cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acetylcysteine in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary angiography.

Abstract Background Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after coronary angiography is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Preliminary studies with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have found conflicting results in the prevention of CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NAC in the prevention of CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods This study was prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Patients referred for elective coronary angiography with a baseline creatinine clearance level 1.2 mg/dL were randomly assigned to 1500 mg NAC or placebo, starting the evening before angiography and given every 12 hours for 4 doses. The primary study end point was the development of CIN, which was defined as an increase of >0.5 mg/dL or an increase of ≥25% in serum creatinine over baseline within 48 hours of angiography. Secondary end points included changes in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, requirement of dialysis, side effects of study medication, hospital length of stay, and hospital charges. Results CIN occurred in 8.2% (4/49) of patients taking NAC and 6.4% (3/47) of patients taking placebo. Changes in BUN and serum creatinine from baseline were not significantly different in the two treatment groups. Baseline BUN and volume of contrast were the only independent predictors of CIN. More patients with diabetes had development of CIN (5/43; 12%) compared with nondiabetic patients (2/52; 4%), but the difference was not significant (P = .15). The incidence of CIN in diabetic patients was not different in the two treatment groups. No patient with development of CIN required dialysis. Side effects (mostly gastrointestinal) occurred in 16% of patients taking NAC and in none of the patients taking placebo. Length of stay and hospital charges were not different between the treatment groups. Conclusions In patients with reduced renal function undergoing elective coronary angiography, NAC does not reduce the risk of CIN.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO IMPROVEMENT OF ANALOG PULSE-POSITION MODULATION OVER ANALOG INTENSITY MODULATION IN OPTICAL COMMUNICATION LINKS*

This paper presents a comparison of the performance of optical communication links employing analog pulse-position modulation and analog intensity modulation. In particular, the theoretical output signal-to-noise ratios for the two types of modulation are compared assuming "equivalent" optical links. Analog pulse-position modulation offers signal-to-noise ratio improvement over intensity modulation at the expense of increased system complexity and expanded transmission band-width. The effect of timing errors on the signal-to-noise ratio of the pulse-position modulation receiver is considered, and it is shown that these errors can degrade performance significantly from theoretical .© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Applying Robotics in a Clinical Rehabilitation Setting for Upper Limb Neurological Impairment

The use of robotic devices in clinical rehabilitation settings has seen an explosion in the last 10 years. The purpose of this article is to describe the perspectives of therapists and administrators who are using and supporting the use of robotic devices for upper limb training in a clinical rehabilitation setting. In addition, this article addresses methods to establish best practices and measure outcomes associated with the robotic devices in a clinical, rather than research, setting. Overall, therapists and administrators who have experience using robotic devices in a clinical rehabilitation setting felt that robotic devices pose many opportunities for rehabilitation. First, these devices show promise as a potentially effective adjunct to existing therapy programs, particularly for individuals with severe upper limb neurological impairment. Clients are highly motivated to use the devices and are potentially able to obtain higher frequency and consistency of upper limb practice during their rehabilitat...
Matrix units for centralizer algebras

Abstract We compute matrix units for Brauer's centralizer algebras and Hecke algebras of type A. This can be used to construct a complete system of matrix units of the centralizers of tensor products of classical Lie groups (except SO(2n)) and their quantum deformations. The calculation is done by induction inspired by path models for special operator algebras. It is similar to the calculation of Young's orthogonal matrix units for the symmetric group as given by Rutherford.
Metalated nitriles: SNi' cyclizations with a propargylic electrophile.

A rare 5-exo-dig SNi′ cyclization with magnesiated and lithiated nitriles affords a cis-fused hydrindane bearing an exocyclic allene. The cyclization of the dilithiated nitrile pits a stereoelectronic preference for a trans-hydrindane against a cyclization through a less strained transition structure to the corresponding cis-hydrindane. Computational modeling suggests that the dilithiated nitrile cyclizes to a cis-hydrindane because the preferred transition structure positions the lithium cation in a cone of electron density that bridges the nitrile-bearing carbon, an alkoxide, and an electron-rich alkyne functionality.
Thio-Michler's ketone, a new reagent for sulfenyl iodide and thiol proteins

Summary Halogens oxidize thio-Michler's ketone (I) to an intensely blue disulfide (II), but sulfenyl iodides react with the thioketone (I) to give turquoise green mixed disulfides. The same turquoise colored products are formed from a thiol protein and the blue disulfide of thio-Michler's ketone (II). Both reactions can find use in studies of protein sulfenyl iodide derivatives and of thiol proteins. The high values of molar extinction of the colored compounds result in high sensitivity of the reactions.
Inhibition of ethylene production by rhizobitoxine.

