cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin-dopamine interactions in the control of conditioned reinforcement and motor behavior.

These studies addressed the question of serotonin (5-HT)-dopamine (DA) interactions with regard to reward-related behavior and motor activity in rats. The first experiment evaluated the effect of chronic treatment with fluoxetine (7 mg/kg/day), a serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor, and buproprion (15 mg/kg/day), a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, on responding for conditioned reinforcement (CR). Chronic fluoxetine, but not buproprion, enhanced CR responding, and also potentiated cocaine-induced increases in CR responding. In the second experiment, animals received intra-accumbens infusions of either 5-HT (0, 1, 5, and 10 μg) or DA (10, 20 μg) prior to the conditioned reinforcement test. Dopamine, but not 5-HT, selectively facilitated CR responding, although 5-HT non-specifically increased responding as well. In the third and fourth experiments, it was demonstrated that intra-accumbens 5-HT causes increased motor activity, which was partially blocked by DA antagonists. The results suggest that chronically increased levels of 5-HT may facilitate reward-related behavior, but most likely via indirect modulatory mechanisms affecting general arousal and motor tone.
Variability of extracts used in immunoprecipitin tests

Immunodiffusion reactions of several different commercial fungal extracts from organisms were compared to those obtained from patients' environments. Sera were obtained from patients suspected of having hypersensitivity lung disease (HLD). There was a difference in reactivity among the sources of the antigen and in some lots of antigen from the same commercial supplier. The results demonstrate a wide variation in the reactivity of different antigenic extracts and emphasize the need for uniform standardization of preparations used in precipitin tests.
Mercury photolytic transformation affected by low-molecular-weight natural organics in water

Abstract Mechanisms by which dissolved organic matter (DOM) mediates the photochemical reduction of Hg(II) in aquatic ecosystems are not fully understood, owing to the heterogeneous nature and complex structural properties of DOM. In this work, naturally occurring aromatic compounds including salicylic, 4-hydrobenzoic, anthranilic, 4-aminobenzoic, and phthalic acid were systematically studied as surrogates for DOM in order to gain an improved mechanistic understanding of these compounds in the photoreduction of Hg(II) in water. We show that the photoreduction rates of Hg(II) are influenced not only by the substituent functional groups such as –OH, –NH2 and –COOH on the benzene ring, but also the positioning of these functional groups on the ring structure. The Hg(II) photoreduction rate decreases in the order anthranilic acid > salicylic acid > phthalic acid according to the presence of the –NH2, –OH, –COOH functional groups on benzoic acid. The substitution position of the functional groups affects reduction rates in the order anthranilic acid > 4-aminobenzoic acid and salicylic acid > 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Reduction rates correlate strongly with ultraviolet (UV) absorption of these compounds and their concentrations, suggesting that the formation of organic free radicals during photolysis of these compounds is responsible for Hg(II) photoreduction. These results provide insight into the role of low-molecular-weight organic compounds and possibly DOM in Hg photoredox transformation and may thus have important implications for understanding Hg geochemical cycling in the environment.
Second-generation tetracycline-regulatable promoter: repositioned tet operator elements optimize transactivator synergy while shorter minimal promoter offers tight basal leakiness.

Background The tetracycline-regulatable system is one of the most valuable tools for controlling gene expression. In its current form, however, the system is less than ideal for in vivo or gene therapy uses due to difficulties in set-up procedures, high basal leakiness, and unpredictable delivery and efficiency. Methods To address these issues, we have devised a second generation of tetracycline-regulated promoters (TREs). The second-generation TRE (SG-TRE) contains a shortened cytomegalovirus (CMV) minimal promoter together with eight tet operator sequences positioned in an optimized manner upstream of the TATA box. This construct displays far greater reduction in basal leakiness than maximal transgene expression. Conversely, maximal transgene expression is increased to a greater degree than basal leakiness by post-translational stabilization with bovine growth hormone poly A. Results In transient studies, the SG-TRE displays over 100 000-fold regulation efficiency in HeLa cells at 1:1 ratio of transactivator to reporter plasmid in the Tet-Off system. This novel promoter achieves a regulation efficiency 500- to 1000-fold higher than that of the original TRE (PhCMV*-1) in HeLa cells by displaying undetectable levels of basal leakiness without compromised maximal expression. In other cell lines, the SG-TRE proves to be more efficient than the original PhCMV*-1 in a cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, the SG-TRE preserves its enhanced regulation efficiency and its reduced basal leakiness in the context of a single positive feedback regulatory vector that presents ease of delivery of the system for use in vivo. Finally, in vivo, the biological function of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor is tightly regulated in the context of SG-TRE delivered via adeno-associated viruses. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topology and nematic ordering.

