cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrarenal serotonin, dopamine, and phosphate handling in remnant kidneys

Intrarenal serotonin, dopamine, and phosphate handling in remnant kidneys. Background Serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) are intrarenal autocrine/paracrine substances that regulate phosphate reabsorption. The present studies explored intrarenal serotonin and DA metabolism and the implications for phosphate homeostasis in rats with remnant kidneys, a model for renal failure. Methods The intrarenal productions of serotonin and DA were determined from measurements of renal interstitial fluid (microdialysate) and urine in rats with remnant or intact kidneys. In clearance studies, the effects of infusion of methiothepin, a serotonin receptor antagonist, or gludopa, a renal selective DA precursor, on phosphate and sodium excretion were determined in rats with a remnant or intact kidneys. Results Renal interstitial serotonin (5-HT, 3.4 ± 0.9 pg/min) was fourfold higher than DA (0.6 ± 0.1 pg/min) in remnant kidneys. Conversely, urinary excretion of serotonin was fourfold less than DA in rats with a remnant kidney (5-HT 0.4 ± 0.02 vs. DA 1.5 ± 0.1 ng/min). Infusion of methiothepin or gludopa significantly increased the fractional excretion of phosphate (FE Pi ) in rats with a remnant kidney from 54 ± 3 to 67 ± 7% ( P P Conclusion We conclude that serotonin preferentially accumulates in the renal interstitium, whereas DA exits primarily via the tubular lumen. Phosphate excretion is increased by both the acute infusion of the serotonin receptor antagonist and the infusion of gludopa, suggesting that both serotonin and DA modulate phosphate excretion in rats with remnant kidneys.
Fatty liver and insulin resistance in children with hypobetalipoproteinemia: the importance of aetiology.

SummaryObjective Hepatic steatosis is strongly associated with insulin resistance, but causative mechanisms that link these conditions are still largely unknown. Nowadays, it is difficult to establish whether fatty liver is the cause of insulin resistance or instead the complex metabolic derangements of insulin resistance determine hepatic steatosis and its progression to fibrosis. In patients with familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL), hepatic steatosis is because of the genetically determined defective form of apolipoprotein B, independently of metabolic derangements. Therefore patients with FHBL represent a good in vivo model to evaluate the relationships between fatty liver and insulin sensitivity. Methods We evaluated insulin resistance through HOMA-IR in 60 children with echografic and histological features of steatosis; 30 of whom had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 30 had FHBL. Results All patients had histological features of hepatic steatosis. Patients with FHBL were hypolipidemic, as expected. No significant differences between two groups were observed in liver function tests. IRI and HOMA-IR were statistically higher in NAFLD subjects compared to the FHBL group. Conclusion In our study, we demonstrated that in children with FHBL, hepatic steatosis is dissociated from insulin resistance. This finding suggests that fat accumulation per se may be not a sufficient causal factor leading to insulin resistance, and that other mediators may be involved in the development of alteration in glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome in patients with NAFLD.
Ultraviolet digital image correlation (UV-DIC) for high temperature applications

A method is presented for extending two-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) to a higher range of temperatures by using ultraviolet (UV) lights and UV optics to minimize the light emitted by specimens at those temperatures. The method, which we refer to as UV-DIC, is compared against DIC using unfiltered white light and DIC using filtered blue light which in the past have been used for high temperature applications. It is shown that at low temperatures for which sample glowing is not an issue all three methods produce the same results. At higher temperatures in our experiments, the unfiltered white light method showed significant glowing between 500 and 600 °C and the blue light between 800 and 900 °C, while the UV-DIC remained minimally affected until the material began nearing its melting point (about 1260 °C). The three methods were then used to obtain the coefficient of thermal expansion as a function of temperature for the nickel superalloy Hastelloy-X. All three methods give similar coefficients at temperatures below which glowing becomes significant, with the values also being comparable to the manufacturers specifications. Similar results were also seen in uniaxial tension tests.
Comparison of delivery characteristics from a combination metered‐dose inhaler using the Andersen cascade impactor and the next generation pharmaceutical impactor

The purpose of this research was to compare two cascade impaction devices for the aerodynamic particle size assessment of a combination metered-dose inhaler (MDI) product, Combivent. Particle size analysis was performed using an Anderson Mark II cascade impactor (ACI) and a Next Generation Pharmaceutical Impactor (NGI), both fitted with a preseparator and either a 1 L glass chamber or USP throat, and operated at various flow rates. Particle size distributions (PSDs) and dose delivery profiles were assessed by means of the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), geometric standard deviation (GSD), fine particle fraction <5 micron aerodynamic diameter (FPF(<5 microm)), and induction port deposition fraction (IPF). Under their normal operating conditions, the ACI (28.3 L/min) and the NGI (30 L/min) yield similar PSDs and dose delivery profiles. However, this equivalent performance for the ACI and the NGI no longer exists at a higher flow rate of 60 L/min. Furthermore, changes in PSD results may also be obtained between different operators and/or when different induction port designs were employed. Thus, it is strongly recommended that special care be taken to eliminate variation in experimental parameters and/or selection of ancillary devices such as the preseparator, induction port or throat, to insure good repeatability and reproducibility when testing inhalation drugs.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up