Rhizobitoxine, an inhibitor of methionine biosynthesis in Salmonella typhimurium, inhibited ethylene production about 75% in light-grown sorghum seedlings and in senescent apple tissue. Ethylene production stimulated by indoleacetic acid and kinetin in sorghum was similarly inhibited. With both apple and sorghum, the inhibition could only be partially relieved by additions of methionine. A methionine analogue, alpha-keto-gamma-methylthiobutyric acid, which has been suggested as an intermediate between methionine and ethylene, had no effect on the inhibition.Incorporation of (14)C from added methionine-(14)C into ethylene was curtailed by rhizobitoxine to about the same extent as was ethylene production. These results suggest that rhizobitoxine interferes with ethylene biosynthesis by blocking the conversion of methionine to ethylene and not indirectly by inhibiting the biosynthesis of methionine. Ethylene production by Penicillium digitatum, a fungus which produces ethylene via pathways not utilizing methionine as a precursor, was not affected by rhizobitoxine.
Preferentially impaired neurotransmitter release sites not their discreteness compromise the validity of microdialysis zero‐net‐flux method

Intracerebral microdialysis is a popular technique for studying neurochemistry and neural circuits in various brain regions. Recent studies called into question the validity of the microdialysis zero-net-flux (ZNF) method by suggesting that this method significantly underestimates the basal level of extracellular dopamine as a result of the discreteness of dopamine release sites as well as the preferential damage to dopamine release over uptake. To identify which factor is most important in undermining the microdialysis ZNF measurements and the extent of underestimation, two mathematical models were developed to explore the influences of the discrete nature and the probe-induced impairment in the neurotransmitter release. The two models differ in their characterizations of the transmitter release as spatially discrete and homogeneous, respectively. Simulations using physiologically reasonable parameters for striatal dopamine systems indicate that the preferential release site damage surrounding the implanted probe is the most important determinant to the underestimation of the microdialysis ZNF concentration. Under normal physiological conditions, the discreteness of neurotransmitter release sites is of minor importance, except when neuronal degeneration occurs. It is concluded that homogeneous models can adequately describe microdialysis operating processes as long as the corresponding tissue damage parameters in such models are appropriately incorporated.
Slit design considerations for rotating-aperture, scanning-beam radiography

The rotating-aperture wheel (RAW) scanning-beam device is uniquely applicable for scatter elimination in short-time, rapid-sequence, and real-time radiographic imaging because of the continuous rotary motion of its slit pattern. This rotary motion places special restrictions on the slit pattern design. Although simple sector-shaped slits provide uniform primary transmission, they entail an unacceptable degree of slit widening on small-diameter wheels. The use of multiple slit zones with slits of different angular width has reduced the extent of this widening on a prototype RAW; however, interzone boundary artifacts caused by differential primary x-ray cutoff are apparent on some clinical images. This problem is eliminated with a unique spiral-shaped aperture pattern which consists of slits of constant width and constant spacing. Each slit is radially continuous and provides uniform primary transmission without interzone artifacts. This spiral pattern satisfies all requirements and appears to be the pattern of choice for rotating-aperture scanning-beam radiography.
Human, Social, and Now Positive Psychological Capital Management: INVESTING IN PEOPLE FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Despite the substantial support for the importance of the human factor in achieving sustainable performance, human resources continue to primarily be given lip service, partly owing to the commonly perceived difficulties of quantifying their impact on bottom-line performance and competitive advantage. This article uses well-established business criteria to compare the contribution of human resources to sustainable competitive advantage to that of traditionally recognized resources such as financial, structural, and technological capital. The article presents support for three dimensions of human resources that warrant its inimitablity and sustainability for competitive advantage. Two of these dimensions are human capital (explicit and tacit knowledge) and social capital (networks, norms/ values, and trust). Then, a new dimension of human resources, positive psychological capital, which involves measurable, developable psychological capacities that can be readily enhanced and managed for performance improvement, is introduced. These capacities include self-efficacy/ confidence, hope, optimism, and resiliency.
Part-Time Farm Operators and Supply of Off-Farm Labor by Farm Operators in Rural Areas

Throughout the U.S. the number of part-time farmers who depend principally upon off-farm sources of income has been increasing rapidly since 1940s. The increasing number of part-time farmers can have important implications for organization of agricultural production and development of rural areas. The major purpose of this paper is to determine major characteristics of selected part-time farmers and determine factors affecting off-farm supply of labor by farm operators. The paper reports the results of a study of 193 randomly selected farm families in the two counties of west Tennessee. Part-time farmers were found to be relatively younger, more educated and to have a higher total family income, operating smaller-sized farms as compared to full-time farmers. Off-farm labor supply equations were estimated for all farm operators in the data as well as for part-time farmers only. The results indicated that off-farm labor supply was positively related to the off-farm wage rate and length of experience but neg...
Functional implications of the unusual amino acid sequence of the regulatory light chain ofAcanthamoeba castellanii myosin-II

