cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the mechanism of high intestinal absorption of cholesterol and campesterol in high-responding rhesus monkeys.

Abstract To understand better the mechanism of higher absorption of cholesterol and campesterol in high-responding than in low-responding rhesus monkeys, we measured the concentrations of the two sterols in the micellar fraction isolated from small intestinal content, and also determined their rates of esterification by cholesterol esterase prepared from the small intestinal mucosa. The results show that the concentrations of both cholesterol and campesterol in the micellar fraction were significantly higher in the high- than in lowand intermediate-responding rhesus monkeys. Also the rates of esterification of both sterols are higher in the proximal segment of the small intestine in high-responders than the other two groups. We conclude that the two necessary steps in the process of sterol absorption, namely, the amounts of sterols solubilized in micelles and their esterification within mucosal cells which are higher in high- than in low-responders are responsible for the higher absorption of the sterols in the high-responding rhesus monkeys.
Information content of lock-up provisions in initial public offerings

Abstract An overwhelmingly large proportion of initial public offerings (IPOs) report lock-up provisions that prohibit existing stockholders from selling their shares within a specified period after the offering date. These lock-up periods may last as long as 3 years. Because influential buyers request the lock-up, we conjecture that the length conveys credible information pertinent to the risk of the IPO. Analyzing 729 IPOs from January 1990 to December 1992, we found that the lock-up period signals the issuer's riskiness and that a 180-day lock-up period seems to be the norm. Any departure from the norm suggests more uncertainty about a firm's value and thus results in deeper IPO underpricing as well as a larger underwriter spread. We also found that thin-trading activity occurring shortly after the expiration of the lock-up period is perceived by the market as good news, while heavy trading is regarded as bad news.
The role of P-glycoprotein in determining the oral absorption and clearance of the NK2 antagonist, UK-224,671

UK-224,671 has been shown to exhibit low oral bioavailability in vivo due to poor absorption from the GI tract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying reason for this observation. In Caco-2 cell flux experiments, the absorptive (A to B) flux of UK-224,671 was low, consistent with poor in vivo absorption. However, flux in the B to A direction was significantly greater, suggesting that UK-224,671 can permeate the membrane of the gut wall cell. Such a Caco-2 cell flux is indicative of transporter mediated efflux, possibly by P-glycoprotein. In P-glycoprotein knockout mice, the oral bioavailability of UK-224,671 was 22%, representing a significant increase over the P-glycoprotein expressing wild type mice (<2%). However, in the knockout mice absorption was still incomplete, suggesting that both P-glycoprotein mediated efflux and poor membrane permeation combine to limit the oral absorption of UK-224,671 in wild type mice. Lack of P-glycoprotein expression had no effect on the clearance of UK-224,671 in mice, which suggests that uptake from the blood into the excretory cell is mediated by a transporter other than P-glycoprotein. Bile duct cannulated rat experiments show that approximately 20% of the clearance of UK-224,671 occurs by direct secretion across the gut wall into the faeces. This clearance pathway requires UK-224,671 to cross both the basolateral and apical membranes of the gut wall cell. P-glycoprotein is likely to be involved in the passage of the compound across the apical membrane as has been observed for other P-glycoprotein substrates.
Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of an organic–inorganic hybrid material: (H2tptz)2[δ-Mo8O26]·2H2O (tptz=2,4,6-tripyridyltriazine)

Abstract The reaction of MoO3 and 2,4,6-tripyridyltriazine (tptz) in water at 180°C for 48 h and pH 5.5 produces (H2tptz)2[Mo8O26]·2H2O in 70% yield. The structure is constructed from δ-Mo8O26 4− clusters, H2tptz2+ and H3O+ cations linked through hydrogen bonding into a network. Crystal data: C18H16Mo4N6O14; monoclinic P21/n; a=10.2225(5) A, b=14.0072(6) A, c=18.1154(8) A, β=93.896(1)°, V=2587.9(2) A3, Z=4, Dcalc=2.372 g cm−3; R1=0.0271 based on 3212 reflections.
Fluconazole: A New Triazole Antifungal Agent

Fluconazole is a recently approved agent for the treatment of certain fungal infections. Based on available studies, the drug is clearly effective in oropharyngeal candidiasis in immunosuppressed hosts. Current evidence suggests it may be more efficacious than other azole drugs for oropharyngeal disease. It is probably also effective in other infections due to Candida species, but controlled studies are lacking. Fluconazole is also efficacious in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, but recent reports question its use as initial therapy in HIV-infected patients with this illness. The drug, however, is clearly more effective than amphotericin B in the suppression of cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS patients and is the treatment of choice in this situation.
Problems of diagnoses in family studies

