cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The quinoline-3-carboxamide anti-angiogenic agent, tasquinimod, enhances the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of androgen ablation and taxotere without effecting serum PSA directly in human xenografts.

PURPOSE Tasquinimod is a second-generation orally active quinoline-3-carboxamide analog with enhanced potency against prostate cancer via its anti-angiogenic activity. It is presently undergoing clinical trials. Androgen ablation and taxanes are standard therapies for metastatic prostate cancer. This raises the issue of whether combining tasquinimod with either of these approaches enhances therapeutic efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The tumor growth of a series of human prostate cancer xenografts (CWR-22Rv1, CWR-22R-H, LAPC-4, LNCaP, PC-3 and DU-145) in male nude mice given nothing versus tasquinimod alone or in combination with androgen ablation or with androgen ablation plus taxotere were evaluated as model systems to resolve these issues. RESULTS These studies documented that daily oral treatment with tasquinimod consistently, statistically (P < 0.05) inhibited the tumor growth of each of the xenografts in a dose-dependent manner via an anti-angiogenic response as monitored by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the tumor blood vessel density. Tasquinimod's anti-prostate cancer efficacy is enhanced when combined with androgen ablation and this enhancement was observed even when androgen ablation was either subsequent to or proceeded by tasquinimod treatment. In addition, tasquinimod also enhanced the tumor growth inhibition and survival when combined with androgen ablation plus taxotere. Companion studies documented that tasquinimod has no direct effect on serum PSA in these xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These results documented that differences in serum PSA in tasquinimod-treated hosts are related to inhibition in tumor growth. This suggests that in clinical trials, changes in PSA slope or doubling time are indicative of therapeutic response to tasquinimod. Prostate 67: 790–797, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Persistent organochlorines and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Although there is indirect evidence to suggest that persistent organochlorines might increase risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, there are no epidemiologic studies directly addressing this question. In this cohort study, sampled from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, 1933 women had complete data on organochlorine measurements, covariates, and pregnancy outcomes. Exposures to organochlorines were divided into quintiles, and levels were much higher in these patients recruited from 1959 to 1965 compared to levels in the general population at present. Among included women, 364 developed gestational hypertension (hypertension without proteinuria) and 131 developed preeclampsia (hypertension with proteinuria). We found essentially no association between serum DDE and total PCBs and risk of either gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Results for other organochlorines showed varying patterns of results: DDT was inversely associated with risk of gestational hypertension (p for trend <0.001), B-Hexachlorocyclohexane and heptachlor epoxide were inversely related to gestational hypertension (p trend <0.01 and 0.10, respectively), dieldrin had a modestly positive association with gestational hypertension (p for trend=0.12), and hexachlorobenzene, trans-nonachlor, and oxychlordane yielded results close to the null. Hexachlorobenzene showed an inverse association with preeclampsia (p for trend <0.001). The study suggests that persistent organochlorines present at historically high level are not likely to increase the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, suggesting that other toxicants that have similar biologic effects are also unlikely to do so.
The effect of interfering ions on search algorithm performance for electron-transfer dissociation data

Collision-activated dissociation (CAD) and electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) each produce spectra containing unique features. Though several database search algorithms (e.g., SEQUEST, Mascot, and OMSSA) have been modified to search ETD data, this consists chiefly of the ability to search for c- and z•-ions; additional ETD-specific features are often unaccounted for, and may hinder identification. Removal of these features via spectral processing increased total search sensitivity by ∼20% for both human and yeast datasets; unique identifications increased by ∼17% for the yeast datasets and ∼16% for the human dataset.
Triggering germination represents a novel strategy to enhance killing of Clostridium difficile spores.

Background: Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that is the most common cause of healthcareassociated diarrhea in developed countries. Control of C. difficile is challenging because the spores are resistant to killing by alcohol-based hand hygiene products, antimicrobial soaps, and most disinfectants. Although initiation of germination has been shown to increase susceptibility of spores of other bacterial species to radiation and heat, it was not known if triggering of germination could be a useful strategy to increase susceptibility of C. difficile spores to radiation or other stressors. Principal Findings: Here, we demonstrated that exposure of dormant C. difficile spores to a germination solution containing amino acids, minerals, and taurocholic acid resulted in initiation of germination in room air. Germination of spores in room air resulted in significantly enhanced killing by ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation and heat. On surfaces in hospital rooms, application of germination solution resulted in enhanced eradication of spores by UV-C administered by an automated room decontamination device. Initiation of germination under anaerobic, but not aerobic, conditions resulted in increased susceptibility to killing by ethanol, suggesting that exposure to oxygen might prevent spores from progressing fully to outgrowth. Stimulation of germination also resulted in reduced survival of spores on surfaces in room air, possibly due to increased susceptibility to stressors such as oxygen and desiccation. Conclusions: Taken together, these data demonstrate that stimulation of germination could represent a novel method to enhance killing of spores by UV-C, and suggest the possible application of this strategy as a means to enhance killing by other agents.
A regulatory perspective on in vitro diagnostics.