We have determined by protein chemistry methods the amino acid sequence of light chain 2 fromAcanthamoeba castellanii myosin-II (ALC2). This is the first reported sequence for any protozoan myosin light chain. ALC2 consists of 154 amino acid residues, including a single residue of His and two residues each of Pro and Tyr, and lacks Cys and Trp. The N-terminus is blocked, and if an N-terminal acetyl group is assumed, ALC2 has a calculated molecular weight of 17657. ALC2 is an acidic protein, with a calculated net charge of — 7 at pH 7. The sequence of ALC2 is most similar to those of the calmodulins (identity approximately 35%, followed by myosin regulatory light chains. ALC2 appears to lack the potential N-terminal phosphorylation site and single Ca2+-binding site in region I which are characteristic of most myosin regulatory light chains. Instead, ALC2, unlike any other myosin light chain characterized to date, may have a functional Ca2+-binding site only in region II, suggesting a novel role of ALC2 in the Ca2+ regulation of the activity ofAcanthamoeba myosin-II.
Electrically switchable reflection gratings in polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Electrically switchable volume reflection holograms were written by inhomogeneous illumination of a prepolymer syrup containing a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional acrylate monomer. Switchable holograms are diffractive optics structures and the diffraction efficiency can be controlled by the application of an electric field. Reflection gratings with grating spacing varying between 0.16-0.27 μm were made during the phase separation of liquid crystals from the fast curing prepolymer syrup. The reflection efficiency of the holograms were electrically modulated with the applied field of ~10-15V/μm. Real time study of the grating formation revealed that the maximum efficiency is reached in ~15 seconds. The shrinkage of the host polymer during grating formation resulted in the blue shift of the reflection notch. The response time of the grating in an electric field is ~50 μs. Low voltage scanning electron microscope studies showed the presence of discrete nematic droplet domains of sizes 30-60 nm in liquid crystal rich region.
Increased mortality among women who drank alcohol during pregnancy.

Abstract Women giving birth to children with fetal alcohol syndrome have a higher risk of early mortality. However, the risk of increased mortality associated with drinking at lower levels during pregnancy has not been evaluated previously. Accordingly, mortality at 20 years post recruitment was examined in a sample ( N =570) of women recruited between 1980 and 1986, who drank more than 1 ounce of absolute alcohol per week (oz AA/wk) during pregnancy and compared to that in abstainers from the same low socioeconomic, African-American population. Using data from archival information and state mortality records, Cox proportional hazards survival models were constructed to determine whether alcohol use, cigarette use, infant birth weight, infant dysmorphia, and alcohol use and abuse by the woman's own mother (family history positive) were associated with increased risk for mortality. At follow-up (in 2003), 9.5% of the sample had died, with the rate for controls being 3.6%, for those alcohol users who stopped during pregnancy, 12.7%, and for the alcohol users who continued drinking throughout pregnancy, 12.5%. Thus, women using alcohol in pregnancy, whether they stopped or continued to use, were significantly ( χ 2 (2)=12.1, P
The influence of hardness on the resistance to wear by paper

Abrasive wear data for a wide range of materials sliding against paper are compared to establish a general dependence on hardness of the abraded material. Three regions for the hardness dependence are identified. In all three regions, the wear rate depends on (hardness)−n. In the region for which the hardness of the abrasive is larger than that of the abraded material, n ≈ 1; in the region where the hardnesses are similar, n ≈ 10; in the region where the abraded material is harder, n ≈ 5.
Oropharyngeal swallow in younger and older women: videofluoroscopic analysis

Much of the initial research on normal swallowing has been conducted in young men. Recently, there has been increasing interest in determining whether there are differences between the sexes in swallowing function and in the effects of aging on swallowing in both sexes. This investigation examined the swallowing ability of 8 healthy young women between the ages of 21 and 29 and 8 healthy older women between the ages of 80 and 93 during two swallows each of 1 ml and 10 ml liquid boluses. Videofluoroscopic studies of these swallows were reviewed in slow motion and real time to confirm the absence of swallowing disorders. Kinematic analysis of each swallow was completed. Data on range of motion of pharyngeal structures and coordination characteristics of the oropharyngeal swallow were taken from this kinematic analysis. Position of the larynx at rest and length of neck were compared between the two groups. Data from this study were compared with previously published data on younger and older men. Interestingly, the range of motion of the older women was often greater than that of the young women. Only tongue base movement diminished significantly with age in women. Volume effects observed in duration and extent of movement during the 1 ml and 10 ml swallows were similar to those in earlier studies. Older women also exhibited an increased range of motion relative to the old men. This increase may indicate a compensation for aging effects not seen in older men.
Strategic management models and resource-based strategies among mnes in a host market

This article develops a resource-based strategic management model of MNE market entry. Strategic groups of firms in the U.S. foreign auto industry are derived empirically and tested for their ability to explain structural and performance results in one industry and one host country under the assumptions of the model.
Unusual splitting of the second heart sound in pulmonary stenosis

