cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia.

SUMMARY Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia is a common complication of HIV infection in children, but uncommon in adults. It is characterized clinically by the presence of cough and dyspnea, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray, restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, and hypoxemia. This constellation of findings usually erroneously suggests PCP, and a lung biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. Typical microscopic findings include diffuse infiltration of the pulmonary interstitium with a mixture of lymphocytes and plasma cells; immunohistologic studies reveal that in association with HIV infection, these lymphocytes are T cells. The pathogenesis of LIP in patients with HIV infection is not known. It is believed that it represents a tissue response to EBV infection, HIV infection of the lung, or both. Although patients with LIP may respond dramatically to corticosteroid therapy, others may improve with no treatment. Unfortunately, most patients eventually succumb to other complications of HIV infection.
Peptidoleukotriene (PLT) Release and Absorption from the Airways of the Isolated Perfused Guinea Pig Lung Following Chemical and Antigenic Challenge

Purpose. To study the release and absorption of peptidoleukotrienes (PLTs) from the airways of the guinea pig lung following calcium ionophore A23187 (CI), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) or ovalbumin (OA) challenge.
Insights in to Venom and Toxin Activities and Pharmacological/Therapeutic Potential Using Gene Expression Profiling

Traditionally, venoms are assessed, usually following a standard list of potential activities including hypotensive, hemorrhagic, edema and neurotoxicity. This is then followed by the search of toxins in the venoms which contribute to the observed pathophysiological effect. Typically this is done by isolation of the toxin from the venom via biochemical procedures. Alternatively, toxins are cloned and expressed from cDNA libraries generated from venom gland RNA followed by assessment of biological/biochemical function and ultimately pathophysiological effect on the experimental model. These approaches have provided the field with a rich understanding of the potential role of toxins, but may fall short in terms of fully describing the actual function of the toxin in the context of the whole venom and whole animal. This mode of investigation likely does not provide a full understanding of the complete range of biological activities of the venoms and toxins since the suite of assays conducted are generally limited. One data-rich approach that has recently been exploited for further understanding the biological activities and functional potential of venoms and toxins is the study of their ability to alter gene expression in the host. This chapter will discuss how this approach may be of value in terms of drug discovery based on venom produced alteration of gene expression profiles using Connectivity Maps.
Where the future? Part II--Round table discussion.

During the course of this meeting while trying to find some meaningful way to summarize what had been said, I found myself writing several outlines for these remarks. As I wrote each one, I found upon listening to another two or three stimulating and provocative speakers that the outline had to be put aside — and a new one written. As a consequence, these remarks constitute a “no latent period” paper: the exposure lasted for three days, and this response comes immediately thereafter. The toxicologists will recognize what we have here as an acute disease-type response rather than a chronic disease-type response. That means there should be place for substantial afterthoughts, after these thoughts.
A Transdiagnostic Approach to the Treatment of Emetophobia: A Single Case Study:

The fear of vomiting (i.e., Emetophobia) causes substantial distress for affected individuals, and is associated with hypervigilance to somatic sensations, panic attacks, and behavioral avoidance. ...
Research within physical oceanography and submarine geology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography during April 1938 to April 1939

In this report emphasis will again be placed on the activities within the fields of submarine geology and physical and chemical oceanography, although researches within the biological fields have, as previously, held an important place on the program of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The studies have been conducted partly by the regular staff of the Institution and partly by visiting scientists. The work in the laboratory and the compilation and discussion of field-data have been greatly facilitated by assistance obtained from the Works Progress Administration Project which during the past four years has been in continual operation at the Institution.
Strongly Bent Double-Stranded DNA: Reconciling Theory and Experiment

The strong bending of polymers is poorly understood. We propose a general quantitative framework of polymer bending that includes both the weak and strong bending regimes on the same footing, based on a single general physical principle. As the bending deformation increases beyond a certain (polymer-specific) point, the change in the convexity properties of the effective bending energy of the polymer makes the harmonic deformation energetically unfavorable: in this strong bending regime the energy of the polymer varies linearly with the average bending angle as the system follows the convex hull of the deformation energy function. For double-stranded DNA, the effective bending deformation energy becomes non-convex for bends greater than ~ 2° per base-pair, equivalent to the curvature of a closed circular loop of ~ 160 base pairs. A simple equation is derived for the polymer loop energy that covers both the weak and strong bending regimes. The theory shows quantitative agreement with recent DNA cyclization experiments on short DNA fragments, while maintaining the expected agreement with experiment in the weak bending regime. Counter-intuitively, cyclization probability (j-factor) of very short DNA loops is predicted to increase with decreasing loop length; the j-factor reaches its minimum for loops of ≃ 45 base pairs. Atomistic simulations reveal that the attractive component of the short-range Lennard-Jones interaction between the backbone atoms can explain the underlying non-convexity of the DNA effective bending energy, leading to the linear bending regime. Applicability of the theory to protein-DNA complexes, including the nucleosome, is discussed.
NOP-Related Mechanisms in Pain and Analgesia.

