cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender and Antidepressants

This chapter discusses the role of gender in administration of antidepressant drugs. There are marked gender differences in the epidemiology of depression, however antidepressants, like most other medications, are developed regardless ofthe sex of the patient. The prior exclusion of women of childbearing age from pharmacokinetic (PK) studies is especially pertinent for antidepressants because of the marked gender differences in the epidemiology of depression. From puberty until menopause, nearly twice as many women (12%) as men (7%) are affected by a depressive disorder each year. Women also exhibit more atypical symptoms of depression, with greater somatization, increased suicide attempts, and comorbid anxiety, whereas men tend to have more comorbid alcohol or drug abuse and completed suicides. Although the evidence is limited, gender-related differences in pharmacodynamics and PK have been shown for several agents. Medications could also have effects on the metabolizing pathways for various hormones. The resulting changes in hormone concentrations could contribute to attenuated responses or the occurrence of an adverse event or have a protective effect. An additional underexplored topic is whether exogenous hormone therapy (i.e., oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy) may be affected by antidepressants or vice versa.
Phospholipid Metabolism by Castor Microsomes

Intact metabolites of 2-[14C]oleoyl-PC have been separated and identified by HPLC after incubation with castor microsomes. The metabolic pathway of phospholipids was shown to be 2-oleoyl-PC ➙ 2-ricinoleoyl-PC ➙ ricinoleate ➙ triglycerides (e. g. triricinolein). The phospholipase A2 strongly favored release of ricinoleate over other fatty acids from PC.
Justice in the Letter and the Spirit: Accessibility to the Courts

In a masterly article, published in the Financial Times l on 31st March, this year, Bernard O’Connor stressed that citizens “need easier access to the EU courts in Luxembourg to seek redress against any improper administration by the European Commission”. He explains that with the evolution of the SEM and especially in the area of trade, the Council has delegated to the Commission responsibility for the daily management of a number of policies. Clearly, this has given an unusual degree of power to this body. Thus, he explains the restricted freedom enjoyed by individuals to influence decisions which affect their interests:
Prehistoric Process in HE: A Critical Review of Institutional Processes for Business-Academic Partnerships in Management Development Provision.

This article sets out to capture the benefits of business and universities working together to create robust management development programmes for the competitive markets ahead. It attempts to illu...
Negative Parenting Moderates the Prospective Association of ADHD Symptoms and Youth Social Problems

Although ADHD and negative parenting are established predictors of youth outcomes, their independent and interactive effects on youth social functioning remain unclear. We tested childhood ADHD symptoms and negative parenting as independent and interactive predictors of prospective change in social problems across a four-year follow-up. At baseline, families of 221 (33% female) children with (n = 94) and without ADHD were rigorously assessed including observed positive and negative parenting behavior, youth ADHD symptoms, as well as multi-informant ratings of youth social problems at multiple occasions. Based on multiple regression with robust standard errors and full-information maximum likelihood procedures to address missing data, ADHD symptoms positively predicted social problems, even with control of observed parenting behavior, child age and sex, oppositional defiant disorder symptoms, and baseline social problems. Additionally, a child ADHD symptoms x negative parenting interaction uniquely predicted separate parent- and teacher-rated social problems where ADHD symptoms positively predicted social problems exclusively in the context of high (+1SD) and very high (+2 SD) negative parenting, respectively. When ADHD was separated into distinct dimensions (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity), an interaction between inattention symptoms and negative parenting approached significance such that inattention symptoms positively predicted parent-rated social problems in the context of high negative parenting. We discuss the interaction between parenting and ADHD symptoms in predictions of youth social problems and implications for intervention.
Polygenic Risk Scores in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a complex disease that is fueled by genetic as well as non-genetic factors. As data risk estimates become better, stratifying a woman’s risk for breast cancer can lead to better prevention strategies. The purpose of this review is to introduce the polygenic risk score (PRS) and shed light on its clinical applications as well as shortcomings in the field of breast cancer prevention. A PRS combines relevant single-nucleotide polypeptides (SNPs) and generates an estimated risk of a specific cancer. It has the ability of questioning the whole genome and incorporating the added benefit of an individualized assessment. The PRS has become a part of the risk assessment evaluation without being officially approved. The benefit of the PRS can be substantial and holds the promise of improved breast cancer prevention. However, more studies are needed to justify its routine use in our clinics. NCT03688204
Rational Design of Fluorogenic and Spontaneously Blinking Labels for Super-Resolution Imaging.

