cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of vitamin B-12 deprivation on the rates of synthesis and degradation of rat liver fatty acid synthetase.

Abstract To characterize the basis for the increased hepatic fatty acid synthetase activity in vitamin B-12 deprivation, the content and rates of synthesis and degradation for the enzyme were determined. Animals were in a dietary steady state on normal chow or a B-12-deprived diet; animals on the latter diet were further divided into a “supplemented” group given B-12 and those “B-12-deprived.” The B-12-deprived animals had tissue B-12 depletion. Both total and specific activity of fatty acid synthetase were increased in the B-12-deprived animals, and this was due to increased enzyme protein. Rates of synthesis and degradation were studied in each group after a pulse of 20 μCi of l -[U-14C]leucine. Radioactivity was determined in the immunoprecipitate of the purified enzyme. Relative rates of synthesis in the B-12-deprived group were increased 8.8-fold over the normal and 3.6-fold over the B-12-supplemented group. Degradation of hepatic fatty acid synthetase was 63 hr ( t 1 2 ) in the normal and 65 hr in the B-12-supplemented group. The t 1 2 in the B-12-deprived group was 35 hr. Degradation rates for the soluble protein pool were not affected by B-12 deprivation. The rate constant for synthesis of hepatic fatty acid synthetase in the B-12-deprived group was 14-fold that of the normal and 6-fold that of the B-12-supplemented animals. Thus, although vitamin B-12 deprivation results in increased rate of degradation of fatty acid synthetase, enzyme synthesis is markedly increased yielding a severalfold net increase in synthetase content and activity.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis for external ventricular drains in pediatric neurosurgical patients.

Our goal was to describe the use of antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis of external ventricular drains (EVDs) in a pediatric neurosurgical population and determine the incidence of EVD-related infections among different antimicrobial prophylaxis strategies. This retrospective chart review included patients up to 18 years old who underwent EVD insertion at either of two tertiary care academic hospitals in the same health system between August 1, 2008, and July 31, 2012. Patients were included if they received at least one dose of antibiotics before EVD insertion. Patients who received only perioperative antibiotics were compared with those who also received antibiotics after this period. The primary endpoint was incidence of EVD-related infection. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline characteristics and compare antibiotic regimens between groups. Pearson’s chi square and Mann Whitney U tests compared nonparametric data. A total of 182 EVD insertions were documented, and 88 included in the study. Of these 88, 27 were associated only with perioperative doses of antibiotics, and 61 with prolonged antibiotic use. Baseline characteristics and antibiotic choices were similar between the groups. At least 55 (63 %) catheters were antibiotic-impregnated, but types of catheters couldn’t be compared between groups due to insufficient data. No central nervous system infections were identified in either group, so the primary objective could not be evaluated statistically. No infections were identified in any study subjects during EVD treatment. An adequately powered, multi-center prospective study should be performed to determine if prolonged use of antibiotics beyond the perioperative period is of benefit.
Observation of Brillouin Scattering Induced Transparency in a Silica Microsphere Resonator

We experimentally demonstrate induced transparency in silica microsphere resonator using forward Brillouin scattering.
Lymphangiogenesis Concurrent With Haemangiogenesis in the Human Cornea

Background: Corneal transplant rejection can occur with and without neovascularization; therefore, it is necessary to elucidate what other factors allow for rejection. It has been suggested that the lymphatic system may play a role in graft failure, but it has also been held that the cornea is devoid of lymphatics. Use of a new monoclonal antibody against a lymphatic endothelial marker, D2-40, has been used to detect lymphatics in other tissues. The purpose of this study was to use this new tool to determine if the human cornea can undergo lymphangiogenesis. Methods: Twelve corneal buttons submitted for routine pathology were subjected to immunohistochemical staining with a monoclonal antibody against D2-40 to detect the presence/absence of lymphatics by light microscopy. Results: By the criteria defined, lymphatic vessels were identified in seven out of 12 corneal buttons. In these cases, there was also evidence of neovascularization. Lymphatic positive buttons included four cases where there were histological markers of inflammation. There were no identifiable lymphatics in the remaining five cases and no sign of vascularization. Conclusions: Corneal lymphatics were identified in association with corneal neovascularization, via the use of a monoclonal antibody against D2-40. In non-vascularized corneas, lymphatics were absent.
Elevated metabolic rate during passive stretching is not a sufficient aerobic warm-up

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the extent that a static stretching program could increase heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2), and if the increases were sufficient to serve as a warm-up for aerobic activity. Methods The HR and VO2 of 15 male and 16 female college students were measured after either 12 min of passive static stretching (SS), or 12 min pseudo-stretching (PS), which consisted of moving through the stretching positions without placing the muscles on stretch. Four different lower body stretches were used with each stretch held for 30 s before the participant moved to a different position, with the circuit being repeated four times. VO2 was determined by averaging breath-by-breath measures over the total 12 min. HR was obtained every 30 s and the 24 values were averaged. Warm-up benefit was determined from the O2 deficit accrued during 7-min cycling at 60% VO2max. Results HR (beats/min, mean ± SD) for SS (84 ± 11) was a significant (p Conclusion These data indicate that passive static stretching increases both HR and VO2, indicating that metabolic activity can be increased without muscle activation. The magnitude of the increases, however, is not sufficient to elicit a warm-up effect.
Involvement of Glucocorticoids in the Development of the Secondary Palate

