cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whole body PET/MRI in multiple myeloma: An initial experience

1341 Learning Objectives 1. Identify different patterns of MM presentation on PET/MRI. 2. Be familiar with PET/CT and PET/MRI advantages and disadvantages. Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in staging, restating, prognosis and treatment monitoring of Multiple Myeloma (MM). Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has an important role in MM management. The sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT in detection of MM are ~85% and 90% respectively[1-3]. Whole body MRI (WB-MRI) can demonstrate focal, diffuse, homogeneous or heterogeneous signal intensity changes with high sensitivity, however with limited specificity [4-7]. WB-MRI is superior to PET/CT in diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative bone marrow disease, while PET is more sensitive in detection of disease recurrence after therapy[8-9]. PET/CT has been shown to provide complementary information to WB-MRI at staging. Both modalities are currently included in the Salmon-Durie plus staging system [10-13]. The combined use of both modalities does not yield false positive results, achieving a specificity and positive predictive value of 100% [14-15]. With the introduction of PET/MRI, the CT exposure component previously accrued in PET/CT studies can be eliminated. In post-therapy setting, particularly in aggressive forms with a poor prognosis, a combination of both modalities (PET/MRI) should be preferred if compatible with the institutional setup. In this presentation, we would like to illustrate our initial experience with WB-PET/MRI hybrid imaging [Biograph mMR (Siemens, Knoxville, TN)] with various MM, cases with different disease burden and risk juxtaposing their PET/CT imaging that was performed immediately prior to PET/MRI. We will further elaborate different patterns of MM presentation at staging, post therapy and at relapse. The potential advantages and disadvantages of both PET/CT and PET/MRI will also be illustrated in individual cases.
A W2 EFFECTIVE ACTION

It is well-known by that by studying the symplectic geometry of the underlying symmetry group, the anomalous contribution to effective actions of many systems may be extracted from the path integral. Using this fact, we are able to construct an effective action for the W2 symmetry corresponding to two interacting bosonic fields in three space-time dimensions. We consider this work to be a precursor to the study of W∞ related actions.
Applications and adaptations of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adolescents

Abstract Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an emerging cognitive-behavioral therapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance and other skills to treat psychological problems. ACT differs from traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (tCBT) in some ways, but the two therapies share several similarities. Though ACT has some empirical support when used with adults, there is very sparse literature to date on using ACT with adolescents. This review will discuss the state of the field with regard to using ACT with adolescents with a special focus on developmental adaptations and considerations that could enhance cognitive-behavioral treatment of this population. Ten studies that utilized multiple or all ACT components with adolescents are the focus of this review. The review will explore adaptations that are currently used in ACT research with adolescents, considerations that have been suggested but were not implemented in these studies, and other adolescent problems that could potentially be ameliorated with the use of ACT techniques. The review will conclude with a discussion of salient methodological and assessment-related limitations, suggestions for choosing whether ACT might be appropriate for use with adolescent clients, and ideas for future research on using ACT with adolescents.
Reconstructing the History of Eastern and Central Florida Bay Using Mollusk-Shell Isotope Records

Stable isotopic ratios of carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O) from mollusk shells reflect the water quality characteristics of Florida Bay and can be used to characterize the great temporal variability of the bay. Values of δ18O are directly influenced by temperature and evaporation and may be related to salinity, δ13C values of δ13C are sensitive to organic and inorganic sources of carbon and are influenced by productivity. Analyses of eight mollusk species from five short-core localities across Florida Bay show large ranges in the values of δ13C and δ18O, and reflect the variation of the bay over decades. Samples from southwester Florida Bay have distinct δ13C values relative to samples collected in northeastern Florida Bay, and intermediate localities have intermediate values.13C values of δ13C grade from marine in the southwest bay to more estuarine in the northeast. Long cores (>1m), with excellent chronologies were analyzed from central and eastern Florida Bay. Preliminary analyses ofBrachiodontes exustus andTransenella spp. from the cores showed that both δ13C and δ18O changed during the first part of the twentieth century. After a century of relative stability during the 1800s, δ13C decreased between about 1910 and 1940, then stabilized at these new values for the next five decades. The magnitude of the reduction in δ13C values increased toward the northeast. Using a carbon budget model, reduced δ13C values are interpreted as resulting from decreased circulation in the bay, probably associated with decreased freshwater flow into the Bay. Mollusk shell δ18O values display several negative excursions during the 1800s, suggesting that the bay was less evaporitic than during the twentieth century. The isotope records indicate a fundamental change took place in Florida Bay circulation early in the twentieth century. The timing of the change links it to railroad building and early drainage efforts in South Florida rather than to flood control and water management measures initiated after World War II.
Some calculations on the turbidity of mitochondria and bacteria.