Rhodamine dyes exist in equilibrium between a fluorescent zwitterion and a nonfluorescent lactone. Tuning this equilibrium toward the nonfluorescent lactone form can improve cell-permeability and a...
Geographic Distribution of Camponotus sexguttatus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), a Neotropical Carpenter Ant Spreading in Florida

The Neotropical carpenter ant Camponotus sexguttatus (Fabricius) has widespread records from the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Across its broad native range, C. sexguttatus shows great variation, most notably in color, ranging from almost black to pale yellow. Non-native populations of C. sexguttatus were recorded for the first time in Florida in 1993, and in the Bahamas in 1995. Here, I examine the known native and non-native geographic distribution of C. sexguttatus. I compiled and mapped C. sexguttatus specimen records from >850 sites, including my own records from 583 sites. Camponotus sexguttatus has West Indian range from Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands in the Greater Antilles through all major islands of the Lesser Antilles. On at least ten islands of the Lesser Antilles, two distinctly different C. sexguttatus color morphs coexist, the typical dark brown/black form plus a lighter form, suggesting that there are at least two separate lines of C. sexguttatus on these islands. Light forms have been previously described on four of these islands as three different subspecies. Camponotus sexguttatus has a continental range from Mexico, through Central America, to subtropical parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Records from the northern parts of this range, however, are very sparse, e.g., just a single record each from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and no records from El Salvador. In addition to the typical C. sexguttatus sexguttatus, seven currently valid subspecies have been described from South America. Genetic analyses should examine whether the different subspecific forms in the West Indies and South America should be considered distinct species. In its non-native range in peninsular Florida, C. sexguttatus is now known from 16 counties (Brevard, Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, and St Lucie), where it is often one of the most common and conspicuous arboreal ants. Variation among C. sexguttatus populations in Florida suggest that they descend from introductions from at least two different source populations. In Bahamas, there are just five records of C. sexguttatus, all from New Providence. It is likely that C. sexguttatus will continue to spread in Florida and the Bahamas, possibly impacting both native and non-native arboreal ants.
Adverse Events and Mortality in Anticoagulated Patients with Different Categories of Pulmonary Embolism.

Abstract Objective To determine whether the pulmonary embolism (PE) categories of massive, submassive, PE with no right ventricle dysfunction (NRVD), and subsegmental only (SSO) adequately predict clinical outcome. Methods Patients treated for acute PE (March 1, 2013, through July 31, 2019) were followed forward prospectively to compare venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence, all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) across 4 PE categories. Results Of 2703 patients with VTE, 1188 (44%) had PE, of which 1021 (85.9%) completed at least 3 months of therapy or had clinical outcomes precluding further treatment (27 with massive, 217 submassive, 557 NRVD, and 220 SSO PE). One patient with massive, 8 with submassive, 23 with NRVD, and 5 with SSO PE had recurrent VTE (3.90, 5.33, 5.36, and 3.66 per 100 person-years, respectively; P=.84). There were 3 deaths in massive, 27 in submassive, 140 in NRVD, and 34 in SSO PE groups (11.59, 17.37, 31.74, and 24.74 per 100 person-years, respectively; P=.02); when adjusted for cancer, the relationship was no longer significant (P=.27). One patient with massive, 5 with submassive, 22 with NRVD, and 5 with SSO PE had major bleeding (3.90, 3.31, 5.24, and 3.75 per 100 person-years, respectively; P=.66). Similar cumulative rates for CRNMB were observed (P=.87). Three-month rates of VTE recurrence, death, major bleeding, and CRNMB did not differ by PE category. Conclusion In the setting of anticoagulation therapy with maximal standardization and evidence-based practice, there is no evidence of a difference between PE categories and outcomes. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier : NCT03504007
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Global Surgery Opportunities Among General Surgery Residency Programs

BACKGROUND Global surgery is a rising field within academic surgery. With the publication of recent landmark papers highlighting the need for increased global efforts to combat surgical disease, many general surgery residents seek opportunities to gain clinical, research, and educational experience related to global surgery during residency. This study aims to quantify the global surgery opportunities that are publicly available to residents training in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited general surgery programs. METHODS The websites of all ACGME-accredited general surgery residency programs were surveyed for mention of global surgery training opportunities. Each opportunity was recorded in a database and categorized based on type. Recorded categories include international clinical rotations, international surgical research opportunities, and formal tracks or training pathways for global surgery. RESULTS Of the 299 ACGME-accredited general surgery training programs, 52 (17%) mention some form of international surgical opportunity on their website. Among these programs, 11 (21%) note both clinical and research opportunities, 28 (54%) mention only clinical opportunities, and 13 (25%) list only research opportunities. The large majority of global surgery opportunities were based in training programs at academic medical centers (n = 50, 96%). There was no significant difference in the percentage of global surgery programs when evaluated by program region (p = 0.154) CONCLUSIONS Few general surgery residency programs mention international training opportunities on their program websites. For those programs that do offer global surgery opportunities, these are typically international rotations offered as electives for upper-level residents. Expanding access to global surgery opportunities may be beneficial to meet the desires of residents wishing to pursue academic global surgery.
Organocatalyzed Photoredox Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization of Functionalized Vinylcyclopropanes.

