cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of radiolabelled chylomicron lipids in intact and hepatectomized rats.

Abstract 1. 1. Intact rats removed more radiolabelled triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and cholesterol ester but not phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the first 6 min than hepatectomized rats. 2. 2. There was no difference between intact and hepatectomized rats in the transfer of radiolabelled chylomicron lipids to other lipoproteins. 3. 3. Specific radioactivity measurements demonstrated a net transfer of PC (intact and hepatectomized rats) and unesterified cholesterol (intact rats only) onto both the low density lipoprotein/high density lipoprotein-I (LDL/HDL 1 ) and HDL 2 fractions. 4. 4. [ 3 H]Fatty acids were rapidly incorporated into blood cell phospholipids and into HDL and LDL cholesterol esters of both intact and hepatectomized rats. 5. 5. Substantial rearrangements of [ 3 H]palmitate occurred during lipid uptake by liver.
Suppression and enhancement of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions by interference tones above f2. I. Basic findings in rabbits

Abstract The present study measured interference-response areas (IRAs) for distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) at 2 f 1 − f 2 , 3 f 1 −2f 2 , and 2 f 2 − f 1 . The IRAs were obtained in either awake or anesthetized rabbits, or in anesthetized guinea pigs and mice, by sweeping the frequencies and levels of an interference tone (IT) around a set of f 1 and f 2 primary tones, at several fixed frequencies and levels, while plotting the effects of the IT on DPOAE level. An unexpected outcome was the occurrence of regions of suppression and/or enhancement of DPOAE level when the IT was at a frequency slightly less than to more than an octave above f 2 . The IRA of the 2 f 1 − f 2 DPOAE typically displayed a high-frequency (HF) lobe of suppression, while the 2 f 2 − f 1 emission often exhibited considerable amounts of enhancement. Moreover, for the 2 f 2 − f 1 DPOAE, when enhancement was absent, its IRA usually tuned to a region above f 2 . Whether or not suppression/enhancement was observed depended upon primary-tone level and frequency separation, as well as on the relative levels of the two primaries. Various physiological manipulations involving anesthesia, eighth-nerve section, diuretic administration, or pure-tone overstimulation showed that these phenomena were of cochlear origin, and were not dependent upon the acoustic reflex or cochlear-efferent activity. The aftereffects of applying diuretics or over-exposures revealed that suppression/enhancement required the presence of sensitive, low-level DPOAE-generator sources. Additionally, suppression/enhancement were general effects in that, in addition to rabbits, they were also observed in mice and guinea pigs. Further, corresponding plots of DPOAE phase often revealed areas of differing phase change in the vicinity of the primary tones as compared to regions above f 2 . These findings, along with the effects of tonal exposures designed to fatigue regions above f 2 , and instances in which DPOAE level was dependent upon the amount of suppression/enhancement, suggested that the interactions of two DPOAE-generator sources contributed, in some manner, to these phenomena.
Cyanide stimulation of bacterial inosinic acid dehydrogenase

Abstract A study has been made on the mechanism of activation of IMP dehydrogenase (IMP: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.14) from Aerobacter aerogenes P-14. It was found that in addition to GSH stimulation, cyanide (2·10 −2 M) could also increase enzymatic activity as much as four-fold. This stimulation was not due to complexing since EDTA or o -phenanthroline could not replace cyanide nor was this activation attributed to an anion effect since F − , Cl − , Br − , SO 4 2− , or PO 4 3− did not activate the enzyme. Therefore, cyanide may be activating the enzyme by cleavage of disulfide bonds. This disulfide cleavage then causes a subtle change in protein configuration which allows greater enzymatic activity. Support for this suggestion is provided by the finding that 77% of the enzyme activity of the cyanide treated enzyme is lost when the enzyme is exposed to 5 M urea. The native enzyme lost only 25% activity.
Generation of genetically altered mouse models for aging studies.

A number of mouse models have been identified and are being used for aging and age-associated disease research. However, the use of the genetically manipulated mouse model is still a relatively untapped resource for the study of the biology of aging. Genetically altered mice can be powerful tools for biology of aging research because gene expression can be controlled and correlated with established biomarkers. Standard transgene overexpression and gene targeting techniques were modified and used to generate 30 mouse lines during a 4-year period. These lines include models of Werner's syndrome (premature aging or progeria), Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative condition, atherosclerosis, diabetes, immune dysfunction, musculoskeletal disorders, and oxidative stress. These new mouse models are providing additional insights into aging processes and will be useful for developing intervention strategies and collaborative interactions.
The evolution of nonrepetitive dna in sea urchins

Molecular hybridization of nuclear DNAs has been employed to study the evolution of nonrepetitive DNA sequences in four species of sea urchin. The data indicate that the extent of homology between the nonrepetitive DNA sequences of S. purpuratus, S. droebachiensis, S. franciscanus, and L. pictus confirms the phylogenetic relationship established through palaeontological evidence. The average rate of divergence of nonrepetitive DNA sequences was found to be approximately 0.22% per million years. In addition, a small fraction (approximately 14%) of the nonrepetitive DNA sequences is highly conserved between S. purpuratus and L. pictus after 120–200 million years divergence. This study may provide a basis for the use of interspecific hybrid embryos of these organisms to investigate the evolution and importance of certain DNA sequences in early developmental processes leading to cell differentiation.
Acyl-2-aminobenzimidazoles: a novel class of neuroprotective agents targeting mGluR5

