cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel hexadentate and pentadentate chelators for 64Cu-based targeted PET imaging

A series of new hexadentate and pentadentate chelators were designed and synthesized as chelators of 64Cu. The new pentadentate and hexadentate chelators contain different types of donor groups and are expected to form neutral complexes with Cu(II). The new chelators were evaluated for complex kinetics and stability with 64Cu. The new chelators instantly bound to 64Cu with high labeling efficiency and maximum specific activity. All 64Cu-radiolabeled complexes in human serum remained intact for 2 days. The 64Cu-radiolabeled complexes were further challenged by EDTA in a 100-fold molar excess. Among the 64Cu-radiolabeled complexes evaluated, 64Cu-complex of the new chelator E was well tolerated with a minimal transfer of 64Cu to EDTA. 64Cu-radiolabeled complex of the new chelator E was further evaluated for biodistribution studies using mice and displayed rapid blood clearance and low organ uptake. 64Cu-chelator E produced a favorable in vitro and in vivo complex stability profiles comparable to 64Cu complex of the known hexadentate NOTA chelator. The in vitro and in vivo data highlight strong potential of the new chelator E for targeted PET imaging application.
Cetirizine, a Novel Antihistamine:

Cetirizine, an oxidative metabolite of hydroxyzine, is a cyclizine class H1-receptor antagonist with diminished CNS activity currently under investigation. It has a novel pharmacokinetic profile wi...
Prevalence, outcomes, and a risk-benefit analysis of diaphragmatic hernia admissions: an examination of the National Inpatient Sample database.

Objective Current practice is to repair uncomplicated diaphragmatic hernias (UDHs) to avoid complications such as obstruction or gangrene. However, practice patterns are based on limited data. We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample to compare outcomes of patients with obstructed (ODH) or gangrenous (GDH) diaphragmatic hernias and those who underwent repair of UDHs to perform a risk–benefit analysis of observation versus elective repair. Patients and Methods We queried the National Inpatient Sample for hospitalized patients who underwent a UDH repair as the principal procedure during their admission. To this repair group, we compared the outcomes of those patients who had a diagnosis of GDH or ODH. A risk–benefit analysis of observation versus elective repair was performed based on these data. Results Over a 10-year period, 193,554 admissions for the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia were identified. A UDH was the diagnosis in 161,777 (83.6%) admissions with 38,764 (24.0%) admissions for elective repair. ODH or GDH was the reason for admission in 31,127 (16.1%) and 651 (0.3%), respectively. Compared with patients who underwent elective repair, mortality was higher in patients with ODH or GDH (1% vs 4.5%; P P Conclusions Elective UDH repair is associated with better outcomes than admissions for ODH or GDH with a favorable risk–benefit profile than observation if the operative mortality is low.
Comparison between restored and reference sedge meadow wetlands in south-central wisconsin

Hydrologic and soil parameters were surveyed in three wetlands to determine the prevailing influences on vegetation distribution and composition. Five hydrologic parameters, four soil parameters, and the relative elevation of sampling plots in two restored wetlands and one reference wetland were compared. Bray-Curtis ordination techniques were used to discern correlations between the measured environmental parameters and the presence and abundance of twelve wetland plant species. Speices’ environmental preferences were then related to differences in vegetation distribution and composition between reference and restored wetlands. Data analysis revealed the strongest correlations between average water level, minimum water level, and depth of peat and the presence and abundance of the twelve wetland plant taxa. The relatively thin layer of peat found in the restored areas, and the consequent lower average and minimum water levels, was correlated with the presence and spread ofSalix spp. The thicker layer of peat found in the reference area was correlated with the greater presence of the co-dominantsCarex aquatilis andCalamagrostis canadensis.
Anal canal squamous cell carcinoma: overview, surveillance after treatment and management of local recurrence

SUMMARY Anal canal cancer is an uncommon gastrointestinal malignancy, although the incidence is increasing. Current treatment employs definitive chemoradiation, 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C and a radiation dosage of 54–59 Gy for T3/T4 tumors, but not for T1 and T2 disease. Surveillance after completion of treatment is required. One acceptable strategy includes physical examinations every 3–6 months for 5 years and serial CT scans to detect advanced disease. A total of 40% of patients with T4 disease or immunosuppressed status may recur within the first 2 years after completion of treatment. Salvage therapy includes radical abdominoperineal resection. The most significant prognosticator after salvage surgery is the resection margin. Generally, patients with anal cancer should be treated by a multidisciplinary physician team and be assigned to clinical research trials, if feasible.
Extracellular-Signal Regulated Kinase 1-Dependent Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5-Induced Long-Term Depression in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Is Disrupted by Cocaine Administration

