cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of two instruments examining stress and adjustment in children with cancer.

Abstract The childhood cancer literature provides limited understanding of the school-age child's perception of cancer stressors and factors that contribute to adjustment in the midst of these stressors. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of two questionnaires: the Childhood Cancer Stressors Inventory (CCSI) and the Children's Adjustment to Cancer Index (CACI). The following steps were involved in the instrument development process: item development, face and content validation, internal consistency reliability, and construct validity. Questions for both instruments were developed from the literature and experience of the principal investigator. A panel of five expert pediatric oncology nurses was asked to evaluate the content validity of both instruments. All the experts rated every item a 4–5 using the content validity index, indicating that each item measured the concept addressed by the scale. Seventy-five children with cancer were asked to complete the two questionnaires and parents completed a demographic data sheet that included eight questions about the child's school attendance, performance, number of friends, and activities. Children were 7 to 13 years of age; 64% were diagnosed with a leukemia/lymphoma, and 36% had a solid tumor. Internal coefficient reliability for the total CCSI was .82, and .91 for the CACI. The CCSI correlated negatively with the adjustment scale ( r = ⋯.63, P = 000). The number of days missed from school correlated positively with the CCSI and negatively with the CACI. Children who missed more school perceived more cancer stressors and had a lower adjustment rating. Children with lower adjustment ratings on the CACI also had fewer friends (t = 3.4(72), P = .001). Scores on both instruments demonstrated expected relationships with measures hypothesized to covary with the dimensions assessed by the new instruments. Adjustment issues for children with cancer have been difficult to assess because of the lack of appropriate instruments. These study findings indicate that the two new instruments can help to measure the child's perceptions of the cancer experience.
Direct visualization of the coronary microcirculation for pharmacologic and physiologic studies.

Abstract An isolated, arrested rat heart preparation which has coronary tone similar to that found in vivo and allows direct visualization of the coronary microcirculation is described. The rat hearts are perfused in situ prior to isolation. This procedure obviates any ischemic damage to the heart. The perfusate used is a modified Krebs solution with 40 mM potassium, 2 g% albumin, and washed red cells (20% HCT). To directly view the coronary microcirculation, a fluorescent albumin conjugate is added to the cell-rich perfusate. The epicardial microvessels are illuminated and observed with a fluorescence microscope. It was found that the control intercapillary distance in this model (33 μm) was almost twice that reported by other investigators for working hearts and suggested a 60–70% coronary capillary reserve in the arrested heart. The calcium blocker nisoldipine (Miles Laboratories) caused a dose-dependent coronary vasodilation using either a constant-flow or constant-pressure protocol. The coronary reactivity of this preparation to nisoldipine was 50 times greater than reported for isolated hearts perfused with cell-free Krebs solution. Further, the preparation vasodilated in a dose-dependent manner to histamine, but histamine did not cause a significant increase in coronary permeability to macromolecules. This model is appropriate for both physiologic and pharmacologic studies. It is particularly well suited for determining the direct effects of an intervention on coronary tone and the coronary microcirculation.
Effect of Oxidation-Reduction Condition on Wettability Alteration

This paper presents results of a laboratory study exploring the effect of the oxidation-reduction (redox) condition on crude-oil adsorption on rock mineral surfaces and consequent wettability alteration. Experiments were performed by aging Berea outcrop and Loudon reservoir sandstones with crude oil under various redox conditions and water saturations. Wettability alterations after aging were evaluated by the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) method and by waterflood tests. The natural, oxidized Brea cores changed from strongly water-wet to mixed-wet conditions when aged at irreducible water saturation. Wettability alteration was greatly reduced when aging experiments were conducted under reduced conditions. The degree of wettability alteration depended on availability and redox state of iron on the mineral surfaces and also on aging time. The authors suggest two possible mechanisms to explain the role of iron in the wettability-alternation process. Wettability alteration in the water-wet Berea cores was insignificant when the cores were aged at residual oil saturation (ROS). Wettability alteration was also significant in the mixed-wettability Loudon reservoir cores, regardless of the water saturation or redox condition used in the aging experiments. The authors present the implications of these finding on core-handling procedures for wettability preservation.
Al/Si Interface Characteristics Formed by Partially Ionized Beam Deposition at 2.5Kv