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) are promising therapeutic agents for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Using computational and medicinal methods, the structure-activity relationship of a class of acyl-2-aminobenzimidazoles (1-26) is reported. The new compounds are designed based on the chemical structure of 3,3’-difluorobenzaldazine (DFB), a known mGluR5 PAM. Ligand design and prediction of binding affinities of the new compounds have been performed using the site identification by ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) method. Binding affinities of the compounds to the transmembrane domain of mGluR5 have been evaluated using nitric oxide (NO) production assay, while the safety of the compounds is tested. One new compound found in this study, compound 22, showed promising activity with an IC50 value of 6.4 μM, which is ~20 fold more potent than that of DFB. Compound 22 represents a new lead for possible development as a treatment for TBI and related neurodegenerative conditions.
Ultra-short pulse characterization using a reference laser pulse

We propose a novel and simple technique to determine the temporal profile of ultra-short laser pulses uniquely from a measured auto-correlation spectrum. It involves forming a sequence of two laser pulses spaced by a time delay τ, the first one being the pulse to be characterized and the second one a reference pulse. This sequence is sent through any device that measures the Fourier transform (FT) magnitude of the sequence's temporal profile, such as a classical optical auto-correlator. This FT magnitude is then processed analytically using a novel algorithm to retrieve the temporal profile of the sample pulse unambiguously. The reference pulse can be either an unchirped symmetric pulse or any pulse with a known profile. This requirement does not constitute a limitation because once the temporal profile of a given pulse has been characterized by this technique, even though it may not be an unchirped symmetric pulse, this pulse can be used as the reference pulse to determine the profile of any other ultra-short pulse. Compared to other measurement techniques, such as frequency-resolved optical gating, our technique is much faster and simpler, in terms of both experimental and computational complexity. Simulations also show that the profile recovery is quite accurate even in the presence of strong noise on the measured FT magnitude.
Thermodynamic properties of chloroacetylene, dichloroacetylene, ethynyl radical, and chloroethynyl radical

Abstract Gas-phase ΔH 0 f 298 of CHCCl, CClCCl, CHC•, and CClC• are computed by QCISD(T)/6-31+G(d ′ ), CBS-Q, CCSD(T)/6-311++G(3df,2p), and G3 methods based on B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) and MP2(Full)/6-311+G(2d,2p) geometries, CBS-APNO is also used for CHC•. B3LYP and MP2(Full) structures result in similar energies for C 2 H 2 , C 2 HCl and C 2 Cl 2 . ΔH 0 f 298 of C 2 H• from B3LYP geometry is close to CBS-APNO but 2 kcal/mol below MP2(Full); the CBS-APNO result is recommended. MP2(Full) structure results in lower energies for C 2 Cl•. MP2(FC) geometries give results within 0.05 kcal/mol of MP2(Full). Recommended ΔH 0 f 298 are 54.54±0.17, 53.80(+2/−5), 53.89±4.78, 135.89±1.81, 135.66±6.24 kcal / mol for C 2 H 2 , C 2 HCl, C 2 Cl 2 , C 2 H•, C 2 Cl•, respectively. S 0 298 and Cp 0 ( T ) are calculated.
A Formal Statement of the MMS Security Model

To provide a firm foundation for proofs about the security properties of a system specification or implementation, a formal statement of its security model is needed. This paper presents a formal model that corresponds to an informal, application-based security model for military message systems (MMS) that has been documented elsewhere. Following the formal statement, some considerations that led to its present form are discussed. The paper concludes with the statement of a "Basic Security Theorem" for the model.
Synergism between Ecologic and Immunologic Control Mechanisms of Intestinal Flora

A hypothesis that postulates that local antibacterial immunity may act synergistically with bacterial antagonism in controlling bacterial populations in the intestine was studied. In germ-free mice monoassociated with Vibrio cholerae, bacterial counts were in the order of 109-1010 bacteria per cecum. If mice had been vaccinated with V. cholerae by either oral or parenteral routes, the vibrio counts were lowered by factors of only 1.55-2.82. In germ-free mice in which antagonistic bacteria had been implanted before challenge with vibrios, viable counts were about 105-108 vibrios per cecum. If these mice were vaccinated, the vibrio counts were lowered by factors of 4.72-61.1. Local antibacterial immunity was therefore considerably more effective when it operated in conjunction with bacterial antagonism. The mechanism of action of intestinal antibacterial immunity was considered in relation to prophylactic vaccination and to the control of autochthonous flora.
Central corneal thickness measured by the Orbscan II system, contact ultrasound pachymetry, and the Artemis 2 system.