We consider the weakly first-order phase transition between the isotropic and ordered phases of nematics in terms of the behavior of topological line defects. Specifically, we present analytical and Monte Carlo results for a new coarse-grained theory of nematics which incorporates the inversion symmetry of nematics as a local gauge invariance. Increasing the disclination core energy makes the nematic-isotorpic transition more weakly first order, and eventually splits it into two continuous transitions which involve the unbinding and condensation of defects, respectively. We find a novel isotropic phase with toplogical order.
Superoxide dismutase plus catalase improves post-ischaemic recovery in the diabetic heart

Streptozotocin induced diabetic rat hearts were perfused under constant flow conditions with or without 1 × 105 U·litre−1 each of superoxide dismutase and catalase (SOD+CAT). Total global ischaemia was produced for 20 min followed by 30 min of reperfusion at pre-ischaemic flow rates. After 5 min of reperfusion, isovolumic LV developed pressure was reduced in diabetic hearts, at 22 (SEM 11)% of baseline v 67(12)% in controls, with increased frequency of ventricular fibrillation (VF) (3/10 v 10/11 hearts). SOD+CAT improved isovolumic LV developed pressure to 67(8)% of baseline during early reperfusion of diabetic hearts but did not affect non-diabetic hearts. SOD+CAT also increased the adenylate energy charge potential in post-ischaemic diabetic hearts to 0.826(0.011) v 0.781(0.012) in diabetic controls, and reduced the incidence and duration of reperfusion induced VF in diabetic hearts. SOD+CAT augmented the production of prostacyclin in coronary effluents during early reperfusion of diabetic hearts, from (baseline) 11.5(1.7) to 18.1(3.0) ng·min−1·g−1 at 2 min, compared with 11.1(1.6) to 12.5(1.9) ng·min−1·g−1 at same interval in diabetic controls. Indomethacin prevented the protective effect of the free radical scavengers on function and VF. In contrast, perfusion with the prostacyclin analogue, iloprost (3×10−8 M), alone completely prevented early post-ischaemic dysfunction and reduced VF from 559(172) to 16(8) s. Oxygen derived free radicals may mediate reperfusion induced contractile dysfunction and VF in acutely diabetic hearts following brief episodes of myocardial ischaemia. The beneficial effects of SOD+CAT appear to be mediated mainly by an increase in prostacyclin production during early reperfusion.
A theoretical framework for the exploration of causes and effects of bias in testing

Test validity has been the predominant paradigm underlying much of the research into test bias. If we are interested in identifying causes of bias and determining its effects on test scores, validity may not be the best paradigm. In this article, a simple theoretical framework is presented in which bias can be seen to affect validity, but is not defined by it. Bias is seen instead as a multifaceted aspect of tests and of test takers. Some of the implications of this model for understanding the causes and effects of bias are then explored.
Estimation of functions of the parameters of a normal distribution

Several authors have considered the problem of estimating parameters of a distribution after some fixed Gaussian inducing transformation has been applied to the observations. This paper extends this work to the situation where the observations represent a noisy version of a true process, the parameters of the latter requiring estimation
The three-body dissociation dynamics of Cl2O at 248 and 193 nm

The photodissociation of Cl2O has been studied at 248 and 193 nm using photofragment translational spectroscopy (PTS) experiments with tunable VUV photoionization detection. The sole products observed were Cl, O and ClO fragments. Based on the derived translational energy distributions for the ClO and Cl photofragments we conclude that at 248 nm 15% of Cl2O excitation results in three-body dissociation. At 193 nm no Cl2 fragments are observed and we conclude that the oxygen atoms arise solely from three-body dissociation. Dissociation geometries derived from forward convolution fitting suggest two qualitatively distinct three-body dissociation pathways: asymmetric concerted dissociation and symmetric concerted dissociation in agreement with recent theoretical predictions.
HEDGING AND PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION UNDER TRANSACTION COSTS: A MARTINGALE APPROACH ⁄

We derive a formula for the minimal initial wealth needed to hedge an arbitrary contingent claim in a continuous-time model with proportional transaction costs; the expression obtained can be interpreted as the supremum of expected discounted values of the claim, over all (pairs of) probability measures under which the \wealth process" is a supermartingale. Next, we prove the existence of an optimal solution to the portfolio optimization problem of maximizing utility from terminal wealth in the same model; we also characterize this solution via a transformation to a hedging problem: the optimal portfolio is the one that hedges the inverse of marginal utility evaluated at the shadow state-price density solving the corresponding dual problem, if such exists. We can then use the optimal shadow state-price density for pricing contingent claims in this market. The mathematical tools are those of continuous-time martingales, convex analysis, functional analysis and duality theory.
Relations Between Language and Memory: The Case of Repetition Deafness

Immediate recall decreases for repeated relative to unrepeated words in rapidly presented spoken lists, a phenomenon known as repetition deafness (RD) The present study examines RD as a test case for a distributed memory account of relations between language and memory Within the distributed memory framework, general connection-formation processes required for language comprehension influence repetition deficits in sentences Thus, RD should increase as a function of factors, such as listlike sentence prosody, that disrupt the formation of word-to-phrase links Also under this account, repetition blindness and RD in sentences should display fundamentally similar characteristics (e.g., relative insensitivity to low-level sensory differences between the repeated words) Using innovative procedures for computer sound manipulation, the present study obtained data supporting both predictions RD increased for sentences generated with listlike versus normal prosody, but did not differ reliably for acoustically simi...
Investigation of breast tumor hemodynamics using tumor vascular phantoms and FEM simulations

We have developed dynamic tumor vascular phantoms and utilized the finite element method to investigate the bi-phasic behavior of oxyhemoglobin concentration increase that were observed in vivo from rat breast tumors during carbogen inhalation.
Faculty Development in Medicine: A Field in Evolution.