This paper discusses applications of advances in psychiatric diagnostic practice to genetic research. Diagnostic misclassification and unreliability can lead to spurious conclusions about patterns of familial aggregation and co-aggregation of psychiatric disorders. Subject, occasion, information, observation and criterion variance are the major components of unreliability in diagnosis. Structured diagnostic criteria are useful for reducing errors; they may, however, lead to unjustified confidence due to their algorithmic and semi-quantitative format. Six misconceptions regarding such criteria are discussed. The choice of instruments and method of implementation must take into account the qualifications of interviewers and the need for blindness in the experimental design. A fundamental design decision in psychiatric genetic research is the choice between the family history or family study method. The costs and benefits of each method are examined. Finally, the psychiatric geneticist must face the problem of defining the ill phenotype. This is made difficult by the presence of phenocopies and the possibility that milder spectrum disorders and some symptom-free individuals may carry the genotype that underlies the phenotype of the more severe clinical form of the disorder.
Maxillomandibular expansion: short-term relapse potential and long-term stability.

Tooth size-arch length discrepancies (TSALD) are the most common form of malocclusion treated by orthodontists. The initial report of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that approximately 30% of people in the United States between 8 and 50 years of age have clinically relevant amounts of mandibular incisor crowding. 1 Based on the entire National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data set (1988-1994), comprising 9467 people, Buschang and Shulman 2 recently showed that almost 40% of adults 15 to 50 years old have clinically relevant crowding, and approximately 17% have severe crowding. TSALD is treated by either decreasing tooth mass or increasing arch perimeter. Interproximal enamel reduction is an effective approach for adults with limited amounts of crowding. Extraction therapy has proven to be the best approach for patients with moderate to severe crowding; it can produce excellent treatment results that remain stable over the long term. 3 However, since the 1960s, the trend has been away from extraction and toward nonextraction approaches. Nonextraction treatments that increase arch length to resolve TSALD have been shown to be unstable, with up to 89% of patients demonstrating clinically unsatisfactory alignment at the long-term follow-up. 4 Maxillomandibular expansion has become perhaps the most common nonextraction approach for treating that mild-to-moderate TSALD. Maxillary expansion is a well-established approach for correcting of transverse
Unified electro-magneto-fluid dynamics (EMFD): A survey of mathematical models

Abstract Fluid flow influenced by electric and magnetic fields has classically been divided into two separate, simplified categories: electro-hydrodynamics (EHD) studying flows under the influence of an electric field with free electric charges and no magnetic field, and magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) studying flows under the influence of a magnetic field and no free electric charges or electric fields. This division was necessary to reduce the extreme complexity of the coupled system of Navier-Stokes, Maxwell's and constitutive equations describing combined electro-magneto-hydrodynamic (EMFD) flows [G. S. Dulikravich and S. R. Lynn, Unified electro-magneto-fluid dynamics (EMFD): introductory concepts. Int. J. Non-Linear Mechanics 32 , 913–922 (1997)]. In this paper, the unified EMFD theory is compared with classical EHD and MHD models. This reveals the inconsistencies and shortcomings of classical formulations and allows discussion of the relative importance of terms describing the electro-magnetic force, electric current and heat transfer.
Effects of hydrogeomorphic region, catchment storage and mature forest on baseflow and snowmelt stream water quality in second-order Lake Superior Basin tributaries

SUMMARY 1. In this study we predict stream sensitivity to non-point source pollution based on the non-linear responses of hydrological regimes and associated loadings of non-point source pollutants to catchment properties. We assessed two hydrologically based thresholds of impairment, one for catchment storage (5–10%) and one for mature forest ( 60% of catchment in mature forest cover) across two different hydrogeomorphic regions within the Northern Lakes and Forest (NLF) ecoregion: the North Shore [predominantly within the North Shore Highlands Ecological Unit] and the South Shore (predominantly within the Lake Superior Clay Plain Ecological Unit). Water quality samples were collected and analysed during peak snowmelt and baseflow conditions from 24 second-order streams grouped as follows: three in each region · catchment storage · mature forest class. 2. Water quality was affected by a combination of regional influences, catchment storage and mature forest. Regional differences were significant for suspended solids, phosphorus, nitrogen: phosphorus ratios, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and alkalinity. Catchment storage was significantly correlated with dissolved silica during the early to mid-growing season, and with DOC, specific conductance and alkalinity during all seasons. Total nitrogen and dissolved nitrogen were consistently less in low mature forest than in high mature forest catchments. Catchment storage interacted with the influence of mature forest for only two metrics: colour and the soluble inorganic nitrogen : phosphorus ratio. 3. Significant interaction terms (region by mature forest or region by storage) suggest differences in regional sensitivity for conductance, alkalinity, total organic carbon, and colour, as well as possible shifts in thresholds of impact across region or mature forest class. 4. Use of the NLF Ecoregion alone as a basis for setting regional water quality criteria would lead to the misinterpretation of reference condition and assessment of condition. There were pronounced differences in background water quality between the North and South Shore streams, particularly for parameters related to differences in soil parent material and glacial history. A stratified random sampling design for baseflow and
Oxytocin receptors and parturition. I. Control of oxytocin receptor concentration in the rat myometrium at term.

