cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-1β Messenger Ribonucleic Acid and Protein Levels after Fluid-Percussion Brain Injury in Rats: Importance of Injury Severity and Brain Temperature

OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic temperature manipulations have been reported to significantly influence the inflammatory response to traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to determine the temporal and regional profiles of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and protein levels for the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), after moderate or severe TBI. The effects of posttraumatic hypothermia (33 degrees C) or hyperthermia (39.5 degrees C) on these consequences of TBI were then determined. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent fluid-percussion brain injury. In the first phase of the study, rats were killed 15 minutes or 1, 3, or 24 hours after moderate TBI (1.8-2.2 atmospheres), for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Other groups of rats were killed 1, 3, 24, or 72 hours after moderate or severe TBI (2.4-2.7 atmospheres), for protein analysis. In the second phase, rats underwent moderate fluid-percussion brain injury, followed immediately by 3 hours of posttraumatic normothermia (37 degrees C), hyperthermia (39.5 degrees C), or hypothermia (33 degrees C), and were then killed, for analyses of protein levels and mRNA expression. Brain samples, including cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum, were dissected and stored at -80 degrees C until analyzed. RESULTS The findings indicated that mRNA levels were increased (P < 0.05) as early as 1 hour after TBI and remained elevated up to 3 hours after moderate TBI. Although both moderate and severe TBI induced increased levels of IL-1beta (P < 0.05), increased protein levels were also noted in remote brain structures after severe TBI. Posttraumatic hypothermia attenuated IL-1beta protein levels, compared with normothermia (P < 0.05), although the levels remained elevated in comparison with sham values. In contrast, hyperthermia had no significant effect on IL-1beta levels, compared with normothermic values. Posttraumatic temperature manipulations had no significant effect on IL-1beta mRNA levels. CONCLUSION Injury severity determines the degree of IL-1beta protein level elevation after TBI. The effects of posttraumatic hypothermia on IL-1beta protein levels (an important mediator of neurodegeneration after TBI) may partly explain the established effects of posttraumatic temperature manipulations on inflammatory processes after TBI.
Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia induces multiorgan damage.

Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia has been associated with the development of hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular, cerebral/neuronal, renal, and liver diseases. To test the hypothesis that homocyst(e)ine plays an integrated role in multiorgan injury in hypertension, we employed: (1) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in which endogenous homocyst(e)ine levels are moderately high (18.1 ± 0.5 μM); (2) control age- and sex-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats in which homocyst(e)ine levels are normal (3.7 ± 0.3 μM). To create the pathophysiological condition of hyperhomocyst(e)inemia, 20 mg/day homocyst(e)ine was administered for 12 weeks in (3) SHR (SHR-H) and in (4) WKY (WKY-H) rats. (5) Endogenous homocyst(e)ine levels were reduced slightly but not significantly from 18.1 ± 0.5 μM to 12.5 ± 0.7 μM in SHR by folic acid administration (SHR-F). Plasma and tissue levels of homocyst(e)ine were determined by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. Plasma and sympathetic ganglion (neuronal) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was measured by zymography. Activity of neuronal MMP was increased in hyperhomocyst(e)inemic rats as compared with controls. Mean arterial pressure (mmHg) was 95 ± 5, 126 ± 8, 157 ± 10, 188 ± 5, and 165 ± 12 in WKY, WKY-H, SHR, SHR-H, and SHR-F, respectively. Urinary protein (mg/day) was 0.11 ± 0.03, 0.88 ± 0.22, 0.47 ± 0.10, 0.89 ± 0.21, and 0.81 ± 0.21 in WKY, WKY-H, SHR, SHR-H, and SHR-F, respectively, as measured by the Bio-Rad dye binding assay. The relationships between increased arterial pressure, plasma homocyst(e)ine, and urinary protein were delineated. Plasma and neuronal creatinine phosphokinase (CK) isoenzymes were measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. All three CK isoenzymes, i.e., MM, MB, and BB, specific for skeletal, cardiac, and nerve tissue, respectively, were induced following 12 weeks' hyperhomocyst(e)inemia, suggesting multiorgan injury by homocyst(e)ine. Homocyst(e)ine induces endocardial endothelial cell (capillary) apoptosis and may reduce capillary cell density. Structural damage to aorta, myocardium, kidney, and renal-ureter was analyzed by histology. Results suggested an integrated physiological role of homocyst(e)ine in injury to the endothelial/epithelial cell lining in the respective organs.
Routine Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in the Echocardiography Laboratory Using a “Modified” Abdominal Aortic Examination Protocol

Edmund Kenneth Kerut, M.D.,∗† David Hunter, M.D.,‡ Curtis Hanawalt,§ Elizabeth F. McIlwain, R.D.C.S.,∗¶ and Frederick Helmcke, M.D.∗∗ ∗Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, †Heart Clinic of Louisiana, Marrero, Louisiana, ‡Department of Radiology, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, Louisiana, §Department of Vascular and Cardiac Imaging, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, Louisiana, ¶Department of Cardiopulmonary Science, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, and ∗∗Division of Cardiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Integration within a transgender social network and its effect upon members' social and political activity.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the male to female transgender social networks and how they influence social and political activity. Four Transgender organizations within Northeast Ohio were contacted for this study. Members were asked to complete a questionnaire and to mail it back. Few of the network elements were useful in predicting social and political activity. Network size has a positive effect upon a person's social and political activity, as did meeting attendance. This study suggests the importance of social networks for Trans-people.
Effect of dopamine receptor blockade or norepinephrine synthesis inhibition on acute, ovariectomy-induced increases in pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in the rat