Abstract The calculation of the intensity of light scattered from objects of arbitrary size, shape, and index of refraction is, at the present time, impossible. For the case of spheres, the solution of M ie applies, the tables of the necessary function have been prepared with modern computing machines. Since mitochondria and bacteria have a low index of refraction compared with the suspending medium, the applicability of the Rayleigh-G ans approximation was investigated. It is found that for objects of this size, little error was introduced into the calculation of turbidity, although the intensity of light scattered in a particular direction might be grossly in error. It is shown that variations in shape, from spherical to an ellipsoid of revolution with a major to minor axis ratio of 4, would cause a decrease in turbidity of about 15% under typical conditions. Likewise, redistribution of material in the form of a shell decreased the turbidity to a small but significant degree. The influence of growth and of osmotic swelling on turbidity is discussed. The consideration were based on the J obst equation which is a limiting from of the R ayleigh -G ans approximation for large spherical particles. It is found that for osmotic swelling of spheroplasts or mitrochondria, the absorbancy varies nearly inversely with the volume ( proportional V − 2 3 ) . On the other hand, for variations in size at constant concentration, the absorbancy varies directly as the four-thirds power of the volume of the particle. This implies that absorbancy measurements employed routinely in bacteriological studies are more nearly a measure of bacterial mass than of bacterial numbers.
Ion dependence of cystine and lysine uptake by rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles.

Abstract The shared transport system for uptake of l -cystine and l -lysine was examined in isolated rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles for the ionic requirements for activation of the system. No requirement for sodium was seen for either cystine or lysine influx. However, the efflux of lysine from the vesicle was stimulated by Na + . Therefore, the transport system appears to be asymmetric in its requirement for sodium. Two different divalent cations were used in the membrane isolations which resulted in different responses of cystine uptake to the electrogenic movement of K + out of the vesicle. Membranes prepared by Mg-aggregation showed no stimulation of cystine influx by the imposition of a transient interior negative potential while vesicles prepared by Ca-aggregation did respond to electrogenic stimulation by an outwardly directed K-diffusion potential in the presence of valinomycin. Lysine influx was stimulated by electrogenic potassium efflux in both Mg-prepared and Ca-prepared membranes. No difference in sodium requirement for cystine influx was seen between the vesicles isolated by different cation-aggregation methods.
Ebselen‐Mediated Protection From Single and Repeated Noise Exposure in Rat

Objectives/Hypothesis: Ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase mimic, is a candidate compound for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Study Design: Single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Methods: Methods included single and repeated noise exposures on F-344 female rats given oral or injected ebselen or vehicle before and after noise, evoked auditory brainstem responses using click and pure-tone stimuli, light and fluorescence microscopy of cochleae stained with 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and fluorescein isothiocyanate–phalloidin, and statistical power determined by ANOVA. Results: Auditory brainstem response indicated that ebselen provided significant protection from both temporary and permanent threshold shifts following single and repeated noise exposure. On average, three times more outer hair cells were lost in control versus ebselen-treated animals. Conclusion: Ebselen reduces noise-induced hearing loss in rats.
Peace Profile: Afghan Peace Volunteers

After nearly forty years of perpetual bloody conflict in Afghanistan, the Afghan Peace Volunteers (APV)—a small cohort of multi-ethnic Afghans—have concluded that nonviolence is not merely effectiv...
A Prototype Expert Decision Support System for the Market Appraisal of the Single Family Residence

The assessment of the current market value of residential property is a potential source of anxiety for the typical homeowner. Common criticisms of the existing appraisal process include excessive subjectivity and inconsistency across properties and through time. This paper examines the nature of decision support required for valuation decisions and the appropriateness of applying expert system technologies to evaluate the recoverable value of the single-family residence. The expert system approach allows for the integration of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of appraisal, while introducing the beneficial dimensions of increased objectivity, comprehensiveness, and consistency. A prototype expert system is offered that enables the end user to conduct a market analysis of a subject property. Unlike most expert system applications that seek a diagnostic or classification response, this study explores a numerical intent for the system, in a decision-making environment that is traditionally viewed as highly judgmental. The system's early validation results show promise of proving effective as such an evaluation aid.
Preparation and properties of a liquid crystalline segmented block copolyester

A segmented block copolyester with a liquid crystalline (LC) “hard block” and poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) “soft block” was prepared and characterized by intrinsic viscosity [η], by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for number average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The “soft block” had a melting transition at about −30°C and the hard block had a glass transition at about 70°C and a nematic-to-isotropic transition at 260°C. Mechanical testing, which included tensile testing, hysteresis analysis and stress relaxation at small strains, revealed that the block copolyester was a flexible rubbery material with an elongation at break of about 1000% and showed reversible extension below 50% strain.
The Effects of Tin Underlays on the Stability of Gold Thin Films during Isothermal Annealing