Purpose To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements by the Orbscan II device, contact ultrasound (US) pachymetry, and the noncontact Artemis 2 scanning US system. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA. Methods The CCT in 40 eyes (20 normal subjects) was measured by the Orbscan II followed by contact US pachymetry and then the Artemis 2. Results were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t tests, and Bland-Altman plots. Results There was a significant difference in CCT measurements between the 3 modes (F = 32.84, P = .0001, 1-way ANOVA). Artemis 2 and US pachymetry measurements were highly correlated ( r 2 = 0.963, P r 2 = 0.851, P Conclusions Ultrasound pachymetry and Artemis 2 CCT measurements were highly correlated; the 11 μm mean difference in measurements may be attributed to decentration, oblique incidence of the probe to the cornea, or possibly the effect of topical anesthesia with contact pachymetry. Although the mean difference between Orbscan II and Artemis 2 values was 7.5 μm, Orbscan values were less correlated than Artemis 2 values with contact US pachymetry and were prone to underestimation of the CCT in thinner corneas.
Thermal titrimetric evaluation of the heats of ionization of the commonly occurring amino acids and their derivatives

Abstract By using instrumentation of relatively simple design it has been shown that calorimetric data of good precision can be obtained with rapidity and ease of operation. The heats of ionization of all the commonly occurring amino acids have been determined and, depending on the differences in ionization constants, heats of ionization of individual groups in a mixture can also be obtained.
An empirical approach to certain concepts of logical proof

To develop a consistent approach to the basic concepts of logical proof in a theory of rhetoric requires a philosophical base of analysis. An empirical approach makes possible a consistent and prec...
The aqueous reference for ESR oximetry.

Abstract The interaction of molecular oxygen with derivatives of nitroxide EPR spin labels has been investigated using nuclear spin-relaxation spectroscopy in aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. The proton spin–lattice relaxation rate induced by oxygen provides a measure of the local concentration of oxygen, which we find is dependent on solvent. In water, the hydrophobic effect increases the local concentration of oxygen in the nonpolar portions of solute molecules. For nitroxides reduced to the hydroxylamine in aqueous solutions, we find that the local concentration of oxygen is approximately twice that associated with a free diffusion hard sphere limit, while in octane, this effect is absent. These results show that nitroxide based ESR oximetry may suffer a reference concentration shift of order a factor of two if the aqueous nitroxide spectrum or relaxation is used as the reference.
Setting the Scope of Concept Inventories for Introductory Computing Subjects

A concept inventory is a standardized assessment tool intended to evaluate a student’s understanding of the core concepts of a topic. In order to create a concept inventory it is necessary to accurately identify these core concepts. A Delphi process is a structured multi-step process that uses a group of experts to achieve a consensus opinion. We present the results of three Delphi processes to identify topics that are important and difficult in each of three introductory computing subjects: discrete mathematics, programming fundamentals, and logic design. The topic rankings can not only be used to guide the coverage of concept inventories, but can also be used by instructors to identify what topics merit special attention.
High salt diet modulates cAMP- and nitric oxide-mediated relaxation responses to isoproterenol in the rat aorta.

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) production contributes to relaxation induced by 3′,5′-cyclic adenylate monophosphate (cAMP)-elevating agents and that high salt diet impairs this mechanism of relaxation. Relaxation response to isoproterenol but not sodium nitroprusside, a NO donor, was reduced in the thoracic aorta from rats that were placed on a high salt diet (8% NaCl; 60±4%, P l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME, 100 μM), an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), attenuated the relaxation to isoproterenol (59±16%, P
Use of linezolid in children: an overview of recent advances

Linezolid is the first member of a new generation of antibiotics, the synthetic oxazolidinones, to become available, with a broad spectrum of in vitro activity against Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. Linezolid is showing great promise currently for the treatment of multiresistant Gram-positive bacterial infections, especially complicated skin infections, catheter-induced bacteremia or nosocomial pneumonia both in the community and in a hospital setting, in children and in adults. Although most recent reports are favorable and anticipatory of a more extensive use of linezolid in appropriately selected pediatric population groups in the near future, following treatment failure of conventional antimicrobial agents, more clinical trials are, however, required to investigate the safety profile and tolerability of this new antibiotic in the pediatric population.
Critical Care Toxicology

Emergency physicians are regularly called on to care for critically poisoned patients. This article reviews the general approach and management of the critically poisoned patient. Specific clinical characteristics are identified that may clue the clinician into a specific toxin class as a diagnosis. Appropriate testing in the poisoned patient is reviewed. Complications of poisoning that may bring a rapid demise of the critically ill poisoned patient are highlighted and the management of those complications is discussed.
Initiation of Dialysis Should be Timely: Neither Early Nor Late