Organocatalyzed photoredox radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) of vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs) is employed for the synthesis of polymers with controlled molecular weight (MW), dispersity, and c...
Because Forever Is Too Long

This Article addressed the public policy of I.R.C. § 6501(e)(1)-(3), (9), which provides the IRS with an unlimited time to determine a tax deficiency arising from fraud, a false tax return, or where the taxpayer has not filed a tax return. In contrast, more heinous crimes, including rape and child molestation, have finite prosecution limits. Reasons for limits included memories fade, witnesses die, and evidence becomes lost. After reviewing historical doctrines, such as quod nullum tempus occurrit regit (no time runs against the King), the Article analyzed Redstone v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2015-237. In Redstone, the IRS in 2013 determined a gift tax deficiency against nearly 90-year old billionaire Sumner Redstone because 41 years earlier, Redstone had transferred stock to his two children. The Article concluded that an unlimited time to determine a tax was unconscionable, as well as a violation of Constitutional procedural and substantive due process.
Heated debates on regulations of heated tobacco products in South Korea: the news valence, source and framing of relative risk/benefit

Background We analyse news representations of the regulation of heated tobacco products (HTPs) in South Korea, the country where HTP use is among the highest in the world despite conflicts between the government and the HTP manufacturers. Methods We analysed a total of 571 print and TV news covering HTP regulations, published between 2017 and 2018, the time period when HTPs were introduced to the country and various regulations of HTPs were proposed and implemented. We assessed the prevalence and associations among specific types of HTP regulations that were discussed, valence towards regulation, sources, framing of the relative health risks/benefits of HTPs compared with conventional cigarettes. Results Taxation (55.2%) and warning labels (25.7%) were two regulation topics covered the most. Almost equal proportions of pro-regulation (2.5%) and anti-regulation valence (2.2%) were found in taxation-related news, while pro-regulation valence appeared more frequently for other restrictions, including warning labels (pro=9.5% vs anti=1.4%), marketing restrictions (pro=6.9% vs anti=0%) and integration of HTPs into smoke-free policies for cigarettes (pro=8.7% vs anti=0%). The government (59%), followed by the tobacco industry (39.4%), was the source cited most often across news stories while the presence of tobacco control advocates was low (4.9%). As for framing, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of stories mentioning reduced harm (31.7%) and equal or more harm (33.6%) of HTPs compared with cigarettes. Conclusions We provide implications for governments and tobacco control advocates on building consensus for applying cigarette equivalent taxes and pictorial warning labels to HTPs.
Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroimmune Crosstalk in the Pathogenesis of Stroke.

Stroke disrupts the homeostatic balance within the brain and is associated with a significant accumulation of necrotic cellular debris, fluid, and peripheral immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, cells, antigens, and other factors exit the brain into the periphery via damaged blood–brain barrier cells, glymphatic transport mechanisms, and lymphatic vessels, which dramatically influence the systemic immune response and lead to complex neuroimmune communication. As a result, the immunological response after stroke is a highly dynamic event that involves communication between multiple organ systems and cell types, with significant consequences on not only the initial stroke tissue injury but long-term recovery in the CNS. In this review, we discuss the complex immunological and physiological interactions that occur after stroke with a focus on how the peripheral immune system and CNS communicate to regulate post-stroke brain homeostasis. First, we discuss the post-stroke immune cascade across different contexts as well as homeostatic regulation within the brain. Then, we focus on the lymphatic vessels surrounding the brain and their ability to coordinate both immune response and fluid homeostasis within the brain after stroke. Finally, we discuss how therapeutic manipulation of peripheral systems may provide new mechanisms to treat stroke injury.
Abhandlungen zur Philosophie Kants

Immanuel Kant war fur Simmel ein standiger Begleiter. Bereits Simmels Dissertation von 1881 an der Berliner Universitat trug den Titel Die Natur der Materie nach Kants Physikalischer Monadologie und seine Habilitationsschrift aus dem Jahre 1885 handelte von Kants Lehre von Raum und Zeit. Seit dem Beginn seiner Lehrtatigkeit an der Berliner Universitat hielt Simmel weiterhin zahlreiche Lehrveranstaltungen zu Kant, so dass Kant – zumindest in Simmels Berliner Zeit bis 1914 – zum standigen Repertoire von Simmels Lehrtatigkeit gehorte (GSG 9, 420–424).
Studies on human intestinal immunoglobulin A.