A major outreach effort is under way that recruits scientific and technological expertise in industry and academia to optimize regulatory decision-making for next-generation diagnostic tests.
Ice Microphysics Observations in Hurricane Humberto: Comparison with Non-Hurricane-Generated Ice Cloud Layers.

Abstract Measurements are presented that were acquired from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) DC-8 aircraft during an intensive 3-day study of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Humberto on 22, 23, and 24 September 2001. Particle size distributions, particle image information, vertical velocities, and single- and dual-wavelength Doppler radar observations were obtained during repeated sampling of the eyewall and outer eye regions. Eyewall sampling temperatures ranged from −22° to −57°C and peak updraft velocities from 4 to 15 m s−1. High concentrations of small ice particles, in the order 50 cm−3 and above, were observed within and around the updrafts. Aggregates, some larger than 7 mm, dominated the larger sizes. The slope of the fitted exponential size distributions λ was distinctly different close to the eye than outside of that region. Even at low temperatures, λ was characteristic of warm temperature growth (λ < 30 cm−1) close to the eye and characteristic of low temperature growth outsi...
7201 carcinoids: increasing incidence overall and disproportionate mortality in the elderly.

Introduction The aim of the study was to determine outcomes for respiratory and gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors utilizing a large cancer registry.
Can the light ion transport in heavy targets be characterized by a single parameter

Abstract Based on parameter analysis for the linear Boltzmann equation of ion transport in solids, it has been found that the transport behaviour of low energy light ions in heavy targets possesses a universal scaling property. To test this interesting conclusion, accurate transport calculations based on the bipartition model of ion transport have been carried out for reflection coefficients, range distribution, radiation damage distribution and ionization distribution (namely, the energy deposition resulted by elastic collisions and inelastic collisions). The calculations show that these transport quantities can be characterized by a single parameter called the scaled transport cross section.
Early Embryonic Androgen Exposure Induces Transgenerational Epigenetic and Metabolic Changes

Androgen excess is a central feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 6% to 10% of young women. Mammals exposed to elevated androgens in utero develop PCOS-like phenotypes in adulthood, suggesting fetal origins of PCOS. We hypothesize that excess androgen exposure during early embryonic development may disturb the epigenome and disrupt metabolism in exposed and unexposed subsequent generations. Zebrafish were used to study the underlying mechanism of fetal origins. Embryos were exposed to androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) early at 26 to 56 hours post fertilization or late at 21 to 28 days post fertilization. Exposed zebrafish (F0) were grown to adults and crossed to generate unexposed offspring (F1). For both generations, global DNA methylation levels were examined in ovaries using a luminometric methylation assay, and fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured. We found that early but not late androgen exposure induced changes in global methylation and glucose homeostasis in both generations. In general, F0 adult zebrafish exhibited altered global methylation levels in the ovary; F1 zebrafish had global hypomethylation. Fasting blood glucose levels were decreased in F0 but increased in F1; postprandial glucose levels were elevated in both F0 and F1. This androgenized zebrafish study suggests that transient excess androgen exposure during early development can result in transgenerational alterations in the ovarian epigenome and glucose homeostasis. Current data cannot establish a causal relationship between epigenetic changes and altered glucose homeostasis. Whether transgenerational epigenetic alteration induced by prenatal androgen exposure plays a role in the development of PCOS in humans deserves study.
Transcribed sequences of the Escherichia coli btuB gene control its expression and regulation by vitamin B12.

Abstract The Escherichia coli btuB gene product is an outer membrane protein required for the active transport of vitamin B12 and other cobalamins. Synthesis of BtuB is repressed when cells are grown in the presence of cobalamins. Mapping of the 5' end of the btuB transcript revealed that a 240-nucleotide transcribed leader precedes the coding sequence. Point mutations causing increased expression under repressing conditions were isolated by use of a btuB-lacZ gene fusion. Mutations at many sites within the leader region affected btuB-lacZ regulation, whereas some base changes upstream of the start of transcription affected the absolute level of expression but not its repressibility. Analysis of btuB-phoA gene fusions and btuB-lacZ operon and gene fusions of various lengths showed that sequences within the btuB coding region (between nucleotides +250 and +350) had to be present for proper expression and transcriptional regulation. Sequences within the leader region (up to +250) conferred regulation of translational fusions. These results indicate that btuB expression is controlled at both the transcriptional and translational levels and that different but possibly overlapping sequences in the transcribed region, including the coding region for the transport protein itself, mediate these two modes of regulation.
Photoproduction of π 0 Mesons from Hydrogen at 500-900 Mev

