cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pancytopenia as a Consequence of Sepsis and Intravenous Antibiotic Drug Toxicity.

This case involves a 62-year-old male with a prior history of epidural abscess and L1-L2 osteodiscitis who was admitted because of low back pain. The patient was previously treated for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) discitis in the L1/L2 vertebral region with intravenous (IV) nafcillin through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). However, he returned after four months with recurrent low back pain along with chills and fever. He was admitted for severe sepsis related to the L1-L2 region osteomyelitis and discitis. The Infectious Disease department initially started the patient on IV vancomycin and cefepime; however, routine labs on the second day of IV antibiotics showed concern for pancytopenia with white blood cell count (WBC) decreased to 2.5 thou/mm3, Hgb to 6.2 g/dL, Hct to 20.8%, and platelets to 82 thou/mm3 from baseline values of WBC 3.9 thou/mm3, Hgb 8.3 g/dL, Hct 28%, and platelets 126 thou/mm3. Due to concern for pancytopenia in the setting of severe sepsis, extensive hematologic workup was pursued to evaluate for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and bone marrow suppression. The patient also had a positive fecal occult blood test, so the Gastroenterology department was consulted for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. Furthermore, despite appropriate outpatient treatment for MSSA osteodiscitis, the patient was bacteremic with Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, the Cardiology department was consulted to rule out cardiac valvular vegetation. This case presents a unique case of pancytopenia involving elements of drug-induced aplastic anemia as well as DIC-related sepsis. The agranulocytosis may have been a consequence of drug reaction to IV vancomycin. The anemia and thrombocytopenia may have been caused by DIC. Repeat computed tomography (CT) guided spinal aspiration confirmed pan-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection of the L1/L2 vertebral region. Treatment was reverted to nafcillin monotherapy and fortunately his hematologic function normalized, avoiding the need for advanced treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin infusion therapy (IVIG) or high dose steroids.
A systematic assessment of a cochlear implant processor's ability to encode interaural time differences

Bilateral cochlear implantation is becoming the standard of care for patients with sensorineural hearing loss with demonstrated improvements over unilateral use in everyday tasks, such as sound localization ability. However, even with bilateral implantation, performance in these tasks is still poorer than that of normal hearing listeners. The gap in performance has often been attributed to the poor encoding of fine structure interaural time differences (ITDs) by clinical processor. However, in theory, the signal processing employed in clinical processors should still encode envelope ITDs with some degree of fidelity. In this work, we quantitatively measured the ability of Cochlear CP910 processors to encode envelope ITDs, while running the Advanced Combinational Encoder (ACE) strategy. Results suggest that while the processors are able to support relatively good envelope encoding, the peak-picking approach of the ACE strategy degrades the computation of ITDs by encoding spectral information in different frequency regions in the two ears. Our results may explain the poorer sound localization performance observed in cochlear implant users who use the ACE strategy, but cannot account for the poorer sound localization performance observed in cochlear implant users in general.
Artificial Chiral Media Using Conical-Coil Wire Inclusions

The electromagnetic response of the electrically small conical wire coil as a chiral inclusion is described. An existing model of the helical coil wire inclusion is extended to model the conical coil wire inclusion, using the Method of Moments (MoM) to determine the dominant resonant circuit impedance of the inclusion. Material parameters are determined using mixing relations with polarizability coefficients expressed for the conical coil inclusion geometry. The polarization conversion of a dielectric slab loaded with conical coil inclusions is predicted and compared to simulated results using a forward scattering technique.
Simpson's Paradox: Examples

Simpson’s paradox is very prevalent in many areas. It characterizes the inconsistency between the conditional and marginal interpretations of the data. In this paper, we illustrate through some examples how the Simpson’s paradox can happen in continuous, categorical, and time-to-event data.
Local Limit Theorems for Densities in Orlicz Spaces

Necessary and sufficient conditions for the validity of the central limit theorem for densities are considered with respect to the norms in Orlicz spaces. The obtained characterization unites several results due to Gnedenko and Kolmogorov (uniform local limit theorem), Prokhorov (convergence in total variation) and Barron (entropic central limit theorem).
Lipocalin 2 Does Not Play A Role in Celastrol-Mediated Reduction in Food Intake and Body Weight

Celastrol is a leptin-sensitizing agent with profound anti-obesity effects in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. However, the genes and pathways that mediate celastrol-induced leptin sensitization have not been fully understood. By comparing the hypothalamic transcriptomes of celastrol and vehicle-treated DIO mice, we identified lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) as the gene most strongly upregulated by celastrol. LCN2 was previously suggested as an anorexigenic and anti-obesity agent. Celastrol increased LCN2 protein levels in hypothalamus, liver, fat, muscle, and bone marrow, as well as in the plasma. However, genetic deficiency of LCN2 altered neither the development of diet-induced obesity, nor the ability of celastrol to promote weight loss and improve obesity-associated dyshomeostasis. We conclude that LCN2 is dispensable for both high fat diet-induced obesity and its therapeutic reduction by celastrol.
Implementation of Novel Robotic Systems in Colorectal Surgery