An investigation is undertaken to study the influence of thin layers of tin, which are sandwiched between gold films and SiO2 substrates, on the thermal stability of gold (as used for metallizations in microelectronic devices). It is found that tin has, similarly as indium, a stabilizing influence on the gold grain structure when the Au/Sn composite film is annealed between 300 and 500 °C in air. The tin from the underlayer is found to diffuse through the gold film to form SnO2 on the free surface and near the grain boundaries, which contributes to the prevention of hole and hillock formation and to an only minimal grain growth during thermal treatment. No preferred orientation of the gold films is found. Es wird der Einflus dunner Zinnschichten in Sandwichanordnung zwischen Goldschichten und SiO2-Substraten (wie sie fur die Metallisierung von mikroelektronischen Bauelementen benutzt werden) auf die thermische Stabilitat von Gold untersucht. Es wird gefunden, das Zinn, ahnlich wie Indium, einen stabilisierenden Einflus auf die Goldkornstruktur hervorruft, wenn die Au/Sn-Kompositschicht zwischen 300 und 500 °C in Luft getempert wird. Zinn aus der Unterlage diffundiert durch die Goldschicht und bildet SnO2 auf der freien Oberflache und in der Nahe der Korngrenzen, was zur Verhinderung von Loch- und Hugel-Bildung und zu einem nur minimalen Kornwachstum wahrend der thermischen Behandlung beitragt. Es wird keine bevorzugte Orientierung der Goldschichten gefunden.
Buoyant spreading processes in pollutant transport and mixing Part 1: Lateral spreading with ambient current advection

Buoyant spreading phenomena are driven by the buoyant horizontal spreading force that arises from the density difference between the mixed effluent and the surrounding ambient fluid. Such spreading effects, occurring at either water surface, or bottom, or at terminal levels within an ambient density stratification, are significant transport and mixing processes. A model for the lateral buoyant spreading within a currentadvected plume is formulated including several distinct mechanisms: convective spreading with frontal drag effects, interfacial friction, entrainment at the density front, shear flow entrainment, wind-induced entrainment, and surface heat exchange. Also, a criterion, based on a flux Richardson number, has been developed that delineates the transition between the spreading phase and the subsequent passive ambient diffusion regime. The buoyant spreading model is implemented within the Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX). Comparisons with available laboratory and field data support the ...
Sex differences in DRL and active avoidance behaviors in the rat depend upon the day-night cycle

Adult female rats acquired efficient DRL responding and shuttlebox avoidance behavior more quickly than did adult male rats only if the tests were conducted during the daytime portion of the day-night cycle. During the night there was no sex difference in either behavior.
Adapting Surgical Models to Individual Hospitals Using Transfer Learning

Preoperative models to assess surgical mortality are important clinical tools in determining optimal patient care. The traditional approach to develop these models has been primarily centralized, i.e., it uses surgical case records aggregated across multiple hospitals. While this approach of pooling greatly increases the data size, the resulting models fail to reflect individual variations across hospitals in terms of patients and the delivery of care. We hypothesize that this process can be improved through adapting the multi-hospital data model to an individual hospital. This approach simultaneously leverages the large multi-hospital data and the patient-and-case mix at individual hospitals. We explore transfer learning to refine surgical models for individual hospitals in the framework of support vector machine by using data from both the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and a single hospital. Our results show that transferring models trained on multi-hospital data to an individual hospital significantly improves discrimination for surgical mortality at the individual provider level.
MODULAR ACTIONS AND AMENABLE REPRESENTATIONS

Consider a measure-preserving action Γ ↷ (X, μ) of a countable group Γ and a measurable cocycle α: X × Γ → Aut(Y) with countable image, where (X, μ) is a standard Lebesgue space and (Y, ν) is any probability space. We prove that if the Koopman representation associated to the action Γ ↷ X is non-amenable, then there does not exist a countable-to-one Borel homomorphism from the orbit equivalence relation of the skew product action Γ ↷^α X × Y to the orbit equivalence relation of any modular action (i.e., an inverse limit of actions on countable sets or, equivalently, an action on the boundary of a countably-splitting tree), generalizing previous results of Hjorth and Kechris. As an application, for certain groups, we connect antimodularity to mixing conditions. We also show that any countable, non-amenable, residually finite group induces at least three mutually orbit inequivalent free, measure-preserving, ergodic actions as well as two non-Borel bireducible ones.
Interdisciplinary linkages of biophysical processes and resilience theory: Pursuing predictability

