cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients with sickle cell disease have increased sensitivity to cold and heat

Sickle cell disease (SCD) pain is associated with colder temperatures and touch and described as "cold," "hot," and "shooting" suggesting hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli. Sickle mice exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal (cold, heat) and mechanical stimuli compared to controls. It is unknown whether humans experience this same hypersensitivity. Thus, we quantified thermal and mechanical sensitivity differences between patients with SCD and controls. Our primary hypothesis was that patients with SCD will exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli compared to race-matched controls. Our secondary hypothesis was this hypersensitivity will be associated with older and female subjects, and with frequent pain and hemolysis in patients with SCD. A total of 55 patients and 57 controls ≥7 years completed quantitative sensory testing. Patients with SCD detected the sensation of cold and warm temperatures sooner as seen in their significantly lower median cold and heat detection thresholds [29.5°C vs. 28.6°C, P = 0.012 and 34.5°C vs. 35.3°C, P = 0.02] and experienced cold and heat pain sooner as seen in their significantly lower median cold and heat pain thresholds [21.1°C vs. 14.8°C, P = 0.01 and 42.7°C vs. 45.2°C, P = 0.04]. We found no mechanical threshold differences. Older age was associated with lower cold, heat, and mechanical pain thresholds in both groups. No association with pain, gender, or hemolysis was found. Patients with SCD exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal stimuli suggesting peripheral or central sensitization may exist and could contribute to SCD pain.
DX -center formation in wurtzite and zinc-blende Al x Ga 1 − x N

The transition from shallow to deep centers as a function of pressure or alloying is investigated for oxygen and silicon donors in GaN and AlN, based on first-principles total-energy calculations. The stability of the localized deep state ($\mathrm{DX}$ center) is found to depend on interactions between the impurity and third-nearest-neighbor atoms, which occur in different positions in the zinc-blende and the wurtzite phase. $\mathrm{DX}$-center formation is suppressed in the zinc-blende phase, as well as for silicon donors. The results strengthen the identification of oxygen as the unintentional dopant in $n$-type GaN, and shed new light on the driving force for $\mathrm{DX}$ formation.
Tyrosine phosphorylation in plant cell signaling.

Reversible protein phosphorylation is the most common mechanism for cellular regulation in eukaryotic systems. Studies have demonstrated that serine/threonine phosphorylation plays a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development. On the other hand, tyrosine phosphorylation, despite its overwhelming importance in animals, has been largely neglected because a typical tyrosine kinase was not found in plants. Recent studies have characterized several protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) from Arabidopsis and other species (1–3). Furthermore, a diverse group of about 20 genes encoding putative tyrosine phosphatases have been identified from the Arabidopsis genome, implying that tyrosine phosphorylation and dephosphorylation may serve important functions in plant biology. It is timely and exciting to learn in this issue of PNAS that tyrosine phosphatase activity is involved in the regulation of stomatal movement, a highly regulated process pivotal for plant survival (4). Finding a role for tyrosine phosphatases in stomatal regulation provides critical evidence that tyrosine phosphatases not only exist but also play an important role in higher plants. This work, together with those of others, begins to modify the earlier tenets on tyrosine phosphorylation in plant cell signaling and regulation. Tyrosine phosphatase activity is involved in the regulation of stomatal movement.
Distribution Volume of 3-O-methyl-6-[F-18]FDOPA in Rat Brain

The distribution volume (DV) of 6-[F-18]fluoro-L-DOPA (FDOPA) in the cerebellum recently has been linked using positron emission tomography (PET) to plasma large neutral amino acid (LNAA) concentrations in monkeys. In this article the authors provide additional experimental support for this relation by directly measuring the DV as the steady-state tissue to plasma radioactivity ratio in rats using a labeled LNAA analog 3-O-methyl-6-[F-18]FDOPA (OMFD), a compound that has no known specific enzyme or receptor interactions in brain tissue. The measured DV for OMFD (tissue OMFD concentration/plasma OMFD concentration) was found to be inversely related to plasma LNAA concentrations. The relation (DV = 1.5-0.00094*[LNAA], R--2 = 0.79) resulted in an 8% DV decrease per 100 nmol/mL plasma LNAA increase within the observed range of 330 to 510 nmol/mL. This was similar to recent noninvasive observations with FDOPA PET in vervet monkeys and with 6-[F-18]Fluoro-m-tyrosine PET in squirrel monkeys. The OMFD striatum to cerebellum (Str/Cb) ratio was greater than 1.0 for all measurements, averaging 1.09 +/- 0.04, and was approximately equal to the Str/Cb LNAA ratio of 1.12 +/- 0.05. This current study verifies the variation of DV of OMFD or FDOPA as a function of plasma LNAA concentrations and suggests the possibility of using OMFD for measuring cerebral LNAA noninvasively with PET.
Potential of multimodal and multiuser interaction with virtual holography

