cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postmortem Aortic Dissection: An Artifact of the Embalming Process

Aortic dissection (AD) is a serious condition that affects 3/100,000 individuals a year. Recently, a case report was published describing an embalmed patient with an aortic dissection. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of AD among 80 embalmed cadavers and confirm the AD with histopathologic evaluation. In seven cases of grossly identified AD, six were determined to be due to the embalming procedure and only one case of true antemortem AD was confirmed. These results suggest that aortic morphology can be altered by administration of the embalming fluid and that alterations can mimic AD, not only on gross inspection but also on postmortem imaging. Awareness of this embalming artifact may prevent misdiagnosis of an aortic dissection in an embalmed patient, a point particularly useful for autopsy pathology that may include postmortem examination of an embalmed patient.
A World Model of Chemical Denudation in Karst Terrains

In this paper, I develop global karst chemical denudation models using chemical equilibrium equations. Theoretical karst chemical denudation rates are calculated as soil carbon dioxide concentration varies from 10−3.5 atm to 10−1.0 atm, temperature varies from 0°C to 30°C, and annual runoff varies from 500 mm to 3,000 mm. Both open and closed karst solution systems are examined. The Drake (1980) and the Brook-Folkoff-Box (1983) soil pCO2 equations are used to develop chemical denudation models for different carbonate rocks (limestone and dolomite), climate (tropical, temperate, and arctic/alpine terrains), and karst solution type (open and closed systems). The major conclusion is that the karst solution type, least known in the past karst studies, is an important factor in controlling chemical denudation rates.
Testing of hard faults in simultaneous multi-threaded processors

With the increasing circuit complexity and aggressive technology scaling, faults such as dielectric, conductor, and metallization failures are becoming more common. Traditional stuck-at testing does not detect these types of faults because these faults may be dormant and need to be stressed to manifest as "fails" (during burn-in). As voltage scaling and power consumption reduce the effectiveness of burn-in, these faults will cause failures during the useful life of the part. We propose the use of a test thread on simultaneous multi-threaded processors, to provide a means of detection of lifetime failures. In this initial study, the test thread is allowed to compete with executing programs for processor resources. When the system has only one workload thread, the test thread is able to execute with no significant impact on the workload thread. When the system has many active workload threads, the test thread has somewhat larger impact on the execution time of the workload threads.
Release of endogenous dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and amino acid transmitters from rat striatal slices.

The release of endogenous dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was measured in superfused striatal slices of the rat and the results compared with data obtained for the release of endogenous (a) DA and DOPAC in the cerebral cortex, nucleus accumbens and thalamus; (b) 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), GABA, and glutamate in the striatum; and (c) GABA, glutamate and 5-HT in the cerebral cortex. In superfused slices of all four CNS regions, there appeared to be a Ca2+-dependent, K+-stimulated release of endogenous DA. In addition, in slices of the striatum and nucleus accumbens there also appeared to be a Ca2+-dependent, 60 mM K+ stimulated release of endogenous DOPAC. In the striatum, 16 mM Mg2+ was as effective as 2.5 mM Ca2+ in promoting the 60 mM K+-stimulated release of DOPAC. In addition, 16 mM Mg2+ appeared to function as a weak Ca2+ agonist since it also promoted the release of DA to approximately 40% of the level attained with Ca2+ in the presence of 60 mM K+. On the other hand, in the striatum, 16 mM Mg2+ inhibited the Ca2+-dependent, 60 mM K+-stimulated release of GABA and glutamate. Similar Mg2+-inhibition was observed in the cerebral cortex not only for GABA and glutamate but also for DA and 5-HT. With the use of α-methyl ρ-tyrosine (tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor), cocaine (uptake inhibitor) and pargyline (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), it was determined that (a) most of the released DA and DOPAC was synthesized in the slices during the superfusion; (b) DOPAC was not formed from DA which had been released and taken up; and (c) DA and DOPAC were released from DA nerve terminals. In addition, the data indicate a difference in the release process between the amino acids and the monoamines from striatal slices since Mg2+ inhibited the Ca2+-dependent, K+-stimulated release of GABA and glutamate and appeared to promote the release of DA and 5-HT.
The correlation of tumor vascularity as imaged by near-infrared technology with tissue distribution of angiogenic and growth promoters.