Hyperactive, and fidgeting behavior in children, is not a new syndrome, but has been present in children for centuries. Only in recent years have health providers begun to observe these features and behaviors in children and recommend some therapies. Children labeled with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) display the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity; however, these behaviors are seen in a variety of conditions. This article describes some of the symptoms associated with ADHD, as well as the evaluation, therapeutic modalities (behavioral, psychodynamic and pharmacological), and the follow-up of children with ADHD.
Factors Influencing Sexual Victimization and Revictimization in a Sample of Adolescent Mothers

This study involved secondary analysis of an existing longitudinal data set of a survey of adolescent mothers (N = 315). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, data from Time 1 were used to predict victimization reported in the year between Time 1 and Time 2. Three factors—any sexual victimization reported at Time 1, previous victimization involving rape using force, and ever having been hit by a partner—increased the likelihood of reported sexual victimization at Time 2. Three other factors were found to reduce the risk of victimization: having been victimized more than 1 year prior to the first survey; being pregnant at Time 1; and reporting satisfaction with social relationships. Additional analyses were used to investigate risk factors for revictimization.
The association of children's nonverbal decoding abilities with their popularity, locus of control, and academic achievement.

ABSTRACT The present study examined the relation between children's abilities to decode the emotional meanings in facial expressions and tones of voice, and their popularity, locus of control or reinforcement orientation, and academic achievement. Four hundred fifty-six elementary school children were given tests that measured their abilities to decode emotions in facial expressions and tones of voice. Children who were better at decoding nonverbal emotional information in faces and tones of voice were more popular, more likely to be internally controlled, and more likely to have higher academic achievement scores. The results were interpreted as supporting the importance of nonverbal communication in the academic as well as the social realms.
Fine structure inversion of the 3d excited state of sodium

The observed inversion of the fine structure of the excited 3d state of the sodium atom explained as due to a second-order effect between the electrostatic dipole exchange interaction and the magnetic spin-orbit interaction acting on the core 2p electrons.
The hibernating myocardium in ischaemia and congestive heart failure

Hibernating myocardium refers to the presence of persistent myocardial and left ventricular dysfunction at rest due to reduced coronary blood flow that can be partially or completely restored to normal by myocardial revascularization. An increasing amount of data show it is most likely a downgrading of cardiac function so that blood flow and myocardial function are once again in a state of equilibrium. It has been demonstrated to occur in patients with unstable angina, chronic stable angina, acute myocardial infarction and in left ventricular dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure. Salvage of this viable myocardium by successful revascularization improves left ventricular dysfunction and probably also patient survival. Therefore, diagnosis of hibernating myocardium is important because it does not render left ventricular dysfunction a necessary contraindication to revascularization, nor does it leave the patient with chronic heart failure a candidate only for cardiac transplantation. Instead, these patients should have complete revascularization by coronary bypass surgery/percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty as soon as possible.
The half-lives of 166Ho, 167Tm, 168Tm and the 165Ho(n,γ) 166mHo cross-section

The decay of several samples of 167Tm and 168Tm has been followed for a period of two years. The half-lives were measured to be 9·24 ± 0·02 days (167Tm) and 93·1 ± 0·1 days (168Tm). These results are in agreement with those reported previously from this laboratory, but differ considerably from the currently accepted values. The cross-section for the 165Ho (n,γ) 166mHo reaction with thermal neutrons was measured to be 3·4 ± 0·5 barn. The half-life of 166Ho was also remeasured and found to be 26·79 ± 0·03 hr.
Nurse Process for Health Promotion Using King's Theory

The purpose of this article is to describe a group experience for community health nurses. Using King's (1981) theory of nursing as a guide, the aim was to maintain or promote the health of these nurses. As highlighted by Hanchett (1990), King's theory can be interpreted to view community health as reached through the deliberate activities of people and groups who perform as open systems in the transaction of energy through information.
High-conductivity amorphous TiSi substrates for low-temperature electron microscopy

SUMMARY To avoid problems with electrostatic charging, electrically conductive specimen support films or coatings must be used when observing non-conductive organic specimens by electron microscopy. At room temperature, microscopists typically use either carbon films or carbon-coated plastic films as specimen substrates. Such films have also been adopted for low-temperature microscopy. Recent measurements have shown that conventional carbon films have high electrical resistivity at low temperature. Thin titanium films have been used to provide improved electrical conductivity, but the structure of titanium films is excessively granular for high-resolution electron microscopy. With the hope of solving both problems, thin films of Ti88Si12 have been produced using a standard evaporation system. The deposited films are amorphous, as shown by electron microscopy, electron diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The electrical conductivity of the binary alloy films is nearly as high as that of pure titanium films. Therefore, these films appear to be appropriate substrates for low-temperature electron microscopy.
Activation of TR4 orphan nuclear receptor gene promoter by cAMP/PKA and C/EBP signaling