Abstract This article focuses on the evolution of faculty development in medicine. Of note, improving teaching in medical education is not a new concept. At a minimum, it was seriously discussed by pioneers like George Miller and Steve Abrahamson as early as the 1950s [ Simpson & Bland (2002) . Stephen Abrahamson, PhD, ScD, educationist: A stranger in a kind of paradise. Advances in Health Science Education Theory Practice, 7 , 223–234]. By 2005, significant numbers of medical school faculty have participated in teaching improvement methods [Clark et al. (2004). Teaching the teachers: National survey of faculty development in departments of medicine of US teaching hospitals. Journal General Internal Medicine, 19 , 205–14]. Yet, views of the importance and value of faculty development have evolved slowly. Fortunately, we are now in a more receptive era for program developers to assist faculty in their difficult roles.
A uniaxial strain model for a Lüder's band

Abstract An investigation of the plastic properties of Luder's bands in tensile test specimens leads to a relatively simple description of those properties of the band which may be termed classical. It is shown that the mechanism which is responsible for the propagation of the band and which determines its velocity is independent of the classical plastic properties. A model is proposed to explain the load-elongation test behavior for a wide range of types of materials which exhibit yield point phenomena in one form or another.
False-positive HTLV-III antibody tests in multitransfused patients with thalassaemia.

Data on the prevalence of HTLV-III antibody in high-risk groups include findings in polytransfused patients. We report here our experience in 95 thalassemic children randomly examined from 996 being regularly transfused in the 2 thalassemia units of the Saint Sophia Childrens Hospital Athens. They received between 50 and 300 transfusions. Besides examining the prevalence of HTLV-III antibody we studied the possibility of cross-reaction by granulocytic antibodies in the anti-HTLV-III assay. Granulocytic antibodies were studied by 2 indirect granulocytic immunofluorescence methods (GIF) often used to investigate patients with febrile transfusion reactions. The 1st (GIF1) employing paraformaldehyde treatment to exclude interference by HLA antibodies and the 2nd (GIF2) using human serum in the presence of a high concentration of rabbit IgG to suppress nonspecific interference. HTLV-III antibodies were tested in triplicate by ELISA (Abbott). Of 95 multitransfused patients with thalassemia 4 had anti-HTLV-III though none had clinical or other laboratory evidence of HTLV-III infection. However there were 10 false positives (11%) compared with only 1.58% among 4344 healthy blood donors recently examined in our blood bank. There was a relation between false-positive anti-HTLV-III and the presence of granulocytic antibodies. The higher incidence of granulocytic antibodies found by GIF1 may be explained by the fact that this method is more sensitive than specific in detecting antibodies to granulocytes while GIF2 is probably more specific than sensitive. Whatever the explanation this study shows that screening for granulocytic antibodies might help to identify polytransfused patients prone to false-positive anti-HTLV-III reactions. (full text)
Annexin A2 binds to endosomes following organelle destabilization by particulate wear debris

Endosomal functions are contingent on the integrity of the organelle-limiting membrane, whose disruption induces inflammation and cell death. Here we show that phagocytosis of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene particles induces damage to the endosomal-limiting membrane and results in the leakage of cathepsins into the cytosol and NLRP3-inflammasome activation. Annexin A2 recruitment to damaged organelles is shown by two-dimensional DIGE protein profiling, endosomal fractionation, confocal analysis of endogenous and annexin A2-GFP transfected cells, and immunogold labelling. Binding experiments, using fluorescent liposomes, confirms annexin A2 recruitment to endosomes containing phagocytosed polyethylene particles. Finally, an increase in cytosolic cathepsins, NLRP3-inflammasome activation, and IL-1 production is seen in dendritic cells from annexin A2-null mice, following exposure to polyethylene particles. Together, the results indicate a functional role of annexin A2 binding to endosomal membranes following organelle destabilization.
Loss of keratin 6 (K6) proteins reveals a function for intermediate filaments during wound repair.