Over the last decade, individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States are starting maintenance dialysis therapy at progressively higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Moreover, several observational studies have demonstrated an association of a higher risk of death with higher serum creatinine-based estimates of GFR at the time of initiation of dialysis. In contrast, studies in which renal function has been measured by timed urinary collection show either a lower risk of death or no significant association with higher GFR at the time of initiation of dialysis. There are numerous potential sources of bias in such observational studies, particularly in those that use serum creatinine-based eGFR. The only randomized controlled clinical trial to have examined this question did not demonstrate either benefit or harm with initiation of dialysis at higher level of renal function. Thus, the data to date suggest that eGFR should not be the sole consideration when assessing the need for initiating maintenance dialysis in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Given the high societal costs of starting renal replacement therapy earlier in the course of the disease, these considerations also suggest that dialysis can be safely be postponed in otherwise asymptomatic individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease. By the same token, dialysis should not be denied to individuals who could clearly benefit from renal replacement therapy simply because the GFR is too high (viz., volume overload, refractory hyperkalemia). Finally, there is a compelling need to reexamine the symptoms that could be attributed to uremia and clearly improve upon initiation of dialysis to better guide clinical decision-making.
Seven reliability indices for high‐stakes decision making: Description, selection, and simple calculation

The reliability of data is a critical issue in decision-making for practitioners in the school. Percent Agreement and Cohen's kappa are the two most widely reported indices of inter-rater reliability, however, a recent Monte Carlo study on the reliability of multi-category scales found other indices to be more trustworthy given the type of data and number of categories. This manuscript presents defensible decision steps, methods, and rationale for selecting and calculating inter-rater reliability for practitioners. In addition to using screen shots from readily available online programs for calculation such as Excel and Vassar College (Lowry, 2010), decision guides and a flow chart are presented in several figures and tables for easy reference. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What do prospective research participants want to know? What do they assume they know already?

Using a framework based on conversational pragmatics, data were collected on spontaneous information requests by people who were invited to participate in a simple research study. Subjects requested information on some standard elements of consent (e.g., scientific purpose, time required, investigator), but not others (e.g., voluntariness, freedom to quit, data maintenance, risks). Using post hoc fixed response queries, we investigated factors responsible for absence of queries on elements of consent. We found that participants sometimes did not ask because they assumed they already knew the answer; other times they did not care about the answer. This small pilot study suggests that inclusion of elements considered inappropriate by respondents may be redundant and, in at least some circumstances, potentially confusing.
MEMBRANE PHOTOMODIFICATION OF CARDIAC MYOCYTES: POTASSIUM AND LEAKAGE CURRENTS

Cardiac myocytes were isolated from the atria of frogs (Rana pipiens) and whole cell potassium (IK) and "leakage" (Ileak) currents were monitored using the patch clamp technique. Cells were photosensitized by exposure to Rose Bengal (0.125-0.5 microM). Illumination produced an exponential decrease in IK, and an increase in Ileak. Current modifications varied with light intensity and sensitizer concentration. IK stabilized when illumination ceased, while Ileak continued to increase at a slower rate after illumination ended. The exponential nature of IK modification suggests that potassium channels are photomodified with single hit kinetics. The stabilization of IK following illumination suggests (1) that the photomodification of the potassium channel does not involve long lasting (minutes) radical chain reactions and (2) that this photomodification is not repaired in the course of a few minutes.
Dretske on knowledge closure

In early essays and in more recent work, Fred Dretske argues against the closure of perception, perceptual knowledge, and knowledge itself. In this essay I review his case and suggest that, in a useful sense, perception is closed, and that, while perceptual knowledge is not closed under entailment, perceptually based knowledge is closed, and so is knowledge itself. On my approach, which emphasizes the safe indication account of knowledge, we can both perceive, and know, that sceptical scenarios (such as being a brain in a vat) do not hold.
The role of charmed meson loops in charmonium decays

We investigate the effect of intermediate charmed meson loops on the M1 radiative decaysJ/ → �c and ' → � (') c as well as the isospin violating hadronic decays ' → J/ � 0 (�) using heavy hadron chiral perturbation theory (HHPT). The calculations include tree level as well as one loop diagrams and are compared to the latest data from CLEO and BES-III. Our fit constrains the couplings of 1S and 2S charmonium multiplets to charmed mesons, denoted g2 and g ' 2 , respectively. We find that there are two sets of solutions for g2 and g ' . One set, which agrees with previous values of the product g2gextracted from analyses that consider only loop contributions to ' → J/ � 0 (�), can only fit data on radiative decays with fine-tuned cancellations between tree level diagrams and loops in that process. The other solution for g2 and gleads to couplings that are smaller by a factor of 2.3. In this case tree level and loop contributions are of comparable size and the numerical values of the tree level contributions to radiative decays are consistent with estimates based on the quark model as well as non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD). This result shows that tree level HHPT couplings are as important as the one loop graphs with charmed mesons in these charmonium decays. The couplings g2 and gare also important for the calculations of the
Gab2 promotes hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and self-renewal synergistically with STAT5.