Abstract Two groups of patients with pulmonary stenosis and an abnormally split second heart sound are discussed. In the first group of 5 patients with mild pulmonary stenosis, there was disproportionate splitting of the second sound and the inspiratory increase was less than 0.01 second. Post-stenotic dilatation of the pulmonary artery without any significant change in the pulmonary vasculature was noted in all cases. Right ventricular pressure was not high enough to influence the ejection period and delay pulmonic closure. It is suggested that slightly increased right ventricular stroke output during inspiration has little effect on the pressure and elastic recoil of a dilated pulmonary artery and, therefore, the splitting is wide with little increase in width during inspiration. In the second group of 5 patients with severe pulmonary stenosis and muscle-bound right ventricle due to severe hypertrophy of the outflow tract, the second sound was widely split and almost fixed. Apparently the right ventricle becomes stiff as a result of hypertrophied muscle and fibrotic changes and is not able to accommodate extra blood during inspiration. This results in a fixed right ventricular output which is responsible for the fixed second sound.
Management of the second stage of labor in nulliparas with continuous epidural analgesia

Abstract Objective To determine if waiting for a strong urge to push in nulliparas with continuous low-concentration epidural analgesia shortens the pushing duration in the second stage. Methods Nulliparas with standardized patient-controlled epidural analgesia (0.0625% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2 μg/mL) were randomly assigned to pushing immediately upon complete cervical dilatation ( n = 85) or waiting for a strong urge to push ( n = 117). Urge to push and patient satisfaction were quantified on 100-mm visual analogue scales. Duration of pushing and total duration of the second stage were analyzed as survival time data. Results Women who delayed pushing and those who pushed immediately were similar with respect to maternal characteristics. Women who delayed pushing had a stronger urge to push ( P P Conclusion In nulliparas with continuous low-concentration epidural analgesia, delaying pushing until a strong urge is felt does not reduce the duration of pushing in the second stage of labor.
Increased spinal dynorphin contributes to chronic nicotine-induced mechanical hypersensitivity in the rat

Abstract Chronic nicotine administration has been shown previously to produce mechanical hypersensitivity in the rat although the mechanism of this effect is unknown. Rats treated with chronic systemic nicotine 3.6 or 8.6 mg/(kg day) for 14–21 days displayed mechanical hypersensitivity coincident with an increase of prodynorphin immunoreactivity and dynorphin content within the spinal cord. The administration of dynorphin antiserum intrathecally significantly attenuated chronic nicotine-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Our results suggest that chronic nicotine administration produces an increase in spinal dynorphin content and release that contributes to mechanical hypersensitivity.
Covariance Control for Sensor Management in Cluttered Tracking Environments

A simple structure for a high-performance three-dimensional tracking filter is derived in the rotating sensor frame assuming high measurement rates and small angular deviations during target tracking. The resulting three-dimensional estimator consists of three independent filters, whose state includes position, velocity, and acceleration along each of the axes in the rotating sensor frame. Because line-of-sight models for the target acceleration are identical in all three axes and independent, the replacement of the basic exponentially correlated acceleration model by more complicated models preserves the filter structure. Such sophisticated models are based on the multiple model approach.
The Response of Balanced Hurricanes to Local Sources of Heat and Momentum

Abstract Eliassen's (1951) diagnostic technique is used to calculate the secondary circulation induced by point sources of heat and momentum in balanced, hurricane-like vortices. Scale analysis reveals that such responses are independent of the horizontal scale of the vortex. Analytic solutions for the secondary circulation are readily obtained in idealized barotropic vortices, but numerical methods are required for more realistic barotropic and baroclinic vortices. For sources near the radius of maximum wind, the local, two-dimensional, streamfunction dipole response of Eliassen is modified by both the spatial variations of the vortex structure and the influences of boundary conditions. The secondary flow advects mean-flow buoyancy and angular momentum and thus leads to a slow evolution of the vortex structure. In weak systems (maximum tangential wind <35 m s−1), the restraining influences of structure and boundaries lengthen the time scale of the vortex evolution. In stronger vortices, the horizontal sc...
WE‐C‐L100F‐03: CT Algorithm Development and Applications

Computed tomography(CT) has been employed as a versatile visualization tool in a wide variety of applications to human and small animal imaging, industrial non‐destructive detection, material research, and security scan. The fast‐imaging capability and superior spatial/contrast resolution offered by modern CT result in tremendous opportunities for developing additional applications and imaging protocols. In the last few years or so, there have been unprecedented breakthroughs in the development of innovative cone‐beam imaging algorithms for obtaining volumetric images in cone‐beam CT. In this presentation, I will discuss the algorithm advances in cone‐beam CT in the last few years. Emphasis will be placed on targeted imaging of region of interest (ROI) and on image reconstruction from incomplete data in CT. Examples will be used to illustrate that the current and potential applications promised by the new development of CT algorithms. Finally, I will briefly use examples to illustrate that, although the algorithms to be discussed were developed for CT, they can readily be generalized to addressing image reconstruction problems in other imaging modalities, including MRI,nuclear medicine imaging, and phase‐contrast CT.
Social network variables in alcoholics anonymous: A literature review