Rat myometrium exhibited a marked rise in the concentration of oxytocin (OT) receptors during parturition. The elevation began several hours before labor, was maximal during labor, and declined several hours later. In the perinatal period, the change in OT receptor concentration was proportional to the ratio of plasma estradiol to progesterone levels. Several hours before the increase in OT receptor concentration, there was a proportional increase in estrogen receptor concentration in both the cytosol and nuclear fractions of the myometrium. In view of the known action of estrogens in increasing the concentration of OT receptors in rat uterus, we propose that the following sequence of events occurs in the initiation of labor in the rat. The decline in serum progesterone permits estradiol to stimulate the synthesis of estrogen receptors in the myometrium. This increased concentration of estrogen receptors and their occupancy by estradiol stimulates the appearance of more OT receptors, which then trigger la...
Renal epithelial cells rapidly bind and internalize calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals

Renal tubular fluid is supersaturated with calcium and oxalate ions, which can nucleate to form crystals of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), the most abundant constituent of kidney stones. However, the mechanisms by which nascent crystals are retained in the nephron and then grow into kidney stones are unclear. An interaction of COM crystals with the surface of renal epithelial cells could be a critical initiating event in nephrolithiasis. To investigate this possibility we used cultures of monkey kidney epithelial cells (BSC-1 line) as a model system and found that [14C]COM crystals bound to the cell surface within seconds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that crystals bind first to apical microvilli, which subsequently migrate over the crystalline surface. When visualized by transmission electron microscopy, intracellular crystals were located within vesicles. Cytoskeletal responses to crystal uptake were sought by immunofluorescence microscopy, which revealed concentration of F-actin at sites of crystal contact as well as a generalized reorganization of the intermediate filament network containing cytokeratin 8. Uptake of COM crystals did not adversely affect renal epithelial cell growth, and internalized crystals were apparently distributed to daughter cells during division. Rapid adherence of COM crystals to the apical surface of tubular epithelial cells could promote crystal retention in the kidney. Elucidation of factors that regulate this process may provide insight into the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis.
Natural Generation of Fermion Masses

Abstract A class of grand unified theories is proposed in which the quark and lepton mass matrices are computed in terms of 4 input parameters via elementary group theory. These theories do not contain any small Yukawa couplings. We work out several examples; some models agree with experiment to better than 30%; several theories predict surprisingly long b→c lifetimes; a favored value of the top quark mass is 6 times the bottom mass. Naturalness arguments strongly suggest the existence of a fourth generation at the weak scale.
Axisymmetric external crack problems for media with cylindrical cavities

Abstract This paper deals with the stress fields in an infinite homogeneous and isotropic medium containing a cylindrical cavity and an exterior crack surrounding it. Both mechanical and thermal stresses are considered. Representations for displacement and stress are given in terms of suitable harmonic and biharmonic functions, which satisfy the equations of elastic equilibrium. Mixed boundary conditions lead to dual integral equations. These equations are reduced to Fredholm equations of the second kind, which are amenable to numerical solution. Certain quantities of physical interest are calculated.
The implementation of an element level multigrid algorithm on the alliant FX/8

Abstract A parallel and vectorized multigrid algorithm is described and implemented on an Alliant FX/8 computer. The multigrid method, a fast iterative technique, is applied to the finite element solution of linear elastic solid mechanics problems. The necessary matrix-vector multiplications, which comprise a significant part of the solution time, are performed on the element level. This technique has two advantages: the storage requirements are low, since only the individual element are required (which can be computed when needed), and matrix-vector multiplications on the element level can easily be optimized on the Alliant FX/8. The greatest observed speed-up is 5.23 on 8 processors, which implies that at least 92% of the solution algorithm is parallelizable. The method can solve a problem with just over 2 000 000 degrees-of-freedom in about h with 200 Mbytes of storage on 8 processors.
Reactive oxygen species and rat renal epithelial cells during hypoxia and reoxygenation.