Abstract Colorectal surgery practice has shown substantial changes since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) by providing shorter lengths of hospital stay and reduced morbidity rates compared to open surgery. The challenges of MIS in colorectal surgery settings are magnified when the rigid nature of the laparoscopic instruments and assistant-driven camera platforms interfere with the flow of the surgery. Robotic devices have been developed to overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic surgery and have been further improved with additional haptic feedback and flexible scopes that ease their operation. Colorectal surgery has benefited from the ample opportunities that robotic systems offer, however, the unavailability of the platform in every medical center, prolonged operative time, cost, and the steep learning curve pose obstacles for the globalization of these robotics. Debates continue about whether the purported advantages of the robotic systems will translate into clinical effectiveness over conventional laparoscopy. This chapter discusses the current role of alternative robotic approaches in colorectal surgery settings and future directions of robotic surgery.
General assessment of the environmental status and environmental risks in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

The article presents an assessment of the current ecological status of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation as a promising area of active industrial development. Acknowledging the current negative environmental consequences of human activities in the Arctic, the authors raise the issue of environmental risks in the Arctic region, which inevitably arise due to the intensification of resource extraction in these areas. From the standpoint of a risk-based approach, the authors insist on the need to take into account the environmental safety requirements in the Arctic region when conducting any kind of business and other activities, taking into account the particular vulnerability of the Arctic ecosystems and the climate-forming significance of this region for the entire planet. In their opinion, at present, the problem of environmental safety in the Russian Arctic is aggravated by several unfavorable factors: environmental damage accumulated over a long period of previous economic and military activities; the lack of the necessary legal framework to regulate resource extraction activities in the region, taking into account new environmental requirements; Russia’s lack of the latest eco-friendly technologies for offshore hydrocarbon production. Each of these factors is capable of provoking irreversible environmental consequences, and, accordingly, each of them should be subjected to in-depth scientific evaluation in the framework of strategic and project-economic planning.
Beyond the myocardium? SGLT2 inhibitors target peripheral components of reduced oxygen flux in the diabetic patient with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Recent cardiovascular outcome trials have highlighted the propensity of the antidiabetic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is or -flozin drugs), to exert positive clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease at risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Of interest in cardiac diabetology is the physiological status of the patient with T2DM and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a well-examined association. Underlying this pathologic tandem are the effects that long-standing hyperglycemia has on the ability of the HFpEF heart to adequately deliver oxygen. It is believed that shortcomings in oxygen diffusion or utilization and the resulting hypoxia thereafter may play a role in underlying the clinical sequelae of patients with T2DM and HFpEF, with implications in the long-term decline of extra-cardiac tissue. Oxygen consumption is one of the most critical factors in indexing heart failure disease burden, warranting a probe into the role of SGLT2i on oxygen utility in HFpEF and T2DM. We investigated the role of oxygen flux in the patient with T2DM and HFpEF extending beyond the heart with focuses on cellular metabolism, perivascular fibrosis with endothelial dysfunction, hematologic changes, and renal effects with neurohormonal considerations in the patient with HFpEF and T2DM. Moreover, we give a commentary on potential therapeutic targets of these components with SGLT2i to gain insight into disease burden amelioration in patients with HFpEF and T2DM.
EDTA and Lysozyme Improves Antimicrobial Activities of Ovotransferrin against Escherichia coli O157:H7

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or/and lysozyme on the antibacterial activity of ovotransferrin against E. coli O157:H7. Ovotransferrin solution (20 mg/ml) containing 100 mM-NaHCO3 (OS) was added with EDTA (2.0 or 2.5 mg/ml), lysozyme (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mg/ml) or both were prepared. Antibacterial activities of OS (20 mg/ml ovotransferrin + 100 mM-NaHCO3), OSE (OS+ EDTA), or OSL (OS + lysozyme) against E. coli O157:H7 in model systems were investigated by turbidity and viability tests. Also, OSE, OSL or OSEL (OS + EDTA + lysozyme) was applied on irradiated pork chops and commercial hams to determine if the solutions have antibacterial activity on meat products. The effect of initial cell population on the antibacterial activity of ovotransferrin and EDTA or lysozyme combinations was also determined. EDTA at 2 mg/ml plus OS (OSE2) induced 3 ~ 4 log reduction in viable E. coli O157:H7 cells in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth media, and 1 mg/ml lysozyme plus OS (OSL1) resulted in 0.5 ~ 1.0 log reduction during 35 oC incubation for 36 hr. However, OSE or OSEL did not show significant antibacterial effect on pork chops and hams during storage at 10 oC. The initial cell number in media did not affect the antibacterial activity of OSE or OSEL against E. coli O157:H7. This study demonstrates that combinations of ovotransferrin, NaHCO3, and EDTA (OSE) have potential to control E. coli O157:H7.
ICOS expression is required for maintenance but not the formation of germinal centers in the spleen in response to P. yoelii infection.