Partially ionized beam (PIB) deposition technique was used to deposit Al thin film on Si(n) substrate. The fabricated Schottky diodes showed an anomalous C-V characteristics for the Al films deposited with a bias potential equal to 2.5kV. The 1/C 2 vs. V plot showed a drastic decrease in the slope as compared to the diodes deposited without the bias potential. Further measurements showed a frequency dependence in the C-V characteristics. This anomalous C-V characteristics can be explained by the formation of a p-n junction diode underneath the Si surface. A model of self-ion implantation which explains the formation of this surface p-layer on the Si(n) substrate is proposed and tested.
Energy dissipation in stretching filled rubbers

Energy expended irreversibly in stretching filled rubbers is calculated for a simple two-phase series model: a soft phase resembling the corresponding unfilled rubber and a hard phase in series with the soft phase. It is assumed that the rubber is initially wholly in the hard state and that it changes progressively into the softened state on stretching, as proposed by Mullins and Tobin. For a wide range of model parameters, the dissipation of mechanical energy is predicted to rise to about 40% of the input energy at large strains. This predicted behavior is in reasonably good agreement with observations of extra energy dissipation in carbon black-filled rubbers, in comparison with corresponding unfilled rubbers, suggesting that the proposed mechanism of hysteresis by phase transformation is valid. A method of combining energy losses from two simultaneous dissipative processes is also proposed.
Adrenergic- and cyclic nucleotide-induced glycerol release from brown adipocytes

Abstract Previous work has shown that although both α- and β-agonists stimulate brown fat heat production, the β-agonist is quantitatively more effective. The finding in the present study that isoproterenol, a β-agonist, significantly stimulates net glycerol release from isolated hamster brown adipocytes while the α-agonist, phenylephrine does not, may account (at least in part) for the differential thermogenic response to the two types of agents. The present study also compared lipolytic responses to AMP, cAMP, cGMP and theophylline, with the results indicating a greater rate of net glycerol release being induced by AMP and by cAMP than by theophylline or cGMP plus theophylline.
Single unit study of binaural interaction in the auditory cortex of the chinchilla.

Summary The primary aim of this investigation was to systematically compare for various stimulus conditions the relative influences of contralateral and ipsilateral acoustic stimulation on cortical single units in an unanesthetized preparation and to study the effects upon single unit responses of the dominant stimulus cues for sound localization — interaural intensity difference (ΔI) and interaural time difference (Δt). Recordings were obtained from 133 units in chinchillas immobilized by gallamine triethiodide. All units were found to be influenced by input from both ears. Unit thresholds for contralateral stimulation were lower and more discharges were elicited than for ipsilateral stimulation over a range of intensities from unit threshold intensity to 80 dB sound-pressure level. A predominance of contralateral influence was also observed when the number of stimulus-evoked discharges was plotted as a function of the ΔI or Δt. For 62% of the ΔI functions maximal responsiveness occurred for binaural stimuli that were more intense at the contralateral ear. Similarly, of the 36 units that showed sensitivity to Δt parameters for tone stimuli, 22 (61%) were maximally responsive at the contralateral-leading Δt intervals. For click stimuli, maximal responsiveness for all 21 Δt-sensitive units also occurred for contralateral-leading stimuli. Certain observations in the study question the generality of the hypothesis that a particular cell invariantly encodes a specific Δt, i.e., that cells have ‘characteristic delays’. First, most units tested at more than two frequencies showed maximal responsiveness at different Δt intervals depending upon stimulus frequency. Second, the Δt intervals for maximal responsiveness for half of the units tested were greater than the maximal interaural delays the animal could encounter naturally. Third, Δt functions from the same unit for click and tone stimuli showed poor correspondence. These findings suggest that the encoding of interaural time and intensity might depend on an inter-hemispheric comparison of the activity of neural populations as originally proposed by von Bekesy.
A Training Program for Teaching Assistants