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a key component of the CNS stress and reward circuit. Synaptic plasticity in this region could in part underlie the persistent behavioral alterations in generalized anxiety and addiction. Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been implicated in stress, addiction, and synaptic plasticity, but their roles in the BNST are unknown. We find that activation of group I mGluRs in the dorsal BNST induces depression of excitatory synaptic transmission through two distinct mechanisms. First, a combined activation of group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) induces a transient depression that is cannabinoid 1 receptor dependent. Second, as with endocannabinoid-independent group I mGluR long-term depression (LTD) in the adult hippocampus, we find that activation of mGluR5 induces an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent LTD. Surprisingly, our data demonstrate that this LTD requires the ERK1 rather than ERK2 isoform, establishing a key role for this isoform in the CNS. Finally, we find that this LTD is dramatically reduced after multiple exposures but not a single exposure to cocaine, suggesting a role for this form of plasticity in the actions of psychostimulants on anxiety and reward circuitries and their emergent control of animal behavior.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Solid-state Structures of Polynuclear Technetium Iodide Compounds

Abstract Two new technetium iodide compounds, Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 I and K[Tc 8 (μ-I) 8 I 4 ]I, were synthesized in an autoclave from the reaction of KTcO 4 in glacial acetic acid with hydroiodic acid and/or alkali metal iodide salts at 210 °C under 60–70 atm hydrogen pressure. The structures of Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 I and K[Tc 8 (μ-I) 8 I 4 ]I were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a = 7.1194(6) A, b = 14.5851(13) A, c = 7.1586(6) A, and β = 110.9540(10)°. The structure of Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 I consists of infinite chains of Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 + units linked by bridging iodides, an arrangement similar to the one found in Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 X (X = Cl, Br). The Tc Tc separation in Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 I (i.e., 2.1146(4) A) is consistent with the presence of a Tc Tc bond of order 3.5. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal Tc 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 I to be paramagnetic ( μ eff = 1.84 B.M.) and support the electronic configuration σ 2 π 2 δ 2 δ ∗1 for the Tc 2 5+ unit in the compound. The compound K[Tc 8 (μ-I) 8 I 4 ]I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /n with a = 8.0018(5) A, b = 14.5125(10) A, c = 13.1948(9) A, and β = 102.3090(10)°, and is the first octanuclear technetium iodide cluster to be reported. The Tc Tc separations in the [Tc 8 (μ-I) 8 I 4 ] cluster (i.e., 2.164(3) A, 2.5308(8) A and 2.72(3) A) suggest the presence of Tc Tc triple bonds, Tc Tc double bonds and Tc Tc single bonds.
An optically triggered I-RTD hybrid device for continous-wave generation of THz oscillations

A novel optically-triggered (OT) interband resonant-tunneling-diode (I-RTD) device (based on AlGaSb/InAs/AlGaSb heterostructures) concept for generating terahertz (THz) frequency oscillations has been previously presented that shows promise for achieving enhanced output power levels under pulsed operation. The main concept is to utilize novel nanoscale mechanisms to achieve an externally driven relaxation oscillation that consists of two phases. Namely, the first phase is a valence band (VB) well hole-charging transient produced by a natural Zener (interband) tunneling process and the second is a discharging transient induced by optical annihilation of the VB well hole-charge by externally-injected photon flux. While the initial simulation results for a practical diode-laser implementation clearly show the superiority of this new oscillator concept (i.e., excellent output power capability, ~10mW, over broad portions of the THz regime, ~300-600GHz), the specific optical-triggering conditions required by the AlGaSb/InAs based material systems (i.e., photonic-energy ~4.7 μm, intensity level ~3.5x10 7 W/cm 2 and a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) equal to the THz oscillation period) are technically too demanding to meet for continuous-wave (CW) mode operation. Hence, this paper will report on variations and extensions of the original OT-I-RTD oscillator concept. Specifically, modifications to the device structure will be considered to allow for OT operation at 1.55 μm where the optical technology is more robust. Here the specific focus will be in the introduction of In 1-x Ga x As /GaSb y As 1-y hetero-systems and the application of band-engineering to assess the potential of a 1.55 μm based OT-I-RTD oscillator design.
Transient Immunoglobulin-Like Molecules Are Present in the Subplate Zone and Cerebral Cortex during Postnatal Development

A monoclonal antibody (mAb SP-1) labels subplate neurons of the cat visual cortex but does not stain the remnants of the subplate neuronal population that comprise the interstitial cells of adult cortical white matter. mAb SP-1 was shown previously to recognize a cytosolic polypeptide of 56 kDa (Naegele et al., 1991). We have now characterized the distribution of SP-1 immunoreactive neurons in the visual cortex and carried out additional biochemical studies at a range of postnatal ages in various tissues. Brain, liver and serum were found to contain the previously identified 56 kDa polypeptide. This polypeptide was also recognized by a cat immunoglobulin antiserum. The epitope recognized by mAb SP-1 was present on cat IgG Fc fragment but not cat IgG Fab fragment. By 4 weeks postnatal, levels of the 56 kDa antigen decreased in cortex and an additional higher molecular weight SP-1 reactive polypeptide of 75 kDa was detected. In the mature cortex, both polypeptides were absent from cytosolic fractions. Immunocytochemical staining comparing the distributions of SP-1 (SP-1+) and anti-IgG (Ig+) immunoreactive neurons showed complete colocalization in subplate neurons beneath primary visual cortex. By 4 weeks, some pyramidal neurons in cortical areas 17 and 18 were weakly positive for SP-1 but negative for IgG. At subsequent ages, the immunoreactive staining became progressively fainter until it was no longer detectable in white or gray matter of adult cat visual cortex.
A randomized controlled trial comparing simultaneous intra-operative vs sequential prophylactic ureteric catheter insertion in re-operative and complicated colorectal surgery.