Abstract Inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) plays a key role in the differentiation and maintenance of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and thus germinal center (GC) formation. Previously, our lab showed in a Plasmodium chabaudi infection model that Icos-/- mice did not form GCs despite a persistent infection and thus a continued antigen (Ag) load. Here, we show that resolution of a primary infection with P. yoelii, was delayed in Icos-/- mice. This phenotype was associated with a reduction in the accumulation of Tfh-like and GC Tfh cells and an early deficiency in Ag-specific antibody (Ab) production. However, Icos-/- mice maintained their ability to form GCs, though they were less frequent in number than in wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, while Ab production in Icos-/- mice matched that of WT mice after the infection cleared, the Abs lacked signs of affinity maturation, suggesting functional defects associated with these GCs. Eventually, these GC structures dissipated more rapidly in Icos-/- mice than in WT mice. Moreover, the ability of Icos-/- mice to form these GC structures is not reliant on the high Ag load associated with P. yoelii infections, as GC formation was preserved in Icos-/- mice treated with early with atovaquone. Finally, mice were unable to form secondary GCs in the absence of ICOS after re-challenge. Overall, these data demonstrate the necessity of ICOS in the maintenance of Tfh cells, the formation and maintenance of sufficient numbers of functioning GCs, and the ability to generate new GC structures after re-infection with P. yoelii.
Assessment of prognostic factors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Focus on the retroperitoneal margin

e15670 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a leading cause of cancer death in the West, with a nearly superimposable incidence and mortality. Resection is the only chance for cure...
L-Selectin A Lectin-Like Leukocyte Adhesion Protein

L-セレクチンは、白血球上に広く分布しているカルシウム依存性レクチン様レセプターであり、E-セレクチン (ELAM 1) やP-セレクチン (PADGEM, GMP-140, CD62) などを含む新しく見つかってきた細胞接着タンパク質のセレクチンファミリーに属している。L-セレクチンはリンパ節内の高内皮細静脈(HEV)に対して、血液由来の白血球が臓器特異的に接着する時に関与するリンパ球ホーミングレセプターとして発見された。L-セレクチンは、今や急性炎症部での血管内皮細胞と好中球との相互作用の初期段階に関係していると考えられている。セレクチンに対する内皮細胞や白血球のリガンドはすべてフコシル化されており、機能を持つためにはすべてシアル酸を要求する。L-セレクチンに対するHEVのリガンドは硫酸化、フコシル化、そしてシアリル化されたO-結合型糖蛋白質である。将来の研究の大きな目標は、セレクチンのリガンドとなっている糖鎖の構造を詳細に比較することである。L-セレクチンは血管コンパートメントのなかでの機能に加え、リンパ球や恐らくその他の白血球が中枢神経系髄鞘に付着することも仲介することができる。この後者の相互作用は、脱鞘斑症の病因として病態生理学的な重要性を持っているかもしれない。セレクチンは炎症に関するたくさんの白血球の接着反応に関係しており、さらに研究の重要性が増している。
Designing and Implementing a Web-Based Course

The Web has attracted teachers with promises of access, interactivity, ease of use, dissemination, and a potential universal presence in the lives of students and teachers. This presentation will describe experience learned in developing and delivering a Web-based course currently offered via the Internet with emphasis on what worked, worked well, caused problems, and failed miserably. The presenter will provide an overview and hands-on demonstration on his Web-based course at the University of Southern Mississippi [http://dragon.ep.usm.edu/~yuen/teaching/toe648/toe648.htm].
Tumor necrosis factor α induces sustained signaling and a prolonged and unremitting inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

Objective The nonresolving character of synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a conundrum. To identify the contribution of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) to the perpetuation of synovitis, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that govern the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–driven inflammatory program in human FLS. Methods FLS obtained from the synovial tissues of patients with RA or osteoarthritis were stimulated with TNFα and assayed for gene expression and cytokine production by real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-κB signaling was evaluated by Western blotting. Histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) occupancy at the interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter were measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation and restriction enzyme accessibility assays. Results In FLS, TNFα induced prolonged transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL-6 and progressive accumulation of IL-6 protein over 4 days. Similarly, induction of mRNA for CXCL8/IL-8, CCL5/RANTES, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), and MMP-3 after TNFα stimulation was sustained for several days. This contrasted with the macrophage response to TNFα, which characteristically involved a transient increase in the expression of proinflammatory genes. In FLS, TNFα induced prolonged activation of NF-κB signaling and sustained transcriptional activity, as indicated by increased histone acetylation, chromatin accessibility, and p65 and Pol II occupancy at the IL-6 promoter. Furthermore, FLS expressed low levels of the feedback inhibitors A20-binding inhibitor of NF-κB activation 3 (ABIN-3), IL-1 receptor–associated kinase M (IRAK-M), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3), and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF-3), which terminate inflammatory responses in macrophages. Conclusion TNFα signaling is not effectively terminated in FLS, which leads to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. The results suggest that prolonged and sustained inflammatory responses by FLS in response to synovial TNFα contribute to the persistence of synovial inflammation in RA.
Development and validation of vectors containing multiple siRNA expression cassettes for maximizing the efficiency of gene silencing.

