cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecto-Enzymes of the Guinea Pig Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte: I. EVIDENCE FOR AN ECTO-ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATASE, -ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE, AND -p-NITROPHENYL PHOSPHATASE

A suspension of intact guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes hydrolyzed added ATP, AMP, and p-nitrophenyl phosphate under physiologically appropriate conditions. These enzymatic activities were not due to artifacts such as breakage of the cells during the incubation period. It thus seemed possible that the hydrolyses were being catalyzed by ecto-enzymes, i.e. enzymes on the plasma membrane with their active sites facing the external medium. Three types of experiment were designed to test this hypothesis. First, the activities of intact cells were compared to those of homogenates, sonicates, and cells treated with detergent. Disruption of cells resulted in an approximately 2-fold increase in maximal ATPase and p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activities, suggesting that the plasma membrane was acting as a permeability barrier to the substrates involved. Disruption did not increase AMPase activity, leaving open the possibility that an ecto-enzyme is the only protein in polymorphonuclear leukocytes capable of hydrolyzing AMP. Second, the products of ATPase, AMPase, and p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activities of intact cells were localized by using radioactively labeled substrates. The concentration of inorganic phosphate produced by these reactions was 18 to 100 times greater in the extracellular medium than in the intracellular milieu. This suggests that the substrates are cleaved outside the cells, or that they are cleaved inside and the products are transported out. The latter possibility was militated against by the following experiment. Cells were loaded with inorganic [33P]phosphate, then allowed to hydrolyze substrates labeled with 32P. The distributions of the two isotopes were compared. Almost all of the inorganic [32P]phosphate was found outside of the cells, while 90% of the inorganic [33P]phosphate remained inside. Third, the cells were treated with the diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid, a reagent known not to penetrate into intact erythrocytes. This treatment rapidly and dramatically inhibited the intact-cell ATPase, AMPase, and p-nitrophenyl phosphatase, while lactate dehydrogenase, a soluble cytoplasmic enzyme, was unaffected. Control experiments demonstrated that in sonicates lactate dehydrogenase was as susceptible to inhibition by the diazonium salt as were the other three activities.
Defining International Law Librarianship in an Age of Multiplicity, Knowledge, and Open Access to Law

Many law librarians are experts in international law and legal research. The concept of ‘international law librarianship,’ however, encompasses something more than a field of study in which a group of experts practice their profession. In the broader sense, the idea suggests a common calling, similar interests, and goals shared by librarians with a range of specialties beyond international law, working in all types of law libraries. What commonalities create and sustain the concept of international law librarianship? This paper suggests that they can be found in: law librarians’ common need to respond to the ‘multiplicity’ of information sources facing twenty-first century legal researchers; the development and nurturing of a shared base of professional knowledge; and a common commitment to work toward ensuring free and open access to legal information globally.
Fibroid morcellation: a shared clinical decision tool for mode of hysterectomy

Abstract Objective To compare risks and benefits of laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation versus abdominal hysterectomy without morcellation for large fibroids. Study design We developed a shared clinical decision tool to communicate risks and benefits of laparoscopic versus abdominal hysterectomy to patients with large fibroids as mandated by the FDA. The decision tool was designed to serve as a framework for providers to counsel patients about mode of hysterectomy to facilitate shared decision-making between patient and provider. Risks and benefits were estimated from the literature, including surgical complications (venous thromboembolism, small bowel obstruction, adhesions, hernia, surgical site infections, and transfusions), uterine sarcoma risks, and quality-of-life endpoints. The shared clinical decision tool was applied to a hypothetical population of 20,000 patients with large uterine fibroids, of which 10,000 underwent laparoscopic hysterectomies and 10,000 had abdominal hysterectomies. Results Abdominal hysterectomy would result in 50.1% more adhesions, 10.7% more hernias, 4.8% more surgical site infections, 2.8% more bowel obstructions, and 2% more venous thromboembolisms compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy would also result in longer hospital stays (2 days), slower return to work (13.6 days), greater postoperative day 3 narcotic requirements (48%), and lower SF-36 quality-of-life scores (50.4 points lower). 0.28% of fibroid hysterectomy patients would have unsuspected uterine sarcomas. Among these patients, laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation would have a 27% reduction in 5-year overall survival rates and a 28.8 month shorter recurrence-free survival period. Conclusion Some evidence suggests laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation may result in increased risk of cancer dissemination with worse survival outcomes among uterine sarcoma patients compared to abdominal hysterectomy without morcellation, however, the current data is limited and the exact risks associated specifically with electromechanical morcellation are not conclusive. Data also supports abdominal hysterectomy would lead to a net detriment in other outcomes, with greater risks of venous thromboembolism, obstruction, hernia, adhesions, infection, and blood loss compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy. This shared clinical decision tool may aid the patient and physician in determining an optimal mode of hysterectomy for large uterine fibroids while taking account of risks and benefits as mandated by the FDA.
Regulation of Proteases after Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Spinal cord injury is a major medical problem worldwide. Unfortunately, we still do not have suitable therapeutic agents for the treatment of spinal cord injury and prevention of its devastating consequences. Scientists and physicians are baffled by the challenges of controlling progressive neurodegeneration in spinal cord injury, which has not been healed with any currently-available treatments. Although extensive work has been carried out to better understand the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, our current understanding of the repair mechanisms of secondary injury processes is still meager. Several investigators reported the crucial role played by various proteases after spinal cord injury. Understanding the beneficial and harmful roles these proteases play after spinal cord injury will allow scientists to plan and design appropriate treatment strategies to improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury. This review will focus on various proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases,...
Child Involvement in Interparental Conflict and Child Adjustment Problems: A Longitudinal Study of Violent Families