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts Abstract #907 Background : Angiogenesis is necessary for solid tumors to grow. Rapidly growing tissues, increased metabolic demands as well as the presence of hypoxia and ischemia promote angiogenesis by stimulation of factors like vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), a key angiogenic factor. Many studies have found that angiogenesis is an independent prognostic factor in both node positive and node negative breast cancer. We have developed a novel technique, ultrasound guided optical tomography in the near-infrared wavelength (NIR-US), that accurately localizes tumor lesion with ultrasound and then images tumor angiogenesis. We have now collected images and tissue from 12 patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy. These tumors are large and heterogeneous with respect to vascular images. We have begun to correlate the tissue expression of a variety of pro-angiogenic proteins with the extent, distribution and pattern of vascularity demonstrated by our NIR-US. Methods: Using NIR-US images, the quantification of vascular content was performed by measuring the total hemoglobin content X volume of distribution of that hemoglobin content. This measure is termed the Blood Volume Index (BVI). In 12 patients studied, the level of tumor vascularity as measured by the initial BVI did not correlate with tumor grade, mitotic index, or estrogen receptor status or most importantly with response to treatment. We analyzed tissue specimens already collected with known patterns of vascular distribution on NIR-US and with known MVD to understand what might be driving the vascular response. Histologic sections were prepared and stained for; endothelial adhesion marker PECAM/CD31, VEGF, the activated stress response kinase P-AMPK, the cell proliferation marker Ki67, and SMA (smooth muscle actin) a marker of vasculature support cells and glucose transporter-1. Each case was quantified using at least 5 40X fields and pixel-by-pixel summation using Image Pro Plus software (Media cybernetics, Inc.) represented as average +/- SD. Results : The tumor BVI as defined by NIR-US did not correlate with either CD31 or SMA expression and was inversely correlated with VEGF levels. The higher VEGF, the lower the BVI. Of particular interest, the highest CD31 signals correlated with high VEGF levels in two, HER-2 positive patients, but not with BVI. Proliferation rate (Ki67), glucose transporter-1 and P-AMPK expression did not correlate with vascular content as measured by NIR-US. Conclusion: Study of the above growth promoters in tissue imaged by NIR-US did not reveal an association between their expression and the vascular content of the tissue. Of interest, VEGF expression varied greatly within the tumor specimens and showed no correlation to BVI. Financial support provided by a Research Grant from the CT Breast Health Initiative. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 907.
Surgical workshop: a new modification with the use of a seton in treating anal fistula

With increased usage of advancement flaps for treating complicated anal fistulae, the seton technique is still utilized. Various methods have been described to advance the seton through the external anal sphincter muscle. Herein, we describe a simple new technique to facilitate tightening of the seton in the office setting.
A solid-phase assay for the activity of CMPNeuAc:Gal β1-4GlcNAc-R α-2,6-sialyltransferase

Abstract A solid-phase assay for the activity of CMPNeuAc:Gal β1-4GlcNAc- R α-2,6-sialyltransferase (2,6ST) has been developed. In the assay an acceptor glycoprotein is immobilized onto microtiter plate wells. The two glycoprotein acceptors used were asialofetuin (ASF), which contains oligosaccharides terminating in the sequence Gal β1-4GlcNAc- R , and a neoglycoprotein of bovine serum albumin containing covalently attached Gal β1-4GlcNAc- R units. Samples containing the donor CMPNeuAc and the 2,6ST were incubated with the immobilized acceptor to generate the product NeuAc α2-6Gal β1-4GlcNAc- R . The product was detected by a biotin-streptavidin system using the biotinylated plant lectin Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), which binds to sialic acid in α-2,6, but not in α-2,3, linkage. The biotinylated SNA bound to the product was then detected with streptavidin and biotinylated forms of either alkaline phosphatase or the recombinant bioluminescent protein aequorin. The assay was optimized with respect to the commercially available 2,6ST and shown to be dependent on the concentration of acceptor and CMPNeuAc and proportional to the 2,6ST activity in the range of 20 to 400 μU in a 1-h assay. The solid-phase assay also allows for the selective detection of 2,6ST activity in human and fetal bovine serum, where the activity was proportional in the range of 0.1 to 2 μl of serum.
5-Androstenediol Promotes Survival of γ-Irradiated Human Hematopoietic Progenitors through Induction of Nuclear Factor-κB Activation and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Expression

5-Androstenediol (5-AED) stimulates hematopoiesis and enhances survival in animals exposed to ionizing radiation (IR), suggesting that this steroid may act on hematopoietic progenitor cells. We used γ-irradiated primary human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells to show that 5-AED protects hematopoietic cells from IR damage, as shown by enhanced cell survival, clonogenicity, proliferation, and differentiation. Unlike in tumor cells, IR did not induce nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) activation in primary progenitors. However, IR stimulated IκBβ release from NFκB/IκB complexes and caused NFκB1 (p50) degradation. 5-AED stabilized NFκB1 in irradiated cells and induced NFκB gene expression and NFκB activation (DNA binding). 5-AED stimulated interleukin-6 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion. The survival-enhancing effects of 5-AED on clonogenic cells were abrogated by small interfering RNA inhibition of NFκB gene expression and by neutralization of G-CSF with antibody. The effects of 5-AED on survival and G-CSF secretion were blocked by the NFκB inhibitor N-benzoyloxycarbonyl (Z)-Leu-Leu-leucinal (MG132). 5-AED had no effect on accumulation of the proapoptotic factor p53 after IR, as determined by Western blot. The results indicate that NFκB1 degradation after IR may be responsible for the radiation sensitivity of CD34+ cells compared with tumor cells. 5-AED exerts survival-enhancing effects on irradiated human hematopoietic progenitor cells via induction, stabilization, and activation of NFκB, which results in increased secretion of hematopoietic growth factor G-CSF.
The effect of laterality on venous thromboembolism formation after peripherally inserted central catheter placement.