Abstract The initial aim of the present studies was to examine the influence of blockade of dopamine (DA) receptors with pimozide or inhibition of norepinephrine (NE) synthesis with U-14,624 on acute, ovariectomy (OVX)-induced changes in pulsatile LH release. Either treatment instituted at the time of OVX suppressed or inhibited the rapid increase in LH pulse amplitude and frequency normally occurring within 24 hr following ovarian removal on diestrus 1. While administration of pimozide at either 24 hr or 48 hr following OVX suppressed pulsatile LH release by selectively reducing LH pulse frequency, by 8 days following OVX pimozide failed to exert any effect on LH pulse frequency and therefore on pulsatile LH secretion. To determine if there was a transient critical period following OVX of at least 2 days but less than 8 when endogenous DA was excitatory to pulsatile LH release, piribedil (a DA receptor agonist) was given 24 hr following OVX. Rather than increase LH secretion, piribedil markedly suppressed pulsatile LH release indicating that DA does not stimulate LH secretion in acutely ovariectomized rats. These experiments indicate that 1. (1) NE is involved in stimulating the acute, OVX-induced increase that occurs in pulsatile LH release; 2. (2) DA receptorblockade by pimozide has a differential effect on pulsatile LH secretion which depends on the time following OVX when the compound is administered; 3. (3) this differential effect cannot be explained by a transient critical period of a few days duration following OVX during which DA is excitatory to pulsatile LH release.
Identification of Phosphorus Monoxide (X 2Πr) in VY Canis Majoris: Detection of the First P-O Bond in Space

A new interstellar molecule, PO (X 2Πr), has been detected toward the envelope of the oxygen-rich supergiant star VY Canis Majoris (VY CMa) using the Submillimeter Telescope of the Arizona Radio Observatory. The J = 5.5 → 4.5 and J = 6.5 → 5.5 rotational transitions of PO at 240 and 284 GHz were observed, each of which consisted of well-defined lambda-doublets. The line profiles are roughly parabolic in shape, analogous to PN, and suggest that this species arises from the spherical wind in VY CMa, as opposed to the collimated blue- and redshifted outflows. Comparison of line intensities indicates that PO arises from a confined source roughly 1'' in extent, with a column density of Ntot 2.8 × 1015 cm-2, which corresponds to a fractional abundance of f ~ 9 × 10-8, relative to H2. Consequently, PO and PN have similar concentrations in VY CMa, a result not predicted by either LTE or kinetic models of circumstellar chemistry. These phosphorus compounds may arise from shock-induced reactions in this active envelope. Phosphorus monoxide is the first interstellar molecule detected that contains a P–O bond, a moiety essential in biochemical compounds. It is also the first new species to be identified in an oxygen-rich, as opposed to a carbon-rich, circumstellar envelope.
Why Wait? The Influence of Academic Self-Regulation, Intrinsic Motivation, and Statistics Anxiety on Procrastination in Online Statistics

Online graduate education programs are expanding rapidly. Many of these pro- grams require a statistics course, resulting in an increasing need for online statistics courses. The study reported here grew from experiences teaching online, graduate statistics courses. In seeking answers on how to improve this class, I discovered that research has yet to explore teaching and learning in online statistics courses. The purpose of the study was to ameliorate this gap in the literature by examining the influence of self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, and statistics anxiety on passive procrastination. The set of independent vari- ables explained nearly thirty percent of the variance.
Competition in intraLATA long distance: carrier choice models estimated from residential telephone bills

Abstract Competition in the long distance market in the US is at a crossroads. The recent passage of the Telecommunications Act will (eventually) significantly increase competition in long distance telephony. In order to better understand the implications of having more service offerings, models of how customers choose between carriers will be useful. We develop the first publicly available models of intraLATA carrier choice in the US. We find that the results are consistent with expectations — both in terms of theory and practical experience in the industry.
A Deep K-Band Photometric Survey of Merger Remnants

We present K-band photometry for 51 candidate merger remnants to assess the viability of whether spiral-spiral mergers can produce bona fide elliptical galaxies. Using both the de Vaucouleurs r1/4 and Sersic r1/n fitting laws, it is found that the stellar component in a majority of the galaxies in the sample has undergone violent relaxation. However, the sample shows evidence for incomplete phase mixing. The analysis also indicates the presence of excess light in the surface brightness profiles of nearly one-third of the merger remnants. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this is due to the effects of a starburst induced by the dissipative collapse of the gas. The integrated light of the galaxies also shows that mergers can make L* elliptical galaxies, in contrast to earlier infrared studies. The isophotal shapes and related structural parameters are also discussed, including the fact that 70% of the sample show evidence for disky isophotes. The data and results presented are part of a larger photometric and spectroscopic campaign to thoroughly investigate a large sample of mergers in the local universe.
VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF C_3-HYDROCARBONS IN THE STRATOSPHERE OF TITAN