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most commonly used program for substance abuse recovery and one of the few models to demonstrate positive abstinence outcomes. Although little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms that make this program effective, one frequently cited aspect is social support. In order to gain insight into the processes at work in AA, this paper reviewed 24 papers examining the relationship between AA and social network variables. Various types of social support were included in the review such as structural support, functional support, general support, alcohol-specific support, and recovery helping. Overall, this review found that AA involvement is related to a variety of positive qualitative and quantitative changes in social support networks. Although AA had the greatest impact on friend networks, it had less influence on networks consisting of family members or others. In addition, support from others in AA was found to be of great value to recovery, and individuals with harmful social networks supportive of drinking actually benefited the most from AA involvement. Furthermore, social support variables consistently mediated AA's impact on abstinence, suggesting that social support is a mechanism in the effectiveness of AA in promoting a sober lifestyle. Recommendations are made for future research and clinical practice.
A Survey of Posthospitalization Treatment Needs and Preferences in Cocaine Abusers

In an effort to lower recidivism, most inpatient drug treatment programs offer a variety of aftercare options. There is a lack of empirically based knowledge needed to make decisions about posthospital treatment development and its implementation. The authors used a survey method to evaluate outpatient treatment needs and preferences of hospitalized cocaine-dependent patients (N = 40). Stronger preferences were expressed for 12-step programs, behavioral relapse prevention, and employment counseling than for psychotherapy, medical treatment, and legal assistance. Most subjects viewed cocaine addiction as a disease (93%) rather than a learned habit (7%). Group therapy was preferred over individual therapy (66% vs. 34%). For each problem area on the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), patient severity ratings were strongly correlated with perceived aftercare treatment needs, whereas interviewer ratings and composite scores on the ASI were not. The authors discuss implications of client preferences in posthospita...
Parametric body shape model of standing children aged 3-11 years.

A statistical body shape model (SBSM) for children was developed for generating a child body shape with desired anthropometric parameters. A standardised template mesh was fit to whole-body laser scan data from 137 children aged 3–11 years. The mesh coordinates along with a set of surface landmarks and 27 manually measured anthropometric variables were analysed using principal component (PC) analysis. PC scores were associated with anthropometric predictors such as stature, body mass index (BMI) and ratio of erect sitting height to stature (SHS) using a regression model. When the original scan data were compared with the predictions of the SBSM using each subject's stature, BMI and SHS, the mean absolute error was 10.4 ± 5.8 mm, and 95th percentile error was 24.0 ± 18.5 mm. The model, publicly available online, will have utility for a wide range of applications.Practitioner Summary: A statistical body shape model for children helps to account for inter-individual variability in body shapes as well as anth...
Modifying the Conventional Visual Field Test Pattern to Improve the Detection of Early Glaucomatous Defects in the Central 10

Purpose To simulate modified versions of the 24-2 (6° grid) visual field (VF) test pattern by adding points from the 10-2 (2° grid) test pattern, and to assess their ability to detect early glaucomatous defects in the central 10°. Methods One hundred forty-four eyes of 144 glaucoma patients and suspects with 24-2 mean deviations better than -6 dB were tested with 10-2 and 24-2 VFs. Based upon both 10-2 VF and optical coherence tomography probability plots, 63 hemifields were defined as abnormal, while 121 hemifields were defined as normal. Three modified 24-2 VF test patterns, called 24-2 +4, 24-2 +16 (Even), and 24-2 +16 (Empirical), were simulated by adding 4 or 16 test points from the 10-2 VF. Results Based upon the number of abnormal points (P ≤ 5%), the area under the ROC curves (AROC scores) of the three modified 24-2 VFs were significantly greater than that of the 24-2 VF for both the upper and lower VF. For a specificity of 85%, the number of true positives was 25 (24-2), 30 (24-2 +4), 31 (24-2 +16, even), and 32 (24-2 +16, empirical) of 34 total true positives for the upper VF and 23, 26, 27, and 28 of 29 for the lower VF. Conclusions Adding points from the 10-2 test pattern to the 24-2 test pattern significantly improved its ability to detect macular defects without employing more test points than a single 10-2 test. Translational relevance Additional central points should be added to the 24-2 pattern to improve the detection of macular damage.
A parallel block frontal solver for large scale process simulation : Reordering effects