Immunoglobulins contained in the secretions of the human large and small intestine have been studied immunologically. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in these fluids was found to share immunological characteristics previously described for salivary and colostral IgA. Antigenic determinants were present on the intestinal IgA molecule which reacted with antisera specific for secretory piece derived from saliva and colostrum. Conversely, antisera made specific for secretory piece of intestinal IgA showed reactions of identity with colostral and salivary secretory piece. In density gradient ultracentrifugation, intestinal fluid IgA was distributed in both the 11 S and 7 S regions. When segments of intestine obtained at surgery were perfused with tissue culture media and oxygenated red blood cells via associated vessels, nonsecretory IgA, much of it polymeric, was found in the effluent fluid of the perfused organ. Both 11 S secretory and 7 S nonsecretory IgA were detected in the luminal fluid of the organ. Incorporation of 14C-amino acids into IgA and secretory piece was demonstrated in perfused intestinal segments by radioimmunoelectrophoresis and radioimmunodiffusion, and significant amounts of radiopositive nonsecretory IgA entered the venous phase of the perused organs. The intestinal lamina propria may constitute an important source of circulating IgA in man, although the exact proportion of total serum IgA synthesized in secretory sites has not been delineated.
Geographic information systems (GIS): implications for promoting social and economic justice

SUMMARY This article is a consideration of the implications for the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in social work practice as a tool for improved visualization of social and economic inequalities. Along with a brief, general introduction to GIS, overviews are included of the historical uses of geographic mapping, as well as current applications of GIS technology in social work practice, education, and research. Specific illustrative examples of GIS-gener-ated maps are presented.
Preliminary experiments with large optical absorption depth, high field, linear, photoconductive switches

High electric field geometries for high power, photoconductive switches made possible by employing above bandgap photons and interbandgap dopants / defects are being investigated for compact pulse power systems. The high field, long absorption depth package reduces the required linear mode, optical closure energy and also reduces the conduction current density through the active material and at the contacts. In addition, the long absorption depth package increases the area available for thermal management and in concert with the reduced current density should increase the lifetime of the switch. This paper describes the design of the experimental test system, including high frequency current and voltage diagnostics, pulse charge system, and optical closure energy distribution system. The design and fabrication of the high-field package are presented.
Neonatal Immunity Develops in a Transgenic TCR Transfer Model and Reveals a Requirement for Elevated Cell Input to Achieve Organ-Specific Responses

In recent years, it has become clear that neonatal exposure to Ag induces rather than ablates T cell immunity. Moreover, rechallenge with the Ag at adult age can trigger secondary responses that are distinct in the lymph node vs the spleen. The question addressed in this report is whether organ-specific secondary responses occur as a result of the diversity of the T cell repertoire or could they arise with homogeneous TCR-transgenic T cells. To test this premise, we used the OVA-specific DO11.10 TCR-transgenic T cells and established a neonatal T cell transfer system suitable for these investigations. In this system, neonatal T cells transferred from 1-day-old DO11.10/SCID mice into newborn (1-day-old) BALB/c mice migrate to the host’s spleen and maintain stable frequency. The newborn BALB/c hosts were then given Ig-OVA, an Ig molecule carrying the OVA peptide, and challenged with the OVA peptide in CFA at the age of 7 wk; then their secondary responses were analyzed. The findings show that the lymph node T cells were deviated and produced IL-4 instead of IFN-γ and the splenic T cells, although unable to proliferate or produce IFN-γ, secreted a significant level of IL-2. Supply of exogenous IL-12 during Ag stimulation restores both proliferation and IFN-γ production by the splenic T cells. This restorable form of splenic unresponsiveness referred to as IFN-γ-dependent anergy required a transfer of a high number of neonatal DO11.10/SCID T cells to develop. Thus, the frequency of neonatal T cell precursors rather than repertoire diversity exerts control on the development of organ-specific neonatal immunity.
Review of Industrial and Medical Applications that Utilize Coupled Neutron-Photon Monte Carlo Transport

The civilian uses of coupled neutron-photon Monte Carlo radiation transport programs are primarily source design and neutron applications. In the first case, these codes are used to simulate neutron and photon transport in different arrangements of shields, filters and moderators to design neutron sources. In the second case, these codes model the energy distribution, angular distribution and spatially dependent neutron and photon spectra from these sources to simulate radiation transport for imaging and quantification techniques, and radiation health physics applications. Coupled neutron and photon calculations are crucial in design and analysis for a number of diverse applications, which are summarized in this paper, along with descriptions of the computer programs used for these calculations.
Evaluation of national trends in the utilization of partial nephrectomy in relation to the publication of the American Urologic Association guidelines for the management of clinical T1 renal masses.