Since the discovery of the NOP receptor and N/OFQ as the endogenous ligand, evidence has appeared demonstrating the involvement of this receptor system in pain. This was not surprising for members of the opioid receptor and peptide families, particularly since both the receptor and N/OFQ are highly expressed in brain regions involved in pain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. What has been surprising is the complicated picture that has emerged from 25 years of research. The original finding that N/OFQ decreased tail flick and hotplate latency, when administered i.c.v., led to the hypothesis that NOP receptor antagonists could have analgesic activity without abuse liability. However, as data accumulated, it became clear that not only the potency but the activity per se was different when N/OFQ or small molecule NOP agonists were administered in the brain versus the spinal cord and it also depended upon the pain assay used. When administered systemically, NOP receptor agonists are generally ineffective in attenuating heat pain but are antinociceptive in an acute inflammatory pain model. Most antagonists administered systemically have no antinociceptive activity of their own, even though selective peptide NOP antagonists have potent antinociceptive activity when administered i.c.v. Chronic pain models provide different results as well, as small molecule NOP receptor agonists have potent anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic activity after systemic administration. A considerable number of electrophysiological and anatomical experiments, in particular with NOP-eGFP mice, have been conducted in an attempt to explain the complicated profile resulting from NOP receptor modulation, to examine receptor plasticity, and to elucidate mechanisms by which selective NOP agonists, bifunctional NOP/mu agonists, or NOP receptor antagonists modulate acute and chronic pain.
Reprocessing Postconsumer Polyurethane Foam Using Carbamate Exchange Catalysis and Twin-Screw Extrusion

Cross-linked polyurethane (PU) is extensively used as thermoset foam; however, methods to directly reprocess PU foam waste derived from commercial sources into similar value materials have not been developed. We demonstrate that introducing dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) into cross-linked PU foams and films enables their reprocessing at elevated temperatures via dynamic carbamate exchange reactions. Both model and commercial cross-linked PU foams were continuously reprocessed using twin-screw extrusion to remove gaseous filler and produce PU filaments or films with elastomeric or rigid thermoset mechanical properties. The properties of microcompounded model PU foam were in excellent agreement with PU film synthesized using the same monomers, indicating that this process occurs efficiently. These findings will enable the bulk reprocessing of commercial thermoset PU waste and inspire the further development of reprocessing methods for other thermosets and the compatibilization of chemically distinct cross-linked materials.
Structure of SARS-CoV-2 2′-O-methyltransferase heterodimer with RNA Cap analog and sulfates bound reveals new strategies for structure-based inhibitor design

Abstract There are currently no antiviral therapies specific against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the global pandemic disease COVID-19. To facilitate structure-based drug design, we conducted an X-ray crystallographic study of the nsp16/nsp10 2′-O-methyltransferase complex that methylates Cap-0 viral mRNAs to improve viral protein translation and to avoid host immune detection. Heterodimer structures are determined with the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the reaction product S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) or the SAH analog sinefungin (SFG). Furthermore, structures of nsp16/nsp10 with the methylated Cap-0 analog (m7GpppA) and SAM or SAH bound were obtained. Comparative analysis revealed flexible loops in open and closed conformations at the m7GpppA binding pocket. Bound sulfates in several structures suggested the location of the phosphates in the ribonucleotide binding groove. Additional nucleotide binding sites were found on the face of the protein opposite the active site. These various sites and the conserved dimer interface could be exploited for development of antiviral inhibitors.
Comments on 'preoperative risk factors associated with chronic pain profiles following total knee arthroplasty' by Lindberg and colleagues.

Profiling recovery following knee replacement (KR) is a focus of substantial research interest because KR surgery has become one of the most common major surgical procedures. In the United States, for example, approximately one million KRs are performed annually. Additionally, there is substantial clinical practice and research interest in the study of poor pain outcome and predictors of poor pain outcome following KR.
Quantifying surface deformation around micrometer-scale indents by digital image correlation

Indentation tests provide a facile route to gathering strength and stiffness information from small-scale samples, but typically have not been used to systematically assess distributions of surface plastic strain. The objective of the present work is to quantify in-plane plastic strain around micrometer-scale indents via digital image correlation (DIC). We demonstrate the method by comparing pre- and post-indentation surface images, acquired with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Applying this method to metal composites synthesized by liquid- and solid-metal dealloying, we find that the maximum surface strains around indents do not change with the indentation depth, that strain concentrates preferentially in regions with largest composite constituent dimensions, and that the constituents are not co-deforming. We conclude that the method we have demonstrated is suitable for characterizing the relative propensity of materials to undergo uniform or localized plastic flow.
Computational study of the electrostatic potential and charges of multivalent ionic liquid molecules