Genetic differences between various inbred strains of mice in the levels of glucocorticoid receptors embryonic in maxillary mesenchyme cells appear to be reflected in the magnitude of the responses to steroids in these cells. High levels of glucocorticoids cause significant growth inhibition in maxillary mesenchyme cells with subsequent alterations in the production of extracellular matrix compunents. The presence of higher levels of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor proteins may be one factor which could predispose those strains such as A/J to a greater inhibition of craniofacial growth in vivo by glucocorticoids and therefore increase the frequency of cleft palate production. Furthermore, women with infertility treated with glucocorticoids to support pregnancy give birth to infants with a marked decrease in birth weight [98]. Pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids can also cause a dramatic reduction in the growth of a number of fetal tissues in mice and humans. In fact, there is evidence that glucocorticoids may be a causative factor in the production of cleft palate in primates [52]. The nature of the molecular elements which determine the biochemical and physiologic responses to glucocorticoids in the palate still remains largely unknown. Although in the mouse there is some evidence to suggest that the major histocompatibility locus (H-2) might be involved, the level(s) at which this control is exerted is unknown. It is possible that this locus may regulate in some manner the level of glucocorticoid receptors and the response to glucocorticoids in the secondary palate. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that other genes distinct from, but closely linked to the H-2 locus may be important in determining both the strain-dependent differences in susceptibility to glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate and the intracellular levels of cyclic AMP in the secondary palate. It is also apparent that glucocorticoids in conjunction with other hormones or growth factors such as epidermal growth factor and agents which regulate cyclic nucleotide metabolism are essential for the normal development of the secondary palate. Excesses or deficiencies in either the level of these growth regulators and/or in their receptors in specific fetal tissues at defined periods in development are likely to lead to certain fetal malformations. Definition and integration of the genetic, biochemical, and endocrine factors which are involved in the control of cellular growth as influenced by alterations in the composition of cell surface and extracellular matrix components should provide some insights into the events associated with normal palatogenesis.
Extrachromosomal DNA of Mycoplasma hominis

Abstract An extrachromosomal circular duplex DNA has been isolated from Mycoplasma hominis. This plasmid DNA has a molecular weight of about 17.8 · 106, a buoyant density of 1.680 g/ml and appears to be unrelated to the similar sized Staphylococcus aureus penicillinase plasmids. Since Mycoplasma are far simpler than other living systems, and appear to fall morphologically between viruses and bacteria, the presence of extrachromosomal DNA does not appear to be limited to the more structurally complex biological systems.
SAS 3 observations of GX 1+4.

GX 1 + 4 is one of the brightest celestial sources of high-energy X-rays. It is a pulsar with a period of approximately 2 min (perhaps a multiple of 2 min), decreasing at a variable rate which, since 1971, has averaged approximately 2% per year, but which can be larger than 5% per year. This is the largest rate of decrease observed for any pulsar. The rate of decrease appears to be correlated with the luminosity, in support of the idea that the period decrease is produced by accretion torques acting upon a neutron star. No evidence is seen for a Doppler shift due to motion of the pulsar in a binary orbit; this is consistent with the results of optical observations which suggest that any orbital period is fairly long (months to years). The spectrum of GX 1 + 4 is measured as a function of pulse phase, as well as the phase-averaged total spectrum, and the average spectrum of the pulses alone. The shape of the average pulsed spectrum suggests that the pulsations may be produced by 'hot spots' which are a few hundred meters in extent, with temperatures of approximately 10 to the 8th K (kT being approximately equal to 8 keV).
Social dominance in chickens modified by genetic selection—Physiological mechanisms☆

Abstract Strains of chickens produced by bidirectional selection for social dominance ability were investigated to elucidate possible physiological mechanisms responsible for their altered conflict behaviour. Differences in pair contest behaviour between selected strain capons and females stimulated by equivalent doses of androgen paralleled differences between high- and low-strain intact males. Strain differences in conflict behaviour frequency, in severity of encounters and in dominance ability were interpreted to be primarily associated with changes in physiological responsiveness to social stimuli rather than changes in endogenous androgen production.
Contact Lens Induced Keratopathy: A Severe Complication Extending the Spectrum of Keratoconjunctivitis in Contact Lens Wearers