Background Grb2-associated binding (Gab) adapter proteins play major roles in coordinating signaling downstream of hematopoietic cytokine receptors. In hematopoietic cells, Gab2 can modulate phosphatidylinositol–3 kinase and mitogen associated protein kinase activities and regulate the long-term multilineage competitive repopulating activity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Gab2 may also act in a linear pathway upstream or downstream of signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5), a major positive regulator of HSC function. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether Gab2 and STAT5 function in hematopoiesis in a redundant or non-redundant manner. Methodology/Principal Findings To do this we generated Gab2 mutant mice with heterozygous and homozygous deletions of STAT5. In heterozygous STAT5 mutant mice, deficiencies in HSC/multipotent progenitors were reflected by decreased long-term repopulating activity. This reduction in repopulation function was mirrored in the reduced growth response to early-acting cytokines from sorted double mutant c-Kit+Lin−Sca-1+ (KLS) cells. Importantly, in non-ablated newborn mice, the host steady-state engraftment ability was impaired by loss of Gab2 in heterozygous STAT5 mutant background. Fetal liver cells isolated from homozygous STAT5 mutant mice lacking Gab2 showed significant reduction in HSC number (KLS CD150+CD48−), reduced HSC survival, and dramatic loss of self-renewal potential as measured by serial transplantation. Conclusions/Significance These data demonstrate new functions for Gab2 in hematopoiesis in a manner that is non-redundant with STAT5. Furthermore, important synergy between STAT5 and Gab2 was observed in HSC self-renewal, which might be exploited to optimize stem cell-based therapeutics.
Power evaluation of a handheld computer

In a comprehensive study using the Itsy pocket computer, the authors measure both total system power and power dissipated by individual subcircuits for representative workloads. The results suggest possible low-power design optimizations and power management strategies.
Modeling cycle-to-cycle dynamics and mode transition in HCCI engines with variable valve actuation

Due to dilution limits, homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines will need to switch to a conventional spark ignition (SI) or diesel mode at very low and high load conditions. This paper outlines a simple and accurate control-oriented model of a single-cylinder multi-mode HCCI engine using exhaust reinduction. An exhaust manifold model ties the exhausted gas from one cycle to that reinducted on the next cycle. The results show that the cyclic dynamics which occur during an SI-to-HCCI mode transition are essentially just an extension of the inherent cycle-to-cycle dynamics of HCCI. Multi-cycle, multi-mode simulations demonstrate the steady state and dynamic behavior seen on an experimental system. Predicted combustion timing, in-cylinder pressure, work output and exhaust temperature values agree very well with experiment. This model provides a basis for developing and validating controllers capable of controlling HCCI during mode transitions.
Molecular evolution: Old branches on the phytochrome family tree

Abstract Phytochromes were thought to be unique to the plant world, but comparative genetic studies now show that they have evolved from an ancient family of light sensors with characteristics of prokaryotic two-component regulators.
Computer processing of spectrograms for absolute intensities.

A computer program was developed to process photographically recorded spectra for absolute intensity. Test and calibration films are subjected to densitometric scans that provide digitally recorded densities on magnetic tapes. The nonlinear calibration data are fitted by least-squares cubic polynomials to yield a good approximation to the monochromatic H&D curves for commonly used emulsions (2475 recording film, Royal-X, Tri-X, 4-X). Several test cases were made. Results of these cases show that the machine processed absolute intensities are accurate to within 15%. Arbitrarily raising the sensitivity threshold by 0.1 density units above gross fog yields cubic polynomial fits to the H&D curves that are radiometrically accurate within 10%. In addition, curves of gamma vs wavelength for 2475, Tri-X, and 4-X emulsions were made. These data show slight evidence of the photographic Purkinje effect in the 2475 emulsion.
Chromatography: The separation technique of the 20th century

M. S. Tswett contemplated the possibility of “chromatography” in 1899–1901 while carrying out his first research work on the physico-chemical structure of plant chlorophylls, and he reported “on a new category of adsorption analysis” in 1903. The evolution of chromatography followed the advances of this century: each decade brought new innovations based logically from the previous one. By the end of the 20th Century chromatography has became the most widely used separation technique in chemistry and biochemistry: thus, it is no exaggeration to call it the separation technique of the 20th Century. This paper investigates the evolution of the various branches of chromatography.
Transurethral hyperthermia for benign prostatic hyperplasia: long term results.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the only recognized treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Transurethral hyperthermia (TUHT) was used as an alternative treatment in patient who refused TURP. From 1987 to 1988, 21 BPH patients with moderate to severe symptoms and signs of prostatism were treated with TUHT in a phase I trial. Mean pre-treatment subjective and objective values were: Total symptom score (TSS) 13.5, obstructive symptom score (OSS) 6.5, irritative symptom score (TSS) 7.0, peak flow rate (PFR) 11.6 cc/sec, post-voiding residual volume (PRV) 187 cc, and prostate volume (PV) 93 cc. TUHT was given for a total of 177 sessions (mean 8.4), each of 60 min duration at a steady state. Temperature was recorded continuously on the urethral surface, in all treatments. It ranged from Tmin 40.3d`C to Tmax = 49.2d`C and Tmean = 44.1d`C. The mean minimum temperature of ≥ 42d`C was obtained in 98% of the TUHT sessions. Treatments were given on an outpatient basis without...
Godzilla vs. the Egghead: Negotiating the Cultures of Fandom and Academe

