cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidant-induced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Human Keratinocytes and Cutaneous Wound Healing

Neutrophils and macrophages, recruited to the wound site, release reactive oxygen species by respiratory burst. It is commonly understood that oxidants serve mainly to kill bacteria and prevent wound infection. We tested the hypothesis that oxidants generated at the wound site promote dermal wound repair. We observed that H(2)O(2) potently induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in human keratinocytes. Deletion mutant studies with a VEGF promoter construct revealed that a GC-rich sequence from bp -194 to -50 of the VEGF promoter is responsible for the H(2)O(2) response. It was established that at microm concentrations oxidant induces VEGF expression and that oxidant-induced VEGF expression is independent of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 and dependent on Sp1 activation. To test the effect of NADPH oxidase-generated reactive oxygen species on wound healing in vivo, Rac1 gene transfer was performed to dermal excisional wounds left to heal by secondary intention. Rac1 gene transfer accelerated wound contraction and closure. Rac1 overexpression was associated with higher VEGF expression both in vivo as well in human keratinocytes. Interestingly, Rac1 gene therapy was associated with a more well defined hyperproliferative epithelial region, higher cell density, enhanced deposition of connective tissue, and improved histological architecture. Overall, the histological data indicated that Rac1 might be an important stimulator of various aspects of the repair process, eventually enhancing the wound-healing process as a whole. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that wound healing is subject to redox control.
The Synthesis and Olefin Reactivity of Neutral and Cationic Tantalum Amidinate−Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Complexes

Cp*[MeC(NPri)2]TaCl3, 1, was prepared in a 60% yield by the reaction of Cp*TaCl4 with 1 equiv of Li[MeC(NPri)2] in THF. The structure is pseudo-octahedral with a plane of symmetry containing the amidinate ligand and bisecting the Cp*. Reaction of 1 with excess MeMgCl yielded the trimethyl derivative Cp*[MeC(NPri)2]TaMe3. Reaction of 1 with AgSbF6 yielded the cation [Cp*[MeC(NPri)2]TaCl2][SbF6]. The amidinate orientation is changed with respect to 1 such that the amidinate and the Cp* are nearly parallel. Complex 1 polymerizes ethylene upon treatment with MAO in isobutane (470 (g PE)(mmol Ta)-1 h-1 atm-1).
Evaluation of radiofrequency dielectric heaters workers exposure

Radiofrequency dielectric heaters (RFDH) are widely used in the woodworking industry for glueing laminates by applying pressure and RF heating. The workers operating such equipment remain in the vicinity of the machinery all day and can therefore be exposed to considerable levels of electric and magnetic field at RFs. This work describes the method used to measure the strength of fields generated by this particular machinery. This procedure is based on current methods cited in the literature and introduces the necessary modifications to meet this specific case. In particular, as there is often a scarcity of technical data available relating to such heaters, it is suggested that a spectrum analyser be used for measurements in the frequencies domain. On the basis of the data obtained the norms of reference are established, the instrumentation to be used in successive stages determined as well as the identification of possible sources of interference from spurious signals. Furthermore, a mapping of the field strengths is presented and the means of determining the decay curve as a function of distance. This last type of measurement is done to estimate the effectiveness of grounding the machinery. The report ends with an estimate of the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields and also some recommendations for reducing risk.
Effect of left ventricular function on the assessment of myocardial viability by technectium-99m sestamibi and correlation with positron emission tomography in patients with healed myocardial infarcts or stable angina pectoris, or both

Abstract The accuracy of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for the assessment of myocardial viability in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is not defined completely. This study determines whether the performance of Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT for viability detection differs between patients with mild-tomoderate coronary artery disease. Patients with regional and/or global LV dysfunction were separated into 2 groups on the basis of LV ejection fraction (EF) at rest: group 1 (LVEF >25%, mean 36 ± 6%, n = 9), and group 2 (LVEF ≤25%, mean 17 ± 5%, n = 11). All patients underwent semiquantitative Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT and positron emission tomography (PET) at rest with N-13 ammonia and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose. The overall regional concordance of SPECT and PET for viability detection was 89% in group 1 and 78% in group 2 (p = 0.002). Discordance in group 2 was almost exclusively due to PET viable and/or SPECT nonviable regions. In regions with hypoperfusion at rest by PET, concordance was 78% in group 1 and only 64% in group 2 (p = 0.0015). In regions with reduced perfusion and relatively increased metabolic activity (“flow: metabolism mismatch”), Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT identified 88% of regions in group 1 as viable, but only 42% of regions in group 2 (p = 0.002). Thus, while Tc-99m sestamibi semiquantitative SPECT at rest shows a good concordance with PET for the detection of myocardial viability in patients with coronary artery disease with mild-to-moderate LV dysfunction, it may underestimate myocardial viability in patients with severe LV dysfunction, particularly in those patients with hypoperfusion at rest as assessed by PET.
Spectral characterization of 4 MV Bremsstrahlung by attenuation analysis