Objectives Prophylactic insertion of ureteric stents aids intra-operative identification of ureters and may allow easier visualization of any direct ureteric injury. Traditionally, ureteric catheters are inserted sequentially, before starting the abdominal part of the operation. This study determines the safety and efficacy of simultaneous intra-operative ureteric catheter insertion during complicated and re-operative colorectal surgery.
Progestin facilitation of lordosis in rodents involves adenylyl cyclase activity in the ventral tegmental area.

Abstract Increasing cAMP, or activating dopamine type 1 (D 1 ) or GABA A /benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs), in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) enhances lordosis of rodents. Whether D 1 - and/or GBR-mediated increases in progestin-facilitated lordosis involve the cAMP-synthesizing enzyme, adenylyl cyclase, in the VTA, was investigated. In Experiment 1, ovariectomized estradiol (E 2 ; 10 μg at h 0) + progesterone (P; 250 μg at h 45)-primed hamsters first received bilateral infusions of the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine (DDA; 12 μM/side), or vehicle, and then were infused with the D 1 agonist, SKF38393 (100 ng/side), the GBR agonist, muscimol (100 ng/side), or vehicle, to the VTA. Lordosis was evaluated before and 30 min after each infusion. In Experiment 2, ovariectomized, E 2 -primed (10 μg at h 0) rats received VTA infusions of DDA (12 μM/side) or vehicle; SKF38393 (100 ng/side), muscimol (100 ng/side), or vehicle; and the neurosteroid, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP; 100 or 200 ng/side), or β-cyclodextrin vehicle. Lordosis was assessed before the series of infusions, immediately after drug infusions and 10 or 60 min after 3α,5α-THP infusions. Progestin- or progestin plus SKF38393-or muscimol-mediated increases in lordosis were blocked by DDA pretreatment. Thus, in the VTA, progestins' membrane action may involve adenylyl cyclase.
Study of epitaxial lateral overgrowth of GaN for application in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices

In this research effort, epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELOG) of GaN on sapphire was performed by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in a horizontal reactor. All ELOG growths were stopped prior to complete coalescence, and the resulting cross-sections were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both vertical {1120} and inclined sidewalls were observed. Inclined {112 n }sidewalls of various angles (n ≈ 2-2.2) were found as previously reported in the literature 1 . Both one-step and two-step ELOG processes were used to control the overgrowth geometry. It was confirmed that sidewall formation and growth rates are closely correlated with multiple parameters including temperature and V/III ratio 1 . It was also found that substrate rotation greatly influences sidewall evolution and vertical growth rate. A conceptual model was begun to completely describe the ELOG process in a horizontal reactor. It is speculated that the different sidewalls observed as a function of substrate orientation result from variation in the local V/III ratio. Once developed, the final model will be used to control the sidewalls in the growth of ELOG structures for the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices.
Electrocatalytic Reduction and Flow Injection Analysis of Organic Peroxides at Polymeric Tetra-Amino Iron Phthalocyanine Modified Electrode

It has been demonstrated that tetra-amino iron phthalocyanine can be polymerized onto a glassy carbon electrode by electrooxidation of the monomer in solution. Organic peroxides can be catalytically reduced at such polymeric film modified electrode. While on a bare glassy carbon electrode, none of the peroxides can be reduced within the potential range studied. When used in flow injection analysis, the modified electrode permits the detection of these compounds by reduction mechanism at higher potentials without the interference from oxygen. The response is stable and has a wide dynamic range.
On highly modular systolic structures for separable-in-denominator 2-D digital filters

It is shown that the proposed structure in Raghuramireddy and Unbehaven (1991) for a separable-in-denominator recursive 2-D digital filter with complex poles (structure II) is not valid. The modified and correct version of the proposed structure is given. In Chakrabarti (1993) a similar error correction and ratification of the realization has been independently reported. A general systolic realization is also presented with emphasis on parallelism, modularity, and amenability to VLSI design and implementation. >
Isolation of Macronuclei from the Ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis GL