The ability to heal wounds is vital to all organisms. In mammalian tissues, alterations in intermediate filament (IF) gene expression represent an early reaction of cells surviving injury. We investigated the role of keratin IFs during the epithelialization of skin wounds using a keratin 6α and 6β (K6α/K6β)-null mouse model. In skin explant culture, null keratinocytes exhibit an enhanced epithelialization potential due to increased migration. The extent of the phenotype is strain dependent, and is accompanied by alterations in keratin IF and F-actin organization. However, in wounded skin in vivo, null keratinocytes rupture as they attempt to migrate under the blood clot. Fragility of the K6α/K6β-null epidermis is confirmed when applying trauma to chemically treated skin. We propose that the alterations in IF gene expression after tissue injury foster a compromise between the need to display the cellular pliability necessary for timely migration and the requirement for resilience sufficient to withstand the rigors of a wound site.
Optimum feeding rate of hatchery-produced juvenile white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus): at 20°C

Abstract A growth experiment was conducted to determine the optimum feeding rate for juvenile white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) held at 20°C. Sturgeon were fed a purified diet from 0.5 to 4.0% (at 0.5% increments) body weight per day (BW/day) for 8 weeks. Analysis of variance showed that percent body weight increase (%BWI), feed gain ratio (FGR), final body weight, liver weight, condition factor, and whole body moisture and lipid content were significantly (P
Hard Elastic Scattering in QCD: Leading Behavior

We derive the asymptotic behavior of elastic meson-meson and baryon-baryon scattering at high energy and fixed angle. Our results organize both Sudakov and nonleading logarithmic corrections to independent (Landshoff) scatterings of valence quarks. We show how to separate these contributions systematically from single-scattering contributions, in a manner which suggests that the complete amplitudes should be computable perturbatively down to the dimensional counting power, in terms of hadronic wave functions.
Computing equilibria of GEI by relocalization on a Grassmann manifold

Abstract An algorithm is described to compute equilibria of the general economic model with incomplete asset markets, that is, of GEI. The algorithm is based on the existence of a route of zeros of a homotopy whose domain includes the price simplex and a Grassmann Manifold. This route is followed, in effect, by localizing and following diffeomorphic pieces in Euclidean space, and by relocalizing as is necessary.
Effects of Adsorbed Water Layer in Predicting Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity for Clays with Kozeny-Carman Equation

Saturated hydraulic conductivity for clays predicted using the conventional Kozeny–Carman equation is scalar and found to diverge significantly from measured values. The divergence is consistent and systematic requiring a mathematical derivation of the formula using first principles. The incorporation of the physical characteristics of the adsorbed water layer surrounding a clay particle results in a generalized Kozeny–Carman equation with two new parameters. The porosity correction factor gives the effective porosity taking into account the thickness of the adsorbed water layer and the mass specific surface area of the clay. The second parameter is shown to depend on the interparticle contact area and the interparticle contact stress. The ability of the proposed physically based generalized Kozeny–Carman equation to explain the results from some of the published laboratory permeability tests is tested. The paper results in a new theoretical framework to model changes in saturated hydraulic conductivity i...
Liquid-diet-induced alterations of rat parotid acinar cells studied by electron microscopy and enzyme cytochemistry.

Abstract After 1 day on liquid diet, the acinar cells were filled with secretory granules, and gland amylase content was approx. 50 per cent greater than chow-fed controls. After 3 days, the number of secretory granules was reduced, and amylase levels had fallen to 50 per cent of controls. Altered or degenerating secretory granules and autophagic vacuoles containing rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory granules and mitochondria were observed with increasing frequency during the 1st week. These structures were cytochemically reactive for trimetaphosphatase, a lysosomal hydrolase. Concomitantly, macrophages invaded the acinar parenchyma and phagocytosed the degenerating acinar cell components. Lipid droplets and large aggregates of glycogen particles were present in the acinar cells after 7–10 days. After 3 weeks, the acinar cells were considerably reduced in size and contained few secretory granules, but their structure appeared otherwise normal. These results indicate that the acinar-cell lysosomal system and invading macrophages, as in other experimental conditions, play an important role in the parotid-gland atrophy induced by liquid diet.
An index for measuring tax progressivity

Abstract A simple index is proposed that relates tax burden distribution to income distribution across all levels of income for a comprehensive indicator of tax policy progressivity. When federal income tax data are used to estimate this index over the last two decades, the index responds predictably to major changes in the U.S. income tax rate structure.
Turbulent channel flow of dilute polymeric solutions: Drag reduction scaling and an eddy viscosity model

Abstract Direct numerical simulation of viscoelastic turbulent channel flows up to the maximum drag reduction (MDR) limit has been performed. The simulation results in turn have been used to develop relationships between the flow and fluid rheological parameters, i.e. maximum chain extensibility, Reynolds number, Reτ, and Weissenberg number, Weτ and percent drag reduction (%DR) as well as the slope increment of the mean velocity profile. Moreover, based on the trends observed in the mean velocity profile and the overall momentum balance three different regimes of drag reduction (DR), namely, low drag reduction (LDR; 0 ≤ %DR ≤ 20), high drag reduction (HDR; 20 ≤ %DR ≤ 52) and MDR (52 ≤ %DR ≤ 74) have been identified and mathematical expressions for the eddy viscosity in these regimes are presented. It is found that both in LDR and HDR regimes the eddy viscosity varies with the distance from the channel wall. However, in the MDR regime the ratio of the eddy viscosity to the Newtonian one tends to a very small value around 0.1 within the channel. Based on these expressions a procedure that relies on the DNS predictions of the budgets of momentum and viscoelastic shear stress is developed for evaluating the mean velocity profile.
A Framework for a Decision Support System (DSS) Architecture for Air Traffic Management