Reactive oxygen species and rat renal epithelial cells during hypoxia and reoxygenation. To study the importance of oxygen free radical production by and injury to proximal tubule epithelial cells, an in vitro model was established. Rat renal proximal tubule epithelial cells in primary culture were subjected to normoxic conditions or 60 minutes of hypoxia and 30 minutes of reoxygenation. Under normoxic conditions, these cells produced superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. During hypoxia and reoxygenation, there was an increase in the production of these reactive oxygen species, detected in the extracellular medium, of 252, 226, and 45 percent, respectively. The production rate of superoxide radical was most markedly increased in the first five minutes of reoxygenation. Studies employing 2,7-dichlorofluorescin which fluoresces when oxidized by peroxides revealed a seven-fold increase in cellular fluorescence in cells studied after hypoxia and reoxygenation compared with control cells. That increased production of reactive oxygen species played a role in cellular injury was demonstrated by an increase in lipid peroxidation during hypoxia and reoxygenation, as well as substantial injury during hypoxia and reoxygenation which could be largely prevented by the addition of superoxide dismutase, catalase, dimethylthiourea, or deferoxamine to the cells. These studies demonstrate that proximal tubule epithelial cells produce reactive oxygen species in increased amounts during hypoxia and reoxygenation, and that these reactive oxygen species are injurious to the cells under these conditions.
The prevalence of fimbrial pathology in patients with early stages of endometriosis

Abstract Study objective The presence of fimbrial pathology in advanced endometriosis is clearly understood. However, little is known about the prevalence of fimbrial pathology in early stages of endometriosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of fimbrial pathology in patients with infertility with early stages of endometriosis. Design Historical cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II/III). Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients The study group (Group 1) consisted of 315 infertile women who were found to have stage I or stage II endometriosis, and the control group (Group 2) consisted of 152 infertile women without endometriosis (Group 2). Intervention Laparoscopic evaluation for the presence and type of fimbrial pathology. Measurements and main results The prevalence of fimbrial pathology was significantly higher in infertile patients with early stages of endometriosis (50.2%) compared with infertile patients with no endometriosis (17.8%, p Conclusion These preliminary data suggest the presence of fimbrial pathology in many patients with early stages of endometriosis. Such pathology may act as a mechanical factor interfering with the ovum pick-up mechanism.
Quality of natural product clinical trials: a comparison of those published in alternative medicine versus conventional medicine journals.

ABSTRACTObjective: To compare the quality of natural product clinical trials published in alternative medicine journals versus those published in conventional medicine journals. Design: Systematic search and review of the literature. Randomized controlled trials of natural products were included if they were published in English between 2003 and 2008. Articles were categorized by their journal of publication (alternative medicine versus conventional medicine). Two independent reviewers evaluated study quality using guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration. The results with respect to the primary outcome (positive or negative) were also assessed. Results: Thirty articles were evaluated, 15 published in alternative medicine journals and 15 in conventional medicine journals. Of articles published in alternative medicine journals, 33.33% (n = 5) were considered low quality, and none were considered high quality. Of articles published in conventional medicine journals, 26.67% (n = 4) were considered low qual...
The fault span of crash failures

A crashing network protocol is an asynchronous protocol whose memory does not survive crashes. We show that a crashing network protocol that works over unreliable links can be driven to arbitrary global states, where each node is in a state reached in some (possibly different) execution, and each link has an arbitrary mixture of packets sent in (possibly different) executions. Our theorem considerably generalizes an earlier result, due to Fekete et al., which states that there is no correct crashing Data Link Protocol. For example, we prove that there is no correct crashing protocol for token passing and for many other resource allocation protocols such as k-exclusion, and the drinking and dining philosophers problems. We further characterize the reachable states caused by crash failures using reliable non-FIFO and reliable FIFO links. We show that with reliable non-FIFO links any acyclic subset of nodes and links can be driven to arbitrary states. We show that with reliable FIFO links, only nodes can be driven to arbitrary states. Overall, we show a strict hierarchy in terms of the set of states reachable by crash failures in the three link models.
A Virtual Clinical Trial of FDG-PET Imaging of Breast Cancer: Effect of Variability on Response Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing interest in using positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake values (SUVs) to assess tumor response to therapy. However, many error sources compromise the ability to detect SUV changes. We explore relationships between these errors and overall SUV variability. METHODS: We used simulations in a virtual clinical trial framework to study impacts of error sources from scanning and analysis effects on assessment of SUV changes. We varied tumor diameter, scan duration, pretherapy SUV, magnitude of change in SUV, image reconstruction filter, and SUV metric. Poisson noise was added to the raw data before image reconstruction. Variance from global sources of error, e.g., scanner calibration, was incorporated. Two thousand independent noisy sinograms per scenario were generated and reconstructed. We used SUVs to create receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to quantify ability to assess response. Integrating area under the ROC curve summarized ability to detect SUV changes. RESULTS: Scan duration and image reconstruction method had relatively little impact on ability to measure response. SUVMAX is nearly as effective as SUVMEAN, especially with increased image smoothing and despite size-matched region of interest placement. For an effective variability of 15%, we found the Positron Emission Tomography Response Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria for measuring response (±30%) similar to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria (±25%). CONCLUSIONS: For typical PET variance levels, tumor response must be 30% to 40% to be reliably determined using SUVs. PET scan duration and image reconstruction method had relatively little effect.
What is base excision repair good for?: knockout mutants for FPG and OGG glycosylase genes in Arabidopsis