SEVERAL different non-ionic detergents have recently been used for the isolation of nuclei from mammalian cells1–5. One of these detergents, ‘Triton X-100’, was found to solubilize readily cytoplasmic components, without affecting the structural integrity (at the lightmicroscope level) of nuclei from rat liver cells and mouse plasma cell tumours5. ‘Triton’-isolated nuclei contained more than 90 per cent of the DNA in the original cell homogenate, retained rapidly labelled RNA and NAD-pyrophosphorylase activity5. The detergent digitonin has been used with some success for the isolation of macronuclei from stationary phase Tetrahymenapyriformis, mating type II, var. 1 (ref. 6).
On optimal weight assignmnents for multivariate interpolation list-decoding

We consider the weight assignment problem for multivariate interpolation-based decoding. The resulting optimization problem is solved under the assumption that the codes are not too short (the integrality gap for our relaxations approaches zero as the code length grows) and the optimal weight assignment scheme is given for the criterion of maximizing an allowable additive cost (e.g. Hamming distance or log-probability, etc.) of an error event.
Effect of Dietary Excess and Deficiency of Individual Amino Acids on Performance and Protein- and Energy-retention in Growing Rats

In the present study to examine the relative nutritional functions of amino acids in animal bodies, the effects of both deficient and excess levels of 9 individual L-amino acids were in-vestigated by the carcass retention method as well as by growth assay. The result indicated that these amino acids can be classified into at least four different groups by their effects on the retention to consumption relationships of protein and energy; one for arginine and iso-leucine, one for lysine, one for tryptophan and one for valine, leucine, threonine, methionine and phenylalanine.
Estimation of morphological degradation parameters

We have discussed a morphologically based nonlinear document degradation model to characterize the perturbation process associated with the printing and scanning process [KHP93, KHP94]. In this paper we use the nonparametric estimation algorithm discussed in [KHP93, KHP94] for estimating the sizes of the structuring elements of the degradation model. Other parameters of the model can be estimated in a similar fashion. Thus, given a small sample of (real) scanned documents, we can estimate the parameters of the model using the nonparametric estimation algorithm, and use the estimated parameters to create a large sample of simulated documents with degradation characteristics similar to that of the real scanned documents. The large simulated sample can then be used for various purposes, for example, training classifiers, estimating performance of OCR algorithms, choosing parameter values in noise removal algorithms, etc.
Domain-specific conflict adaptation without feature repetitions

An influential account of how cognitive control deals with conflicting sources of information holds that conflict is monitored by a module that automatically recruits attention to resolve the conflict. This leads to reduced effects of conflict on the subsequent trial, a phenomenon termed conflict adaptation. A prominent question is whether control processes are domain specific—that is, recruited only by the particular type of conflict they resolve. Previous studies that have examined this question used two-choice tasks in which feature repetition effects could be responsible for domain-specific adaptation effects. We report two experiments using four-choice (Experiment 1) and five-choice (Experiment 2) tasks that contain two types of irrelevant sources of potentially conflicting information: stimulus location (Simon conflict) and distractors (flanker conflict). In both experiments, we found within-type conflict adaptation for both types of conflict after eliminating trials on which stimulus features were repeated from one trial to the next. Across-type conflict adaptation, however, was not significant. Thus, conflict adaptation was due to domain-specific recruitment of cognitive control. Our results add converging evidence to the idea that multiple independent control processes are involved in reactive cognitive control, although whether control is always local remains to be determined.
Fertilization rates and embryonic development in superovulated cattle inseminated in different sites within the reproductive tract

Abstract Superovulated Jersey and Holstein heifers and cows were bred 9.7 ± 2.7 h after the first observation of estrus with a single dose of frozen semen. Animals were grouped by site of insemination: 1) right uterine horn (n = 5), 2) left uterine horn (n = 4), 3) mid- uterine body (n = 5), and 4) mid-cervix (n = 6). The number of unfertilized ova, normal and abnormal embryos were recorded for each horn at slaughter 115.8 ± 18.6 h after insemination. All viable embryos were cultured in vitro and assessed for development. The overall fertilization rate was 76.8%, with the ipsilateral horn being higher than that of the contralateral horn (P 0.05). Under the conditions of this study with superovulated cows, these results suggest than 1) spermatozoa migrate from one horn to the other and 2) inseminating too deep into one horn may reduce the chances for concention when ovulation occurs contralaterally.
A new approach of combustion in plastic bags for radioassay of H3, C14, and S35 in biological, biochemical, and organic materials☆

Abstract A new approach of combustion in disposable plastic bags is described. This process allows different classes of biological and other materials up to 300 mg in dry weight to be combusted completely in a few seconds. The combustion products are conveniently dissolved in a suitable solvent to obtain a colorless solution. The counting efficiencies for H3, C14, and S35 are close to 90–95%. The overall efficiencies (counting efficiency × machine efficiency) are 27, 71, and 81% for H3, C14, and S35, respectively. The quenching remains minimum and constant. By this technique quantitative recovery is obtained without need of any quench correction.
Modeling of the mechanical response and evolution of optical anisotropy in deformed polyaniline

