cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 15483: Regenerative Effects of Exosomes Secreted by Cardiospheres in a Rat Model of Chronic Myocardial Infarction Are Mimicked by Exosome-primed Fibroblasts

Background: Multicellular self-assembling cardiospheres (CSps) exert regenerative and anti-fibrotic effects via paracrine mechanisms. CSp-derived cells are known to secrete exosomes which mediate most or all of the beneficial therapeutic effects. Objective: We evaluated the regenerative capacity of CSp-secreted exosomes in a model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI). We also determined whether CSp-exosomes could convert the phenotype of therapeutically-inert cells. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from CSp-conditioned media by adding a precipitation solution followed by centrifugation. One month post-MI, Wistar Kyoto rats (n=46) with permanent LAD ligation were injected intramyocardially with: a) human dermal fibroblasts (DFs), b) CSp exosomes, c) DFs primed with CSp-exosomes, d) CSps only or e) vehicle. Functional and histological analyses were performed 4 weeks after therapy. Mechanisms were also probed in vitro . Results: In vivo, CSp-exosomes and CSps equally increased ejection fraction (EF= 45±1% [CSp-exo], 44±2% [CSps], 33±1% [placebo] and 35±2% [DFs]) and reduced scar mass (48±8mg [CSp-exo], 45±4mg [CSps], 96±12mg [placebo] and 90±6mg [DFS]; both p In vitro , exosome-primed DFs increased tube formation by HUVECs and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry showed increased vessel density in all groups compared to vehicle or unprimed DFs. Conclusions: Administration of CSp-exosomes recapitulates the regenerative potential and functional benefits of CSps themselves. The surprising ability of CSp-exosomes to confer therapeutic efficacy on inert DFs may represent an unanticipated amplification mechanism for exosome-mediated benefits.
Hydrothermal studies of special types of cement mixed with quartz

Abstract Kinetics of hydrothermal reactions for the synthhesis of CSH(I) ∗∗ and tobermorite have been studied, utilizing pure calcium silicate compounds and special cements as starting materials. Compressive strength and porosity data for the products are given. The final materials were characterized as well by x-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The reaction products were identified as CSH(I), tobermorite, CH and residual quartz. The strengths were found to be in the order: special lab-prepared β-C 2 S > expansive cement > high-alumina cement > commercial hydrothermal cement.
Self-diffusion in austenitic Fe-Cr-Ni alloys

The simultaneous lattice diffusion of 59Fe, 51Cr and 57Ni tracers has been measured in the alloys Fe-15Cr-20Ni, Fe-15Cr-45Ni, Fe-22Cr-45Ni and Fe-15Cr-20Ni-1.4Si between 960 and 1400 degrees C. In all four alloys at all temperatures, DCr>DFe>DNi, with DCr/DNi approximately=2.5 and DFe/DNi approximately=1.8. The activation enthalpies for diffusion of the major constituents in any one alloy are quite close to each other. No correlation is found between swelling under irradiation and the diffusion behaviour of the major constituents. The results are discussed on the basis of the random-alloy model. Grain-boundary diffusion is found in these alloys at surprisingly high temperatures.
Comparison of methods to assess body composition changes during a period of weight loss.

Objective To assess the accuracy of body composition measurements by air displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) compared with DXA during weight loss. Research methods and procedures Fifty-six healthy but overweight participants, 34 women and 22 men (age, 52 +/- 8.6 years; weight, 92.2 +/- 11.6 kg; BMI, 33.3 +/- 2.9 kg/m(2)) were studied in an outpatient setting before and after 6 months of weight loss (weight loss, 5.6 +/- 5.5 kg). Subjects were excluded if they had initiated a new drug therapy within 30 days of randomization, were in a weight loss program, or took a weight loss drug within 90 days of randomization. Subjects were randomly assigned either to a self-help program, consisting of two 20-minute sessions with a nutritionist and provision of printed materials and other self-help resources, or to attendance at meetings of a commercial program (Weight Watchers). Body composition was examined by each of the methods before and after weight loss. Results BIA (42.4 +/- 5.8%) underestimated percentage fat, whereas the BodPod (Siri = 51.7 +/- 6.9%; Brozek = 48.5 +/- 6.5%) overestimated percentage fat compared with DXA (46.1 +/- 7.9%) before weight loss. Correlation coefficients for detecting changes in body composition between DXA and the other methods were relatively high, with Brozek Deltafat mass (FM; r(2) = 0.63), Siri FM (r(2) = 0.65), tetrapolar BIA percentage fat (r(2) = 0.57), and Tanita FM (r(2) = 0.61) being the highest. Discussion In conclusion, all of the methods were relatively accurate for assessing body composition compared with DXA, although there were biases. Furthermore, each of the methods was sensitive enough to detect changes with weight loss.
Evidence of Ni(0) Complex Diffusion during Grignard Metathesis Polymerization of 2,5-Dibromo-3-hexylthiophene