The "quality of radiation" for a high energy x-ray beam can be specified by its attenuation curve in a selected material. The inverse Laplace transform of the attenuation curve can be used as an approximate indication of the energy spectrum of the beam. Existing mathematical procedures for this purpose have been evaluated and were found to poorly represent measured transmission data for 4 MV x-rays from a linear accelerator. The transmission data between 1 and 0.002 could be fitted within the experimental uncertainty by expressing the logarithmic transmission as a second order polynomial of attenuator thickness. The inverse Laplace transform them becomes a Gaussian function of the attenuation coefficient. This new version of "attenuation analysis" provides a practical method for specification of the quality of the radiation in this energy range.
Phase-Field Simulation of Solidification With Density Change

Phase-field models of solidification with convection often assume the existence of a single (mixture) velocity at any location inside the diffuse interface, and the phase-field, φ, is advected by this mixture velocity. In this paper, the advection of the phase-field is examined for a one-dimensional normal flow to a solidification front induced by a density difference between the solid and liquid. It is found that the results from a phase-field model that assumes a single velocity inside the diffuse interface are generally not in agreement with the sharp interface condition for the kinetic undercooling of the front in the presence of unequal densities, regardless of the interface width. By introducing a two-phase approach, where the solid and liquid are assumed to coexist inside the diffuse interface with different velocities, good agreement with the sharp interface condition is obtained irrespective of the density ratio between the two phases.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Computer analysis of the distribution of [3H]estradiol

Abstract This report describes a kinetic analysis with digital computer techniques of the distribution of [ 3 H]estradiol in organs of the rat after intravenous administration. A simple model was tested for compatibility with the observed data. This model postulated that estradiol may be present in each organ in two compartments as defined as having distinct mathematical properties; a free compartment in rapid equilibrium with estradiol at plasma concentration and a bound compartment complexed with a finite number of binding sites. As a firct approximation, this model has been found to be consistent with the observed data. Based on the computer-selected values from the variables in this model for the distribution in organs, the following may be concluded: 1. 1. The uterus, vagina, anterior pituitary and hypothalamus contain bindding sites for estadiol whereas the heart and cerebrum do not. 2. 2. The concentration of estradiol in the free compartment of the hypothalamus is approximated by the total concentration of estradiol in the cerebrum. Thus, the concentration of estradiol complexed with binding sites in the hypothalamus may be estimated by subtracting the total cerebral concentration from the total hypothalamic concentration. 3. 3. In the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus, heart and cerebrum, entry of estradiol into cells is rapid while intracellular entry of the hormone in the vagina and uterus is retarded. 4. 4. At secretions rates thought to be in the physiological range, less than a ng of estradiol is present per g of target organ. Normally, only a small fraction of the binding sites, the possible receptors for estrogenic effects, are occupied by the hormone.
Leiomyosarcoma of the breast: a difficult diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Leiomyosarcoma of the breast is rarely encountered in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytologic material. We report a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast in a 52-yr-old female. Aspiration cytology showed large, dissociated round to spindle cells with abundant vacuolated cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and occasional intranuclear cytoplasmic invaginations. Mitotic figures, osteoclast-like giant cells, and stromal fragments were identified. A diagnosis of malignant neoplasm representing either a sarcoma, a poorly differentiated carcinoma, or a metaplastic carcinoma was made. The patient underwent a wide excision of the lesion after negative work-up. Histologic examination and immunohistochemical studies established the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. This case is presented here because we feel that, although FNA cytology with eventual ancillary studies is a valuable diagnostic tool to evaluate any breast mass, malignant spindle cell neoplasms of the breast still represent a diagnostic challenge for the cytopathologist. Recognition of all cytologic features of leiomyosarcoma may help to formulate a correct diagnosis.
Genotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes at occupationally relevant doses.

Carbon nanotubes are commercially-important products of nanotechnology; however, their low density and small size makes carbon nanotube respiratory exposures likely during their production or processing. We have previously shown mitotic spindle aberrations in cultured primary and immortalized human airway epithelial cells exposed to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). In this study, we examined whether multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) cause mitotic spindle damage in cultured cells at doses equivalent to 34 years of exposure at the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL). MWCNT induced a dose responsive increase in disrupted centrosomes, abnormal mitotic spindles and aneuploid chromosome number 24 hours after exposure to 0.024, 0.24, 2.4 and 24 μg/cm2 MWCNT. Monopolar mitotic spindles comprised 95% of disrupted mitoses. Three-dimensional reconstructions of 0.1 μm optical sections showed carbon nanotubes integrated with microtubules, DNA and within the centrosome structure. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated a greater number of cells in S-phase and fewer cells in the G2 phase in MWCNT-treated compared to diluent control, indicating a G1/S block in the cell cycle. The monopolar phenotype of the disrupted mitotic spindles and the G1/S block in the cell cycle is in sharp contrast to the multi-polar spindle and G2 block in the cell cycle previously observed following exposure to SWCNT. One month following exposure to MWCNT there was a dramatic increase in both size and number of colonies compared to diluent control cultures, indicating a potential to pass the genetic damage to daughter cells. Our results demonstrate significant disruption of the mitotic spindle by MWCNT at occupationally relevant exposure levels.
Mechanistic duality in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryldimethylsilanolates. intermediacy of an 8-Si-4 arylpalladium(II) silanolate