In earlier studies, we had suggested that the fasting signal induces TR4 orphan nuclear receptor expression in vivo. The detailed mechanism(s), however, remain unclear. In this study, we found that cAMP/PKA, the mediator of fasting and glucagon signals, could induce TR4 gene expression that in turn modulates gluconeogenesis. Mechanistic dissection by in vitro studies in hepatocytes demonstrated that cAMP/PKA might trigger C/EBP α and β binding to the selective cAMP response element, which is located at the TR4 promoter, thus inducing TR4 transcription. We also demonstrated that the binding activity of C/EBPs to the TR4 promoter is increased in response to cAMP treatment. Together, our data identified a new signaling pathway from the fasting signal → cAMP/PKA → C/EBP α and β → TR4 → gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes; and suggested that TR4 could be an important regulator to control glucose homeostasis. The identification of activator(s)/inhibitor(s) or ligand(s) of TR4 may provide us an alternative way to control gluconeogenesis.
Modulation of lens glycolytic pathway by thioltransferase.

The observation that the level of S-thiolated proteins (protein-thiol mixed disulfides) was transiently increased in the lens epithelial cells correlation with the transient inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-3PD), a key glycolytic enzyme, when the cells were treated with a bolus of hydrogen peroxide, prompted our speculation that G-3PD may have been transiently thiolated at the SH sensitive active center. In the meantime, thioltransferase (TTase), a thiol regulating enzyme, whose activity remained constant under the same condition, may be regulating G-3PD and other sulfhydryl-sensitive glycolytic enzymes through thiol-disulfide exchange reactions ( Lou et al., 1998 ). To prove this hypothesis, several purified glycolytic enzymes from a commercial source, including hexokinase (HK), G-3PD, pyruvate kinase (PK) and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), an enzyme in gluconeogenesis, were made into protein-thiol mixed disulfide and used for this study. Glycolytic enzymes in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells pre-exposed to H(2)O(2)(0.5 m M for 15 min) were also studied for this purpose. Recombinant human lens thioltransferase (RHLT), which was isolated and purified previously in this laboratory, reactivated these pure glycolytic enzymes inactivated by forming protein-S-S-gluthathione (PSSG), protein-S-S-cysteine (PSSC) or, protein-S-S-cysteamine after thiolating with oxidized glutathione, cystine or cystamine respectively. RHLT also reactivated these enzymes in the cell extract of cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells after being briefly exposed to 0.5 m M H(2)O(2). The S-thiolation and dethiolation of FBPase however, showed an opposite effect to that of glycolytic enzymes. These results suggest that TTase may participate in the repair process of glycolytic enzymes during oxidative stress and restore their activities in situ.
Hottentot in the age of reality TV: sexuality, race, and Kim Kardashian’s visible body

Kim Kardashian is an omnipresent figure in today’s entertainment media. The daughter of O.J. Simpson’s defence attorney Robert Kardashian, she first entered the public eye in 2007, gaining notoriety with a home-made sex tape. Soon after came a reality-television partnership with the E! network that spawned five distinct programmes, and from there Kardashian took on an ever-expanding range of promotional and licensing opportunities, building a successful brand. Throughout, media coverage has placed constant attention on her curvaceous body, locating it as a site where both her ‘realness’ and artificiality lie. This attention to her body, much of it promulgated by Kardashian herself, works to consistently flatten the many interplays between race, class and sexuality in her image in order to best position her as both an accessible and unique commodity in the marketplace of personality. This paper addresses how the portrayal of Kardashian’s body is at once complex and contradictory, concurrently reinforcing h...
The carboxy terminus of NBS1 is required for induction of apoptosis by the MRE11 complex

The MRE11 complex (MRE11, RAD50 and NBS1) and the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase function in the same DNA damage response pathway to effect cell cycle checkpoint activation and apoptosis. The functional interaction between the MRE11 complex and ATM has been proposed to require a conserved C-terminal domain of NBS1 for recruitment of ATM to sites of DNA damage. Human Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) cells and those derived from multiple mouse models of NBS express a hypomorphic NBS1 allele that exhibits impaired ATM activity despite having an intact C-terminal domain. This indicates that the NBS1 C terminus is not sufficient for ATM function. We derived Nbs1(DeltaC/DeltaC) mice in which the C-terminal ATM interaction domain is deleted. Nbs1(DeltaC/DeltaC) cells exhibit intra-S-phase checkpoint defects, but are otherwise indistinguishable from wild-type cells with respect to other checkpoint functions, ionizing radiation sensitivity and chromosome stability. However, multiple tissues of Nbs1(DeltaC/DeltaC) mice showed a severe apoptotic defect, comparable to that of ATM- or CHK2-deficient animals. Analysis of p53 transcriptional targets and ATM substrates showed that, in contrast to the phenotype of Chk2(-/-) mice, NBS1(DeltaC) does not impair the induction of proapoptotic genes. Instead, the defects observed in Nbs1(DeltaC/DeltaC) result from impaired phosphorylation of ATM targets including SMC1 and the proapoptotic factor, BID.
Atomic optical bistability in two- and three-level systems: perspectives and prospects