Abstract The electrostatic interactions in ionic liquids (ILs) can be difficult to quantify, but this information is very valuable for improving intermolecular potentials for performing molecular-level simulations. Although polarizable forcefields can provide improved accuracy, the computational efficiency of fixed charge molecular models is often preferred for larger systems. Here, we propose a multi-scale screening approach for analyzing the charge scaling behavior and other electrostatic properties of ILs, which is more attainable than previous analysis methods that rely on the IL crystalline structures. Based on isolated molecules and small clusters, we study the electrostatic potential properties and charges of multivalent IL molecules using density-functional theory calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The charges of the IL molecules are calculated and compared using several different charge estimation techniques. Although there are some differences among the estimated partial charges on the atoms, the total anion and cation charges are very similar. The charge scaling factors are substantial, and they are only slightly affected by the IL cluster size model.
Primary neuroendocrine tumor of the pineal gland: a case report

Introduction Primary intracranial neuroendocrine tumors are exceedingly rare, with few cases in the literature. We present a case of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pineal gland, which is the second that has ever been reported. Case presentation A 53-year-old male patient presented with vomiting, weakness, and headaches. Imaging revealed a lesion in the pineal region, which was surgically resected. This mass was characterized by histology as a neuroendocrine carcinoma, given the presence of neuroendocrine markers and cytokeratin markers with absence of a primary lesion elsewhere on imaging. Conclusions There are currently no guidelines on the management of primary intracranial neuroendocrine tumors. In this case, the patient underwent surgical resection and craniospinal radiotherapy. He subsequently received one cycle of chemotherapy with temozolomide, an alkylating agent, but he unfortunately did not tolerate treatment. A multidisciplinary decision was made along with the patient and his family to focus on palliative care. Eighteen months after the initial presentation, disease recurred in the patient's neck. The patient underwent resection to control the metastases, with a plan to follow with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the patient became unwell and died at 21 months after initial diagnosis. This demonstrates a need for continued research and reporting on this uncommon disease entity.
High Enhancer Activity is an Epigenetic Feature of HPV Negative Atypical Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease with significant morbidity and mortality and frequent recurrence. Pre-NGS efforts to transcriptionally classify HNSCC into groups of varying prognosis have identified four accepted molecular subtypes of disease: Atypical (AT), Basal (BA), Classical (CL), and Mesenchymal (MS). Here, we investigated the active enhancer landscapes of these subtypes using representative HNSCC cell lines and identified samples belonging to the AT subtype as having increased enhancer activity compared to the other 3 HNSCC subtypes. Cell lines belonging to atypical subtype were more resistant to bromodomain inhibitors (BETi). PRO-Seq experiments that both TCGA tumors and AT cell lines showed higher eRNA transcripts for enhancers controlling BETi resistance pathways, such as lipid metabolism and MAPK signaling. Additionally, HiChIP experiments suggested higher enhancer-promoter (E-P) contacts in the AT subtype, including on genes identified in the eRNA analysis. Consistently, known BETi resistance pathways were upregulated upon exposure to these inhibitors. Together, our results identify that the AT subtype of HNSCC is associated with high enhancer activity, resistance to BET inhibition, and signaling pathways that could serve as future targets for sensitizing HNSCC to BET inhibition.
A 48-to-12 V Cascaded Multi-Resonant Switched Capacitor Converter with 4700 W/in 3 Power Density and 98.9% Efficiency

The cascaded resonant switched capacitor converter topology has been demonstrated to have significant advantages on system efficiency and power density in 48-to-12 V data center applications. This work presents a cascaded multi-resonant variant of this topology that enables further improvements on the power density. The first stage needs only two switches and one flying capacitor to perform a 2-to-1 conversion. The second stage has two interleaved 2-to-1 converters, and shares the resonant inductors with the first stage to realize soft switching and soft charging. With the reduction of active and passive components, this converter achieves a power density of 4700 W/in3 with a 48 V input and 60 A output, at a fixed 4-to-1 voltage stepdown. Peak efficiency reaches 98.94%, and full-load efficiency reaches 97.97%, including gate drive loss. Both power density and efficiency are superior to the state-of-the-art.
Data Exclusivity Periods for Biologics: Maintaining an Appropriate Balance between Short-Term Savings and Long-Term Incentives for Continued Innovation