RNA interference (RNAi) was originally identified as a biological process in which short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) suppress the expression of genes complimentary to the dsRNA. This cellular intrinsic gene silencing mechanism has subsequently been developed as a useful tool for studies of gene function. A major strategy for producing small interfering RNA (siRNA) in cultured cells involves the use of siRNA expression vectors in which a RNA polymerase III (Pol III) promoter and transcription stop signal are designed to constitute a functional siRNA expression cassette for production of siRNA. However, most of the available vectors contain only one siRNA expression cassette. In order to maximize the efficiency and versatility of the vector-based siRNA approach, we have developed vectors containing multiple (up to six) tandem siRNA expression cassettes. Moreover, we demonstrated that these vectors can be used not only to produce different siRNA to simultaneously suppress the expression of multiple genes but also to maximize the silencing of a singe gene. The vectors containing multiple siRNA expression cassettes can serve as useful tools for maximizing the efficiency of gene silencing.
Parity conserving γ asymmetry in n - p radiative capture

The importance of $n$-$p$ radiative capture, utilizing polarized cold neutrons, as a means of measuring the weak pion coupling constant is reviewed. Parity conserving processes of the form ${\mathbf{k}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\cdot}({\mathbf{s}}_{n}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbf{k}}_{n})$ can contribute to the ${\mathbf{s}}_{n}\ensuremath{\cdot}{\mathbf{k}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ photon asymmetry in any such experiment, if the apparatus is not perfectly symmetric. For an incident laboratory neutron energy of 0.003 eV a value of ${A}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\mathrm{PC}}=0.67\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ is obtained for two different potential models (Argonne AV14 and Nijmegen Reid93). Serving as an extreme test case, the Reid soft core potential yields $0.61\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$, close to the result of the contemporary forces. Implications for extracting the weak pion coupling constant and for monitoring the beam polarization are discussed.
System Analysis of a Compact Next Step Burning Plasma Experiment

A new burning plasma systems code has been developed for analysis of a next step compact burning plasma experiment with copper-alloy magnet technology. Two classes of configurations are considered: type A, with the toroidal field (TF) coils and ohmic heating (OH) coils unlinked, and type B, with the TF and OH coils linked. Curves of the minimizing major radius as a function of aspect ratio R(A) are obtained for each configuration type for typical parameters. These curves represent, to first order, cost-minimizing curves. The type B curves always lie below the type A curves for the same physics parameters, indicating that they lead to a more compact design. However, the fact that the type A OH and TF magnets are not linked presents fewer engineering challenges and should lead to a more reliable design. Both the type A and type B curves have a minimum in major radius R at a minimizing aspect ratio A typically above 2.8 and at high values of magnetic field B above 10 T. The minimizing A occurs at larger values for longer pulse and higher performance devices. The larger A and higher B design points also have the feature that the ratio of themore » discharge time to the current redistribution time is largest so that steady-state operation can be more realistically prototyped. A sensitivity study is presented for the baseline type A configuration showing the dependence of the results on the parameters held fixed for the minimization study.« less
Limited opportunities for paramedic student endotracheal intubation training in the operating room.

Background: Paramedics, who often are the first to provide emergency care to critically ill patients, must be proficient in endotracheal intubation (ETI). Training in the controlled operating room (OR) setting is a common method for learning basic ETI technique. Objectives: To determine the quantity and nature of OR ETI training currently provided to paramedic students. Methods: The authors surveyed directors of paramedic training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. An anonymous 12-question, structured, closedresponse survey instrument was used that requested information regarding the duration and nature of OR training provided to paramedic students. The results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: From 192 programs, 161 completed surveys were received (response rate, 85%). OR training was used at 156 programs (97%) but generally was limited (median, 17‐32 hours per student). Half of the programs provided fewer than 16 OR hours per student. Students attempted a limited number of OR ETI (median, 6‐10 ETI). Most respondents (61%) reported competition from other health care students for OR ETI. Other identified hindering factors included the increasing OR use of laryngeal mask airways and physicians’ medicolegal concerns. Respondents from 52 (33%) programs reported a recent reduction in OR access, and 56 (36%) programs expected future OR opportunities to decrease. Conclusions: Despite its key role in airway management education, the quantity and nature of OR ETI training that is available to paramedic students is limited in comparison to that available to other ETI providers. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2006; 13:1051‐1055 a 2006 by the Society for Academic Emergency
Cardiovascular reactivity and adaptation to recurrent psychological stress: effects of prior task exposure.