This study examined whether child involvement in interparental conflict predicts child externalizing and internalizing problems in violent families. Participants were 119 families (mothers and children) recruited from domestic violence shelters. One child between the ages of 7 and 10 years in each family (50 female, 69 male) completed measures of involvement in their parents’ conflicts, externalizing problems, and internalizing problems. Mothers completed measures of child externalizing and internalizing problems, and physical intimate partner violence. Measures were completed at three assessments, spaced 6 months apart. Results indicated that children’s involvement in their parents’ conflicts was positively associated with child adjustment problems. These associations emerged in between-subjects and within-subjects analyses, and for child externalizing as well as internalizing problems, even after controlling for the influence of physical intimate partner violence. In addition, child involvement in parental conflicts predicted later child reports of externalizing problems, but child reports of externalizing problems did not predict later involvement in parental conflicts. These findings highlight the importance of considering children’s involvement in their parents’ conflicts in theory and clinical work pertaining to high-conflict families.
Sighting of El Chichon sulfur dioxide clouds with the Nimbus 7 total ozone mapping spectrometer

The eruptions of El Chichon volcano on 28 March and 3 and 4 April 1982 were observed by the Nimbus 7 total ozone mapping spectrometer due to strong absorption by volcanic gases at the shortest wavelengths of the spectrometer (312.5 and 317.5 nanometers). These ultraviolet pictures permit a measurement of the volume, dispersion, and drift of volcanic gas clouds. The tropospheric clouds were rapidly dispersed in westerly winds while persistent stratospheric clouds drifted in easterly winds at speeds up to 13 meters per second. The spectral reflectance is consistent with sulfur dioxide absorption and rules out carbon disulfide as a major constituent. A preliminary estimate of the mass of sulfur dioxide deposited in the stratosphere by the large eruptions on 3 and 4 April is 3.3 x 10(6) tons. Prior estimates of volcanic cloud volume were based on extrapolation of locally measured sulfur dioxide concentrations.
Major birth defects in infants with birth weight 501 to 1500 grams † 367

Birth defects (BD) are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. We analyzed data from the Vermont Oxford Network from 1994 and 1995 to determine the spectrum of serious BD and their impact on mortality and hospital days in infants with a birth weight of 501to 1500 grams. This Database includes infants 501to 1500 grams born at or referred to participating hospitals within 28 days of birth. BD were reported if they belonged to a list of 40 pre-defined major BD or if they were considered lethal or life-threatening. The length of stay (LOS) was the sum of the stay at all hospitals before the first discharge home.
Polyimide-etalon all-optical ultrasound transducer for high frequency applications

ABSTRACT We have enhanced our design for an all-optical high frequency ultrasound transducer consisting of a UV-absorbing polyimide film integrated into an etalon receiver operating in the NIR range. A dielectric stack having high NIR reflectivity and high UV transmittance was chosen as the first mirror for increased sensitivity and the allowance of polyimide as the etal on medium. A 13 ns, 0.7 µJ optical pulse at 355 nm and a continuous-wave NIR laser were focused onto the structure with a spot diameter of 120 and 35 µm, respectively. In receive mode the etalon had a noise-equi valent pressure of 4.1 kPa over a bandwidth of 5  50 MHz (0.61 Pa Hz ). The device generated a pressure of 270 kPa at a depth of 200 µm, and the -3 dB bandwidth of the emission extended from 27 to 60 MHz. In transmit/receive mode, the pulse-echo had a center frequency of 35 MHz with a -6 dB bandwidth of 49 MHz (140 %). Lastly, wire targets were imaged by scanning the UV spot to create a synthetic aperture of transmitters centered upon a single receiver. Keywords: Fabry-Perot, etalon, thermo elastic, photoacoustic, ultrasound 1. INTRODUCTION T
Shining the Light From the Inside: Access Professionals’ Perceptions of Government Transparency

