cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The protective effects of preconditioning on cerebral endothelial cells in vitro.

Ischemic preconditioning (PC) can markedly reduce ensuing ischemic damage. Although most attention has focused on the neuronal effects of PC, the authors have recently shown that ischemic PC reduces ischemia-induced cerebrovascular damage. In vivo, it is difficult to ascertain whether this is a direct cerebrovascular effect of PC. This study, therefore, examined whether cerebral endothelial cells can be preconditioned in vitro in the absence of other cell types. Experiments were performed on an immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line or primary cultures of mouse brain microvessel endothelial cells. Cells were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) of either short duration, as a PC stimulus, or a long duration (5 hours) with or without reoxygenation to induce endothelial damage. Endothelial injury was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 at the protein and mRNA levels. Experiments indicated that 1 hour of OGD was the optimal PC stimuli and that a 1 or 3 day interval was the optimal time interval between the PC stimulus and the injurious event. Preconditioned cells had less lactate dehydrogenase release during OGD ( reoxygenation) and reduced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression after OGD with reoxygenation. This study shows that cerebral endothelial cells can be directly preconditioned. The importance of this phenomenon in the overall effects of PC on the brain remains to be elucidated. Understanding the protective mechanisms elicited by PC may give insight into how to prevent ischemia-induced vascular damage (e.g., hemorrhagic transformation).
Impaired visual and spatial reversal learning in brain-damaged rats: Additional components of the "general learning system" of the rodent brain

Based on earlier lesion studies, it was reasoned that the components of the rodent’s “general learning system” (an ensemble of brain structures essential for normal acquisition of a wide variety of laboratory tasks) could roughly be identified by determining which lesion placements within the rat brain would lead to defective acquisition of a spatial discrimination and its reversal as well as a visual discrimination and its reversal. Of the 29 cortical and subcortical sites investigated to date, only 9 qualify as components of the general learning system—pontine reticular formation, median raphe, interpeduncular nucleus and central tegmentum, substantia nigra, red nucleus, parafascicular nucleus, lateral thalamus, ventrolateral thalamus, and globus pallidus. It is proposed that these 9 brain regions constitute a major part of an organized nervous substratum mediating “anticipatory sets. ”
Discretized streams: fault-tolerant streaming computation at scale

Many "big data" applications must act on data in real time. Running these applications at ever-larger scales requires parallel platforms that automatically handle faults and stragglers. Unfortunately, current distributed stream processing models provide fault recovery in an expensive manner, requiring hot replication or long recovery times, and do not handle stragglers. We propose a new processing model, discretized streams (D-Streams), that overcomes these challenges. D-Streams enable a parallel recovery mechanism that improves efficiency over traditional replication and backup schemes, and tolerates stragglers. We show that they support a rich set of operators while attaining high per-node throughput similar to single-node systems, linear scaling to 100 nodes, sub-second latency, and sub-second fault recovery. Finally, D-Streams can easily be composed with batch and interactive query models like MapReduce, enabling rich applications that combine these modes. We implement D-Streams in a system called Spark Streaming.
Simulated Radioscapholunate Fusion Alters Carpal Kinematics While Preserving Dart-Thrower's Motion

Purpose Midcarpal degeneration is well documented after radioscapholunate fusion. This study tested the hypothesis that radioscapholunate fusion alters the kinematic behavior of the remaining lunotriquetral and midcarpal joints, with specific focus on the dart-thrower's motion. Methods Simulated radioscapholunate fusions were performed on 6 cadaveric wrists in an anatomically neutral posture. Two 0.060-in. carbon fiber pins were placed from proximal to distal across the radiolunate and radioscaphoid joints, respectively. The wrists were passively positioned in a custom jig toward a full range of motion along the orthogonal axes as well as oblique motions, with additional intermediate positions along the dart-thrower's path. Using a computed tomography–based markerless bone registration technique, each carpal bone's three-dimensional rotation was defined as a function of wrist flexion/extension from the pinned neutral position. Kinematic data was analyzed against data collected on the same wrist prior to fixation using hierarchical linear regression analysis and paired Student's t -tests. Results After simulated fusion, wrist motion was restricted to an average flexion-extension arc of 48°, reduced from 77°, and radial-ulnar deviation arc of 19°, reduced from 33°. The remaining motion was maximally preserved along the dart-thrower's path from radial-extension toward ulnar-flexion. The simulated fusion significantly increased rotation through the scaphotrapezial joint, scaphocapitate joint, triquetrohamate joint, and lunotriquetral joint. For example, in the pinned wrist, the rotation of the hamate relative to the triquetrum increased 85%. Therefore, during every 10° of total wrist motion, the hamate rotated an average of nearly 8° relative to the triquetrum after pinning versus 4° in the normal state. Conclusions Simulated radioscapholunate fusion altered midcarpal and lunotriquetral kinematics. The increased rotations across these remaining joints provide one potential explanation for midcarpal degeneration after radioscapholunate fusion. Additionally, this fusion model confirms the dart-thrower's hypothesis, as wrist motion after simulated radioscapholunate fusion was primarily preserved from radial-extension toward ulnar-flexion.
Characterization of the Unfolded State Under Native Conditions: A Missing Piece of the Protein Folding Puzzle