Partial nephrectomy has been underutilized in the United States. We investigated national trends in partial nephrectomy (PN) utilization before and after publication of the American Urological Association (AUA) Practice Guideline for management of the clinical T1 renal mass. We identified adult patients who underwent radical (RN) or PN from November 2007 to October 2011 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). PN prevalence was calculated prior to (11/2007-10/2009) and after Guidelines publication (11/2009-10/2011) and compared the rate of change by linear regression. We also examined the nephrectomy trends in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Statistical analysis included linear regression to determine point-prevalence of PN rates in CKD patients and logistic regression to identify variables associated with PN. During the study period, 30,944 patients underwent PN and 64,767 RN. The prevalence PN increased from 28.9% in the years prior to guideline release to 35.3% in the years following guideline release with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.24 (CI 1.01–1.54; p = 0.049). The rate of PN significantly increased throughout the study period (R2 0.15, p = 0.006): however, the rate of change was not increased after the guidelines. (p = 0.46). Overall rate of PN in patients with CKD did not increase over time (R2 0.0007, p = 0.99). We noted a 6.4% absolute increase in PN after release of the AUA guidelines on clinical T1 renal mass was published; however, the rate of increase was not likely associated with guideline release. The rate of PN performed is increasing; however, further investigation regarding medical decision-making surrounding PN is needed.
Influence of Second Language Cherokee Immersion on Children's Development of Past Tense in Their First Language, English

Metalinguistic skills may develop differently in multilingual and monolingual children. This study investigated effects of immersion in Cherokee as a second language on young children's (4;5–6;1) skills of noticing morphological forms/patterns in English, their first language, by comparing English past tense skills on two nonword and two real-word tasks between a Cherokee immersion group (N= 10) and an English-medium comparison group (N= 13). Only past finiteness (irregular forms plus overregularizations) on a real-word sentence imitation task was significantly different, with the Cherokee group performing better. The children learning Cherokee as a second language were progressing as well as their monolingual peers on English past tense marking and in one area had developed increased attention to productive morphological patterns.
Identification of a region of simian virus 40 large T antigen required for cell transformation.

Abstract A series of replication-competent simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigens with point and deletion mutations in the amino acid sequence between residues 105 and 115 were examined for the ability to immortalize primary cultures of mouse and rat cells. The results show that certain mutants, including one that deletes the entire region, are able to immortalize. However, consistent with previous data, the immortalized cells are not fully transformed, as judged by doubling time, sensitivity to concentrations of serum, and anchorage-independent growth. The region from 106 to 114 has structural features in common with a region involved in transformation by adenovirus E1a protein (J. Figge, T. Webster, T.F. Smith, and E. Paucha, J. Virol. 62:1814-1818, 1988) and influences the binding of the retinoblastoma gene product to large T (J.A. DeCaprio, J.W. Ludlow, J. Figge, J.-Y. Shew, C.-M. Huang, W.-H. Lee, E. Marsilio, E. Paucha, and D.M. Livingston, Cell 54:275-283, 1988). Together, these results imply that the sequence from 106 to 114 forms part of a domain that is essential for transformation of established cells, is dispensable for immortalization, and is not required for SV40 replication. The results also indicate that the ability of SV40 large T to immortalize primary cells is independent of its ability to bind to the retinoblastoma gene product.
Warning! Nearby construction can profoundly affect your experiments.

This is meant to alert people to potentially major effects of construction projects on research results. Because we study the effects of stress on regulation of ACTH and corticosterone secretion and of serotonin receptors and stress on energy balance, we serve as an early warning system when things go awry. Most of our experiments include taking daily, or twice daily, measurements of rat or mouse weights and food intake as well as stress hormone levels. We are highly sensitized to environmental disruption and we’ve shown previously the effects of construction on stress hormones (1). However, we did not anticipate the change and disruption in energy balance that may occur in response to environmental perturbation. We provide two examples of these, below.
Glutamate substitution in repeat IV alters divalent and monovalent cation permeation in the heart Ca2+ channel

In voltage-gated ion channels, residues responsible for ion selectivity were identified in the pore-lining SS1-SS2 segments. Negatively charged glutamate residues (E393, E736, E1145, and E1446) found in each of the four repeats of the alpha 1C subunit were identified as the major determinant of selectivity in Ca2+ channels. Neutralization of glutamate residues by glutamine in repeat I (E393Q), repeat III (E1145Q), and repeat IV (E1446Q) decreased the channel affinity for calcium ions 10-fold from the wild-type channel. In contrast, neutralization of glutamate residues in repeat II failed to significantly alter Ca2+ affinity. Likewise, mutation of neighboring residues in E1149K and D1450N did not affect the channel affinity, further supporting the unique role of glutamate residues E1145 in repeat III and E1446 in repeat IV in determining Ca2+ selectivity. Conservative mutations E1145D and E1446D preserved high-affinity Ca2+ binding, which suggests that the interaction between Ca2+ and the pore ligand sites is predominantly electrostatic and involves charge neutralization. Mutational analysis of E1446 showed additionally that polar residues could achieve higher Ca2+ affinity than small hydrophobic residues could. The role of high-affinity calcium binding sites in channel permeation was investigated at the single-channel level. Neutralization of glutamate residue in repeats I, II, and III did not affect single-channel properties measured with 115 mM BaCl2. However, mutation of the high-affinity binding site E1446 was found to significantly affect the single-channel conductance for Ba2+ and Li+, providing strong evidence that E1446 is located in the narrow region of the channel outer mouth. Side-chain substitutions at 1446 in repeat IV were used to probe the nature of divalent cation-ligand interaction and monovalent cation-ligand interaction in the calcium channel pore. Monovalent permeation was found to be inversely proportional to the volume of the side chain at position 1446, with small neutral residues such as alanine and glycine producing higher Li+ currents than the wild-type channel. This suggests that steric hindrance is a major determinant for monovalent cation conductance. Divalent permeation was more complex. Ba2+ single-channel conductance decreased when small neutral residues such as glycine were replaced by bulkier ones such as glutamine. However, negatively charged amino acids produced single-channel conductance higher than predicted from the size of their side chain. Hence, negatively charged residues at position 1446 in repeat IV are required for divalent cation permeation.
Pulsed laser deposition vs. matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation for growth of biodegradable polymer thin films