Motivated by the recent detection of propene (C_3H_6) in the atmosphere of Titan, we use a one-dimensional Titan photochemical model with an updated eddy diffusion profile to systematically study the vertical profiles of the stable species in the C_3-hydrocarbon family. We find that the stratospheric volume mixing ratio of propene (C_3H_6) peaks at 150 km with a value of 5 × 10^(−9), which is in good agreement with recent observations by the Composite Infrared Spectrometer on the Cassini spacecraft. Another important species that is currently missing from the hydrocarbon family in Titan's stratosphere is allene (CH_2CCH_2), an isomer of methylacetylene (CH_3C_2H). We predict that its mixing ratio in the stratosphere is about 10^(−9), which is on the margin of the detection limit. CH_2CCH_2 and CH_3C_2H equilibrate at a constant ratio in the stratosphere by hydrogen-exchanging reactions. Thus, by precisely measuring the ratio of CH_2CCH_2 to CH_3C_2H, the abundance of atomic hydrogen in the atmosphere can be inferred. No direct yield for the production of cyclopropane (c-C_3H_6) is available. From the discharge experiments of Navarro-Gonzalez & Ramirez, the abundance of cyclopropane is estimated to be 100 times less than that of C_3H_6.
Modeling of the temperature-dependent spectral response of In 1–χ Ga χ Sb infrared photodetectors

A model of the spectral responsivity of In(1-x) Ga(x) Sb p-n junction infrared photodetectors has been developed. This model is based on calculations of the photogenerated and diffusion currents in the device. Expressions for the carrier mobilities, absorption coefficient and normal-incidence reflectivity as a function of temperature were derived from extensions made to Adachi and Caughey-Thomas models. Contributions from the Auger recombination mechanism, which increase with a rise in temperature, have also been considered. The responsivity was evaluated for different doping levels, diffusion depths, operating temperatures, and photon energies. Parameters calculated from the model were compared with available experimental data, and good agreement was obtained. These theoretical calculations help to better understand the electro-optical behavior of In(1-x) Ga(x) Sb photodetectors, and can be utilized for performance enhancement through optimization of the device structure.
Innovative Projects and Special Populations in Dance/Movement Therapy: The 2009 ADTA International Panel

Conference Theme: The Dance of Discovery: Research and Innovation in Dance/Movement Therapy
Continuous noninvasive in vivo monitoring of intravascular plasma volume and hematocrit changes in response to blood removal and fluid replacement in a rat model

We report a new algorithm and measurement system that permits simultaneous monitoring of the hematocrit and plasma volume fraction of blood within the intravascular space of an optically probed volume of skin. The system involves probing with a near infrared laser and simultaneously collecting the Rayleigh and Mie scattered light as one raw signal and the undifferentiated Raman and fluorescence emission as the second raw signal. Those two physically independent raw signals and six parameters that can be obtained by either direct calculation or empirical calibration permit monitoring of the blood in rat paws. We tested a device based on the algorithm in the context of improving detection of blood loss for people with an early undiagnosed internal hemorrhage via real-time monitoring of signal changes with direct correlation to hematocrit. We performed experiments monitoring rat paw skin in vivo while removing blood, centrally or peripherally, and then adding replacement fluids such as Normocarb and blood. Blood removal itself elicits a predictable and consistent response, decreasing hematocrit and increasing relative plasma volume, that depends on the rate and location of removal, the total amount of blood removed, the location of monitoring, and possibly other factors as yet unknown. Similarly, replacing the blood with whole blood vs. saline consistently produces a rational range of responses. Calibration across subjects and the measurement of absolute hematocrit will also be discussed.
Imagine the Feeling: An Aesthetic Science of Psychology.

We claim that static trait models have dominated contemporary personality psychology but fail to reflect adequately the persons they depict. Beginning from, but moving well beyond, this critique of the five factor model (and the personality psychology field over which it reigns), we shine an aesthetic and critical light on psychology’s wider failings. We review the linguistic and methodological features that have undermined the discipline’s faithful understandings of human beings and their experience. In its place, we champion an aesthetic (as opposed to an an-esthetic) science of the person, one that is responsive in spirit and in practice to the emotional and imaginative life of participants and to the contexts in which they move. Specifically, we suggest that the images of fantasy and of ordinary metaphor may afford poetic understandings of participant experience that surpass those produced by literal, discursive description. We also hold that these images may offer us the most sensitive and faithful expressions of how social and environmental contexts—and so-called structural and discursive realities—are felt. The paper concludes by sketching several methodological trajectories that may stimulate researcher imagination and empathy, making research more faithful to participants and the reaches of their experience. Research practices informed by feeling and image in this way may generate new knowledge as well as new obligations.
A model of the heliospheric magnetic field configuration

