cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of dihydrotachysterol and ferric dextran upon the periodontium in the rat

Abstract The sequence of changes that occur in the periodontium as a result of chronic dihydrotachysterol (DHT) administration in rats was studied. The influence of ferric dextran on the above changes was also evaluated. The earliest changes noted in the periodontal tissues after initiation of DHT feeding include the presence of numerous, minute basophilic-staining granules throughout the connective tissue of the periodontal membrane and in the marrow spaces of the alveolar bone. These granules, which apparently are small foci of calcification, act as centres for further calcification throughout the entire periodontium. Progressive changes include degeneration of the periodontal ligament and gross apposition of osteo-cementum and new sclerotic type bone, ankylosis of the roots, and calcification of the transeptal fibres at their insertion on the teeth. The utilization of ferric hydroxide and dextran intraperitoneally every fifth day did not appear to influence these changes significantly.
Richardson number profiles through shear instability wave regions observed in the lower planetary boundary layer

Remote sensing of the lower planetary boundary layer in the vicinity of a meteorological tower on many occasions reveals the existence of shear instability (Kelvin-Helmholtz) waves. In general, such waves are found within shallow strata which are marked by strong thermal stability and large vertical wind shear. The independent and concurrent measurements of the vector wind and temperature, made on a 152-m high tower, allow the construction of wind and temperature profiles. From such measurements, the Richardson number profile is constructed as well as the instability regime according to Drazin's criterion. The results show that regions of shear-instability waves as depicted by the remote sensor (an acoustic sounder) agree well with Drazin's instability regime, and that within such regions the Richardson number is indeed ⩽0.25.
“Ghost” Publications among Applicants to a General Surgery Residency Program

Objective To determine the incidence of potentially fraudulent (or "ghost") publications in applications to a general surgery residency program. Methods Electronic Residency Application Services applications submitted in 2005 to the general surgery residency program were reviewed in an IRB-approved study. No identifiers were collected. Publications were checked against Medline, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google. Nonverifiable publications were then submitted to the medical librarian for verification. Ghost publications were defined as journals, books, or meetings that cannot be verified; verified journals without the listed publication; or verified publications without an applicant author. Data analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis for nonparametric data. A p value Results Four hundred ninety-three applications were received. Thirty-one percent (150 of 493) of applicants listed a total of 596 publications, including 30 abstracts, 359 journal articles, and 207 chapters. Thirty-three percent (196 of 596) of the publications could not be verified: 7 abstracts, 177 journal articles, and 12 chapters. The distribution of ghost publications was skewed toward the journals subgroup (p Conclusion A disturbingly substantial fraction of publications listed on Electronic Residency Application Services applications cannot be verified. This might indicate a need for greater mentorship and oversight for medical school applicants. It is unknown whether this behavior predicts lack of integrity in other professional settings.
Acid-base, hydration-dehydration and keto-enol equilibria in aqueous solutions of α-ketoacids: Study by spectroscopy, polarography and linear sweep voltammetry

Abstract In aqueous buffered solutions of oxalacetic and α-ketoglutaric acids and their esters, the most reliable values of acid dissociation constants Ki were found using spectrophotometry, potentiometry, changes in wave-heights and shifts in polarographic half-wave potentials. Keto-enol equilibrium constants KE were obtained by spectrophotometry and polarography, and dehydration constants Kd by linear sweep voltammetry. The combination of constants Ki, KE, and Kd in some cases enabled separation of specific dissociation constants of the enol, keto, and hydrated forms. These constants made possible calculation of the distribution of individual ionic forms at various pH values in dilute (10−4 M) solutions, under conditions closer to those existing in biological systems and used in kinetic studies than information obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance in concentrated (greater than 1 M) solutions. In their acid-base and hydration-dehydration equilibria, structural effects operating in oxalacetic acid and its esters resemble those for α-ketoglutaric acid, the differences in their behavior in physical methods being predominantly due to the stability of enol forms of oxalacetic acid resulting from their β-ketoacid character. Whereas the monoanion −OOCCOCH2COOH predominates between pH 5.1 and 12.3 in aqueous solutions of oxalacetic acid, the anion HOOCCOCH2COO− is the reactive species in decarboxylation. A neglect of decarboxylation may account for some dubious results between pH 2 and 7 reported in the literature.
Morphomic analysis for preoperative donor site risk assessment in patients undergoing abdominal perforator flap breast reconstruction: a proof of concept study.