This article describes the training program for teaching assistants in the French Department of the University of California at Davis. The program consists of a one-week orientation workshop, continued supervision and evaluation, supervision in the language laboratory, and assistance in testing and evaluation of students. The program pertains to the lower-level curriculum, i. e., the first and second years of language study.
The Dead Sea transform fault system

Abstract A new map showing the major features of the Dead Sea transform fault system based on seismicity, satellite imagery, geological maps and bathymetric charts is presented. Special attention is given to the possible northward continuation of the transform system beneath the Mediterranean Sea near Ed Damur, south of Beirut. The map shows the Dead Sea transform system to be a series of offset, overlapping, left-lateral transform faults with a rhombochasm between each pair. The system has similarities with the equatorial fracture zones in the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout, the Dead Sea transform system is considered in its regional setting, i.e. as extending from the Red Sea spreading centre in the south to the Eurasian collision zone in the north. It is suggested that it may intersect the latter somewhere east of Cyprus making that area the northernmost termination of the Dead Sea transform system.
The trunk/spine complex and wheelchair seating for children: A literature review

Wheelchair seating should provide children with disabilities with an external support system from which to gain postural and movement control. The importance of correct pelvic positioning has been extensively discussed in the literature in relation to maintaining correct spinal curvature and muscle balance, and providing a stable base of support for the trunk and upper body. The effects of positioning on the trunk/spine complex has been quantitatively investigated in relation to non-disabled adults, but little literature is available in relation to children. Of significance to occupational therapists is the effect of trunk/spine positioning on the developing child with a disability. This paper reviews the quantitative literature on seating and assesses the application of research on adults with and without a disability to the child with a disability. Awareness of potential physical stress areas —muscles, ligaments and joints, enables informed practice by occupational therapists. However, it is evident that there are constraints in relating information from research with adults to children with disabilities.
Letting the Object of Study Lead: A Cultural Studies Ethic

I practice a methodological ethic that I learned from my training in cultural studies: It is entirely possible that the methods of one discipline will not be enough for the task at hand; and you ne...
A rapid method to evaluate acute ethanol intoxication in mice

A simple technique for the evaluation of ethanol intoxication based on the ability of mice to remain on a bar suspended above an electrified grid is reported. The characteristics that make this model useful to measure ethanol induced intoxication include: (a) low variability; (b) high sensitivity; (c) rapidity; (d) requires no previous training of animals to be tested; (e) objective scoring which can be quantified; and (f) dose-dependent correlation between brain and blood ethanol levels and bar holding response.
Acute Postbronchodilator Changes in Pulmonary Function Parameters in Patients with Chronic Airways Obstruction

Pulmonary function studies were performed before and after one-time administration of an inhaled bronchodilator to ascertain the relative diagnostic value of using FVC, FEF25-75%, static lung volumes, Raw, and/or sGaw measurements, in addition to the FEV1, to assess the reversibility of chronic airways obstruction in nonasthmatic patients. A total of 517 patients underwent 686 spirometric tests, 264 (38 percent) of which disclosed a significant response to bronchodilators. In 247 (93 percent) studies, this response included a significant change in FEV1 and/or FEF25-75%, while in 17 studies (7 percent), the postbronchodilator improvement was seen exclusively in the FVC measurement. It is concluded that, in the clinical setting, analyzing static lung volumes, Raw, sGaw, and spirometric parameters other than the FEV1, seldom yields meaningful additional information regarding the reversibility of chronic airways obstruction in nonasthmatic patients. Finally, potentially misleading results can be seen in a relatively small proportion of studies due to errors in the FVC and/or FEF25-75% measurements.
Developmental expression of connexins in the chick embryo myocardium and other tissues