Government transparency is often cited as the stimulus for a stronger democracy by allowing citizens to direct their government representatives to serve as they wish. Research has shown, however, that government information is not always as open and accessible as the law requires. Furthermore, the relationship between those who seek access and those who provide it can be adversarial. This mixed-method study uses a survey and long interviews to explore how access professionals – those charged with granting or denying access to government information – perceive transparency. The results show that while access professionals strongly support the philosophical underpinnings of transparency, they do not apply that same appreciation to citizens who seek access to information. The article concludes by suggesting ways to improve the adversarial relationship between records custodian and requesters.
New Perspectives on the Historical Significance of the “Year of the Turk”*

The complex of events linked to the second Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683 often has been characterized as a turning point in East Central, indeed even European history, an argument which probably can be disputed only on semantic or philosophical grounds. For example, the late Hugo Hantsch once stated in private conversation that he firmly believed that the abortive Ottoman assault upon Austria's capital fundamentally determined the future of the Habsburg empire. Assuming that this judgment is valid, the purpose here is to refine, extend—and correct a bit—certain conclusions drawn in two earlier books, one in English and the other in German, concerning the subject in question. These observations are occasioned by the avalanche of writings evoked by the tercentennial celebration of the sieges in Vienna and elsewhere and by personal discussions of the author with the Hungarian historians, Laszlo Benczedi and Geza Perjes. It is convenient to treat the topic under three headings: the antecedents of the Ottoman offensive, the significance of the events per se, including the delicate question of Polish participation, and the consequences of the allied victory and the subsequent campaigns in Hungary.
Decomposition of acetic acid monomer, acetic acid dimer, and acetic anhydride on Ni(111)

Abstract The decomposition of acetic acid monomer, acetic acid dimer, and acetic anhydride on Ni(111) were examined by TPD and AES. The monomer decomposed by dehydrogenation to adsorbed acetate; the acetate subsequently decomposed to CO2, H2, and adsorbed carbon and oxygen. The dimer decomposed by dehydration to adsorbed acetate, adsorbed methyl, and adsorbed CO. The adsorbed methyl group decomposed to H2 and adsorbed carbon; the acetate decomposed by the same route as for the monomer though the decomposition kinetics were influenced by the adsorbed CO. Acetic anhydride decomposed at 300 K, with adsorbed acetate, CO, and some methyl groups remaining on the surface. These adsorbates then decomposed to the same products observed for acetic acid dimer. The results show that acetic acid derivatives react by the same mechanism as formic acid derivatives.
Central swath mapping by a future satellite-borne fan-beam microwave scatterometer for inferring global ocean wind fields

The SeaSat-A satellite scatterometer is a microwave sensor designed to provide a capability for mapping the global ocean surface wind speed and direction. Four fan beams whose major axes are oriented at \pm45 and \pm135\deg to the flight vector cover a swath width of 1900 km, but a central region remains that is inadequately mapped. In this paper, two additional fan beams are suggested for a future scatterometer that provide a more complete coverage of the central region.
Finite-Amplitude Baroclinic Waves

Abstract A theory is presented for the finite-amplitude behavior of unstable baroclinic waves in a quasi-geostrophic two-layer model. It is shown that in the absence of dissipation the equilibrated finite-amplitude state exhibits an oscillation, both of the mean flow and the baroclinic wave. On the other hand, if sufficient dissipation is present, the final state is a wave whose amplitude is steady and the approach to that state is non-oscillatory.
B6 vitamers: cation exchange HPLC.

B 6 vitamers are extracted with trichloroacetic acid (from plasma, serum, erythrocyte, urine, or solid samples such as animal tissues) and quantitated using ternary gradient cation-exchange liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Fluorescence of pyridoxal and pyridoxal phosphate is enhanced through addition of a post-column buffer containing bisulfite.
The synthesis of composites and solid solutions of α-SiCAlN by field-activated combustion

One approach to improve the relatively low fracture toughness of SiC is to add reinforcement phases in the form of fibers, whiskers, or particles. But the residual defects in composites sintered from mixtures of such reinforcement and matrix phases causes a reduction in the strength of these composites. Another way to improve the fracture toughness of SiC is to form SiC-AlN composites in situ. The crystal structures of SiC and AlN are very similar and a complete solid solution of SiC-AlN can be formed. However, the phase diagram of the SiC-AlN system shows the existence of a miscibility gap. A solid solution of SiC-AlN will decompose into two isostructural 2H phases by annealing at temperature below about 2,100 C. SiC-AlN composites with two separate phases in a modulated structure have shown much improved fracture toughness. The possibility of synthesizing composites or solid solutions of SiC and AlN by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is an attractive energy-saving alternative. However, while the calculated adiabatic combustion temperatures (T{sub a}) of several possible synthesis routes are high, no self-propagating combustion reaction can be initiated. In previous studies it was demonstrated that the application of an electrical field activates SHS processes, and thus the formationmore » of SiC-AlN composites as a solid solution may be possible under the influence of an electric field.« less
Determination of slow motions in extensively isotopically labeled proteins by magic-angle-spinning 13C-detected 15N exchange NMR