Abstract For the simulation and optimization of large-scale chemical processes, the overall computing time is often dominated by the time needed to solve a large sparse system of linear equations. We describe here a parallel frontal solver which can significantly reduce the wallclock time required to solve these linear equation systems using parallel/vector supercomputers. The algorithm exploits both multiprocessing and vector processing by using a multifrontal-type approach in which frontal elimination is used for the partial factorization of each front. The algorithm is based on a bordered block-diagonal matrix form and thus its performance depends on the extent to which this form can be obtained. Results on several large scale process simulation and optimization problems are presented, with emphasis on the effect of different matrix reorderings to achieve bordered block-diagonal form.
Effective Schools as a Dropout Prevention Strategy

Effective schools research and techniques are useful in developing a strategy for dropout prevention. Early intervention can avoid the necessity of remediation in later years.
Nociceptin receptor signaling in sympathetic neurons from septic rats

Abstract Background The endogenous opioid peptide, nociception (Noc), contributes to the regulation of systemic blood pressure and regional blood flow. Recent clinical and animal studies have reported that Noc and its receptor (nociceptin/orphanin FQ [NOP]) are involved in inflammation and sepsis. The purpose of the present study was to examine the modulation of Ca 2+ channels by Noc in acutely isolated stellate ganglion (SG) neurons from control and septic rats. Materials and methods Sepsis was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats via cecal ligation and puncture. SG neurons were isolated 24 and 72 h after sepsis induction. Thereafter, the concentration–response relationships for the Noc-stimulated NOP receptor Ca 2+ current inhibition were determined using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. In addition, the Noc precursor (prepronociceptin [PNOC]) and NOP receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and PNOC protein levels were measured by Western blot analysis. Results Comparison of the Noc concentration–response relationships in SG neurons from control and septic rats 24 h after sepsis revealed similar potency and efficacy. Moreover, 72 h after sepsis, neurons from control and septic rats exhibited an increased potency compared with both groups at the 24-h time point—an effect that was more pronounced in neurons from septic rats. PNOC mRNA levels were significantly greater in SG neurons isolated from septic rats compared with control neurons, but NOP receptor mRNA levels remained unchanged during the 72-h period. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the cecal ligation and puncture model–induced temporal upregulation of components within the NOP receptor signaling pathway in rat sympathetic neurons. As SG neurons provide the main sympathetic input to the heart, an increased Noc release and potency during sepsis may compromise cardiovascular function.
Echocardiographic Features of Genetic Diseases: Part 2. Storage Disease

Fabry’s disease, also known as Fabry-Anderson disease or angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, is an Xlinked recessive sphingolipidosis resulting from the defective activity of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A, leading to the accumulation of natural glycosphingolipids in the plasma and in the lysosomes of cells of many tissues, including the heart. This material is present in all cardiac tissues, the greatest concentration being in the mitral valve and left ventricular myocardium.1 Pathologically, increased myocardial wall thickness and mitral valve prolapse are seen grossly.2 Progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in the vascular system is responsible for many clinical manifestations of Fabry’s disease.1 Homozygous male patients show the most pronounced pathologic features and have a short life expectancy.Death usually occurs from renal,cardiac, or cerebral complications of the vascular disease. Heterozygous female patients have normal life expectancy but may have some pathologic features, including some increase in myocardial wall thickness.3,4 The disease-causing gene is located at Xq21.3-Xq22, and full-length cDNA has been isolated and sequenced.2 Clinical Manifestations
Paradigmatic Symbol-A Comparative Study of Human and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence functions in terms of abstract symbols and human intelligence functions in terms of paradigmatic symbols. A paradigmatic symbol is a particular object, or the mental representation thereof, capable of evoking a whole, yet flexible, field of objects. It is not an object qua object, but object qua agent of elicitation. Thinking in terms of paradigmatic symbols needs no addiononal rules of interpretation, while thinking in terms of abstract symbols requires an ad hoc rule of interpretation to have any relation with actual behavioral operations. Paradigmatic symbols have their places in the life-oriented internal value structure, while abstract symbols have no relation with value. Elicitory capability and value orientedness of paradigms make inductive inference work. Abstract symbols, having neither of these two properties, cannot make inductive inference work without human help.
Age Differences in Reactions to Social Rejection: The Role of Cognitive Resources and Appraisals

Objectives. Social rejection is a ne social experience individuals of all ages may encounter in everyday life. It is unclear whether social rejection affects older adults more or less than younger adults. This study investigated age differences in reactions following a direct rejection and the moderating effects of cognitive resources and appraisals. Method. Eighty-three younger (18–26 years) and 53 older (60–86 years) adults engaged in an online interview during which they were either accepted or rejected seemingly by another participant. We examined participants’ self-reported mood before and after the interview as well as verbal self-complexity. Results. Older adults reported greater increases in hurt feelings follo wing rejection than younger adults. The age difference was further moderated by cognitive resources and appraisals. Among older rejected adults, those who were poorer in processing speed and those who appraised the rejection more negatively felt more hurt feelings. Older rejected adults were also rated lower in self-complexity than older accepted adults, whereas younger rejected adults and accepted adults did not differ. Discussion. The findings are lar gely consistent with life-span developmental theories and highlight the importance of cognitive processes when examining age differences in experiencing social rejection.
Dendrimer-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Specific Targeting and Imaging of Cancer Cells†