Thin films of poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer, were deposited on Si wafers by both conventional pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) using chloroform (CHCl3) as a matrix solvent. This research represents an initial study to investigate the deposition characteristics of each technique at comparable conditions to gain insight into the transport and degradation mechanisms of each approach. The deposited materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with refractive index (RI) detection. While FTIR and NMR results do not show a measurable departure from the native, in sharp contrast GPC results show a significant change (up to 95%) in molecular weight for both deposition methods. This result makes it clear that it is possible to overlook substantial degradation when incomplete chemical analysis is conducted. Optical transmission measurements of the starting MAPLE targets yielded laser penetration depths on the order of 0.362 cm and 0.209 cm for pure CHCl3 and 1 wt. % PLGA in CHCl3, respectively. Straightforward application of the Beer–Lambert law for laser energy deposition predicts a negligible temperature rise of less than 1 K at the target surface, which is in clear contradiction with ablation rates of 1.85 μm/pulse experimentally measured for polymer loaded samples. With an ablation process of this magnitude, the material ejection is likely due to contributions of nonlinear or non-homogeneous laser light absorption rather than evaporation. Severe non-uniformity of the final surface morphologies of the MAPLE films, similar to solvent wicking artifacts found in spin casting supports the spallation scenario in MAPLE.
Characterization of acquired thermotolerance in soybean seedlings

Abstract High surface temperatures are common to soils during periods of drought and when fields receive limited irrigation. Seedlings frequently experience these high temperatures during emergence and establishment in many regions of the world. The effects of a high temperature exposure on subsequent chlorophyll accumulation were determined in soybean (Glycine max) seedlings. Etiolated seedlings and excised cotyledons received a 30-min challenge temperature between 44 and 56°C. Following the high temperature challenge in the dark, they were returned to optimal temperatures for chlorophyll accumulation and exposed to continuous light. The results show that chlorophyll accumulation was prevented by challenge temperatures of 50°C and above in soybean cotyledons. Pre-incubation of the etiolated soybean cotyledons at 38 or 40°C before the 50°C challenge provided maximum protection against high temperature inhibition of Ch1 accumulation. The time course for inducing acquired thermotolerance and the level of acquired thermotolerance obtained was dependent upon the tissue age (number of days following germination). This study further demonstrates the effectiveness of using the Ch1-based bioassay of high temperature injury for the measurement of acquired thermotolerance.
375. A Glaucoma Gene Therapy Model: Eighteen Cat Study Revealing Long-Term Targeted Genetic Modification of the Anterior Chamber by Lentiviral Vectors