A 21-year-old woman developed bilateral keratoconjunctivitis from contact lens wear, which progressed to diffuse corneal scarring and vascularization after the patient refused to discontinue wearing contact lenses. The visual disturbance became so severe that a penetrating keratoplasty had to be performed in one eye for visual rehabilitation. Examination of the penetrating keratoplasty specimen disclosed destruction of Bowman's membrane throughout the superior half of the cornea, which was replaced by a fibrous scar that was only midly chronically inflamed. Deep vascularization occurred within the stroma. This case represents an extreme expression of a recently characterized syndrome consisting of conjunctival and corneal changes in patients who may be allergic to contact lenses or the solutions used in conjunction with their care. In the milder end of the spectrum, there is superior epibulbar conjunctival injection with associated tarsal injection, and a mild superficial punctate keratopathy without filaments. Some earlier workers have termed this syndrome a variant of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis in association with contact lens wear, but this leads to confusion with Theodore's classical superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, to which the present entity bears no etiologic relationship; it also fails to show many of the findings of Theodore's disease. In mild cases, we would recommend the term contact lens-induced keratoconjunctivitis, and in the more severe cases, such as demonstrated by our patient, we would suggest the term contact lens-induced keratopathy.
The Xenoestrogen Bisphenol A Inhibits Postembryonic Vertebrate Development by Antagonizing Gene Regulation by Thyroid Hormone

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely used to manufacture plastics, is estrogenic and capable of disrupting sex differentiation. However, recent in vitro studies have shown that BPA can also antagonize T(3) activation of the T(3) receptor. The difficulty in studying uterus-enclosed mammalian embryos has hampered the analysis on the direct effects of BPA during vertebrate development. This study proposed to identify critical T(3) pathways that may be disrupted by BPA based on molecular analysis in vivo. Because amphibian metamorphosis requires T(3) and encompasses the postembryonic period in mammals when T(3) action is most critical, we used this unique model for studying the effect of BPA on T(3)-dependent vertebrate development at both the morphological and molecular levels. After 4 d of exposure, BPA inhibited T(3)-induced intestinal remodeling in premetamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Importantly, microarray analysis revealed that BPA antagonized the regulation of most T(3)-response genes, thereby explaining the inhibitory effect of BPA on metamorphosis. Surprisingly, most of the genes affected by BPA in the presence of T(3) were T(3)-response genes, suggesting that BPA predominantly affected T(3)-signaling pathways during metamorphosis. Our finding that this endocrine disruptor, well known for its estrogenic activity in vitro, functions to inhibit T(3) pathways to affect vertebrate development in vivo and thus not only provides a mechanism for the likely deleterious effects of BPA on human development but also demonstrates the importance of studying endocrine disruption in a developmental context in vivo.
ON CONCENTRATED LOADS AND GREEN'S FUNCTIONS IN ELASTOSTATICS.

This investigation is concerned with the notion of concentrated loads in classical elastostatics and related issues. Following a limit treatment of problems involving concentrated internal and surface loads, the orders of the ensuing displacements and stress singularities, as well as the stress resultants of the latter, are determined. These conclusions are taken as a basis for an alternative direct formulation of concentrated-load problems, the completeness of which is established through an appropriate uniqueness theorem. In addition, the present work supplies a reciprocal theorem and an integral representation-theorem applicable to singular problems of the type under consideration. Finally, in the course of the analysis presented here, the theory of Green's functions in elastostatics is extended.
A Cultural World Order

Book reviewed in this article: Akira Iriye, Cultural Internationalism and World Order
Pendrin protein abundance in the kidney is regulated by nitric oxide and cAMP.

Pendrin is a Cl−/HCO3− exchanger, expressed in the apical regions of some intercalated cell subtypes, and is critical in the pressor response to angiotensin II. Since angiotensin type 1 receptor in...
Expression of cell-adhesion molecules in the salivary gland microenvironment of Sjögren's syndrome.

Objective. The potential role of cell adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) was assessed by examining their expression in salivary gland (SGL) tissue. Methods. Intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM-1), lymphocyte function-associated antigen type 1 (LFA-1), LFA-3, CD2, and CD44 expression were determined using indirect immunofluorescence techniques. Results. In inflamed labial SGL tissue, ICAM-1 expression was evident on infiltrating LFA-1+/CD2+/LFA-3+ mononuclear cells, and to a limited extent on SGL acinar epithelial cells adjacent to sites of intense inflammation. Conclusion. In SS, the SGL microenvironment is characterized by only a modest up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression on epithelial cells, despite the presence of T cells bearing an activated phenotype.
Parent-offspring correlation estimate of heritability for early blight resistance in tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.

This study estimated the heritability (h2) of early blight (EB) resistance in filial progeny of a cross between a susceptible (`NC84173';mid-season maturity) and a resistant (`NC39E'; late-season maturity)tomato breeding lines. It addition, it examined the potential of identifying progeny with mid-season maturity and EB resistance. A total of 162F2 plants were grown under field conditions in 1998 and evaluated for disease symptoms three times during the season, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and final percent defoliation (disease severity) were determined. The F2 plants were self-pollinated and F3 seeds produced. The 162 F3 progeny families, consisting of 20 plants per family, were grown in a replicated field trial in 1999 and evaluated for EB resistance (final percent defoliation) and plant maturity(days to 50% ripe fruit). The distributions of the final percent defoliation values in the F2 and F3 generations indicated that resistance from `NC39E' was quantitative in nature. Estimates of h2 for EB resistance, computed as the correlation coefficients between F3progeny family means and F2 individual plant values, ranged from0.65 to 0.71, indicating that EB resistance of `NC39E' was heritable. Across F3 families, a negative correlation (r = –0.46, p< 0.01) was observed between disease severity and earliness in maturity, indicating that plant maturity affected disease severity. However, several F3 families were identified with considerable EB resistance and mid-season maturity, indicating that resistance from `NC39E' might be useful for the development of commercially acceptable EB resistant tomato cultivars.
Cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP levels in median eminence, hypothalamus and pituitary gland of the rat after decapitation or microwave irradiation.