The mechanical response under large deformation at room temperature of amorphous polyaniline (PANI) is simulated using an elastic-viscoplastic model for large strain of glassy polymers. The evolution of optical anisotropy under deformation is also simulated by coupling the mechanical anisotropy due to molecular alignment to the optical properties. Several homogeneous deformation tests such as tension, compression and shear are considered. For the evolution of the mechanical anisotropy and the associated optical anisotropy, we compare the results from three network models. Our predicted results are compared to experimental observations and good agreement is found.
The Spectrum of Peripelvic Cysts

Summary— Nineteen peripelvic cysts with unusual findings are discussed. While usually an incidental radiographic finding, these cysts may obstruct the collecting system and yet not be apparent on nephrotomography. They may also be confused with renal sinus lipomatosis and, ultrasonographically, they may mimic hydronephrosis.
Endothelin2 Induces Expression of Genes Associated with Reactive Gliosis in Retinal Müller Cells.

AbstractPurpose/Aim of the Study: Photoreceptor degeneration is normally accompanied by reactive gliosis and gene expression changes in Muller (glial) cells. The signaling pathway involved inducing these changes in Muller cells is not known. It has been proposed that endothelin2 (EDN2) released by degenerating photoreceptors might induce gliotic changes in Muller cells. In the present study, we directly tested the hypothesis by determining whether treatment of Muller cell cultures with EDN2 results in upregulation of genes known to be expressed in activated Muller cells in vivo.Materials and Methods: Experiments were carried using an established rat Muller cell line (rMC-1), and gene expression was assessed by qRT-PCR.Results: We observed that EDN2 treatment upregulated transcripts for glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap), Serpina3n and endothelin receptor B (EdnrB), three genes associated with reactive gliosis in Muller cells. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) treatment similarly led to induction of G...
Interactions between psychological and environmental characteristics and their impacts on walking

Abstract Due to walking׳s benefits to physical and mental health as well as to environmental and economic sustainability, numerous studies have examined psychological and environmental characteristics on their impacts on walking. However, understanding of how the interactions between psychological and environmental characteristics influence walking remains limited. Recently, both competitive mechanism and synergetic mechanism have been proposed , and a number of empirical studies have examined the interactions between psychological and environmental characteristics, but the results were inconsistent. We reviewed 11 recent studies and discussed their difference in terms of studies population, outcomes, environmental characteristics, and psychological characteristics. We propose a framework that integrate both mechanisms and provides an explanation to the inconsistency. More important, the framework may stimulate further empirical researches and provide implications for policy intervention to promote walking.
Should we treat all patients with coronary heart disease or the equivalent with statins

Statins have proven benefit in preventing cardiovascular events and should be prescribed for almost all patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or equivalent. However, evidence is lacking to support treating all such individuals. Potential exceptions include those in the initial days of acute coronary syndrome, those with symptomatic systolic heart failure, those with very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetic patients without associated metabolic syndrome, and those with high CHD risk calculated mainly on the basis of advanced age. In these cases, the decision to prescribe statins depends on clinical judgment, and surrogate tests for CHD may be useful.
Influenza Virus Not cRAFTy Enough to Dodge Viperin

Interferons elicit antiviral responses by inducing the expression of a large number of host cell genes. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Wang and colleagues report that the interferon-inducible protein viperin inhibits influenza A virus release by impairing the formation of cholesterol-enriched plasma membrane microdomains, or lipid rafts. Viperin appears to disrupt lipid rafts by suppressing the activity of farnesyl diphosphate synthase, a key enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis.
Pervasive horizontal fabric and rapid vertical extrusion: Lateral overturning and margin sub-parallel flow of deep crustal migmatites, northeastern Bohemian Massif

Abstract In the West Sudetes, northeastern Bohemia Massif, geochronometry provides evidence for repeated episodes of rapid cooling that contrasts sharply with an absence of structural evidence for significant tectonic exhumation by crustal extension. Instead, high-grade assemblages of the Orlica–Snieznik Complex have a regional sub-horizontal foliation and sub-horizontal lineations that trend parallel to narrow sub-vertical shear zones containing exhumed high-pressure assemblages. Mesoscopic petrofabrics combined with anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data from amphibolite facies to migmatitic meta-sedimentary and meta-igneous rocks reveal remarkably consistent average lineations that plunge shallowly to the SSW on both steep and sub-horizontal NNE-trending planar fabrics. The dominant SSW–NNE fabric orientation is parallel to the Bohemia–Brunia suture, which marks a major boundary along the eastern margin of the massif. The shape of the AMS ellipsoid is predominantly oblate, revealing flattened fabrics, with only local prolate ellipsoids. We envisage that the continental Brunian indentor operated as a rigid backstop and allowed the migmatized lower crustal orogenic root to be exhumed along the Bohemian margin shortly following terminal arc collision. Sub-vertical extrusion of the orogenic root was arrested in the mid-crust, where the lower ductile crust was laterally overturned at the base of rigid upper crustal blocks. Upon reaching the crustal high-strength lid the exhumed ductile mass of continental material laterally spread sub-parallel to the margin, underwent subsequent supra-Barrovian metamorphism, and quickly cooled. The application of AMS techniques to high-grade metamorphic rocks in concert with macroscopic structural observations is a powerful approach for resolving the deformation history of a terrane where visible rock fabrics can be tenuous.
The striatum and substantia nigra: a commentary on their relationships.