PurposeThe use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) has become widespread in hospital medicine. PICCs are preferentially placed on the right side due to anatomic ease of insert...
Lacrimation in the neonatal and early infancy period of premature and full-term infants

Observations were made upon 1,326 full-term and 202 premature infants to determine when and under what circumstances overflow tears occur in infancy. The time of appearance of tears in premature infants ranged from 35 minutes of age to the eighty-eighth day; in 60 per cent the tears appeared before 30 days of age. In full-term infants, overflow tears were noted as early as 5 1/2 hours of age, and in 166, or 13.2 per cent, tearing appeared in the first 4 1/2 days of life. Tearing occurred with crying when the infants were fed, received injections, or were circumcised; tearing occurred occasionally without crying with feeding, gagging, sneezing, etc.
Primary gastrointestinal lymphangiectasia presenting as cryptococcal meningitis

Background Opportunistic infections commonly occur in immunocompromised patients; however, it is unusual for an adult to present with a combined cellular and humoral immunodeficiency. Cryptococcal meningitis is a fatal condition if untreated and is usually found in patients with cellular immunodeficiency. Objective To report the case of an adult patient with cryptococcal meningitis secondary to intestinal lymphangiectasia. Methods A 59-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for disseminated cryptococcal meningitis and osteomyelitis. Laboratory evaluation, computed tomography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and biopsy were performed. Results Laboratory evaluation revealed a lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and negative human immunodeficiency virus test results by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction. The complete blood cell count, urinalysis, serum and urine protein electrophoresis, and functional antibody responses to protein and polysaccharide antigens were normal. Results of computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis were unremarkable. Multiple lymphangiectasias were visualized with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and confirmed by biopsy. The patient was treated with intravenous amphotericin B and flucytosine, and the meningitis resolved. Conclusions Based on a computerized search of the medical literature, this is the first description of cryptococcal meningitis secondary to intestinal lymphangiectasias. The combination of lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia should alert the clinician to the possibility of intestinal lymphangiectasias and the potential for immune dysfunction.
Use of omeprazole in the management of giant duodenal ulcer: results of a prospective study.

Background. Giant duodenal ulcer (GDU) is generally thought to require surgical intervention. Proton pump inhibitors have beneficial effects in peptic ulcer disease, but their role in GDU disease is unknown. We examined the use of omeprazole in GDU management. Methods. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with GDU. One patient required immediate operative intervention. The remaining 27 were placed on omeprazole (40 mg daily). When ulcer healing was documented by endoscopy, the patients were placed on oral histamine-2 receptor antagonist therapy. Results. Of the 28 study patients, 20 (71.4%) did not require operative intervention, and 8 (28.6%) required operation for ulcer complications. Of the 15 patients with adherent clot or a visible vessel at initial endoscopy, 7 (46.7%) required operative intervention, as compared with 1 (7.7%) of the 13 patients without a visible vessel or adherent clot. This difference was statistically significant (P <.05). Twenty-three patients underwent antral biopsy and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Helicobacter pylori, and 9 (39. 1%) had a positive result. Conclusions. Omeprazole is effective in the treatment of GDU disease. An adherent clot or visible vessel at endoscopy indicates a higher likelihood of complications requiring operation. The relatively low H pylori infection rate, as compared with other peptic ulcer disease, may indicate a different pathophysiology in GDU.
Beggar's ticks and tarweeds: Masters of adaptive radiation.

The beggar's ticks (Bidens) and tarweeds (Madiinae) are very much more diversified morphologically and ecologically in the Hawaiian islands than in continental areas. Isozyme data and preliminary genetic analyses suggest that the adaptive features exhibited by these groups in Hawaii are based on relatively few gene loci. Each group has mechanisms promoting outcrossing: gynodioecy in the beggar's ticks, self-incompatibility in the tarweeds. While hybridization is not rare in the beggar's ticks, it is very common in the tarweeds. The tarweeds provide the only known instance of chromosomal evolution among studied examples of adaptive radiation. A number of other qualitative and quantitative differences exhibited by the tarweeds suggests the possibility of their greater antiquity in Hawaii compared to beggar's ticks and other groups.
Magmatism in the eastern Aleutian Arc: temporal characteristic of igneous activity on Akutan Island