The appropriate data exclusivity period for innovative biologics is a key component of legislation establishing an abbreviated regulatory pathway for biosimilar approval. Data exclusivity can also directly impact marketing exclusivity periods for the brand and investment incentives. This paper extends the earlier research and breakeven model developed by the author(s) and investigates the impact of varying market exclusivity periods on investment incentives. We run Monte Carlo experiments that examine how data exclusivity periods interact with other factors affecting breakeven, including expected patent life, cost of capital, contribution margins on revenues, and the expected market shares and price discounts after biosimilar entry. We find that at least 12 years of market exclusivity are generally necessary for a representative portfolio of biologics to break even, under a range of reasonable assumptions.
Immunological and Clinical Responses in Metastatic Renal Cancer Patients Vaccinated with Tumor RNA-transfected Dendritic Cells

Autologous dendritic cells transfected with total renal tumor RNA have been shown to be potent stimulators of CTLs and antitumor immunity in vitro. A Phase I trial was conducted to evaluate this strategy for feasibility, safety, and efficacy to induce tumor-specific T-cell responses in subjects with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Renal tumor RNA-transfected dendritic cells were administered to 10 evaluable study patients with no evidence of dose-limiting toxicity or vaccine-related adverse effects including autoimmunity. In six of seven evaluable subjects, expansion of tumor-specific T cells was detected after immunization. The vaccine-induced T-cell reactivities were directed against a broad set of renal tumor-associated antigens, including telomerase reverse transcriptase, G250, and oncofetal antigen, but not against self-antigens expressed by normal renal tissues. Although most patients underwent secondary therapies after vaccination, tumor-related mortality of the study subjects was unexpectedly low with only 3 of 10 patients dying from disease after a mean follow-up of 19.8 months. These data provide a scientific rationale for continued clinical investigation of this polyvalent vaccine strategy in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and, potentially, other cancers.
The Subversion of State – to State Investment Treaty Arbitration

State-to-state arbitration provisions in bilateral investment treaties (BITs) have been little used — and rightly so — since the introduction of investor-state arbitration provisions in the same BITs. In a handful of cases, however, some states are seeking controversially to resurrect state-to-state arbitration. Most controversially, in Ecuador v. U.S., Ecuador initiated arbitration against the United States under the U.S.-Ecuador BIT to (re)arbitrate an issue that had arguably been determined against Ecuador in a separate prior arbitration between Ecuador and certain U.S. investors. This subversion of state-to-state arbitration and its attack on the finality of arbitral awards threatens to destabilize the investor-state arbitration regime. While many if not most BITs contain both state-to-state and investor-state arbitration provisions, the relationship between the two has been little studied. This paper’s systematic analysis of recent cases brings to light the surprisingly unruly, almost dysfunctional relationship between the two arbitral regimes. As it turns out, whether state-to-state arbitration is permissible, or at least not prohibited, where investor-state arbitration is available turns awkwardly on a number of ill-fitting factors, including whether the actor initiating state-to-state arbitration is the host state or home state, and whether the investor has consented to investor-state arbitration. The paper argues for a reconception of the relationship between the two arbitral regimes by treating them as mutually exclusive, and to preclude state-to-state arbitration of any dispute that is properly resolved through investor-state arbitration. As reordered then, the relationship better reflects the purposive primacy of investor-state arbitration in investment dispute resolution, averts the risk of conflicting awards, and shields the dispute from entanglement with politics and diplomacy.
Factors associated with attrition in a longitudinal rheumatoid arthritis registry.

Objective Loss of participants in longitudinal data collection can affect the validity of outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) registries. Prior research indicates that demographics and socioeconomic and psychosocial factors contribute to attrition. This study analyzed the characteristics of an RA registry that may contribute to attrition in a hospital-based population. Methods Subjects consisted of RA patients enrolled in the Brigham and Women's Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study. Demographics and clinical and psychological factors were evaluated in univariate analyses to determine differences between participants who dropped out and those who completed 5 years of followup. Univariate factors with a P value <0.1 were used in a survival analysis to determine significant factors associated with attrition. A secondary analysis looked at patients who dropped out during the first year. Results A total of 1,144 RA participants were enrolled (509 completed 5 years of followup, 227 were still actively enrolled, and 408 dropped out). The attrition rate was 4.31% per 6-month cycle. Shorter disease duration, higher disease activity (3-variable Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C-reactive protein level), less education, RA drug therapy, and lower arthritis self-efficacy were statistically significant in multivariate survival analyses. In a secondary analysis, sex and age were the only additional factors found that contributed to attrition. Conclusion The attrition rate for this registry was similar to rates reported by other registries. Shorter disease duration, higher disease activity, and several other socioeconomic factors were associated. Men and younger patients tended to drop out during the first year. Population differences in each registry may result in different attrition patterns and ultimately, each longitudinal registry should consider conducting its own analyses.
Series capacitor placement on transmission lines with slightly distorted currents

A method for analyzing series capacitor placement on long transmission lines for improving line loadability is described. The influence of the compensator on harmonic current propagation and circuit resonant frequencies is investigated. Computer simulations are performed on an actual 345 kV, 238 mile long line for illustration purposes. >
Influencing—Even Without Statistics