Strains of Arabidopsis thaliana that lack a DNA glycosylase to recognize and remove 7,8dihydro-8-oxoguanine from their DNA are expected to be compromised in their ability to deal with this highly mutagenic base, which is formed in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have identified two strains, one containing a Ds insertion in an exon of the gene that codes for oxoguanine glycosylase and one containing a T-DNA insertion in the gene that codes for formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (both EC 3.2.2.23), and have crossed them to produce the double mutant. The homozygous mutant strains showed no phenotypic difference from the wild type in growth, development or reproductive potential under either normal conditions or conditions known to induce the formation of ROS. The lack of phenotype may be ascribed to the redundant nature of the base excision repair pathway in Arabidopsis. Longer multigenerational studies may be needed to determine the quantitative selective advantage of individual DNA glycosylase genes.
Childless and Single-Childed Women in Early Twentieth-Century America:

Over the course of this century, there have been marked fluctuations in the extent of childlessness and single-child fertility. In this article, data from the 1960 U.S. Census are used to examine cohort trends in childlessness and single-child motherhood among women born in the years 1891-1925. A marked rise in low-parity fertility is found among women who reached prime reproductive ages during the 1930s; cohorts born prior to or after these women had much lower levels of childlessness and single-child fertility. This rise and fall in low-partiy fertility is examined in the light of theories that see its cause as due to changes in (1) demographic composition across cohorts, (2) health levels that affect fecundity and hence fertility, (3) normative prescriptions to bear children and countervailing norms, and (4) economic conditions that affect the degree to which women limit reproduction. A loglinear analysis of changes in the composition of cohorts in race, age at marriage, marital history, and education ...
An ontology of all of computing: an update on challenges and approaches

This poster provides a status update on the Computing Ontology project. A number of challenges are associated with constructing an ontology of all computing. These include deciding on boundaries for a topic area that touches nearly every domain. Several sources of content contribute to the list of topics. These, in turn, reflect the several potential application areas of the resulting ontology.
Veranlassung und Gang der Untersuchung

Abfallwirtschaftliche Fragestellungen haben in den letzten Jahren erheblich an Bedeutung gewonnen. Standen dabei zunachst rechtliche und technische Aspekte im Vordergrund - man denke etwa an die mitunter vehement gefuhrten Debatten hinsichtlich zentraler/dezentraler Entsorgungskonzepte oder hinsichtlich der Mullverbrennung Anfang der 90er Jahre -, so befindet sich augenblicklich die okonomische Dimension des Entsorgungssektors im Fokus der offentlichen Diskussion. Ausloser hierzu war einerseits die Entwicklung der Abfallgebuhren in jungerer Zeit, gekennzeichnet durch teilweise drastische Gebuhrensprunge und -differenzierungen in bzw. zwischen den einzelnen Entsorgungsregionen. Andererseits wird in zunehmendem Mase die Forderung erhoben, die okologische Komponente der Abfallentsorgung, also die Umweltnutzung, in entsprechender Weise in den Entsorgungspreisen zu berucksichtigen.
A training program to improve the ability of periodontal residents to estimate patients' pain experience.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether periodontal residents could enhance their ability to assess the pain levels experienced by their patients from probing, using visual analog scale (VAS) to record pain. We hypothesized that with increasing experience by repeated comparisons of the patients' VAS pain ratings with independent ratings by the residents, they would improve their ability to assess their patients' pain experiences. Methods: For each of three periodontal residents, 40 consecutive patients with periodontal disease were asked to express the degree of pain they experienced during the probing. Independently, the residents rated the pain levels they perceived that the patients experienced. Subsequently, the residents compared the two VAS ratings and discussed differences in ratings with the patients. Descriptive statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to analyze the findings. Results: Differences between patients' and residents' VAS scores gradually became smaller over time for two of the residents. Results for the third resident were less compelling. Conclusions: This study indicated that the training program improved the residents' ability to estimate the pain experiences of their patients, at least for two of the three participating residents. This training program, using periodontal probing as a model, could serve as an educational tool for students and practitioners who want to improve their sensitivity to their patients' pain experiences.
The ancient blue oak woodlands of California: longevity and hydroclimatic history