Background Morphomics are three-dimensional measurements of aspects of the human anatomy generated by computed tomographic (CT) imaging. The purpose of this study was to generate preliminary data on the efficacy of morphomics, as a potential risk stratification tool, in predicting abdominal donor site wound-healing complications in patients undergoing abdominal perforator flap breast reconstruction. Patients and Methods In total, 58 consecutive patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction were evaluated. Using preoperative CT scan data, we quantified patients' body area, visceral and subcutaneous fat, fascia area, and body depth between T12 and L4. Associations between morphomic measures and complication rates were examined using t -tests and logistic regression. Results Of the 58 patients, 11 (19%) patients developed a wound dehiscence and 47 (81%) patients healed their abdominal incision without complications. Patients with a dehiscence had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (34.32 vs. 29.26 kg/m 2 , p = 0.014) than patients without a dehiscence. Multiple morphometric measures including higher visceral fat area ( p = 0.003) were significant predictors of abdominal donor site wound dehiscence. BMI (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.32; p = 0.017) and visceral fat area (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08–1.42; p = 0.002) were independently significant predictors for wound dehiscence in the entire sample. Only visceral fat area retained its predictive ability in patients with a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 . Conclusions Morphomic measurements correlate with the likelihood of developing postoperative donor site dehiscence after DIEP flap breast reconstruction. As a proof of concept study, this demonstrates that objective data obtained from CT scans may help in preoperatively assessing the risk for donor site wound healing complications in patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Laboratory studies of uv emissions of H2 by electron impact. The Werner- and Lyman-band systems

We report a laboratory measurement of absolute emission cross sections of both the Lyman bands (B^1Σ_u^+→X^1Σ_g^+) and Werner bands (C^1Π_u→X^1Π_g^+) of H_2 by electron impact over the energy range from threshold to 400 eV with the same optical system. We find the emission cross section for the B^1Σ_u^+→X^1Σ_g^+ transition at 100 eV to be (3.55±0.8) × 10^(−17) cm^2 (2.7 × 10^(−17) cm^2, direct excitation, 0.85 × 10^(−17) cm^2, cascading) and the emission cross section for the C^1Π_u→X^1Σ_g^+ transition at 100 eV to be (3.1±0.6) × 10^(−17) cm^2 (cascading is estimated to be not present). The cross-section ratio Qc/Qb for direct excitation is 1.21±0.30 at 300 eV in excellent agreement with published values for this ratio from theoretical calculations and experimental data of the optical oscillator strengths. We measure the cross section for cascading to the B state to be 24±10% of the total emission cross section both at 100 and 300 eV. We show that cascading increases to 51±20% of the total cross section of the B state at 20 eV. The vibrational population distribution of the B state is found to be a function of electron-impact energy as the importance of cascading relative to direct excitation changes with electron-impact energy.
Discontinuous ventilation in insects: protecting tissues from O2.

Abstract The “oxidative damage model” of Hetz and Bradley (2005) proposes that the respiratory system of insects operates in manner that reduces and then regulates the partial pressure of oxygen around the tissues at a very low level. This is achieved through the actions of the discontinuous gas exchange cycle. Resting insects often exhibit a ventilatory cycle in which the spiracular valves severely limit gas exchange. The “oxidative damage model” argues that this pattern serves to minimize oxidative damage to the tissues. This interpretation is discussed in the context of a large literature describing oxidative damage in insects and other animals as normal a feature of organismal aging. Evidence is presented from a number of animal phyla demonstrating respiratory strategies designed to maintain similarly low partial pressures of oxygen at the tissue level.
Some remarks on Merleau-Ponty's essay, “Cezanne's doubt”

L'A. analyse l'etude de Merleau-Ponty, "Le Doute de Cezanne" qui figure dans son livre Sens et Non-Sens (Paris, 1948) qui constitue une approche existentielle du probleme de l'interpretation. D'une part l'artiste est l'objet d'influences diverses qui retentissent sur sa psychologie, ce qui justifie les biographies. D'autre part, Cezanne, comme tous les artistes est un individu libre.
Enhanced Colloidal Stability of CeO2 Nanoparticles by Ferrous Ions: Adsorption, Redox Reaction, and Surface Precipitation

Due to the toxicity of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs), a better understanding of the redox reaction-induced surface property changes of CeO2 NPs and their transport in natural and engineered aqueous systems is needed. This study investigates the impact of redox reactions with ferrous ions (Fe2+) on the colloidal stability of CeO2 NPs. We demonstrated that under anaerobic conditions, suspended CeO2 NPs in a 3 mM FeCl2 solution at pH 4.8 were much more stable against sedimentation than those in the absence of Fe2+. Redox reactions between CeO2 NPs and Fe2+ lead to the formation of 6-line ferrihydrite on the CeO2 surfaces, which enhanced the colloidal stability by increasing the zeta potential and hydrophilicity of CeO2 NPs. These redox reactions can affect the toxicity of CeO2 NPs by increasing cerium dissolution, and by creating new Fe(III) (hydr)oxide reactive surface layers. Thus, these findings have significant implications for elucidating the phase transformation and transport of redox reactiv...
An alternative adaptive sequential regression algorithm and its application to the recognition of cerebral palsy speech

An algorithm is presented which can be used to compute a temporally adaptive, recursive solution to the problem of estimating the linear prediction parameters of speech. The method is theoretically equivalent to conventional adaptive sequential regression, but is slightly more efficient and computationally much more straightforward. Application to the problem of recognition of speech of the profoundly disabled is discussed.
Anabolic Effects of Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). 365

Anabolic Effects of Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). 365
Characterization of pyrolysis products from a biodiesel phenolic urethane binder.