Abstract The global value of ecosystem services is approximately $33 trillion per year. Given the economic value, it is not surprising that billions of dollars are spent annually to protect, preserve, restore and conserve natural resources. Resilience describes the ability of ecological systems to recover from disturbance. Resilient ecosystems remain productive and thus maintain services including biophysical processes that are important for human well-being. Four system-wide characteristics, or biophysical signatures are reviewed, at least one of which is required to relate ecosystem structure or function to resilience. Biophysical signatures include (a) variable material and energy recycling, (b) biodiversity, (c) the rate of governing processes, and (d) bioenergetics. Fast recycling rates encourage ecosystem stability by dampening oscillations while slow recycling rates increase resistance by weakly propagating disturbances. The role of biodiversity in stabilizing ecosystems may be viewed as either a functional redundancy where increased diversity resists perturbation by maintaining key ecosystem functions, or as response diversity that ensures recovery processes. Governing ecosystem processes that respond slowly, such as those involving large storage reservoirs, resist perturbation and shift to alternative states. Several observational resilience studies featured bioenergetics as both the perturbation force (i.e., predation, food supply) and the thermodynamic orientor that organizes recovery (i.e., maximizing exergy storage). An energy balance approach is proposed as a possible method to assess ecosystem stability. Validating a mechanistic resilience model against high resolution data collected from a system undergoing regime shift is needed to advance theory toward practical application. As physical requirements bound the possibility space for ecosystems, it is not surprising that biophysical processes play a central role in resilience theory.
On-line reorganization of sparsely-populated B+-trees

In this paper, we present an efficient method to do online reorganization of sparsely-populated B+-trees. It reorganizes the leaves first, compacting in short operations groups of leaves with the same parent. After compacting, optionally, the new leaves may swap locations or be moved into empty pages so that they are in key order on the disk. After the leaves are reorganized, the method shrinks the tree by making a copy of the upper part of the tree while leaving the leaves in place. A new concurrency method is introduced so that only a minimum number of pages are locked during reorganization. During leaf reorganization, Forward Recovery is used to save all work already done while maintaining consistency after system crashes. A heuristic algorithm is developed to reduce the number of swaps needed during leaf reorganization, so that better concurrency and easier recovery can be achieved. A detailed description of switching from the old B+-tree to the new B+-tree is described for the first time.
Is It Time to Abandon the 5-cm Margin Rule During Resection of Distal Gastric Adenocarcinoma? A Multi-Institution Study of the U.S. Gastric Cancer Collaborative

Background. A proximal margin distance of 5 cm is advocated for resection of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). We assessed the prognostic value of proximal margin (PM) distance on survival outcomes after resection of distal GAC. Methods. All patients who underwent resection of distal GAC (antrum/body) from 2000 to 2012 at seven institutions of the U.S. Gastric Cancer Collaborative were included. Patients with positive distal margins or macroscopic residual disease were excluded. The prognostic value of PM distance (assessed in 0.5-cm increments) on overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was assessed by Kaplan–Meier and multivariate regression analysis. Results. A total of 465 patients underwent resection of distal GAC. Of these, 435 had R0 resections; 30 patients had a positive PM. 143 patients had stage I, and 322 had stage II–III tumors. Median follow-up was 44 months.
Synthesis of glycolic‐d2 acid

Glycolic-d2 acid, HOCD2 CO2H, was prepared by the Cannizzarorearrangement of glyoxal-d2 and by the action of nitrous acid on glycine-d5.
Monoclonal antibody FDC-6 exhibits binding to human plasma fibronectin: a caveat for cervicovaginal oncofetal fibronectin testing?

Objective: Monoclonal antibody FDC-6 has been used clinically to measure cervicovaginal fibronectin and to predict patients at risk for preterm labor. Because bleeding is often a complicating factor during pregnancy, the aim of this study was to determine whether FDC-6 reactive fibronectin is present in normal human plasma. Study Design: Quantitative Western immunoblots and a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure FDC-6 binding to nonpregnant human and bovine plasma fibronectin. FDC-6 binding to whole sera was also assessed, as was the effect of enzymatic deglycosylation of human plasma fibronectin. Results: Both assays demonstrated measurable FDC-6-reactive fibronectin in nonpregnant human blood, with plasma concentrations ranging from 3 to 12 μg/ml (1% to 4% of total plasma fibronectin). FDC-6 had no detectable binding activity to bovine plasma fibronectin. De- O -glycosylated human plasma fibronectin had markedly reduced binding activity for FDC-6. Conclusions: FDC-6 binds specifically to a clinically significant percentage of circulating O-glycosylated human plasma fibronectin isoforms that are not associated with pregnancy. This caveat should be considered when pregnant patients are evaluated for the presence of FDC-6 reactive oncofetal fibronectin in the cervix or vagina.
A monoclonal antibody that recognizes the GPIIb/IIIa antagonist DMP 728. Reversal of the effects of DMP 728 on platelet aggregation and bleeding time in the dog.