The mechanism of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of potassium (4-methoxyphenyl)dimethyl silanolate has been investigated. Under catalysis by (t-Bu(3)P)(2)Pd, the coupling with 1-bromo-4-fluorobenzene displays the following rate equation: rate = k(obs)[R(3)SiOK](0)[ArylBr](0), with k(obs) = k[(t-Bu(3)P)(2)Pd](0.98). An independent study of the individual steps of the catalytic cycle has revealed a dual mechanistic pathway. The transmetalation can occur by a thermal process via an 8-Si-4 intermediate without the need for anionic activation. Additionally, arylsilanolates can serve as activators for transmetalation via a hypervalent 10-Si-5 siliconate intermediate.
Use of a 3H-labeled substrate to measure microbial biodegradation in marine waters

Abstract A method is described in which a high specific activity (SA) 3 H-labeled substrate was used to measure microbial biodeegradation of p -cresol in coastal marine waters. [2,6- 3 H] p -cresol with a SA of 11 Ci mmol −1 was added to marine waters collected off Souther California. After short incubations of 12 h, subsamples were filtered to collect bacterial cells, respired 3 H 2 O and 3 H-labeled biodegradation intermediates were collected, and residual [2,6- 3 H] p -cresol was isolated using C 18 solid phase extraction columns. Activity in each of these fractions was used to calculate biodegradation kinetics. Filter effects, substrate adsoption, and extraction efficiency were determined with formalin treated abiotic controls. The method has broad applicability and since 3 H-labeled substrates are commercially available with about three orders of magnitude greater SA than for 14 C-labeled compounds, the method can detect biodegradation rates at extremely low levels of target organics. Also, the methods allows for use of smaller sample volumes and, as a result, smaller amounts of radioactive waste are produced. In environments where contamination is present and its concentration can be determined, isotopic dilution can be calculated and radioactivity can be related to total contaminant concentration. The method has broad applicability for assessing the kinetics of p -cresol (and other 3 H-labeled phenols) biodegradation in areas of contamination.
An injectable tissue-engineered embolus prevents luminal recanalization after vascular sclerotherapy

Abstract Background/Purpose Sclerotherapy for vascular malformations is often limited by luminal recanalization. This study examined whether an injectable tissue-engineered construct could prevent this complication in a rabbit model of venous sclerotherapy. Methods Ethanol sclerotherapy of a temporarily occluded jugular vein segment was performed in 46 rabbits, which were then divided into 3 groups. Group I (n = 16) had no further manipulations. In groups II (n = 15) and III (n = 15), 0.5 mL collagen hydrogel was injected intraluminally, respectively, devoid of and seeded with autologous fibroblasts. At 1, 4, and 20 to 24 weeks postoperatively, vein segments were examined for patency and resected for histological evaluation. Statistical analysis was by Fisher's Exact test. Results All vein segments were occluded at 1 and 4 weeks in all groups, despite histological evidence of progressive endothelial ingrowth. However, at 20 to 24 weeks, angiography demonstrated restoration of vessel patency in groups I (3/6) and II (3/5), but not in group III (0/6; P = .043), in which histology confirmed an obliterated lumen for all vessels. Conclusion An injectable, fibroblast-based, engineered construct prevents midterm to long-term recanalization in a leporine model of vascular sclerotherapy. This novel therapeutic approach may prevent recurrence of vascular malformations after sclerotherapy, thus reducing the need for repeated procedures and morbid operative resections.
The vibrations in a rubber baseball bat

References 1. Harry Carey’s famous standard home run call. 2. For example, see Paul Doherty’s activity at www.exo.net/~ pauld/activities/baseball/batnode.htm. 3. “The Mets’ Bat Whisperer,” The New York Times, June 12, 2011. Available online at www.nytimes.com/2011/06/12/sports/ baseball/sweet-music-to-beltrans-ears.html. 4. Available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v= QFlEIybC7rU. 5. The bat was specially made for me by Specter Studios (www. specter-studios.com/) and cost $55 including shipping. I had to explain several times that I really did not want the dowel in the middle of the bat. 6. The “sweet spot” is actually an ill-defined term. A wonderful discussion of the issue can be found at www.kettering.edu/ physics/drussell/bats-new/sweetspot.html. 7. W. C. Elmore and M. A. Heald, Physics of Waves, 1st ed. (Dover, New York, 1969), pp. 114-122. The vibrations in a rubber baseball bat David Kagan, Department of Physics, California State University, Chico, Chico, CA 95929; dkagan@csuchico.edu
Course of Antisocial Behavior during Emerging Adulthood: Developmental Differences in Personality.