Analytical pyrolysis was conducted to identify and quantify the major pyrolysis products of a biodiesel phenolic urethane binder as a function of temperature. This biodiesel binder has been used in...
On the Higgs-induced contribution to baryon number violation at very high energies

Abstract The probability of baryon number violation and multiple production of W and Higgs bosons is known to be related to the instanton-anti-instanton ( TT ) interaction. We evaluate the Higgs-induced part of this interaction, corresponding to “streamline” gauge configurations. As it is known to be repulsive at large TT distances, the question was raised whether it can produce a “second barrier” and significantly reduce the tunneling probability. However, our results show that this is not the case.
Lithium suppresses ovariectomy-induced surges in plasma gonadotropins in rats.

Abstract We have reported earlier that administration of lithium, the widely-used drug for the treatment of acute mania and prophylaxis of recurrent manic-depressive bipolar disorders, leads to a disruption of estrous cycle and a significant suppression of the proestrous surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) in a number of laboratory rodents. In this report we have examined the effects of this antimanic drug on plasma and pituitary levels of LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in rats following ovariectomy (OVX), an altered endocrine state in which the levels of serum LH and FSH are highly andchronically elevated. Adult OVX rats, maintained under standardized laboratory conditions (LD 12: 12; white lights on at 06.00 h, CST) were injected (ip) with lithium, 40 days post-operation, at a dosage of 3.0 and 2.0 mEq/Kg b. wt. for 3 and 7 days respectively (twice daily at 08.00 and 16.00 h). Control OVX rats received nothing or saline injections, whereas an intact control (C) received no surgical manipulation or drug injections of any kind. As expected, the levels of plasma LH and FSH in OVX (only) group showed nearly 6-fold and 75-fold increase respectively compared to those in C. Lithium injections in OVX rats for 3 and 7 days resulted in a significant reduction in plasma LH (P
The quantitative relations between total cell proteins and the proteins of the mitotic apparatus

1. In the dividing egg of the sea urchinStrongylocentrotus purpuratus, the mitotic apparatus contains about 12 percent of all the protein of the cell. This is an average figure for metaphase and anaphase stages. 2. These findings exclude the generalization that the material of the mitotic apparatus or of the spindle alone come from the nucleus. In this cell the protein content of the nucleus cannot be more than 2 percent of that of the mitotic apparatus. 3. The division of this cell either requires the synthesis of this large amount of protein during mitosis or its provision in the cell before division. The evidence favors the latter view.
Biological applications of microscope profiler

This paper describes how multiple interferometric techniques, implemented on a single system, can be combined to provide viable measurements of both biosensors and cells, enabling collection of data in environments and with timescales not previously achievable.
Identification of MHC Class II and TCR Binding Residues in the Type II Collagen Immunodominant Determinant Mediating Collagen-Induced Arthritis☆

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), an autoimmune arthritis model, is elicited by the immunization of genetically susceptible strains of mice with type II collagen (CII). We have analyzed the molecular interactions that occur during the presentation of the immunodominant determinant within CII(257-270) by the murine class II susceptibility allele, I.Aq. Utilizing a soluble I-A binding assay and clonally distinct CII-specific T cells, we have identified the residues that control the ability of the CII(257-270) peptide to bind to I-Aq and those that interact with the TCR. In competitive binding assays with a panel of analog peptides, only two residues within CII(257-270) were found to participate in the binding of this peptide to I-Aq, residues 260 (Ile) and 263 (Phe). When these substitutions were combined into a single peptide, no binding of the peptide to I-Aq could be detected. Although no other substitutions decreased the binding affinity of the peptides, substitution of several amino acid residues lying outside of the determinant core increased the peptide's affinity for I-Aq and in some instances greatly enhanced the potency of the peptide in stimulating T cells. In antigen presentation assays, clonotypic variation in the recognition of several analog peptides indicated that residues 261, 262, 264, 266, and 267 are likely TCR contact sites. Since residue 266 interacts with the TCR and is the only residue in this determinant that differs between chick/bovine CII and mouse CII, these data indicate that immunity to the autoantigen may play a role in this model.
Nonlinear organic photoemitters: Their properties and possible applications in electron microscopy

Abstract This paper describes recent measurements of the emission characteristics of laser-driven photoelectric thin films and their potential uses in microscopy. Preparation of organic film photocathodes on doped silicon and copper substrates is described. Kinetic energy spreads of photoelectrons from these emitters have been measured as a function of current density, film thickness, substrate type and laser wavelenght. It appears that film thickness and smoothness have little effect on the energy distribution, but the energy spread does increase at high current densities, probably because of space charge, and reducing the illuminating wavelenght from 337 to 266 nm causes a significant increase in energy spread. With pulsed laser illumination, the emission current can be increased by selecting a thickness which exploits an optical standing wave resonance made possible by the substrate reflectance. The current densities obtained with these cathodes are compared to values desired for applications in microscopy, and comparison is also made to other choices of photoemitters and laser illuminators. Performance limitations imposed by heating of the films and by space charge are discussed.
Divalent metal ion-peptide interactions probed by electron capture dissociation of trications.