The atomic optical bistability (AOB) in multi-level systems has advantages over the two-level system as absorption, dispersion, and nonlinear optical properties of one optical field coupled to one atomic transition can be greatly modified by other optical fields coupled to other connected nearby atomic transitions in multi-level atomic systems due to induced atomic coherences. By making use of such changes in linear and nonlinear optical properties around resonance, which are related to the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), it is easy to manipulate and control nonlinear optical processes in the multi-level atomic systems. We review earlier two-level AOB theory, as well as experiments and some recent studies that made use of multi-level atomic EIT systems in achieving controls of nonlinear optical processes such as instabilities and stochastic resonance associated with the coupled atom–cavity systems.
Socio-technical aspects of remote media control for a NG9-1-1 system

9-1-1 emergency calls mostly involve distress situations that cause people to panic while trying to answer questions or follow instructions given by a dispatcher. To obtain precious information with the least user intervention and reduced stress on the user, there is a need for the dispatcher to have a better control and understanding of the condition or situation at the other end. The increasing growth of smartphones embedded with camera, speaker phone, GPS, microphone and various other sensors, extends their usage from merely making calls to life saving gadgets during critical situations. By integrating these sensor rich smartphones and the rapidly growing VoIP technology, we propose a VoIP based Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) system for remote media control. Specifically, we use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) in the implementation of the system using a mobile and a PC client. The proposed system on the mobile client accounted for less than 25% of CPU utilization even with video transmission. The average network utilization was about 10 and 72 kbps for audio and video, respectively. With these encouraging results, we believe the proposed remote media control system will facilitate information acquisition and decision making in emergency situations.
Coping Strategies for the Stages of Family Recovery

SUMMARY This paper introduces and briefly discusses the concept of family recovery and the research that identified the four stages of recovery. The main focus, however, is to discuss the role of the therapist in treating families in recovery; including working with children; and to identify and discuss the different requirements, tasks, and treatment strategies associated with each stage. Therapists can play a vital role in two main ways when working with alcoholic families: (1) to assist the family in entering into the recovery process and (2) to help them maintain recovery. To do this effectively, therapists must first understand the characteristics of family recovery-it is only then that can they provide coping strategies for the recovering alcoholic, co-alcoholic, and children. For example, the therapist begins with a concrete, active, practical approach (transition and early recovery stages) and moves into a more psychodynamic, interactive, approach (ongoing recovery stage) as exemplified in the cop...
Time-Dependent Effects of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide/Urea on Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity: An Unexplored Dimension of the Adaptation Paradigm

Given that enzymes in urea-rich cells are believed to be just as sensitive to urea effects as enzymes in non-urea-rich cells, it is argued that time-dependent inactivation of enzymes by urea could become a factor of overriding importance in the biology of urea-rich cells. Time-independent parameters (e.g. Tm, k(cat), and Km) involving protein stability and enzyme function have generally been the focus of inquiries into the efficacy of naturally occurring osmolytes like trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), to offset the deleterious effects of urea on the intracellular proteins in the urea-rich cells of elasmobranchs. However, using urea concentrations found in urea-rich cells of elasmobranches, we have found time-dependent effects on lactate dehydrogenase activity which indicate that TMAO plays the important biological role of slowing urea-induced dissociation of multimeric intracellular proteins. TMAO greatly diminishes the rate of lactate dehydrogenase dissociation and affords significant protection of the enzyme against urea-induced time-dependent inactivation. The effects of TMAO on enzyme inactivation by urea adds a temporal dimension that is an important part of the biology of the adaptation paradigm.
Nitric oxide, cell death and increased taxol recovery

Genes for plant nitric oxide synthase (NOS) now help explain how NO is produced from nitrate, nitrite, and/or L-arginine in the culture medium and in cells. Evidence is presented that under aseptic conditions; plant NOS activity, NO bursts, and cell death (apoptosis) are important factors in the recovery of taxol (paclitaxel) from cell suspensions of several Taxus sp. Cell-suspension responses to mechanical stresses, simulated microgravity, and hypergravity were dominated by NO bursts and cell death (apoptosis) and by the overproduction and release of free and bound taxol into the culture medium. The synthesis of the taxane ring in the chloroplasts and gravisensing amyloplasts, and the subsequent assembly of taxol and related taxane diterpenoids were visualized by immunocytochemical, laser confocal and scanning electron microscopy. Drug-producing cells and taxane-bearing materials in the culture medium were recovered using immunoparamagnetic beads. Bound taxol and taxanes were recovered from xylanase hydrolyates. Binding was associated with the expression of two proteins for ‘touch’ genes expressed under mechanical forces. Taxol recovery was increased by 64% by the use of a NO donor. NOS inhibition with guandino compounds, and the use of a NO trap, reduced taxol recovery and reduced taxane diterpenoid biosynthesis. This offered countermeasures to NO-mediated stress, and reduced apoptosis. In hypergravity, the taxol and taxanes released from cells by syneresis were recovered on hydrophobic PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) filters. Cyclodextrins added to the culture medium enhanced biomass yield and altered the solubility of taxanes to improve the recovery of taxol and taxanes.
Partial purification and properties of long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase from rat brain cytosol.