Abstract Since hemorrhagic events represent a major safety concern associated with the use of new antithrombotic therapies such as glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor blockade, we evaluated the ability of a monoclonal antibody recognizing DMP 728 (cyclic [d-2-aminobutyryl-N2-methyl-l-argininyl-glycyl-l-aspartyl-3-aminomethyl-benzoic acid] methanesulfonic acid salt), a potent GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, to reverse the pharmacological actions of DMP 728 in the dog. DC11 was chosen for in vivo evaluation based on its ability to inhibit the binding of [3H]DMP 728 to activated platelets and to attenuate the inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation on platelet-rich plasma ex vivo by DMP 728. After anesthesia mongrel dogs were given DMP 728 (20 μg/kg body wt IV) infused into the femoral vein, bleeding times were determined using a Simplate device from incisions on the backside of the tongue, and platelet aggregation was determined ex vivo. Nearly complete inhibition of platelet aggregation was observed for the dogs treated with DMP 728 (20 ug/kg IV) for up to 210 minutes, and bleeding times were prolonged >15 minutes for 2 hours and remained elevated for more than 4 hours. DC11 (0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg body wt IV) given to dogs 10 minutes after DMP 728 resulted in 50% attenuation of the effect of DMP 728 on aggregation at 3 hours. Approximately 34% inhibition of the DMP 728–mediated bleeding time was achieved at 1 hour with the 0.2 mg/kg dose, whereas approximately 50% inhibition of the bleeding time was observed for the 1 mg/kg dose at 1 hour. The bleeding time for the higher dose of DC11 returned to control levels at 2 hours, whereas the lower dose of DC11 returned to control levels at 3 hours. These results suggest that monoclonal antibody DC11 may have potential utility as an antidote to DMP 728 in neutralizing any unexpected bleeding complications associated with its use.
Analysis of ac conductivity data for Na2O·3SiO2 glass by stretched exponential and Jonscher power-law methods

Abstract A comparison is made between two widely used empirical methods of ac conductivity data analysis, namely, the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) approach, which starts from a stretched exponential in the time domain and transforms to the electric modulus functions in the frequency domain, and the Jonscher approach, which deals directly with the ac conductivity and looks for a power-law dependence on frequency. By taking one set of data for the sodium trisilicate glass in the temperature range 300–400 K and analyzing it in both ways, the differences between these two methods can be examined. It is found that the KWW approach does not properly fit the data at the higher frequencies, and thus requires an excessively high constant-loss contribution. It is conncluded that the Jonscher approach is a more meaningful way to explore the high-frequency range of ac conductivity behavior.
Laboratory compliance with federal government and professional society recommendations.

Quality assurance issues have assumed growing importance in the cytology laboratory. The 1988 Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment (CLIA '88) (United States Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Register: U.S. Government Printing Office 1990;55:9495) regulates the patient identifiers and clinical data on the requisition form but does not mandate physician compliance to provide the information. We investigated the use of patient identifiers and clinical data by laboratories as specimen acceptance/rejection criteria. We surveyed 81 board certified cytopathologists and 235 randomly selected cytology laboratories for acceptance criteria of cytology specimens and received responses from 104. Approximately two thirds of all responding laboratories had specific criteria for rejecting specimens on the basis of inadequate identification or clinical data. While the vast majority required the specimens to be identified with patient name, collection date, and specimen source, a minority of laboratories required clinical information such as LMP, prior atypical cytologic/histologic specimens, and history of previous therapy. Little correlation was found between practice setting and the use of rejection criteria.
Balloon catheter for endoscopic removal of foreign bodies.

A method for endoscopic removal of foreign bodies in the bronchial tree and esophagus using a balloon catheter is described.
The Functions of Radio for Teens: Where Radio Fits Among Youth Media Choices

This research examines the function radio plays in the lives of today's youth. Teens have more media choices available to them than ever before. This study provides a contemporary benchmark for understanding the role of radio for teens. Among the findings here are that teens tend to have different functional uses for radio on the week days versus the weekends. Also, this study suggests that the notion of entertainment as a motive for radio listening with this audience may be a more complex notion than previously thought. Finally, this study reveals positive relationships between radio use and other media-both during the weekends and week days. The study suggests further research into gender differences and radio use.
Effect of preferential insertion of LDL receptors near coated pits.