The nature of the denatured state ensemble is controversial owing in large part to the difficulty of characterizing the structure and energetics of denatured state interactions. Denatured states can be populated under a variety of extreme conditions but the state which is most relevant for protein folding and engineering is the denatured state ensemble which is populated in the absence of denaturant under native conditions. Unfortunately this state is usually experimentally inaccessible. We reported detailed characterized of the denatured state populated under native conditions for two α-β proteins, the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9 (NTL9) and the C-terminal domain of the same protein (CTL9) , as well as for a rapid folding all helical structure the villin headpiece helical subdomain, HP-36. Conditions have been found where the native and denatured states of CTL9 are both populated in the absence of denaturant and 1H, 15N and 13C NMR was used to define the conformation propensities of the denatured state. For NTL9 the thermodynamic linkage between proton binding and protein stability was used to characterize denatured state electrostatic interactions. Peptide models were exploited to characterize the denatured state of HP-36. In all three cases, the denatured states contains significant structure. The impact of this preformed structure on the kinetics and mechanism of protein folding is discussed.
Cell pairing ratio controlled micro-environment with valve-less electrolytic isolation

We present a ratio controlled cell-to-cell interaction chip using valve-less isolation. We incorporated electrolysis in a microfluidic channel. In each microfluidic chamber, we loaded two types of different cells at various pairing ratios. More than 80% of the microchambers were successfully loaded with a specific target pairing ratio. For the proof of concept, we have demonstrated the cell-to-cell interaction between prostate cancer cells and muscle stem cells can be controlled by cell pairing ratios through growth factor secretion. The experimental data shows that sealing of microenvironment by air generated from electrolysis does not affect cell viability and cell interaction assay results.
The effect of clopidogrel incombination with aspirin whengiven before coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative clopidogrel on coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) outcomes. Background Clopidogrel in combination with aspirin, given before percutaneous coronary intervention, has become the standard for stent thrombosis prevention. Some premedicated patients, however, are found to have surgical disease on angiography, and irreversible platelet inhibition becomes a concern for upcoming CABG. Methods We prospectively studied 224 consecutive patients undergoing nonemergent first-time CABG, and compared those with preoperative clopidogrel exposure within seven days (n = 59) to those without exposure (n = 165). Results The groups were comparable in age, gender, body surface area, preoperative hematocrit, preoperative prothrombin time and prior myocardial infarction. The clopidogrel group had higher 24-h mean chest tube output (1,224 ml vs. 840 ml, p = 0.001), and more transfusions of red blood cells (2.51 U vs. 1.74 U, p = 0.036), platelets (0.86 U vs. 0.24 U, p = 0.001) and fresh frozen plasma (0.68 U vs. 0.24 U, p = 0.015). Moreover, reoperation for bleeding was 10-fold higher in the clopidogrel group (6.8% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.018). The clopidogrel group also had less extubation within 8 h (54.2% vs. 75.8%, p = 0.002) and a trend towards less hospital discharge within five days (33.9% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.094). Conclusions Clopidogrel in combination with aspirin before CABG is associated with higher postoperative bleeding and morbidity. These findings raise concern regarding the routine administration of clopidogrel before anticipated coronary stent implantation.
Isolation of pure linolenate as its mercuric acetate adduct

After addition of mercuric acetate to the unsaturated methyl esters obtained from the methanolysis of linseed oil, linolenate of 99% minimum purity was isolated by means of a liquid-liquid continuous extraction technique and subsequent decomposition of the mercurial adduet. The methyl linolenate-mercuric acetate addition compound was extracted with 10% methanol in water from an ether solution of the reaction mixture. Infrared analysis of the regenerated methyl linolenate showed the complete absence oftrans-linkages. The yield, at least 60% of the linolenic acid present in linseed oil, was considerably higher than that obtained by bromination-debromination procedures. The solubility in aqueous solutions of fatty acid derivatives having 3 or more acetoxymer-euri-groups/molecule provides an approach to the fractionation of highly unsaturated oils. For example, a fraction having an iodine value of 395 was isolated readily from the methyl esters of pilchard oil by this technique.
Fuel composition effect on the electrostatically-driven atomization of bio-butanol containing engine fuel blends

Electrostatically assisted sprays of three fuel blends of bio-butanol, ethanol and heptane were studied experimentally. Mixture composition was selected such that electrical conductivity and surface tension were kept constant for all three mixtures. In this manner, the effect of fuel composition was investigated in a context that broadens the classical focus on the effective decrease of surface tension through the action of electrostatic fields. High-speed visualization was used in order to capture e-spray morphology. In addition, probability density functions of the e-spray droplet size and velocity were measured using Phase-Doppler Anemometry for a variety of flow rates and applied voltages. The dependence of droplet average diameter on both flow rate and applied electric field was highlighted. Polydisperse sprays were observed which was rationalized through the calculation of droplet Weber numbers that pointed to the possibility of a secondary droplet break-up.
Gas-phase combustion synthesis of particles

Abstract The current work summarizes recent experimental and theoretical investigations of the fundamental processes governing gas-phase combustion synthesis of particles. Various experimental methods and results are reviewed for the production of non-oxide, single-oxide, and mixed-oxide powders. Parameters influencing particle morphology and composition including electric field effects are discussed. Nucleation and growth models are presented for the different growth regimes, including homogeneous nucleation, agglomeration, and coalescence.
Coating design using very thin high- and low-index layers.