The photoproduction of single pi /sup 0/ mesons from hydrogen has been studied using the bremsstrahlung beam of the 1.5-Bev Cornell electron synchrotron. Differential cross sections were measured at several angles in the center-of-mass system and photon energies in the range 500 to 900 Mev. The process was identified by counting the recoil protons. Since the reaction is a two-body one, an identification of the recoil proton energy and lab angle suffices to fix the meson center-of-mass angle and the incident photon energy. (A. C.) 126l5 Positive mesons produced in a liquid hydrogen target by the bremsstrahlung beam of the Cornell 1.5-Bev synchrotron are first momentum-analyzed by a strongfocusing magnet and then identified by pulse-height and range requirements in a four-counter telescope. Singlemeson production was ensured by keeping the peak energy of the bremsstrahlung spectrum below the thresh old for multiple production for any given angle and momentum. The results are shown graphically. (A.C.)
Double-Heterostructure Photonic Crystal Lasers with Reduced Threshold Pump Power and Increased Slope Efficiency Obtained by Quantum Well Intermixing

Double-Heterostructure photonic crystal microcavity lasers were fabricated in which much of the photonic crystal mirror region was disordered by quantum well intermixing. An increased slope efficiency and a reduced threshold pump power was obtained.
Components of episodic memory: the contribution of recollection and familiarity

The examination of recognition memory confidence judgements indicates that there are two separate components or processes underlying episodic memory. A model that accounts for these results is described in which a recollection process and a familiarity process are assumed to contribute to recognition memory performance. Recollection is assumed to reflect a threshold process whereby qualitative information about the study event is retrieved, whereas familiarity reflects a classical signal-detection process whereby items exceeding a familiarity response criterion are accepted as having been studied. Evidence from cognitive, neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies indicate that the model is in agreement with the existing recognition results, and indicate that recollection and familiarity are behaviourally, neurally and phenomenologically distinct memory retrieval processes.
The organization of visceral sensory neurons in thoracic dorsal root gangla (DRG) of the cat studied by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reaction using the cryostat

The organization of visceral sensory neurons in thoracic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was studied by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) from the central cut end of the left major splanchnic nerve of the cat. The majority of HRP-labeled cells were concentrated between T5 and T11. Within a DRG, labeled splanchnic neurons were found in all sectors. There was no consistent pattern of localization within the ganglion although clustering of visceral cell bodies was apparent. It may be that each clustered group of cells innervates individual viscera or reflects a degree of functional segregation.
Pending Studies at Hospital Discharge.

The Authors’ Response—We thank Dr. Singh for highlighting a very important point. We agree that the prevalence of pending studies is a health systems problem with multifactorial origins, including shorter lengths of stay and increased handoffs. As Dr. Singh pointed out, and our study confirmed, physicians overestimate their awareness of pending studies. We showed that an EMR-based tool that automatically generated a list of pending studies from the EMR improved communication of pending studies via the discharge summary. We hope that the use of this tool will help change ordering behavior by allowing inpatient providers to become more aware of the volume of studies that are pending and for which they are responsible. In addition, at our institution, we are implementing quality improvement initiatives to try to change ordering behavior by displaying turnaround time and cost for some tests. Further work will need to be done in this area. In the meantime, the responsibility for pending studies falls to the inpatient provider (even if he or she disagrees with the test having been done in the first place), and communication to the primary care provider taking over care is essential. Our paper described a quality improvement intervention to help meet this need.
Neoplasms in dialysis patients: a population-based study.

Cancer incidence was assessed in 4,161 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis to determine whether there was any excess risk of cancer in this population. Records from the Michigan Kidney Registry (MKR) for 1973 to 1984 were linked to those of the Michigan Cancer Foundation's Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System (MDCSS) to identify cases in the dialysis cohort. The expected number of cancers in the ESRD population was calculated using the race-, sex-, age- and calendar year-specific incidence rates of the tricounty metropolitan Detroit region of 4 million residents. The standardized incidence ratio (observed: expected) was significantly increased for all in situ tumors combined, as well as for invasive tumors of the kidney, the corpus uteri, and the prostate. The four-fold to five-fold excess ( P P
Mutual Information for Stochastic Differential Equations

Mutual information is calculated for processes described by stochastic differential equations. The expression for the mutual information has an interpretation in filtering theory.
The Stream of Consciousness: XX: A Non-Egological Conception

This article develops the concluding section of a previous article of mine, which briefly contrasted William James's views on consciousness in The Principles with those of Susanne K. Langer in her ...
Working (and studying) day and night: Heterogeneous effects of working on the academic performance of full-time and part-time students

Abstract A growing number of students are working while in college and to a greater extent. Using nationally representative data from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, I analyze the effect of working on grades and credit completion for undergraduate students in the United States. Strategies to identify the causal relationship between working and academic performance include student-level fixed effects to control for permanent, unobserved characteristics that may affect both work and study intensity, and system GMM models to account for potentially endogenous relationships between working and academic performance that vary over time. I examine the consequences of working for heterogeneous subgroups, with a particular focus on differences between full-time and part-time students. I find no evidence that students’ grades are harmed by marginal work hours, but that full-time students complete fewer credits per term when increasing work.
Genetic and environmental influences on body-fat measures among African-American twins.