We demonstrated a unique approach that combines a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method with dendrimer chemistry to functionalize Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) for specific targeting and imaging of cancer cells. In this approach, positively charged Fe3O4 NPs (8.4 nm in diameter) synthesized by controlled co-precipitation of FeII and FeIII ions were modified with a bilayer composed of polystyrene sulfonate sodium salt and folic acid (FA)- and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI)-functionalized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5.NH2-FI-FA) through electrostatic LbL assembly, followed by an acetylation reaction to neutralize the remaining surface amine groups of G5 dendrimers. Combined flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging studies show that Fe3O4/PSS/G5.NHAc-FI-FA NPs can specifically target cancer cells overexpressing FA receptors. The present approach to functionalizing Fe3O4 NPs opens a new avenue to fabricating various NPs for numerous biological sensing and therapeutic applications.
Transoral management of obstructing tumors of the upper airway

Airway obstruction secondary to tumor presents an acute and complex challenge to otolaryngologists. Airway control is of utmost importance. The surgeon must be familiar with various methods for intubation to adapt to potential obstacles presented by head and neck tumors. Tracheotomy must always be considered, with the caveat that the risk of stomal recurrence following laryngectomy may be increased. Transoral debulking offers an alternative to tracheotomy as temporary method of airway improvement prior to definitive treatment of the tumor. CO 2 laser and microdebrider debulking techniques are discussed.
Effects of side-coupling on the phase response of cascaded microring all-pass filters

All-pass filters are useful devices that allow phase correction or equalization of signal without introducing any amplitude distortion. We present a new design scheme in which a grating is introduced in the interaction region of the two adjacent microrings in a cascaded multiring structure. The analysis accounts for the counter-directional coupling between the two waveguides. Theoretical analysis shows that this side-coupling can effectively double the filter order thus either give better performance with the same filter order or decrease the filter dimensions with the same performance.
Use of Colorimetric Test Strips for Monitoring the Effect of Hemodialysis on Salivary Nitrite and Uric Acid in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Proof of Principle

Background: Initial screening of potential biomarkers for monitoring dialysis was performed with saliva samples collected from patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A more thorough analysis of the most promising markers identified in the initial screening was conducted with saliva samples acquired at hourly intervals throughout dialysis to monitor analyte concentrations as dialysis progressed. We observed that salivary nitrite (NO2−) and uric acid (UA) concentrations consistently decreased as dialysis proceeded. Methods: Solution-based colorimetric-detection chemistries for NO2− and UA were converted to a test strip format to produce a simple method for semiquantitatively measuring NO2− and UA concentrations in the clinic or at the patient’s home. We assessed the test strips with saliva samples collected from both ESRD patients undergoing dialysis and healthy control volunteers to qualitatively monitor the effect of dialysis on salivary NO2− and UA. We used computer software to analyze digital images of the resulting test strip color intensities. Results: Test strip measurements showed that mean salivary concentrations of NO2− and UA were decreased in ESRD patients by 86% and 39%, respectively, compared with 15% and 9% for time-matched controls. Comparison of test strip results with calibrated solution-based assays suggests that the test strips can semiquantitatively measure salivary concentrations of NO2− and UA. Conclusions: The colorimetric test strips monitored changes in salivary NO2− and UA concentrations that occurred in ESRD patients during dialysis. The test strips may prove useful for noninvasively evaluating dialysis progress and may also be useful for monitoring renal disease status.
Kawasaki Disease Hospitalizations in a Predominantly African-American Population

This is a descriptive study of the occurrence of Kawasaki disease (KD) in an urban population that was a majority of African Americans. Records of 189 children (mean age, 2.9 ± 2.2 years [range: 2 months to 11.1 years]) hospitalized for KD over 8 years (January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1999) were reviewed and data analyzed. One hundred thirty-six (72%) were African American (AA), 43 (23%) were white, and 9 (5%) children were “others.” The annual frequency was 15 for AA and 7.7 for white per 100,000 5-year-old children. Coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) were reported in 21 (11%) children (18 [13.2%] of 136 AA, and 3 [4.7%] of 43 whites [p=0.095]). AA children with CAA were older than their white counterparts (26 to 24 vs. 5 to 2.8 months, p=0.03). There was a higher occurrence in winter and spring (110 cases [58%] vs. 79 cases [42%]) compared to summer and fall. KD occurrence was positively associated with average monthly snowfall (r=0.35, p=0.004) and inversely associated with average monthly temperature...
Genetic manipulation of Vitamin B-6 biosynthesis in tobacco and fungi uncovers limitations to up-regulation of the pathway