Despite similar normative changes in antisocial behavior (AB) and traits of disinhibition and negative emotionality during “emerging adulthood,” few studies have tested if there are developmental differences in personality over this period for distinct courses of AB. In a college cohort assessed at ages 18 and 25, we examined if mean-level changes on traits from the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire varied by course of AB. Compared to persisters, those who desisted in AB from 18 to 25 exhibited a larger decrease on novelty seeking and larger increase on reward dependence. A significant mean-level decline was observed for harm avoidance, but was unrelated to AB course. Findings support theories of the co-development of personality and AB during emerging adulthood.
A novel model of spontaneous otitis media with effusion (OME) in the Oxgr1 knock-out mouse.

Abstract Objective A novel mouse model with a specific genetic mutation in a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) encoded by the Oxgr1 gene results in a predisposition to spontaneous otitis media with effusion. As a primary component of interest in OME, mucin expression was examined in this model to assess expression as compared to wild type animals and suitability as a murine model of OME. Method Mutant ( Oxgr1 −/ − ) and wild-type ( Oxgr1 +/+ ) mice between ages of 2 and 5 months were examined by otoscopy and auditory brainstem response (ABR). Histology changes in the middle ear were evaluated. Expression of mucin genes in the middle ear epithelium was determined using RT-PCR and quantitative PCR. Result Otoscopic exam showed signs of inflammation in 82% of mutant mice. Significant elevated ABR thresholds were detected in mutant mice indicating hearing loss. Histology analysis of the middle ears demonstrated the presence of inflammatory cells, changes in the mucosal epithelium, and middle ear fluid. RT PCR using universal primers for bacterial 18s rRNA suggested the absence of bacteria in the middle ear. The knockout mice demonstrated expression of Muc1 , Muc2 , Muc3 , Muc4 , Muc5AC , Muc5B , Muc9 , Muc10 , Muc13 , Muc15 , Muc16 , Muc18 , Muc19 and Muc20 . There was a trend of increase in Muc5B and Muc19 expression in the middle ear of the knockout mice compared to that of wild-type. There was no significant change in the level of Muc2 , and Muc5AC was expressed at a level below the detection limit of quantification. Conclusion Development of a murine model with genetic defect has several attractive features. The rate of OME in these animals is high at 82%. It is clear that this OME is related to histopathologic changes in the middle ear epithelium of these knock-out mice. Induction of mucus effusion is evident though the viation in dysregulation of GFM does exist in this non-challenge study condition. The underlying cause of these differences between individual animal requires further investigation. Given this, the Oxgr1 −/− model is likely to be an ideal model to examine mucin regulation in MEE and potentially develop novel GPCR-specific targeted interventions to regulate these processes.
Potential Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate-Triggered Torsades de Pointes in a Case of Congenital Type 2 Long QT Syndrome

Congenital or acquired long QT Syndrome (LQTS) stems from disordered myocardial repolarization and is characterized by a prolonged QT interval on electrocardiogram (ECG) and an increased risk of syncope and sudden death secondary to torsade de pointes (TdP). Female gender is an independent risk factor for the development of TdP in both forms of LQTS.1,2 Furthermore, while women with congenital LQTS have a reduced risk of TdP-triggered cardiac events during pregnancy, the 9-month postpartum period represents a temporal window of increased arrhythmogenicity.3 Interestingly, these postpartum-timed cardiac events are more commonly observed in women with type 2 LQTS (LQT2), which stems from mutations in the KCNH2-encoded human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG/Kv11.1) cardiac potassium (K+) ion channel.4 Although several studies suggest that sex-specific hormonal and autonomic differences that impact cardiac repolarization underlie the longer heart rate-correct QT intervals (QTc) and higher incidence of TdP observed in postpubertal LQTS females, the precise mechanisms underlying these differences remain poorly understood.5 A systematic review of PubMed from 1966 to August 2011 using the search terms contraception or contraceptive and QT or LQTS or long QT syndrome or HERG yielded a single relevant reference, a case series linking subdermal levonorgestrel (Norplant II), a synthetic progestin, to QT prolongation and QTc dispersion in otherwise healthy Nigerian females.6 A repeat search using medroxyprogesterone and QT revealed three hits. Two of these studies involved hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women and the third was a case of TdP attributed to terfenadine overdose in a woman who was concurrently taking cefaclor, ketoconazole, and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).7 This patient had completed a 10-day course of MPA 2.5 mg administered for control of menorrhagia (her last dose coincided with symptom onset). The authors commented that cefaclor and MPA were not known to be associated with TdP. This present case report is the first report suggesting a possible association between the synthetic progestin MPA (Depo-Provera) used as a contraceptive and TdP in a woman with congenital type 2 LQTS (LQT2).
Role of brain amines in learning associated with "amphetamine-state".