It has been previously reported that the Grignard Metathesis polymerization of 3-alkyl thiophenes proceeds by a quasi-“living” chain growth or “catalyst transfer polycondensation” mechanism. Several publications present data in support of the transition metal species acting as an initiator and specifically maintaining Ni(0) association with a single growing polymer chain. However, our study of 2,5-dibromo-3-hexylthiophene polymerization via GPC, MALDI-TOF, and GC-MS verifies independently and in conjunction with one another that the transition metal is involved in transfer/diffusion from chain to chain during polymerization and presents the possibility of additional mechanistic controlling factors. Kinetic monitoring and characterization studies support transfer of the transition metal through diffusion from chain to chain during polymerization.
Natural language processing

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted We report on a natural language workshop sponsored by the National Library of Medicine.We summarize the current state of the art in biomedical natural language processing.We report on research strategies for advancing natural language processing.We summarize discussions of obstacles and challenges to the field. Natural language processing (NLP) is crucial for advancing healthcare because it is needed to transform relevant information locked in text into structured data that can be used by computer processes aimed at improving patient care and advancing medicine. In light of the importance of NLP to health, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) recently sponsored a workshop to review the state of the art in NLP focusing on text in English, both in biomedicine and in the general language domain. Specific goals of the NLM-sponsored workshop were to identify the current state of the art, grand challenges and specific roadblocks, and to identify effective use and best practices. This paper reports on the main outcomes of the workshop, including an overview of the state of the art, strategies for advancing the field, and obstacles that need to be addressed, resulting in recommendations for a research agenda intended to advance the field.
Disciplined doctors: The electronic medical record and physicians' changing relationship to medical knowledge

This study explores the effects of the electronic medical record (EMR) on the power of the medical profession. It is based on twenty-five in-depth interviews with administrators and physicians across three departments of a large, U.S. integrated health system, as well as ethnographic observation, all of which took place between September of 2009 and December of 2010. While scholarship on professional power has tended toward the opposite poles of professional dominance and deprofessionalization or proletarianization, I find that doctors' interactions with the EMR reconcile these perspectives by making physicians' professional identities consistent with their subordination to bureaucratic authority. After examining the electronic medical record as a disciplinary technology, the paper analyzes variation in the extent to which practitioners' professional identities are reconciled with bureaucratic subordination across the different departments studies.
Knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors of adults concerning nonalcoholic beverages suggest some lack of comprehension related to sugars

Key recommendations in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and US Department of Agriculture's MyPlate are to reduce the intake of added sugars, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, and drink water instead of "sugary" beverages. However, little is known about consumer knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors regarding sugars in beverages. We hypothesized that consumers would have limited or inaccurate knowledge of the sugars in beverages and that their beverage consumption behaviors would not reflect their primary concerns related to sugars in beverages. An online survey was completed by 3361 adults 18 years and older residing throughout the United States. Water was consumed in the highest amounts followed by (in descending amounts) other beverages (includes coffee and tea), added sugar beverages, milk, diet drinks, and 100% fruit juice and blends. Participants primarily associated the term "sugary" with beverages containing added sugars; however, almost 40% identified 100% fruit juice as sugary. Some participants misidentified the types of sugars in beverages, particularly with respect to milk and 100% fruit juices. Generally, beverage choices were consistent with stated concerns about total, added, or natural sugars; however, less than 40% of participants identified added sugars as a primary concern when choosing beverages despite public health recommendations to reduce the intake of added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages. Results suggest that there may be a considerable level of consumer misunderstanding or confusion about the types of sugars in beverages. More consumer research and education are needed with the goal of helping consumers make more informed and healthy beverage choices.
Technology and the exploratory success rate in the U.S. onshore

Abstract According to the Energy Information Administration, the exploratory success rate in the U.S. onshore increased to 34.2% in 1998 from 27.5% in 1978. It is tempting to conclude that this increase can be attributed to the many advances in seismic and drilling technology that have occurred over the same period. However, such a conclusion may be premature. While the average success rate for the industry is substantially higher, the success rate for a group of large technologically progressive producers including Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, and Texaco was only marginally higher in 1998 than in 1978. Building on the work of Forbes and Zampelli (2000) that examined the impact of technology on the offshore success rate, this paper develops an econometric model that attempts to disentangle and quantify the effects of the major factors hypothesized to affect the onshore exploratory success rate. The analysis relies on a panel of company level data from the Energy Information Administration’s Financial Reporting System (FRS).
The FGIN period: Electrophysiological studies

This historical review of the electrophysiology laboratory complemented the activity of the various research teams at the Fidia Georgetown Institute for the Neurosciences and it was the fulfillment of Dr. Erminio Costa's dream to be able to study the inhibitory and excitatory synapse in the central nervous system. These studies were facilitated by the development of the patch clamp technique that allows the functional testing of several of the biochemical and pharmacological hypotheses. The studies described here were the results of the hard work of all the collaborators involved in the projects that will never forget the passionate and stimulating discussion with Dr Costa during and after the development of these projects.
The Developmental Trajectory of Nonadjacent Dependency Learning.