Abstract Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP content of the median eminence (ME), medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), posterior pituitary (PP) and anterior pituitary (AP) of inact male rats was measured by radioimmunoassay following decapitation or exposure to microwave irradiation (MW). Levels of both nucleotides in MW irradiated animals were higher in all three nervous tissues studied than in the AP. Following decapitation cyclicAMP levels increased strikingly in the MBH and ME, slightly in the AP, but remained unchanged in the PP. Cyclic GMP levels increased more markedly in the ME than in the MBH, slightly in the PP and did not change in the AP. The distinct synthesizing capability of the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP generating systems in the ME, a region rich in neurohormones known to control anterior pituitary function, raises the possibility that these nucleotides are involved in the process of neurohormone secretion by the ME.
Identification of bacteria by conjugated oligoelectrolyte/single-stranded DNA electrostatic complexes.

Electrostatic complexes containing a cationic conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE) and fluorescein (FAM)-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) serve as the basis for identifying various bacteria. The approach involves the preparation of five COE/ssDNAx-FAM electrostatic complexes, which differ in the ssDNA composition and which provide different photoluminescence (PL) spectra as a result of different degrees of energy transfer efficiency from the COE to FAM. Changes in the PL spectra upon addition of the bacteria can be quantified, and the differential response from the five ssDNAs gives rise to a multicomponent array response that allows identification of the microorganism under investigation.
A novel, multiple symptom model of obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors in animals.

Background Current animal models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) typically involve acute, drug-induced symptom provocation or a genetic association with stereotypies or anxiety. None of these current models demonstrate multiple OCD-like behaviors. Methods Neonatal rats were treated with the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine or vehicle between days 9 and 16 twice daily and behaviorally tested in adulthood. Results Clomipramine exposure in immature rats produced significant behavioral and biochemical changes that include enhanced anxiety (elevated plus maze and marble burying), behavioral inflexibility (perseveration in the spontaneous alternation task and impaired reversal learning), working memory impairment (e.g., win-shift paradigm), hoarding, and corticostriatal dysfunction. Dopamine D2 receptors were elevated in the striatum, whereas serotonin 2C, but not serotonin 1A, receptors were elevated in the orbital frontal cortex. Conclusions This is the first demonstration of multiple symptoms consistent with an OCD-like profile in animals. Moreover, these behaviors are accompanied by biochemical changes in brain regions previously identified as relevant to OCD. This novel model of OCD demonstrates that drug exposure during a sensitive period can program disease-like systems permanently, which could have implications for current and future therapeutic strategies for this and other psychiatric disorders.
Hodge cycles on Kuga fiber varieties

We determine the dimension of the space of Hodge cycles for the generic fibers of the Kuga fiber varieties associated to certain quaternion algebras.
Cognitive complexity, communication competence, and verbal ability

This study examined the relationships among cognitive complexity, verbal ability, and communication competence in classroom communication. Moderate correlations between cognitive complexity and verbal ability and between communication competence and verbal ability were found. Minimal association was apparent between the overall communication competence score and cognitive complexity. However, those communication competence skills possessed by high complex subjects focused on nonverbal encoding and decoding abilities. High verbal ability subjects tended to excel in verbal encoding and organization skills. Implications for teaching and future research are presented.
Impacts of Urbanization on Ecosystem Goods and Services in the U.S. Corn Belt

In this study, three cities located in the U.S. Corn Belt are evaluated for impacts of past (1992–2001) and projected (2001–2030) urban expansion on ecosystem goods and services, with a specific focus on changes in energy balance, hydrology, and productivity. Scenarios for high-, medium- and low-density urban areas are simulated using a dynamic agro-ecosystem model (Agro-IBIS), by incorporating new parameterizations for impervious surfaces and turf grass. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 500-m albedo data and remote sensing-derived 30-m resolution maps from the U.S. National Land Cover Database are used as model input to simulate biogeochemical, thermodynamic, and hydrological cycles for a range of land-cover types in each region. The results show that the expanding urban areas have a significant impact on each city’s capacity to regulate climate and flooding. High-density urban areas, for instance, have soil surface temperatures up to 6°C higher than soils within natural and managed ecosystems. Expansion of turf grass in residential areas could require an additional 8–105 million m3 of water use annually, which increases runoff by 15–48% and reduces the capacity to respond/adapt to flooding. Finally, the analysis shows that net primary productivity (NPP) decreases as expected due to the removal of cropland, forests, and grasslands in favor of development, but increased urban turf grass provides an annual offset of 40–210 g C m−2. Urban expansion through 2030 is estimated to lower total annual crop production by 8.1, 8.6, and 16.7% for the Madison, Peoria, and Indianapolis regions, respectively. Given current projections for city growth to exceed 2–3% per year in the north-central U.S., urban expansion across a nine-state region in the Corn Belt could potentially take an additional 210,000–310,000 ha of farmland out of production annually at a time when demand for food, fuel, and fiber is increasing. Because conversion of cropland to urban uses is nearly always unidirectional, any changes to ecosystem goods and services due to urbanization are likely to be permanent and irreversible.
The prediction of the noise of supersonic propellers in time domain - New theoretical results