Long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase (EC 3.1.2.2.) has been partially purified from the 100,000 × g supernatant fraction of rat brain tissue. The purification procedure included chromatography on gel filtration media, DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, and hydroxyapatite. The partially purified enzyme had a specific activity of 7.1 μmol/min-mg, and when analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed one major and three minor bands of protein in the presence of dodecyl sulfate and two major bands of protein in the absence of dodecyl sulfate. The enzyme had a molecular weight of 65,000 and showed no evidence of aggregated or dissociated forms. The highest catalytic activity was exhibited with palmitoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA as substrates. Lower activity was found with decanoyl-CoA as the substrate and little or no activity was found with acetyl-CoA, malonyl-CoA, butyryl-CoA, or acetoacetyl-CoA. The enzyme was inhibited by CoA, various metal ions, including Mn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, and by bovine serum albumin. Heating the enzyme produced a loss of activity which corresponded to a first-order kinetic process, the rate of which was independent of the choice of substrate used to measure enzyme activity. This finding supports the idea that the purification procedure yields a single species of long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase.
Age-related attenuation of stimulated cortical acetylcholine release in basal forebrain-lesioned rats.

In vivo microdialysis was used to measure the effects of partial deafferentation of cortical cholinergic inputs on acetylcholine efflux in young (four to seven months) and aged (24-28 months) male F344/BNNIA rats. Partial deafferentation was produced by bilateral infusions of the immunotoxin 192 immunoglobulin G-saporin (0.56 mg/1.0 ml) or its vehicle solution into the ventral pallidum/substantia innominata region of the basal forebrain. The lesion produced comparable (65%) decreases in basal cortical acetylcholine efflux in young and aged rats. Presentation of a complex environmental stimulus (exposure to darkness/palatable food), in conjunction with the systemic administration of the benzo- diazepine receptor weak inverse agonist ZK 93 426, increased cortical acetylcholine efflux in young shams, aged shams and young lesioned rats, but not in aged lesioned rats. Administration of the benzodiazepine receptor partial inverse agonist FG 7142, in the absence of the environmental stimulus, comparably stimulated cortical acetylcholine efflux in young and aged sham rats. FG 7142-induced increases in acetylcholine efflux were attenuated by approximately 50% following partial deafferentation in both young and aged rats. These results suggests that, under certain conditions, ageing potently interacts with the integrity of the cortical cholinergic afferent system. The effects of ageing on cortical cholinergic function may be most potently revealed by experiments assessing age-related limitations in the responsiveness of a partially deafferented cholinergic system to certain behavioral and/or pharmacological stimuli. q 1999 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Gold–platinum alloy nanoparticle assembly as catalyst for methanol electrooxidation

This paper describes preliminary findings of a thiolate-capped gold–platinum alloy nanoparticle assembly (metallic core and organic shell) as a novel catalyst for electrooxidation of methanol.
Regional pericardits: a mischievous masquerader.

Dear Editor, We read with great interest the work by Orme et al. published in recent issue of the North American Journal of Medicine and Science.[1] They highlight an interesting concept of electro cardiogram (ECG) manifestation in regional pericarditis. Indeed, regional pericarditis is a valid consideration given a recent history of ablation procedure. However, a few alternate diagnostic considerations would be of value such as transient coronary vasospasm especially given the reciprocal ST-depressions in the inferior leads. Serial ECG monitoring and information on temporal resolution (not provided in the case illustration) would be of great value for the diagnostic confirmation. Temporal ECG changes often add a diagnostic value especially in challenging cases (temporal T-wave inversions simultaneous to the ST-elevations often support myocardial ischemia as opposed to pericarditis). Atypical progression of T wave viz. persistently positive T-waves for 48 h after symptom onset, and premature and gradual reversal of inverted T-waves to persistently upright T-waves, is 100% sensitive and 77% specific for regional pericarditis.[2,3] Again, if the vasospasm is excluded as a diagnostic consideration, the ST-depressions in the inferior leads and positive troponin strongly suggest a trans-mural inflammatory process suggestive of regional peri-myocarditis as opposed to pericarditis alone.[4] Though regional pericarditis is certainly a challenging diagnosis, we want to emphasize that the presence of pericardial rub is a diagnostic hallmark for regional epistenocardiac pericarditis.[5] For the obvious value of correct clinical diagnosis, a careful serial examination in these cases is often helpful since pericardial rub may often be transient.[6] Nonetheless, the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would have been the gold standard confirmatory modality in the presented case.[7]
Actions of a Leukocytic Inflammatory Substance on Isolated Tissue Responses