Abstract A solid-state NMR exchange technique for detecting slow segmental dynamics in proteins is introduced. The technique exploits motion-induced incomplete refocusing of amide 15 N chemical shift anisotropy under magic angle spinning. Slow motions on the millisecond timescales are detected as reduced NMR signals. Detection of 13 C magnetization transferred from 15 N allows the identification of mobile residues with high resolution. This exchange technique is demonstrated on two proteins with opposite motional properties. Combined with extensive 13 C and 15 N labeling, this high-resolution exchange NMR technique allows for the first time the efficient determination of slow dynamics at multiple residues of proteins.
Limited Effects of Large‐Scale Riparian Restoration on Seed Banks in Agriculture

I examined the effect of riparian forest restoration on plant abundance and diversity, including weed species, on agricultural lands along the Sacramento River in California (United States). Riparian forest restoration on the Sacramento River is occurring on a large-scale, with a goal of restoring approximately 80,000 ha over 160 km of the river. In multiuse habitats, such as the Sacramento River, effects of adjoining habitat types and movement of species across these habitats can have important management implications in terms of landscape-scale patterns of species distributions. Increased numbers of pest animals and weeds on agricultural lands associated with restored habitats could have negative economic impacts, and in turn affect support for restoration of natural areas. In order to determine the distribution and abundance of weeds associated with large-scale restoration, I collected seed bank soil samples on orchards between 0 and 5.6 km from adjacent restored riparian, remnant riparian, and agricultural habitats. I determined the abundance, species richness, and dispersal mode of plant species in the seed bank and analyzed these variables in terms of adjacent habitat type and age of restored habitat. I found that agricultural weed species had higher densities at the edge of restored riparian habitat and that native plants had higher densities adjacent to remnant riparian habitat. Weed seed abundance increased significantly on walnut farms adjacent to restored habitat with time since restored. I supply strong empirical evidence that large areas of natural and restored habitats do not lead to a greater penetration of weed species into agricultural areas, but rather that weed penetration is both temporally and spatially limited.
Imagerie de la deformation des tissus biologiques par elastographie main-libre

An imaging technique of deformation under load of a biological soft tissue, from numerical processing of radiofrequency ultrasound images is presented. The 2D locally regularized estimation method determines deformation parameters as the arguments that maximize a similarity criterion between a pre-compression region and its deformed version, compensated for according to these parameters. The technique was assessed with ultrasound data acquired during freehand scanning on two dedicated elastography phantoms as well as ex vivo bovine liver samples, containing artificial lesions made with agar gel. Although the load conditions are complex, elastograms are easy to interpret, exhibiting the inclusions with sharp boundaries.
Language features for prototyping and simulation support of the software life cycle

Abstract Both rapid prototyping and discrete simulation have proven to be effective in supporting the software life cycle. It is very important that effective tools be sought for early insight and phase-by-phase analysis support, due to the increasingly-high cost of software development and maintenance. In this paper we examine abstraction mechanisms for prototyping and simulation, and present an overview of the language BPL, which has been devised to provide a joint prototyping and simulation framework, with consistent syntax and semantics, and a consistent viewpoint for conceptualizing and representing a system.
RSS-based location awareness for public safety cognitive radio

Robust and fast detection of the victim location during emergency cases such as vast area floods and other natural disasters is an important part of public safety communications. Even though cognitive radio technology is commonly related to public safety communications from the aspect of interoperability; awareness, learning, and intelligence features of cognitive radios can be beneficial for victim and first responder location estimation. Location and environment based services of cognitive radio technology can be employed to detect and locate victims even for cases in which the original core wireless communications network is down. In this paper, a location awareness approach for public safety communications is proposed. Location sensing method proposed detects wireless signals with the aid of noise floor estimation procedure and calculates their strengths in a given frequency spectrum. Simulation results indicate that less than 5% detection error rates can be achieved even for very low signal power levels which are the common cases for most uplink cellular signals in extreme cases.
Substance use disorder trajectory classes: Diachronic integration of onset age, severity, and course