In this paper, a new formula for the prediction of the noise of supersonic propellers is derived in the time domain which is superior to the previous formulations in several respects. The governing equation is based on the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation with the thickness source term replaced by an equivalent loading source term derived by Isom (1975). Using some results of generalized function theory and simple four-dimensional space-time geometry, the formal solution of the governing equation is manipulated to a form requiring only the knowledge of blade surface pressure data and geometry. The final form of the main result of this paper consists of some surface and line integrals. The surface integrals depend on the surface pressure, time rate of change of surface pressure, and surface pressure gradient. These integrals also involve blade surface curvatures. The line integrals which depend on local surface pressure are along the trailing edge, the shock traces on the blade, and the perimeter of the airfoil section at the inner radius of the blade. The new formulation is for the full blade surface and does not involve any numerical observer time differentiation. The method of implementation on a computer for numerical work is also discussed.
Quantification of Octachlorostyrene and Related Compounds in Great Lakes Fish by Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry

Abstract Residues of octachlorostyrene (OCS) and related polychlorinated compounds including isomers of heptachloro-, hexachloro-, and pentachlorostyrene; hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, isomers of tetrachloro- and trichlorobenzene; and hexachlorobutadiene have been quantitated by multiple-ion-detection gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in Great Lakes fish collected between 1974 and 1980. The results show that the two upper lakes, Superior and Michigan, do not appear to have residues of OCS greater than 5 ng/g, while residues in the lower lakes, Huron, Ontario, and Erie, are as high as 400 ng/g. A selected tributary to Lake Erie has been shown to contain very high levels of all of the chemicals studied which suggests one possible source of chlorostyrenes in the Great Lakes.
Evaluation of snow models in terrestrial biosphere models using ground observation and satellite data : impact on terrestrial ecosystem processes

Snow is important for water management, and an important component of the terrestrial biosphere and climate system. In this study, the snow models included in the Biome-BGC and Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS) terrestrial biosphere models are compared against ground and satellite observations over the Columbia River Basin in the US and Canada and the impacts of differences in snow models on simulated terrestrial ecosystem processes are analysed. First, a point-based comparison of ground observations against model and satellite estimates of snow dynamics are conducted. Next, model and satellite snow estimates for the entire Columbia River Basin are compared. Then, using two different TOPS simulations, the default TOPS model (TOPS with TOPS snow model) and the TOPS model with the Biome-BGC snow model, the impacts of snow model selection on runoff and gross primary production (GPP) are investigated. TOPS snow model predictions were consistent with ground and satellite estimates of seasonal and interannual variations in snow cover, snow water equivalent, and snow season length; however, in the Biome-BGC snow model, the snow pack melted too early, leading to extensive underpredictions of snow season length and snow covered area. These biases led to earlier simulated peak runoff and reductions in summer GPP, underscoring the need for accurate snow models within terrestrial ecosystem models.
Coronary angioplasty through a new 6 french guiding catheter

Coronary angioplasty through smaller-diameter guiding catheters using predominantly fixed-wire balloon systems has been possible, but has had some limitations. The purpose of this prospective, nonrandomized study was to investigate the results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty using a new 6F guiding catheter with over-the-wire balloon systems. Coronary angioplasty using over-the-wire balloon systems through a new 6F guiding catheter was evaluated in 79 lesions in 70 patients and then compared to randomly selected procedures using 7F guiding catheters in 70 patients performed over the same time period. Coronary angioplasty through 6F guiding catheters and over-the-wire balloons including 8 long (30-mm) and 3 perfusion balloons was successful in 94.9% of lesions and in 94% of patients. Coronary angioplasty through 7F guiding catheters was successful in 97.5% of lesions and in 97.1% of patients, respectively. Success rates between 6F and 7F guiding catheter groups were similar overall and for proximal, mid, distal, or complex (total, subtotal, or length > 10-mm) lesions. There were no failures to withdraw the deflated balloon into the 6F guiding catheter. Vessel opacification after dilatation with the guidewire across the lesion was similar between the 6F and 7F guiding catheter groups. The mean change in hematocrit for the 6F procedures (-1.4 +/- 3.7%) was significantly lower than for the 7F procedures (-3.3 +/- 3.2%, P < 0.001). Coronary angioplasty using a variety of over-the-wire balloon catheters through a new 6F guiding catheter is feasible with success rates comparable to 7F guiding catheters. Angioplasty with this 6F guiding catheter reduces procedural blood loss compared to larger-lumen guiding catheters.
Self-Assembled Nanowire−Nanoribbon Junction Arrays of ZnO