Godzilla on My Mind: Fifty Years of the King of Monsters (2004) was my attempt to write an intelligent but accessible study of an enduring film icon for non-academic audiences. Although the volume has sold far better than any of my traditional scholarly monographs (by a factor of ten) and was praised in the New York Times as a “cult classic,” it generated very mixed responses from both the Godzilla fan community and professional historians. This article explores the rewards and challenges of being a “scholar-fan,” an academic studying a personal obsession in pop culture as well as his fellow fans. I discuss the path I took to writing Godzilla on My Mind and the ways that the book departed from standard scholarly conventions. After reviewing the volume’s reception by a generally bemused academic community, I consider how both committed Godzilla admirers and more casual fans reacted to the book, the former often with suspicion, resentment, and hostility, the latter frequently with enthusiasm, relief, and a sense of validation. Despite jibes in fan blogs and flippant comments in academic journals, I conclude that writing for popular audiences and embracing the “scholar-fan” subject position can be gratifying and valuable intellectually.
Late-preterm births: challenges and opportunities.

Until the 1980s, the phrase “near term” was used only as an adjective to identify research subjects (or study animals) close to term gestation.1–3 For unknown reasons, the phrase gradually assumed a wider, physiologic connotation. An ill-defined group of infants began to be labeled near term, which implied that they were “almost term” and, hence, there was no reason for concern. Two factors might have contributed to such shifts in perception. In obstetric practice, 34 completed weeks of gestation began to be considered a maturational milestone, beyond which active interventions are rarely undertaken to prevent preterm births.4 In randomized, controlled trials (which became increasingly popular since the 1980s) and in outcomes studies, women at term and near-term gestations, or their infants, were being combined into single entities, a practice that has continued.5–8 Thus, our collective perception on term and near-term infants might have slowly changed so that these infants are seen as a homogeneous group with regard … Address correspondence to Tonse N.K. Raju, MD, DCH, Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Medicine, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6100 Executive Blvd, Room 4B03, Bethesda, MD 20952. E-mail: rajut{at}mail.nih.gov
Interrogating contact-mode silicon carbide (SiC) nanoelectromechanical switching dynamics by ultrasensitive laser interferometry

We report on initial experimental demonstration of probing the dynamics of nanoscale contacts in robust nanoelectromechanical switches based on silicon carbide (SiC) nanocantilevers. For the first time, we measure the dynamical behavior of contact-mode SiC nanoscale electromechanical switches by directly probing the vibrating tips of the SiC nanocantilevers, using ultrasensitive laser interferometric techniques. First, we devise a novel `pump-and-probe'-type optical technique in which we use an RF-modulated 405nm (blue) laser to excite the SiC cantilevers, while using a 633nm (red) laser interferometer to probe the dynamics of their tips. Second, we directly actuate the SiC devices via their electrostatic gates, while monitoring the cantilevers' motions optically. By actuating the SiC cantilever switches near resonance with increasing amplitudes, we reveal new characteristics in motion dynamics when the devices are making contacts periodically. We demonstrate milli-Volt actuated SiC NEMS with cantilever tips tapping on the contact electrodes periodically, for >10 billion cycles (in `cold' switching mode).
Psychometric validation of the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire (LDQ) in a young adult clinical sample.

Objective Measures of substance dependence severity that are both clinically efficient and sensitive to change can facilitate assessment of clinical innovation necessary for improving current evidence-based practices. The Leeds Dependence Questionnaire (LDQ) is a 10-item, continuous, self-report measure of dependence that is not specific to any particular substance and has shown promise in preliminary psychometric research. The present study investigates its psychometric properties in a large clinical sample of young adults.
Characterization of RNA editing of the glutamate-receptor subunits GluR5 and GluR6 in granule cells during cerebellar development

The non-NMDA class of ionotropic glutamate receptors are subject to RNA editing resulting in single amino acid changes within individual subunits that make up these oligomeric receptors. These amino acid changes result in significant alterations of important channel properties. Both edited and unedited versions of the kainate-receptor subunits GluR5 and GluR6 are present in brain, but whether this reflects the expression of both versions in individual types of neurons or differences in editing between different cell types is unclear. To characterize editing in a single identified type of central neuron, we have determined the extent to which GluR5 and GluR6 mRNAs are edited in acutely isolated cerebellar granule cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that editing at each site in GluR5 and GluR6 increased during early postnatal development. The Q/R site was predominantly unedited in GluR5, whereas GluR6 was mostly edited. The Q/R and Y/C sites of GluR6 were edited to similar extents, whereas a smaller percentage of transcripts were edited at the I/V site. The expression of two double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminases implicated in GluR editing (DRADA and RED1) increased in granule cells between postnatal days 1 and 15. Finally, cerebellar granule cells express a previously unreported variant of RED1 which appears to arise from developmentally regulated alternative splicing.
Metformin, mitochondria and cancer