A three-dimensional model of the magnetic field configuration in the heliosphere is constructed by assuming that the interplanetary magnetic field consists of four components, (1) the solar dipole, (2) a large number of small spherical dipoles located along an equatorial circle just inside the sun (representing the magnetic field line arcade), (3) the field of the poloidal current system generated by the solar unipolar induction, and (4) the field of an extensive current disc around the sun lying in the ecliptic plane. The magnetic field intensity at a distance of 1 AU (about 20 solar radii above the ecliptic plane) is normalized to fit the observed spiral configuration.
Northeastern Yiddish Gender-Switch: Abstracting Dialect Features Regionally

SUMMARYThe paper offers an analysis of the historical development and structure of the gender system of Northeastern Yiddish (NEY). The analysis is based on descriptions in Weinreich (1961), Herzog (1965), and Wolf (1969). Historically, Yiddish has a three-gender system (masc, fern, neut). Loss of the historical neuter in NEY has resulted in what appears to be a two-gender system. (Weinreich showed it to be more complex than that.) In addition to loss of the neuter gender, many historically masculine and feminine nouns are found with changed gender in NEY dialects. This latter type of change is termed gender-switch in the present paper. Gender-switch appears to be unpredictable in any single location in the NEY dialect area. When viewed from the perspective of the entire NEY area as a whole, however, there emerges a natural class of 'empty' nouns. Recognition of this natural class leads to a reanalysis of the NEY gender system.RESUMELe present article constitue une analyse du developpement historique et structural du systeme des genres tels qu'ils existent dans le Yiddish du Nord-Est (YNE). Cette structure est base sur les descriptions de Weinreich (1961), Herzog (1965), et Wolf (1969). (Selon Weinreich, il est plus complique.) A travers les siecles le Yiddish comprenait trois genres (le masculin, le feminin, et le neutre). La disparition du neutre historique dans le YNE a fait apparaitre un systeme a deux genres. S'ajoute a cela le fait que beaucoup de noms historiquement masculins on feminins aient change de genre dans le dialectes (YNE). Ce dernier type de transformation est nomme ici gender switch (changement de genre) dans cette etude. Ce changement de genre est difficile a prevoir quelle que soit l'endroit ou l'on parle ce dialecte. Cependant si on considere cette zone linguistique dans son ensemble il emerge une categorie naturelle de substantifs vides de sens. Reconnaitre cette categorie naturelle nous amene a une nouvelle analyse du systeme du genre en YNE.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDer Aufsatz untersucht die historische und strukturelle Entwicklung des Genussystems im Nordost-Jiddischen (NOJ). Grundlage der Analyse sind die Darstellungen von Weinreich (1961), Herzog (1965), und Wolf (1969). Aus dem ursprunglichen Dreigenussystem des Jiddischen, scheint sich, durch den Verlust des Neutrums im NOJ, ein Zweigenussystem herausgebildet zu haben. (Nach Weinreich ist dieser Vorgang weit komplizierter.) Zusatzlich zum Verlust des Neutrums treten zahlreiche historisch maskuline und feminine Nomina im NOJ mit verandertem Genus auf. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird diese Veranderung als gender switch (Genuswechsel) bezeichnet. Genuswechsel vollzieht sich innerhalb des NOJ Dialektgebiets scheinbar regellos. Aus der Perspektive des NOJ Gesamtgebiets dagegen wird erkennbar, das spezifisch eine natiirliche Klasse 'leerer' Nomina von dem Phanomen des Genuswechsels betroffen ist. Die Kenntnisnahme einer solchen naturlichen Klasse fuhrt hier zu einer veranderten Analyse des Genussystems im NOJ.
Synergy and Antagonism of Fluoroquinolones with Other Classes of Antimicrobial Agents

In an attempt to overcome some of the gaps in their antibacterial spectrum, e.g. some Gram-positive bacteria (notably streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and anaerobes, the fluoroquinolones have been combined with other bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents. In general, the fluoroquinolones rarely show either synergy or antagonism when used in combination with other antimicrobial agents against most bacteria. Therefore, in infections where the fluoroquinolones do not provide cover against all potential organisms, combined treatment with an appropriate agent may be considered. Current data suggest that the fluoroquinolones are not antagonistic with beta-lactams, macrolides, clindamycin and the imidazoles. Aminoglycosides in combination with the fluoroquinolones do not show synergy. Antipseudomonal penicillins, ceftazidime or imipenem in combination with the fluoroquinolones are synergistic and may be useful for treating infections in immunocompromised patients. Rifampicin in combination with a fluoroquinolone for the treatment of staphylococcal endocarditis or osteomyelitis may be useful, although in vitro and in vivo results do not always coincide.
Mediation in Serial learning

Summary This study reports an attempt to demonstrate that mediation will facilitate serial learning. The Ss learned, prior to acquisition of an A-B-C-D serial list, a paired-associate list composed of the serial units as responses and the primary word associates of the preceding words in the serial list as stimuli (A′-B, B′-C, C′-D). It was presumed that, during the serial learning of an A-B unit, A would elicit its primary associate A′ which, in turn, would elicit B. The results indicated that serial learning was facilitated by mediation.
Interaction of fluids and structures for aircraft applications