We report the synthesis and characterization of nanowire−nanoribbon junction arrays of ZnO, which were grown by thermal evaporation of the mixture of ZnO and SnO2 powders at 1300 °C through a vapor−liquid−solid process. The Sn particles produced by the reduction of SnO2 act as the catalyst; the structure is formed due to a fast growth of ZnO nanowires along [0001] and the subsequent “epitaxial” radial growth of the ZnO nanoribbons along the six 〈0110〉 directions around the nanowire. The “liana” shape nanostructure could be a candidate for fabricating ultrahigh sensitive sensors.
Assessing diabetes-related knowledge among internal medicine residents using multiple-choice questionnaire.

Abstract Background To design a comprehensive tool to assess the knowledge of pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with diabetes mellitus among medical students (MS) and residents and to evaluate this tool in a hospital setting. Methods A multiple-choice questionnaire with 21 questions was designed and administered to MS and residents. Cronbach ά test was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire, and χ 2 analysis was used to test statistically significant difference among different groups. Results A total of 4 groups of MS, 15 postgraduate year 1 (PGY1), 8 PGY2, 4 PGY3, and 3 PGY4 participated in the study. The survey showed a good overall internal consistency (Cronbach ά = 0.5). The percent of correct responses for MS, PGY1, PGY2, PGY3, and PGY4 were 75 ± 4.2%, 79.8 ± 13.5%, 81.5 ± 16.1%, 85.6 ± 12.3%, and 88.4 ± 12.8%, respectively. Conclusions We successfully designed and administered a diabetes knowledge assessment tool. This novel tool can be used in different settings to assess knowledge about important components of diabetes care among housestaff and steer practice-based learning. We observed trends toward improving level of knowledge with increase in the duration of training.
Myelinating Cocultures of Rat Retinal Ganglion Cell Reaggregates and Optic Nerve Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells

This protocol describes the generation of a rapidly myelinating central nervous system coculture for the study of complex neuronal-glial interactions in vitro. Postnatal rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) purified by immunopanning are promoted to cluster into reaggregates and then allowed to extend dense beds of radial axons for 10-14 d. Subsequently, rodent oligodendrocyte precursor cells are purified by immunopanning, transfected if desired, and seeded on top of the RGC reaggregates. Under the conditions described here, compact myelin can be observed within 6 d.
Synthesis and biodistribution of [11C]A-836339, a new potential radioligand for PET imaging of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2)

Recently, A-836339 [2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid [3-(2-methoxyethyl)-4,5-dimethyl-3H-thiazol-(2Z)-ylidene]amide] (1) was reported to be a selective CB2 agonist with high binding affinity. Here we describe the radiosynthesis of [11C]A-836339 ([11C]1) via its desmethyl precursor as a candidate radioligand for imaging CB2 receptors with positron-emission tomography (PET). Whole body and the regional brain distribution of [11C]1 in control CD1 mice demonstrated that this radioligand exhibits specific uptake in the CB2-rich spleen and little specific in vivo binding in the control mouse brain. However, [11C]1 shows specific cerebral uptake in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of neuroinflammation and in the brain areas with Abeta amyloid plaque deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (APPswe/PS1dE9 mice). These data establish a proof of principle that CB2 receptors binding in the neuroinflammation and related disorders can be measured in vivo.
Sonographically occult screen detected breast masses: a retrospective analysis of cases undergoing biopsy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nonpalpable breast masses identified on mammograms that are sonographically occult. Methods: The pathology data base at the Woman's Place for Breast Care of the Woman's Hospital of Texas was searched to identify patients who had undergone biopsy for a nonpalpable breast mass identified on mammograms in which a mass was not visible at sonography. Results: There were 32 of 231 such nonpalpable masses that were sonographically occult. Twenty-eight of the masses were histologically benign; four were malignant. Conclusion: A small percentage of mammographically visible nonpalpable breast masses are sonographically occult; a majority of these masses are benign. However, biopsy of such masses should be considered and the decision to biopsy based on mammographic features and interval change.
The effect of alteration of intracellular 2,3-DPG concentration upon oxygen binding of intact erythrocytes containing normal and mutant hemoglobins.