Abstract Virtual holography is a disruptive technology that can inspire innovations in variety of fields through blending the physical world with sensory-rich virtual world. The technology enables users to naturally and intuitively manipulate objects and navigate in 3D space. The zSpace virtual holography platform is described. The platform provides a 3D display and head-tracking technology that transforms PCs into virtual-holographic computing facility using a stereoscopic user interface with an interactive stylus. The major components of the platform and its potential benefits, along with some of the current applications are briefly described. The use of the zSpace platform to explore and manipulate a number of space system models is outlined. The models considered include Titan Saturn system, a joint NASA/ESA mission; Mars Science Lab concept; James Webb Telescope; and a Lunar Lander concept. In each of the applications considered, the platform is enhanced by using multimodal interactions, and providing support for multiuser collaboration. The multimodal interactions, which enable more engaging, enhanced accessibility, are achieved by fusing information from a set of stylus input, 3D gestures, and neural input. Simultaneous and collaborative multiuser interactions are described, which support both local and distributed teams, using variety of displays. Emerging and future enhancements of the zSpace platform are outlined, along with novel future applications.
The Berkeley continuous media toolkit

including the Berkeley MPEG player [6], TclProp, a data Conducting research on continuous media applications is hard, in part because it is necessary to have a complete multimedia system running to be able to evaluate changes to any component such as synchronization, network protocols, or encoding. The Berkeley Continuous Media Toolkit provides customizable support for an entire multimedia pipeline. This demonstration will illustrate several applications and research projects build using CMT while showing how CMT is used to build applications and experiment with innovative multimedia systems research.
Tissue microarray analysis of hormonal signaling pathways in uterine carcinosarcoma.

Objectives To evaluate the relationship of hormone (estrogen receptor α, estrogen receptor β, progesterone receptor) and growth factor receptor (insulin-like growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) expression with disease progression in uterine carcinosarcoma. Study Design Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue arrays using standard methodology. Differences between groups were evaluated by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Interactions between tumor stage and receptor expression were determined by linear trend analysis. Results Compared with normal endometrium, carcinosarcomas exhibited low estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor expression (all P P = .02). Estrogen receptor β expression increased in advanced stage disease ( P = .02). Insulin-like growth factor receptor expression was lower in carcinosarcoma compared with normal endometrium ( P = .01). Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression was elevated and increased with disease progression ( P Conclusion In uterine carcinosarcoma, estrogen receptor β expression is elevated and increases with disease progression, whereas estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor are suppressed. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression is increased, whereas insulin-like growth factor receptor is lower than in normal endometrium. These data support a potential role for estrogen receptor β in disease progression via crosstalk with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
Assay of mixtures of chlorpheniramine maleate, pyrilamine meleate and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride in cold-allergy tablets by difference spectrophotometry

Abstract Mixtures of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA), with and without pyrilamine maleate (PRM), are assayed by u.v. difference spectrophotometry without prior separation. The spectra for CPM and PRM in solutions at pH 1 and pH 6 show differences whereas the spectra for PPA remain the same at pH 1 and 6. For PPA, quantitation is based on the spectral change on oxidation to benzaldehyde with metaperiodate; this oxidation does not affect CPM and PRM. Calibration plots are linear for 6.7–99.9 μg ml −1 CPM ( r = 0.9992), 12.7–50.6 μg ml −1 PRM ( r = 0.9997) and 25–115.3 μg ml −1 PPA ( r = 0.9980) in the presence of one another. Average recoveries (± RSD) from simulated PPA/CPM tablets were: PPA, 98.4 ± 0.4% (without PRM, n = 3), 99.8 ± 0.4% (with PRM, n = 5); CPM, 99.3 ± 0.6% (without PRM, n = 3), 99.2 ± 0.4% (with PRM, n = 5); and PRM, 99.5 ± 0.2% (in PPA/CPM/PRM tablets, n = 5). The method was successfully applied to commercial cold-allergy tablets containing these compounds.
Form Discrimination: Spatial Relationships between a Standard and Comparison Figure:

Swmmasy.-This study investigated the relative difficulty with which 5-yr.old children learn to discriminate between simultaneously presented standard and comparison figures in various relative positions and orientations. Figures in skewed relative position were easier to discriminate than those in aligned relative position; figures with an up-down orientation were easier than the same figures in right-left orientation. There were no significant differences in the number of errors made when the figures were placed so that the open sides of the figures faced each other, e.g., Group IA, and the number of errors made when the figures were placed so that they were back to back, e.g., Group 1B. Early studies of form perception in children have demonstrated that geometric figures are discriminated with difficulty when they are mirror images of one another (Davidson, 1934, 1935; Gellermann, 1933; Vernon, 1957). There is also experimental evidence cited by Benton ( 1959) that left-right discriminations are more difficult than up-down discriminations. In a recent study of form discrimination, Rude1 and Teuber ( 1963) have shown that children confuse figures which are left-right mirror images more often than those which are up
Correction of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia by hemodialysis using a conventional, calcium-containing dialysis solution enriched with phosphorus

