < 0.01). Serum cortisol was <18 µg/dL in eight of eight men at 4 weeks, and six of eight men at week 12. Urinary-free cortisol (µg/24 h) remained low at week 12: baseline (60 ± 6.5); week 1 (9.0 ± 1.3, P < 0.01); week 4 (36 ± 8.6) and week 12 (38 ± 4.1). Urinary cortisol/cortisone ratios rose at week 4 only. Serum triamcinolone peaked at week 1 (16/16 samples), declining at week 4 (13/16 samples) and week 12 (6/16 samples). Relatively small group. Epidural triamcinolone suppresses unstimulated and CRH-stimulated ACTH and cortisol secretion for 1–4 weeks but urinary free cortisol ≥12 weeks. Suppression of ACTH and cortisol after glucocorticoid treatment is thus complex.
Verteilung der Arbeit auf verschiedene Trachtquellen

Wann immer Blumen in Blute stehen, hat ein Bienenvolk die schwierige Aufgabe, seine Sammelbienen sinnvoll auf die Vielzahl der Trachtquellen in der umgebenden Landschaft zu verteilen. Dazu mus es sich uber die Sammelgelegenheiten in seiner Umwelt informieren, diese Informationen zu denen uber den Nektar- und Pollenbedarf des Volkes in Beziehung setzen und eine sinnvolle Verteilung der Sammlerinnen auf die einzelnen Nahrungsquellen erreichen. Die Aufgabe ist dann erfolgreich gelost, wenn die Sammelbienen des Volkes Nektar und Pollen rasch, effektiv und im benotigten Verhaltnis zueinander sammeln. Ganz allgemein mussen grose Standorte, an denen dringend benotigtes Futter leicht gesammelt werden kann, von vielen Bienen angeflogen werden, wahrend kleine Trachtflachen, die wenig ergiebig sind oder ein kaum benotigtes Futter liefern, wenig oder vielleicht gar nicht besucht werden.
Drug Disposition and Drug–Drug Interactions: Importance of First-Pass Metabolism in Gut and Liver

Drugs with high intestinal and hepatic extraction that undergo biotransformation are often involved in significant metabolic drug–drug interactions when co-administered with enzyme inhibitors or inducers. These interactions can result in sub- or supra-therapeutic drug levels which can lead to major adverse events. We present an overview of clinically relevant examples of metabolically based, first-pass drug–drug interactions, as well as an introduction to the pharmacokinetic principles of sequential first-pass intestinal and hepatic metabolism. We conclude with pharmacokinetic simulations that illustrate the complex relationship between inhibitor-induced changes in organ intrinsic clearances and systemic drug exposure as a first step in the development of pharmacokinetic modeling techniques that will facilitate the prediction and avoidance of metabolically based drug–drug interactions.
“Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Don’t Rape”: Subverting Postfeminist Logics on Inside Amy Schumer

ABSTRACTThis study demonstrates the possibilities of perspective by incongruity for feminism, while also noting its limitations, through an analysis of the sketch comedy series Inside Amy Schumer. ...
Antibiotic Timing and Outcomes in Sepsis.

Abstract Background We evaluated the effect of time spent in the emergency department (ED) and process of care on mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with sepsis or septic shock. Methods An observational cohort study was conducted on 117 patients who came through the University of Louisville Hospital ED and subsequently were directly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Variables of interest were time in the ED from triage to physical transport to the ICU, from triage to antibiotic(s) ordered, and from triage to antibiotic(s) administered. Expected mortality was calculated according to the University Health System Consortium Database. Primary and secondary outcomes were in-hospital death and hospital length of stay in days, respectively. Results We found no significant association between time in the ED and mortality between survivors and nonsurvivors (5.5 versus 5.7 hours, P = 0.804). After adjusting for expected mortality, a 22% increase in mortality risk was found for each hour delay from triage to antibiotic(s) ordered; a 15% increase in mortality risk was observed for each hour from triage to antibiotic(s) given. Both time from triage to antibiotic(s) ordered (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.8, P = 0.044) and time from triage to antibiotic(s) delivery (HR = 0.79, P = 0.0092) were independently associated with an increased hospital stay (HR = 0.79, P = 0.0092). Conclusion Though no significant association between mortality and ED time was demonstrated, we observed a significant increase in mortality in septic patients with both delays in antibiotic(s) order and administration. Delay in care also resulted in increased hospital stays both overall and in the ICU.
The Role of Xist in X-Chromosome Dosage Compensation

In each somatic cell of a female mammal one X chromosome is transcriptionally silenced via X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), initiating early in development. Although XCI events are conserved in mouse and human postimplantation development, regulation of X-chromosome dosage in preimplantation development occurs differently. In preimplantation development, mouse embryos undergo imprinted form of XCI, yet humans lack imprinted XCI and instead regulate gene expression of both X chromosomes by dampening transcription. The long non-coding RNA Xist/XIST is expressed in mouse and human preimplantation and postimplantation development to orchestrate XCI, but its role in dampening is unclear. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of Xist in X chromosome dosage compensation in mouse and human.