Recent experiments suggest that low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on human fibroblasts are not inserted into the plasma membrane uniformly, as earlier experiments indicated, but are inserted into specialized regions, called plaques, where coated pits form. If the consequent reduction in the time required for LDL receptors to diffuse to coated pits were significant, this could alter conclusions drawn from previous calculations based on the assumption that LDL receptors are inserted uniformly. In particular, the conclusion could be wrong that diffusion of LDL receptors to coated pits is the rate limiting step in the interaction of cell surface LDL receptors with coated pits. Here we calculate the extent of the reduction in mean travel time of an LDL receptor to a coated pit, as a function of the plaque radius. We find that only if LDL receptor insertion is limited to a very small portion of the plasma membrane near coated pit sites is there a substantial decrease in the average time it would take an LDL receptor to diffuse to a coated pit. In order for preferential insertion of LDL receptors into plaques to cut the mean receptor travel time in half, plaques would have to take up no more than 10% of the cell surface area; to reduce the travel time by a factor of 10 plaques would have to cover only 2% of the cell surface, approximately twice the area covered by coated pits at 37°C.
The complete structure of matairesinol monoglucoside

Abstract The glucose position of matairesinol monoglucoside has been established by comparison with arctiin.
N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor antagonist–induced frequency oscillations in mice recreate pattern of electrophysiological deficits in schizophrenia

Abstract Introduction: Electrophysiological responses to auditory stimuli have provided a useful means of elucidating mechanisms and evaluating treatments in psychiatric disorders. Deficits in gating during paired-click tasks and lack of mismatch negativity following deviant stimuli have been well characterized in patients with schizophrenia. Recently, analyses of basal, induced, and evoked frequency oscillations have gained support as additional measures of cognitive processing in patients and animal models. The purpose of this study is to examine frequency oscillations in mice across the theta (4–7.5 Hz) and gamma (31–61 Hz) bands in the context of N-methyl- d -aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction and dopaminergic hyperactivity, both of which are thought to serve as pharmacological models of schizophrenia. Experimental procedures: Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded from mice in five treatment groups that consisted of haloperidol, risperidone, amphetamine, ketamine, or ketamine plus haloperidol during an auditory task. Basal, induced and evoked powers in both frequencies were calculated. Results: Ketamine increased basal power in the gamma band and decreased the evoked power in the theta band. The increase in basal gamma was not blocked by treatment with a conventional antipsychotic. No other treatment group was able to fully reproduce this pattern in the mice. Conclusions: Ketamine-induced alterations in EEG power spectra are consistent with abnormalities in the theta and gamma frequency ranges reported in patients with schizophrenia. Our findings support the hypothesis that NMDAR hypofunction contributes to the deficits in schizophrenia and that the dopaminergic pathways alone may not account for these changes.
Stokes flow through a row of cylinders between parallel walls : model for the glomerular slit diaphragm

Abstract As a model for flow through the slit diaphragms which connect the epithelial foot processes of renal glomerular capillaries, finite element solutions of Stokes equations were obtained for flow perpendicular to a row of cylinders confined between parallel walls. A dimensionless "additional resistance" (f), defined as the increment in resistance above the Poiseuille flow value, was computed for L/W < or = 4 and 0.1 < or = R/L < or = 0.9, where L is half the distance between cylinder centers, W is half the distance between walls and R is the cylinder radius. Two factors contributed to f: the drag on the cylinders, and the incremental shear stresses on the walls of the channel. Of these two factors, the drag on the cylinders tended to be dominant. A more complex representation of the slit diaphragm, suggested in the literature, was also considered. The predicted hydraulic permeability of the slit diaphragm was compared with experimental values of the overall hydraulic permeability of the glomerular capillary wall.
Nonhuman Animal Cruelty, Bullying, and Behavioral Difficulties among Women

The current study sought to examine the relationship between behavioral difficulties, animal abuse, and bullying among women. Five hundred female undergraduate students enrolled in Introductory Psychology completed surveys assessing animal abuse experiences, bullying behaviors, and victimization of bullying during their K-12 school years. Participants also completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire which evaluated their behavioral difficulties. Results revealed a significant relationship between animal abuse, bullying, and victimization experiences. Moreover, animal abusers displayed significantly more behavioral problems when compared to non-abusers. Results from regression analyses indicated that animal abuse, bullying and victimization were significant predictors of various behavioral issues. These results suggest that behavioral difficulties associated with female animal abusers are similar to those related to male perpetrators.
Selective loss of complex-pitch or speech discrimination after unilateral lesion

Twenty-eight right-handed patients who suffered a single cerebrovascular accident in the distribution of either the left or right middle cerebral artery were tested on their ability to discriminate complex-pitch and speech stimuli presented dichotically. Whereas the left hemisphere lesion group was impaired in dichotic speech but not in dichotic complex-pitch discrimination, the right hemisphere lesion group was impaired in dichotic complex pitch but not in dichotic speech discrimination. Complex-pitch phenomena may provide a useful model for the study of auditory function in the nondominant hemisphere.
Isolation and identification of palmitoylphosphocholinepropanediol from γ-irradiated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine

1-Palmitoyl-3-phosphocholinepropanediol was isolated from γ-irradiated aqueous suspensions of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The product was positively identified by comparison of its high-performance liquid chromatography elution time and its mass spectra with the synthetic compound.
Impulsive aggression in personality disorder correlates with platelet 5-HT2A receptor binding