Influencing is how we move the world. The ability to influence is a necessity, no matter where you work or the focus of your job. Getting better at it brings extraordinary rewards.We all possess th...
Peak-detection algorithm for EEG analysis

Abstract A peak-detection method is described for computer analysis of the electroencephalogramme (EEG). The technique consists of measuring the amplitude and time interval between successive maxima (peaks) and minima (troughs) in the signal. A critical feature of the peak-detection algorithm is the inclusion of an amplitude threshold criterion which eliminates the registration of low-voltage activity riding on EEG waves. The peak-detection procedure permits the formulation of a variety of intra-band and inter-band EEG statistics which can be useful in on-line computer applications. The peak-detection algorithm has been successfully applied to a number of normal and clinical EEG recordings. Although no computer procedure for EEG analysis has yet been universally adopted, the peak-detection algorithm reported in this paper presents a standardised approach which can be used between EEG clinics.
Electron sources utilizing thin CsBr coatings

We present experimental results obtained in solid Cu targets coated with ~18nm thick CsBr films operating in a reflection mode. The results indicate a factor of 50X increase in quantum efficiency relative to uncoated Cu samples. The CsBr/Cu samples are very robust allowing brief exposures to air without a substantial decrease in quantum efficiency and lifetime. The results are very encouraging from the point of view of reliable high efficiency electron sources for lithography or other applications including free electron lasers.
Nickel partitioning between olivine and silicate melt

Abstract Partitioning of Ni between olivine and silicate melt has been determined for compositions in the system Fo-Ab-An (1 atm) for temperatures ranging from 1250°C to 1450°C. Nickel concentrations were determined by electron microprobe; concentration levels in the liquids ranged from 0.1% to 0.5%. Platinum capsules or Pt wire loops were used as containers. Equilibrium was evaluated from kinetic considerations and by variation of run parameters; it was documented in one case by a bracketed reversal. No evidence was found for a dependence of the partition coefficient D (Ni in olivine/Ni in liquid) on Ni concentration. D is strongly dependent on melt composition, varying linearly with (1/MgO) at constant temperature. The intrinsic temperature dependence of D is small; the apparent temperature dependence reported in previous studies is largely related to the variation of melt composition with temperature. Our D values determined in the simple system Fo-An-Ab agree well with those reported by Leeman for natural (Fe-bearing) basalt systems. Overall variation of D in our system (and in natural basalts) can be expressed by the regression: D = (124/MgO) − 0.9 Our data are used to evaluate published Ni-MgO relationships in natural basalt series from Kilauea, Crozet, Cape Verde and Baffin Bay. A combination of olivine accumulation and fractional crystallization processes are sufficient to model these series. Using our data, unique “parental” liquids can be specified for each of these series; the MgO content of these liquids varies from 6% to 13%. Basalts with MgO contents greater than these “parental” liquids must be accumulative. The linear Ni-MgO trends, high absolute Ni concentrations, and large spread of Ni contents for the high-MgO basalts argue convincingly against their being “primary” liquids. Models such as those of O'Hara [6,13] and Clarke [24], based on the assertion of primary high-MgO liquids, must therefore be re-evaluated. Because of the high Si/O ratio and low MgO content of island arc andesites, the Ni partition coefficient D may be quite high. Therefore, the relatively low Ni content of such andesites may not be an argument against their derivation as direct partial melts of the mantle.
Subsistence and land tenure in the Sahel

Field research on customaryland tenure conducted in two villages inEastern Senegal suggests that theexisting tenure regime places a higher value onaccess than on security, long considered acornerstone of investment in increasedagricultural productivity. The underlyingreasons point to tenure's cultural dimensions.Interview accounts and observation are used todevelop the cultural link between tenure andsubsistence, and to describe the underlyingsocial relations and processes through which a``subsistence ethic'' is expressed. Such an``embedded'' approach to land tenure analysisimplies that understanding tenure dynamics andsocial change is a complex challenge, onebenefiting from a sociological perspective thatgoes beyond behavior models that treat tenureas a primarily economic phenomenon. Land useand customary tenure are dynamic phenomena, buttheir responsiveness to economic forces istempered by the importance of householdinterdependence and the harsh materialrealities of living on the environmentalmargins. Market-based interventions that woulduse security as a means to effect land usechange may generate more social or spatialproblems than they solve.
Interference effects in the predissociation of H2 and HD

Several absorption lines in the B 1Σ+u ← X 1Σ+g system at 83 nm have been observed with sub-Doppler resolution in H2 and HD. A detailed analysis of the lineshapes arising from the homogeneously predissociaied B 1Σ+u states shows that the linewidths are strongly affected by the Franck-Condon factors associated with coupling to the B' 1Σ+u continuum.
A combinatorial data model for representing topological relations among 3D geographical features in micro‐spatial environments