Conditional avoidance responses acquired under amphetamine were recalled without deficit only when tested under amphetamine (“amphetaminestate” dependent learning). Hydroxyamphetamine was devoid of this property. Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) but not 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) substituted for amphetamine while reserpine but not syrosingopine eliminated the “amphetamine-state”. DOPA and 5-HTP, only when given together, restored the “amphetamine-state” in reserpinized animals. DOPA alleviated the deficit in retention which was caused by methyl-p-tyrosine. 5-HTP alleviated the similar deficit caused by p-chlorophenylalanine. Chlorpromazine or cyproheptadine antagonized the “amphetamine-state”. It is suggested that amphetamine, but not hydroxyamphetamine is capable of producing an asymmetric behavior-controlling state. The “amphetamine-state” is related to the stimulation of central and not peripheral amine-receptors and depends on newly synthesized catecholamines which stimulate central catecholamine receptors through serotonin modulation in this case.
On the nested refinement of quadrilateral and hexahedral finite elements and the affine approximation

It is shown in this paper that the optimal approximation property of bilinear or trilinear finite elements would be retained when the affine mapping is used to replace the Q1 mapping on each element, if the grids are refined nestedly. The new method truncates the quadratic and cubic terms in reference mappings and produces constant Jacobians and Jacobian matrices. This would avoid a shortcoming of the quadrilateral and hexahedral elements where the integrals of rational functions have to be computed or approximated. Numerical tests verify the analysis.
Intragastric nicotine protection against 40% ethanol injury in rat stomach : role of ganglionic stimulation or blockade

Intragastric nicotine (4 mg/kg) protects against 40% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury and raises mean blood pressure. We postulated that this protective effect was mediated by the ganglionic stimulatory property of nicotine and therefore could be abolished by ganglionic blockers. Rats were pretreated with intraperitoneal hexamethonium (10 mg/kg) or mecamylamine (2 mg/kg) to block peripheral or central autonomic ganglia, respectively. Intragastric vehicle or nicotine (4 mg/kg) was then administered. The total lengths of the linear gastric corpus mucosal lesions induced by intragastric 40% ethanol were measured by an unbiased observer using a caliper. The results showed that both intraperitoneal hexamethonium and mecamylamine pretreatments protected against 40% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. Neither modified the protective effect of intragastric nicotine. The protective effect of hexamethonium and mecamylamine was associated with a significant increase in the volume of gastric mucus and gastric juice. The increase in the volume of gastric content (mucus and juice) was partially responsible for the protective effect of these ganglionic blockers. In a separate experiment, intraperitoneal nicotine (4 mg/kg) also protected against 40% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury and raised mean blood pressure. These data indicate that the protection against 40% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury is not unique to intragastric nicotine. Such protection can be induced by ganglionic blocking doses of hexamethonium and mecamylamine, or a ganglionic stimulatory dose of intraperitoneally administered nicotine. Whether ganglionic stimulation or blockade plays a role in the mechanism of intragastric nicotine protection, however, remains to be determined. Further studies of the regulation of gastric mucus production and gastric juice volume may shed light on the mechanism of protection afforded by intragastric nicotine.
Decrease in brain NE turnover after chronic DMI treatment; no effect with iprindole.

Previous studies have suggested that chronic treatment with tricyclic antidepressants alters brain NE turnover. This action is more likely a biochemical correlate of their clinical effect than is the blockade of amine reuptake, because the latter occurs with acute administration, whereas tricyclics must be given chronically for clinical improvement. In this paper the effects of chronic treatment with the tricyclics desmethylimipramine (DMI) and iprindole (a clinically effective tricyclic that does not potently block amine reuptake) on rat brain NE turnover, as measured by the Conversion Index, was studied. Chronic DMI, but not iprindole, decreased NE turnover. These results are discussed regarding the proposed mechanism of action of tricyclics and the ‘catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorders’. Chronic DMI also tended to decrease endogenous brain NE, and chronic treatment with either DMI or iprindole tended to decrease brain and plasma tyrosine.
A liver revival featuring bile acids

Nuclear receptor-dependent bile acid signaling is required for normal liver regeneration. Huang W, Ma K, Zhang J, Qatanani M, Cuvillier J, Liu J, Dong B, Huang X, Moore DD. Liver mass depends on one or more unidentified humoral signals that drive regeneration when liver functional capacity is diminished. Bile acids are important liver products, and their levels are tightly regulated. Here, we identify a role for nuclear receptor-dependent bile acid signaling in normal liver regeneration. Elevated bile acid levels accelerate regeneration, and decreased levels inhibit liver regrowth, as does the absence of the primary nuclear bile acid receptor FXR. We propose that FXR activation by increased bile acid flux is a signal of decreased functional capacity of the liver. FXR, and possibly other nuclear receptors, may promote homeostasis not only by regulating expression of appropriate metabolic target genes but also by driving homeotrophic liver growth. [Abstract reproduced by permission of Science 2006;312:233–236]
Economic justice, political behavior, and American political values