The current Air Traffic Management (ATM) system in the United States supports a wide variety of users in providing a safe and efficient air transportation system. The ATM system has to be responsive to the changing needs of its users. One of the challenges in the ATM system evolution is to design the evolution of a Decision Support System (DSS)/automation architecture. This paper proposes a framework and a common language for understanding the different aspects of a DSS architecture.
Regulation of the CREB signaling cascade in the visual cortex by visual experience and neuronal activity.

The cAMP-responsive element (CRE) regulatory pathway has been studied as a model of signal-regulated transcription and is critical for some forms of learning and adaptation. In cell culture systems, the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) couple synaptic signals to CRE-mediated gene expression by modulating CRE-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. However, it is not known whether sensory experience regulates gene expression in the brain by this mechanism. In this study, we ask: Are activated forms of ERK, RSK, and CREB colocalized in the cortex and are they coordinately regulated by synaptic signals? We find that these three signaling components are regulated in distinct ways. First, cells that show CRE-lacZ reporter expression, primarily excitatory neurons, do not colocalize with cells containing phospho-ERK. Second, while phosphorylation of ERK and RSK are modulated by visual experience, phosphorylation of CREB at serines 133, 142, or 143 is detected constitutively and is unaffected by experience. This finding suggests that neural activity might not regulate CREB phosphorylation in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we blocked action potentials by injection of tetrodotoxin and found no effect on CREB phosphorylation. These in vivo data show that, in contrast to cell culture systems, cortical synaptic activity controls CRE-mediated gene expression without affecting CREB phosphorylation, possibly by modification of RSK and CREB-associated coregulators. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:70–83, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effect of leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM) on the tissue distribution of zinc and iron.

SummaryLeukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM) was shown to induce significant alterations in zinc and iron metabolism. Isotopic studies, employing 65Zn and 59Fe demonstrated that LEM stimulated a rapid redistribution of zinc and iron within the tissues of the host, with a significant uptake of these two metals by the liver.
Effects of sunlight on the production of dissolved organic and inorganic nutrients from resuspended sediments

A series of laboratory-based and field experiments was conducted to address the effects of sunlight-exposed resuspended sediments on dissolved nutrient fluxes in two different water bodies. In suspensions of tidal creek sediments in 0.2 μm-filtered creek water, measurable increases in dissolved nutrients occurred after only 2 h of exposure to simulated sunlight. During a 6-h irradiation, nutrient release rates for total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and phosphate were 2.2 ± 0.5 (standard error; S.E.) μmol g−1 h−1 and 0.09 ± 0.005 μmol g−1 h−1 (S.E.), compared to no significant changes in dark controls. The majority of nitrogen was released as dissolved organic nitrogen (87% on average) with lesser amounts of ammonium (13%). Continental shelf sediments resuspended in unfiltered seawater also released phosphate and TDN when exposed to sunlight, suggesting that this process can occur in a variety of marine and estuarine environments. The source material for inorganic nutrients appears to be associated with sediments rather than dissolved organic matter, as no significant changes in nutrient concentrations occurred in experiments with 0.2 μm-filtered creek water or seawater alone. Results suggest that photoproduction of dissolved nutrients from resuspended sediments could be an episodically significant and previously unrecognized source of dissolved organic and inorganic nutrients to coastal ecosystems. This process may be especially important for continental margins where episodic resuspension events occur, as well as in regions experiencing high riverine sediment fluxes resulting from erosion associated with deforestation and desertification.
Grade and ability predictions in an introductory programming course

Two regression equations are derived to predict grade and ability in an introductory FORTRAN course. College GPA, programming experience, and career orientation are shown to be significant positive predictors; working in groups and time spent on the course are unexpectedly shown to be negative correlates. The implications of these findings for methods of teaching programming are discussed.
Recovery of epidermal growth factorin voided urine of patients with bladder cancer

Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a potent mitogen and tumor promoter, is excreted in urine permitting it to incubate with urothelial cells. We have previously shown that the distribution of receptors for EGF (EGF-Rs) on malignant urothelium changes to favor contact between EGF-Rs and intraluminal EGF. Objectives . To determine if concentrations of EGF in voided urine are different in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder than in those without this condition. Methods . EGF was measured by radioimmunoassay in the urine of 54 patients with newly diagnosed TCC (16 with grade 1, Stage Ta lesions, and 38 with grade 3, Stage T ≥ 2 lesions) and 66 pathologic and normal controls without TCC. Subjects were matched for age and good renal function. Results . EGF concentrations were significantly reduced in patients with TCC compared with controls either when uncorrected (p Conclusions . The reduced concentration of EGF in voided urine supports previous evidence that the urinary EGF/urothelial EGF-R interaction is important for TCC development and growth, and has the potential to serve as a marker of tumor persistence, recurrence, and therapeutic response.
Superfluid density in inhomogeneous 4He with applications to thin films.