Strong interactions occur between the flow about an aircraft and its structural components, which result in several important aeroelastic phenomena which can significantly influence performance. For example, aircraft with highly swept wings experience vortex-induced aeroelastic oscillations. The simulation of these complex aeroelastic phenomena requires coupling the fluid and structural analysis. This paper provides a summary of the development of such coupled methods and their applications to aeroelasticity. Results based on the transonic small-perturbation equations and the Euler equations are presented.
Carbon stable isotopes reveal relative contribution of shelf-slope production to the northern California Current pelagic community

To better delineate the relative contribution of shelf and slope production to the northern California Current (NCC) pelagic community, we examined the cross-shelf distribution of d13C in 19 species of nekton, three species of Cancer decapod larvae, five gelatinous zooplankton, two dominant euphausiid species (Thysanoessa spinifera and Euphausia pacifica), calanoid copepods (Acartia sp. and Pseudocalanus sp.), and particulate organic matter (POM). Results showed 13C enrichment from nearshore shelf sites relative to offshore slope sites at all trophic levels. For POM, a significant trend in d13C with log chlorophyll a (Chl a) was observed, with high Chl a values associated with shelf primary production. Copepods, gelatinous zooplankton, and nekton showed a significant linear decrease in d13C with distance offshore. Nekton and gelatinous zooplankton associated with very nearshore shelf waters (,10 km distance offshore) had the highest d 13 C values, whereas those off the slope (.20 km offshore) were more depleted in 13 C. A comparison of results from nonparametric analysis of the pelagic community data to environmental variables also showed variables associated with the shelf and oceanic waters, with distance offshore, sea surface temperature (10 m in depth), and bottom depth being significant. Because pelagic systems are highly dynamic in space and time, our study indicated that d13C could be used as an indicator of relative nearshore and offshore production across multiple trophic levels, even in active upwelling ecosystems such as the NCC.
Incidence of Arrhythmias in the Dog Following Transthoracic Ventricular Defibrillation with Unidirectional Rectangular Stimuli

The incidence of the various types of arrhythmia induced by defibrillation in anesthetized dogs that had had continous ventricular fibrillation for 30 seconds was studied as a function of the current strengh and the duration of the unidirectional rectangular pulse used to terminate the fibrillation. Shocks at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 amp with durations in the range of 80 µsec through 64 msec were used. At any given energy level the incidence of induced arrhythmias was much larger for the 40-, 80-, and 100-amp shocks than for the 10- and 20-amp shocks. At 10 and 20 amp, the incidence of induced arrhythmias increased with increasing energy content. Premature ventricular contractions were observed at nearly all levels of energy and current, in contrast to other types of arrhythmias that appear to be strongly related to energy content or current amplitude or both.
Imitating the Parables: Allegory, Narrative and the Role of Mimesis

For the past 100 years the debate concerning the literary nature of the parables has centered on the question as to whether the parables are allegories or narratives. Rather than consider the allegorical or nonallegorical nature of the parables directly, this article examines the hermeneutical function of mimesis and how it relates to the particular reading strategies we employ when interpreting the parables. Because the parables are a mimetic representation they allow the reader to recognize correspondences based on a pre-existing code and at the same time allow the reader to recognize new possibilities for understanding. This allows the same parable to be read either as an allegory or as a narrative whole. As a result, the different genre classifications we assign to the parables are not only derived from our participation in the mimetic representation of the parables but these classifications are also mutable (not fixed) and will shift depending on the relationship between the reader and the text.
Efficacy of epidural injections of Kenalog and Celestone in the treatment of lower back pain.

OBJECTIVE. Epidural corticosteroid injections have been used extensively to treat lower back pain, but the relative effectiveness of one corticosteroid versus another has never been reported in a large patient series. We retrospectively reviewed 597 patients who had epidural corticosteroid injections to determine any difference in Kenalog or Celestone efficacy.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We reviewed charts and self-reported pain score evaluations of 597 patients who received either Kenalog or Celestone Soluspan as an epidural injection for the treatment of lower back pain from 1997 to 2002 at our university hospital and affiliated Veterans Affairs hospital. Kenalog was used for the initial 2 years and Celestone was used for the next 3 years. Fluoroscopic guidance was used to confirm epidural location, and each patient was injected with a mixture of 5 mL of 0.5% preservative-free lidocaine and 2 mL of either Kenalog 40 mg/mL (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) or Celestone Soluspan 6 mg/mL (betameth...
Recombinant human prolactin for the treatment of lactation insufficiency