We investigated the developmental trajectory of nonadjacent dependency learning in an artificial language. Infants were exposed to 1 of 2 artificial languages with utterances of the form [aXc or bXd] (Grammar 1) or [aXd or bXc] (Grammar 2). In both languages, the grammaticality of an utterance depended on the relation between the 1 st and 3rd elements, whereas the intervening element varied freely. High variability of the middle element is known to contribute to perception of nonadjacent dependencies (Goomez, 2002), but the developmental trajectory of such learning is unknown. Experiment 1 replicated the study of Gomez with a younger age group and a more subtle variability manipulation. Twelve-month-olds failed to track nonadjacent dependencies under conditions tested here (Experiments 2a and 2b), but by 15 months, infants are beginning to track this structure (Experiment 3). Such learning has implications for understanding how infants might begin to acquire similar structure in natural language.
High-Energy Density Ceramic Composition in the System Pb(Zr,Ti)O3–Pb[(Zn,Ni)1/3Nb2/3]O3

This study reports a high-energy density piezoelectric polycrystalline ceramic composition in the system Pb(Zr 1-x Ti x ) 03-Pb[(Zn 1-y Ni y ) 1/3 Nb 2/3 ]O 3 (PZT-PZNN). Two different Zr/Ti ratios in the PZT system were investigated: 52/48 corresponding to morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) and 56/44 corresponding to the tetragonal phase. The compositions investigated in this study are represented as: 0.9Pb(Zr 0.52 Ti 0.48 ) O 3 -0.1Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 [0.9PZT (52:48)-0.1PZN]+y wt% MnCO 3 , where y varies from 0 to 0.9 wt% and 0.9Pb (Zr 0.56 Ti 0.44 )O 3 -0.1Pb[(Zn 0.8 Ni 0.2 ) 1/3 Nb 2/3 ]O 3 [0.9PZT (56:44)-0.1PZNN] +y mol% MnO 2 , where y varies from 1 to 3 mol%. A high-energy density material is characterized by the large magnitude of the product of the piezoelectric voltage constant (g) and the piezoelectric strain constant (d) given as (dg). The condition for obtaining large magnitude of dg was derived to be as |d| = e n , where e is the permittivity of the material and n is a material constant having a lower limit of 0.5. The d 33 .g 33 value of the samples having composition 0.9 PZT (56:44)-0.1 PZNN+2 mol% MnO 2 (sintered in two steps at 1100°-1000°C) was found to be 18456.2×10 -15 m 2 /N, which, to the knowledge of the authors, is the highest value reported for polycrystalline ceramics. This composition was also found to exhibit a high magnitude of g 33 as 83.1 V·(m·N) -1 , corresponding to the magnitude of n as 1.126.
Abstract 3211: PTTG1 attenuates drug-induced cellular senescence

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC PTTG1 (pituitary tumor transforming gene) is abundantly expressed in several cancers and levels correlate with invasiveness and clinical outcome. Here we show that colon cancer cells devoid of PTTG1 (PTTG1−/−) demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and development of senescence in response to anti-neoplastic drugs including doxorubicin and trichostatin A (TSA). Doxorubicin (0.005 uM) had no effect on WT HCT116 colon cancer cells but inhibited PTTG1−/− HCT116 cell BrdU incorporation by 37 % (p<0.001). β-Galactosidase staining demonstrated that 43 % of PTTG1−/− HCT116 cells were senescent compared to 3 % of WT cells treated with 0.005 uM doxorubicin. Up to 0.02 uM doxorubicin did not cause apoptosis as measured by Tunel assay and activated caspase 3 levels, suggesting that cell cycle arrest is responsible for enhanced drug sensitivity in PTTG1−/− cells. PTTG1−/− cells exhibit ∼3 fold induction of p21 upon doxorubicin or TSA treatment, while knock down of p21 abrogated senescent effects of these drugs. p21 expression in PTTG1−/− cells after doxorubicin and TSA treatment was increased by enhanced binding of Sp1, p53 and p300 at the p21 promoter. PTTG1−/− cells developed smaller tumors than WT (1.24 ± 0.41 vs 0.39 ± 0.15 g, p<0.001), and were also more sensitive to doxorubicin treatments, with tumor growth inhibition rate 50% and 75 % respectively (p<0.05). PTTG1−/− cells develop less metastatic foci compared to WT (29 ± 8 vs 46 ± 12, p<0.001). Doxorubicin treatment suppressed metastatic foci formation by 49 % in PTTG1−/− tumors, compared to 15 % in WT cell-derived tumors. β-Galactosidase staining indicated that cell senescence was more pronounced in doxorubicin-treated PTTG1−/− tumors than in WT (57 % vs 22 % in subcutaneous tumor, p<0.001, 70 % vs 18 % in metastatic foci, p<0.001,). As senescence is a determinant of the cell response to anti-neoplastic treatments, the results indicate that PTTG1 may decrease anti-neoplastic drug responsiveness through attenuating cell senescence. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3211.
PHS with inert blocking groups for DUV negative resist