Lavas from Akutan Island, located in the eastern Aleutian arc at the transition between continental and oceanic crust, show a gradual change in their petrologic and chemical characteristics over the last 4 million years. The oldest lavas exposed on the island, the Hot Springs Bay Volcanics (HSBV), range from magnesian basalt to dacite (45%–62% SiO2). The most mafic basalts contain salitic clinopyroxene, Cr- and Al-rich spinel, and pargasitic amphibole suggesting that they were derived from relatively hydrous magmas at greater pressures than lavas from the younger Akutan Volcanics (AKV) and the modern volcano (MOD). AKV lavas also range between basalt and dacite (46%–63% SiO2), but contain no hydrous phenocrysts and seem to have fractionated within a shallow level magma chamber. Lavas from the modern volcano are andesitic (52%–57% SiO2) and have a mineral assemblage similar to that of AKV lavas of similar composition. With the exception of clinopyroxene and spinel in the most mafic lavas, the compositions of plagioclase (An92−45), olivine (Fo88−51), orthopyroxene (En69−56), and titanomagnetite (15%–21% TiO2) phenocrysts found in these lavas are within the range observed in lavas from other Aleutian volcanoes. Variations in the major element chemistry of the older lavas can be reproduced by fractional crystallization of the observed mineral assemblages, however closed system crystal fractionation models are inadequate to explain the trace element variations. During the last 4 million years, La/Yb ratios have decreased (6.5–3.3 for HSBV lavas and 2.9–1.9 for MOD lavas) whereas Ba/La ratios appear to have increased slightly (37–43 for HSBV and AKV, and 41–45 of MOD). The lower La/Yb ratios of MOD lavas correspond with lower total abundances of the REE and slightly higher Sr and Pb isotopic ratios. The increased87Sr/86Sr ratios and Pb isotopic ratios in the MOD lavas, the less enriched LREE, and the higher Ba/La ratios may result from partial melting of an arc source which has experienced previous melting events but has continued to be contaminated by a component from the subducting slab. It may also indicate a change in the degree of partial melting of the underlying mantle, which corresponds to a different percentage of a slab derived component being incorporated into the overlying mantle.
Splanchnic perfusion evaluation during hemorrhage and resuscitation with gastric near-infrared spectroscopy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to use a prototype side-illuminating near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) nasogastric probe to continuously measure changes in gastric tissue oxygen saturation (Sto 2 ) in a pig hemorrhage model. Methods: Swine (n = 12; 6 per group) underwent laparotomy and placement of a gastric NIRS probe, jejunal tonometer, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow probe, and a portal vein catheter. Animals underwent hemorrhage (28 mL/kg) t = 0 to 20 minutes (where t = time). Pigs in group I were resuscitated (t = 20-40 minutes) with lactated Ringer's solution (84 mL/kg), whereas group II had no resuscitation. Results: A significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and SMA flow was observed after hemorrhage. SMA flow significantly correlated in group I with both NIRS Sto 2 (r = 0.58, p = 0.0001) and regional CO 2 (r = -0.54, p = 0.0001). In group II, superior mesenteric flow correlated with NIRS Sto 2 (r = 0.30, p = 0.03), but not regional CO 2 (r = -0.23, p = 0.09). Conclusion: Direct measurement of tissue oxygen saturation with a prototype side-illuminating near-infrared spectroscopy gastric probe appeared to rapidly reflect changes in splanchnic perfusion.
Parameter identification of civil engineering structures

This paper concerns the development of an identification method required in determining structural parameter variations for systems subjected to an extended exposure to the environment. The concept of structural identifiability of a large scale structural system in the absence of damping is presented. Three criteria are established indicating that a large number of system parameters (the coefficient parameters of the differential equations) can be identified by a few actuators and sensors. An eight-bay-fifteen-story frame structure is used as example. A simple model is employed for analyzing the dynamic response of the frame structure.
Environmental Politics in Japan: Networks of Power and Protest

List of figures and tables Preface 1. Growth versus the environment in Japan 2. Visions and realities of growth 3. Protest and policy change 4. Movement startups 5. Protest against landfill No. 8 6. Under the machine 7. The Governor gives in 8. Contested consensus 9. Pyrrhic victories 10. Power, protest, and political change Appendix 1: Meso-networks and macro-structures Appendix 2: Oita Prefecture and Japan National Growth and environmental key events: 1955-1980 Appendix 3: Pollution legislation at prefectural and national levels: 1964-1985 References Index.
Gambling behavior in adolescent substance abuse

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of gambling behavior (GB) in adolescent substance abusers (N = 97) consecutively admitted to an outpatient treatment program. Thirty-four percent of the cohort had never gambled; 57% were classified as social/nonpathological gamblers; 8% were labeled as in transition gamblers; and only 1% met criteria for pathological gambling. A significant finding was that males are more likely to gamble and to have a higher severity score than do females. A younger age of GB onset is seen for girls than boys and is correlated with a history of suicide attempts, diagnosis of depression, number of symptoms of oppositional behavior, cluster B personality disorders, and a higher need for psychiatric treatment. None of the gambling youths was ever referred for GB counseling. Increased awareness for and additional studies of adolescent gambling are required.
EFFECT OF EXPERIENCE ON ADJUSTMENT TO A NEW JOB SITUATION