Any arbitrary generalized gradient-index interference coating (including homogeneous and inhomogeneous layers) possesses a digital configuration (sequence of thin high- or low-index layers), which is spectrally equivalent at all wavelengths. Such digital configurations are found directly from arbitrary-index profiles by using a prescribed two-layer high-low equivalent to a thin layer of arbitrary index. Digital configurations may be designed directly from given spectral requirements by using a flip-flop optimization scheme.
Studies on the accumulation of serum proteins in zymosan-induced inflammation in mouse peritoneum

Abstract Inflammatory responses were induced in mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of zymosan.This resulted in a rapid accumulation of protein in the peritoneum that was dependent on the time of the injection and concentration of zymosan used. Though other stimuli, e.g., phorbol myristate acetate, lipopolysaccharide, carrageenan and latex beads, caused the accumulation of proteins, the maximum response was obtained only with zymosan. Injection of free fatty acids were unable to induce protein accumulation in peritoneum. Factors which decreased leukotriene production in mouse peritoneum, i.e., dietary n-3 fatty acids and essential fatty acid deficient diets, did not affect protein accumulation. Direct injection of leukotrienes also failed to induce protein accumulation. Analyses revealed that the proteins were similar to serum proteins, indicating that zymosan causes the leakage of serum proteins into peritoneum.
SEPARATION STUDIES OF YTTRIUM(III) AND LANTHANIDE(III) IONS WITH 4-BENZOYL-2.4-DIHYDRO-5-METHYL-2-PHENYL-3H- PYRAZOL-3-THIONE AND TRIOCTYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE USING A ROBOTIC EXTRACTION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT We studied the extraction of trivalent Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, and Lu from aqueous perchlorate solutions using a mixture of 4-benroyl-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-thione (HBMPPT) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO). The metal ion distribution coefficients (D-values) as a function of increasing lanthanide atomic number increased initially, reached a maximum value at Nd, then decreased to a nearly constant value for Gd and the later lanthanides. The D-values vary slightly across the lanthanide series, the maximum difference being a factor of 14 between La and Nd. Analysis of the slopes of plots of log D versus pH, log [HBMPPT], and log [TOPO] indicated that the stoichiometrics of the extraction complexes varied across the lanthanide series showing a decrease in the number of HBMPPT (and/or BMPPT) units and an increase in the number of TOPO molecules involved in the major extraction species. This extraction system can provide a good way to separate the trivalent actinides fro...
CHEMICAL CONTROL OF CEREAL RUSTS

Introduction 486 Inorganic Sulfur Compounds 488 Organic Sulfur Compounds 489 Copper Compounds 490 Mercury Compounds 490 Boron, Selenium, Fluorine, Iron, Lithium, Manganese, Nickel 491 Phenolic Compounds 491 Quinones 492 Heterocyclic Nitrogen Compounds 492 Oxines or 8-Quinolinols and Derivatives 492 Other Organic Compounds 4........9....3 ....... 493 Antibiotics and Derivatives 493 Herbicides and Plant Growth Regulators .... 494 Chemical Composition and Metabolism ......... 494 Basic Research A Prerequisite to Chemical Control of Rusts 500 Literature Cited 50.... 2 ........ 502
Two new behavioral QTLs, Emo4 and Reb1, map to mouse Chromosome 1: Congenic strains and candidate gene identification studies.

By use of newly developed subcongenic strains of mice from a parental B6.129-Il10−/− knockout/congenic strain, we have narrowed the critical region for a new behavioral QTL, called Emo4, for open-field activity to a segment of Chromosome 1 between Erbb4 (68.4Mb) and B3gnt7 (86.2 Mb). We have also uncovered an additional QTL governing repetitive beam breaks in the open field. This QTL, called Reb1, maps to the interval between Asb1 (91.4 Mb) and NM_172851 (100.0 Mb) and is one of the first QTLs mapped for this type of behavior. Genome-wide microarray expression analyses were then undertaken to help to identify candidate genes that may be the cause of these genetic differences in open-field performance. In this effort, we analyzed global gene expression differences in the amygdalae by use of Affymetrix GeneChips between B6, B6.129-Il10−/−, and B6.129R4. Several probe sets representing target Chr 1 genes were found that showed significantly differential expression in the subcongenic and congenic strains. Several candidate genes have been identified. One of these regions coincides with an homologous region in humans that has been associated with autism, a disease whose symptoms include repetitive actions. This study illustrates that the use of congenic strains combined with global gene expression analyses can produce a list of viable candidates. It further shows that caution should be observed when analyzing the effects of knockout/congenic strains because many of the gene expression differences in these comparisons could not be attributable to the ablated Il10 gene but rather to passenger gene effects.
COHABITATION AND THE MEASUREMENT OF CHILD POVERTY