Electron capture dissociation (ECD) of the peptide Substance P (SubP) complexed with divalent metals has been investigated. ECD of [SubP+H+M]3+ (M2+=Mg2+-Ba2+ and Mn2+-Zn2+) allowed observation of a larger number of product ions than previous investigations of doubly charged metal-containing peptides. ECD of Mg-Ba, Mn, Fe, and Zn-containing complexes resulted in product ions with and without the metal from cleavage of backbone amine bonds (c′ and z·-type ions). By contrast, ECD of Co and Ni-containing complexes yielded major bond cleavages within the C-terminal methionine residue (likely to be the metal ion binding site). Cu-containing complexes displayed yet another behavior: amide bond cleavage (b and y′-type ions). We believe some results can be rationalized both within the hot hydrogen atom mechanism and mechanisms involving electron capture into excited states, such as the recently proposed amide superbase mechanism. However, some behavior, including formation of (cn′M-H)+ ions for Ca-Ba, is best explained within the latter mechanisms with initial electron capture at the metal. In addition, the ECD behavior appears to correlate with the metal second ionization energy (IE2). Co and Ni (displaying sequestered fragmentation) have IE2s of 17.1 and 18.2 eV, respectively, whereas IE2s for Mg-Ba, Mn, and Fe (yielding random cleavage) are 10.0 to 16.2 eV. This behavior is difficult to explain within the hot hydrogen atom mechanism because hydrogen transfer should not be influenced by IE2s. However, the drastically different fragmentation patterns for Co, Ni, and Cu compared to the other metals can also be explained by their higher propensity for nitrogen (as opposed to oxygen) binding. Nevertheless, these results imply that directed fragmentation can be accomplished via careful selection of the cationizing agent.
The Boone-Higman theorem and the conjugacy problem

In their paper they ask whether or not the decidability of other group theoretic decision problems such as the order problem1 or the conjugacy problem2 could be similarly characterized in purely algebraic terms. In this paper we answer their question in the affirmative, for both of these decision problems as well as for several other interesting problems such as the power problem3 and the Magnus problem *. The characterizations given below are all of the form: The decision problem P is solvable for a given finitely generated group G if and only if there exist embeddings G -+Y Y --+J K where 9 is simple and K is finitely presented, where the embedding ay of G into K satisfies some further purely algebraic condition which depends on P. We also give analogs of these results for semigroups.
KETENE FORMATION IN INTERSTELLAR ICES: A LABORATORY STUDY

The formation of ketene (H2CCO, ethenone) in polar and apolar ices was studied with in situ 0.8 MeV proton irradiation, far-UVphotolysis, and infrared spectroscopic analyses at 10-20 K. Using isotopically enriched reagents, unequivocal evidencewas obtained for ketene synthesis in H2O-rich and CO2-rich ices, and several reaction products were identified. Results from scavenging experiments suggested that ketene was formed by free-radical pathways, as opposed to acid-base processes or redox reactions. Finally, we use our results to draw conclusions about the formation and stability of ketene in the interstellar medium.
Degossypolized Cottonseed Meal for Turkey Rations

ABSTRACT ALTHOUGH gossypol toxicity has been considered to be the main factor responsible for the poor feeding value of cottonseed meal for poultry and swine rations, results from tests conducted at several laboratories in the past few years indicate that gossypol is not the only factor responsible for the poor feeding value of cottonseed meal. Eagle and Donald (1957), using the rat and chick as test animals in studies involving twenty-four different cottonseed meals, found that the analyzed gossypol content (free, bound or total) was not a reliable guide for predicting nutritive value. Not only did the feeding value vary with different processing methods but even a given method of processing was found to yield meals of greatly different feeding values. Naber and Morgan (1957) reported data which indicate that the high fiber content of cottonseed meal is at least partly responsible for its poor feeding value. It is well known . . .
Whistler anisotropy instability: Spectral transfer in a three‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulation

A three-dimensional (3-D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation of the whistler anisotropy instability is carried out for a collisionless, homogeneous, magnetized plasma with βe=0.10. This is the first 3-D PIC simulation of the evolution of enchanced fluctuations from this growing mode driven by an anisotropic electron velocity distribution with T⟂e/T∥e>1 where ⟂ and ∥ represent directions perpendicular and parallel to the background magnetic field Bo, respectively. The early-time magnetic fluctuation spectrum grows with properties reflecting the predictions of linear theory with narrowband maxima at kc/ωe≃ 1 and k×Bo=0, and a wave vector anisotropy in the sense of k⟂ >k∥. The inverse transfer is consistent with a prediction of nonlinear three-wave coupling theory.
Endocrine cells of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium

Among the epithelial elements of the pulmonary airways are cells with features suggestive of endocrine function. Although these cells share a number of properties with the intestinal endocrine (argentaffine) cells, peptide hormones analogous to the multitude of those present in the gastrointestinal tract have yet to be identified in the lung. The oat cell carcinoma, which arises from this cell type, is of importance clinically, yet investigations into the basic properties and functions of this cell have been difficult and sparse, in part due to a lack of appreciation of the problem.
Semantic boundaries in the Lexicon: Examples from Jamaican Patois

Abstract Few studies have explored the psycholinguistic status of words in phonologically and semantically similar languages. Jamaican Patois and Standard English are examples of this type of linguistic relationship. In this study, we explored bilingualism with these two languages to gain insight into the semantic lexicon. The experiment investigated whether there is extinction, replacement, or extension of the Patois meanings with linguistically shared words. Words in Jamaican Patois and Standard English that are phonologically similar (e.g., [saelaed] and [saeled] for salad), but semantically different (Patois-tomato; Standard English—mixture of vegetables or fruit), were examined. Twenty adult bilingual speakers served as subjects. There were two tasks involved in the study. In the production task, subjects were given a target word, and were asked to give definitions. In the comprehension task, subjects were asked to point to photographs that indicated the meaning of target words. The Patois responses for each item were classified according to whether they were the only response, first response, comprehended, or produced. We also looked for patterns of responses by social groups (educational, age, and duration of time since immigration) and by grammatical class membership of the stimuli (noun, verb, adjective). Patois meanings were still present for these speakers but retention was strongly influenced by the grammatical class membership of the target words. The results suggest modification of the compound (one dependent lexicon) and coordinate (two independent lexicons) categorization model of the lexicon of bilinguals. Examining semantic boundaries of words may be a more appropriate model for understanding the lexical performance of bilinguals of similar languages.
N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) Promote Growth and Inhibit Differentiation of Glioma Stem-like Cells

Metabolic reprogramming is a pathological feature of cancer and a driver of tumor cell transformation. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is one of the most abundant amino acid derivatives in the brain and serves as a source of metabolic acetate for oligodendrocyte myelination and protein/histone acetylation or a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). NAA and NAAG as well as aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA degradation, are significantly reduced in glioma tumors, suggesting a possible role for decreased acetate metabolism in tumorigenesis. This study sought to examine the effects of NAA and NAAG on primary tumor-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) from oligodendroglioma as well as proneural and mesenchymal glioblastoma, relative to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (Oli-Neu). Although the NAA dicarboxylate transporter NaDC3 is primarily thought to be expressed by astrocytes, all cell lines expressed NaDC3 and, thus, are capable of NAA up-take. Treatment with NAA or NAAG significantly increased GSC growth and suppressed differentiation of Oli-Neu cells and proneural GSCs. Interestingly, ASPA was expressed in both the cytosol and nuclei of GSCs and exhibited greatest nuclear immunoreactivity in differentiation-resistant GSCs. Both NAA and NAAG elicited the expression of a novel immunoreactive ASPA species in select GSC nuclei, suggesting differential ASPA regulation in response to these metabolites. Therefore, this study highlights a potential role for nuclear ASPA expression in GSC malignancy and suggests that the use of NAA or NAAG is not an appropriate therapeutic approach to increase acetate bioavailability in glioma. Thus, an alternative acetate source is required.
Maximum ration of four algal diets for the oyster Crassostrea virginica Gmelin

Abstract The rate of removal of four species of alga from suspension by the oyster Crassostrea virginica was determined. The number of cells removed per hour depended upon the size of algal cells, but the total dry weight of algal material removed over 24 h was independent of size. Filtration rate was dependent upon the density of the algal suspension, and large quantities of pseudofeces were produced by oysters filtering algae from suspensions denser than 10 μg/ml. Oysters showed periods of high filtering activity and periods of relative quiescence during experimental trials of 24 h duration. Based on the periodic filtering activity of the oysters, a discontinuous feeding regime is proposed along with an equation predicting the maximum daily ration of oysters of various sizes.
Flavobacterium meningosepticum Meningitis: Report of Selected Aspects

Two patients developed meningitis due to Flavobacterium meningosepticum . Because of resistance to most available antimicrobial agents, intravenous and intraventricular erythromycin was administered to one patient. Subsequent development of resistance to erythromycin prompted the use of intravenous and intraventricular rifamycin, which eventually resulted in cure. Diagnosis of F. meningosepticum meningitis in the second patient was delayed, and appropriate therapy was not administered until 4 days prior to the patient9s death. Of 82 previously published cases, only 4 occurred in adults. Therapy of meningitis due to this organism has been a difficult problem, and we suggest possible modes of therapy, based on our experience and a review of the literature.
A role for calcium in radiocontrast-induced reductions in renal hemodynamics