Abstract Background Substance use disorders (SUDs) may be characterized by onset age, severity, substance type, course, and outcomes. SUD phenotypes in the literature typically consider each of these features in isolation. Conceptual frameworks and data collection procedures for assessing SUD phenotypes are increasingly “diachronic” in approach, providing for characterizations “throughout time”. The recent availability of statistical procedures for the identification of latent classes offers the possibility of developing SUD phenotypes integrating these developmental features. This article illustrates the utilization of SAS-TRAJ mixture modeling to characterize variations in SUD symptom trajectories to define phenotypes. Methods The subjects were 332 adult males with SUDs. Their course of symptoms from early adolescence through middle adulthood was retrospectively determined. Symptom trajectories were defined by the number of DSM-IV SUD symptoms by year of age. SAS-TRAJ mixture models identified trajectory classes. Model development, evaluation, and selection using this approach are discussed. Results Among these men with SUDs, six trajectory classes were identified, including groups characterized by early-onset and severe SUD symptoms persisting into adulthood, an early-onset group similar in adolescence but improving in adulthood, and other groups with symptoms emerging later with varying degrees of severity and persistence. The SUD trajectory classes were significantly different on comorbid psychopathology, particularly childhood disruptive behavior disorders. Conclusion The results present a new method for the comprehensive depiction of heterogeneity in SUD symptoms. Future studies may determine the extent to which SUDs phenotypes based on the course of symptom development inform etiology, prevention and treatment research.
Paraneoplastic Retinopathies and Optic Neuropathies

Unusual neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and signs that go unexplained should warrant a thorough investigation for paraneoplastic syndromes. Although these syndromes are rare, these clinical manifestations can herald an unsuspected, underlying malignancy that could be treated early and aggressively. This point underscores the importance of distinguishing and understanding the various, sometimes subtle, presentations of ocular paraneoplastic syndromes. Outlined in this review article are diagnostic features useful in differentiating cancer-associated retinopathy, melanoma-associated retinopathy, and paraneoplastic optic neuropathy. These must also be distinguished from non-cancer-related eye disorders that may clinically resemble cancer-associated retinopathy. The associated antibodies and histopathology of each syndrome are presented to help in the understanding of these autoimmune phenomena. Treatment outcomes from reported cases are summarized, and some potential novel immunotherapies are also discussed.
Intravenous quinidine by intermittent bolus for electrophysiologic studies in patients with ventricular tachycardia

Abstract The safety and efficacy of intravenous quinidine gluconate, using intermittent boluses of 80 mg/cc every 5 minutes to a total dose of 800 mg, was evaluated in 61 patients referred for electrophysiologic studies (EPS). Patients were referred because of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (12), symptomatic ventricular tachycardia (VT) (24), asymptomatic VT (18), syncope of unknown origin (6), and supraventricular arrhythmias (1). Clinical heart failure was present in 74% of patients, with a mean ejection fraction of 45 ± 3 for all patients. Quinidine prevented VT induction in 78% of patients at a mean dose of 9.6 mg/kg and facilitated VT induction in 7% of patients. Quinidine failed to decrease mean arterial pressure in 14 patients, and in the remaining 47 patients arterial pressure decreased by 16%. Six patients had hemodynamically significant hypotension. Two patients had hypotension severe enough to require saline administration, while four had hypotension not needing fluid replacement. Sixteen percent of patients experienced other side effects. Quinidine can be administered safely by intermittent infusion and is effective in preventing programmed stimulation induction of VT. Carefully monitored, intravenous intermittent bolus administration of quinidine should be utilized more frequently in EPS, since significant adverse side effects are infrequent.
Infrared spectrum and force field of tungsten hexachloride

Abstract Infrared spectra of W35Cl6 and W37Cl6, prepared from 99.4% 35Cl and 90.4% 37Cl respectively, were recorded in CCl4 and CS2 solutions. The isotope shifts in the F1u fundamentals ν3 and ν4 were used to determine the general quadratic symmetry force constants of WCl6 the force field obtained is-quite different from several that have been previously reported using various approximation methods. Corresponding valence force constants are fr = 2.39 frr = 0.24, frr' = 0.16, and fα - fαα' (⋍fα) = 0.15 mdyn A−1. These constants are compared with those of WF6
Investigating some Correlates of Hegemonic Masculinity and Criminal Motives among Residents in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

The primary goal of juvenile corrections is behavior reform through various therapeutic programs; yet, juvenile reoffending persists as a costly and serious social problem. Few studies have examined how the quasi-military approach of juvenile corrections may conflict with its therapeutic goals. A comprehensive literature review revealed several disturbing findings concerning youth residing in juvenile facilities, such as one study that reported a paradox between therapeutic programs and a correctional punitive culture. Moreover, these studies suggest that the prisonized nature of corrections can reinforce hegemonic masculinity in residents, increase moral disengagement, bullying, lying, and criminal behaviors is problematic. Accordingly, the current study explores the issue of rehabilitation in such environments by assessing the relationships between residents in juvenile corrections, hegemonic masculinity, and criminality. The findings of the current study and literature review suggest the need to reevaluate juvenile corrections as an institution of rehabilitation.
What's in a name? How we define nanotech shapes public reactions

Audiences are most likely to form their opinions about issues based on the aspects that are primed and easily available in their minds (Hastie and Park, Psychol Rev 93:258–268, 1986; Tversky and Kahneman, Cogn Psychol 5:207–232, 1973). In this study, we examine how priming people with various definitions of nanotechnology differently shapes public perceptions of and engagement with the technology. Using a randomized experimental design embedded in a representative survey of the U.S. population (n = 1,736), we find that defining nanotechnology in terms of novel applications increases public support for nanotechnology but does not motivate audiences to gather more information about it. In contrast, definitions highlighting the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology can increase likelihood of future information seeking.
Immediate cystic duct occlusion using an endoluminal absorbable polyglycolic acid screw