SummaryLIS had no action on the mechanical activity of isolated cat vascular, intestinal smooth, or cardiac muscle. No effect on platelet aggregation was observed, and PGF2α activity was absent in LIS preparations. Isolated lysosomal enzyme release was increased significantly when LIS was added to the incubation medium. This action may help to explain the inflammatory action of this naturally occurring material found in the inflamed synovial fluid of the canine knee joint.We wish to acknowledge the technical assistance of Mona Bachove on the chemical aspects of this study, and to Dr. C. G. Van Arman for his cooperation in the preparation of LIS.
Anisotropic Lattice Contraction in Pharmaceuticals: The Influence of Cryo-Crystallography on Calculated Powder Diffraction Patterns

The following article examines the influence of thermal expansion on X-ray powder diffraction patterns. With the increasing percentages of structures that are being solved using low-temperature data sets and the nearly exclusive collection of room-temperature experimental datasets by X-ray powder diffraction, considerable discrepancies are observed when comparing calculated powder diffraction patterns to experimental patterns. Such comparisons are extremely valuable to solid-state pharmaceutical scientists attempting to identify crystal forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipient components of formulations. In this study, fluoxetine HCl, raloxifene HCl, and olanzapine are examined and serve as practical laboratory examples. The observations are supported through analysis of data presented in the Cambridge Structural Database to help assess the extent and potential impact of this problem.
Activation of RNase L by 2',5'-oligoadenylates. Kinetic characterization.

Ribonuclease L (RNase L), the 2′,5′-oligoadenylate-dependent ribonuclease, is one of the cellular antiviral systems with enhanced activity in the presence of interferon. A reaction scheme has been developed to model the sequence of steps necessary for the activation of RNase L (Cole, J. L., Carroll, S. S., Blue, E. S., Viscount, T., and Kuo, L. C. (1997)J. Biol. Chem. 272, 19187–19192). The model comprises three sequential binding steps: the binding of activator to enzyme monomer, the subsequent dimerization of the activated monomer to form the active enzyme dimer, followed by the binding of substrate prior to catalysis. The model is used to evaluate the activation of RNase L by several synthetic analogs of the native activator. The 5′-phosphate of the activator has been determined to be an important structural determinant for the efficient activation of RNase L, and its loss caused a loss of activator affinity of 2–3 orders of magnitude. The length of activator is not an important determinant of activator potency for the activator analogs examined. The specific activity of the enzyme under conditions of saturation of activator binding and complete dimerization of the activated monomers varies only by about a factor of 3 for the activators examined, indicating that once dimerized in the presence of any of these activators, the enzyme exhibits a similar catalytic activity.
Uptake and surface reaction of methanol by sulfuric acid solutions investigated by vibrational sum frequency generation and Raman spectroscopies.

The uptake of methanol at the air−liquid interface of 0−96.5 wt % sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solutions has been observed directly using vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. As the concentration of H2SO4 increases, the VSFG spectra reveal a surface reaction between methanol and H2SO4 to form methyl hydrogen sulfate. The surface is saturated with the methyl species after 15 min. The uptake of methyl species into the solutions by Raman spectroscopy was also observed and occurred on a much longer time scale. This suggests that uptake of methanol by sulfuric acid solutions is diffusion-limited.
Stable colloidal dispersions of a lipase-perfluoropolyether complex in liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide.

The technique of hydrophobic ion pairing was used to solubilize the lipase from Candida rugosa in a fluorinated solvent, perfluoromethylcyclohexane (PFMC), in complex with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) surfactant, KDP 4606. The enzyme−surfactant complex was determined to have a hydrodynamic diameter of 6.5 nm at atmospheric pressure by dynamic light scattering (DLS), indicating that a single lipase molecule is stabilized by surrounding surfactant molecules. The complex formed a highly stable colloidal dispersion in both liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide at high CO2 densities (>0.92 and 0.847 g/mL, respectively), with 4% by volume PFMC as a cosolvent, yielding a fluid that was orange, optically translucent, and very nearly transparent. DLS demonstrated aggregation of the enzyme−surfactant complexes in CO2 at 25 and 40 °C and various pressures (2000−5000 psia) with hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 50 to 200 nm. The mechanism by which the enzyme−surfactant particles aggregate was shown to be via conde...
Initial stages in the breakdown of carbohydrates by the Azotobacter vinelandii.