We report a woman with hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Hemodialysis using a phosphorus-enriched, conventional, calcium-containing dialysis solution resulted in the simultaneous correction of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, resulting in a marked improvement of the patient's impaired mental status.
Autoionizing States in the Alkali Atoms with Microsecond Lifetimes

Energy level behavior of metastable alkali atoms against autoionization and radiative decay
Utility of scientific research: The engineer's use of the products of science

The interface between science and engineering has been characterized as an almost impermeable membrane impeding the interchange of information between the two activities. Evidence presented here suggests that this model is insufficient to describe the complex interaction of sciences and engineering through the formal communication system of science. Engineers who publish are clearly more literature-conscious, and were found to have a stronger science orientation than is typically ascribed to the average engineer.
Synthesis and structure of a novel copper (II) nitrate complex of 2,4-dioxo-4-phenylbutanoic acid

2,4-Dioxo-4-phenylbutanoic acid, 1, was synthesized as a biproduct of the attempted synthesis of 1,6-bisphenyl-1,3,4,6-hexanetetrone. Crystals of [Cu(H2O)(bipy) (L)][Cu(bipy)(L)(NO3)] (H2O)(NO3) (L = 2,4-dioxolato-4-phenylbutanoic acid and bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), 2, were grown by slow evaporation of a solution of Cu(NO3)2·3 H2O, 2,2′-bipyridine, and 1 in a mixture of ethanol and water. The compound crystallized in the triclinic space group P-1 and is made up of two distinct molecular units each with approximately square pyramidal geometry: a = 10.663(2) A, b = 13.275(3) A, c = 15.071(3) A, α = 80.26(3)°, β = 74.13(3)°, γ = 89.12(3)°. The copper ions are chelated by molecules of 1 and molecules of bipyridine. The molecular units are arrayed in rows held together by pi-stacking interactions and hydrogen bonding.
Opioid potentiated chromatophorotropin regulation of pigment migration in the land crab Gecarcinus lateralis.

Abstract 1. 1. In Gecarcinus lateralis dopamine treatment results in dispersion of black and concentration of red pigments within chromatophores. These effects of dopamine on the migration of pigments can be blocked by the dopamine antagonist haloperidol. These results strongly indicate the presence of a dopamine receptor mediated system in this organism. 2. 2. Serotonin injections also result in the dispersion of black pigment; however, this effect cannot be blocked by haloperidol. Norepinephrine was found to be without effect on this pigment regulatory system. 3. 3. Injections of crude eyestalk extract results in pigment migration within the chromatophores in both stalked and destalked animals. 4. 4. Injection of the stable methionine enkephaun analog FK 33 824 into the organisms causes no observable effects on the pigment system. However, coinjection with eyestalk extract strongly potentiates the effect of the extract. This potentiation can be completely blocked by the opiate antagonist naloxone, thus indicating that an endogenous opioid system may be part of the overall regulation of pigmentation movement.
Speeding up protocols for small messages

Many techniques have been discovered to improve performance of bulk data transfer protocols which use large messages. This paper describes a technique that improves protocol performance for protocols that use small messages, such as signalling protocols, by reducing memory system penalties. Detailed measurements show that for TCP, most memory system costs are due to poor locality in the protocol code itself, rather than movement of data. We present a new technique, analogous to blocked matrix multiplication, for scheduling layer processing to reduce memory system costs, and analyze its performance in a synthetic environment.
ON THE STOCHASTIC AVERAGING METHOD OF ENERGY ENVELOPE

Two non linear oscillators have been included to demonstrate the usefulnes of the proposed SAMEE. The SAMEE proposed has the advantages that: its standard form equations, drift and diffusion coefficients are defined in line with those of the CSA and therefore it is easy to apply; it does not require the evaluation of the period of free oscillation of the system of interest; it is general in that it can be applied to systems with small non linear dampings which are functions of both displacement and velocity , and large non linear restoring forces under small stationary random excitations
Towards secure provenance-based access control in cloud environments

As organizations become increasingly reliant on cloud computing for servicing their data storage requirements, the need to govern access control at finer granularities becomes particularly important. This challenge is increased by the lack of policy supporting data migration across geographic boundaries and through organizations with divergent regulatory policies. In this paper, we present an architecture for secure and distributed management of provenance, enabling its use in security-critical applications. Provenance, a metadata history detailing the derivation of an object, contains information that allows for expressive, policy-independent access control decisions. We consider how to manage and validate the metadata of a provenance-aware cloud system, and introduce protocols that allow for secure transfer of provenance metadata between end hosts and cloud authorities. Using these protocols, we develop a provenance-based access control mechanism for Cumulus cloud storage, capable of processing thousands of operations per second on a single deployment. Through the introduction of replicated components, we achieve overhead costs of just 14%, demonstrating that provenance-based access control is a practical and scalable solution for the cloud.
ORGAN CULTURE OF ADULT RAT COLONIC MUCOSA ON FIBRIN FOAM