NELSON, TRACY L., DWAYNE T. BRANDON, SEBRINA A. WIGGINS, AND KEITH E. WHITFIELD. Genetic and environmental influences on body-fat measures among African-American twins. Obes Res. 2002;10:733-739. Objective: To investigatethe genetic and environmental influences on body-fat measures including waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) among African-American men and women. Research Methods and Procedures: Measurements were taken as part of the Carolina African American Twin Study of Aging. This sample currently comprises 146 same-sex African-American twins with an average age of 50 years (range, 22 to 88 years). This analysis included 26 monozygotic and 29 dizygotic men and 45 monozygotic and 46 dizygotic women. Maximum likelihood quantitative genetic analysis was used. Results: In men, additive genetic effects accounted for 77% of the variance in WC, 59% in WHR, and 89% in BMI. In women, additive genetic effects accounted for 76% of the variance in WC, 56% in WHR, and 73% in BMI. The remaining variance in both men and women was attributed to unique environmental effects (WC, 21%; WHR, 36%; BMI, 11% in men and WC, 22%; WHR, 38%; BMI, 27% in women) and age (WC, 2%; WHR, 5% in men and WC, 2%; WHR, 6% in women). When BMI was controlled in the analysis of WC and WHR, it accounted for a portion of the genetic and environmental variance in WHR and over one-half of the genetic and environmental variance in WC. Discussion: There are both genetic and environmental influences on WC, WHR, and BMI, and independent of BMI, there are genetic and environmental effects on WC and WHR among both genders. The results from this African-American twin sample are similar to findings among white twin samples.
Oxidation of long-chain alcohols to aldehydes by the dipyridine chromic anhydride complex

Abstract The oxidation of alcohols by the dipyridine chromic anhydride complex is judged to be most suitable for the preparation of long-chain aliphatic aldehydes. Thus, cis -9-octadecenol is oxidized in 93% yield within 30 min at room temperature with no detectable alteration of the double bond.
Tryptophan 54 and phenylalanine 60 are involved synergistically in the binding of E. coli SSB protein to single‐stranded polynucleotides

The binding of both wild-type and point-mutated E. coli single-stranded DNA-binding (SSB) protein to poly(deoxythymidylic acid) has been studied by fluorescence and optical detection of triplet state magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Involvement of tryptophan residues 40 and 54 in stacking interactions with nucleotide bases has been inferred earlier from such studies. Investigation of a point mutation in the E. coli SSB gene product obtained by site specific oligonucleotide mutagenesis in which Phe-60 is replaced by alanine strongly suggests the participation of Phe-60 in the binding process, possibly by the formation of an extended stacking structure by Trp-54, thymine and Phe-60. This hypothesis is supported by results on the point mutations in which His-55 is replaced by either leucine or tyrosine.
Transcriptional Analysis of Fracture Healing and the Induction of Embryonic Stem Cell–Related Genes

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (PO1AR049920, AR044927); Department of Defense (DAMD17-03-1-0576)
Comparison of prefrontal architecture and connections

The advent of new technology has led to a proliferation of studies examining the functional roles of discrete prefrontal cortical areas. This has created a need for more precise information regarding the morphological characteristics of this region. Existing architectonic maps of human and monkey brains are not compatible with regard to areal delineations and topography, creating significant difficulty in interpreting comparative data. Therefore, we have re-examined the comparative morphological organization of the prefrontal cortex in humans and rhesus monkeys. Our analysis indicates that the architectonic areas in both species correspond in terms of morphological features as well as topographical locations. We have developed a common organizational schema for these areas, thereby allowing for a resolution of previous discrepancies. Moreover, in monkeys a connectional analysis has revealed that each of the newly designated areas is characterized by a unique pattern of cortical relationships. The present organizational schema provides a framework for interrelating findings such as those obtained from human brain imaging studies with those from behavioural investigations of non-human primates.
INHIBITION BY INDOMETHACIN OF INCREASED ESTRADIOL EXTRACTION BY THE IUD-CONTAINING RAT UTERINE HORN

The role of prostaglandins on the extraction of estradiol (E2) by the rat uterine horn in the presence of the intrauterine device (IUD) was evaluated. Increased extraction of E2 by the IUD horn compared to the contralateral control horn was consistently observed irrespective of the estrogen status of the animals. This increased extraction was abolished by indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, suggesting a role of prostaglandin in this process.
MRI diagnosis of multifocal hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A differential entity

Abstract Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver is an infrequent fibro-inflammatory non-neoplastic process of unknown etiology, generally following a benign inflammatory condition. We herein describe MR imaging features of multifocal hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) involving both the lobes of the liver with a history of primary sclerosing cholangitis, suspected multifocal abscesses at first instance which was conclusively diagnosed with a percutaneous core biopsy of the liver.
Capillary Fluid Exchange: Regulation, Functions, and Pathology