Abstract The oxygen dissociation and association characteristics of intact erythrocytes containing normal and mutant hemoglobins and variable concentrations of 2,3-DPG (0 to 25 mM) have been studied by a continuous-recording polarographic technique. The oxygen affinity of cells containing Hb AC and CC is normal, Hb SS is considerably lower while that of Hb AS and SC is intermediate. Cord blood and cells with Hb Koln have an increased affinity for oxygen. Plots of P50 against 2,3-DPG concentrations produce asymptotic curves in all cells studied. The effect of changes of 2,3-DPG upon oxygen binding in the types of cells studied expressed as δP 50 δ 2,3 - DPG decreases in the following order: SS>AS and SC>AA, AC and CC > F and Koln. The molecular basis for the increased response to 2,3-DPG by cells containing Hb S as compared to the normal response of hemoglobin S in solution is briefly discussed.
Cryoreduction of methyl-coenzyme M reductase: EPR characterization of forms, MCRox1 and MCRred1

Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) catalyzes the formation of methyl-coenzyme M (CH3S-CH2CH2SO3) from methane. The active site is a nickel tetrahydrocorphinoid cofactor, factor 430, which in inactive form contains EPR-silent Ni(II). Two such forms, denoted MCRsilent and MCRox1-silent, were previously structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. We describe here the cryoreduction of both of these MCR forms by γ-irradiation at 77 K, which yields reduced protein maintaining the structure of the oxidized starting material. Cryoreduction of MCRsilent yields an EPR signal that strongly resembles that of MCRred1, the active form of MCR; and stepwise annealing to 260−270 K leads to formation of MCRred1. Cryoreduction of MCRox1-silent solutions shows that our preparative method for this state yields enzyme that contains two major forms. One behaves similarly to MCRsilent, as shown by the observation that both of these forms give essentially the same redlike EPR signals upon cryoreduction, both of which give...
Vertex 2-isomorphism

Whitney's theorem on 2-isomorphism characterizes the set of graphs having the same cycles as a given graph, where a cycle is regarded as a set of edges. In this paper, vertex 2-isomorphism is defined and used to prove a vertex analogue of Whitney's theorem. The main theorem states that two connected graphs have the same set of cycles, where a cycle is now regarded as a set of vertices, if and only if one can be obtained from the other by a sequence of simple operations. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pareto Front Identification via Objective Vector Jacobian Matrix Singularity

This paper presents a method to identify the exact Pareto front for a multi-objective optimization problem. The developed technique addresses the identification of the Pareto frontier in the cost space and the Pareto set in the design space for both constrained and unconstrained optimization problems. The proposed approach identifies a n – 1 dimensional hypersurface for a multi-objective problem with n cost functions, a subset of which constitute the Pareto front. The n – 1 dimensional hypersurface is identified by enforcing a singularity constraint on the Jacobian of the cost vector with respect to the optimization parameters. Since the boundary is identified in the design space, the relation of design points to the exact Pareto front in the cost space is known. The proposed method is proven effective in the Pareto identification for a set of previously released challenge problems. Six of these examples are included in this paper; 3 unconstrained and 3 constrained.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) in an elderly man after cessation of cigarette smoking--a case report

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is an occlusive vascular disease that occurs almost exclusively in young male tobacco users. A unique case is documented here in which Buerger's disease affecting the upper limbs was diagnosed in a sixty-two-year-old man who was a cigarette smoker but had stopped smoking fifteen years earlier.
Regulation of ion transport by histamine in mouse cecum.

Abstract Histamine levels are elevated in inflammatory bowel disease. We investigated the mechanism by which histamine affects electrolyte transport in the mouse cecum. Using the Ussing-chamber voltage clamp technique, histamine was found to cause a transient concentration-dependent increase in short-circuit current, a measure of total ion transport across the epithelial tissue. This increase was not affected by amiloride pretreatment, but was significantly inhibited by bumetanide and completely inhibited when chloride was substituted in the bathing buffer by gluconate. A histamine-induced increase in short-circuit current was also significantly reduced by inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase pathway indicating the involvement of prostaglandin E2 in its action. Prostaglandin E2 levels were increased in histamine treated tissue and this increase was reversed by indomethacin. These data suggest that histamine causes its effect on mouse cecum largely through increasing arachidonic acid metabolism resulting in increased levels of prostaglandins which in turn increase Cl− secretion in the epithelial cells.
Child and adolescent mental health services: Evaluation challenges

Recent developments in the field of children's mental health, particularly the development of community-based systems of care, are being used to improve the availability and effectiveness of services for children. This chapter highlights unique problems and challenges to evaluators studying these systems of care.
Editing Content for Children on the Net

The author shows the importance of defining exactly what a child is and poses a number of questions including ‘Who are they?’ in relation to Internet audiences.
Synthesis and p-diastereomeric resolution of nucleoside 3′-O(s-alkyl) and nucleoside 3′-O(s-aryl) methylphosphonothioates

Abstract Successive displacement of oxybenzotriazoyl moieties from methylphosphonicbisoxybenzotriazolide by a deoxynucleoside and a mercaptan yields the O,S-dialkyl and O-alkyl-S-arylmethylphosphonothioate diastereomers which can be resolved by flash column chromatography.
The role of community college trustees in supporting the foundation

The role of the institutional trustees in supporting foundation efforts is explored. Four priorities are described: projecting a positive image for the college, overseeing and maintaining an institutional structure that supports the foundation, sustaining an engaged administration, and encouraging innovation.
Automatic construction of 3-D models in multiple scale analysis