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is a promising candidate for lentiviral vector-based gene therapy, since its main cause, intraocular pressure elevation, results from pathophysiology that is i) chronic; ii) anatomically restricted to a discrete region in the anterior chamber, the trabecular meshwork (TM); iii) readily accessible via a transcorneal approach; and iv) frequently refractory to conventional therapies, such that glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness. We present long-term results of transcorneal lentiviral vector injections in 18 domestic cats, which were studied as the most accessible large animal having anatomic similarity of the anterior chamber to the human eye. Animals were followed for 1.2 to 2.2 years. Both marker genes (eGFP) and wild-type and mutant versions of the myocilin gene, which has been implicated in uncommon forms of familial glaucoma, were studied. METHODS: 18 domestic cats received single bolus anterior chamber injections of FIV vector in doses of 106 (16 eyes) or 107 (19 eyes) transducing units (TU). Vectors encoded either eGFP, or a combination of feline myocilin (fMYOC or fMYOC with a Y423H mutation, equivalent to human MYOC Y437H) plus eGFP. A control vector lacked a gene in position 1. Follow-up included IOP measurements, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and gonioscopy. Eyes were then enucleated, examined with fluorescence microscopy, immunostaining for fMYOC and eGFP, and quantitative real-time vector PCR for vector DNA. RESULTS: Single gene eGFP vectors resulted in long-term, high-grade eGFP expression that was remarkably well targeted to the trabecular meshwork and was readily detected non-invasively for over two years. IRES-translated eGFP resulted in less eGFP expression in vitro and in vivo, and was detected in 29 of 32 eyes by gonioscope but was less than seen with translation initiated at the 5' cap site. However, considerably more extensive GFP expression was discovered when eyes were examined as dissected flat mounts after sacrifice. Expression of myocilins and eGFP was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Vector DNA copy number correlated with transgene expression. Mild AC inflammation was observed in some animals but resolved after 1|[ndash]|2 weeks. In all animals, IOP at end of study did not differ significantly from initial IOP (19|[ndash]|25 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Sustained, high-grade eGFP expression lasting over two years was achieved in TM. Vector-mediated eGFP fluorescence can be detected non-invasively via gonioscope, allowing real-time serial monitoring of transgene expression over time. This nevertheless underestimates long-term in vivo transgene expression, since considerably more eGFP expression was discovered after enucleation. Transduction of fMYOC or Y423H fMYOC did not cause elevated IOP. In summary, high level, long-term, and tissue- targeted gene expression suitable for glaucoma gene therapy is feasible with transcorneally-injected lentiviral vectors. Similar vector tests in macaques have been initiated.
Myeloid Sarcoma Presenting with Acute Renal Failure and Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a very rare disease that either presents with acute myeloid leukemia or as relapse of acute myeloid leukemia. The common sites include the small intestine, skin, bone, and lymph nodes. We present an unusual case of MS presenting with acute renal failure (ARF) and bilateral ureteral obstruction. Ultrasonography showed bilateral hydronephrosis and a large pelvic mass displacing the uterus. Pelvic mass biopsy showed fibroadipose tissue with diffuse neoplastic cell infiltration and immunostaining was positive for leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and myeloperoxidase consistent with myeloid sarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy revealed 63% myeloblasts. The patient died the 17th day of induction therapy. We came across only four MS cases in English literature that presented with ARF. To our knowledge, this case is the first description of myeloid sarcoma presenting with ARF and bilateral ureteral obstruction not originating from urogenital system. Physicians should consider possible hematological malignancies in patients with similar presentation.
Identify capacity fading mechanism in a commercial LiFePO4 cell

The capacity fading of an 18650 LiFePO4-based lithium ion cell was studied using the dynamic stress test (DST) schedule in a cycle life evaluation. Intermittent reference performance tests were conducted to quantify capacity loss and peak power capability degradation with cycle number to the end-of-life. An incremental capacity analysis was applied to identify various contributions to capacity loss, whereas the open circuit voltage measurements were utilized to trace the correct state of charge as the cell degrades in order to accurately correlate the capacity degradation with SOC. Our non-invasive, in situ analyses are in general consistent with current understanding of the degradation mechanism in this chemistry derived from post-mortem analysis. Loss of lithium inventory is the main cause of capacity degradation, in addition to the loss of active materials. The degree of under-discharge and under-charge is quite minimal under the test protocol.
Elastic and inelastic electron scattering by rubidium at 10, 20 and 200 eB impact energies

Differential cross sections were measured for the scattering of 10, 20 and 200 eV electrons by rubidium atoms. Measurements were carried out at angles ranging from 5 to 120 degrees to obtain elastic cross sections as well as inelastic cross sections for 52P and (42D+62S) excitations. The measured relative cross sections were brought onto an absolute scale through a normalisation procedure utilising the optical oscillator strength for the resonance transition of rubidium. Integral and momentum cross sections for the 52P excitation were obtained by extrapolating the differential cross sections to 0 and to 180 degrees . (Present results are compared with integral cross sections resulting from previous measurements of optical excitation functions).
Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Response and Condensation Performance of Metal Curtain Walls Subjected to Air Leakage

The condensation resistance of fenestration products is typically determined in standard tests with air leakage eliminated by sealing the cracks and balancing the pressure difference across the test specimen. In reality, however, the fenestration system does experience varying pressure differentials. The infiltration and exfiltration of air can affect the temperature distribution on the fenestration system and, thus, the condensation resistance. In this paper the effect of air leakage on the condensation resistance of a large-scale metal curtain wall subjected to a pressure differential of 150 Pa is studied experimentally. By examining the temperature response profiles and the magnitudes of the temperature variations, likely air leakage paths are identified and the impact of air leakage on condensation resistance is quantified. Since the airtightness of the curtain wall tested is relatively high, the effect of air infiltration is relatively small on the average condensation resistance but is significant locally.
Ions and counterions in a biological channel: a molecular dynamics simulation of OmpF porin from Escherichia coli in an explicit membrane with 1 M KCl aqueous salt solution.