Background: Connexins are cell surface proteins that form specialized regions of cell-cell communication called gap junctions. These allow impulse conduction in involuntary muscle tissue such as the heart, but also allow the formation of communities of like cells during development of organs. Methods: We used an antipeptide antibody to connexin 43 in immunolocalization studies and an anti-peptide antibody to an external loop domain common to most connexins in Western blotting of total heart protein to measure the accumulation of connexins in the heart as it develops from 33 hours to 21 days (hatching), and in the adult. Results: Immunolocalization revealed that connexin 43 is widely distributed in the earliest organ rudiments. It is especially prominent in the neural tube and its derivatives, in the lens and nasal placodes, in the foregut and its derivatives, in the somites, in the mesonephric tubules, and in the heart and major arteries. Heart tissue staining grew more intense with development through day 8. However, at day 11 and day 15, and in the adult, heart staining diminished. Endocardium and valve tissue did not stain. Western blotting of heart homogenates with the antibody directed against the external loop domain peptide showed 26, 32, 43, 45, and 56 kilodalton connexins, which changed in relative abundance, displaying unique patterns during development. Conclusions: Our results show patterns of connexin immunolocalization in early germ layers and organ rudiments that are similar to those known in the mouse, but with certain differences. Our results show a distinctive pattern of multiple connexin gene expression in the developing heart from days 2–21. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ERG oscillatory potentials in infants.

Purpose: Study the scotopic and photopic oscillatory potentials (OPs) of the electroretinogram (ERG) in 10-week old infants. Methods: Term-born 10-week old infants (n = 15) and adults (n = 12) were tested. Full-field ERGs were recorded under scotopic and photopic conditions. The records were filtered (75–300 Hz) to demonstrate the oscillatory wavelets. The amplitudes and implicit times of the infants’ OPs were compared to those in adults and also to amplitudes of the saturated photoreceptor responses. Results: In infants, the mean OP amplitudes are similar in scotopic and photopic conditions and do not vary significantly with OP number. Infants’ OPs are significantly smaller than in adults, with scotopic OPs averaging 19% of that in adults and photopic OPs averaging 47%, whereas the amplitudes of the saturated photoreceptor responses are 43% and 66% of those in adults. Mean interpeak intervals are similar in infants and adults, indicating oscillatory behavior at a frequency of 155 Hz in scotopic conditions and 135 Hz in photopic conditions. Conclusions: In young infants, the OPs are relatively immature compared to the photoreceptor responses, with the immaturity of the scotopic responses being more marked than that of the photopic responses.
Using integrated weighted survival difference for the two-sample censored data problem

For the two-sample censored data problem, Pepe and Fleming [Pepe, M.S., Fleming, T.R., 1989. Weighted Kaplan-Meier statistics: A class of distance tests for censored survival data. Biometrics 45, 497-507] introduced the weighted Kaplan-Meier (WKM) statistics. From these statistics we define stochastic processes which can be approximated by zero-mean martingales. Conditional distributions of the processes, given data, can be easily approximated through simulation techniques. Based on comparison of these processes, we construct a supremum test to assess the model adequacy. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to evaluate and compare the size and power properties of the proposed test to the WKM and the log-rank tests. The procedures are illustrated using real data.
Identification of catecholamine and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-containing neurons in primary cultures of dispersed cells of the basal hypothalamus.