Endoscopic in situ occlusion of the cystic duct and ablation of the gallbladder could constitute a useful alternative to cholecystectomy in certain patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of endoluminal occlusion of the cystic duct using a biodegradable polyglycolic acid screw and simultaneous gallbladder mucosal ablation with a Sotradecol-ethanol mixture. Eight pigs had operative cholecystotomy. A polyglycolic acid screw was twisted into the cystic duct after the proximal cystic duct mucosa was thermally ablated using electrocautery. Cholecystography confirmed occlusion of the cystic duct. Synchronous ablation of the gallbladder mucosa was then done by instilling absolute alcohol and 2% Sotradecol. The gallbladder was drained. Animals were sacrificed on days 14, 28, and 42. All animals survived operation and showed no untoward effects. Postmortem gross inspection showed gallbladders were shrunken and surrounded with adhesions from adjacent tissue. Cholangiography and cholecystography confirmed occlusion of the cystic duct in 6 of 8 pigs (75%). Histopathologic examination showed extensive areas of mucosal necrosis mixed with small areas of epithelial regeneration. Immediate occlusion of the cystic duct is possible using an endoluminal polyglycolic acid screw.
Obesity and restless legs syndrome in men and women

Background: Obesity and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are both associated with hypofunction of dopamine in the CNS. We therefore examined whether individuals who are obese have an increased risk of RLS in two ongoing US cohorts, the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Health Professional Follow-up Study. Methods: We included 65,554 women and 23,119 men free of diabetes, arthritis, and pregnancy in the current analyses. Information on RLS was assessed using a set of standardized questions. Participants were considered to have RLS if they met four RLS diagnostic criteria recommended by the International RLS Study Group and had restless legs ≥5 times/month. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using logistic regression models adjusting for age, smoking, use of antidepressant, phobic anxiety score, and other covariates. Log ORs from the two cohorts were pooled by a fixed-effects model. Results: There were 6.4% of women and 4.1% of men who were considered to have RLS. Multivariate adjusted ORs for RLS were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.3, 1.6; p trend 30 vs 2 and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.5, 1.8; p trend p trend Conclusions: Both overall and abdominal adiposity are associated with increased likelihoods of having restless legs syndrome (RLS). Further prospective studies are warranted to clarify causative association between obesity and risk of developing RLS. BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; HPFS = Health Professionals Follow-up Study; NHS II = Nurses’ Health Study II; OR = odds ratios; RLS = restless legs syndrome.
In Vitro Simulation of Prepubertal Changes in Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone Release Enhances Progesterone and 17β-Estradiol Secretion from Immature Rat Ovaries*

We have previously demonstrated changes in the episodic pattern of LH secretion in female rats as they approach first ovulation. In the present study, ovaries were taken from peripubertal rats and perifused in vitro with a medium containing FSH and LH. The concentration of FSH in the medium was kept constantly low, whereas the concentration of LH was modulated, simulating as closely as possible the various episodic secretory profiles previously observed in vivo. Medium from the perifusion chambers was collected every 10 min for 5 h and assayed for progesterone (P) and 17β-estradiol (E2). Exposure of the ovaries to low amplitude LH pulses (20 ng/ml; comparable to those found in the plasma of peripubertal rats during the morning) did not elicit a significant steroidogenic response. On the other hand, exposure to large amplitude LH pulses (80 ng/ml; as seen during the afternoon) led to a marked increase in the output of both P and E2. Similarly, increased steroid secretion occurred when ovaries were exposed ...
Estimable functions in age-period-cohort models: a unified approach

Age-period-cohort (APC) models have an intriguing appeal because each of these factors may be independently associated with age-period-specific rates (or other values). Unfortunately, one can not uniquely estimate the effects that generated the outcome data because these effects are linearly dependent. It is possible, however, to estimate certain linear combinations of these effects that are themselves unique estimates of the data generating parameters. The author demonstrates that all of the least square solutions for the APC model lie on a line in multidimensional solution space. This characteristic of the solutions to the APC model allows for a unified approach to the derivation of estimable functions, which is then used to derive the most prominent estimable functions in the APC literature and can be used to discover new ones.
Preclinical Models of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Translational Perspective