Abstract A 5 ns all-atom molecular dynamics trajectory of Escherichia coli OmpF porin embedded in an explicit dimyristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer bathed by a 1 M [KCl] aqueous salt solution is generated to explore the microscopic details of the mechanism of ion permeation. The atomic model includes the OmpF trimer, 124 DMPC, 13470 water molecules as well as 231 K+ and 201 Cl−, for a total of 70,693 atoms. The structural and dynamical results are in excellent agreement with the X-ray data. The global root-mean-square deviation of the backbone atoms relative to the X-ray structure is 1.4 A. A cluster of three fully charged arginine (Arg42, Arg82, and Arg132) facing two acidic residues (Asp113 and Glu117) on L3 in the narrowest part of the aqueous pore is observed to be very stable in the crystallographic conformation. In this region of the pore, the water molecules are markedly oriented perpendicular to the channel axis due to the strong transversal electrostatic field arising from those residues. On average the size of the pore is smaller during the simulation than in the X-ray structure, undergoing small fluctuations. No large movements of loop L3 leading to a gating of the pore are observed. Remarkably, it is observed that K+ and Cl− follow two well-separated average pathways spanning over nearly 40 A along the axis of the pore. In the center of the monomer, the two screw-like pathways have a left-handed twist, undergoing a counter-clockwise rotation of 180° from the extracellular vestibule to the pore periplasmic side. In the pore, the dynamical diffusion constants of the ions are reduced by about 50% relative to their value in bulk solvent. Analysis of ion solvation across the channel reveals that the contributions from the water and the protein are complementary, keeping the total solvation number of both ions nearly constant. Unsurprisingly, K+ have a higher propensity to occupy the aqueous pore than Cl−, consistent with the cation selectivity of the channel. However, further analysis suggests that ion–ion pairs play an important role. In particular, it is observed that the passage of Cl− occurs only in the presence of K+ counterions, and isolated K+ can move through the channel and permeate on their own. The presence of K+ in the pore screens the negative electrostatic potential arising from OmpF to help the translocation of Cl− by formation of ion pairs.
Implementing Title III: Assessing Opportunities for State Activism

A complementary dichotomy has evolved in federal-state relations because of Reagan's “New Federalism.” States have become “activists” as they adopt national policies to state objectives. Simultaneously, new constraints on spending have made them “captives” to national priorities.
Evaluating the effectiveness of an on-line, natural language retrieval system

Abstract An evaluation of an on-line retrieval system known as EARS (Epilepsy Abstracts Retrieval System) has been performed. The system, which permits the free text searching of approximately 8000 abstracts drawn from Epilepsy Abstracts, is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS). Specialists in the field of neurology, at six medical centers in the United States, conducted on-line searches to satisfy their own needs for information. Parallel searches were conducted on the same search topics by a neurologist at NINDS who was highly experienced in using the system. The results of the original searches were evaluated in terms of recall, precision, and general user satisfaction. A detailed analysis of factors affecting the success and failure of the on-line searches was carried out.
Electrographic changes in the amygdala and hippocampus associated with biting attack.

Abstract Squirrel monkeys had chronic electrodes implanted in various brain structures known to be involved in aggression. Changes in the electrical activity of these regions were monitored in sessions where the animals were restrained and biting either a pneumatic hose or food. It was found that whereas eating behavior was not consitently associated with desynchronization of the basolateral and corticomedial division of the amygdala and the hippocampus, hose-biting was associated with concurrent shifts from synchronization to desynchronization in these regions. The present findings are consistent with the interpretation of amygdaloid function as being that of a modulator of anatomically related regions. The data further suggest that portions of the amygdala are preferentially activated by aversive environmental conditions, and that such activation is functionally related to the occurrence of aggressive behavior.
Sexual Activity in HIV-Positive African American Crack Cocaine Smokers

The AIDS epidemic in the United States continues to disproportionately affect minorities of color, especially African Americans. The purpose of this study was to explore the sexual behaviors of a sample of African American HIV positive crack smokers aware of their serostatus. Participants (100 men, 37 women) were included in this study based on the following criteria: a minimum age of 18 years, HIV positive serostatus, treatment with HIV antiretroviral medications for a minimum of 3 months prior to interview, crack cocaine use at least once in the 7 days prior to being interviewed, willingness to provide a urine sample to confirm recent drug use, and vaginal or anal sex at least once in the past 7 days. The questionnaire was a compilation of other reliable surveys and was designed to collect sociodemographic data, drug use, sexual behavior, condom use intentions and motivators, STD and HIV infection history, HIV medications, and adherence requirements. Participants reported having 1,266 different partners in the 30 days prior to the interview and had traded sex for money or drugs with 68%. A total of 79 participants had multiple partners and accounted for 1,247 partnerships. Rates of consistent condom use across partnerships were low, indicating that more interventions in this at-risk population are needed.