Abstract Primary cultures of dispersed cells were prepared from 3–5 mg pieces of basal hypothalami of 10–12-day-old rats. The tissue included median eminence, arcuate nucleus and variable amounts of adjacent hypothalamus and preoptic area. The dispersion procedure consisted basically of tissue trypsinization and mechanical dissociation of cells. They were cultured in a modified L-15 medium in an air atmosphere. Neurons survived approximately 3 months. On the basis of morphological characteristics, two basic cell types could be distinguished. One was a larger (50 μm diameter) multipolar cell; microspectrofluorometric analysis revealed that a small percentage of these neurons contained a catecholamine. A second type was smaller, fusiform or ovoid and generally bipolar; a significant number of these were immunoreactive for the releasing hormone LHRH.
Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase enhances superoxide activity in canine kidney

To evaluate the role of a potential interaction between superoxide anion (O2−) and nitric oxide (NO) in regulating kidney function, we examined the renal responses to intra-arterial infusion of a s...
Effects of exogenous progesterone and/or prolactin on Haemonchus contortus infections in ovariectomized ewes

Reproduction can alter the course of ovine nematodiasis; fecal nematode egg concentrations often increase near lambing and throughout lactation, a phenomenon referred to as the periparturient rise. To identify the host mechanisms that might link these disparate events, i.e. lactation and the fecundity of gastrointestinal trichostrongyles, ovariectomized ewes were injected daily with progesterone and/or prolactin, or saline. Progesterone treatment commenced 20 days before inoculation with Haemonchus contortus and prolactin was administered throughout the 30-day infection period. Ovariectomized ewes receiving prolactin during the experimental infection maintained higher daily fecal egg concentrations than the progesterone, progesterone/prolactin, or the control treatment groups. However, ovariectomized ewes that received 20 days of pre-inoculation exposure to progesterone, as well as prolactin during the infection, had greater numbers of nematodes that were larger than the other treatment groups. Thus, the sequential delivery of these hormones that are associated with the reproductive cycle in ewes produced some of the same results that occur during periparturient rise.
Radiologists and anesthesiologists

This article discusses the anesthesiologist's role in diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic procedures. It addresses the use of monitored anesthesia care, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia, with an emphasis on patient safety. The discussion is based on guidelines published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American College of Radiology.
Life cycle environmental impacts from CZTS (copper zinc tin sulfide) and Zn3P2 (zinc phosphide) thin film PV (photovoltaic) cells

While solar PV (photovoltaic) cells are promising for clean energy production, their mass deployment is hindered by production costs, material availability, and toxicity. Two materials that can overcome these challenges and replace today's CdTe (cadmium telluride) and CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) based PV cells are Zn3P2 (zinc phosphide) and CZTS (copper zinc tin sulfide). A cradle to gate life cycle assessment was conducted to understand the environmental impacts from these technologies. The impacts from Zn3P2 and CdTe were similar and lower than the impacts from CZTS and CIGS. While CdTe has the toxic Cd element, the ecotoxicity impact from material acquisition and processing was higher for Zn and P than for CdTe. In CIGS, the ecotoxicity impact came mainly from Ga and would be significantly reduced if CZTS were to replace CIGS in the commercial market. For all four thin films studied, the contribution of raw materials to total impact was much lower than the impact coming from electricity consumption during the manufacturing stage. Therefore, to reduce environmental impact, future PV technology development should focus more on the process improvement. The manufacturing stages that contributed most to the impact were the absorber layer for CIGS and CZTS and the substrate cleaning for CdTe and Zn3P2.
Internalizing and externalizing problem behavior and early adolescent substance use: a test of a latent variable interaction and conditional indirect effects.

Externalizing problem behavior is a robust predictor of early adolescent substance use (SU); however, findings regarding internalizing problems have been mixed, suggesting that there may be important moderators of the relationship between internalizing problems and SU. The present study used a community sample (mean age was 12.1 at the first assessment, 55% women, 83% White) to test a longitudinal latent variable interaction structural equation model to examine whether externalizing problems moderated the relationship between internalizing problems and SU. Peer delinquency was tested as a mediator in the model and prior levels of the mediator and outcome were controlled at each wave to establish temporal precedence. RESULTS suggested that (1) internalizing problems were protective against associating with deviant peers, but only at high levels of externalizing symptomatology, (2) higher levels of peer delinquency were associated with increases in SU, and (3) peer delinquency mediated the effect of the problem behavior interaction on SU. Our findings suggest that the impact of internalizing problems on peer delinquency and SU needs to be considered in the context of externalizing problems. Moreover, developmental models involving internalizing symptoms should consider that internalizing symptoms are generally protective against substance use in early adolescence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of membrane-confined electrophoresis