Summary.-In this study was examined the effect of prior job experience on reactions to a new job siruation. Newly hired registered nurses (20 with prior experience in other hospitals, 24 new graduates) completed surveys about their expected job outcomes one week prior to job entry and four months afrer job entry on their obtained job outcomes. Propensity to leave was also assessed on the postjob-encry survey. The analysis indicated a significant drop between expected and obtained outcomes for the experienced nurses. The new graduates were smble over time with a lower propensity to leave than the experienced nurses. Results imply rhar experienced employees may be more capable of interpreting new work environments whereas naive employees may need more time. Implications for research are discussed. During the last few years there has been considerable interest in the smdy of organizational newcomers (Jones, 1983; Louis, 1980; Van Maanen & Schein, 1979; Wanous, 1977). The newcomer stage is thought to be important because later orientation to the organization can be influenced by experiences during this period (Wanous, 1980). One key problem noted in the literacure on job newcomers is the influence of unrealistic and unmet expectations on job attitudes and propensity to leave the organization. Specifically, a "reality shock" can occur as the newcomer to a work organization encounters a job situation quite different from initial or prejob-entry expectations. The use of realistic job previews has been recommended as a way to sharpen initial job expectations and improve organizational longevity of the new employee ( Wanous, 1980). While it is not the purpose here to review the excant literature on organizational entry (Wanous, 1977; Louis, 1980; Premack & Wanous, 1985) several relevant issues stand out in this literature. Jones ( 1983), for example, has suggested that prior learning may influence how a job newcomer perceives a new job situation. Newcomers with previous experience in a work role might process new job information more readily and so may be more competent ac evaluating outcomes of effort expended in the new work role. Along these lines, Katz ( 1978) has suggested that veteran employees may experience a "resocializacion" when confronted with a new job or organizational situation; mastery or demonstration of competence may be more critical whereas, for the naive newcomer, the primary concern is finding a niche in the organization. Unfortunately, there is almost no literature which specifically addresses
Peripheral Nerve Grafts and aFGF Restore Partial Hindlimb Function in Adult Paraplegic Rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of functional recovery in adult rats with completely transected spinal cord following experimental treatment regimens that include implantation of peripheral nerve segments and local application of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF). Rats were randomly divided to five groups: (1) spinal cord transection, (2) spinal cord transection and aFGF treatment, (3) spinal cord transection and peripheral nerve grafts, (4) spinal cord transection, aFGF treatment, and peripheral nerve grafts, and (5) sham control (laminectomy only). The locomotor behavior of all rats was analyzed by the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) open field locomotor test over the six months survival time. Immunohistochemisty for neurofilament protein, and somatosensory (SSEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEP) were used to evaluate axon growth across the damage site following the different treatments. The results show four principal findings: (1) Only the combination of peripheral nerve grafts and aFGF treatment improved hindlimb locomotor function after spinal cord transection. (2) The SSEP and MEP demonstrated electrophysiological evidence of both sensory and motor information crossing the damaged site, but only in the combined nerve grafts and aFGF treatment rats. (3) Immunostaining demonstrated neurofilament positive axons extending through the graft area and into distal end of spinal cord, but only in the group with combined nerve grafts and aFGF treatment. (4) Retransection of group 4 rats eliminated the behavioral recovery, MEP, and SSEP responses, indicating that the improvement of hindlimb locomotor activity came from supraspinal control. These results demonstrate the ability of the repair strategy combining peripheral nerve grafts and aFGF treatment to facilitate the regeneration of spinal ascending and descending tracts and also recovery of motor behavior following spinal cord injury.
Ultrastructure of the “germinal plasm” during maturation and early cleavage in Rana pipiens

Abstract Examination of 1 μ-thick sections of fertilized Rana pipiens eggs revealed clear yolk-free areas, situated only within the subcortical region of the vegetal pole cytoplasm. During early cleavage, these areas appear to merge and migrate up the cleavage furrows. Their size and distribution are identical to areas previously identified as germinal plasm in fertilized anuran amphibian eggs. Electron microscopic examination of these germinal plasm areas revealed electron dense bodies, 0.17 – 0.25 μ in diameter, surrounded by particles 150 A in diameter, and interspersed within large aggregations of mitochondria. These electron dense bodies have been observed only within the regions identified as germinal plasm in the light microscope. We have suggested that they be referred to as germinal granules. Germinal plasm regions, as seen with the light microscope, were not observed prior to fertilization. However, ultrastructural examination of the vegetal pole of unfertilized uterine eggs did reveal typical germinal granules located within the subcortical cytoplasm. Additional observations suggested the possibility that precursors of these granules are present already by the end of oocyte growth. Full-grown oocytes dissected from their ovarian follicles contained small electron-dense areas, situated at the vegetal pole within subcortical aggregations of mitochondria. After the induction of maturation with progesterone in vitro, progressively larger electron dense regions are observed until, by the time of germinal vesicle dissolution, typical germinal granules are present. These granules appear at about the same time in oocytes from which germinal vesicles were removed prior to progesterone treatment. Germinal granules were also observed in fertilized but uncleaved axolotl eggs. In this case, however, the granules were seen only in the marginal zone, and not within the vegetal hemisphere cytoplasm. The germinal granules we have described are essentially identical in appearance to Drosophila polar granules. This observation, coupled with the restriction of germinal granules to germinal plasm regions, both in anuran and urodele amphibians, leads to the suggestion that they represent the germ cell determinants.
Effect of cystine loading and cystine dimethylester on renal brushborder membrane transport.