Publisher Summary The greatest focus of attention in recent years regarding the functions of the basal ganglia has been given to examining the interrelationships between the striatum (caudate and putamen) and the substantia nigra . These structures, like others of the basal ganglia, are involved in the control of posture and locomotion, the neuropathology of gait disorders, and are targets for the actions of a variety of pharmacological agents. The understanding of the interconnections of the parts of the basal ganglia and their significance in brain function has blossomed since the introduction of novel methods of exploration. This chapter discusses the nature of the nigrostriatal and striatonigral pathways.
Some observations on the effect of particle shape on the movement of coarse sediments

During a study in which information was gathered to improve the design of unlined canals in coarse granular materials, an opportunity was afforded to study the effect of particle shape on the movement of coarse sediments. This paper summarizes the various measurements and analyses that were made on samples of bed material from several canal sections in the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. Some comparisons are made to show the resistance to movement of various shaped particles according to sphericity and Zingg type. It is pointed out that flat particles tend to become imbricated, and they resist movement more than spherical particles of equal weight. Some observations are made on the effect of dilatancy on scour and sediment movement.
Learning horn definitions: theory and an application to planning

A Horn definition is a set of Horn clauses with the same predicate in all head literals. In this paper, we consider learning non-recursive, first-order Horn definitions from entailment. We show that this class is exactly learnable from equivalence and membership queries. It follows then that this class is PAC learnable using examples and membership queries. Finally, we apply our results to learning control knowledge for efficient planning in the form of goal-decomposition rules.
Structural and functional analysis of cysteine residues in human glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) and GAD67.

Previously, we have shown that brain glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is greatly inhibited by sulfhydryl reactive reagent suggesting cysteine residue(s) may play an important role in GAD function. In this report, we determined the role of cysteine residues in the recombinant human 65-kDa GAD isoform (hGAD65) and 67-kDa GAD isoform (hGAD67), using a combination of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis. Here, we report that cysteine 446 (C446) in hGAD65 is important for its activity and is present as free sulfhydryl group. This conclusion is based on the following observations: (i) mutation of C446 in hGAD65 to alanine reduced hGAD65 activity by more than 90%, (ii) MALDI–TOF analysis of the non-reduced, trypsin-digested GAD65 revealed that C446 is present as a free sulfhydryl group as indicated by a peak at m/z (mass/charge) 647.3446 (peptide 443–448) and, when GAD65 was treated with sulfhydryl reagent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), the peak is shifted to m/z 772.3702,a mass increase of 125.1 daltons (Da) as a result of modification of cysteine by NEM. Parallel studies have also been conducted with hGAD67. Cysteine 455 was found to be important for GAD67 activity.
Conformational Change Involved in Gating of Acid Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC1a)

Acid sensing ion channels are proton activated, sodium selective channels and are trimeric in nature. They belong to the epithelial sodium channel family. They are widely expressed in peripheral sensory neurons and neurons of central nervous system. These channels are involved in various physiological functions like sodium homeostasis, pain, mechano sensation, acidosis induced neuronal injury, etc. Here we expressed a modified chicken acid sensing ion channel (ASIC1a) in insect cells containing engineered cysteine residues at positions 129 and 338, at the finger and thumb domain respectively. The membrane preparations of the protein expressed in insect cells was shown to be functional using bilayer measurements. Using this functional construct we performed Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer measurements by tagging the insect cells with terbium chelate as donor and ATTO 465 as the acceptor. The distance between the donor and acceptor was similar to that observed in crystal structure thus indicating that the crystal structure is a good representation of the functional receptor in the membranes. Additionally, decreasing the pH from 7.4 to 6 resulted in a decrease in distance between the two residues, consistent with the movement of the thumb domain closer to the finger domain as previously hypothesized based on the crystal structure.
An X-ray crystallographic investigation of exchange of localized sulfate ions in crystals of α-chymotrypsin

Abstract Localized sulfate ions in the crystal structure of α-chymotrypsin have been exchanged with selenate ions. The exchange was studied using difference X-ray crystallographic methods at 2.8 A resolution at three (SeO42−:(SO42−) ion ratios (5:1, 20:1, 100:1) and crystals grown from ammonium selenate. All the localized (SO42− ions are exchangeable and they apparently solvate the enzyme molecule with a range of binding constants. One pair of ions is extremely facile toward the exchange. The latter occur internally at high occupancy in the interface region between the two independent molecules of the asymmetric unit and participate in a hydrogen bonding scheme that appears to be an important interaction in maintaining the dimeric structure of the crystal. These ions form hydrogen bonding bridges in a reciprocating manner between the independent molecules of the asymmetric unit of the crystal which involve the side chain of catalytically crucial Ser195 of one molecule and the phenolic hydroxyl of Tyr′146 of the other molecule; in addition, each (SeO42− ion also appears to hydrogen bond with the amino group of its respective Gly193. The remainder of the (SeO42− ions are at lower occupancies and not nearly as definite. These are located around the surface of the enzyme where they generally interact with a positive charge and/or enter into hydrogen bonding with the enzyme. In general, the (SO42− ions display relatively poor local 2-fold symmetry, probably because of their weak interaction with the enzyme.
An empirical comparison of low-dose extrapolation from points of departure (PoD) compared to extrapolations based upon methods that account for model uncertainty