Abstract Hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, and phosphohexoisomerase have been demonstrated in extracts of Azotobacter vinelandii . In all assay systems used, phosphohexokinase could not be demonstrated. Evidence indicates also the presence of aldolase and 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase. Operation of the alternative oxidative route is suggested by several observations, the most impressive being the demonstration of an active glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and rapid oxidation of 6-PG.
Tardive dyskinesia and atypical antipsychotic drugs.

Typical antipsychotic agents produce central nervous system effects, especially extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and tardive dyskinesia (TD). Nearly every patient who receives neuroleptic therapy has one or more identifiable risk factors for TD, among the most significant of which are older age, female gender, presence of EPS, diabetes mellitus, affective disorders, and certain parameters of neuroleptic exposure (i.e. dose and duration of therapy). The typical course of TD is a gradual onset after several years of drug therapy, followed by slow improvement or remission, but a large number of patients have persistent TD with irreversible symptoms. In the management of TD, the patient's mental status is of primary concern. Currently, no uniformly safe and effective therapies for TD exist, though a variety of therapeutic agents, including some of the atypical neuroleptics, have been reported to treat TD successfully in some patients. Because TD liability is so much lower with novel antipsychotic therapy, all patients who have TD or are at risk for TD, as well as EPS, should be considered candidates for switching to these new drugs.
Fed-batch fermentation with and without on-line extraction for propionic and acetic acid production by Propionibacterium acidipropionici

Fed-batch propionic and acetic acid fermentations were performed in semi-defined laboratory medium and in corn steep liquor with Propionibacterium acidipropionici strain P9. On average, over four experiments, 34.5 milligrams propionic acid and 12.8 milligrams acetic acid were obtained in about 146 h in laboratory medium with 79 milligrams glucose added over five feeding periods. The highest concentration of propionic acid, 45 milligrams, was obtained when the glucose concentration was not allowed to drop to zero. In corn steep liquor 35 milligrams propionic acid and 11 milligrams acetic acid were produced in 108 h from 59.4 milligrams total lactic acid provided as seven feedings of corn steep liquor. Extractive fed-batch fermentations were conducted in semi-defined medium using either flat-sheet-supported liquid membranes or hollow-fiber membrane extraction to remove organic acids from the culture medium. As operated during the course of the fermentation, these systems extracted 25% and 22% of the acetic acid and 36.5% and 44.5% of the propionic acid, respectively, produced in the fermentation. Total amounts of acids produced were about the same as in comparable nonextractive fermentations: 30-37 milligrams propionic acid and 13 milligrams acetic acid were produced in 150 h. Limitations on acid production can be attributed to limited substrate feed, not to failure of the extraction system.
Effects of passive body heating on the sleep of older female insomniacs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate passive body heating (PBH) as a treatment for insomnia in older adults. Polysomnographic recordings of older adults routinely show an increase in sleep fragmentation and a substantial decrease in slow-wave sleep (SWS) consistent with complaints of "lighter" more disturbed sleep. An increase in body temperature in young adults early in the evening by way of PBH has been shown to produce an increase in SWS in the early part of the sleep period. In a crossover design, nine female insomniacs (aged 60-72 yr) participated in two consecutive nights of PBH, involving hot (40-40.5 degrees C) and luke-warm (37.5-38.5 degrees C) baths 1.5 hours before bedtime. Significant improvement in sleep continuity and a trend toward an increase in SWS occurred after hot baths. Results of subjective measures showed that subjects experienced significantly "deeper" and more restful sleep after hot baths. In addition, hot baths resulted in a significant delay of temperature nadir in comparison to baseline nights.
Structural cardiac changes as a predictor of respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive breathing during sleep in children.

Abstract Background and purpose To determine the association between structural cardiac changes and postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive breathing during sleep. Patients and methods Forty-eight children, ages 2–18 years, undergoing adenotonsillectomy for obstructive breathing during sleep were recruited for this case control study. The case group consisted of 24 children with postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy who also had an echocardiogram. An equal number of children without postoperative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy were recruited as controls. Left ventricular mass (LVM) was calculated from 2D guided M mode echocardiographic measurements of the left ventricle. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated as left ventricular mass/height 2.7 . Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as LVMI index greater than the 95th percentile for age. The two groups were compared for demographic variables and cardiac structure. Results The two groups did not significantly differ by age, height, gender or racial distribution. LVH and right ventricular (RV) dimension greater than the 95th percentile for age remained significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications after controlling for body mass index (BMI) Z score, age, gender, race, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions The increased prevalence of structural cardiac changes in the group with complications ( P
Equine Demineralized Bone Matrix: Relationship Between Particle Size and Osteoinduction