The effect of loading renal tubule cells with cystine was studied by incubating them with cystine dimethylester. Proline uptake into brushborder membrane vesicles isolated from the cystine loaded cells was not different from that observed into brushborder vesicles isolated from tubules incubated in buffer alone. Incubating brushborder membranes with 2 mM cystine dimethylester for 10 minutes reduced the uptake of proline by 27% after 15 seconds of incubation and by 21% after 60 seconds of incubation. There was no effect after 20 minutes of incubation. Pre-incubating brushborder membrane vesicles with cystine dimethylester had no statistically significant effect on the affinity of priline for the carrier, but did reduce the maximal rate of proline uptake by 49%.
Small-scale fire tests of walls penetrated by telephone cables

Four small-scale fire-resistance tests have been carried out on walls penetrated by telephone cables. The failure criteria were that temperature should not exceed 1000° F at the unexposed surfaces of the cable, sleeve or wall, nor should openings greater than 0.1 square inch develop.
Retroviral restriction and dependency factors in primates and carnivores.

Recent studies have extended the rapidly developing retroviral restriction factor field to cells of carnivore species. Carnivoran genomes, and the domestic cat genome in particular, are revealing intriguing properties vis-a-vis the primate and feline lentiviruses, not only with respect to their repertoires of virus-blocking restriction factors but also replication-enabling dependency factors. Therapeutic application of restriction factors is envisioned for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) model has promise for testing important hypotheses at the basic and translational level. Feline cell-tropic HIV-1 clones have also been generated by a strategy of restriction factor evasion. We review progress in this area in the context of what is known about retroviral restriction factors such as TRIM5α, TRIMCyp, APOBEC3 proteins and BST-2/Tetherin.
Evolution of collective damage in a polyamide 6–silicate nanocomposite

Abstract The microvoiding in crack-tip plastic zone in a partly exfoliated polyamide 6–silicate nanocomposite is investigated through the experimental measurement of microvoid size distribution and the computer simulation in context of nonlinear fracture mechanics. In order to analyze the effect of silicate content on fracture resistance, the evolution of the collective microvoids induced by the silicate nanolayers is characterized by the void number density (VND). The influences of the filler–matrix interaction on the yielding and hardening behaviors, as well as the total number, volume fraction, and nucleation and growth rates of microvoids are discussed in detail.
Tissue culture studies of retinal development

Because of a limited number of cell types, a series of well-described cell-type-specific markers and a stereotyped sequence of cell development, the retina has been a valuable model of CNS development. Dissociated and explant cultures have been used to help define some of the requirements for differentiation of each major cell class. In addition to mixed-cell cultures it is now possible to use cell purification or selective growth methods to give cultures of single cell types. Alteration of gene expression by viral infection has proved to be a valuable method to help elucidate developmental pathways.
Systematic Shifts in the Balance of Excitation and Inhibition Coordinate the Activity of Axial Motor Pools at Different Speeds of Locomotion

An emerging consensus from studies of axial and limb networks is that different premotor populations are required for different speeds of locomotion. An important but unresolved issue is why this occurs. Here, we perform voltage-clamp recordings from axial motoneurons in larval zebrafish during “fictive” swimming to test the idea that systematic differences in the biophysical properties of axial motoneurons are associated with differential tuning in the weight and timing of synaptic drive, which would help explain premotor population shifts. We find that increases in swimming speed are accompanied by increases in excitation preferentially to lower input resistance (Rin) motoneurons, whereas inhibition uniformly increases with speed to all motoneurons regardless of Rin. Additionally, while the timing of rhythmic excitatory drive sharpens within the pool as speed increases, there are shifts in the dominant source of inhibition related to Rin. At slow speeds, anti-phase inhibition is larger throughout the pool. However, as swimming speeds up, inhibition arriving in-phase with local motor activity increases, particularly in higher Rin motoneurons. Thus, in addition to systematic differences in the weight and timing of excitation related to Rin and speed, there are also speed-dependent shifts in the balance of different sources of inhibition, which is most obvious in more excitable motor pools. We conclude that synaptic drive is differentially tuned to the biophysical properties of motoneurons and argue that differences in premotor circuits exist to simplify the coordination of activity within spinal motor pools during changes in locomotor speed.
Molecular Spectroscopic Evidence of the Existence of Strontium Isotopes Sr 88 , Sr 87 and Sr 86