The synthesis, characterization, and lithographic evaluation of a polyhydroxystyrene (PHS) modified with isopropyloxycarbonate groups is described. The inert blocking group is attached to the hydroxyl sites on PHS resin to slow the dissolution rate and make the resin useful in resists designed for 0.263 N TMAH developers. A negative tone resist (CGR-IP) that is formulated with the modified polymer is compatible with the industry standard 0.263 N TMAH developer and is capable of resolving 0.22 micrometer L/S features and 0.14 micrometer isolated lines on a 0.50 NA imaging system. Reaction with PHS resin occurs primarily at the phenolic sites as shown by carbon-13 NMR and 10% protection is sufficient to lower the dissolution rate to an acceptable level so that there is less than 50 angstrom film loss in exposed areas. The blocking group described here is not acid labile and reaming intact after the resist film is baked at 150 degrees Celsius.
Deformation-induced martensitic characteristics in 304 and 316 stainless steels during room-temperature rolling

The effect of grain size on the deformation-induced martensite (α′) in 304 and 316 stainless steels (SS) during room-temperature rolling has been studied. Samples of four grain sizes of 52, 180, 229, and 285 μ in 304 and three grain sizes of 77, 125, and 200 /μm in 316 SS have been rolled from 16 to 63 pct reduction in thicknesses to characterize the microstructures during the rolling deformation. The amount of α′ formed increases with increase in the amount of deformation in both SS for a given grain size. The volume fraction of martensite formed increases with a decrease in grain size in 304 SS, while the α’ martensite formation has been found to be grain size insensitive in 316 SS. The volume fraction of α’ formed in 304 SS is always higher than that in 316 SS for a fixed percent reduction in thickness and grain size. This is attributed to the higher number of shear band intersections observed in 304 SS, which are considered to be the nucleation sites for the α’ embryos. The lath martensite obtained at small true rolling strains changes to blocky type at higher true strains. The morphology of α′ formed has been discussed and its characteristics obtained from rolling deformation have been compared with those earlier reported from the room-temperature tensile deformation.
Copper cation removal in an electrokinetic cell containing zeolite

Zeolites are used in environmental remediation of soil or water to immobilize or remove toxic materials by cation exchange. An experiment was conducted to test the use a low electric field to direct the toxic cations towards the zeolite. An electrokinetic cell was constructed using carbon electrodes. Synthetic Linde Type A (LTA) zeolite was placed in the cell. Copper(II) chloride dissolved in water was used as a contaminant. The Cu(2+) concentration was measured for ten hours with and without an applied electric field. The removal of the Cu(2+) ions was accelerated by the applied field in the first two hours. For longer time, the electric field did not improve the removal rate of the Cu(2+) ions. The presence of zeolite and applied electric field complicates the chemistry near the cathode and causes precipitation of Cu(2+) ions as copper oxide on the surface of the zeolite. With increased electric field the zeolite farther away from the cathode had little cation exchange due to the higher drift velocity of the Cu(2+) ions. The results also show that, in the LTA Zeolite A pellets, the cation exchange of Cu is limited to a shell of several tens of micrometers.
Implementation of Online Poster Sessions in Online and Face-to-Face Classrooms as a Unique Assessment Tool

Online poster sessions provide the benefits of typical face-to-face poster sessions while eliminating some of the obstacles such a nontraditional assessment presents. It allows students to do in-depth research on a specific topic and then present the material in a more artistic way that could be more appealing to certain students. It also allows an instructor to assess the students’ understanding of the topic and their ability to communicate the topic to others, while eliminating the use of multiple class periods for student presentations. The online poster session eliminates the need for a large room and the difficulty of one instructor needing to visit a large number of posters in a short period of time. This assessment method can be implemented in any course. The content, as well as the format of the course (face-to-face, large, small, online), help guide how the online poster session is used.
Diphytanyl and dibiphytanyl glycerol ether lipids of methanogenic archaebacteria

The lipids of nine different methanogenic bacterial strains are comprised of diphytanyl glycerol diethers, previously known only in extremely halophilic bacterial, as well as dibiphytanyl diglycerol tetraethers, known formerly only in the extremely thermoacidophilic bacteria Thermoplasma and Sulfolobus. Of the methanogens examined from four representative taxonomic groups, Methanobacterium and Methanospirillum contained both types of isopranyl ethers in nearly equal proportions, whereas the coccal forms, Methanosarcina and Methanococcus, possessed diphytanyl glycerol diethers, but with only a trace of or no dibiphytanyl diglycerol tetraethers. The occurrence of both types of isopranyl glycerol ethers in methanogenic bacteria supports the proposal that they have a close genealogical relationship to the extremely halophilic and thermoacidophilic bacteria.
Operative and anesthetic outcomes in endometrial cancer staging via three minimally invasive methods