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between platelet 5-HT2A receptor binding and aggressive behavior. 125I-LSD Bmax and Kd values were measured for 22 subjects meeting DMS-III-R criteria for one or more personality disorders and 12 healthy volunteer subjects. Aggression and impulsivity were assessed using the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) Assault scale, Life History of Aggression (LHA) scale, and the Barratt-11 Impulsiveness scale (BIS-11). Bmax and Kd values did not differ between personality disordered subjects and healthy volunteers. However, both Bmax and Kd values correlated positively with BDHI Assault scores in personality-disordered subjects but not in healthy volunteer subjects. These results suggest that assaultiveness in personality-disordered subjects may covary with increasing numbers, but decreasing affinity, of platelet 5-HT2A receptor sites labeled by 125I-LSD.
Cytochemistry of epinephrine and norepinephrine adrenomedullary cells

Rat adrenomedullary tissue was fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in a variety of buffers at different osmolarities. Incubations were performed in potassium dichromate (DC) at pH 4.1 to identify norepinephrine (NE) specifically and in osmium tetroxide to enhance contrast and to define membrane structures. Different buffer systems were also used for the DC and the osmium processes. It is evident from the results that both the osmolarity of the initial fixative and the incubation process itself are critical for adrenomedullary catecholamine (CAM) localization. Furthermore, the Schiff monobase formed by the amine and the aldehyde in the initial reaction was found to be reactive before and even after the tissue had been epoxy-embedded. Thus the technique of “on-grid” staining of tissue with DC has now been made possible and works sufficiently well to show a high degree of promise for future investigations. In vitro experiments were performed using purified CAMs. Reactions were conducted using the purified CAMs in solution with glutaraldehyde. The resulting reaction products then were incubated with DC and collected by centrifugation. The amount of chromium (Cr) present in the products was determined by the use of an electron probe as well as by chemical analyses by a commercial laboratory. In all cases it was evident that indeed Cr was in the reaction product, indicating this to be the electron-dense product seen microscopically in the tissue. In essence, as a result of this investigation, the specificity of the glutaraldehyde-DC pH 4.1 reaction has been made more sensitive, more utilizable cytochemically, and further substantiated by the chemical analyses of in vitro reaction products. Moreover, the “on-grid” staining technique leads to a new concept, not only in the electron microscopy of CAMs but in other heavy metal reactions as well.
Effect of high concentrations of free fatty acids on the ventricular fibrillation threshold of normal dogs and dogs with acute myocardial infarction.

Marked elevation of serum free fatty acids (FFA) was induced by infusing triglyceride and heparin in 8 normal dogs, in 6 dogs immediately after coronary ligation, and in 8 dogs 3 days after ligation. The ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was measured in closed chest dogs by delivering a programmed series of impulses directly to the heart via previously implanted epicardial electrodes. There was no change in the VFT after FFA elevation in the normal dogs. Dogs with coronary occlusion had lower control VFT. However, there was no further drop after FFA elevation. These data argue against a major direct role of FFA in genesis of ventricular fibrillation related to myocardial ischemia.
EEG/fMRI contributions to our understanding of genetic generalized epilepsies

The first reports of combined EEG and fMRI used for evaluation of epileptic spikes date back to the mid-90s. At that time, the technique was called EEG-triggered fMRI--the "triggered" corresponded to an epilepsy specialist reviewing live EEG while the patient was located in the scanner; after the spike was identified, a scan was initiated to collect the data. Since then major progress has been made in combined EEG/fMRI data collection and analyses. These advances allow studying the electrophysiology of genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs) in vivo in greater detail than ever. In addition to continuous data collection, we now have better methods for removing physiologic and fMRI-related artifacts, more advanced understanding of the hemodynamic response functions, and better computational methods to address the questions regarding the origins of the epileptiform discharge generators in patients with GGEs. These advances have allowed us to examine numerous cohorts of children and adults with GGEs while not only looking for spike and wave generators but also examining specific types of GGEs (e.g., juvenile myoclonic epilepsy or childhood absence epilepsy), drug-naive patients, effects of medication resistance, or effects of epileptiform abnormalities and/or seizures on brain connectivity. While the discussion is ongoing, the prevailing thought is that the GGEs as a group are a network disorder with participation from multiple nodes including the thalami and cortex with the clinical presentation depending on which node of the participating network is affected by the disease process. This review discusses the contributions of EEG/fMRI to our understanding of GGEs.
Ansoff revisited: How Ansoff interfaces with both the planning and learning schools of thought in strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to revisit Igor Ansoff's work and how it interfaces with the various schools of strategic management. Design/methodology/approach – Ansoff's work of 40 years is reviewed and related to other schools of thought in strategic management. Findings – Ansoff's work is much more comprehensive than the literature suggests. His later work (after 1990) is largely unnoticed by academics, nevertheless, it is the empirical findings of his theoretical postulations. Moreover, his work interfaces with virtually all schools of thought in strategic management. Research limitations/implications – It will provide a broader view of Ansoff's work and perhaps trigger additional research as a result of his later work. Most researchers continue to associate Ansoff with his early thoughts. Practical implications – Ansoff's work has found wide applications in a variety of industries. His work was mostly with industries that used his propositions in order to better strategies. Social implications – Ansoff's later research and empirical findings could provide a launchpad for re‐examining the method by which organizations assess their environment, strategic behaviour, and internal capability. Therefore, organizations may have an alternative method to develop strategy. Originality/value – This is the first attempt to provide a historical view of Ansoff's work and perhaps his timeliness. The recent economic crisis only further supports Ansoff's basic position that companies must create custom strategies to fit their environment, culture, and capabilities.
The logic of multispectral classification and mapping of land