A system for maintaining adult rat colonic mucosa in organ culture for up to 28 days is described. Distal colonic mucosa physically separated from the muscle layers was cultured at 37 degrees C on a substrate of human fibrin foam in HEPES- and bicarbonate-buffered Waymouth's MB 752/1 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, L-glutamine, bovine albumin, ascorbic acid, hydrocortisone, insulin, and ferrous sulfate; the optimal atmostphere for culture was 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Viability of explants was demonstrated by tissue morphology with light microscopy, incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine into DNA and protein, [14C]glucosamine and [3H]fucose incorporation, and glycoprotein synthesis. Two days after initiation of culture, degeneration of surface and crypt cells was observed. Secreted mucosubstances covered the explants. Explants maintained in 95% O2 retained a variable number of glandular crypts with normal columnar epithelium for 14 to 21 days in culture. At 28 days, explants contained a single layer of cuboidal surface epithelium and a rare cryptlike gland.
Experiments in three-dimensional fracture problems

Using the established optical methods of frozen stress photoelasticity and moire interferometry, the author and his colleagues, by introducing some standard refinements, demonstrate how useful information has been gleaned from complex three-dimensional problems both for approximate validation of three-dimensional numerical fracture analyses and as precursor to such analytical formulations.
Trade-offs between communication and space

This paper initiates the study of communication complexity when the processors have limited work space. The following trade-offs between the number C of communications steps and space S are proved: 1. 1. For multiplying two n × n matrices in the arithmetic model with two-way communication, CS = Θ(n3). 2. 2. For convolution of two degree n polynomials in the arithmetic model with two-way communication, CS = Θ(n2). 3. 3. For multiplying an n × n matrix by an n-vector in the Boolean model with one-way communication, CS = Θ(n2). In contrast, the discrete Fourier transform and sorting can be accomplished in O(n) communication steps and O(log n) space simultaneously, and the search problems of Karchmer and Wigderson associated with any language in NCk can be solved in O(logk n) communication steps and O(logk n) space simultaneously.
Evaluating open-source cloud computing solutions for geosciences

Many organizations start to adopt cloud computing for better utilizing computing resources by taking advantage of its scalability, cost reduction, and easy to access characteristics. Many private or community cloud computing platforms are being built using open-source cloud solutions. However, little has been done to systematically compare and evaluate the features and performance of open-source solutions in supporting Geosciences. This paper provides a comprehensive study of three open-source cloud solutions, including OpenNebula, Eucalyptus, and CloudStack. We compared a variety of features, capabilities, technologies and performances including: (1) general features and supported services for cloud resource creation and management, (2) advanced capabilities for networking and security, and (3) the performance of the cloud solutions in provisioning and operating the cloud resources as well as the performance of virtual machines initiated and managed by the cloud solutions in supporting selected geoscience applications. Our study found that: (1) no significant performance differences in central processing unit (CPU), memory and I/O of virtual machines created and managed by different solutions, (2) OpenNebula has the fastest internal network while both Eucalyptus and CloudStack have better virtual machine isolation and security strategies, (3) Cloudstack has the fastest operations in handling virtual machines, images, snapshots, volumes and networking, followed by OpenNebula, and (4) the selected cloud computing solutions are capable for supporting concurrent intensive web applications, computing intensive applications, and small-scale model simulations without intensive data communication.
The origin, composition, and reactivity of dissolved iron(III) complexes in coastal organic- and iron-rich sediments

Abstract The redox chemistry and speciation of Fe in both solid and dissolved phases were characterized in the organic- and Fe-rich sediments of the Satilla River estuary in South-East Georgia (USA) on a series of four cruises between July 2007 and January 2008. Results indicate that dissolved Fe is present in relatively high concentration in the overlying waters at the freshwater end of the estuary and flocculates along the river as the salinity increases downstream. Soluble organic–Fe(III) complexes comprise the majority of dissolved Fe (
Female partners' estimations of male veterans' combat‐related PTSD severity

This study investigated concordance between male Vietnam veterans' and their female partners' reports of veterans' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Fifty male Vietnam combat veterans and their partners rated the severity of their own PTSD symptoms. Also, partners rated the severity of veterans' symptoms. Results indicated modest levels of agreement in reports of symptom presence/absence. Partner ratings of veterans' PTSD severity were positively correlated with veteran reports and partners' own self-reported PTSD symptoms. After controlling for veterans' self-reported symptoms, partners' symptoms significantly predicted their estimates of veterans' avoidance symptoms, but not veterans' reexperiencing or hyperarousal symptoms. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Electrically Tunable Thin Film Magnetic Core Using Synthetic Antiferromagnet Structure

We demonstrate an electrically tunable thin-film magnetic core using a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) structure. It consists of two ferromagnetic layers antiferromagnetically coupled together through an exchange coupling layer. Variation of susceptibility is achieved by leading a current through the structure. A tuning range (relative change in susceptibility) of 35% can be achieved at 800 Hz by using patterned NiFe(12 nm)/Ru(0.7 nm)/NiFe(12 nm) SAF structures. Different patterns of test samples are designed to investigate the influence on the tuning performance.
Expression of prostaglandin H synthase isoforms in human myometrium at parturition