A general perturbative method for finding the zero-temperature superfluid density ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{s}}$ in $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ in the presence of weak inhomogeneous external potentials is developed. The lack of translational invariance reduces ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{s}}$ below the average mass density \ensuremath{\rho}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}, leading to an inert, or normal, part, even at temperature T=0. A variational formula for 1-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathit{s}}$/\ensuremath{\rho}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} is given in terms of the density response function for uniform $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. Approximations lead to a result in terms of the uniform fluid structure factor and the single-atom effective mass. Explicit numerical predictions are given for thin $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ films adsorbed on ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and other substrates.
Unusual Susceptibility of Erwinia amylovora to Antibacterial Agents in Relation to the Barrier Function of its Cell Envelope

Wild-type strains of the bacterial phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora (the cause of fire blight disease of apples and pears) are markedly susceptible to novobiocin, deoxycholate, and sodium dodecyl (= lauryl) sulfate. The inhibitory concentration, expressed as the concentration causing a 99% inhibition of growth, of these three antibacterial agents were 15 to 100, 40 to 800, and 50 to 800 mug/ml, respectively, depending on the E. amylovora strain. Growth of strains of other Erwinia spp. and Salmonella typhimurium is not affected at all, or is only slightly affected, at these concentrations. Introduction of the F'lac(+), RP1, and R100drd-56 (but not E-lac(+)) plasmids into an E. amylovora strain results in enhanced susceptibility to novobiocin and sodium dodecyl sulfate but not to deoxycholate. E. amylovora wild-type strains spontaneously release a periplasmic enzyme, cyclic phosphodiesterase, but not a cytoplasmic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, into the growth medium. Addition of MgCl(2) (20 mM) and NaCl (84 mM) to tryptone broth stimulates the growth of wild-type E. amylovora strains and reduces or eliminates leakage of the periplasmic enzyme. Mutant strains of E. amylovora, selected for resistance to each separate antibacterial agent (or to all three of them), showed a direct correlation (in all but the novobiocin-resistant mutant) between drug resistance and reduced periplasmic leakiness. The relatively low maximum growth temperature (<37 degrees C) of E. amylovora seems unrelated to periplasmic leakage, as judged from the inability of added MgCl(2) to raise the maximum growth temperature, although the generation time at 30 degrees C is reduced from 108 to 54 min upon the addition of 20 mM MgCl(2). The extensive leakage of periplasmic enzyme and unusual drug susceptibility of E. amylovora strains might stem from some defect(s) in some cell envelope component(s) other than the lipopolysaccharide of these bacteria (which contain the usual liposaccharide constituents).
Maternal anxiety about prenatal screening for group B streptococcus disease and impact of positive colonization results

Abstract Objective Universal screening for colonization by group B streptococcus (GBS) is the recommended strategy to reduce incidence of colonization in newborns and prevent neonatal GBS-related disease. This study was designed to assess maternal anxiety levels about prenatal screening and psychological impact of positive colonization test results. Methods A total of 71 women who screened positively for GBS colonization and 112 screen-negative women (controls) were recruited. Anxiety levels were measured by the Spielberger State Trait-anxiety Inventory just before the GBS screening test, 1-week after testing, and 1-week after delivery. After delivery of their infants, all participants were asked to respond with a Likert scale line about attitudes toward being tested for GBS colonization. Results Women with GBS colonization reported significantly greater psychological distress on state-anxiety scores after the full report was received. The trait- and state-anxiety scores before GBS screen testing and after delivery did not differ between the groups. Both groups of women were strongly positive about being screened for GBS in the current pregnancy and in future pregnancies. Conclusion Women with GBS colonization did not have a sustained increase in anxiety; therefore, clinician concerns about causing maternal anxiety should not be an impediment to test for GBS.
Effect of heterogeneity on the chromosome 10 risk in late-onset Alzheimer disease†‡