Abstract The partition of fluid between the vascular and interstitial compartments is regulated by forces (hydrostatic and oncotic) operating across the microvascular walls and the surface areas of permeable structures comprising the endothelial barrier to fluid and solute exchange, as well as within the extracellular matrix and lymphatics. In addition to its role in the regulation of vascular volume, transcapillary fluid filtration also allows for continuous turnover of water bathing tissue cells, providing the medium for diffusional flux of oxygen and nutrients required for cellular metabolism and removal of metabolic byproducts. Transendothelial volume flow has also been shown to influence vascular smooth muscle tone in arterioles, hydraulic conductivity in capillaries, and neutrophil transmigration across postcapillary venules, while the flow of this filtrate through the interstitial spaces functions to modify the activities of parenchymal, resident tissue, and metastasizing tumor cells. Likewise, the...
Periodicities of the Geomagnetic Variation Field at Huancayo, Peru

RECENT analyses of stratospheric winds have uncovered the rather fascinating phenomenon of an equatorial stratospheric wind oscillation of approximately 26 months1. Although the apparent wind oscillation seems to have its largest amplitude at about 25 km, it has been suggested by Stacey and Westcott2 that these stratospheric fluctuations extend to ionospheric heights. They performed a spectral analysis of the mean monthly values of the horizontal component of the geomagnetic field on magnetically quiet days, Hq, for Huancayo (12° S.), Apia (14° S.) and Alibag (19° N.). Their results indicated spectral peaks at periods of approximately 26–27 months for Alibag and Apia but not for Huancayo. For all three stations there was also an increase of spectral density at a period of about 12 months. These results were somewhat surprising in view of the fact that at stratospheric levels the maximum amplitude of the 26-month wind fluctuation is found close to the equator and then decreases poleward. Ths amplitude of the annual variation, on the other hand, increases with increasing latitude. The two seem to be equal at a latitude of about 15°. To the extent that ionospheric oscillations as manifested by the oscillation of Hq are related to the stratospheric wind oscillation, one should find the more pronounced 26-month period at the lowest latitude station.
Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Moving beyond the asthma algorithm

For many years, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was considered a disease of fixed airflow obstruction for which there was no good treatment. Out of desperation and frustration, health care providers extrapolated from asthma to COPD, and standard asthma therapy was adopted without evidence for efficacy. In recent years, we have gained a better understanding of the pathophysiologic differences between asthma and COPD, and prospective controlled trials have provided a rationale for therapy. Smoking cessation is critically important, both as primary prevention and as an effective way to slow the decrease in lung function in patients with established disease. β2-Adrenergic and anticholinergic agonists improve lung function and relieve symptoms in most patients. Tiotropium improves exercise tolerance and quality of life and reduces exacerbations and hospitalizations. The increase in lung function seen with tiotropium is sustained with continued use over at least 3 to 4 years. Inhaled corticosteroids decrease exacerbations and improve quality of life, and their effect seems greatest in patients with lower lung function and in exacerbation-prone patients. There is no evidence that inhaled corticosteroids alone affect mortality, despite the reduction in exacerbations and increased risk of pneumonia. In some patient populations, inhaled fluticasone, salmeterol, or the combination might slow the rate of loss of lung function. Rather than reflexively using effective asthma therapy in the patient with COPD, current and future therapy for COPD is increasingly evidence based and targeted to specific inflammatory pathways that are important in patients with COPD.
Inducible 70 kDa heat shock proteins protect embryos from teratogen-induced exencephaly: Analysis using Hspa1a/a1b knockout mice.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that a variety of teratogens induce neural tube defects in animals; however, less is known about proteins that play a role in protecting embryos from teratogen-induced neural tube defects. Previously, our laboratory has shown that embryos overexpressing the 70-Da heat shock proteins (HSPs) Hspa1a and Hspa1b were partially protected from the deleterious effects of exposure to hyperthermia in vitro. METHODS: In the present studies, we have used a transgenic mouse in which both of the stress-inducible HSPs Hspa1a and Hspa1b were deleted by homologous recombination. Time-mated Hspa1a/a1b-/- (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice were exposed to hyperthermia in vivo on gestational day 8.5. RESULTS: Results show that 52% of the gestational day 15 fetuses from KO litters were exencephalic, whereas only 20% of WT fetuses were affected. In addition, 6% of treated KO fetuses also exhibited eye defects (microphthalmia and anopthalmia), defects not observed in WT fetuses exposed to hyperthermia. Lysotracker red staining and caspase-3 enzyme activity were examined within 10 hours after exposure to hyperthermia, and significantly greater levels of apoptosis and enzyme activity were observed in the KO embryos compared with WT embryos. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that embryos lacking the Hspa1a and Hspa1b genes are significantly more sensitive to hyperthermia-induced neural tube and eye defects, and this increased sensitivity is correlated with increased amounts of apoptosis. Thus, these results also suggest that Hspa1a and Hspa1b play an important role in protecting embryos from hyperthermia-induced congenital defects, possibly by reducing hyperthermia-induced apoptosis. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Movement and degradation of [14C]atrazine in undisturbed soil columns