Experiments with relatively high doses are often used to predict risks at appreciably lower doses. A point of departure (PoD) can be calculated as the dose associated with a specified moderate response level that is often in the range of experimental doses considered. A linear extrapolation to lower doses often follows. An alternative to the PoD method is to develop a model that accounts for the model uncertainty in the dose–response relationship and to use this model to estimate the risk at low doses. Two such approaches that account for model uncertainty are model averaging (MA) and semi-parametric methods. We use these methods, along with the PoD approach in the context of a large animal (40,000+ animal) bioassay that exhibited sub-linearity. When models are fit to high dose data and risks at low doses are predicted, the methods that account for model uncertainty produce dose estimates associated with an excess risk that are closer to the observed risk than the PoD linearization. This comparison provides empirical support to accompany previous simulation studies that suggest methods that incorporate model uncertainty provide viable, and arguably preferred, alternatives to linear extrapolation from a PoD.
Factors affecting the rate of catalyzed transfer of cholesteryl esters in plasma.

Abstract The transfer of cholesteryl esters generated by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase to low- and very low-density lipoproteins is greatly modified under different physiologic and pathologic conditions. A major factor determining transfer rates is the level of unesterified chlesterol in the acceptor lipoproteins. Low cholesteryl ester transfer rates are chatacteristic of several groups at increased risk for coronary artery disease. This appears to reflect a systematic abnormality of free cholesterol metabolism and transport in these groups.
Note: Folded optical system for narrow forward looking probe

An optical system is described in which a laser beam makes three passes through a single graded index lens, forming a focus along the optic axis. It has important applications in endoscopic probes, where the forward looking characteristic permits the avoidance of obstacles and the narrow structure makes it minimally invasive.
Multiple species of La@C82 and Y@C82. Mass spectroscopic and solution EPR studies

Abstract Two dominant electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) hyperfine patterns for both La and Y fullerenes have been identified and linked to the mass spectroscopic (MS) peaks of La@C 82 and Y@C 82 , respectively, as also observed by Suzuki. Additionally, lower intensity La@C n EPR multiplets are identified which have not, as yet, been correlated with specific MS peaks. The intensity ratios of the two dominant EPR multiplets depend on various parameters such as solvent and temperature, suggesting the species possess different chemical properties.
The effect of the Arthritis Self-Management Program on outcome in African Americans with rheumatoid arthritis served by a public hospital

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) on a cohort of patients, primarily African American (90 %), with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) served by a public hospital. One hundred four patients were randomly assigned to the ASMP group or the usual care group and followed for 18 months. The primary endpoint was clinical improvement indicated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20). Focus groups were conducted to provide contextual data. The percentages of patients achieving ACR20 were similar in the ASMP (14 % at 18 months) and usual care (17 %) groups (p = 0.3). However, 28 % of the 25 ASMP patients that attended four or more classes achieved ACR 20 after 18 months of follow-up, but only 5 % of the 27 ASMP patients that attended less than four classes achieved ACR20 (P = 0.1). There was a reduction in the tender and swollen joints in both groups over time (P = 0.02), and those aged 60 and over had fewer joints involved. Half of the cohort fell at or below the poverty level. The percentages of patients achieving ACR20 were similar in the ASMP and usual care groups. Patients who attended four or more ASMP classes improved the most, but included only half of those assigned to ASMP. This suggests a need for innovative participant retention strategies or a different type of self-management program for this population.
On the reproducibility of column performance in liquid chromatography and the role of the packing density

The packing behavior of a typical 10 μm C18 stationary phase was studied in terms of the resultant column efficiency and capacity factor. The column-to-column reproducibility of these parameters under identical packing procedures is assessed. Correlation of these parameters and the column void volume to the column packing density is reported. Two regimes were studied: that of poor-and well-packed columns. For poorly packed columns, the column-to-column variability is high, but a concomitantly poor same-column reproducibility of measurement suggests that little statistically significant difference exists between different columns packed with the same procedure. There is also no statistically significant correlation between the column parameters and the packing densities, however, the poorest columns showed a degradation of performance after the drying procedures used to obtain the column masses. Well-packed columns showed much less degradation upon drying. For the well-packed columns, statistically significant column-to-column differences were observable, mainly due to a high same-column precision of measurement. Analysis of the results suggests that even well-packed columns are not optimally packed and that regions of high and low density coexist along the column. The results are compared to those achieved with semi-preparative columns packed with the same slurry procedure and preparative columns packed under dynamic axial compression. Poor day-to-day, same-column reproducibility (degradation) under ambient conditions was observed in conjunction with a high column-to-column variability for the semi-preparative columns.
Application of a phenomenological core model in the SYSCAP 2.5 circuit analysis program