With the exception of ApoE (APOE), no universally accepted genetic association has been identified with late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD). A broad region of chromosome 10 has engendered continued interest generated from both preliminary genetic linkage and candidate gene studies. To better examine this region, we combined unbiased genetic linkage with candidate gene association studies. We genotyped 36 SNPs evenly spaced across 80.2 Mb in a family-based data set containing 1,337 discordant sibling pairs in 567 multiplex families to narrow the peak region of linkage using both covariate and subset analyses. Simultaneously, we examined five functional candidate genes (VR22, LRRTM3, PLAU, TNFRSF6, and IDE) that also fell within the broad area of linkage. A total of 50 SNPs were genotyped across the genes in the family-based data set and an independent case–control data set containing 483 cases and 879 controls. Of the 50 SNPs in the five candidate genes, 22 gave nominally significant association results in at least one data set, with at least one positive SNP in each gene. SNPs rs2441718 and rs2456737 in VR22 (67.8 Mb) showed association in both family-based and case–control data sets (both P=0.03). A two-point logarithmic odds (LOD) score of 2.69 was obtained at SNP rs1890739 (45.1 Mb, P=0.03 in 21% of the families) when the families were ordered from low to high by ApoE LOD score using ordered subset analysis (OSA). These data continue to support a role for chromosome 10 loci in AD. However, the candidate gene and linkage analysis results did not converge, suggesting that there is more extensive heterogeneity on chromosome 10 than previously appreciated. Hum Mutat 28(11),1065–1073, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Risk Analysis for the Security of VDOT Smart Traffic Centers

This paper assesses risks related to hurricane and pandemic scenarios and evaluates risk management alternatives to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such disasters could potentially disrupt the operations of critical transportation infrastructure systems. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia's highway infrastructure through its five high-technology communications hubs called smart traffic centers (STCs). STCs are staffed by transportation engineers, who monitor traffic flow, provide traveler information, and manage incidents. In the event of incidents, STC operators dispatch roadside assistance and post warnings to motorists via variable messaging signs and public radio advisories. Transportation system failures further compound a disaster's devastating economic, physical, and social consequences. A hurricane makes roads inaccessible, resulting in the inability of the general workforce to commute. Since STCs enable workforce mobility, the hurricane's effects are magnified should the STC itself be impacted. The STC's physical structure is vulnerable to high winds and flooding, which may disconnect its power supply, disable communications, or damage essential equipment. A pandemic, on the other hand, can impact the health and availability of STC employees, who require specialized training and experience with intelligent transportation systems. It is critical for the STCs to develop continuity of operations (COOP) plans. Such plans identify and detail specific procedures for maintaining essential functions in the event of a disaster. The Virginia information technology agency (VITA) and Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) require STCs to comply with COOP standards and other security policies. The project team employed risk-based methodologies to assist the STCs in achieving compliance. In particular, this paper discusses four case studies featuring the development and application of: (i) probabilistic risk analysis tools (e.g., data mining, regression analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation using incident databases), (ii) a dynamic recovery analysis model aided by geographic information systems (GIS) to predict the ripple effects of disasters across multiple sectors, and (iii) multi-criteria tradeoff analysis to evaluate the efficacy of risk management solutions. The results and findings from this research will contribute to Virginia's preparedness planning for managing disasters.
Templated Grain Growth of Textured PMN‐28PT Using SrTiO3 Templates

Highly textured PMN-28PT (0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.28PbTiO3) ceramics were produced by templated grain growth on oriented platelet-shaped SrTiO3 template particles with an aspect ratio of 10–15. The templates were aligned in PMN-28PT matrix powder via tape casting and fired in an O2–PbO atmosphere at 1150°C for up to 15 h. This resulted in textured ceramics with a 40 micrometer grain size and without residual templates. The volume fraction of textured material ( f ) and the orientation parameter (r) were quantified by fitting X-ray diffraction rocking curve data to the March–Dollase equation. Processing conditions were optimized to achieve the best possible values of f and r for the chosen templates and matrix powder. A texture fraction of at least 81 vol% and an orientation parameter of 0.2 were achieved when all random matrix grains were consumed (a perfect textured ceramic would show a texture fraction of 100 vol% and an orientation parameter of 0).
Gemcitabine-induced respiratory failure associated with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Summary Gemcitabine is a newer pyrimidine analog used for the treatment of solid tumors. Though generally considered safe, it can cause pulmonary toxicity, which is generally mild and reversible. The purpose of this publication is to document a case of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by Gemcitabine administration. The patient was noticed to have the extreme elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (>100 mm/h) at the time of diagnosis. We observed excellent response to the corticosteroids. The ESR trended back to normal after the resolution of her symptoms thereby suggesting the utility of monitoring ESR in the diagnosis and management of Gemcitabine-induced pulmonary toxicity.
Influence of direction and type of applied force on the detachment of macromolecularly-bound particles from surfaces

In biological adhesion experiments, cells use surface receptors to attach to ligand-coated substrata, and forces, such as centrifugation or shear forces, are used to remove cells. Receptors bind with a high-affinity lock-and-key mechanism, and their bonds are weaker than covalent bonds. The magnitude of the force at which the cell relents is quoted as the strength of adhesion. However, the character or direction of the force, which depends on the adhesion assay, can affect the results of an adhesion assay, even if forces of precisely the same magnitude are applied in the different assays. We demonstrate this principle by simulating the detachment of receptor-coated hard spheres from ligand-coated surfaces using normal, tangential, and shear forces after the particles are allowed to bind to steady state. For a single bond, a 20-fold greater force is required to detach the particle if a normal, rather than tangential, force is applied. At high receptor densities, tangential forces can be as much as 56 times...
Atomistic Simulations of Tribological Properties of Ultra-Thin Carbon Nanotube Films on Silicon