The effects of prior task exposure on cardiovascular reactivity to stress were examined in two experiments by randomly assigning participants to repeated exposure groups that performed mental arithmetic pretest and test tasks versus delayed exposure groups that performed only the test task after prolonged rest. Impedance cardiographic and blood pressure measures were recorded continuously from 60 undergraduate men in Experiment 1 and 112 undergraduate men and women in Experiment 2. Task repetition attenuated cardiovascular reactivity and improved task performance in repeated exposure groups (p < .001), suggesting an integrated process of behavioral adaptation. During the test task, delayed exposure groups showed greater cardiac reactivity (p < .01), but not vascular reactivity, than repeated exposure groups. Thus, cardiac reactivity varied as a specific function of prior task exposure, whereas vascular reactivity varied as a general function of time.
Imaging approaches for the study of cell-based cardiac therapies

A major obstacle in cardiac stem cell investigations is the ability to monitor cell engraftment and survival following implantation within the myocardium. In this Review, Dr. Lau and colleagues examine cardiac cellular imaging modalities, including the combinatorial use of several probes in multimodality imaging. Their discussion focuses on data from the past 5 years. Despite promising preclinical data, the treatment of cardiovascular diseases using embryonic, bone-marrow-derived, and skeletal myoblast stem cells has not yet come to fruition within mainstream clinical practice. Major obstacles in cardiac stem cell investigations include the ability to monitor cell engraftment and survival following implantation within the myocardium. Several cellular imaging modalities, including reporter gene and MRI-based tracking approaches, have emerged that provide the means to identify, localize, and monitor stem cells longitudinally in vivo following implantation. This Review will examine the various cardiac cellular tracking modalities, including the combinatorial use of several probes in multimodality imaging, with a focus on data from the past 5 years.
Toward a time-dependent magnetic reconnection model

Magnetic field reconnection plays a crucial role in determining the topology of magnetic fields in cosmic plasmas and also provides an efficient way for the conversion of magnetic energy into kinetic energy. Much work has been done on this topic in many interrelated fields of interest by many researchers. The author's primary field of interest is magnetospheric physics, in particular, magnetic reconnection processes in the dayside magnetopause and the magnetotail. Understanding of these processes has improved greatly over the past 3 decades, but there is still much work to be done.
The Impact of Relatedness with Mother on School Functioning in Maltreated Children.

Abstract In this prospective investigation, the role of children's relationships with their mothers in affecting school adaptation is examined in maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Hypotheses that a secure relationship with mother would foster positive school adaptation, while an insecure relationship would contribute to maladaptive functioning were partially confirmed. Nonmaltreated children who reported optimal/adequate (secure) patterns of relatedness to mother exhibited less externalizing symptomatology, more ego-resilience, and fewer school record risk factors than did maltreated children who reported nonoptimal (insecure) patterns of relatedness. Within the nonmaltreated group of children, optimal/adequate patterns of relatedness exerted a positive effect on school functioning. Interestingly, for maltreated youngsters this was true only with respect to school record data. For teacher-rated externalizing symptomatology and social acceptance, maltreated children with nonoptimal patterns of relatedness to mother evidenced more positive adaptation than did maltreated children with optimal/adequate patterns of relatedness. The possible role of defensive processing in some maltreated children is examined, as is the possible negative effect of having a positive relationship with a maltreating caregiver. The presence of a compulsive compliant strategy also is addressed. Results are interpreted within an attachment theory framework that emphasizes the role of the child's representation of the caregiver in affecting future adaptation. Implications of these findings for the importance of an integration between school and family in promoting school adjustment in children at risk for school failure are discussed.
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of in vitro central neuropeptide processing

Abstract Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to study and characterize the in vitro proteolytic processing of β-endorphin by twice-washed membrane homogenates. A high-resolution method, capable of separating over 30 different human β-endorphin-related fragments in a single analysis, was used to study the time course of production of specific, biologically active endorphin fragments by membrane-associated proteases. The results demonstrate that frozen (−37°C), postmortem human and rat brains are viable for processing studies and that metabolism proceeds similarly to that in fresh brain homogenates or slices. Significant differences were noted in the formation rates of putative neuroleptic peptides between sex- and age-matched postmortem brain tissues from controls versus postmortem brain tissues from neuropsychiatric patients or drug-treated animals. These data suggest that using HPLC to characterize neuropeptide processing in human or rat membrane-associated enzyme homogenates is both descriptive and quantitative and offers insight into the central regulation of neuropeptide metabolism.
There is a low incidence of recurrent bacteriuria in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients followed longitudinally