This research is motivated by the need for 3D GIS data models that allow for 3D spatial query, analysis and visualization of the subunits and internal network structure of ‘micro‐spatial environments’ (the 3D spatial structure within buildings). It explores a new way of representing the topological relationships among 3D geographical features such as buildings and their internal partitions or subunits. The 3D topological data model is called the combinatorial data model (CDM). It is a logical data model that simplifies and abstracts the complex topological relationships among 3D features through a hierarchical network structure called the node‐relation structure (NRS). This logical network structure is abstracted by using the property of Poincare duality. It is modelled and presented in the paper using graph‐theoretic formalisms. The model was implemented with real data for evaluating its effectiveness for performing 3D spatial queries and visualization.
Pharmacist's guide to pseudotumor cerebri: A review of the condition and its management

INTRODUCTION Pseudotumor cerebri is a rare neuro-ophthalmologic syndrome with an estimated incidence of 0.9 per 100,000 persons in the general population. As its name implies, pseudotumor cerebri is a condition of increased intracranial pressure with a clinical presentation similar to that of a cerebral tumor, yet it is void of any intracranial masses. Because the associated symptoms arise from increased intracranial pressure, but are not the result of structural changes, lesions, cerebral spinal fluid composition abnormalities, or hydrocephalus, the condition is often referred to as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). While this name descriptively characterizes the underlying pathology, it implies the condition lacks a clear etiology. The literature, however, suggests that in a small percentage of patients, the change in intracranial pressure is secondary to a medical condition or medication. For this reason, the term pseudotumor cerebri will be used throughout this article in order to include situations with such suspected etiologies, which are the cases where pharmacy input may be most instrumental. While pharmacists seldom encounter patients with pseudotumor cerebri, it is important that they be familiar with the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options so that they may be prepared to offer insight into the medication-related factors involved in the pathophysiology and management of the condition.
Role of monoamine transporters in mediating psychostimulant effects

Monoamine transporters such as the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) are critical regulators of DA disposition within the brain. Alterations in DA disposition can lead to conditions such as drug addiction, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia, a fact that underscores the importance of understanding DAergic signaling. Psychostimulants alter DAergic signaling by influencing both DAT and VMAT-2, and although the effects of these drugs result in increased levels of synaptic DA, the mechanisms by which this occurs and the effects that these drugs exert on DAT and VMAT-2 vary. Many psychostimulants can be classified as releasers (ie, amphetamine analogs) or uptake blockers (ie, cocaine-like drugs) based on the mechanism of their acute effects on neurotransmitter flux through the DAT. Releasers and uptake blockers differentially modulate the activity and subcellular distribution of monoamine transporters, a phenomenon likely related to the neurotoxics potential of these drugs to DAergic neurons. This article will review some of the recent findings whereby releasers and uptake blockers alter DAT and VMAT-2 activity and how these alterations may be involved in neurotoxicity, thus providing insight on the neuro-degeneration observed in Parkinson’s disease.
High-precision gravimetric technique for determining the solubility and diffusivity of gases in polymers

An in situ gravimetric technique, employing an electrobalance, is described for determining the solubility and diffusivity of gases in polymers over extended ranges of temperature and pressure. Solubilities of CO2 in polystyrene at 35°C were measured as a test case; the results are in excellent agreement with the literature values determined by the pressure decay method. Solubility and diffusivity results are also reported for PVC-CO2 at 35°C and for PS-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane at 30, 90, and 120°C. A comparison with other studies shows the in situ method to be more efficient and precise than the ones based on weighing the gas-saturated polymer under ambient conditions. The kinetics of gas sorption were analyzed in terms of two data reduction techniques to derive diffusion coefficients. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 2025–2032, 1998
A Morphometric Study of the Effects of Ethanol Consumption on Lactating Mammary Glands of Rats

Morphometric procedures were used to quantitate changes induced by ethanol in tissue components of rat mammary gland. Rats were pair-fed ethanol-containing or isocaloric control liquid diets formulated for pregnant or lactating animals, or maintained on regular laboratory chow. Short term animals were pair-fed ethanol or control diets from Day 1 of pregnancy through lactation Days 2 or 10. Long term animals were pair-fed ethanol or control diets for 25 days prior to mating, and then through pregnancy to lactation Days 2 or 10. Point counting was used to determine the volume fractions (vf) of alveolar epithelium, lumen, and connective tissue in the mammary glands. In chow-fed animals the percentage of alveolar epithelium remained constant from late pregnancy through lactation, while the amount of connective tissue decreased and that of alveolar lumen increased. This indicates the sensitivity of this procedure to detect changes in tissue volume fractions during mammary proliferation. No changes from the normal controls were found in any tissue component in short term ethanol or pair-fed animals. At lactation Day 2, long term ethanol-treated animals demonstrated a significant decrease in the percentage of alveolar epithelium and a significant increase in the percentage of total connective tissue as compared to pair-fed and chow-fed control animals. However, by Day 10 of lactation, no changes were found in any of the tissue components in long-term ethanol-fed versus control animals. These results indicate that ethanol consumption can alter mammary gland structure during the early stages of lactation, even when adequate levels of dietary protein are maintained.
Small-molecule screening identifies inhibition of salt-inducible kinases as a therapeutic strategy to enhance immunoregulatory functions of dendritic cells