The aim of this work is to compare operative and anesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive endometrial cancer staging, with lymphadenectomy performed via transperitoneal, extraperitoneal, or robotic-assisted methods. Sixty-six consecutive patients (24 transperitoneal, 19 extraperitoneal, and 23 robotic) were identified who underwent laparoscopic-assisted endometrial cancer staging with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Patients were divided into three groups based on method of para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Anesthetic and surgical times were longest in the extraperitoneal group. Patients undergoing robotic surgery had the shortest hospital stay and lowest conversion rate to laparotomy. Patients undergoing robotic lymphadenectomy had more pelvic and para-aortic nodes removed compared with the transperitoneal method. There was no difference in number of para-aortic nodes removed in the robotic versus extraperitoneal methods. The extraperitoneal group had highest peak end-tidal CO2 levels and highest narcotic requirements, while patients in the robotic group had highest peak inflation pressures and lowest pain scores. There were no differences in complication rates amongst the three groups. Robotic-assisted staging is superior to other minimally invasive methods in terms of most operative outcomes. Extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy is equivalent to robotic surgery where number of aortic nodes is concerned, but is associated with higher end-tidal CO2 levels and narcotic requirements. Peak inflation pressures were highest in the robotic group, with no apparent adverse consequences.
Studies on the metabolism of heparin

Abstract Heparin-S 35 was injected into dogs, and the properties of the radioactive material excreted in the urine were studied. It was found that after administration of small doses, all the label is excreted as inorganic sulfate. On the other hand, after injection of larger amounts the urine contains an appreciable portion of the S 35 associated with heparin and other mucopolysaccharide material. It is concluded that as a result of metabolic degradation the sulfate linkages of heparin are cleaved. However, the capability of the animal to perform this hydrolysis is limited so that when excessive amounts are administered, a significant portion is excreted unchanged or only partially desulfated.
A System of Magnetic Bubble Logic

By using two magnetic-bubble positions per bit it is possible to develop simple logical circuits which display essentially unlimited fan-in and fan-out. Systems of these circuits can be organized such that they conserve bubbles. Pipelining methods can be employed to enhance the throughput.
WE-C-217BCD-01: Development of an Integrated Multimodal Imaging System (IMIS) for Surgical Guidance.

Purpose: To develop an intraoperative multimodal imaging system (IMIS) for surgical guidance, combining gamma ray scintigraphy with a video camera system for simultaneous real‐time visible and near infraredfluorescence (NIRf) imaging.Methods: The gamma camera component has been tested in a pilot human study for intraoperative SLN biopsy in melanoma patients. To characterize the optical components, the spatial resolution of the visible light video camera, the depth‐dependent visualization by the NIRf system of targets containing indocyanine green (ICG) and the excitation radiation rejection of the NIRf system were evaluated in bench‐top tests. Spatial resolution was quantified using a USAF test pattern and NIRf performance was evaluated using phantoms containing fluorescent targets in mixtures of fat‐emulsion (Intralipid) and india ink to simulate optical transport in human tissue. The visible/NIRf system was also used to image a live anaesthetized mouse model of breast cancer. Results: Intraoperatively the SiPM gamma camera detected 100% of positive lymph nodes. The visible lightcamera system contrast transfer function is >10% up to 3.2 1p/mm. The NIRf image SNR when imaging a 9.9 mm diameter lesion containing a 20 μM ICG concentration is > 2 for lesion depths up to 8 mm. The current combination of excitation and emission filters results in nearly complete rejection of backscattered light, resulting in a leakage count rate less than 1% of the system dark count rate. Conclusions: The optical component of the IMIS system demonstrates high spatial resolution, excellent rejection of background excitation radiation, and good target SNR for realistic tracer concentration and target depth. It is capable of accurately coregistered video rate visible/NIRf imaging.
The irredundant Ramsey number s (3,7)

The irredundant Ramsey number s(m, n) is the smallest p such that for every graph G with p vertices, either G contains an n-element irredundant set or its complement G contains an m-element irredundant set. Cockayne, Hattingh, and Mynhardt have given a computer-assisted proof that s(3, 7) = 18. The purpose of this paper is to give a self-contained proof of this result. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dopamine and the mechanisms of cognition : Part II. D-amphetamine effects in human subjects performing a selective attention task

Background: A neural network computer model described in a companion paper predicted the effects of increased dopamine transmission on selective attention under two different hypotheses. Methods: To evaluate these predictions we conducted an empirical study in human subjects of D-amphetamine effects on performance of the Eriksen response competition task. Ten healthy volunteers were tested before and after placebo or D-amphetamine in a double-blind crossover design. Results: D-amphetamine induced a speeding of reaction time overall and an improvement of accuracy at fast reaction times but only in the task condition requiring selective attention. Conclusions: This pattern of results conforms to the prediction of the model under the hypothesis that D-amphetcmine primarily affects dopamine transmission in cognitive rather than motor networks. This suggests that the principles embodied in parallel distributed processing models of task performance may be sufficient to predict and explain specific behavioral effects of some drug actions in the central nervous system.
Glycan Foraging in Vivo by an Intestine-Adapted Bacterial Symbiont