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating and relatively common disease affecting as many as 50,000 people annually in the United States alone. ICH remains associated with poor outcome, and approximately 40–50% of afflicted patients will die within 30 days. In reports from the NIH and AHA, the importance of developing clinically relevant models of ICH that will extend our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and target new therapeutic approaches was emphasized. Traditionally, preclinical ICH research has most commonly utilized two paradigms: clostridial collagenase-induced hemorrhage and autologous blood injection. In this article, the use of various species is examined in the context of the different model types for ICH, and a mechanistic approach is considered in evaluating the numerous breakthroughs in our current fund of knowledge. Each of the model types has its inherent strengths and weaknesses and has the potential to further our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of ICH. In particular, transgenic rodent models may be helpful in addressing genetic influences on recovery from ICH.
New Applications of Nanotechnology for Neuroimaging

SUMMARY: Advances in nanotechnology have the potential to dramatically enhance the detection of neurologic diseases with targeted contrast agents and to facilitate the delivery of focused therapies to the central nervous system. We present the physicochemical rationale for their use, applications in animal models, and ongoing clinical trials using these approaches. We highlight advances in the use of nanoparticles applied to brain tumor imaging, tumor angiogenesis, neurodegeneration, grafted stem cells, and neuroprogenitor cells.
Simultaneous Measurement of Cerebral Blood Flow and Unidirectional Movement of Substances Across the Blood‐Brain Barrier: Theory, Method, and Application to Leucine

The uptake of compounds by the brain depends upon cerebral blood flow. To determine the normal blood flow-cerebral extraction relationship, a method for rapid, simultaneous measurement of cerebral blood flow and brain extraction was developed and applied to blood-brain leucine transfer. Awake rats were injected intravenously with a mixture of n-[(14)C]butanol and [(3)H]leucine. The quantities of indicators accumulated over the following 5-12 s in brain and in a sample of arterial blood withdrawn at a know rate were used to determine the flux of butanol and leucine into brain. Butanol extraction was assessed independently by measuring arterial and cerebral venous concentrations of the indicator after a bolus injection. Cerebral blood flow was equal to the ratio of butanol flux into brain to butanol extraction by brain; leucine extraction was then calculated as the ratio of leucine influx to cerebral blood flow. Leucine extraction by brain and cerebral blood flow were shown to be related exponentially. The maximum velocity of active leucine transport was virtually the same at flows of 150 and 400 ml/100 g/min. The present method is theoretically applicable to the measurement of the extraction of any compound from blood by brain. By measuring the normal blood flow-extraction relationship, one can differentiate changes in extraction secondary to altered flow from changes intrinsic to pathologic conditions with inconstant cerebral blood flow.
Expression of liver phenotypes in cultured mouse hepatoma cells: Synthesis and secretion of serum albumin

Abstract A permanent cell line, designated Hepa, has been isolated from a mouse hepatoma, BW 7756. The cell line synthesizes and secretes albumin at rates appreciably higher than previously reported hepatomas adapted to in vitro conditions. Monospecific antimouse serum albumin was produced in rabbits, and mouse serum albumin secreted by the hepatoma cells was identified by double diffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and radioimmunodiffusion. A quantitative immunoassay was used to measure albumin secretion and to study the effects of culture conditions on albumin secretion. A subclonal analysis was performed to study the homogeneity and stability of cloned hepatoma lines in respect to albumin secretion. Different secretion rates were observed during the culture cycle. Significant clonal variation in respect to albumin secretion was found among ten subclones. The significance of clonal variation is discussed in relation to the study of epigenetic control of albumin expression in somatic hybrid cells.
Phycoerythrin and interfertility patterns in Callithamnion (Rhodophyta) isolates

Ten sexually reproducing strains of Callithamnion have been used in a comparison of phycoerythrin, interfertility and morphology. Four isolates of C. byssoides Harvey from North America (Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Georgia) are all interfertile and they also hybridize with C. halliae Collins (UTEX LB1411) from Texas. Norwegian C. byssoides and C. roseum (Roth) Lyngbye (sensu Harvey) isolates are not interfertile with any North American strain. Phycoerythrins were compared by absorption spectroscopy, SDS gel electrophoresis and Ouchterlony double diffusion techniques. The absorption spectrum of phycoerythrin from the Massachusetts C. roseum is different from that of the R-phycoerythrin typical of all other strains. The subunits of phycoerythrin from all cultures showed very similar mobilities in SDS gels. Phycoerythrin from all C. byssoides and C. halliae reacted identically in Ouchterlony plates. Antigenic identity with C. byssoides was also seen with one strain (an unidentified species fr...
Aligning Paramecium caudatum with Static Magnetic Fields

As they negotiate their environs, unicellular organisms adjust their swimming in response to various physical fields such as temperature, chemical gradients, and electric fields. Because of the weak magnetic properties of most biological materials, however, they do not respond to the earth's magnetic field (5 × 10−5 Tesla) except in rare cases. Here, we show that the trajectories of Paramecium caudatum align with intense static magnetic fields >3 Tesla. Otherwise straight trajectories curve in magnetic fields and eventually orient parallel or antiparallel to the applied field direction. Neutrally buoyant immobilized paramecia also align with their long axis in the direction of the field. We model this magneto-orientation as a strictly passive, nonphysiological response to a magnetic torque exerted on the diamagnetically anisotropic components of the paramecia. We have determined the average net anisotropy of the diamagnetic susceptibility, Δχp, of a whole Paramecium: We show how the measured Δχp compares to the anisotropy of the diamagnetic susceptibilities of the components in the cell. We suggest that magnetic fields can be exploited as a novel, noninvasive, quantitative means to manipulate swimming populations of unicellular organisms.
Negotiation, Mediation and Insurgent Victory in Counter-insurgency Wars Fought by Foreign Powers