Genetic alterations that reduce the function of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 contribute to colitis in mouse and man. Myeloid cells such as macrophages (MΦs) and dendritic cells (DCs) play an essential role in determining the relative abundance of IL-10 versus inflammatory cytokines in the gut. As such, using small molecules to boost IL-10 production by DCs–MΦs represents a promising approach to increase levels of this cytokine specifically in gut tissues. Toward this end, we screened a library of well-annotated kinase inhibitors for compounds that enhance production of IL-10 by murine bone-marrow–derived DCs stimulated with the yeast cell wall preparation zymosan. This approach identified a number of kinase inhibitors that robustly up-regulate IL-10 production including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs dasatinib, bosutinib, and saracatinib that target ABL, SRC-family, and numerous other kinases. Correlating the kinase selectivity profiles of the active compounds with their effect on IL-10 production suggests that inhibition of salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) mediates the observed IL-10 increase. This was confirmed using the SIK-targeting inhibitor HG-9-91-01 and a series of structural analogs. The stimulatory effect of SIK inhibition on IL-10 is also associated with decreased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, and these coordinated effects are observed in human DCs–MΦs and anti-inflammatory CD11c+ CX3CR1hi cells isolated from murine gut tissue. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that SIK inhibition promotes an anti-inflammatory phenotype in activated myeloid cells marked by robust IL-10 production and establish these effects as a previously unidentified activity associated with several FDA-approved multikinase inhibitors.
Quantitative analysis and comparative regional investigation of the extracellular matrix of the porcine temporomandibular joint disc.

Characterization of the extracellular matrix of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is crucial to advancing efforts in tissue engineering the disc. However, the current literature is incomplete and often contradictory in its attempts to describe the nature of the TMJ disc matrix. The aim of this study was to identify the variation of key matrix components along the three axes of the porcine disc using ELISAs to quantify these matrix components, immunohistochemistry to identify their regional distribution, and SEM to examine collagen fiber diameter and orientation. The overall GAG content of the TMJ disc (including the dermatan sulfate proteoglycans) was 5.3±1.2% of the dry weight. Chondroitin sulfate, which comprised 74% of this total GAG content, was 4.4, 8.2, and 164 times more abundant than dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, keratan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, respectively. In general, these GAGs were most concentrated in the intermediate zone of the TMJ disc, appearing in dense clusters, and least concentrated in the posterior band. Additionally, chondroitin sulfate was more abundant medially than laterally. Collagen II was discovered in trace amounts, with higher relative amounts in the intermediate zone. Collagen fibers were observed to run primarily in a ring-like fashion around the periphery of the disc and anteroposteriorly through the intermediate zone, with a mean fiber diameter of 18±9 μm. Characterization studies of the TMJ disc, including prior biomechanical and cell studies along with the current study of the extracellular matrix, collectively reveal a distinct character of the intermediate zone of the disc compared to its anterior and posterior bands.
The Role of Interpersonal Competence in Memory for Conversation

The role of interpersonal competence in memory for conversation was investigated by comparing evidence for two mechanisms of competence effects: (a) organization of social knowledge in memory and (b) use of interaction management skills. In Study 1, undergraduates acted as participants or observers in conversations with scripted confederates and afterward took a cued recall test. Interpersonal competence was positively correlated with recall of the confederate’s ideas among participants with same-sex confederates. In Study 2, undergraduates acted as participants in similar conversations with friends or strangers, and the effect of competence was replicated. Results are interpreted as evidence for an interaction management skills explanation of competence effects.
At what age should we discontinue colon cancer screening in the elderly

In general, you should stop when you do not expect the patient to live 7 to 10 more years. However, the full answer is more complicated.
Contour machining of free-form surfaces with real-time PH curve CNC interpolators