Germ-free mice were maintained on polysaccharide-rich or simple-sugar diets and colonized for 10 days with an organism also found in human guts, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, followed by whole-genome transcriptional profiling of bacteria and mass spectrometry of cecal glycans. We found that these bacteria assembled on food particles and mucus, selectively induced outer-membrane polysaccharide-binding proteins and glycoside hydrolases, prioritized the consumption of liberated hexose sugars, and revealed a capacity to turn to host mucus glycans when polysaccharides were absent from the diet. This flexible foraging behavior should contribute to ecosystem stability and functional diversity.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for medical service-mostly cancer-patients at hospital discharge.

Abstract Objective Many hospitalized Medical Service patients remain at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hospital discharge. Our aim was to compare the effect of the use or omission of extended pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis after hospital discharge among Medical Service patients on the incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) over the ensuing 3 months. Methods In this case-control study, we identified a case population of 461 patients for whom parenteral pharmacological VTE prophylaxis was prescribed to continue after discharge and matched them according to age, sex, and VTE risk score to a control group of 922 patients for whom VTE prophylaxis was not continued after discharge. Results The primary endpoint of symptomatic DVT or PE at 90 days occurred in 5.0% of patients receiving extended prophylaxis compared with 4.3% of patients who received no prophylaxis after discharge ( P =.58). Fewer patients were alive at 90 days in patients receiving extended pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis, compared with those who received no prophylaxis after discharge (56.8% vs 68.4%, P P =.03). Conclusion Extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in high-risk Medical Service patients did not reduce symptomatic DVT and PE in the ensuing 90 days after hospital discharge. There was a higher incidence of all-cause death and major bleeding episodes in patients receiving extended prophylaxis. Our observations do not support the routine use of extended VTE prophylaxis in Medical Service patients. Further research is needed to identify patients who may benefit from extended pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis and those who may have too great a bleeding risk.
Formation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine from Naturally Occurring Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Tertiary Amines

THE potential for the formation of N-nitrosamines in the human environment, either during the processing of foods or in vivo from nitrate and/or nitrite, and precursor amines has received considerable attention in recent years. Traditionally only secondary amines were thought to undergo N-nitrosation reactions. While secondary amines per se are not common in biological systems, tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium compounds do occur in plant and animal tissue. The possible formation of N-nitrosamines from these compounds must be considered because recent reports have appeared on the nitrosation of trimethylamine1,2 and trimethylamine oxide1 in connexion with the possible formation of N-nitrosamines in fish products cured with nitrate. The nitrosative cleavage of tertiary amines is not new and has been described before3,4.
A Mercury plasma-bridge neutralizer.

Mercury fed plasma bridge neutralizers for in- flight operation of SERT II electron bombardment ion thrustor
A survey of nonmedical use of tranquilizers, stimulants, and pain relievers among college students: Patterns of use among users and factors related to abstinence in non-users

Abstract Background This study examined lifetime non-medical prescription drug use among college students at a small liberal arts college in the Northeast. We assessed the motives, frequency of use, sources, and perceived emotional/physical risks of nonmedical prescription drugs. Specifically, we examined the non-medical use of prescription pain relievers, stimulants, and anti-anxiety medication. Methods We sent an internet-based survey to 1/3 of the student body and 303 students completed the survey. Results We found that 36.8% of the sample reported using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. First-year students were less likely to have used the drugs than those in other class years. Of those reporting use, 48% reported non-medical use of pain relievers, 72.8% reported using stimulants, and 39.8% reported using anti-anxiety medication. The most commonly used pain relievers were Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), OxyContin (oxycodone), and codeine (acetaminophen/codeine). The most commonly used stimulants were Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate), while the most commonly used anti-anxiety medication was Xanax (alprazolam). When non-users were asked what factors influenced their choice not to abuse prescription drugs, 82% cited a lack of interest, 61% responded it was due to a fear of damaging their physical health, and 60.1% responded fear of damaging their mental health. Conclusion This study supports recent findings that show widespread non-medical use of prescription drugs among college students. Our report brings a more detailed understanding of the patterns of drug usage, and the factors influencing both drug use in those who use them and abstinence in those who choose not to use them.
Integrated Magnetooptic Bragg Cell Module in Tapered YIG-GGG Waveguide