AbstractAncient blue oak trees are still widespread across the foothills of the Coast Ranges, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada in California. The most extensive tracts of intact old-growth blue oak woodland appear to survive on rugged and remote terrain in the southern Coast Ranges and on the foothills west and southwest of Mt. Lassen. In the authors' sampling of old-growth stands, most blue oak appear to have recruited to the canopy in the middle to late nineteenth century. The oldest living blue oak tree sampled was over 459 years old, and several dead blue oak logs had over 500 annual rings. Precipitation sensitive tree-ring chronologies up to 700 years long have been developed from old blue oak trees and logs. Annual ring-width chronologies of blue oak are strongly correlated with cool season precipitation totals, streamflow in the major rivers of California, and the estuarine water quality of San Francisco Bay. A new network of 36 blue oak chronologies records spatial anomalies in growth that arise from l...
Effects of Facilitating and Debilitating Anxiety on Performance and Study Effort in Mastery-Based and Traditional Courses

To explore a possible interaction of testing method with anxiety, Alpert and Haber's Achievement Anxiety Test was administered to 103 male and 94 female undergraduates in biology courses which util...
Isolation, biochemical characterization and ultrastructural analysis of the limbic system-associated membrane protein (LAMP), a protein expressed by neurons comprising functional neural circuits

The limbic system-associated membrane protein (LAMP) is a cell surface glycoprotein expressed by cortical and subcortical regions of the mammalian CNS that comprise or receive direct projections from limbic system structures. The early and restricted expression of LAMP has led to its postulated role in neural development. Purification and biochemical characterization of LAMP was performed in order to ascertain its relationship to other, well-defined cell surface proteins in the nervous system. Subcellular fractionation, immunoaffinity chromatography, and Western blots of rodent and bovine hippocampus revealed that LAMP is an integral membrane protein with a molecular mass of 64–68 kDa and a pI of 5.2–5.5. Deglycosylation of LAMP indicates that it contains N-linked high mannose or hybrid sugars and a minor amount of sialic acid. The LAMP protein exhibits an identical molecular mass in developing hippocampus and in several different brain regions in the adult. No cross-reactivity was obtained using the monoclonal antibody that recognizes the HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope, a complex sulfated moiety expressed on members of a large family of glycoproteins. Immunocytochemical analysis at the ultrastructural level reveals that LAMP immunoreactivity is exhibited by neurons in a stereotyped pattern throughout limbic system areas. Glial cells are not immunoreactive. In the adult, LAMP-immunoreactive membrane patches are present exclusively postsynaptically on neuronal somata and dendrites. Myelinated and unmyelinated axons are not stained in any brain region examined. Analysis of LAMP expression in the developing CNS during synaptogenesis demonstrates that LAMP is located on growing axons and both pre- and postsynaptically at forming terminal complexes. Double- labeling studies of the hippocampal neurons grown in vitro reveal that the LAMP epitope is extracellular and is expressed on neurofilament- and microtubule-associated protein 2-positive neurites. Cells expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein are not LAMP-immunoreactive. These results demonstrate that in the adult brain, LAMP is expressed almost exclusively by the postsynaptic (target) elements in limbic circuits, but that during development, all components of the surface of the growing neuron contain LAMP. The stereotyped anatomical pattern of expression of LAMP in the developing and mature brain and its biochemical characteristics suggest that LAMP is a unique, system- associated membrane glycoprotein that is distinct from previously identified, developmentally important cell surface proteins.
Downstream Changes In Alluvial Architecture: An Exploration of Controls on Channel-stacking Patterns

ABSTRACT Various, but related, models have been proposed to explain the architectural arrangement of channel stacking patterns in avulsion-dominated alluvial sequences. The early models published by Leeder, Allen, and Bridge (LAB) addressed the role of changes in sedimentation rate (a proxy for subsidence rate) as a control on stacking patterns. The models decouple avulsion frequency from sedimentation rates, resulting in an inverse relationship between stacking density (or interconnectedness) and sedimentation rates. A key element missing from these models is the likely dependence of avulsion frequency on local sedimentation rate within the active channel belt. We consider a simple model whereby avulsion takes place only when a minimum, critical, relief is developed between a channel bank and the adjacent flood plain. If avulsion frequency increases at rates slower than the increase in sedimentation rate, then stacking density increases with decreasing sedimentation rate, similar to that predicted by the LAB models. However, if avulsion frequency increases linearly with sedimentation rate, then there is no change in stacking pattern with changes in sedimentation rate. If avulsion frequency increases faster than sedimentation rates, as seen in some data sets, then stacking patterns become more dense with increasing sedimentation rates, a result that is the exact opposite of that predicted by the LAB models. Therefore sensitive dependence on the relationship between avulsion frequency and sedimentation rate calls into question the veracity of some previous interpretations of re ative subsidence made in alluvial architecture studies. We provide an alternative, simple geometric model that links changes in subsidence rate to downstream rate of change in stacking pattern as seen in three dimensions within sedimentary basins. Other controls that are considered include: the geometry of subsidence; whether avulsions take place locally along a river or regionally affect the basin; whether local sedimentation rate or flow depth controls the thickness of sand bodies; and the exact relationship between avulsion frequency and sedimentation rate. The primary result of the model is that subsidence strongly influences the rate at which alluvial architecture changes in the downstream direction, but other controls dictate whether the stacking pattern becomes more dense or less dense downstream. Hence, we suggest that subsidence e erts an influence on stacking patterns not necessarily evident in individual vertical sections, but may be recorded in three dimensions as downstream changes in alluvial architecture. Unfortunately any model of alluvial architecture in avulsion-dominated sequences is limited by our lack of understanding of the processes controlling avulsion. As a result any model of alluvial stacking patterns is at best a working hypothesis that should not be taken as proof of changes in tectonic subsidence rates or sea-level changes.
Immunoregulatory role of B7-H1 in chronicity of inflammatory responses.