Context Lactation insufficiency has many aetiologies including complete or relative prolactin deficiency. Exogenous prolactin may increase breast milk volume in this subset. We hypothesized that recombinant human prolactin (r-hPRL) would increase milk volume in mothers with prolactin deficiency and mothers of preterm infants with lactation insufficiency. Design Study 1: R-hPRL was administered in an open-label trial to mothers with prolactin deficiency. Study 2: R-hPRL was administered in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to mothers with lactation insufficiency that developed while pumping breast milk for their preterm infants. Patients Study 1: Mothers with prolactin deficiency (n = 5). Study 2: Mothers of premature infants exclusively pumping breast milk (n = 11). Design Study 1: R-hPRL (60 μg/kg) was administered subcutaneously every 12 h for 28 days. Study 2: Mothers of preterm infants were randomized to receive r-hPRL (60 μg/kg), placebo or r-hPRL alternating with placebo every 12 h for 7 days. Measurements Change in milk volume. Results Study 1: Peak prolactin (27·9 ± 17·3 to 194·6 ± 19·5 μg/l; P < 0·003) and milk volume (3·4 ± 1·6 to 66·1 ± 8·3 ml/day; P < 0·001) increased with r-hPRL administration. Study 2: Peak prolactin increased in mothers treated with r-hPRL every 12 h (n = 3; 79·3 ± 55·4 to 271·3 ± 36·7 μg/l; P < 0·05) and daily (101·4 ± 61·5 vs 178·9 ± 45·9 μg/l; P < 0·04), but milk volume increased only in the group treated with r-hPRL every 12 h (53·5 ± 48·5 to 235·0 ± 135·7 ml/day; P < 0·02). Conclusion Twice daily r-hPRL increases milk volume in mothers with prolactin deficiency and in preterm mothers with lactation insufficiency.
Serotonergic Hypofunction in Migraine: A Synthesis of Evidence Based on Platelet Dense Body Dysfunction:

We studied the platelet dense body as a model for serotonergic vesicular function. Headache-free migraine sufferers had increased numbers of dense bodies, decreased dense body secretion, a defective link between cytosolic ionized calcium and platelet activation, an abnormal sensitivity to activation by platelet-activating factor and decreased serotonin metabolism in the presence of an unactivated platelet. These findings are interpreted as evidence for low platelet serotonin turnover. Also an abnormality in coupling of secretion to cytosolic ionized calcium caused by a membranal defect results in reduced platelet secretory function. A similar abnormality is postulated for serotonergic vesicles in central neurons. Central serotonergic hypofunction in migraine sufferers may reduce this normally present inhibitory influence on the intrinsic noradrenergic system, the activation of which may initiate the neuronal mechanisms of migraine.
The Effect of Culture and Language on Organizational Information Processing

The growth of global business has caused many businesses to seek channel members in various countries around the world. Establishing a functional working relationship with new channel members is a difficult process even when there is a shared language and culture between the potential channel members. When entering into a channel relationship with a new channel member with different languages, social cultures, and business cultures the process is even more difficult.
Representing shape

We summarize recent work by the author and his colleagues aimed at generating rich representations of shape for two and three-dimensional objects. An implementation of the smoothed local symmetries representation of 2D shapes is described and its use for inspection and the recognition of occluded objects sketched. The implementation uses an edge finder developed by Canny that is optimal in a precisely defined sense. The curvature patch representation of 3D shape is based on ideas of differential geometry.
Cytotoxic action of influenza virus; failure to induce acquired resistance phenomenon in tissue culture.

SummarySubtoxic virus, cholera filtrate and xerosin failed to protect HeLa cell cultures against the in vitro cytopathogenic effects of the Lee strain of influenza B virus and the WS and A/England/1/51 strains of influenza A virus. Smaller doses of these materials effectively rendered mice tolerant to the neurotoxic action of influenza viruses. The possible implications of these studies on the mechanisms by which the intact host acquires resistance to virus toxic action are discussed.
Evaluating pacemaker function with full disclosure.

Scenario: A 68-year-old woman with a ventricular pacemaker was admitted to the telemetry unit for exacerbation of congestive heart failure. The nurse noticed changes in the patient’s cardiac rhythm on telemetry, so she examined a 30-second strip of lead II from the telemetry’s full disclosure software (below). Because the full disclosure does not have an electrocardiogram (ECG) grid on it, the nurse zoomed in on the onset of the rhythm change. ECG PUZZLER A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses ECG interpretation for clinical practice. We welcome letters to the Editors regarding this feature.
HEMATOLOGIC RESPONSE OF PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENT SWINE TO PYRIDOXINE.

SummaryThe anemia of pyridoxine-deficient swine fed a purified diet with 10 crystalline water soluble vitamins responded rapidly and completely to administration of pyridoxine. The mean volume of packed red cells (V. P. R. C.) at the beginning of the experiment was 40 ml/100 ml; at time of therapy, 23 ml/100 ml; and after therapy with pyridoxine, 41 ml/100 ml. Administration of crude oral liver extract elicited no further increase in the V. P. R. C. (mean, 42 ml/100 ml). The mean V. P. R. C. of swine receiving the purified diet plus pyridoxine from the beginning of the experiment was 40 ml/100 ml. The mean V. P. R. C. of swine fed a purified diet supplemented with all 11 water soluble vitamins and fish solubles was 42 ml/100 ml. The requirement of the pig for a hemopoietic factor in addition to the 11 known water soluble vitamins was not demonstrated under the conditions of these experiments.
Fully automated localization of multiple pelvic bone structures on MRI