Magnetostatic waves-based guided-wave magnetooptic (MO) Bragg cells in yttrium iron garnet-gadolinium gallium garnet (YIG-GGG) waveguide possess the unique capabilities of electronically tunable carrier frequency beyond X-band microwave frequencies and GHz bandwidth, and are therefore inherently capable of direct RF signal processing at the carrier frequencies from 0.5 to 26.5 GHz[l]. Other capabilities include multiport light beam scanning and switching at a speed one- to three-order of magnitude higher than that of acoustooptic (AO) Bragg cells [2]. Obviously, it is desirable to incorporate lenses and lens arrays in the same YIG- GGG waveguide substrate to realize integrated MO Bragg cell modules. Negative-index change waveguide lenses which combine analog Fresnel and chirp gratings were fabricated recently in LiNbO3, GaAs and YIG-GGG waveguide substrates using ion-milling technique [3]. It has been concluded that the thinner the waveguide, the smaller the required milled-depth in the gratings in order to produce desired index changes, and thus ensure high lens throughput.
Influence of habitat and landscape perenniality on insect natural enemies in three candidate biofuel crops

Cultivation of biofuel crops could change agricultural landscapes, affecting natural enemies at multiple scales. We sampled five natural enemy families with sticky cards in three model biofuel habitats (corn, switchgrass and prairie; n = 60) across southern Michigan and Wisconsin, comparing captures between habitats and relating them to the area of forest, annual crop and herbaceous perennial habitat in the landscape within 2 km of sites. In a first analysis, we compared Coccinellidae assemblages between habitats and examined the impact of habitat type and landscape composition on species richness and abundance. Results showed that, at the habitat scale, perennial grasslands supported a greater abundance of uncommon, native coccinellids and hosted distinct species assemblages compared to corn. At a broader scale, abundances of exotic and uncommon native ladybeetles responded differently to landscape composition, decreasing with the area of herbaceous perennials and annual crops, respectively. In a second analysis, we related family-level abundances of Anthocoridae, Syrphidae, Dolichopodidae and Chrysopidae to habitat type and landscape composition. Dolichopodids were more abundant in grasslands, while anthocorid and syrphid abundance increased over fivefold with the area of herbaceous, perennial habitat in the landscape surrounding corn, but not grassland, sites. These findings suggest that perennial grasslands used for bioenergy production could conserve natural enemies which are less abundant in corn, the dominant biofuel in existing landscapes. Moreover, cultivating annual cropland with herbaceous, perennial habitats could affect the abundance of natural enemies in existing crops and alter the suitability of entire landscapes for these beneficial taxa.
Glucose uptake in dilated small intestine.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The development of dilated small intestine in patients with short bowel syndrome results in increased mucosal surface area. This study examines whether the incremental increase in surface area leads to a proportional increase in absorptive function of the small intestine. Methods: Partial obstruction of the small intestine was created in rats by placing an intussusception valve in the proximal jejunum. Rats that underwent sham operations served as controls. One week postoperatively, the small intestine proximal and distal to the valve was removed. The intestinal diameter proximal and distal to the obstruction was measured. The rate of glucose uptake was measured by the everted sleeve technique. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The intestine proximal to the valve was significantly dilated and thickened when compared with the intestine distal to the valve. The wet mass per centimeter of the dilated segment was 2.5 times that of the control group ( P v 420 nmol/min/cm, P v 335 nmol/min/cm 2 , P Conclusions: Although the partial obstruction of small intestine resulted in a substantial increase in the intestinal surface area, the absorptive capacity of the dilated intestine per unit surface area was decreased significantly. This translated ultimately into a slight increase in the overall functional absorptive capacity of glucose in the small intestine. These results suggest that dilated small intestine may not enhance mucosal absorption.
Photocleavage of pyridyl-based aromatic polyureas

The photophysical properties of a metal chelating pyridyl-based aromatic ureas and poly(1,4-phenylene-2,6-pyridylurea) were investigated. In their solution state and upon exposure to 365 nm UV radiation, these low and high molecular weight compounds were found to cleave the urea linkage nearly quantitatively, generating the corresponding amine-terminated subunits and CO2. Through a series of model compounds along with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), UV/vis absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy characterization, the photocleavage process was delineated as a function of UV dose, O2, and water. The presence of water was found crucial to this photocleavage process with O2 playing a role only in subsequent oxidation of resulting amine functionalities. The experimental results support a light-assisted hydrolysis of the urea bond as the most plausible photocleavage mechanism. The photocleavage of such pyridyl-based ureas can potentially find usages in light-assisted base generation and/or for releasing met...
Fourier Transform Infrared Matrix Isolation Spectroscopy

Low temperature matrix isolation spectroscopy has been developed over the past two decades into a powerful technique for the study of reactive chemical species. When reactive molecules, radicals or ions are trapped in low concentrations in a frozen film of an unreactive material such as argon, they may be studied spectroscopically without the use of rapid scanning instrumentation. This technique is especially suited to the study of vibrational spectra of trapped species. The sharp vibrational absorptions observed in the absence of complicated rotational structure are well suited for study by high-resolution Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, especially in studying compounds containing natural abundance or enriched isotopes. High resolution FTIR spectroscopy has been used recently in this laboratory to observe natural abundance chlorine isotope splittings in the IR spectra of ions produced by illuminating matrix isolated methylene chloride with 11 eV photons. Isotopic effects on complexes of hydrogen fluoride and ethylene in solid argon have also been successfully studied using high resolution FTIR techniques.
Investing Early Signaling Events in IgE-FcɛRI Activation Using SEM