Most cancers have intact mitochondria function and we previously showed that mitochondria metabolism and ROS is essential for tumorigenesis. However, there are a subset of cancers which arise from mutations which abolish activity of TCA cycle enzymes, including Fumarate Hydratase (FH) deficient renal cancer cells. While oxygen consumption is severely reduced in FH deficient human cancer cells, we uncovered that they are still dependent on mitochondrial metabolism and ROS for cell proliferation. Based on these results we propose that mitochondrial metabolism and/or ROS could be an attractive target for therapy. We will discuss the role of mitochondria in regulating cancer and how metformin might exert its anti-tumorigenic properties by inhibiting certain aspects of mitochondrial function.
Effect of SiC, TaB2 and TaSi2 additives on the isothermal oxidation resistance of fully dense zirconium diboride

The oxidation resistances of ZrB2 containing SiC, TaB2, and TaSi2 additions of various concentrations were studied using isothermal thermogravimetry at 1200, 1400, and 1500 °C, and specimens were further characterized using x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Increasing SiC concentration resulted in thinner glassy surface layers as well as thinner ZrO2-rich underlayers deficient in silica. This silica deficiency was argued to occur by a wicking process of interior-formed borosilicate liquid to the initially-formed borosilicate liquid at the surface. Small (3.32 mol%) concentrations of TaB2 additions were more effective at increasing oxidation resistance than equal additions of TaSi2. The benefit of these additives was related to the formation of a zirconium-tantalum boride solid solution during sintering, which during oxidation, fragmented into fine particles of ZrO2 and TaC. These particles resisted wicking of their liquid/glassy borosilicate encapsulation, which increased overall oxidation resistance. With increasing TaB2 or TaSi2 concentration, oxidation resistance degraded, most egregiously with TaB2 additions. In these cases, zirconia dendrites appeared to grow through the glassy layers, providing conduits for oxygen migration.
Bosonic zero modes in discretized light-cone field theory

It is shown that for theories with bosonic fields a constrained zero mode is a necessary ingredient for a consistent discretized light-cone quantization (DLCQ). Inclusion of this zero mode is shown to remove a non-covariant, quadratically divergent contribution to the fermion self-energy in 3+1 dimensional Yukawa theory which would otherwise be present. It is further shown to result in a fully consistent set of Heisenberg equations. The possibility of maintaining parity in DLCQ is discussed.
Bipolar disorder with comorbid cluster B personality disorder features: impact on suicidality.

BACKGROUND: Because of their overlapping phenomenology and mutually chronic, persistent nature, distinctions between bipolar disorder and cluster B personality disorders remain a source of unresolved clinical controversy. The extent to which comorbid personality disorders impact course and outcome for bipolar patients also has received little systematic study. METHOD: One hundred DSM-IV bipolar I (N = 73) or II (N = 27) patients consecutively underwent diagnostic evaluations with structured clinical interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and cluster B Axis II disorders, along with assessments of histories of childhood trauma or abuse. Cluster B diagnostic comorbidity was examined relative to lifetime substance abuse, suicide attempt histories, and other clinical features. RESULTS: Thirty percent of subjects met DSM-IV criteria for a cluster B personality disorder (17% borderline, 6% antisocial, 5% histrionic, 8% narcissistic). Cluster B diagnoses were significantly linked with histories of childhood emotional abuse (p = .009), physical abuse (p = .014), and emotional neglect (p = .022), but not sexual abuse or physical neglect. Cluster B comorbidity was associated with significantly more lifetime suicide attempts and current depression. Lifetime suicide attempts were significantly associated with cluster B comorbidity (OR = 3.195, 95% CI = 1.124 to 9.088), controlling for current depression severity, lifetime substance abuse, and past sexual or emotional abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster B personality disorders are prevalent comorbid conditions identifiable in a substantial number of individuals with bipolar disorder, making an independent contribution to increased lifetime suicide risk. Language: en
Preoperative parathyroid localization: correlating false-negative technetium 99m sestamibi scans with parathyroid disease.