Although theories of political economy state that citizens' concerns about economic outcomes are important determinants of their political responses, an alternative perspective states that concerns about economic justice influence political responses. Survey data were examined to determine the relative influence of each of these factors on political evaluations and behaviors. Concerns about the justice of the procedures used by the government to make decisions about the distribution of benefits and services strongly predicted evaluations of President Reagan and participation in policy-related political behavior, and were weakly related to general political activism. Concerns about the justice of the distributions of economic benefits were related to evaluations of President Reagan but not to political activism. Judgments about personal economic gain or loss relative to the past predicted evaluations of President Reagan while global subjective judgments of present economic outcomes weakly predicted policy-related political activism. The effect of justice is explained by considering the relationship between citizens' concerns about economic justice and values associated with the American political culture.
Visual evoked potential pattern generation, recording, and data analysis with a single microcomputer.

Abstract A single microcomputer is used to generate multiple sets of checkerboard patterns, simultaneously record EEG data for visual evoked potentials, and analyze the results by fast Fourier transform in very rapid sequence under operator control. This system permits efficient estimates of visual acuity in infants with ophthalmological and neuro-opthalmological disease.
Synthesis and 124I‐labeling of m‐iodophenylpyrrolomorphinan as a potential PET imaging agent for delta opioid (DOP) receptors

Condensation of phenylazo-β-ketoamide 4 with oxymorphone 5 afforded an m-iodophenylpyrrolomorphinan (m-IPPM) 6 mediated by elemental zinc in acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer. m-IPPM 6 is a novel opioid receptor agonist (Ki = 4.53 nM for DOP) with high selectivity for DOP receptors. m-IPPM 6 was converted into the positron emitter m-[124I]PPM 8 via the stannylated intermediate 7. The final yield was 24.5 ± 1.9 % (n = 6) with a specific activity of 2.5 ± 1.2 Ci/µmol. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Stimulus Repetition, Duration, and Rise Time on Startle Blink and Automatically Elicited P300

Intense auditory stimuli of sudden onset evoke not only startle blinks but also an event-related potential component resembling classic P300, even when subjects have no assigned task. To more closely examine the relationship of this P300 to startle, event-related potentials and eyeblink were recorded from 16 young adults in three paradigms designed to produce wide variation in startle amplitude: an Habituation series of 30-ms, 105dBA white noise bursts, a Duration paradigm which presented 105dB noise bursts for 3, 10, 30, or 90 ms, and a Rise Time paradigm which varied the rise/fall times (3, 15, 30, and 45 ms) of 110dBA, 1000-Hz tone bursts. Subjects received two runs of each paradigm. Only on the final Duration and Rise Time runs were stimuli explicitly task relevant; on those runs subjects rated verbally, midway in each 8.4-s interstimulus interval, the disturbingness of the prior sound. Although even the briefest noise bursts evoked parietal P300 as well as startle blink, P300 did not behave like startle. P300 habituated more slowly than did blink amplitude, was more responsive to sustained noise than were blink, N110, and P190, and most importantly, did not show the sensitivity to stimulus rise time manifested by these measures. These findings suggest that the amplitude of automatically elicited P300 is not governed by the same mechanisms as startle amplitude, but behaves more like a defense response.
Comparing 20 years of national general surgery malpractice claims data: obesity versus morbid obesity

Abstract Background We hypothesized that the increasing body mass index of the population has affected general surgery malpractice claims. Methods We queried the Physician Insurers Association of America database from 1990 to 1999 (ie, period 1) and 2000 to 2009 (ie, period 2) for claims associated with obesity and morbid obesity. We analyzed the error involved, injury severity, procedure, and outcome. Results Five hundred seventy-five claims were identified. The percentage of paid claims did not differ by body mass index. Improper performance was the most common alleged error, gastric bypass was the most common procedure, and death was the most common injury. For obesity claims, the case was more likely to be settled in period 1 and withdrawn/dismissed in period 2 ( P Conclusions The significant rise in morbid obesity claims between periods is likely caused by the substantial increase in the number of bariatric procedures performed.
A specialized programming language for coordinating software execution timing in embedded systems

We have developed Representation and Implementation of Temporal Event Sequences (RITES), a domain specific programming language which enables users to precisely specify how software and firmware execute with respect to real time on embedded systems hardware. Precise timing of software and firmware operations is critical to many functions within a space system, including coordination of hardware components, scheduling of spacecraft resources, and execution of communications protocols. RITES provides a highly expressive and precise mechanism to specify when software and firmware operations occur. The programming languages commonly used to develop the software and firmware for space systems (i.e. C, C++, and Verilog) do not have a built-in semantic concept of time. In contrast, RITES allows the specification of scheduled behaviors to be made and modified using concepts natural to the scheduling problem and with a compact, intuitive syntax. RITES components coordinate the activities and temporal behavior of other modules within the system rather than encapsulating complete system behavior. The RITES language is supported by a family of code generators that produce executable implementations of RITES programs. Code generators translate RITES programs to C functions for execution as software on sequential processors and to Verilog hardware description language (HDL) modules for execution within Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Additional code generators produce HDL implementations with error tolerance features allowing execution on FPGAs susceptible to single event effects (SEEs) in environments with significant radiation. Specifically, RITES modules may be automatically implemented as Verilog with local or distributed triple modular redundancy (TMR). We provide several examples of the implementation of precision timed behavior at various timing granularities, including clock-by-clock control of a digital signal processing (DSP) core within an FPGA for efficient execution of signal processing applications, implementation of a time division multiple access (TDMA) radio communications protocol, and a detailed study of the configuration and control of an external image compression ASIC.
Temperature Estimations in the Near-Flame Field Resulting from Hypergolic Ignition Using Thin Filament Pyrometry