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the isoforms and splicing patterns of prostaglandin H synthase present in pregnant human lower-segment myometrium and determine whether there is differential expression of the isoforms or splice variants with respect to gestational age or parturition. Study Design: Lower-segment myometrium was collected at cesarean section at term (>37 weeks) or preterm ( Results: The predominant polymerase chain reaction product in all samples corresponds to prostaglandin H synthase−1 messenger ribonucleic acid spliced to include exon 9, but a less-abundant polymerase chain reaction product corresponding to prostaglandin H synthase−1 messenger ribonucleic acid spliced at the internal donor site of exon 9 was also detected. Prostaglandin H synthase−2 messenger ribonucleic acid was detected in human myometrium at a lower abundance than prostaglandin H synthase−1, and neither prostaglandin H synthase−1 or prostaglandin H synthase−2 messenger ribonucleic acid expression changed significantly with gestational age or labor. Conclusion: Both prostaglandin H synthase−1 and prostaglandin H synthase−2 isoforms are present in human myometrium. The prostaglandin H synthase−1 messenger ribonucleic acid that includes all of exon 9 encodes the predominant prostaglandin H synthase−1 isoform present in human myometrium. No significant alterations in the expression or splicing patterns for prostaglandin H synthase−1 were detected with respect to gestational age or the onset of labor; but prostaglandin H synthase−1 expression appeared higher at term in anticipation of labor. Although prostaglandin H synthase−2 is present in human myometrium, induction of prostaglandin H synthase−2 does not occur in lower-segment myometrium at parturition. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:103-9.)
On the Applicability of Continuity of Structure Ideas to Grain Boundaries in Hcp Metals

In materials with cubic crystal lattices, the structures of grain boundaries are believed to change in a continuous manner as misorientation changes. They have been shown to change discontinuously as grain boundary phase transformations occur with changes of composition or temperature. In this paper we explore the possibilities of continuous and discontinuous structure changes with rnisorientation and temperature, for materials with hexagonal lattices. It is shown that the irrational c/;a ratio of most hexagonal metals gives rise to the likelihood of such transformations.
Evidence that Orphanin FQ Mediates Progesterone Negative Feedback in the Ewe

Orphanin FQ (OFQ), a member of the opioid family, is found in many areas of the hypothalamus and, when given centrally OFQ inhibits episodic LH secretion in rodents and sheep. Because GnRH neurons are devoid of the appropriate receptors to mediate steroid negative feedback directly, neurons that release OFQ may be involved. Using immunocytochemistry, we first determined that most OFQ neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and other hypothalamic regions of luteal phase ewes contained both estrogen receptor α and progesterone (P) receptor. Given a similar high degree of steroid receptor colocalization in other ARC subpopulations, we examined whether OFQ neurons of the ARC contained those other neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. OFQ did not colocalize with kisspeptin, tyrosine hydroxylase, or agouti-related peptide, but all ARC OFQ neurons coexpressed proopiomelanocortin. To test for a role for endogenous OFQ, we examined the effects of an OFQ receptor antagonist, [Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]Nociceptin-NH2 (UFP-101) (30 nmol intracerebroventricular/h), on LH secretion in steroid-treated ewes in the breeding season and ovary-intact ewes in anestrus. Ovariectomized ewes with luteal phase concentrations of P and estradiol showed a significant increase in LH pulse frequency during infusion of UFP-101 (4.5 ± 0.5 pulses/6 h) compared with saline infusion (2.6 ± 0.4 pulses/6 h), whereas ewes implanted with only estradiol did not. Ovary-intact anestrous ewes displayed no significant differences in LH pulse amplitude or frequency during infusion of UFP-101. Therefore, we conclude that OFQ mediates, at least in part, the negative feedback action of P on GnRH/LH pulse frequency in sheep.
LXRα is the dominant regulator of CYP7A1 transcription

Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the classic pathway of bile acid biosynthesis. Dietary cholesterol stimulates CYP7A1 transcription via activation of oxysterol receptor, LXR alpha, whereas bile acids repress transcription through FXR-mediated induction of SHP protein. The aim of this study was to determine the quantitative role that LXR- and FXR-regulated pathways play in regulating CYP7A1 and SHP in both rat and hamster models. In rats fed a 2% cholesterol diet, both SHP and CYP7A1 mRNA levels were elevated. The inability to induce CYP7A1 mRNA levels by cholesterol feeding in hamsters led to a decline in SHP mRNA levels. Elimination of hepatic bile acid flux by cholestyramine or bile fistula resulted in a marked repression of rat SHP mRNA levels. These results suggest that under conditions of both SHP and LXR alpha activation, stimulatory effect of LXR alpha overrides the inhibitory effect of FXR and results in an induction of rat CYP7A1 mRNA levels.
Glutamate immunocytochemistry in the dorsal horn after injury or stimulation of the sciatic nerve of rats

Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter of fine afferent fibers to the spinal cord. Neuropeptides are also released by the same fibers. We explored, by quantitative immunocytochemistry, the effects of two experimental manipulations of peripheral nerves on the levels of these two classes of mediators. Glutamate levels in the superficial dorsal horn of rats increased after chronic loose ligature of the sciatic nerve, a model for hyperpathic peripheral neuropathy. A similar increase was observed acutely, after stimulation of C fibers, but not A fibers, in the sciatic nerve. In contrast, immunostaining for substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide decreased in the same region with both manipulations. The decrease in immunocytochemical levels of peptides is in agreement with previous observations and can result from activity-related depletion. We propose that the increase in glutamate levels reflects differences in the regulation and kinetics of amino acid versus peptide neuromediators.
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone and Histidyl-Proline Diketopiperazine: Stimulation of Secretion from Hypothalamic Fragments in Vitro by Depolarizing Agents*

The influence of depolarizing agents on the release of TRH and histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [C(HP)] from rat hypothalami was examined in vitro. Thin hypothalamic fragments from two separate animals were incubated in Krebs- Ringer bicarbonate media. Immunoreactive TRH and C(HP) released into medium were determined by specific RIAs. Potassium and ouabain, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, stimulated TRH and C(HP) secretion in a graded fashion, but the magnitudes of C(HP) secretory responses were less than those of TRH. The stimulation by KC1 and ouabain was inhibited by the addition of verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, or omission of Ca2+ from medium in the presence of EGTA. Veratridine, a Na+ channel activator, also stimulated TRH and C(HP) release from rat hypothalami, and this stimulation was completely blocked by tetrodotoxin, a Na+ channel blocker. The results of this study indicate that TRH and C(HP) release from rat hypothalami are stimulated by membrane depolarization in vitro and depend on Na+ and C...
Geographic Isolation and the Risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease–Related Mortality: A Cohort Study

In this analysis of mortality among veterans hospitalized for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, study participants living in isolated rural areas were at higher risk for dea...
Microorganisms Isolated from Surimi Processing Operations

Heterotrophic bacteria isolated from two shore-based surimi processing plants in Alaska were identified to the genus level. In one plant, the major bacterial constituents were Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas, followed by Moraxella, Aeromonas, Lactobacillus, Serratia, and Acinetobacter. In the other plant, major bacterial groups were Flavobacterium and Arthrobacter/Corynebacterium, followed by Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Serratia were capable of rapid growth as low as 8°C, with respective generation times 3.0, 3.1, and 3.6 hours. Freezing and thawing of surimi reduced microbial counts to 45–67% of the pre-frozen load; however, the composition of the microbial flora was maintained. The plant environment was a potential source of microbial contamination.
BIRTH ORDER AND POLITICAL ORIENTATION IN COLLEGE WOMEN1

-An hypothesis that conservatism is significantly related to birth order was tested using female undergraduates in education and global self-ratings of conservatism-liberalism. Only children, firstborn, and laterborn groups (ns = 15, 58, and 66) having no significant age differences, and no significant family size differences between the latter two, were compared. Conservatism did not significantly discriminate these groups; no support for the conservatismbirth order hypothesis was found.
Investigation of the superhyperfine interaction of Fe3+ and fluorine in natural topaz

Abstract The method of EPR has been used to investigate the superhyperfine interaction of Fe 3+ in natural topaz and the results indicate the nature of the covalent bonding. Values of A s , A σ − A φ , and A d have been provided.
Leiomyoma of bladder report of 2 cases and demonstration of ultrasonic appearance

Abstract Two cases of bladder leiomyoma are reported. Both are women who presented witha palpable mass on pelvic examination, one asymptomatic and the second with significant bladder outlet obstruction. Results of ultrasound examinations are presented. Complete local resection: was curative in both patients.
Regression of established ventricular remodeling: A therapeutic goal in ventricular dysfunction?

Ventricular remodeling refers to the development of structural changes in the myocardium following injury. Attenuation of this process has become a focus of therapy in ventricular dysfunction in an effort to improve the prognosis in this condition. To date, however, little is known about the potential to induce regression of established venticular remodeling or, if possible, whether such an approach is beneficial. This review focuses on what is known regarding regression of remodeling and what needs to be clarified about this process.
A neural model of the saccade generator in the reticular formation