The movement and degradation of [14C]-atrazine were studied in undisturbed soil columns (15 × 60 cm) taken manually from a field with no previous pesticide history. The experiment was conducted indoors under controlled temperature conditions. Three weeks after application of [14C]-atrazine (2.2 kg a.i. per hectare) to the soil surface, the columns were leached at weekly intervals for 12 weeks. Approximately 1.2% of the applied 14C was recovered in the leachate over the 12-week period, which corresponds to an atrazine (plus degradation products) concentration of 7.6 μg/L. On completion of the last leaching event, the columns were cut into 10-cm increments and analyzed for [14C]-atrazine and degradation products. Seventy-seven percent of the 14C applied to soil columns remained in the upper 10 cm and included primarily atrazine (9%) and soil-bound residues (57%). Deethylatrazine was the predominant degradation product in the top 10 cm (3.6%). Other degradation products were found in the top 10 cm at relative concentrations of deisopropylatra-zine > hydroxyatrazine > didealkylatrazine > deethylhydroxyatrazine > deisopropylhydroxyatra-zine. Uncharacterized polar metabolites in the top 10 cm accounted for 6% of the applied 14C. Atrazine, deethylatrazine, and deisopropylatrazine were found at all depths. In addition, didealkylatrazine was detected to the 50-cm depth, hydroxyatrazine to the 30-cm depth, and deethylhydroxyatrazine to the 20-cm depth.
Characterization of Phosphoglycerides by Chemical and Enzymatic Hydrolysis on Thin Layer Plates In Situ

Abstract The use of chemical and enzymatic reactions in situ on thin layer chromatograms for characterization of phosphoglycerides is described. Acid and alkaline hydrolysis under specific conditions can differentiate acyl, alkyl and alkenyl moieties. Phospholipases A2, C and D were shown to give complete and specific hydrolysis of phospholipids directly on the chromatograms.
Mycophenolate Mofetil in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Skin Disorders

Abstract Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been widely used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation. MMF has recently been added to therapeutic regimens for skin disorders. Expanding the use of MMF in dermatology, we describe additional patients with autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases, including 4 cases of pemphigus vulgaris, 1 case of pemphigus foliaceus, 1 case of perineal and metastatic cutaneous Crohn's disease, 1 case of bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis, and 1 case of psoriasis. Most of these patients had refractory disease or had developed significant side effects to conventional therapy, including azathioprine, methotrexate, prednisone, cyclosporine, acitretin, PUVA, UVB, and tacrolimus. MMF was effective and well tolerated in all these patients. The dosages of MMF ranged from 500 mg twice daily (for psoriasis and Crohn's disease) to 1250 mg twice daily (for 3 of 4 patients with pemphigus vulgaris). MMF is an effective and relatively safe immunosuppressant in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:265-8.)
The effect of propylthiouracil on the thyroid uptake of I131 and the plasma conversion ratio in hyperthyroidism.

OF THE current antithyroid agents, propylthiouracil is probably the most widely employed in clinical practice. There have been conflicting reports in the literature regarding the mechanism of action of this drug and related compounds, and the effects of the thiourea derivatives on the trapping of iodine and the synthesis of thyroid hormone have not been completely denned. Most of the reported studies have been on experimental animals or tissue studies in vitro. Franklin, Chaikoff, and Lerner (1) found that surviving thyroid slices, incubated in the presence of thiouracil, failed to convert iodide to organically bound iodine, but retained the capacity to concentrate inorganic iodide. In the intact rat thiouracil causes the thyroid gland to enlarge, depresses the thyroid accumulation of radioactive iodine, and inhibits the formation of diiodotyrosine and thyroxine (2, 3, 4). McGinty (5) found that in rats treated with thiouracil, an increased iodine intake caused a proportional increase of thyroid iodine in...
Pharmaceutical Granulation and Tablet Formulation Using Neural Networks

Current-day pharmaceutical formulation may be trial and error in nature due to the absence of a clear relationship between the formulation characteristics (output variables) and the material and process variables (input variables). Neural networks are networks of adaptable nodes, which through a process of learning from task examples, store experiential knowledge and make it available for prediction. Prediction of a model granulation and tablet system characteristics from the knowledge of material and process variables utilizing neural networks is the basis of this presentation. The formulation design contained the following variables: granulation equipment, diluent, method of binder addition, and the binder concentration. The material, process, granulation evaluation, and tablet evaluation data of the formulations were used as the data set for training and testing of the neural network models. A comparison of the neural network prediction performance with that of regression models was also done. Both the granulation model and the tablet model converged fairly rapidly in the training step. In the testing step, the predictions for all granulation model variables (geometric mean particle size, flow value, bulk density, and tap density) were satisfactory. In the tablet model, the predictions for disintegration and thickness were also satisfactory. The predictions for hardness and friability were less than satisfactory. Two situations where the neural network may not perform adequately are discussed. The neural network prediction is better or comparable for all the predicted variables in this study compared to regression methods. The results clearly show the applicability of neural networks to formulation modeling.
Ovarian Follicular Development and Pituitary FSH and LH Content in the Pregnant Rat