Abstract The use of multispectral reflectance data as surrogates for land attributes must be done within strict rules of logic and with a recognition of judgmental factors such as the use of a priori or a posteriori classification schemes. The naming and describing of spectral classes as surrogates of information classes is a critical element in the logic of mapping and must be complete and logically consistent. Maps of information classes derived from multispectral data should be portrayed without class boundaries so as to indicate the degree of homogeneity or heterogeneity of classes on maps in which these characteristics are of major importance.
An object based graphical user interface for power systems

Object-based graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that may be used as flexible, device independent front-ends for power system simulation and control are discussed. An experimental prototype GUI suitable for energy management systems or operator training simulators is described. The GUI is based on the X window environment and uses multiple windows to display differing views of the system and direct mouse manipulations to affect the various power system objects in a consistent fashion. An editing portion of the system allows the dynamic construction of one-line diagrams, although an advanced automatic display generation feature capable of constructing layouts based on database information and sophisticated routing and layout heuristics is also provided. The X window (and C) basis of the implementation of the system provides for its relative platform and operating system independence, and allows the networked operation of multiple platforms running the same functions. The aim of this study is to document the generic features and advantages of such a GUI. >
Transnational circulation of Chinese language television dramas

In the late 1990s, a wave of dynasty drama serials began to dominate primetime dramatic programming in People's Republic of China (PRC) television, which soon created a viewing frenzy among Chinese audiences around the world. Together with Taiwan's idol drama and Hong Kong's martial arts sagas and contemporary social mobility dramas, by the early 2000s, PRC's dynasty drama had saturated a pan-Chinese media market. Using transnational dramas from the three Chinese language media production centers as a springboard, this article explores two issues concerning the global circulation of Chinese language television dramas: the forces conducive to their transnational circulation and its cultural and economic impact. It utilizes the framework of the `cultural-linguistic market' to analyze the factors enabling the formation of a Chinese cultural-linguistic media and the products viable for the market. It further entertains the question of how the emergence of a Chinese cultural-linguistic market, together with ot...
Economics applied to the art of prescription pricing.

Prescription pricing is an art, not a science. The better the artist, the more likely he or she will be to sell his wares in the marketplace; the poorer the artist the less likely he or she will be. Like the artist, the pharmacist has several guidelines that can be followed to increase the likelihood of selling his/her wares in a competitive marketplace.
Optic nerve enlargement and chronic visual loss

Abstract We present four patients with sarcoidosis of the anterior visual pathways. The first patient presented with unilateral visual loss, a mass lesion at the optic nerve head, and an enlarged orbital optic nerve. The second patient presented with bilateral progressive painless visual loss, associated with optic nerve pallor and visual field loss. In these two patients, optic nerve biopsy was diagnostic of sarcoidosis. The third patient developed optic nerve and chiasmal involvement after sarcoidosis was established by lacrimal gland biopsy. The fourth pateint had optic nerve, pulmonary, and lymph node involvement with sarcoidosis. A conjunctival and lung biopsy were diagnostic. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have greatly facilitated diagnosis of sarcoidosis of the anterior visual pathways. Sarcoidosis of the anterior visual pathways may occur alone or in association with other ocular or systemic manifestations. A conjunctival or lacrimal gland biopsy may be preferable as the initial diagnostic approach. Treatment of patients with this condition may require systemic immunosuppression, in addition to corticosteroids, to prevent permanent visual loss.
Considering intersections of race and gender in interventions that address US men's health disparities

Although gender, racial and ethnic differences in health in the USA are well documented, it is less clear how race and gender intersect to produce large and consistently poor health outcomes for men of colour, particularly Black American men. This paper will illustrate how race and gender intersect at multiple levels to shape men's health and health behaviours, and function as fundamental social determinants of health. The paper will conclude by discussing the need to attend to the role of male gender in pathways and processes underlying racial health disparities, and the challenges of developing health promotion interventions for Black American men.