Intrarenal administration of radiocontrast medium yields a prolonged vasoconstrictive response and reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [1—31. This vasoconstrictor response is unique to the kidney and follows an initial vasodilation characteristic of the vascular response in other vascular beds during radiocontrast medium administration [4—6]. The mechanism which mediates the reduction in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration response to radiocontrast medium remains obscure. Efforts to effectively abolish this vasoconstrictor response with aipha-adrenoreceptor antagonists [2], angiotensin II blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [7] have proven unsuccessful. Recent studies demonstrate the importance of extracellular calcium ion as a modulator of RBF and GFR during infusion of vasoconstrictor substances [8—12]. These studies document that infusion of calcium entry blockers results in intrarenal vasodilation and preservation of renal function during administration of vasoconstrictor stimuli. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that extracellular calcium is important in mediating radiocontrast medium associated reductions in RBF and GFR. Secondly, maneuvers which reduce calcium entry into the intracellular environment or reduce the availability of extracellular calcium will attenuate the renal hemodynamic response to radiocontrast medium administration. Methods. Adult mongrel dogs of either sex, each weighing 15 to 25 kg, were fed an 80 mEq/day sodium, nonwater-restricted diet for a period of 1 week prior to the study. The animals were deprived of food and water overnight. The animals were anesthetized with intravenous sodium pentobarbital (30 mg/kg), intubated, and ventilated by a fixed volume positive pressure respirator on room air. Cannulas were placed in the femoral artery for blood pressure recording and blood sampling in the femoral vein for inulin infusion, and in the left ureter for urine sampling. Inulin (12.5 g/liter) diluted in isotonic saline was infused into the femoral vein at a rate of I mi/mm and was continued throughout the experiment. Glomerular filtration rate was determined by inulin clearance (C1) according to the formula: (U/P)1 x V, where (U/P)1 is the ratio of urine to plasma inulin concentration and V is urinary flow rate. A single kidney and renal artery were exposed and isolated through a retroperitoneal flank incision; the dogs were placed in dorsal suspension. An electromagnetic flow probe (Micron Instruments, Inc., Los Angeles, California, USA) was then placed around the renal artery for determination of RBF. At approximately 1 hr after completion of the surgery, two 20-gauge
Systematic recursion removal

The recursion removal algorithm presented by Strong and Walker is amplified and applied to a relatively complex PL/I program. The aim is to demonstrate systematic recursion-removal techniques on something more complex than Knuth's “sturdy toddler” and to obtain measurements of the cost of procedure linkage in PL/I and the savings achievable via procedure integration in the presence of recursion. First, the paper describes the recursion-removal process and the example on which it will be illustrated. Recursion removal is then applied to the two major parts of this example and the final result of the process is displayed. Our performance comparison results are presented, and our conclusions are briefly discussed
Cardiovascular responses to microinjection of nociceptin and endomorphin-1 into the nucleus tractus solitarii in conscious rats

Increasing evidence suggests an active participation of nociceptinergic transmission in the central control of cardiovascular activity and reflex. In this study, the role of the classic opioid mu receptor and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor, a novel opioid receptor, in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in the regulation of cardiovascular activity was investigated and compared in chronically cannulated and freely moving conscious rats. Microinjections of nociceptin, an endogenous ligand for the nociceptin receptor, into the relatively rostral NTS produced dose-related (0.04, 0.2, and 1 nmol) increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Intra-NTS injection of the selective nociceptin receptor antagonist [Nphe(1)]Nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) (NOR-AN) at 1 nmol blocked the increases in blood pressure and heart rate induced by nociceptin. In contrast, pretreatment with the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (5 nmol) had no effects on the cardiovascular responses to nociceptin. Like nociceptin, microinjection of endomorphin-1 (EM-1), an endogenous ligand for the opioid mu receptor, into the rostral NTS increased blood pressure and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner (0.04, 0.2, and 1 nmol). Pretreatment with naloxone (5 nmol), but not NOR-AN, blocked cardiovascular responses elicited by EM-1. Neither NOR-AN nor naloxone alone had significant effects on the baseline blood pressure and heart rate. Injection of excitatory amino acid l-glutamate (1 nmol) into the same sites caused the typical depressor and bradycardic responses. In the caudal NTS areas, nociceptin and EM-1 seemed to induce opposite responses: hypotension and bradycardia. These results suggest that the novel nociceptin receptors and traditional opioid receptors in the NTS may be independently involved in the regulation of cardiovascular activity.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing Associated With Long-term Opioid Therapy*

Three patients are described who illustrate distinctive patterns of sleep-disordered breathing that we have observed in patients who are receiving long-term, sustained-release opioid medications. Polysomnography shows respiratory disturbances occur predominantly during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and are characterized by ataxic breathing, central apneas, sustained hypoxemia, and unusually prolonged obstructive "hypopneas" secondary to delayed arousal responses. In contrast to what is usually observed in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oxygen desaturation is more severe and respiratory disturbances are longer during NREM sleep compared to rapid eye movement sleep. Further studies are needed regarding the effects of opioids on respiration during sleep as well as the importance of interaction with other medications and associated risk factors for OSA.
Low-power 808-nm laser irradiation inhibits cell proliferation of a human-derived glioblastoma cell line in vitro