We use 1990 U.S. Census of Population data to calculate what poverty rates would have been if cohabitors were treated in the same manner as married couples. We find that the official treatment of cohabiting partners as separate family units overstated the extent of poverty in 1989 among all children by about three percent. Only about 11 percent of the observed rise in child poverty between 1969 and 1989 would be eliminated if the Census Bureau made this change in its definition of the family. We estimate a logistic regression model of the likelihood that poor, cohabiting families with children would be reclassified as non-poor if the cohabitor's income were included in family income.
Dopamine D2-receptors regulate neurotensin release from nucleus accumbens and striatum as measured by in vivo microdialysis.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to examine the role of dopamine D2-receptors in the regulation of neurotensin release. Through a modification of the methods described by Maidment et al. (Neuroscience, 45 (1991) 81–93), we have developed a highly reproducible method of measuring changes in extracellular NT in the striatum and nucleus accumbens by in vivo microdialysis in awake animals. It was observed that calcium-dependent release of NT was evoked in both structures by infusing a high concentration of potassium. In addition, systemic administration of the D2 agonist quinpirole (5 mg/kg) induced a rapid increase of approximately 200% in extracellular NT levels in the lateral caudate and 30–40% in the nucleus accumbens. Conversely, treatment with the D2 antagonist eticlopride (0.5 mg/kg) reduced extracellular NT in the medial anterior caudate and nucleus accumbens 20–30%, but had no effect in the lateral anterior caudate. These data demonstrate for the first time that D2-receptors are important in the dopaminergic regulation of extrapyramidal and limbic NT release in conscious animals.
Quality of data standards: framework and illustration using XBRL taxonomy and instances

The primary purpose of data standards is to improve the interoperability of data in an increasingly networked environment. Given the high cost of developing data standards, it is desirable to assess their quality. We develop a set of metrics and a framework for assessing data standard quality. The metrics include completeness, relevancy, and a combined measure. Standard quality can also be indirectly measured by assessing interoperability of data instances. We evaluate the framework on a data standard for financial reporting in United States, the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Taxonomy encoded in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), and the financial statements created using the standard by public companies. The results show that the data standard quality framework is useful and effective. Our analysis also reveals quality issues of the US GAAP XBRL taxonomy and provides useful feedback to taxonomy users. The Securities and Exchange Commission has mandated that all publicly listed companies must submit their filings using XBRL. Our findings are timely and have practical implications that will ultimately help improve the quality of financial data and the efficiency of the data supply chain in a networked business environment.
A cardiovascular cause of hematemesis

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect in which a fibromuscular membrane forms an anomalous septum within the left atrium, dividing it into a posterosuperior higher pressure chamber and an anteroinferior anatomically true left atrium. Typically, in cor triatriatum, all four pulmonary veins enter into this accessory chamber, we present an unusual variant of cor triatriatum, in which only the right sided pulmonary veins were involved.
Foliar and Litter Nutrients, Nutrient Resorption, and Decomposition in Hawaiian Metrosideros polymorpha

The native tree Metrosideros polymorpha dominates Hawaiian forests across a very wide range of soil fertility, including both sites where forest production is limited by nitrogen (N) and others where it is limited by phosphorus (P). Five long-term fertilization experiments have further broadened the range of nutrient availabilities experienced by Metrosideros. Adding P to P-limited sites increased foliar P concentrations threefold and litter P concentrations up to 10-fold; lignin concentrations decreased, and the decomposability of leaf litter increased from 32%–35% to 36%–46% mass loss in the first year. Adding N to N-limited sites increased leaf and litter N concentrations by only 15%–20%, with little or no effect on the decomposability of tissue.
CRF is the 'egg and chicken', whereas ACTH and corticosteroids are only 'chickens' in response to stress.

Lupien et al. (2005) began with a highly appropriate statement, ‘During a perceived physiological or psychological threat (stress) a cascade of hormones is released. FIRST, corticotrophin-releasing-factor (CRF) from the hypothalamus, which triggers the subsequent release of ACTH.’ She then embarks on the importance of corticosteroids, namely, their characteristics, roles in the aging process, in cognition and memory—noting distinctions between cognitive memory (hippocampus), and emotional memory (amygdala, limbic network). The review failed to consider the importance of CRF, per se, as a non-HPA-mediator of not only the initial effects of stress, but as a significant mediator of chronic stress. In fact, CRF acts to trigger the same characteristic roles assigned to ACTH (Lupien et al., 2005)—actions that do not occur within the HPA until after CRF was released! Subsequently, (de Kloet et al., 2005) emphasized the importance of CRF and continued to identify
The physiology and clinical significance of haptoglobin.