The osteoinductive capability of four particle sizes of equine demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was evaluated. Matrix particles were implanted in brachiocephalicus muscle pouches in six horses and were harvested 8 weeks later. Matrix particle sizes of 2.0 mm3 to 4.0 mm3 and 5.0 mm3 to 10.0 mm3 were associated with osteoinductive activity and minimal signs of local inflammation. The two smaller particle sizes (0.425 mm3 to 0.850 mm3 and 0.850 mm3 to 2.0 mm3) were minimally osteoinductive and were associated with a greater local inflammatory response. Microscopic events associated with new bone production in the two largest particle sizes included the presence of new osteoprogenitor cells in matrix vascular spaces, multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells, and the formation of cartilage, osteoid, and new mineralized bone. The two smaller particle sizes were associated with increased fibrous tissue ingrowth and the presence of increased numbers of inflammatory cells. The temporal events of osteoinduction in response to heterotopic implantation of allogeneic DBM were delayed in horses when compared with other species. Although the demineralization technique used was effective in previous investigations on other species, incomplete demineralization occurred in the two smaller particle sizes that was not detected until after DBM implant harvest. The demineralization process may need to be altered for equine bone and precise monitoring for complete demineralization before implantation is required. Equine DBM is osteoinductive in muscle pouch sites in horses but matrix particle size does affect osteoinductive capability.
Simulation of U-5 prototype undulator effects on the beam dynamics☆

Abstract The APS prototype undulator U-5 has been installed at the NSLS VUV ring. Its effects on the beam behaviour have been simulated with the tracking codes TEAPOT and RACETRACK. The tune shift, the distortion of the betatron function, the chromaticity, the transverse coupling, and some of the amplitude-dependent effects on the VUV ring have been compared and are presented in this paper.
Driver Feedback on Monetary Penalty and Its Impact on Work Zone Speed

Across the nation, one work zone fatality occurs every 10 h (about 2.3 per day) and one injury, every 13 min (110 per day). Speed limit compliance in and around work zones concerns transportation agency officials because excessive speeds have proved to be primary causes of crashes in work zones. As much as 25% of fatal crashes in work zones may have involved high speeds. Research was conducted with the use of a changeable message sign with radar (CMSR) at one work zone location on a four-lane, divided highway in Arizona. The CMSR, which was triggered by radar-detected speed, provided feedback to drivers about the amount of their potential traffic fine. A review of the literature indicated that this type of feedback has received only limited study. The CMSR alternated one speed feedback message, "Your Speed XX mph," with another, "Possible Fine $XXX." The dollar amount varied according to the speed of the vehicle. The coupling of speeding-fine feedback with alternating feedback on vehicle speed led to an o...
Neodymium isotopic evidence for decreasing crustal contributions to Cenozoic ignimbrites of the western United States: Implications for the thermal evolution of the Cordilleran crust

Numerous studies of large-volume rhyolite systems from the western United States conclude that rhyolite is primarily generated by extensive fractional crystallization of basalt accompanied by assimilation of crustal wallrock. Relative crustal contributions to large-volume rhyolite can be estimated by comparing the Nd isotopic composition of the rhyolite with the Nd isotopic characteristics of crust and mantle reservoirs associated with different continental basement age provinces. We have estimated the crustal contributions to 12 early Oligocene to Pleistocene rhyolite systems located throughout the Cordillera. We have determined that (1) crustal contributions to large-volume rhyolite systems decrease from the Oligocene to the Miocene, and (2) rhyolite systems younger than 20 Ma are dominated by mantle components. The crustal contributions to rhyolite systems may be controlled by system size and duration, crustal thickness, tectonic setting, crustal composition, crustal density, and crustal temperature. We conclude that regional cooling of the lower crust, which progressively limited the amount of crustal wallrock assimilated by rhyolite systems, is the only parameter that is consistent with geologic and geochemical data for rhyolite systems and the geologic evolution of the Cordillera. A quantitative model that relates the amount of crustal contribution to assimilation/recharge rates and the temperature of the crust indicates that lower-crustal temperatures would have to decrease about 300 °C between early Oligocene and early Miocene time to account for the decrease in crustal contributions.
Micro-impact technique and its applications

A micro-impact tester has been designed and built by using a piezoelectric impact hammer as an impactor driver. During the course of an impact process, force interactions between the impactor and target surfaces were monitored continuously by a miniaturized piezoelectric loadcell embedded in the flying head assembly. A 3-sided pyramidal diamond indenter (Berkovich indenter) was used as an impactor. After having fully characterized such an impact system, the trajectory of the impactor can be calculated by using the corresponding prerecorded impact force interaction in a simulation program. The contact and returning velocities, kinetic energy loss of the impactor, and the impact penetration curve are the key pieces of information obtained from the simulation. Furthermore, the impact morphology can reveal failure mechanisms of materials by providing details such as indent shapes, coating fragment, chipping, crack type and size, and other information which are useful in assessing the fracture toughness of testing materials. The micro-impact testing was carried out in the contact velocity ranging from 0.3 to 2.0 m/s. Three types of materials such as metal, glass, and amorphous carbon were used in studying their distinct mechanical behavior under high rate indentations. The correlations among the impact conditions, energy losses, impact morphologies, and material responses are illustrated and discussed.