It has been reported that low-power laser irradiation (LLI) can modulate various biological processes including cell proliferation. Some reports suggest that LLI interferes with the cell cycle and inhibits cell proliferation, while others suggest that LLI has a stimulatory effect. Mechanisms underlying the effects of LLI remain unclear. Since the effects of LLI on cancer cells are not well understood, with the aim of developing an LLI therapy for malignant glioblastoma, we investigated the effects of LLI on the cell proliferation of the human-derived glioblastoma cell line A-172. Glioblastoma cell cultures were irradiated with a diode laser at a wavelength of 808 nm and the effects on cell viability and proliferation were examined. Cell counting at 24 and 48 h after irradiation showed that LLI (at 18, 36 and 54 J/cm2) suppressed proliferation of A-172 cells in a fluence-dependent manner (irradiation for 20, 40 and 60 min). A reduction in the number of viable cells was also demonstrated by a fluorescent marker for viable cells, calcein acetoxymethylester (calcein-AM). The reduction in cell viability was not associated with morphological changes in the cells or with necrotic cell death as demonstrated by propidium iodide staining. LLI also had little effect on cell proliferation as shown by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine staining. We discuss possible mechanisms underlying the suppressive effect of 808-nm LLI on the viability of human-derived glioblastoma A-172 cells.
Sensory Evaluation of a Wine's Quality in the Preparation of a Reduction: A Subjective and Objective Study

This research project focuses on utilizing objective and subjective techniques to determine whether differences in the quality of a wine used in a standard reduction is perceptibly noticeable. The results show that a difference can be detected between the two wine reductions and that the softer and less expensive wine was preferred. This research will help professional chefs understand whether the investment in higher quality wines for cooking has any effect on the overall quality or perception of quality of the final product.
Formation of an extracellular energy reserve by Cellulomonas flavigena strain KU

Conditions of growth are described which lead to the formation of a dense capsule aboutCellulomonas flavigena and provide data which suggest that, although accumulated as an extracellular structure, it may function as an energy reserve. The capsule is formed when the bacteria are cultured in a minimal medium containing an excess of one of several carbohydrates. The bacterial cells which are encapsulated are also densely aggregated. The capsule is not formed and the cells are not aggregated when the bacteria are cultured in complex growth media. The transfer of aggregated cells to a medium devoid of carbon and energy source results in disappearance of the capsule and disaggregation of the cells.
The role of the saccade target object in the perception of a visually stable world.

Although the proximal stimulus shifts position on our retinae with each saccade, we perceive our world as stable and continuous. Most theories of visual stability implicitly assume a mechanism that spatially adjusts perceived locations associated with the retinal array by using, as a parameter,extraretinal eye position information, a signal that encodes the size and direction of the saccade. The results from the experiment reported in this article challenge this idea. During a participant’s saccade to a target object, one of the following was displaced:the entire scene, the target object, or the background behind the target object. Participants detected the displacement of the target object twice as frequently as the displacement of the entire background. The direction of displacement relative to the saccade also affected detectability. We use a new theory, the saccade target theory (McConkie & Currie, 1996), to interpret these results. This theory proposes that retinal (as opposed to extra-retinal) factors, primarily those concerning the saccade target object, are critical for the detection of intrasaccadic stimulus shifts.
Guided Bone Regeneration Using Injectable Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Delivery Gel

Background: Vascularization underlies the success of guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures. This study evaluates the regenerative potential of GBR in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) delivery via an injectable hydrogel system.Methods: Critical-sized defects were created in rat calvariae, and GBR procedures were performed with a collagen membrane alone (control), or plus bolus delivery of VEGF, or plus application of VEGF-releasing hydrogels (VEGF–Alg). Four and 8 weeks after treatment, defect sites were evaluated with microcomputed tomographic and histomorphometric analyses for blood vessel and bone formation.Results: At 4 weeks, relative to the control condition, the bolus addition of VEGF did not affect blood vessel density within the defect site, yet the application of VEGF–Alg significantly (P <0.05) increased blood vessel density. Although there was no difference in bone regeneration at 4 weeks, at 8 weeks there was a significant (P <0.05) increase in bone regeneration i...
Race, Religiosity, and the Women's Vote

Abstract Much of our popular political discourse focuses on the Democratic character of the women's vote, but there is, in fact, considerable diversity among female voters. Important sectors of the female electorate have political concerns that are at odds with the Democratic Party, though they hold these preferences less strongly than do men. This article focuses on these differences between women and links them to electoral behavior in the 1996 presidential election. I argue that women, like men, cast their vote with the party that best represents their interests, as they understand them. African American women overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party in 1996, which is consistent with theories of racial group interests, but white women diverge politically. The main finding of this research is that religious values play a central role in white women's voting behavior, even after taking into account ideological and partisan predispositions. We see this result, I argue, because religious and secular w...
Infant Formula Quiets Crying Human Newborns