Summary A brief review of the biologic propertiesand functions of a plasma protein, haptoglobin, has been presented. The application of plasma haptoglobin determination to various clinical conditions has been discussed and some of the limitations of this laboratory technique were stressed. There is still much to be learned about the physiology of haptoglobin, especially in the neonatal period and in patients with inflammatory disease. With recognition of its limitations, the measurement of plasma haptoglobin levels can be a useful clinical tool.
Novel heterodimensional diodes and transistors

Abstract We describe novel heterodimensional devices which utilize Schottky barriers to a two-dimensional (2D) electron gas. These devices include a 2D–3D Schottky diode, an AlGaAs GaAs Schottky Gated Resonant Tunneling Transistor (SGRTT), an AlGaAs InGaAs 2D Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (2D MESFET), and a Coaxial MESFET. These devices hold promise of ultra low power, high speed operation. The 1 micron wide 2D MESFET, which has a very low output conductance and a steep subthreshold slope, exhibited the highest transconductance of any 1 μm wide device.
Semi-regular quadrilateral-only remeshing from simplified base domains

Semi-regular meshes describe surface models that exhibit a structural regularity that facilitates many geometric processing algorithms. We introduce a technique to construct semi-regular, quad-only meshes from input surface meshes of arbitrary polygonal type and genus. The algorithm generates a quad-only model through subdivision of the input polygons, then simplifies to a base domain that is homeomorphic to the original mesh. During the simplification, a novel hierarchical mapping method, keyframe mapping, stores specific levels-of-detail to guide the mapping of the original vertices to the base domain. The algorithm implements a scheme for refinement with adaptive resampling of the base domain and backward projects to the original surface. As a byproduct of the remeshing scheme, a surface parameterization is associated with the remesh vertices to facilitate subsequent geometric processing, i.e. texture mapping, subdivision surfaces and spline-based modeling.
Proliferation of Early Triassic wrinkle structures: Implications for environmental stress following the end-Permian mass extinction

Lower Triassic strata in the western United States and northern Italy have yielded the first reported occurrence of microbially mediated wrinkle structures in shallow subtidal siliciclastic paleoenvironments since the Cambrian. We hypothesize that wrinkle structures formed under reduced infaunalization conditions during the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction. These wrinkle structures occur in siliciclastic sedimentary rocks in association with hummocky cross-stratification and, in some cases, trace fossils such as Asteriacites , Rhizocorallium , Planolites , and Gyrochorte that indicate a subtidal paleoenvironment. Wrinkle structures were found in the Campil Member in the Werfen Formation of northern Italy and in the Virgin Limestone Member of the Moenkopi Formation and the upper member of the Thaynes Formation exposed in the western United States. The presence of wrinkle structures is likely related to a unique taphonomic window that allowed for the preservation of these delicate features on storm-dominated siliciclastic shelves. Wrinkle structures commonly formed in a variety of subtidal paleoenvironments during the Proterozoic–Cambrian, but thereafter became restricted to intertidal-supratidal and deep-sea environments. This restriction has been attributed to the increase in infaunalization of metazoans following the Cambrian radiation. The proliferation of wrinkle structures in subtidal settings during the Early Triassic suggests that infaunal bioturbation was reduced after the end-Permian mass extinction and that this reduction lasted for millions of years.
Reduction of moderate‐to‐large cystocele during urodynamic evaluation using a vaginal gauze pack: 8‐year experience

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of cystocele reduction by a vaginal gauze pack on urodynamic studies (UDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS UDS from consecutive women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse were reviewed. The protocol included a ‘fill-void’ study with a vaginal gauze pack, and then repeated without the pack. Tracings were categorized based on filling cystometrograms (CMGs) and pressure-flow studies (PFS). RESULTS Of 202 women, 121 with a mean (sd) age of 67 (9.4) years contributed 221 interpretable ‘pack, then no-pack’ UDS (111 CMGs and 110 PFS); 77 of the women had a moderate cystocele and 44 had a large cystocele. Eighty-five women had urethral hypermobility (UH), and 36 had a well-supported urethra (WSU). The pack unmasked stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in 6% of women, with a mean (sd, range) Valsalva leak-point pressure of 54 (22, 23–90) cmH2O. SUI occurred more often in women with UH than WSU. Detrusor overactivity occurred similarly in pack (15%) and no-pack (14%) tracings. Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was relieved by the pack in 25 studies and caused by the pack in four. Women with WSU had BOO more often than those with UH (43% vs 22%, P < 0.05), regardless of the presence or absence of the pack. CONCLUSION Unmasked SUI by pack reduction was uncommon, presumably due to anterior vaginal wall stabilization, as the pack rarely caused BOO. Those with SUI had Valsalva leak-point pressures suggestive of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The pack did not significantly influence the presence of detrusor overactivity.
Indications of Reduced Prefrontal Cortical Function in Chronically Homeless Adults

This study investigated why some homeless individuals seem unable to transition towards self-reliance, following traditional supportive services. It was hypothesized that this may be due to some cognitive dysfunction. Chronically homeless adults were compared to controls on three tests of prefrontal competency: the Iowa Gambling Task, Word Fluency (FAS), and the Burglar's Story; they performed significantly worse than controls on all three tests. These results indicate a relationship between chronic homelessness and possible pre-frontal deficits. This may explain why some long-term homeless fail to learn from the consequences of unproductive behavior and to develop more constructive behaviors needed to attain stability.
High-pressure hydrogen interactions with polyaminoborane and polyiminoborane.