The objective of this paper was to establish whether patients with confirmed painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) presenting with symptoms of UTI have actual bacteriuria vs a flare of their PBS/IC symptoms. One hundred and six (n = 106) consecutive female patients (mean age 39.8 +/- 14 years) with newly diagnosed IC were identified and followed longitudinally for 24 months. At the initial visit and at all subsequent visits, urinary specimens were obtained by sterile catheterization (Bard 14Fr female) and cultured for bacteria. Eight patients had an initially positive urine culture, and repeat cultures 8 weeks after treatment were all negative. Once sterile urine was established, the diagnosis of PBS/IC was confirmed. A pelvic pain/urgency/frequency (PUF) questionnaire score was obtained from 89 patients. After the diagnosis of PBS/IC, all patients received multimodal treatment. Patients were instructed to present to the office whenever they developed symptoms of UTI, at which time a sterile catheter specimen was obtained and sent for culture. Greater than 10(3) colonies were considered positive. Patients who did not report flares were contacted to establish whether unreported treatments were given. Seventy-two patients (68%) had no UTI episodes or flares. The remaining 34 patients (32%) presented with 54 flares, of which 44 were culture-negative and 10 were culture-positive. A single flare was reported by 21 patients during the 24 months, with three positive cultures (14.3%). Recurrent UTI symptoms (two to four flares) were seen in a small group (n = 13) for a total of 33 flares. Of these, seven had two flares each (12 negative, 2 positive), five had three flares each (12 negative, 3 positive), and one patient had four flares (two negative, two positive). Therefore, within the group with recurrent symptoms, seven positive cultures were obtained for a rate of recurrent bacteriuria of 6.6% (7/106). Nine of the 10 positive bacterial cultures were due to gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (n = 6), Proteus mirabilis (n = 1), Klebsiella pneumonia (n = 1), and Citrobacter sp. (n = 1). One grew Streptococcus sp. There was no difference between the flare group and nonflares in regards to age or PUF scores between groups. This study is the first to report on the low incidence of confirmed UTIs in a large group of PBS/IC patients followed longitudinally. These data suggest that only a small number of PBS/IC patients with UTI symptoms have positive urine cultures (9.4%; 10/106). Although the symptoms of recurrent UTI are prevalent in IC patients, the incidence of confirmed recurrent UTIs is only 6.6%. Because the flares of IC are usually self-limiting, treatment response to antibiotics may be misleading in light of the low incidence of positive urine cultures. These data suggest that the symptom flares of IC are not usually associated with recurrent UTI and, therefore, are likely due to a triggering of the other painful mechanisms involved in IC patients who are culture-negative.
Infinite order relaxation effects for core ionization energies with a variational coupled cluster ansatz

Abstract Direct core ionization energies are calculated with a new variational coupled cluster technique. Direct double core ionization energies for orthoaminophenol are also calculated. In this method, the reference function is the ground state N-electron Hartree–Fock determinant, and effects of orbital relaxation are summed to infinite order. This method reproduces the Δ E SCF result exactly by changing occupation. An approximation that keeps the occupation constant is demonstrated. The average absolute error for single ionizations using correlation-consistent double and triple-ζ basis sets with this approximation are 0.007 and 0.008 eV, respectively. For double ionizations it is 0.23 eV, under 1% of the relaxation energy.
Genomic instability, driver genes and cell selection: Projections from cancer to stem cells.

Abstract Cancer cells and stem cells share many traits, including a tendency towards genomic instability. Human cancers exhibit tumor-specific genomic aberrations, which often affect their malignancy and drug response. During their culture propagation, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) also acquire characteristic genomic aberrations, which may have significant impact on their molecular and cellular phenotypes. These aberrations vary in size from single nucleotide alterations to copy number alterations to whole chromosome gains. A prominent challenge in both cancer and stem cell research is to identify “driver aberrations” that confer a selection advantage, and “driver genes” that underlie the recurrence of these aberrations. Following principles that are already well-established in cancer research, candidate driver genes have also been suggested in hPSCs. Experimental validation of the functional role of such candidates can uncover whether these are bona fide driver genes. The identification of driver genes may bring us closer to a mechanistic understanding of the genomic instability of stem cells. Guided by terminologies and methodologies commonly applied in cancer research, such understanding may have important ramifications for both stem cell and cancer biology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Stress as a fundamental theme in cell plasticity.
Mitochondrial localization of superoxide dismutase is required for decreasing radiation-induced cellular damage.

Abstract Epperly, M. W., Gretton, J. E., Sikora, C. A., Jefferson, M., Bernarding, M., Nie, S. and Greenberger, J. S. Mitochondrial Localization of Superoxide Dismutase is Required for Decreasing Radiation-Induced Cellular Damage. Radiat. Res. 160, 568–578 (2003). We investigated the importance of mitochondrial localization of the SOD2 (MnSOD) transgene product for protection of 32D cl 3 hematopoietic cells from radiation-induced killing. Four plasmids containing (1) the native human copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD, SOD1) transgene, (2) the native SOD2 transgene, (3), the SOD2 transgene minus the mitochondrial localization leader sequence (MnSOD-ML), and (4) the SOD2 mitochondrial leader sequence attached to the active portion of the SOD1 transgene (ML-Cu/ZnSOD) were transfected into 32D cl 3 cells and subclonal lines selected by kanamycin resistance. Clonogenic in vitro radiation survival curves derived for each cell clone showed that Cu/ZnSOD- and MnSOD-ML-expressing clones had no increase in...
Synthesis of a meso, β -pentanoporphyrin related to the petroporphyrins