A quantitative study of follicular development indicates that there is no cyclic activity during pregnancy in the rat comparable to the changes of the estrous cycle. The number of antral follicles is relatively constant throughout pregnancy. Follicles larger than 600 μ in diameter do not appear until the last day of pregnancy (day 22). Ovulation could not be induced with HCG until day 21 of pregnancy in the rat in contrast to the pregnant hamster in which ovulation and even superovulation can be readily produced. It appears likely that the refractoriness to ovulation in the pregnant rat is due to the physiologic immaturity of the vesicular follicles. There is a 3-fold increase in pituitary content of LH between days 1 and 8 of pregnancy and thereafter the level remains relatively constant until day 22. During the last week of gestation there is a 4-fold increase in pituitary FSH so that the FSH:LH ratio rises to 9:1. During the first half of pregnancy the FSH:LH ratio is 4:1. The presence of vesicular fol...
Z-scan simulations on metallodielectric stacks with nonlinear absorption

Experimental investigations reveal significant nonlinear responses from metallodielectric stacks (MDSs) with constituent metal films of silver (Ag), gold (Au) or copper (Cu). In particular, the Cu dielectric MDS exhibited large non-linear absorption. Nevertheless, there is a need to investigate these materials with more faithful numerical techniques in order to account for the underlying physical processes observed in the experiments. We apply a Finite Element Method (FEM) with radial symmetry to numerically solve for the Z-scan experiment of a MDS using the corresponding nonlinear Maxwell equations. The amplitude and the phase of the electromagnetic field at the exit interface of the MDS are used for transforming to the far-field regime.
Photo‐oxidation in the synthesis of17O and 18O labelled compounds: Synthesis of xanthone‐18O1

It it shown that the photo-oxidation of aromatic molecules containing an active methylene group can be used to introduce isotopic oxygen. Photo-oxidation of xanthene results in the formation of xanthone with the oxygen label appearing in the product at the carbonyl group. In this way, 100% enrichment can be realized. A brief discussion of other systems to which this method may be extended is also given.
Functional MR imaging using gradient-echo echo-planar imaging in the presence of large static field inhomogeneities

At 1.5 T, the field strength of most clinical MR imagers, gradient-echo Imaging Is the primary imaging method for measuring brain activation, as such sequences are highly sensitive to changes in blood oxygenation or T2* effects. Unfortunately, gradient-echo sequences are also extremely sensitive to magnetic field inhomogeneities, and this sensitivity has precluded examination of regions of cortex near field inhomogeneities with functional MR imaging. This article presents a gradient-echo echo-planar imaging method that uses variable amplitude scaling on the slice-select refocusing lobe to generate images compensated for static field inhomogeneities. A technique for constructing composite Images to be used in statistical tests for activation is also presented. The method is shown to produce clean activation maps in the presence of large static field inhomogeneities. The technique retains the sensitivity of gradient- echo imaging to changes in blood oxygenation while removing the sensitivity to large static field inhomogeneities.
Single spots, unipolar magnetic regions, and pairs of spots

McIntosh (1981) noted that sunspot pairs appear preferentially near the boundary of unipolar magnetic (UM) regions of opposite polarity. A large number of solar magnetograms from the Mount Wilson Observatory and the Kitt Peak Observatory during fairly quiet periods are examined to confirm his finding. In this study, it is also found collaterally that positive single spots appear in a positive UM region and vice versa. It is suggested thus that a pair of spots of opposite polarity is formed because two single spots develop in the vicinity of the boundary (the neutral line) of two UM regions of opposite polarity for polarity arrangement appropriate to the Hale law, namely, the Hale boundary. For these reasons, it is suggested that single spots and UM regions have significant meaning in solar magnetism.
Demonstration of a Room-Temperature InP-Based Photodetector Operating Beyond 3 $\mu$ m

An InP-based p-i-n photodiode with optical response out to 3.4 μm was designed and grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). One hundred pairs of 7-nm In0.34Ga0.66As/5-nm GaAs0.25Sb0.75 quantum wells strain compensated to InP were used as the absorption region. The device showed a dark current density of 9.6 mA/cm2 under -0.5-V reverse bias, a responsivity of 0.03 A/W, and a detectivity of 2.0 × 108 cm·Hz1/2·W-1 at 3 μm at 290 K.
Reliability of the melolabial flap for alar reconstruction.