Ammonia borane [NH3BH3, AB] is a prototypical Lewis acid (BH3)"Lewis base (NH3) adduct that is a stable molecular crystal at ambient temperature and pressure.[1] Upon heating, AB releases H2 in an exothermic reaction to form polyaminoborane [(NH2BH2)x, PAB] at temperatures below 1208C and decomposes further to polyiminoborane [(NHBH)x, PIB] above 1208C (Scheme S1, Supporting Information).[2-4] The structure and dynamics of AB, PAB and PIB is influenced by dihydrogen bonding (DHB)[5, 6] arising from the electrostatic interactions between protonic (Hd+) and hydridic (Hd*) H atoms and dative bonding due to donation of non-bonding lone pair on nitrogen to the empty p-orbital on boron.[7] Recently, it has been discovered that the presence of organic ligands on Lewis bases and/or donors creates steric hindrance resulting in a frustration of the dative bonding and termed as "frustrated Lewis pairs" (FLPs).[8] Early reports of phosphine-borane FLPs revealed a striking reactivity towards H2 activation[9, 10] and now seen in amine-borane FLPs as well.[11] We have recently reported on pressureinduced H2 interactions with AB resulting in the formation of AB*H2 complexes.[12] Herein, we demonstrate reactions of H2 and D2 with PAB and PIB in the 2-4 GPa pressure range and temperatures up to 2208C, in situ inmore » a diamond anvil cell (DAC).[13] Isotopic scrambling of H2 and D2, when thermodynamics prevent reversible reactions,[4, 14] is proposed to occur by a mechanism involving "polymeric" FLPs. We thank the USDOE, Office of BES, for funding and NNSA (CDAC) and NSF-DMR for instrumentation support. PNNL is operated by Battelle.« less
Psychological interventions for distress in cancer patients: a review of reviews

We review a decade of review articles concerning psychosocial interventions for cancer patients. We find a distinct progression in the tone of interpretations of the literature, as better quality studies accumulate and the sophistication of reviews improves. The current literature does not make a compelling case for the value of these interventions for the typical cancer patient. The bulk of the literature reviews in this field take a narrative rather than a systematic approach, and serious compromises in standards are necessary to muster an adequate set of studies for review. The more rigorous the review, the less likely it is to conclude there is evidence that psychological interventions are effective.
Serum response factor promotes re-epithelialization and muscular structure restoration during gastric ulcer healing.

Background & Aims: Serum response factor (SRF) regulates transcription of immediate early genes and muscle genes. In this study, we examined the role of SRF in gastric ulcer healing and the mechanisms involved. Methods: Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Gastric specimens were obtained sequentially after ulcer induction for analyses of SRF messenger RNA (mRNA), protein expression, and for immunohistochemistry. We examined the role of SRF in ulcer healing by local injection of an SRF expression plasmid into ulcers (gene therapy). To elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the action of SRF, we examined the effect of SRF overexpression on actin dynamics, cell migration, and proliferation in rat gastric epithelial cell (RGM1) and smooth muscle cell (A7R5). To determine the clinical relevance, we examined SRF expression in human gastric ulcer specimens. Results: Gastric ulceration activated SRF expression in epithelial cells lining regenerating glands and in myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells of granulation tissue. SRF up-regulation in human gastric ulcers was similar to that found in rat gastric ulcers. Gene therapy with SRF significantly accelerated experimental gastric ulcer healing and promoted re-epithelialization and muscle restoration. Overexpression of SRF in RGM1 and A7R5 cells accelerates migration and proliferation of these cells by promoting actin polymerization and activation of immediately early genes. Conclusions: Activation of SRF is an important component of ulcer healing. SRF promotes migration and proliferation of gastric epithelial and smooth muscle cells, which are essential for re-epithelialization and restoration of muscular structures.
C-terminal mutations destabilize SIL1/BAP and can cause Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome.

Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome (MSS) is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative, multisystem disorder characterized by severe phenotypes developing in infancy. Recently, mutations in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated co-chaperone SIL1/BAP were identified to be the major cause of MSS. SIL1 acts as a nucleotide exchange factor for BiP, the ER Hsp70 orthologue, which plays an essential role in the folding and assembly of nascent polypeptide chains in the ER. SIL1 facilitates the release of BiP from unfolded protein substrates, enabling the subsequent folding and transport of the protein. Although most mutations leading to MSS result in deletion of the majority of the protein, three separate mutations have been identified that disrupt only the last five or six amino acids of the protein, which were assumed to encode a divergent ER retention motif. This study presents an in depth analysis of two of these mutants and reveals that the phenotype in the affected individuals is not likely to be due to depletion of SIL1 from the ER via secretion. Instead, our analyses show that the mutant proteins are particularly unstable and either form large aggregates in the ER or are rapidly degraded via the proteasome. In agreement with our findings, homology modeling suggests that the very C-terminal residues of SIL1 play a role in its structural integrity rather than its localization. These new insights might be a first step toward a possible pharmacological treatment of certain types of MSS by specifically stabilizing the mutant SIL1 protein.
Synthesis of Novel Cage Oxaheterocycles