Antigen-mediated cross-linking of immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to its high affinity receptor FcɛRI on mast cells initiates a transmembrane signaling cascade that results in cell activation and exocytotic release of chemical mediators involved in allergic response. Plasma membrane lipids and proteins redistribute as part of this transmembrane signaling process. To understand the functional role of these redistributions, resolution of their size, composition and structure on the nanometer scale is required. We utilize high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to directly visualize sub-micron membrane domains in intact cell membranes. In our experiments, the distribution of gold-labeled proteins and lipids is analyzed at the surface of intact fixed cells using backscattered electron detection. In parallel, we also observe membrane topography using secondary electron detection. We use a pair-correlation function analysis to quantify protein distributions and parameterized domain size. We have mapped the distribution of a variety of proteins, both related and non-related to the IgE signaling pathway. Using this experimental and quantitative method, we observe dramatic changes in the nano-scale membrane distribution of IgE due to stimulation with multivalent ligands. In resting cells, IgE receptors are clustered into small domains less than 30nm. After stimulation, receptors redistribute into large domains that are correlated at long length-scales and subsequently reduce in size at long stimulation times. We also observe cross-linking-dependent rearrangement of several inner leaflet-associated proteins implicated in early signaling events. In contrast, outer leaflet GPI-anchored proteins are not affected. We have also quantified the co-redistribution of IgE with other membrane proteins after stimulation using cross-correlation functions. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive the selective nanoscopic reorganization of plasma membrane proteins during immune cell signaling.
Optical metrology of a large deformable aspherical mirror using software configurable optical test system

The software configurable optical test system (SCOTS) is an efficient metrology technology based on reflection deflectometry that uses only a liquid-crystal display and a camera to measure surface slope. The surface slope is determined by triangulation using the co-ordinates of the display screen, camera, and test mirror. We present our SCOTS test results concentrated on high dynamic range measurements of low order aberrations. The varying astigmatism in the 910-mm diameter aspheric deformable secondary mirror for the large binocular telescope was measured with SCOTS, requiring no null corrector. The SCOTS system was designed on-axis with camera and screen aligned on the optical axis of the test mirror with the help of a 6-inch pellicle beam splitter. The on-axis design provides better control of the astigmatism in the test. The high dynamic range of the slope provided a measurement of astigmatism within 0.2-μm root-mean-square accuracy in the presence of 231-μm peak-to-valley aspheric departure. The simplicity of the test allowed the measurements to be performed at multiple gravity angles.
Risk of pancreatitis following endoscopically placed large-bore plastic biliary stents with and without biliary sphincterotomy for management of postoperative bile leaks.

Background Endoscopic transpapillary biliary stent placement is effective for closure of postoperative bile leaks. Large-bore stents (10 French) may transiently obstruct the adjacent pancreatic duct orifice causing acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy may reduce this risk, but it introduces separate risks of bleeding and perforation. The objective of this study was to compare complications after large-bore biliary stent placement (10 Fr) with and without sphincterotomy in patients with bile leaks.
A temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome.

ACIAL pain which does not respond readily to simple treatment is often alarming to the patient and perplexing to the practitioner. When pain is believed to arise in the temporomandibular joint, treatment is often radical. Administering cortisone, infiltrating the joint with a sclerosing agent, excising the meniscus, and altering the occlusion of the teeth through radical dental treatment, are some of the methods used. Spasm of the masticatory muscles has been found to be a common cause of facial pain. In such cases, pain is accompanied by dysfunction of the mandibular muscles, the symptoms constituting a temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome. This syndrome responds to conservative treatment. Since heroic measures are rarely successful, the presentation of some simple effective office procedures seems timely. THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT The temporomandibular joint is unique in form and unusual in function. The physiology of this joint, a subject of much controversy, is as yet not clearly understood. Agreement centers mainly about its structure. This is understandable since the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint has been known for centuries. Vesaliusl first observed the articular disc during the sixteenth century, and John Hunter2 in 1771 described this articulation between the mandible and the cranium so completely that there has remained little to add. The temporomandibular joint is a highly specialized joint. It is divided into two compartments by an articular disc or meniscus interposed between the head of the condyle of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone creating a double joint with two pairs of articulating surfaces. Another distinguishing characteristic is that the temporomandibular joints, attached as they are to the end of the U-shaped mandible, constitute the only system of yoked joints in the human body. Neither joint functions without the other. The mandibular joints are loose, hanging joints. Through their ability to turn in practically all directions as they glide, they permit the mandible an extremely wide range of movement. This versatility of movement has pre