Transgenic expression of vitamin biosynthetic genes has been investigated for over-production of these dietary supplements in microorganisms and plants. In plants, successful efforts have been reported with Vitamins A, C, E and B-9, however information is lacking for other vitamins. Vitamin B-6 is an essential cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions, and has also been shown to be a potent antioxidant involved in protecting phytopathogenic Cercospora fungi from their own toxin, cercosporin. In this report, we transformed and expressed two Vitamin B-6 biosynthetic genes (PDX1 and PDX2) isolated from Cercospora nicotianae in cercosporin-sensitive organisms, tobacco and the fungal species Aspergillus flavus and Neurospora crassa. Our goal was to determine if Vitamin B-6 levels could be increased by constitutive expression of these genes, and if over-production confers resistance to oxidative stresses induced by cercosporin and salinity stress. Elevated Vitamin B-6 levels were observed in one tobacco line. For other lines evaluated in this work, expression of PDX1 and PDX2 in transgenic organisms did not result in a significant increase in Vitamin B-6 content over controls. Analysis of gene expression in tobacco indicated that the lack of elevated B-6 content was not due to lack of enzymatic activity, but to down-regulation of the endogenous tobacco genes compounded with limited transgene expression. The single line with elevated B-6 levels had higher expression of both the PDX1 and PDX2 transgenes compared to the other lines, and the observed increase on Vitamin B-6 was correlated with higher enzyme activity. Consistent with our inability to elevate cellular B-6 levels, only small changes were observed in the response to either cercosporin or high salt, and most transgenic individuals were as susceptible as controls. Compared to tobacco lines transformed to express either PDX1 or PDX2 alone, half of the transgenic tobacco lines expressing both genes were impaired in seed germination and initial growth. However no correlation was observed between the observed phenotype and Vitamin B-6 levels in seeds. This is the first report on genetic engineering to manipulate the Vitamin B-6 pathway in plants. Our results suggest that genetic manipulation of the Vitamin B-6 biosynthetic pathway is possible but is limited by regulation of endogenous genes.
On the use of low energy misfit dislocation structures to filter threading dislocations in epitaxial heterostructures

Epitaxial deposits that consist of a substrate and a superlattice with layers alternating between positive and negative misfit are effective at reducing the density of threading dislocations. The superlattice is grown so as to minimize the number of dislocations which thread through the superlattice to the growth surface, i.e., to filter threading dislocations. The thickness of each superlattice layer exceeds a critical thickness for bending threading dislocations into a network of interfacial dislocations accompanied by mutual annihilation of the threading segments of the dislocations. This annihilation process takes place at a finite rate and benefits from annealing each layer of the superlattice before the next layer is grown. The thickness, annealing temperature and time are determined by the misfit between substrate and superlattice, and frictional forces on the dislocations. This process occurs primarily by glide but can also occur by climb. Once the number density of threading dislocations is sufficiently small that the probability of mutual annihilation is practically negligible, then another type of superlattice can be used to further filter the remaining dislocations. This second filter is one of layers whose misfits with the underlying layer are of the same sign. Equations are developed to describe the dislocation filter
RhoA activation during polarization and cytokinesis of the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo is differentially dependent on NOP-1 and CYK-4

The GTPase RhoA is a central regulator of cellular contractility in a wide variety of biological processes. During these events, RhoA is activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). These molecules are highly regulated to ensure that RhoA activation occurs at the proper time and place. During cytokinesis, RhoA is activated by the RhoGEF ECT-2. In human cells, ECT-2 activity requires its association with CYK-4, which is a component of the centralspindlin complex. In contrast, in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, not all ECT-2-dependent functions require CYK-4. In this study, we identify a novel protein, NOP-1, that functions in parallel with CYK-4 to promote RhoA activation. We use mutations in nop-1 and cyk-4 to dissect cytokinesis and cell polarization. NOP-1 makes a significant, albeit largely redundant, contribution to cytokinesis. In contrast, NOP-1 is required for the preponderance of RhoA activation during the establishment phase of polarization.
INTERLEUKIN (IL)-6 DIRECTS THE DIFFERENTIATION OF IL-4-PRODUCING CD4+ T CELLS

Interleukin (IL)-4 is the most potent factor that causes naive CD4+ T cells to differentiate to the T helper cell (Th) 2 phenotype, while IL-12 and interferon γ trigger the differentiation of Th1 cells. However, the source of the initial polarizing IL-4 remains unclear. Here, we show that IL-6, probably secreted by antigen-presenting cells, is able to polarize naive CD4+ T cells to effector Th2 cells by inducing the initial production of IL-4 in CD4+ T cells. These results show that the nature of the cytokine (IL-12 or IL-6), which is produced by antigen-presenting cells in response to a particular pathogen, is a key factor in determining the nature of the immune response.