An analysis of certain heads of the sequence ${v}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}{v}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}=+1(^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma})$ in SrF arc emission spectra, revealed three components at each of the first heads, the displacements of which show the presence of three strontium isotopes at masses 88, 87, and 86. A quantitative determination of the abundance ratio, 88/86 gave a value of 8.52, which is in reasonably good agreement (+2.0 percent) with the abudance ratio of 8.38 determined mass spectrographically. The accuracy with which this ratio has been determined is considered to be within \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4-6 percent. Abudance ratios, 88/87 and 87/86 could be determined only approximately because of masking of the ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{87}$F component by the dominant ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{88}$F component. The spectra had been recorded using first order (dispersion, 0.848 A/mm), but if second order were used, this masking would be reduced to an insignificant amount. For geological age requirements, mass-spectrographic measurement of strontium isotope abundance ratios is preferable because as little as 0.3 mg of strontium salt is required, whereas using molecular spectra, far larger amounts are required. As the maximum concentration of strontium in the most ancient rubidium-rich minerals does not exceed 0.02 percent, inconveniently large quantities of mineral have to be employed to extract sufficient strontium for a molecular spectroscopic analysis.
Image-guided prediction of pseudocyst formation in pediatric pancreatic trauma

Abstract Background To determine if there is an effective alternative to the current standard of computed tomography (CT) grading of pediatric pancreatic injuries. We hypothesized that the Wong grading scale, which is based on the depth and location of the pancreatic laceration, is more predictive of pseudocyst formation than the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) scale after nonoperative management of traumatic pancreatic injury in children. Materials and methods A retrospective review of children admitted for pancreatic trauma to two level 1 pediatric trauma centers between 2000 and 2012 was conducted. Patients who underwent primary operation were excluded. Initial CT scans were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to clinical outcomes, and injury grades from both scales were assigned. The primary outcome was pseudocyst formation. Results Fifty-three patients (ages 7 mo–17 y) were included. As per the Wong scale, pseudocysts occurred in 0/20 patients with grade A injuries, 2/17 (12%) with BI/CI injuries, and 9/15 (60%) with BII/CII injuries. Using the AAST scale, pseudocysts developed in 2/27 (7%) patients with grade I/II injuries, 7/20 (35%) patients with III/IV/V injuries, and 1/6 (17%) patients with a scan that was indeterminate between grades II and III. Positive Predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity for pseudocyst formation were all higher using the Wong scale (AAST/Wong: Positive Predictive value 42%/50%, negative predictive value 91%/94%, sensitivity 80%/82%, and specificity 65%/77%). Conclusions The Wong CT grading scale may be superior to the AAST scale for early risk stratification for pseudocyst development after nonoperative management of pediatric pancreatic trauma; however, a larger study is needed for verification of these findings.
Using survey results to improve the validity of the standard psychiatric nomenclature

Measuring the validity of psychiatric diagnoses is still an unsolved problem. Yet, revisions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and of chapter V of the International Classification of Diseases are now under way, with the hope of improving the validity of the current systems. This article suggests data that could be used to assist in this goal. This article has 3 objectives. (1) To show that although the validity of the interview protocols used in collecting epidemiologic survey data has not itself been proven, the data banks they have collected are well suited to raising questions about the validity of the existing diagnostic nomenclature. This is the case because they faithfully operationalize the current nomenclature in large interview studies of diverse general populations. (2) To show the kinds of changes that appropriate analysis of these data may suggest as ways to improve the validity of the nomenclature. (3) To show how suggested changes that emerge from such analyses should be tested to learn whether they actually improve validity before they are implemented. The data sets from large epidemiologic studies have hardly been tapped for testing the validity of the current nomenclature. It is feasible to use them for this purpose because they are in the public domain and because they assess the presence or absence of each of the criteria in the manuals before applying the manuals' algorithms for combining them to make a diagnosis. Thus, these data banks allow exploration of the effects of combining and splitting diagnoses, of omitting criteria or reweighting them, and of choosing altered algorithms with respect to age at onset, number of symptoms, and duration of episodes. Assessing the consequences of these alterations can be tested by applying some of the criteria of Robins and Guze and Kendell.
MATERNALLY-ADMINISTERED MAGNESIUM SULFATE (MgSO 4 ) PROTECTS AGAINST EARLY BRAIN INJURY AND LONG-TERM ADVERSE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES IN PRETERM INFANTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY. 1502

MATERNALLY-ADMINISTERED MAGNESIUM SULFATE (MgSO 4 ) PROTECTS AGAINST EARLY BRAIN INJURY AND LONG-TERM ADVERSE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES IN PRETERM INFANTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY. 1502
Comparing the Influence of Childhood and Adult Economic Status on Midlife Obesity in Mexican American, White, and African American Women

Objective This research addresses the following 2 questions. What is the effect of childhood and adult economic status on midlife obesity in Mexican American women? How do these economic patterns in Mexican American women compare with patterns seen in White women and in African American women?
miR-26a enhances miRNA biogenesis by targeting Lin28B and Zcchc11 to suppress tumor growth and metastasis