How do negotiation and mediation affect the likelihood of insurgent victory in counterinsurgency (coin) wars? We develop expectations regarding the incentives of the combatants to negotiate and accept mediation while a coin war is under way, and the evolution of these incentives as a war progresses. Thirty nine civil wars are examined in which a foreign power intervenes to defend a central government against an insurgency during the period 1945–2009. We identify the subset of coin wars in which negotiations and mediation were attempted or took place, as well as their timing. The study examines whether the resort to these two instruments affects the subsequent duration and outcome of coin wars. We find that the resort to negotiations and mediation accelerates the time to insurgent victory, and explore reasons why political leaders in foreign powers would pursue such a path given the consequences of such action.
CLONING EFFICIENCY OF HUMAN-MELANOMA CELLS IS MODULATED AFTER INVASION THROUGH A RECONSTITUTED BASEMENT-MEMBRANE

Three human malignant melanoma cell strains (C8146A, C8146C, and C83-2CY), three established human melanoma cell lines (A375P, A375M, and C8161), and one selected human melanoma subline (A375P-5) were studied to determine if invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane-coated filter (RBMF), which selects the most aggressively invasive cells, would also modulate the cloning efficiency of these cells in soft agar. With the use of the Membrane Invasion Culture System (MICS), all cell strains tested showed a significant increase in cloning efficiency (1.05-9.3-fold) following transit through the RBMF when compared to unmanipulated populations. The established cell lines (A375P, A375M, and C8161) and the A375P-5 subline showed either a decrease or unaltered status in cloning efficiency after invasion. However, all cells demonstrated a consistent decrease in clonogenicity following transit through an uncoated filter compared with RBMFs, thus suggesting the influence of the extracellular matrix on tumor cell clonogenic properties. In general, the established cell lines were more clonogenic before invasion of the RBMF compared with the cell strains, and no correlation was found between clonogenic potential and invasive or metastatic capability. These data may provide important insight into the underlying mechanisms of tumor cell invasion and the subsequent formation and dissemination of metastases in vivo.
Robust Control of a Multivariable Experimental Four-Tank System

A multivariable laboratory process of four interconnected water tanks is considered for modeling and robust control. The objective of the current study is to design and implement a variety of contr...
Delayed vitreous hemorrhage after placement of a ganciclovir implant for cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Purpose To report a massive vitreous hemorrhage in a 26-year-old woman that occurred approximately 6 weeks after she received a ganciclovir implant. Method Case report. Results The cytomegalovirus retinitis was inactivated after uncomplicated insertion of a ganciclovir implant. Approximately 6 weeks later, the patient was examined for sudden painless visual loss caused by a dense vitreous hemorrhage. Conclusion Sustained-release ganciclovir implants may be associated with delayed vitreous hemorrhage.
Blood pressure J-curve: is it cause or effect?

Clinical trials have demonstrated that antihypertensive therapy leads to the prevention of stroke, consistent with that predicted by epidemiological data. In contrast, in the same studies, the reduction in coronary artery disease events has been substantially less than predicted. Many possible explanations have been proposed to account for this shortfall in the reduction of disease produced by antihypertensive therapy. One suggestion has been that too great a fall in diastolic pressure during treatment actually increases the risk of myocardial infarction. A substantial body of data taken from clinical trials has consistently demonstrated a J-shaped association of diastolic pressure and coronary events. Some studies suggest that this J-shaped association is limited to those with coronary disease, and that the J-phenomenon is the result rather than the cause of atherosclerotic disease of the aorta. A prospective study is underway to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, the cautious physician is advised to seek a moderate decline in diastolic pressure to a level greater than 80mmHg.
Commentary on “the potential utility of a shared medical record in a ‘first time’ stroke population”

Abstract The study presented raises many relevant health questions. It would be expected that it will awaken interest in this aspect of patient care. The push to shared decision making on the part of the patient that is occurring in some areas of the country may provide impetus for further study of outcomes in a group of patients using shared records. The focus of the comments here are designed to draw attention to research, statistical, and evaluation methods concerns that allow for competing explanations for the results and invalidation of the findings. Despite the comments on portions of this study, the researchers have raised awareness of the intervention's promise. It is hoped that this will be investigated further with special attention given to design and analysis issues that could put the results of research studies in question over and above the merits of the intervention.