In this paper, we present a fully automated localization method for multiple pelvic bone structures on magnetic resonance images (MRI). Pelvic bone structures are currently identified manually on MRI to identify reference points for measurement and evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Given that this is a time-consuming and subjective procedure, there is a need to localize pelvic bone structures without any user interaction. However, bone structures are not easily differentiable from soft tissue on MRI as their pixel intensities tend to be very similar. In this research, we present a model that automatically identifies the bounding boxes of the bone structures on MRI using support vector machines (SVM) based classification and non-linear regression model that captures global and local information. Based on the relative locations of pelvic bones and organs, and local information such as texture features, the model identifies the location of the pelvic bone structures by establishing the association between their locations. Results show that the proposed method is able to locate the bone structures of interest accurately. The pubic bone, sacral promontory, and coccyx were correctly detected (DSI > 0.75) in 92%, 90%, and 88% of the testing images. This research aims to enable accurate, consistent and fully automated identification of pelvic bone structures on MRI to facilitate and improve the diagnosis of female pelvic organ prolapse.
Rhabdomyolysis in adolescent athletes: review of cases

Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by muscle pain, weakness and myoglobinuria and ranges in severity from asymptomatic to life threatening with acute kidney failure. While a common condition in adult populations, it is understudied in pediatrics and the majority of adolescent cases are likely exercise-induced, caused by strenuous exercise in athletes. Recently, in our pediatric sports medicine practice, we have seen numerous cases of late adolescent high school athletes who present with severe muscle pain and were found to have elevated creatine kinase levels. The cases review potential contributing factors including characteristics of the workout, use of supplements, caffeine, medication, and metabolic or genetic predisposition. Treatment for exercised-induced rhabdomyolysis rarely requires more than rehydration. Return to play should be progressive, individualized, and include acclimatization and monitoring of hydration status, though guidelines require further review.
Noted Difference in the Digestive System in Caged and Floor-Reared Commercial Egg-Type Pullets

Two trials were conducted with Single Comb White Leghorn pullets reared from 0 to 19 weeks of age in cages and on litter at the same environmental temperature. Samples were obtained to determine if digestive system differences existed. Criteria measured were gizzard weight and intestine length. Results showed that floor-reared pullets had heavier gizzards with longer intestines than cage-reared pullets. The difference may be caused by consumption of litter by the floor-reared birds.
Penile Tumescence in Temporally Normal and pathologic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep

AbstractThe present study was conducted to determine whether the usual temporal relationship between rapid eye movement and penile tumescence was present in a group of narcoleptic patients who had demonstrated the abnormal phenomenon of sleep onset rapid eye movement. We studied 5 men with a clinical history of sleep attacks and at least 1 auxiliary symptom of narcolepsy. Results indicated that penile tumescence occurred during temporally normal and abnormal rapid eye movement sleep. These findings provide further evidence of the strong temporal relationship between rapid eye movement sleep and penile tumescence.
Immunological implications of vasectomy.

A study of the safety of vasectomy was made by testing the serum of 43 men prior to and 3-6 months after vasectomy. Serum was studied for sperm agglutinins and presence of rheumatoid factor anti-nucleoprotein factor syphilitic reagin and C-reactive protein. Although there was evidence of the development of sperm agglutinating antibodies in 32.6% following vasectomy there was no evidence of disease or of classic auto-immune phenomena during the 3-6 months follow up period. None had thrombophlebitis episodes. No detrimental effects of vasectomy were found in this or a previous study of 1000 vasectomies.
New Product Evaluation an Application of a Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach

The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used successfully in a new product evaluation case study on a New Jersey food processing company. It led to a clear quantifiable decision to go with one of five proposed products. Briefly, AHP structures any complex, multi-criteria problem hierarchically. Five major criteria (gross margin, capital investment, consumer preference, competition and line capacities) were structured by which potential new products were evaluated by key company personnel. In this manner, it organized intuition and logic into a framework for objective decision making. The model seemed both reliable and efficient given the number of key personnel involved.
The Garrison State and America’s Future

Costly maintenance of the global empire abroad necessitates a garrison state at home. Severity of the economic recession of 2007–11 raises the question whether the declining American economy can afford to support its global imperium. The transition from a constitutional polity to a garrison state has been smooth, mainly unrecognized and virtually unopposed. Among its domestic challenges the most important is to reduce the polarization between the small minority of haves and the great majority of have-nots.
Severe Obesity Decreasing in Children in Cincinnati, Ohio

Childhood obesity rates appear to be leveling off. Studies not looking at severe obesity may be masking a rightward shift in the distribution of body mass indexes. Our objective was to provide current prevalence rates and examine trends in overweight, obesity, class 2 obesity, and class 3 obesity for youth in Cincinnati, Ohio. We performed a retrospective chart review of children 2 to 18 years old seen at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2014. Data from 217 037 BMIs were obtained; 35.2% of children were found to have an elevated BMI. Prevalence rates were highest in older, Hispanic, and Medicaid-insured children. The only significant trend over the 3-year period was a downward shift in class 3 obesity (P = .02), contrary to national findings. Further studies assessing which clinical/community efforts have led to this downward trend will be essential to target future resources and facilitate continued progress.
Study of the Mechanisms by Which Angptl5 and IGFBP2 Support Ex Vivo Expansion of Human Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells.