Time-dependent infrared images, temperature profiles, and oxidizer-to-fuel (O/F) mixture ratios are reported for unsteady flames resulting from the hypergolic ignition of a droplet of monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) contacting a small pool of red fuming nitric acid (RFNA). The infrared images of the hypergolic combustion process provide insights into the size, shape, and intensity of the flame ignition, growth, and extinguishment progression. Thin filament pyrometry is used to estimate time-dependent and time-averaged flame temperature profiles across three heights above the propellant contact interface. The flame temperature linearly decreases with distance above the contact interface for the ignition heights (9–19 mm) studied in this work. The flame temperature is largest near the droplet centerline and nonlinearly decreases in the radial direction as the hypergolic combustion products mix with the surrounding nitrogen. A parametric sensitivity analysis is used to show that mixture ratio, gas velocity, and t...
Tunicate lectins: distribution and specificity

Abstract 1. 1. The plasma lectins of ten species of North American tunicate were studied by agglutination, crossed absorption and hemagglutination-inhibition with a panel of vertebrate erythrocytes. 2. 2. All species possessed detectable lectins. 3. 3. All but one of the species possessed multiple lectins. 4. 4. The specificities of the lectins which included d -galactose, sialic acid and complex carbohydrate structures, were not correlated with taxonomic relationships of the species studied.
STUDIES ON INFLAMMATION : II. The Site of Action of Histamine and Serotonin along the Vascular Tree: A Topographic Study

While it is an established fact that histamine and serotonin increase the permeability of blood vessels, the exact portion of the vascular tree which is so affected has not been conclusively demonstrated. The present study was undertaken to clarify this point. Our experiments were based on a method to which we refer as "vascular labeling," and which permits one to identify leaking vessels by means of visible accumulations of foreign particles within their walls. The mechanism of the labeling, elucidated by previous electron microscopic studies, is the following. Histamine and serotonin cause the endothelial cells of certain vessels to separate, and thus to create discrete intercellular gaps. Plasma escapes through these gaps, and filters through the basement membrane. If the plasma has been previously loaded (by intravenous injection) with colloidal particles of a black material such as carbon or mercuric sulfide, these particles—too large to pass through the basement membrane—will be retained and accumulate in visible amounts within the wall of the leaking vessel. This method is used to maximal advantage if the tissue is cleared and examined by transillumination in toto, so that leaking vessels can be accurately identified in their relationship to the vascular tree. As a test tissue we used the rat cremaster, a laminar striated muscle which can be easily excised with its vascular supply virtually intact. The rats were prepared with an intravenous injection of carbon or HgS, and a subcutaneous injection into the scrotum of histamine, serotonin, or NaCl (as a control). The injected drug diffused into the underlying cremaster and the vessels became labeled. One hour later, when the carbon had been cleared from the blood stream, the animal was killed. The cremaster was excised, stretched, fixed in formalin, cleared in glycerin, and examined by transillumination under a light microscope. The lesions induced by histamine and serotonin were identical. The leaking vessels, as indicated by the carbon deposits, always belonged to the venous side of the circulation. The heaviest deposits were found in venules 20 to 30 micra in diameter. The deposits decreased towards larger venules up to a maximum diameter of 75 to 80 micra, and towards the finer vessels until the caliber reached approximately 7 micra. Essentially spared by the deposits were the finest vessels, 4 to 7 micra in diameter, and constituting an extensive network oriented along the muscular fibers. By killing animals at varying intervals after the injections, it was found that the carbon particles were slowly removed from the vascular walls by the action of phagocytic cells. After 10 months there was still enough carbon locally to be recognized by the naked eye.
Virtual Ground Fence for GHz Power Filtering on Printed Circuit Boards