Abstract The first synthesis of a meso, β -Pentanoporphyrin, starting from a b-cyclooctenopyrrole and using the MacDonald route, is reported.
Evaluation of Retroreflectivity Measurement Techniques for Profiled and Rumble Stripe Pavement Markings

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the influence of stepping distance on average, dry retroreflectivity measurements of profiled and rumble stripe pavement markings through the use of a portable (handheld) retroreflectometer and to compare these measurements with ones made with a mobile retroreflectometer. The retroreflectivity of flat, profiled, and rumble stripe thermoplastic pavement markings was evaluated by several means with the use of multiple handheld retroreflectometers and a mobile retroreflectometer. Stepping distance was found to have no practical influence on averaged retroreflectivity measurements of evaluated marking types when measured in accordance with ASTM E 1710-05. The addition of an extended base on the handheld retroreflectometer, the hand-leveling of the device, or both were suitable ways to maintain the retroreflectometer in the plane defined by the tops of the pavement marking profiles for proper measurement. The vertical structure of the profiled and rumble stripe pavement markings did not increase the dry retroreflectivity measurements of the markings. The flat segments between the depressions of the rumble stripe pavement marking were found to produce the highest retroreflectivity readings of any part of the rumble stripe. A properly calibrated, mobile retroreflectometer operated by an experienced user gave dry retroreflectivity measurements that were not practically different from those obtained with a handheld retroreflectometer in accordance with ASTM E 1710-05. These findings validated the capability of the handheld retroreflectometer to accurately measure profiled and rumble stripe pavement markings.
Retinal ganglion cell activity in the ground squirrel under halothane anesthesia

Abstract Retinal ganglion cell activity in the predominantly cone retina of the ground squirrel was studied under conditions of light halothane anesthesia with intensive controls and/or monitors of the animal's physiological state. Maintained dark discharge was comparable to what has been found in other mammalian retina. Only one kind of color opponent retinal ganglion cell—designated the BG-G unit—was found when the preparation was physiologically normotensive. The BG-G units converted into two other forms of color opponents when the preparation's blood pressure became hypotensive. The change was reversible.
Mystical Knowledge Knowledge by Identity

Selon l'A., la conscience peut etre vide et sans objet. Il tient a combler deux lacunes en proposant un nouveau modele permettant de faire la part de l'evenement purement conscient. Ce modele est developpe a partir de parallelismes observes dans des recits de mystiques. L'A. s'attache ensuite aux enigmes philosophiques soulevees par ce modele. Enfin ,il analyse les forces et faiblesses de son modele
S. Ramani (1939‐present): India's information technology education pioneer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a biographical sketch of Srinivasan Ramani (1939‐present) whose career as India's pioneer IT researcher and IT educator has spanned over four decades.Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and interviews with the subject.Findings – Ramani has contributed significantly to the development of India's information technology with seminal work in IT networking, IT software and IT education. During his career Ramani has guided several doctoral graduates in computer science and information technology, many of whom have gone on to pursue distinguished careers in education, governmental policy and industry.Originality/value – The paper gives an account of the historical circumstances that led to Ramani's gradual rise and traces the important milestones in India's information technology development.
Hemoptysis Associated with Epileptiform Attacks

Some of the causes of pulmonary bleeding have been considered. Attention has been called to references in the literature to some of the more uncommon causes of hemoptysis, and a case has been reported of periodic bleeding from the respiratory tract associated with noctural convulsions, which was greatly benefited by removal of that part of the lung from which the bleeding occurred. The bleeding was probably on a functional basis since no cause could be found on pathological examination of that part of the lung removed. The patient continues to enjoy good health and has had no recurrence of the disorder two years after the operation.
A review of environmental and health risks of maleic hydrazide

The cellular metabolism, acute toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of maleic hydrazide have been reviewed. It seems that this chemical is a mutagen and a carcinogen in cell cultures and animals, but no evidence is available on human carcinogenicity regardless of population exposure in manufacturing, agriculture, and the food chain (i.e., potatoes, potato chips). Because of the level of exposure of the general public to this compound, an epidemiologic survey should be conducted to ascertain possible human health effects. Long-term feeding experiments should be conducted in several animal species to establish whether maleic hydrazide is carcinogenic by this route. Biotransformation and pharmacokinetic studies should be undertaken to obtain better understanding of the chemical's metabolism and excretion. Such investigations would firmly establish whether the tolerance for maleic hydrazide should remain unchanged or whether the use of the compound should be more restricted.
Hamiltonicity of 6-connected line graphs

Let G be a graph and let D"6(G)={[email protected]?V(G)|d"G(v)=6}. In this paper we prove that: (i) If G is a 6-connected claw-free graph and if |D"6(G)|@?74 or G[D"6(G)] contains at most 8 vertex disjoint K"4's, then G is Hamiltonian; (ii) If G is a 6-connected line graph and if |D"6(G)|@?54 or G[D"6(G)] contains at most 5 vertex disjoint K"4's, then G is Hamilton-connected.
Plant Stomata Function in Innate Immunity against Bacterial Invasion