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study relationships between material morphology, adhesion, and sliding friction in carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings at the nanoscale. Two controlled quantities, CNT chirality and vacancy defects, are found to have significant effects on CNT coating adhesion to Si surfaces and sliding friction in turn. For example, using free energy calculations, a CNT of chirality (10,0) with a corresponding diameter of 7.777A was observed to have an adhesion energy-per-unit-length of approximately three-times that of a CNT with (5,5) chirality and corresponding diameter of 6.732A. Simulations of aligned carbon nanotube arrays containing various vacancy defect densities in sliding contact with Si substrates were also performed. Friction and wear were shown to increase with defect density. Similar studies are underway to investigate how other characteristics of CNTs in addition to chirality, such as CNT length distribution and defect concentration, affect adhesion and friction in CNT-Si coatings. Outcomes may shed light on fundamental principles governing, for example, sliding interfaces in micro- and nano-electro-mechanical and other tribological systems.
Factors Influencing Microencapsulation of a Waxy Solid by Complex Coacervation

Abstract Microencapsulation of stearyl alcohol particles by complex coacervation in a gelatin-acacia system was studied. Spherical particles of solid stearyl alcohol were prepared by vibrating reed and vibrating capillary methods. Encapsulation was attempted on several size fractions of these particles by conventional procedures, but only particles below 250 μ in diameter were encapsulated. A modified procedure was developed to encapsulate particles larger than 250 μ. Microscopic observations indicated that the coacervate droplets had little affinity for the stearyl alcohol particles and that encapsulation of smaller particles was apparently accomplished by aggregation and coalescence of several droplets around the particles. Encapsulation of particles larger than 250 μ by the modified procedure was possibly the result of the direct interaction of gelatin with acacia on the surface of the particles.
RELIGION AND HEALTH: A REVIEW AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The study of the relationship between religion and health has grown substantially in the past decade. There is little doubt that religion plays an important role in many people's lives and that this has an impact on their health. The question is how researchers and clinicians can best evaluate the available information and how we can improve upon the current findings. In this essay we review the cur- rent knowledge regarding religion and health and also critically re- view issues pertaining to methodology, findings, and interpretation of these studies. It is important to maintain a rigorous perspective with regard to such studies and also to recognize inherent limitations and suggest constructive ways in which to advance this field of study. In the end, such an approach can provide new information that will improve our understanding of the overall relationship between reli- gion and health.
A new object-oriented finite element analysis program architecture

Abstract This paper presents a new architecture for finite element analysis software, developed using object-oriented design. The resulting system is capable of the modeling and simulation of structural behavior, including the consideration of nonlinear static and dynamic effects. An innovation of the system design is the creation of several classes of objects that separate the analysis tasks from the details of the finite element model. This separation leads to flexible, extensible code. The overall system design and a prototype implementation are presented.
RH1 Induces Cellular Damage in an NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1-Dependent Manner: Relationship between DNA Cross-linking, Cell Cycle Perturbations, and Apoptosis

Structure-based development of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-directed antitumor quinones resulted in development of RH1 [2,5-diaziridinyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone], a methyl-substituted diaziridinyl quinone. We conducted experiments to evaluate the mechanism of RH1-induced cytotoxicity and the inter-relationship between DNA cross-linking, cell cycle changes, and apoptosis using an isogenic cell line pair developed from the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 differing only in expression of wtNQO1 (NQ16 cells). Statistically significant DNA cross-linking was detected using a modified comet assay in cells with wtNQO1 within 1 h of dosing, whereas in parental cells, only marginal DNA cross-linking was observed and required a concentration up to 50 times higher. Cross-linking in NQ16 cells could be abrogated with 5-methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-3-[(4-nitrophenoxy)methyl]indole-4,7-dione, a mechanism-based inhibitor of NQO1. RH1 prolonged S phase and caused a G 2 /M block. Cell cycle changes were observed up to 10-fold lower in RH1 concentrations in NQ16 cells relative to parental cells. Apoptosis was similarly observed morphologically in both cell lines after RH1 treatment but was induced preferentially in NQ16 cells at lower concentrations and earlier time points. Marked cleavage of caspase-3 was observed in NQ16 cells relative to parental cells using lower concentrations of RH1. Temporally, low doses of RH1-induced rapid DNA cross-linking in NQ16 cells followed by induction of apoptosis at times when a G 2 /M block was not observed. This suggests that cell cycle arrest is not required for RH1-induced apoptosis and that DNA damage may directly initiate apoptotic events. In summary, RH1-induced preferential DNA cross-linking, cell cycle changes, and apoptosis in an NQO1-dependent manner.