This paper describes the application of a phenomenological core model ref. [1] in the new SYSCAPTM2.5 circuit analysis program. Six commonly used core materials have been characterized using the model as programmed in SYSCAPTM2.5. The core model, in conjunction with a general purpose transformer model, has been used extensively to analyze circuits using flux oscillators, magnetic amplifiers, and various D.C. to D.C. converters.
Person-environment interaction in the prediction of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in adulthood

Background Behavioral disinhibition (externalizing/impulsivity) and behavioral inhibition (internalizing/anxiety) may contribute to the development of alcohol abuse and dependence. But tests of person-by-environment interactions in predicting alcohol use disorders are needed. This study examined the extent to which interactions between behavioral disinhibition, behavioral inhibition and family management during adolescence predict alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence at age 27.
Generating sequential code from parallel code

We consider the problem of generating sequential code for parallel programs written in a language which contains a FORALL operator, predicates and statements. This problem can arise when compiling for a multiprocessor where each processor is sequential, and in the vectorization of sequential programs. We present a necessary and sufficient condition for determining if extra guard variables or duplicate code must be inserted when generating a correct sequential program from a given, well-structured parallel program. We also have an efficient method for checking whether this condition occurs in the parallel program. This method gives rise to an algorithm for generating sequential code from parallel code which inserts guard variables (or duplicate code) only when determined by our necessary and sufficient condition. Given the choice to insert duplicate code, an exponential blow-up in size may result. We suggest some simple heuristics to limit such blow-up. We also show that in a restricted case, the minimal size sequential code can be efficiently generated. However, we show that a problem closely related to finding the minimal size sequential code (or equivalently, the minimum number of guards to be inserted) in NP-Complete. We conjecture that this problem in the general case is indeed NP-Complete.
Effect of aging on male reproduction in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The study was designed to test the hypothesis that male aging is associated with a change in reproductive function in the zebrafish. Young (290 ± 37 d) and older (911 ± 48 d) males were combined with females (604 ± 24 d) to test the effect of male age on the number and fertility of eggs laid by their mates. 48% of breeding trials with young males and 25% of the trails with older males resulted in egg deposition. Although young males were associated with significantly more successful breeding attempts than older males, number of eggs laid per clutch, number and percent of fertilized eggs and the number and percent living embryos were not statistically different between young and older males. These data suggest that male aging is associated with altered reproductive behavior and/or female response but not in sperm quality per se. Consistent with this interpretation were the findings that percent motility and sperm motility characteristics did not differ between sperm from young and older males as assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. However, older males contained higher quantities of extractable sperm than did young males, perhaps associated with fewer successful breeding attempts. Age-related effects on male reproductive in the zebrafish may therefore be a consequence of behavioral or morphological features that play a role in female mate choice and/ or male sexual response.
Domain imbedding methods for the Stokes equations

We study direct and iterative domain imbedding methods for the Stokes equations on certain non-rectangular domains in two space dimensions. We analyze a continuous analog of numerical domain imbedding for bounded, smooth domains, and give an example of a simple numerical algorithm suggested by the continuous analysis. This algorithms is applicable for simply connected domains which can be covered by rectangular grids, with uniformly spaced grid lines in at least one coordinate direction. We also discuss a related FFT-based fast solver for Stokes problems with physical boundary conditions on rectangles, and present some numerical results.
Quaking mouse: an ultrastructural study of the peripheral nerves.

Ultrastructural study of the peripheral nervous system of quaking mice has revealed several unusual features in the pattern of myelination in addition to hypomyelination.
Current and prospective pharmacotherapy for autoimmune hepatitis

Introduction: Corticosteroids alone or in combination with azathioprine are the mainstay therapies of autoimmune hepatitis. Suboptimal responses (treatment failure, partial response, drug toxicity), frequent relapse after drug withdrawal, and the emergence of alternative immunosuppressive medications have fueled the pursuit of new treatments. The goals of this review are to present current management strategies and evolving interventions.Areas covered: PubMed searches from 1970 – 2014 provide the bases for this review. Corticosteroid regimens should be administered until resolution of symptoms, laboratory tests, and liver tissue abnormalities. Treatment failure warrants high doses of the original regimen, and relapse warrants re-treatment followed by long-term maintenance with azathioprine. The calcineurin inhibitors, budesonide, and mycophenolate mofetil are evolving as frontline therapies, and they may be considered as salvage therapies with the exception of budesonide. Rapamycin, rituximab, and inflixi...