m-CPBA-promoted Baeyer−Villiger oxidation of pentacyclo[6.3.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecan-4-one (1) afforded the corresponding lactone 2 in 93% yield. Lithium aluminum hydride promoted reduction of lactones 2, 6, and 9, performed in the presence of BF3·OEt2 reagent, afforded the corresponding cage ethers, i.e., 4, 7, and 10, respectively. Two methods that can be used to replace a cage CO group by ether oxygen without concomitant rearrangement are delineated. A key step in the first of these methods employs m-CPBA promoted “double Criegee rearrangement”, which was used to convert pentacyclo[6.3.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecan-4-one diethyl acetal (11) into 7,9-dioxapentacyclo-[8.3.0.02,6.03,12.05,11]tridecan-8-one (12). Subsequently, 12 was converted into 4-oxapentacyclo[6.3.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane (14) via a two-step reduction−dehydration reaction sequence. The second method utilized PhI(OAc)2−I2 reagent to convert cage lactols 15 and 17 into the corresponding cage ethers, i.e., 14 and 2-oxaadamantane (18), resp...
Chemokine CCL5 signals required for survival during viral infection

Abstract Rationale Inducible expression of the CCL5 (RANTES) gene is an extremely sensitive indicator of viral infection, but the functional role of CCL5 in anti-viral defense still needs to be defined. We therefore studied newly developed mice with null mutations of the CCL5 gene in a model of viral bronchiolitis/pneumonia. Methods CCL5-null and WT cells (especially T cells and macrophages) isolated from these mice were monitored after inoculation with mouse parainfluenza type I (Sendai) virus. Studies were also extended to chemokine receptor CCR5-null mice and human cells treated with anti-CCR5 antibody and infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Results CCL5- and CCR5-null mice were immune compromised to the point of delayed viral clearance, excessive airway inflammation, and respiratory death compared to control mice. Inflammation was characterized by accumulation of virus-infected, apoptotic macrophages in the airway mucosa. Isolated CCL5- and CCR5-null macrophages (as well as human macrophages treated with anti-CCR5 antibody) were also more susceptible to virus-induced apoptosis. This susceptibility was rescued by CCL5 add-back in CCL5-null mouse macrophages and was reproduced by inhibition of G-protein/PI3K/Akt or MEK/ERK1/2 signaling in mouse and human macrophages. These same Akt and ERK pathways were resistant to endogenous activation in CCL5-null (but not wild-type) mice after viral infection in vivo. Conclusions Inducible expression of CCL5 is critical for host survival during viral infection, most likely because CCL5 protects macrophages from virus-induced apoptosis and thereby allows for effective clearance of cellular corpses that would otherwise cause excessive airway inflammation and obstruction.
Percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid, theophylline, 2,4-dimethylamine, diethyl hexyl phthalic acid, and p-aminobenzoic acid in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap compared to man in vivo

Abstract Human risk assessment for topical exposure requires percutaneous absorption data to link environmental contamination to potential systemic dose. Human absorption data are not readily available, so absorption models are used.In vitrodiffusion systems are easy to use but have proved to be somewhat unreliable and are not validated to man. This study compares percutaneous absorption in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF) system with that in manin vivo.The study design utilized the same compounds and the same dose concentration and vehicle in both systems. Methodology for each system was that which is routinely used ineach system. The skin surface was not protected during the absorption dosing period. Percutaneous absorption values were, for man and the IPPSF system, respectively: salicylic acid (6.5 ± 5.0%; 7.5 ± 2.6%), theophylline (16.9 ± 11.3%; 11.8 ± 3.8%), 2,4-dimethylamine (1.1 ± 0.3%; 3.8 ± 0.6%), diethyl hexyl phthalic acid (1.8 ± 0.5%; 3.9 ± 2.4%), andp-aminobenzoic acid (11.5 ± 6.3%; 5.9 ± 3.7%) (correlation coefficient was 0.78;p The skin surface wash recovery postapplication was similar for salicylic acid in man (53.4 ± 6.3%) and the IPPSF system (48.2 ± 4.9%). With the other compounds the majority of surface chemical was recovered in the surface wash and skin tape strip in the IPPSF system. With man, other than salicylic acid, only a few percent applied dose was recovered with surface washing and tape stripping. Since the wash procedure was effective with pig skin, we can assume that these chemicals in man were lost to adsorption to any clothing or bedding with the volunteers. The absorption in man was not less than that in the IPPSF. Assuming the dose was lost in man, it seems plausible that whatever compound was to penetrate human skin in solvent vehicle did so in the period of time before the chemical was removed. The IPPSF system appears to be a good model for predicting percutaneous absorption relative to man. This study design should be used to validate other systems to humansin vivo.
BAXing in the hypersensitive response.