We previously showed that angiopoietin-like protein 5 (Angptl5) and IGF Binding Protein 2 (IGFBP2) support dramatic ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To understand the mechanisms of their action, here we studied the effects of Angptl5 and IGFBP2 on the surface phenotype, signaling activation, self-renewal, apoptosis, differentiation, and homing of human cord blood CD34+ cells. Using immunofluorescence staining, we showed that Angptl5 and IGFBP2 activate certain signaling pathways such as MAPK and Stat5 in human cord blood CD34+ cells. IGFBP2 and Angptl5 increased the expression of transcription factors HoxB4, Bmi-1, EZH2, and survivin, measured by intracellular staining flow cytometry analysis and real-time RT-PCR. IGFBP2 and Angptl5 also inhibit expression of certain transcription factors important for differentiation of myeloid, erythroid, and lymphoid lineages. To test whether IGFBP2 and Angptl5 affect the homing of HSCs, we cultured human cord blood CD34+ cells in serum-free medium supplemented with SCF, TPO, Flt3-L, IGFBP2 or Angptl5, and transplanted them into sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID mice intraveneously or intrafemorally. Both IGFBP2 and Angptl5 support ex vivo expansion of SRCs in intrafemorally injected mice, suggesting the expansion-stimulating effects elicited by both factors are not caused by modulation of HSC homing. Interestingly, when we used intrafemoral injection, we found that Angptl5 treated HSCs have enhanced engraftment in non-injected bone marrow. This suggests Angptl5 treated HSCs further facilitate the mobilization of HSCs in vivo. We conclude that IGFBP2 and Angptl5 support self-renewal and inhibit differentiation of human cord blood HSCs. Our data also suggest that a combination of expression of transcription factors important for self-renewal, survival, and differentiation of HSCs can be used as a “stemness index” that predicts the activity of cultured human HSCs.
Nimg-58preliminary Trends in Advanced Imaging Relative to Standard Imaging in Subjects Treated With Optune

BACKGROUND: Optune has recently received FDA approval for antimitotic treatment of subjects with recurrent glioblastoma. Response to Optune treatment is generally delayed (5.2 months) with the response duration highly correlated with OS. Recently, it was shown that 44% of responders developed initial tumor growth based on standard imaging. The aim of this preliminary analysis is to determine if there is a potential role for advanced imaging to distinguish responders from non-responders based on the directional change in MRI-derived perfusion and diffusion metrics. METHODS: Advanced MRI was examined in 7 recurrent high-grade glioma subjects (WHO IV = 4/WHO III = 3; 3M/4F) treated with Optune. When available, FLAIR (FV) and enhancing tumor volumes (ETV) were examined with diffusion (ADC) and DSC perfusion (rCBV and rCBF). Mean parameter values were obtained within FV and ETV prior to and following Optune treatment and trends in perfusion and diffusion are reported, relative to standard imaging. RESULTS: All but one subject had increased FV. In cases where FV increased, 3/4 cases had a decrease in perfusion and 2/5 cases had an increase in ADC indicating response. Half of subjects had increased ETV. In cases where ETV decreased, 2/2 subjects had an increase in perfusion and 1/3 cases had a decrease in ADC. In cases where ETV increased, 1/3 cases had a decrease in perfusion and 2/3 cases had an increase in ADC. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced imaging may potentially provide additional information beyond standard imaging, with potential to help identify early responders to Optune treatment. Additional information may be obtained through the use of advanced imaging as decreases in perfusion or increases in diffusion did not trend well with decreases in FV (≥50% case differences) or ETV (≥66% case differences). Further analysis in a larger cohort is underway, where future goals include correlation of advanced imaging to survival and device compliance.
Ultrasound of the Thyroid and Soft Tissues of the Neck

Ultrasonography (US) is a critical imaging modality for visualizing structures in the neck. A safe and inexpensive test, US can be easily performed in the outpatient setting by clinicians with specialty training and experience. This chapter will outline the initial approach to a patient suspected of having a thyroid nodule including laboratory testing and indications for ultrasonography and thyroid scintigraphy. The advantages of an office-based US exam over that performed by radiology will be outlined. Finally, the sonographic features of nodules and lymph nodes and their attendant malignancy risk will be outlined.
Promoter or enhancer activation by CRISPRa rescues haploinsufficiency caused obesity

Haploinsufficiency, having only one functional copy of a gene, leads to a wide range of human disease and has been associated with over 300 genes. Here, we tested whether CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) could rescue a haploinsufficient disease in vivo. Haploinsufficiency of Sim1, a transcription factor involved in the leptin pathway, results in severe obesity in humans and mice. CRISPRa targeting of either the Sim1 promoter or its ~270kb distant hypothalamic enhancer using transgenic mice, rescued the obesity phenotype in Sim1 heterozygous mice. Interestingly, despite using a ubiquitous promoter for CRISPRa, Sim1 was upregulated only in tissues where the promoter or enhancer are active, suggesting that cis-regulatory elements can determine CRISPRa tissue-specificity. To further relate this to therapy, we injected CRISPRa adeno associated virus into the hypothalamus, leading to reversal of the obesity phenotype. This therapeutic strategy could be used to rescue numerous diseases resulting from altered gene dosage.