This paper discusses techniques for the automatic construction of numerical analysis models for multiple scale analyses which employ interacting models at two, or more, physical scales. Consideration is given to the methods to define the geometric representations and generate the discretizations needed by the numerical analysis procedures. The application of the techniques to multichip modules and composite structures, with interacting macromechanical and micromechanical level analyses, is demonstrated. In the multichip module analyses both heat conduction and thermomechanical analysis are performed using different numerical analysis techniques, and the two interaction of the analyses at the through levels is through a basic global/local methodology. The composite structure analysis considers crack propagation at the micromechanical level interacting with the macromechanical analysis through finite element based adaptive multiscale analysis. In both example applications the focus of the discussion is on the automatic construction of the required geometric models and their automatic discretization.
The Role of Para-Aminosalicylic Acid (PAS) in the Emergence of Streptomycin-Resistant Tubercle Bacilli

There has been a marked reduction in the number of patients showing tubercle bacilli which are resistant to streptomycin when combined therapy with PAS is employed.
Quantum electrodynamics in intense laser fields

A very intense laser field polarizes the virtual electron-positron pairs that populate the vacuum. This provides for a coupling between different modes of the electromagnetic field, giving rise to effects such as scattering of light by light, a refractive index of the vacuum, vacuum birefringence, etc. Given enough energy in a sufficiently small spacetime region, the virtual pairs can become real, which leads to pair production in the intense field under the action of a third agent. These, as well as related effects, are summarized with respect to their orders of magnitude and conditions under which they might become accessible to experiment. Some other processes that are normally mentioned in this context, such as Thomson (Compton) scattering at high intensities, are considered, too, even though they are unrelated to the vacuum structure of quantum electrodynamics.
LOW TEMPERATURE PHOTOCHEMICAL STUDIES

ABSTRACT Low temperature (8–77 K) photochemical studies directed toward elucidation of mechanism by identification of primary products and the synthesis of highly reactive molecules are described. A brief summary of the experimental approach is presented. An example of the direction low temperature experiments can provide for the synthesis of structurally complex molecules at room temperature is given. The synthesis and photochemical interconversion of various molecules on the C3H4 and C4H4 energy surfaces, benzyne, and α-lactones are described.
BEHAVIOR OF HELICITY AMPLITUDES AT A THRESHOLD INVOLVING ONE PHOTON.

We show that there is a simple mnemonic for the threshold kinematic factors of photoproduction processes. The formula is based on angular momentum counting and is similar to the angular momentum arguments used with processes in which all particles are massive.
Cyclic nucleotides vs. adenosine analogs as inhibitors of adenylate cyclase activity: nonidentity of sites of action.

Substitution einerN6-Aminogruppe eines zyklischen Nukleotids fuhrt zu einer erhohten Hemmwirkung des Nukleotids gegenuber Adenyl-Cyclase von Meerschweinchenlungen, wahrend dieN6-Amino-Substition von Adenosin-Analogen eine herabgesetzte Inhibitionswirksamkeit gegenuber demselben Enzym zur Folge hat. Die experimentellen Daten fuhren zu dem Schluss, dass der Inhibitionsmechanismus gegenuber Cyclase fur beide Verbindungstypen verschieden ist.
Antibodies to glycosphingolipids in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Antibodies against gangliosides and neutral glycosphingolipids (GSLs) have been reported previously in the sera of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)1-5 and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The specificity of these antibodies has not been examined in detail, and in studies in which a liposome lysis assay was used the lytic factor in serum was not clearly identified as an immunoglobulin. The long term objectives of this study are to characterize the specificity of anti-GSL antibodies, to determine their incidence in immunological and non-immunological diseases that affect the nervous system, and to examine the temporal fluctuation of antibody levels in relation to disease activity. In this report we present our initial findings on the incidence and specificity of anti-GSL antibodies.
A NEW URANYL SHEET IN K5[(UO2)10O8(OH)9](H2O): NEW INSIGHT INTO SHEET ANION-TOPOLOGIES

The structure of K 5 [(UO 2 ) 10 O 8 (OH) 9 ](H 2 O), Z = 4, monoclinic, space group Pn , a 13.179(2), b 20.895(4), c 13.431(3) A, β 106.316(3)°, has been solved and refined to R = 7.8% and a goodness-of-fit of 0.82 for 4349 unique observed (F o ≥ 4σ F ) reflections collected for a synthesized crystal using Mo K α X-radiation and a CCD detector. The structure is dominated by previously unknown sheets of edge- and vertex-sharing uranyl polyhedra parallel to (100), with K cations and H 2 O groups in the interlayer. The sheets contain 20 symmetrically distinct U 6+ cations, each of which is associated with an approximately linear (UO 2 ) 2+ uranyl ion ( Ur ), and is coordinated by four or five additional anions at the equatorial positions of square (2 polyhedra) and pentagonal (18 polyhedra) bipyramids, respectively. As is the case with other sheets of uranyl polyhedra, the anion topology of the sheet can be generated using a chain-stacking sequence; however, the sequence is unique and for the first time involves the occurrence of P chains flanked by U or D chains of opposite directional sense. This example serves to further demonstrate the structural complexity that is possible in sheets of uranyl polyhedra.