Abstract Two strategies for contour milling of free-form surfaces, using real-time CNC interpolators for Pythagorean-hodograph (PH) curves, are described. The first method, applicable to convex surfaces, employs a flat-end mill and approximates the surface section curves by planar PH quintics. The second approach, which employs a ball-end mill, approximates the tool-center trajectory by quintic PH space curves, and can accommodate nonconvex surfaces by choosing a sufficiently small tool radius. Both schemes generate compact part programs, in which numerous short linear/circular G code motions are replaced by fewer analytic path segments, and eliminate the need for explicit offset curve or surface representations to compensate for the tool radius. The surface sectioning and PH curve approximation algorithms required by these methods are presented, with appropriate tolerance analyses, and preliminary results from machining experiments performed on an open-architecture 3-axis CNC mill are described.
Stochastic Cellular Automata Models of Molecular Excited-State Dynamics

A probabilistic asynchronous cellular automaton described previously [Seybold, Kier, and Cheng, J. Chem. Info. Comput. Sci. 1997, 37, 386−391] has been applied to the description of molecular excited-state dynamics. The model simulates in a visual, time-dependent fashion the variations in ground- and excited-state populations that occur under stipulated probabilistic transition rules. Both pulse mode and steady-state conditions can be simulated. The deterministic values for the fluorescence lifetime (τf), the phosphorescence lifetime (τp), and the quantum yields of fluorescence (φf), triplet state formation (φT), and phosphoresence (φp) arise as limiting cases for large numbers of cells or large numbers of trials. Since each trial is an independent “experiment”, stochastic variations in the populations and properties can be estimated from repeated trials. Phenomena such as ground-state depletion and population inversion under high radiation intensity arise naturally within the model.
Conversion of 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one to 20α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-3-one and 5α-pregnane-3α,20α-diol by rat anterior pituitary

Abstract 3H-20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one was incubated with anterior pituitaries from proestrous rats. The in vitro metabolic products, identified by reverse isotopic dilution and purification to constant specific activity, were 20α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-3-one (23.0%) and 5α-pregnane-3α,20α-diol (11.4%). These are qualitatively the same metabolites which result from in vitro incubation of 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one with medial basal hypothalamus. 68.8% of the recovered radioactivity remained as 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. These three compounds accounted for all of the recovered radioactivity.
Two unrelated alkaliphilic Bacillus species possess identical deviations in sequence from those of other prokaryotes in regions of F0 proposed to be involved in proton translocation through the ATP synthase

The a and c subunits of two unrelated alkaliphilic Bacillus species contain unusual motifs in regions previously implicated by others in H(+)-coupled oxidative phosphorylation. The facultative alkaliphile B. firmus OF4 apparently does not contain genes encoding an alternative F0, supporting other evidence that a single species of proton-translocating F1F0-ATPase catalyses oxidative phosphorylation both at low and high pH. The unusual F0 sequence motifs may be part of the adaptation of the extreme alkaliphiles to growth at very high pH.
Supporting the Patient

Patients may be the only consumers who have to seek permission from someone else in order to obtain services. Even those with traditional health insurance require the recommendation of their physic...
Backward serial learning

Summary An experiment was conducted which investigated backward serial learning. The basic design was such that S learned a serial list and then relearned it with the same items arranged in reverse order. Positive transfer was not obtained when it was measured in terms of trials to learn. The items in the middle of the list being relearned in reverse order were learned faster and given correctly more often than the same items in the control list. These results were interpreted as favorable to an hypothesis which assumes that the functional stimulus in serial learning is the position the item holds in the list.
The clinical significance of fetal echogenic bowel.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of cystic fibrosis, aneuploidy, and intrauterine infection with toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus in second-trimester fetuses with the sonographic finding of echogenic bowel. STUDY DESIGN: All cases of echogenic bowel that were diagnosed in our ultrasound unit from 1993 to 2000 were identified. Only cases in which bowel echogenicity was as bright as bone with no associated major fetal anomalies were included. Patients who were referred from other hospitals were excluded. Echogenicity was classified as focal or multifocal. Fetal karyotypes, cystic fibrosis carrier testing, and maternal serologic test results were determined. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five fetuses in 171 pregnancies met inclusion criteria. Cystic fibrosis mutations were identified in 7 of 138 mothers (5%) and 9 of 86 fathers (10.5%) who were tested. Five fetuses were affected with cystic fibrosis. Fetal karyotype was obtained in 139 cases, and autosomal trisomy was diagnosed in 5 cases (3.6%). One hundred sixty-six patients were tested for toxoplasmosis, and 111 patients were tested for cytomegalovirus. There were no cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. There was maternal serologic and fetal pathologic evidence of cytomegalovirus infection in 1 case. In all cases of cystic fibrosis and aneuploidy, echogenicity was multifocal; in the case of cytomegalovirus, echogenicity was focal. CONCLUSION: In our population, mid-trimester fetal echogenic bowel was associated with a high prevalence of cystic fibrosis, aneuploidy, and cytomegalovirus (11/175 fetuses [6.3%]). This information should be considered when counseling patients after mid-trimester echogenic bowel is diagnosed.