Human cancers often exhibit attenuated microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and global underexpression of miRNAs; thus, targeting the miRNA biogenesis pathway represents a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we report that miR-26a enhances miRNA biogenesis, which acts as a common mechanism partially accounting for miR-26a function in diverse cancers including melanoma, prostate and liver cancer. miR-26a was broadly reduced in multiple cancers, and overexpression of miR-26a significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, including melanoma, prostate and liver cancers. Notably, miR-26a overexpression was accompanied by global upregulation of miRNAs, especially let-7, and let-7 expression was concordant with miR-26a expression in cancer cell lines, xenograft tumors and normal human tissues, underscoring their biological relevance. We showed that miR-26a directly targeted Lin28B and Zcchc11-two critical repressors of let-7 maturation. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that Zcchc11 promoted tumor growth and metastasis, and it was prominently overexpressed in human cancers. Our findings thus provide a novel mechanism by which a miRNA acts as a modulator of miRNA biogenesis. These results also define a role of the miR-26a and Zcchc11 in tumorigenesis and metastasis and have implications to develop new strategies for cancer therapy.
A fragment of vasoactive intestinal peptide, VIP(10–28), is an antagonist of VIP in the colon carcinoma cell line, HT29

The 19 amino acid carboxyl terminus fragment of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), VIP(10-28), inhibits [125I]VIP binding in intact HT29 colonic adenocarcinoma cells and in membranes from these cells. However, VIP(10-28) alone has no effect on adenylate cyclase activity (membranes) or cyclic AMP synthesis (intact cells) in HT29 cells although VIP receptor agonists are markedly stimulatory. The indicated antagonist character of VIP(10-28) was confirmed by rightward parallel shifts of VIP dose response curves in the presence of VIP(10-28) in adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP synthesis experiments. The equilibrium dissociation constant values for VIP(10-28) from these experiments agree with values from inhibition binding studies. The lack of effect of VIP(10-28) on forskolin dose response curves in HT29 adenylate cyclase assays indicates the specificity of the VIP(10-28) antagonism, thus suggesting that VIP(10-28) may be a useful tool in studying VIP receptor regulation and other aspects of the mechanisms of VIP action. The potential regulatory role of a proteolytically generated fragment of VIP acting antagonistically at VIP receptors is discussed.
Lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in college football players: A prospective study

A prospective study was done on Indiana University freshman football players to determine if the incidence of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis followed the pattern of previous studies. Using x-ray film evaluation, 145 freshman players were followed through their careers from 1978 to 1983. As in previous studies, a higher percentage (15.2%) of the defect was found than exists in the general population. However, only 2.4% of these players developed the problem in college, a much lower figure than previously found. Affected team members played a variety of positions. In addition to spondylolysis, some other problems, such as spina bifida occulta, were found. Theories on the cause of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are reviewed, and preventive suggestions such as more careful training and weight lifting are presented.
Lichen planus, lichenoid drug reactions, and lichenoid mucositis

Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneous disease affecting a significant portion of the general population. This article reviews the most current concepts on the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and treatment of oral lichen planus, lichenoid drug reactions, and lichenoid mucositis.
Colchicine-induced increases in immunoreactive neuropeptide levels in hypothalamus: use as an index of biosynthesis.

Abstract The colchicine-induced accumulation of vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) has recently been applied to estimate the synthesis and turnover rates for these neuropeptides in whole rat hypothalamus (1). In the present studies, this pharmacologic procedure has been examined as a potential method for estimating hypothalamic somatostatin (SRIF) synthesis rate, and evaluated further for its utility in estimating nonapeptide synthesis in individual hypothalamic nuclei. Adult male rats received a single injection of colchicine (8 μg) into the third ventricle under pentobarbital anesthesia. Twenty-four hr later, immunoreactive (IR) levels of AVP and OXT increased considerably, as previously noted. Hypothalamic IR-SRIF levels, however, were unaffected. The absolute increases in IR-AVP and IR-OXT were greatest in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), with smaller increments in the para/periventricular hypothalamus (PVH) and the median eminence (ME). IR-SRIF levels showed no changes in the PVH or the ME. As a test, the method was applied to the detection of changes in AVP synthesis in diabetic rats. The colchicine procedure reported increases in AVP synthesis in both the SON and PVH of diabetic animals, a result compatible with that obtained previously for whole hypothalamus using radiolabeled procedures (2). Together, the results indicate that the colchicine procedure is useful in detecting changes in the syntheses of some (AVP and OXT) but not all (SRIF) neuropeptides, and that when applicable, the method is sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in small hypothalamic regions. The method may prove useful in estimating changes in peptide synthesis analogous to that used for serotonin and dopamine; e.g., 5-hydroxytryptophan and dopa accumulation following inhibition of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.
Thermal and Thermoelectric Measurements of Low Dimensional Nanostructures

Low dimensional materials have unique thermal and thermoelectric properties that can be very different from their bulk counterparts. In a previous work, we and our collaborators have developed a microdevice for measuring thermal and thermoelectric properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes. Here, we used an improved design of the device for measuring single wall carbon nanotubes, Ge nanowires, and SnO2 nanobelts. These nanostructures are trapped between two adjacent symmetric silicon nitride membranes of the micro device using either a wet deposition method or in-situ chemical vapor deposition. The measurements provide the critically needed data of the unique thermophysical properties of these nanomaterials.Copyright © 2003 by ASME