Microbial entry into host tissue is a critical first step in causing infection in animals and plants. In plants, it has been assumed that microscopic surface openings, such as stomata, serve as passive ports of bacterial entry during infection. Surprisingly, we found that stomatal closure is part of a plant innate immune response to restrict bacterial invasion. Stomatal guard cells of Arabidopsis perceive bacterial surface molecules, which requires the FLS2 receptor, production of nitric oxide, and the guard-cell-specific OST1 kinase. To circumvent this innate immune response, plant pathogenic bacteria have evolved specific virulence factors to effectively cause stomatal reopening as an important pathogenesis strategy. We provide evidence that supports a model in which stomata, as part of an integral innate immune system, act as a barrier against bacterial infection.
Three-photon resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and third-harmonic generation with unfocused laser beams.

Several extensions are made in theoretical studies of multiphoton ionization associated with third-harmonic fields that are generated near three-photon resonances in gaseous media. The treatment includes the strong coherent cancellation effect which occurs between three-photon pumping of a resonant level and pumping by the third-harmonic field that is generated in the same medium. The incomplete spoiling of the cancellation effect with counterpropagating beams is quantitatively described. Also, treatment of the multiphoton-ionization problem involving phase-matched, third-harmonic fields is generalized to include quantitative effects of index changes due to a buffer gas, absorption due to dimers, and collisional dephasing of coherent excitations. Finally, we show how measurements of linewidths, phase-matching positions, and pressure dependences of ionization yields associated with third-harmonic generation and subsequent absorption can be used to determine oscillator strengths of a resonant level, absorption coefficients for a resonant species and a buffer-gas species, and the refractive index of the buffer gas at the third-harmonic frequency.
Automated Headspace Ammonia Analysis of Shrimp

Abstract Determination of shrimp odor by sensory evaluation is subjective, difficult to quantify, or depends on complex and time consuming chemical analyses. Ammonia (NH3) is the main off-odor of shrimp. This study developed a methodology for repeatable, objective and rapid headspace NH3 analysis of shrimp. An electrode was connected to a computer to quantify NH3 in the headspace of intact shrimp kept in an air-tight box. The only sample preparation was to spray NaOH on shrimp. Less than two minutes were needed to obtain results. Ammonia levels measured by this method were comparable to that of wet chemical methods. A sensory panel determined that the rejection level of NH3 in shrimp was 230 ppm. This procedure could be used as a fast, simple and objective method to evaluate shrimp odor quality.
Brine Discharge and Salinization, Concho River Watershed, West Texas

Discharge of naturally occurring brine from the Southern Great Plains regional ground-water flow system significantly affects water quality in local aquifers in the Concho River watershed in West Texas. Aquifers in outcropping Permian rocks locally contain brine and hydrocarbons at depths as shallow as 135 ft (41 m). Maps of hydraulic head, salinity, and hydrochemical facies and graphs of ionic ratios and stable isotopic composition locate where brackish to saline ground water occurs naturally as a result of mixing between locally recharged meteoric water and subsurface brine in the regional flow system. Br/Cl, CI/SO4, Ca/Na, and δD/δ18O ratios distinguish between brine sources in the mixing zone. For example, chemical composition of brackish-to-saline shallow ground waters beneath the Concho River watershed more closely resembles the composition of Permian than of Pennsylvanian formation brines. Other possible salinity sources include (1) seepage of salt water from rocks beneath oil-field brine-disposal p ts, which ceased operation in the late 1960 s, and (2) upward flow of artesian salt water across confining beds through decades-old abandoned oil-exploration holes. These sources are superposed on the naturally occurring mixing zone between brine and fresh water.
Incorporation of Tumor-Targeting Peptides into Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Capsids

The human parvovirus adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) possesses many features that make it an attractive vector for gene delivery in vivo. However, its broad host range may limit its usefulness and effectivity in several gene therapy applications in which transgene expression needs to be limited to a specific organ or cell type. In this study, we explored the possibility of directing recombinant AAV-2 transduction by incorporating targeting peptides previously isolated by in vivo phage display. Two putative loops within the AAV-2 capsid were examined as sites for incorporation of peptides. We tested the effects of deleting these loops and different strategies for the incorporation of several targeting peptides. The tumor-targeting sequence NGRAHA and a Myc epitope control were incorporated either as insertions or as replacements of the original capsid sequence. Viruses were assessed for packaging, accessibility of incorporated peptides, heparin binding, and transduction in a range of cell lines. Whereas recombinant viruses containing mutant capsid proteins were produced efficiently, transduction of several cell lines was significantly impaired for most modifications. However, certain mutants containing the peptide motif NGR, which binds CD13 (a receptor expressed in angiogenic vasculature and in many tumor cell lines), displayed an altered tropism toward cells expressing this receptor. Based on this work and previous studies, possible strategies for achieving in vivo targeting of recombinant AAV-2 are discussed.