Objective/Hypothesis The recent trend toward minimally invasive directed parathyroid surgery has increased the surgeon's reliance on preoperative parathyroid localization. Technetium Tc 99m sestamibi scanning is generally viewed as the gold standard for preoperative localization, with reported sensitivities of 75% to 100% and specificities of 75% to 90%. 1–3 However, in each reported series there exists a group of patients in whom preoperative localization is either equivocal or negative. Study Design We focused on a subset of patients from our parathyroid database with false-negative sestamibi (MIBI) scans, in an attempt to elucidate features that could affect these studies. We identified 20 patients with negative preoperative scans and confirmed parathyroid disease. We compared them with 22 consecutive patients with positive scans, correlating the following variables: patient age, gender, concomitant thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, papillary thyroid carcinoma, thyroid adenoma), preoperative parathyroid hormone values, location and number of enlarged parathyroid glands, parathyroid weight, and the relative proportion of chief cells, clear cells, oxyphil cells, and adipose tissue. Methods Retrospective chart review of clinicopathological and radiological findings. Results We found that patients with false-negative scans were more likely to have an enlarged parathyroid containing a high proportion of clear cells (P = .01). A trend was seen (P = .1) correlating increased parathyroid fat content and false-negative scans. Conversely, positive preoperative scans were more likely to be associated with a higher percentage of oxyphil cells (P = .02). Univariate analysis for other variables, as well as logistic regression analysis, did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusions To date, the present study is the largest clinicopathological review of patients with false-negative sestamibi scans. Technetium Tc 99m uptake correlates with parathyroid oxyphil cell content, and false-negative scans can occur with parathyroid glands containing predominantly clear cells.
Multiple OATP transporters mediate the cellular uptake of rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Rosuvastatin is not subject to significant metabolism; therefore its disposition is thought to be highly dependent on drug transporters expressed in organs such as the intestine, liver, and kidney. Recent studies have shown that OATP1B1 (OATP-C) can mediate the hepatic uptake of this drug. However, the extent and relevance of other OATP transporters to the disposition of this drug has not been clarified. In this study, we expressed an array of human and rat Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide (OATP) transporters using a recombinant vaccinia system. As expected, we are able to confirm that human OATP1B1 is able to mediate the cellular uptake of rosuvastatin. In addition, human OATP1A2 (OATP-A), OATP2B1 (OATP-B), OATP1B3 (OATP-8), as well as rat Oatp1a1 (Oatp1), Oatp1a4 (Oatp2), Oatp1a5 (Oatp3), and Oatp1b2 (Oatp4) were also capable of rosuvastatin uptake. When we expressed allelic variants of human OATP1B1, profound loss of rosuvastatin uptake was noted in cells expressing *5, *9, *15, and *16 (*1b+*9) variants. Accordingly, our findings would suggest multiple OATP transporters mediate the uptake of rosuvastatin from the GI tract and liver. Moreover, involvement of other hepatic OATP transporters is likely to attenuate the impact of SLCO1B1 (OATP-C) SNPs to the overall disposition of rosuvastatin in vivo. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P64–P64; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.136
Trace diffusion of alkanes in polyethylene : spin-echo experiment and Monte Carlo simulation

We have performed pulsed-gradient NMR diffusion (D) measurements of five n-alkanes (24, 28, 36, 44, and 60 carbons) in a polyethylene (PE) host (molecular weight M = 33 kDa) as a function of concentration c (2−10 wt %) at 180 °C. Monte Carlo simulations on the second-nearest-neighbor diamond lattice (38, 46, 62, and 78 carbons) at c between 2% and 15% in a host of PE (M = 4.5 kDa) explored static and dynamic properties. The bridging method uses beads combining neighboring moieties and incorporates two-bead moves; it permits detailed reconstruction of the PE chain at any stage. It uses short-range rotational isomeric state and long-range intra- and interchain discretized Lennard-Jones potentials. For both experiment and simulation, trace D was obtained by extrapolating D(c) to c = 0 using the Fujita−Doolittle model with known chain-end free-volume parameters. A single ratio of 330 Monte Carlo steps per picosecond brings simulation into excellent congruence with experiment; this factor is identical to that ...
A parallel-segmented architecture for low power Content-Addressable Memory

A novel, parallel-segmented architecture is proposed for low power Content Addressable Memory (CAM). The new architecture utilizes the par allegation concept to maintain the high searching operation while uses circuitry-level power reduction techniques to decrease power consumption. A 64×64 bits CAM is implemented using the new architecture and simulated using the BSIM4 public 65nm technology description at 1.0V voltage reference. The power estimation for the CAM using the new architecture is approximately 4.021mW as compare to the traditional CAM architecture, which consumes approximately 12.538mW when operating the memory at 800MHz clock speed.
Isolation of MEK5 and differential expression of alternatively spliced forms.

The prototype mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase module is a three-kinase cascade consisting of the MAP kinase, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1 or ERK2, the MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) MEK1 or MEK2, and the MEK kinase, Raf-1 or B-Raf. This and other MAP kinase modules are thought to be critical signal transducers in major cellular events including proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses. To identify novel mammalian MAP kinase modules, polymerase chain reaction was used to isolate a new MEK family member, MEK5, from the rat. MEK5 is more closely related to MEK1 and MEK2 than to the other known mammalian MEKs, MKK3 and MKK4. MEK5 is thought to lie in an uncharacterized MAP kinase pathway, because MEK5 does not phosphorylate the ERK/MAP kinase family members ERK1, ERK2, ERK3, JNK/SAPK, or p38/HOG1, nor will Raf-1, c-Mos, or MEKK1 highly phosphorylate it. Alternative splicing results in a 50-kDa α and a 40-kDa β isoform of MEK5. MEK5β is ubiquitously distributed and primarily cytosolic. MEK5α is expressed most highly in liver and brain and is particulate. The 23 amino acids encoded by the 5′ exon in the larger α isoform are similar to a sequence found in certain proteins believed to associate with the actin cytoskeleton; this alternatively spliced modular domain may lead to the differential subcellular localization of MEK5α.