Abstract A neural model is developed of the neural circuitry in the reticular formation that is used to generate saccadic eye movements. The model simulates the behavior of identified cell types—such as long-lead burst neurons, short-lead excitatory and inhibitory burst neurons, omnipause neurons, and tonic neurons—under many experimental conditions. Simulated phenomena include: saccade staircases, duration and amplitude of cell discharges for saccades of variable amplitude, component stretching to achieve straight oblique saccades, saturation of saccade velocity after saturation of saccade amplitude in response to high stimulation frequencies, trade-offs between saccade velocity and duration to generate constant saccade amplitude, conservation of saccade amplitude in response to sufficiently brief stimulation of omnipause neurons, and high velocity smooth eye movements evoked by high levels of electrical stimulation of the superior colliculus. Previous saccade generator models have not explained this range of data. These models have also invoked mechanisms for which no neurophysiological evidence has been forthcoming, such as resetable integrators, perfect integrators, or target position movement commands. The present model utilizes only known reticular formation neurons. It suggests that a key part of the feedback loop within the saccade generator is realized by inhibitory feedback from short-lead to long-lead burst neurons, in response to excitatory feedforward signals from long-lead to short-lead burst neurons. When this property is combined with opponent interactions between agonist and antagonist muscle-controlling neurons, and motor error, or vector, inputs from the superior colliculus and other saccade-controlling brain regions, all of the above data can be explained. Taken together, these components generate a saccade reset cycle whereby activation of long-lead burst neurons inhibits omnipause neurons and thereby disinhibits short-lead excitatory burst neurons. The excitatory short-lead burst neurons can then respond to excitatory inputs from the long-lead burst neurons. Outputs from the excitatory short-lead burst neurons are integrated by the tonic cells while they also inhibit the long-lead burst neurons via inhibitory burst interneurons. When this inhibition is complete, the omnipause neurons are disinhibited. The omnipause neurons can then, once again, inhibit the short-lead burst neurons, whose inhibition of the long-lead burst neurons is thereby removed. The saccadic cycle can then begin again. In response to sustained electrical input, this cycle generates a staircase of identical saccades whose properties match the data much better than the staircases proposed by alternative models. A comparative analysis of the hypotheses and predictive capabilities of other saccade generator models is provided.
Cytoadherence and sequestration in Plasmodium falciparum: defining the ties that bind.

Infected erythrocytes containing the more mature stages of the human malaria Plasmodium falciparum may adhere to endothelial cells and uninfected red cells. These phenomena, called sequestration and rosetting, respectively, are involved in both host pathogenesis and parasite survival. This review provides a critical summary of recent advances in the characterization of the molecules of the infected red blood cell involved in adhesion, i.e. parasite-encoded molecules (PfEMP1, MESA, rifins, stevor, clag 9, histidine-rich protein), a modified host membrane protein (band 3) and exofacial exposure of phosphatidylserine, as well as receptors on the endothelium, i.e. thrombospondin, CD36, ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule), and chondroitin sulfate.
The energy embodied in goods

Abstract This paper describes why the use of cost estimates can be source of uncertainty in net energy analysis. This occurs when costs are expressed in prices not equal to those used for price deflators. This uncertainty is reduced by estimating average prices for selected goods and services in units of 1967 dollars per ton. When the average prices are multiplied by energy-intensity coefficients, which have units of Btu per 1967 dollar, the result is energy-intensity coefficients which have units of Btu per ton. This paper also defines the “atypical product” problem and shows that, by using energy-intensity, coefficients measured in Btu per ton, one may obtain more accurate results than by using coefficients measured in Btu per 1967 dollar.
Being and God: A Systematic Approach in Confrontation with Martin Heidegger, Emmanuel Levinas, and Jean-Luc Marion, by Lorenz B. Puntel

(2012). Being and God: A Systematic Approach in Confrontation with Martin Heidegger, Emmanuel Levinas, and Jean-Luc Marion, by Lorenz B. Puntel. Comparative and Continental Philosophy: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 164-165.
Regenerative medicine: Reprogramming the injured heart

When the heart is injured, the muscle does not regenerate and scars are produced. This process can be attenuated in the hearts of live mice by forcing scar-forming cells to become muscle cells. See Articles p.593 & p.599 Having shown previously that a combination of three transcription factors can directly reprogram cardiac fibroblasts to cardiomyocyte-like cells — the cells that drive the heartbeat — in vitro, Deepak Srivastava and colleagues now take this approach in vivo. Using a retrovirus to deliver the transcription factors directly to the hearts of adult mice, they demonstrate the conversion of non-myocytes to induced cardiomyocytes. Heart function improved and the area of damaged tissue shrank. Delivery of the multifunctional peptide thymosin β4 — which activates cardiac fibroblasts — along with the cardiac reprogramming factors resulted in further reduction in scar area and improvement in cardiac function. The neonatal mammalian heart can regenerate following injury, but adult mammalian hearts have limited capacity for regeneration. Here Eric Olson and colleagues show that a cocktail of four transcription factors — GATA4, HAND2, MEF2C and TBX5 — can reprogram adult fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes in vitro. They then take the same approach in vivo, using a retrovirus to deliver the transcription factors to the hearts of mice and demonstrate that expression of these four transcription factors reprograms non-myocytes to cardiomocytes and attenuates cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction.
Boceprevir in liver transplant recipients.