Objective To review a series of alar reconstruction cases in which the melolabial flap was used. Design Case series. Setting University medical center and private practice. Patients One hundred five consecutive patients with alar defects, resulting from oncologic resection, in whom melolabial flap reconstruction was suitable. Intervention Single-stage melolabial flap reconstruction by a single surgeon (W.H.L.). Main Outcome Measure Viability of the flap and presence or absence of surgical complications. Results There were no complete flap failures. Seven patients had partial necrosis of the distal end of the flap, and 3 of these instances occurred when the flap was rolled back onto itself to reconstruct the nasal vestibule; however, none of the patients required a subsequent operation or notching. Three patients developed hematoma, and 2 of them required a return to the operating room for control of bleeding. Four patients developed superficial infection, and 1 developed cellulitis of the cheek requiring opening of the wound and later revision of the flap. This was the only flap requiring revision. Fifteen patients required 3 or fewer corticosteroid infiltrations postoperatively for flap pin-cushioning or scar hypertrophy. Conclusion The melolabial flap is a reliable tool in the reconstructive armamentarium of the facial plastic surgeon.
Aeroelastic Stability Analysis of the AD-1 Manned Oblique-Wing Aircraft

The AD-1 manned flight test program was conducted to evaluate the stability, control and handling characteristics of oblique wing aircraft. The results of the aeroelastic stability analysis are presented for both the wing alone and the wing with ailerons. A comparison was made between the results obtained using the traditional k-method of flutter analysis and the results using the PK or British method of flutter analysis. Studies were performed using the latest version of the NASTRAN computer code as well as the PASS/FLUT program.
On the usefulness of bilateral comparison to tracking turbulent chemical odor plumes

This article reports on the usefulness of bilateral comparison of chemosensory information to an animal or agent tracking an odor to its source. Instantaneous concentration fields of a chemical plume diffusing in a fully developed, turbulent, open channel flow are measured using planar laser-induced fluorescence. The plume is released isokinetically 25 mm above the smooth bed (z 90), thus transport is mainly due to advection and ambient turbulence. A spatial cross-correlation function in the spanwise direction gives a strong indication of the relative position of the centerline and distance from the source. The relative direction of the plume centerline can be estimated from the instantaneous concentration, provided the sensors are separated by a distance larger than the spanwise integral length scale of the concentration field.
Use of antidepressants during perimenopause

This article reviews the literature on the use of antidepressants for symptoms associated with perimenopause. In some perimenopausal women, mood instability, insomnia and vasomotor symptoms cause significant distress. Studies of antidepressants for perimenopausal symptoms are summarized, with a focus on perimenopausal depression and vasomotor symptoms. Antidepressants should be considered as an alternative to hormone therapy for perimenopausal depression and hot flashes, especially when hormone therapy is contraindicated, or as an augmentation strategy for women who are only partially responsive to hormone therapy.
Urinary tract infection and renal damage in sibling vesicoureteral reflux.

AbstractPurpose: Siblings of index patients with vesicoureteral reflux are known to have an increased incidence of reflux. Previously reported studies have evaluated vesicoureteral reflux in asymptomatic siblings of children who were previously proved to have reflux. We determine the incidence and nature of vesicoureteral reflux in symptomatic siblings of children with documented vesicoureteral reflux.Materials and Methods: Between January 1990 and December 1996, 624 patients were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux during the investigation of documented urinary tract infections. All patients were evaluated for reflux by contrast voiding cystourethrography and reflux was graded according to the international reflux study.99m Technetium dimercapto-succinic acid nuclear renal scans were performed to detect renal scarring. The medical records and voiding cystourethrograms of the 624 consecutive patients with vesicoureteral reflux were retrospectively reviewed to identify siblings with vesicoureteral reflux....
Use of a structured problem domain to explore development of modularized neural networks

A technique has been devised and tested which allows separate training of neural network (NN) modules, each operating on a portion of the problem domain. A method for linking together the NN modules has been devised and shown to yield successful operation on the full problem domain. Methods in the graph theory literature known as connection matrix and reachability matrix were used to assist in both (i) decomposing the problem into subtasks and (ii) determining how to connect the NN modules that learn to perform the subtasks. The problem context used is a lattice of concept types underlying a knowledge base system. >
Comparison of costs of staged versus simultaneous lower extremity arterial hybrid procedures

Abstract Background Hybrid procedures combine endovascular and open surgical techniques. We examined utilization rates and ways of performing them more efficiently. Methods Hybrids were selected using codes for femoral endarterectomy, infrainguinal, or aorto-iliac-femoral bypass and angioplasty from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data, then categorized as staged, or performed on the same day. Outcomes included utilization rates, total hospital charges, and length of stay (LOS). Confounders of charges and LOS were identified and excluded from final comparisons. Results Utilization increased 7% from 2000 to 2004. Univariate associations linked staging to variables included in linear regressions for hospital charges and LOS. Excluding identified confounders from the final subgroup analysis still showed large differences in charges (same-day = $34,206, staged=$60,087) and LOS (same-day = 3 days, staged=7 days). Conclusions Utilization of hybrids is increasing. Performing hybrids on the same day, if possible, greatly reduces hospital charges and LOS, emphasizing preadmission planning and simultaneous coordination of both portions.