In mixed-signal systems, noise coupling between different domains, such as digital and RF, can be a critical problem. Especially, the power/ground planes in packages or boards can be a major factor for noise coupling. Simultaneously switching drivers causes supply voltage fluctuations which can propagate both horizontally and vertically between the power/ground planes. The sensitive RF/analog signals have to be isolated from this digital switching noise, which gets coupled through the shared power distribution system. Hence, accurate estimation and improvement of the performance of power/ground planes is critical in a mixed-signal system. This paper introduces a new methodology to minimize the transfer impedance of the power distribution system. This will be achieved by a new design methodology, called the virtual ground fence. At its basic level, the virtual ground fence consists of quarter-wave transmission line stubs that act as short circuits between power and ground planes at their design frequency. An array of such stubs can then be considered as a ground fence. Power filtering is currently achieved mainly by using discrete decoupling capacitors at low frequencies. The virtual ground fence design is the distributed analog of this methodology at the gigahertz frequency regime.
Triplet states of monomeric bacteriochlorophyll in vitro and of bacteriochlorophyll dimers in antenna and reaction center complexes

Abstract Triplet states of monomeric bacteriochlorophyll in solution, and of dimeric bacteriochlorophyll in photosynthetic reaction centers and antenna complexes isolated from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides and Rps. viridis were generated by excitation with short flashes. The triplet states were characterized by measurements of optical absorption spectra, decay kinetics as functions of temperature, quenching by O2, and delayed fluorescence. The triplet state of the antenna dimer can be described as one molecule in the ground (singlet) state and one in the excited (triplet) state. Formation of the triplet disrupts exciton interactions between the two molecules, and the complex acquires a new absorption band due to the molecule in the ground state. In reaction centers, the formation of the triplet causes bleaching of the main absorption band of P, the reactive bacteriochlorophyll complex (870 nm in Rps. sphaeroides; 960 nm in Rps. viridis). Other absorption bands that have been considered to be exciton bands of P (810 nm in Rps. sphaeroides; 850 nm in Rps. viridis) appear to undergo shifts, but not to bleach. The latter bands probably are due to neighboring bacteriochlorophylls, not to P. The decay kinetics of the triplet state in reaction centers are strongly influenced by interactions with the anionic radical of the quinone that serves as an early electron acceptor. A new transient (20 ns) state of the reaction center was found when reaction centers were excited with supersaturating flashes.
Single formant contrast in vowel identification

Subjects rated ambiguous steady-state vowels from a continuum with respect to the categories/i/ and /I/ (Experiment 1) or/e/ and/ae/ (Experiment 2). Each target was preceded, .35 sec earlier, by one of the following precursors: (1) one endpoint from the target continuum, (2) the other endpoint, (3) the isolated first formant (F1) from (1), (4) the isolated F1 from (2), or (5), a hissing noise. Although (3) and (4) did not sound like they came from the target continuum, they produced reliable contrast in both experiments. In the /i/-/I/ experiment, contrast was as powerful from single formants as from the full vowels. These results suggest a sensory, rather than a judgmental, basis for the vowel contrast effects obtained.
Constructing “Social Change” through Philanthropy: Boundary Framing and the Articulation of Vocabularies of Motives for Social Movement Participation*

The author embrace C. Wright Mills's conception of motives to offer new insight into an old question : why do people join social movements ? He draws upon ethnographic research at the Crossroads Fund, a social change foundation, to illustrate that actors simultaneously articulate two vocabularies of motives for movement participation : an instrumental vocabulary about dire, yet solvable, problems and an expressive vocabulary about collective identity. This interpretive work is done during boundary framing, which refers to efforts by movements to create in-group/out-group distinctions. He argues that the goal-directed actions movements take to advance social change are shaped by participants' identity claims. Moreover, it is significant that Crossroads constructs its actions and identity as social movement activism, rather than philanthropy. This definitional work suggests that analyzing the category social movements is problematic unless researchers study how activists attempt to situate themselves within this category. Hence, methodologically attending to organizations' constructions of movement status can theoretically inform research which essentially takes social movements as a given, in exploring their structural components
Harry T. Moore's Campaign for Racial Equality:

On Christmas night 1951, Harry T. Moore was killed as a result of the bombing of his home by cowards who are yet to be found and punished. Harriette, his wife, died a few days later from the same blast. Having known the evils of racial segregation, they spent most of their adult lives fighting for equality for African Americans, and it was for that cause that they sacrificed their lives. In his struggle against inequality, Harry Moore used positions that he held in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Progressive Voters League (PVL), and the Florida State Teachers Association (FSTA). In his fight for racial justice, he will be best remembered for his campaigns for equal education, political equality, and due process of law. Through many years of studying and teaching, Moore became aware of the loudly proclaimed principles of a democracy, and he learned to appreciate them as proper instruments for making necessary changes in society. With this in mind, when he began his campaign for racial equality, he used only democratic techniques. Realizing that the governor is the chief law-enforcing officer of the state, Moore sought relief from that office for redress of grievances. Likewise, he turned to state legislators for the changing of unjust laws because they were the representatives of the people, and he pursued matters in various courts when judicial action appeared to be warranted. Moore also knew that the national government was superior to that of the state; therefore, when the government of Florida failed to provide justice for its African American citizens, he solicited federal involvement. To be effective in the above pursuits, Moore found it necessary to work continuously in building a constituency