Background There has been increasing interest in using protease inhibitors with pegylated interferon and ribavirin to treat recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) disease in liver transplant recipients. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy in liver transplant recipients treated for recurrent hepatitis C genotype 1 with the combination of peginterferon, ribavirin and boceprevir. Results Twenty liver transplant recipients were treated for recurrent hepatitis C. Baseline alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and HCV RNA values (± SD) were 67.5 (±50.9) mg/dl, 1.78 (±1.99) U/L, and 16 955 510 (±21 620 675) IU/ml. Anaemia was a common adverse event requiring epoetin in 16 of 20 recipients and ribavirin dose reductions in 17 of 20 recipients. One-third of recipients required a blood transfusion. Filgrastim was used in 11 of 20 patients (55%) and eltrombopag in two of 20 recipients (10%) over the course of treatment. Serum creatinine level increased significantly from a baseline value of 1.33 mg/dl to 1.59 mg/dl at week 20 of boceprevir (P < 0.005). The overall sustained viral response (SVR) was 50%. Of the 14 patients who had a viral load less than 1000 IU/ml at week 4 of boceprevir, the SVR was 71%. The SVR was 83% of the 11 patients who had undetectable viral levels at week 4 of boceprevir. Conclusions Antiviral therapy utilizing boceprevir in liver transplant recipients requires close monitoring. Anaemia and neutropenia were common requiring growth factors in most recipients. On-treatment viral responses appear promising but long-term data are needed.
Surface and step magnetic anisotropy.

Cu(11n) surfaces vicinal to Cu(001) are characterized by (001) terraces separated by monoatomic steps. Growth of thin epitaxial magnetic films on such terraced substrates, e.g., Co/Cu(1 1 13), leads to unexpected magnetic anisotropy associated with the surface steps. This anisotropy remains largely unexplained, and is of potential technological importance. We have studied the anisotropy of fcc Co/Cu (1 1 13) films using in-situ magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE), and find an in-plane uniaxial anisotropy favoring magnetization parallel to the steps. The strength of this anisotropy decreases with increasing film thickness. In this paper we focus on the interpretation of this anisotropy in terms of the N\'eel model. The N\'eel anisotropy energy for such a film has the form ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{film}}$= ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{bulk}}$-2${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{surface}}$/t-2${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{step}}$/(td), where t and d are film thickness and terrace width, respectively. The last term includes contributions from sites at both the upper edge and inner corner of the step and makes the dominant contribution to the step-induced anisotropy. This model properly accounts for the preferred direction of magnetization parallel to the steps in Co/Cu(1 1 13). bcc Fe/W vicinal to (001) shows a preference for in-plane magnetization perpendicular to the steps for t2.5 monolayers. The N\'eel model also predicts this anisotropy for a bcc Fe film provided the magnetization lies in the film plane, not in the (001) plane.
Relation of mean pixel intensity to concentration of sonicated albumin microspheres: Effects of ultrasound system settings

Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a recently developed technique to assess myocardial perfusion. Previous studies have shown that MCE frequently underestimates coronary reserve as compared with other methods. Previous reports have suggested that some of the limitations of MCE are due to the nonlinear processing algorithms of the ultrasound systems. Therefore we designed an in vitro model to study the effects of various processing algorithms and levels of acoustic power (AP) on the relation between concentration of echocontrast and mean pixel intensities. A beaker containing a commercially produced, diluted solution of sonicated albumin microspheres was imaged with a commercial Hewlett Packard ultrasound system, and mean pixel intensities were determined with an off-line computer system. The solution was imaged at a wide range of APs (40–10 dB) and time gain compensation (40–60 dB). Concentration versus intensity curves were generated using all possible combinations of compression and processing algorithms available on the ultrasound system used. Contrast effect diminished rapidly when exposed to high AP. Lower powers had less effect on contrast intensity duration, with no effect seen below 20 dB. Changes in time gain compensation did not affect contrast intensities. Regardless of the processing algorithm examined, the relation between concentration of echocontrast and mean pixel intensities was near linear in the first two to three concentrations; thereafter, the curves flattened during increasing concentrations of contrast. At higher concentrations, acoustic shadowing produced a decrease in pixel intensities. Thus, in this in vitro model, measurements of pixel intensities offer the opportunity of quantitating sonicated albumin microsphere concentration, but only at the lower range (6.25 × 10−5/ml sonicated albumin microspheres/ml of solution) of the contrast concentration. These results could have important clinical implications.
Adsolubilization of Fluorocarbon Alcohols into Perfluoroheptanoate Admicelles Formed on Alumina

Sodium perfluoroheptanoate adsorption and adsolubilization of small aliphatic fluorocarbon alcohols into surface aggregates formed on alumina was investigated. Higher concentrations and increasing hydrophobicity of the adsolubilizate enhanced surfactant adsorption below the plateau region. Partitioned amounts of the fluorocarbon alcohols rose with the alcohol supernatant concentration and chain length. Aggregation numbers were estimated with the two-site adsolubilization model.
Synthesis of (E)-8-aza-11-deoxy-15α- and 15β-hydroxyprost-13-en-1-ol

The synthesis of a prostaglandin E1 analog, (E)-8-aza-11-deoxy-15α- and 15β-hydroxyprost-13-en-1-ol, is reported.