Pathogenesis of most chronic human diseases, including chronic infections, autoimmune diseases and cancers, often involves a persistent, unresolved inflammatory response. The molecular mechanisms that determine the conversion of an acute inflammatory response into a chronic process had puzzled researchers for many years. Recent studies reveal that B7-H1 (CD274, PD-L1), a newly identified co-stimulatory molecule, possesses dual functions of co-stimulation of naive T cells and inhibition of activated effector T cells. The aberrant cellular expression and deregulated function of B7-H1 have been reported during chronic viral and intracellular bacterial infection, as well as in many autoimmune diseases and cancers. Importantly, the deregulation of B7-H1’s dual functions appears to be associated with a prolonged and incomplete immune response by luring naive T cells for activation and dampening activated effector T cells. Moreover, development of strategies targeting B7-H1 signals provides a new and promising approach to manipulate the devastating diseases associated with chronic inflammation. Thus, B7-H1 may play a critical immunoregulatory role in the chronicity of inflammatory responses.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation: a review and evaluation of indications for treatment

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) represents a well-studied treatment modality for the delivery of adjuvant radiation therapy following breast-conserving surgery. Interstitial APBI represents the APBI technique with the longest follow-up to date; data from randomized trials and matched pair analyses demonstrate equivalent local control to traditional whole-breast irradiation with comparable rates of toxicity and improved cosmesis. While less mature, prospective data support the efficacy and safety of applicator-based brachytherapy with new multilumen applicators offering the potential for improved outcomes. External beam APBI represents a noninvasive technique; however, concerns regarding toxicity with this technique have emerged though newer techniques may mitigate these concerns. Multiple guidelines have been published based on traditional clinical and pathologic criteria to help physicians offer APBI to appropriately selected patients.
Editorial Commentary: Can noninvasive imaging techniques improve care for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death?

Current heart failure (HF) Guidelines describe multiple indications for ICDs, which, of course, are based in large part on the entry criteria for the clinical trials in which the device was shown to be effective [1]. There are two views that one could take about the present state of our ability to select patients for ICD therapy, using ejection fraction (EF) so prominently. One view would hold that the trials have been successful in identifying groups of patients who will benefit from ICD implant, given the positive results of most of the trials, and that a large number of sudden deaths have been prevented. However, one could also make the case that the current strategy and factors that are used to select patients are both very insensitive and very non-specific. It could be said to be insensitive in that a large number of patients at risk for sudden death are not identified with this current strategy. As pointed out by Myerburg and Spooner [2], while patients with EF o35% are at higher relative risk for SCD than patients with EFs 435%, there are a far larger number of the latter group such that the absolute number of patients at risk for SCD is larger within that higher EF strata, and we are missing those patients with our current selection criteria. The lack of specificity involves the fact that of all of the currently eligible patients who receive ICDs, we know that over the first few years after implant only 2 or 3 out of every 10 patients will make use of their device. The remaining patients could be said to have been “false positives,” with important implications in that expensive devices are being implanted that ultimately (in retrospect) will not be used.
The Requisite Electronic Structure Theory To Describe Photoexcited Nonadiabatic Dynamics: Nonadiabatic Derivative Couplings and Diabatic Electronic Couplings

ConspectusElectronically photoexcited dynamics are complicated because there are so many different relaxation pathways: fluorescence, phosphorescence, radiationless decay, electon transfer, etc. In practice, to model photoexcited systems is a very difficult enterprise, requiring accurate and very efficient tools in both electronic structure theory and nonadiabatic chemical dynamics. Moreover, these theoretical tools are not traditional tools. On the one hand, the electronic structure tools involve couplings between electonic states (rather than typical single state energies and gradients). On the other hand, the dynamics tools involve propagating nuclei on multiple potential energy surfaces (rather than the usual ground state dynamics).In this Account, we review recent developments in electronic structure theory as directly applicable for modeling photoexcited systems. In particular, we focus on how one may evaluate the couplings between two different electronic states. These couplings come in two flavors...
A meta-analysis of the effects of preweaned calf nutrition and growth on first-lactation performance