Most of the cell death pathways that have been characterized in animal systems require caspase activation as a deterministic step. In some cases, this might involve mitochondria participation, whereas others by-pass this organelle and activate caspases using protein–protein interactions. In organisms such as C. elegans, where a simpler set of cell death regulators is known, no evidence for cytochrome c involvement has been found. Thus, this particular mode of cell death activation might be augmented by other types of pathways that bypass mitochondrial involvement in the activation of cell death. The conserved ability of Bax to activate cell death in yeast and plants via its interaction with the mitochondrial membrane is consistent with the view that this organelle can serve as a cell death activator in many eukaryotes. However, the precise details of why Bax localization to these mitochondria leads to cell death remains to be elucidated. A mammalian gene, Bax Inhibitor 1 (BI-1), has been isolated on the basis of its ability to repress Bax-induced yeast cell death15xBax inhibitor-1, a mammalian apoptosis suppressor identified by functional screening in yeast. Xu, Q. and Reed, J.C. Mol. Cell. 1998; 1: 337–346Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMedSee all References15. When overexpressed in mammalian cells, cell death induction by several different agents and treatments is suppressed by BI-1, with the exception of Fas-induced cell death, which does not involve mitochondrial participation. Interestingly, possible BI-1 homologs have been found in the Arabidopsis and C. elegans sequence databases, although their homologies to mammalian BI-1 homologs are rather low (29% and 21% identity, respectively). It will be interesting to determine whether mammalian and Arabidopsis BI-1 are able to suppress Bax- induced cell death in plants as well as hypersensitive response cell death. Another key experiment would be to examine whether cytochrome c release into the cytosol is used by plants to activate cell-death-processes, such as the hypersensitive response. This might link the possible participation of plant mitochondria in hypersensitive response cell death10xBax-induced cell death in tobacco is similar to the hypersensitive response. Lacomme, C. and Santa Cruz, S. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 1999; 96: 7956–7961CrossRef | PubMed | Scopus (220)See all References10 to observations that caspase-like protease activity is activated and appears to be necessary for the hypersensitive response13xCaspases and programmed cell death in the hypersensitive response of plants to pathogens. del Pozo, O. and Lam, E. Curr. Biol. 1998; 8: 1129–1132Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMedSee all References13.
Supported transition metal oxides as acid cracking catalysts: Periodic trends and their relationship to activity and selectivity

Abstract Surface phase oxides bonded to a support such as alumina have not been recognized previously to have acid cracking activities in the league of amorphous silica-alumina to the best of our knowledge. In this paper the relative gas-oil cracking activities of all Group IV, V, and VIB oxides supported on alumina (including alumina and rhenia on alumina) are reported. All of the supported oxides are at a surface coverage about one-third that of a monolayer. Tungsten oxide and niobium oxide on alumina have been identified as solid acids with high activity; while molybdenum oxide and rhenium oxide on alumina lead to high coke and gas make even with steam present as a cofeed in the cracking test. The periodic trends of cracking activity are those expected from the charge-to-radius ratio of the metal cation. This class of surface phase oxide solid acids has a wide range of activities (two orders of magnitude) and may prove useful for matching acid strength to specific reactions. In addition, this class of solid acids maintains surface area and cracking activity following high temperature steam treatment, in contrast to many conventional solid acid catalysts.
The influence of cannabis motives on alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use among treatment-seeking cigarette smokers

Objectives The present study evaluated the effects of cannabis motives on multi-substance use in an effort to examine the incremental validity of cannabis motives with respect to substance use outcomes.
Noninvasive Estimation of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance by Stroke Index Measurement With an Inert Gas Rebreathing Technique

Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have a cardiac limitation characterized by a decreased resting stroke index (SI) and an inability to augment stroke volume with exercise. We tested the hypothesis that a noninvasive estimation of SI, either at rest or with exercise, could be used to identify the presence and severity of PH. We used the inert gas rebreathing technique for measuring cardiac output and SI in nine subjects with PH and seven control subjects without pulmonary vascular disease. Noninvasive measurement of SI was compared with invasive measurement of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), and SI. Inert gas estimation of cardiac output correlated well with invasive measurements (r=0.94). All PH subjects had a depressed resting SI while all control subjects had a normal resting SI. An inverse correlation between the SI measured by inert gas technique and mean PAP was seen with both rest (r=-0.86) and exercise (r=-0.79). Because the resting SI differentiated subjects with PH from controls and correlated with disease severity, exercise measurements were not required. Multiple serial measurements performed in two PH subjects while receiving prostacyclin infusion produced a high level of correlation between the inert gas SI and mean pulmonary artery pressure. We conclude that inert gas measurement of SI may serve a useful role in the diagnosis and management of patients with PH.
Absorption Spectrum of 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene in the Near Ultraviolet

The absorption spectrum of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene at 2960–2600A has been investigated using a medium Hilger quartz spectrograph. The band system corresponds to a transition A′–A′ (1,2,4-C6H3Cl3 belongs to symmetry group Cs) with the transition moment lying in the molecular plane. The transition is allowed. In agreement with this assignment the 0–0 band appears strongly. Several progressions of symmetric vibrations and many combinations between them have been observed. A number of vibrational frequencies were identified with Raman frequencies. Characteristic of the spectrum is that its bands are spaced very regularly apart from each other, with a difference of about 30 cm−1 being most prominent. These differences represent v–v transitions of low frequency vibrations.