Milk (Similac), sucrose (12% wt/vol), or water were delivered to crying normal newborns once per minute for 5 minutes, in a volume of 0.1 mL/delivery. Milk and sucrose markedly reduced infant crying, and this calm persisted during the 3 minutes after substance delivery. Infants who received water were only marginally quieted, and this calm did not persist. Despite quieting agitated infants, milk did not cause them to bring their hands to their mouths during the period of milk treatment, whereas infants who received sucrose did bring their hands to their mouths. These data demonstrate that milk effectively quiets human newborns, that its quieting effects endure, and that the mechanisms that quiet and that underlie hand-in-mouth engagement are separable and independent.
Synthesis of (+)-dihydrocompactin and (+)-compactin via vinylsilane terminated cationic cyclization

Abstract Two enantioselective routes to the octalin diol 1 are described, featuring cationic polyene cyclization mediated by a vinylsilane terminating group and a benzenedimethanol acetal initiator. Further transformations resulting in formal and total syntheses of (+)-compactin and (+)-dihydrocompactin, respectively, are also reported.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction: Important diagnostic clue provided by the direction of the mitral regurgitation jet

Abstract We present an unusual case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated by mitral regurgitation resulting from chordal rupture with flail posterior mitral leaflet. The diagnosis was suggested by the presence of an anteriorly directed mitral regurgitation jet on transthoracic color flow imaging, in addition to the typical posterolateral-lateral jet caused by systolic anterior mitral motion. The flail posterior leaflet was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, and the patient underwent mitral valve repair in addition to myectomy. This combination of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and flail mitral leaflet usually requires surgical intervention, and prompt diagnosis is important. The presence of an anteriorly directed mitral regurgitant jet should always raise suspicion of posterior mitral leaflet abnormality. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1998;11:61-5.)
Secondary preventive medication persistence and adherence 1 year after stroke

Objective Data on long-term use of secondary prevention medications following stroke are limited. The Adherence eValuation After Ischemic stroke-Longitudinal (AVAIL) Registry assessed patient, provider, and system-level factors influencing continuation of prevention medications for 1 year following stroke hospitalization discharge. Methods Patients with ischemic stroke or TIA discharged from 106 hospitals participating in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program were surveyed to determine their use of warfarin, antiplatelet, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and diabetes medications from discharge to 12 months. Reasons for stopping medications were ascertained. Persistence was defined as continuation of all secondary preventive medications prescribed at hospital discharge, and adherence as continuation of prescribed medications except those stopped according to health care provider instructions. Results Of the 2,880 patients enrolled in AVAIL, 88.4% (2,457 patients) completed 1-year interviews. Of these, 65.9% were regimen persistent and 86.6% were regimen adherent. Independent predictors of 1-year medication persistence included fewer medications prescribed at discharge, having an adequate income, having an appointment with a primary care provider, and greater understanding of why medications were prescribed and their side effects. Independent predictors of adherence were similar to those for persistence. Conclusions Although up to one-third of stroke patients discontinued one or more secondary prevention medications within 1 year of hospital discharge, self-discontinuation of these medications is uncommon. Several potentially modifiable patient, provider, and system-level factors associated with persistence and adherence may be targets for future interventions.
Redox Metals in Alzheimer's Disease

Redox metals in the brain play many important roles in maintenance of cellular function. The maintenance of their homeostasis is of paramount importance to a number of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Iron, copper, and zinc are metals of special interest in the pathogenesis of these disorders. This review will focus primarily on iron.
Seeing What We Know, Knowing What We See: Challenging the Limits of Visual Acuity

Ageism has resulted in overstated expectations regarding the inevitable deterioration in human capabilities, such as visual perception, with age (Rowe and Kahn in Science, 237, 143–149, 1987; Grant in Health and Social Work, 21, 9–15, 1996). Human visual perception, however, is of a largely constructive nature, evidenced in the complementary interactions between top-down inputs (e.g., expectations) and bottom-up stimuli (Engel et al. in National Review of Neuroscience, 2(10), 704–716, 2001; Miller and Cohen in, Annual Review of Neuroscience, 24, 167-202, 2001). Based on this constructive nature, we hypothesized that visual perception may be better than is typically expected. In three experiments, we demonstrated the malleability of visual acuity using a conditioning procedure involving manipulations in bottom-up stimuli. Experimental groups read a book excerpt with one letter in decreased font size, while the control groups read the same book excerpt with all letters in the same font size. Experiment 1 (N = 112) examined whether visual acuity could be enhanced for a specific letter. Experiment 2 (N = 70) assessed whether visual acuity could be enhanced for a non-conditioned letter, while Experiment 3 (N = 108) evaluated whether the visual conditioning effects would transfer to all non-conditioned letters. Visual acuity for experimental groups was significantly better than that in the control groups, speaking to the general malleability of our visual sense.