Several studies and a 2013 meta-analysis have proposed that increased feeding of milk or milk replacer to neonatal calves may improve subsequent milk production. However, data from individual studies are conflicting, and the meta-analysis was unable to assess the influence of calf starter intake. The objective of the current meta-analysis was to review newly published data and evaluate the effects of preweaning diet (including calf starter intake) and growth rate on first-lactation milk, fat, and protein yield. Data from 9 studies representing 21 treatment groups were included in the analysis. We created separate models for each outcome variable using regression methods in SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) to determine the effects of intake and growth rate. We then selected the best-fitting models using Akaike's information criterion. The effect of study explained 98, 85, and 96% of the variance in 305-d milk, fat, and protein yield in first lactation, respectively, indicating that other aspects of management are more important for determining first-lactation production than preweaning intake and growth rate. However, we found a synergistic relationship between preweaning liquid and starter dry matter intake for improving milk, fat, and protein production, and a positive relationship between first-lactation performance and preweaning average daily gain. These data indicate that provision of adequate nutrients from liquid and solid feeds and maintaining average daily gain above 0.5kg/d can enhance the first-lactation performance of heifers when combined with proper postweaning practices.
The effects of congressional budget reconciliation on health care reform.

Budget reconciliation remains one of the most potent tools available to members of Congress to shape legislation, and it played a significant role in amending the Affordable Care Act.
Deadly falls: operative versus nonoperative management of Type II odontoid process fracture in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE Type II odontoid fracture is a common injury among elderly patients, particularly given their predisposition toward low-energy falls. Previous studies have demonstrated a survival advantage following early surgery among patients older than 65 years, yet octogenarians represent a medically distinct and rapidly growing population. The authors compared operative and nonoperative management in patients older than 79 years. METHODS A single-center prospectively maintained trauma database was reviewed using ICD-9 codes to identify octogenarians with C-2 cervical fractures between 1998 and 2014. Cervical CT images were independently reviewed by blinded neurosurgeons to confirm a Type II fracture pattern. Prospectively recorded outcomes included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score, Injury Severity Score (ISS), additional cervical fracture, and cord injury. Primary end points were mortality at 30 days and at 1 year. Statistical tests included the Student t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kaplan-Meier test, and Cox proportional hazard. RESULTS A total of 111 patients met inclusion criteria (94 nonoperative and 17 operative [15 posterior and 2 anterior]). Mortality data were available for 100% of patients. The mean age was 87 years (range 80-104 years). Additional cervical fracture, spinal cord injury, GCS score, AIS score, and ISS were not associated with either management strategy at the time of presentation. The mean time to death or last follow-up was 22 months (range 0-129 months) and was nonsignificant between operative and nonoperative groups (p = 0.3). Overall mortality was 13% in-hospital, 26% at 30 days, and 41% at 1 year. Nonoperative and operative mortality rates were not significant at any time point (12% vs 18%, p = 0.5 [in-hospital]; 27% vs 24%, p = 0.8 [30-day]; and 41% vs 41%, p = 1.0 [1-year]). Kaplan-Meier analysis did not demonstrate a survival advantage for either management strategy. Spinal cord injury, GCS score, AIS score, and ISS were significantly associated with 30-day and 1-year mortality; however, Cox modeling was not significant for any variable. Additional cervical fracture was not associated with increased mortality. The rate of nonhome disposition was not significant between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Type II odontoid fracture is associated with high morbidity among octogenarians, with 41% 1-year mortality independent of intervention-a dramatic decrease from actuarial survival rates for all 80-, 90-, and 100-year-old Americans. Poor outcome is associated with spinal cord injury, GCS score, AIS score, and ISS.
Hopfield model and optimization problems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses Hopfield model and optimization problems. Hopfield neural networks application are divided in two areas: (1) content addressable memory or information storage and retrieval and (2) solving optimization problems. The chapter discusses the optimization problems application. It focuses on the effectiveness of Hopfield nets in solving optimization problems and the performance scales with the size of the problem. The chapter presents the results of the simulations of Hopfield and Tank solution to the travelling salesman problem (TSP). TSP can be solved by a neural network. The success rate of the neural network in finding valid solutions to TSP can be improved by changing the neural net formulation of the problem. Although the quality of solutions that are found by the neural network are of good quality, finding valid solutions becomes difficult as the size of the problem increases. This suggests that neural nets might not be suitable for solving computationally hard problems.