Abstract Membrane-confined electrophoresis (MCE) is an electrophoretic transport method in which macromolecules in solution are confined within a cuvette through which a current flows. Small ions that can permeate the membranes permit current flow. The method is the electrophoretic analog to analytical ultracentrifugation. Systems in the MCE instrument are described by nonequilibrium thermodynamics. This description forms the basis of a program, implemented using finite element methods, that can model transport processes in such systems over an extended time, from arbitrary starting conditions to steady state. Issues relevant to the analysis of systems in which macromolecular species are involved in mass–action associations are discussed. Particular attention is given to steady-state electrophoresis, from which measurements of reduced molecular charge are sought. The relationship of such measurements to valence is discussed.
Coupling local discontinuous and continuous galerkin methods for flow problems

In this paper, we discuss the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method applied to elliptic flow problems and give details on its implementation, focusing specifically on the case of piecewise linear approximating functions. The LDG method is one a family of discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods proposed for diffusion models. These DG methods allow for very general hp finite element meshes, and produce locally conservative fluxes which can be used in coupling flow with transport. The drawback to DG methods, when compared to their continuous counterparts, is the number of degrees of freedom required to compute the solution. This motivates a coupled approach, discussed herein, where the solution is allowed to be continuous or discontinuous on a node-by-node basis. This coupled approximation is locally conservative in regions where the numerical solution is discontinuous. Numerical results for fully discontinuous, continuous and coupled discontinuous/continuous solutions are given, where we compare solution accuracy, matrix condition numbers and mass balance errors for the various approaches.
The buddy system: Effect of community intervention on delinquent offenses

The delinquent offense records of 264 youths participating in a community-based, behavioral intervention program were compared with those of 178 youngsters in a no-treatment control group. For youngsters who had committed major offenses in the previous year, program participation significantly reduced the number of such youths committing major offenses during the project year. For youngsters with no record of major offenses in the preceding year, reliably more experimental youths committed major offenses during the project year than control youths. Thus, those individuals for whom the program was effective were identified and separated from those for whom it may be counter-effective.
Vernier in Motion: What Accounts for the Threshold Elevation?

Vernier acuity is susceptible to degradation by image motion. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent vernier thresholds are elevated in the presence of image motion because of reduced stimulus visibility, due to contrast smearing, or to a shift in the spatial scale of analysis. To test the visibility hypothesis, we measured vernier thresholds as a function of stimulus velocity (0-6 deg/sec), for various levels of stimulus visibility, each normalized to the detection threshold at the respective velocity. Contrary to the prediction of the visibility hypothesis, vernier thresholds worsen as the velocity increases, even when the stimuli are equally visible. To test the shift in spatial scale hypothesis, we determined spatial frequency tuning functions for vernier discrimination and line detection tasks, using a masking paradigm. We measured vernier and line detection thresholds as a function of spatial frequency of a sine-wave mask (0.5-32 c/deg), and for stimulus and mask velocities ranging from 0 to 4 deg/sec. Peak masking for both vernier discrimination and line detection, which indicates the most sensitive band of spatial frequencies for each task, shifts systematically toward lower spatial frequencies as the velocity increases. The progressive increase in spatial scale largely accounts for the worsening of vernier thresholds for moving stimuli. Differences between peak masking for vernier discrimination and line detection were found at 0 and 1 deg/sec, suggesting that different mechanisms mediate the two tasks, at least at low velocities. The masking results are consistent with previous findings that directionally selective motion detectors mediate detection of moving stimuli, but suggest that these detectors do not analyze vernier offsets. We conclude that the elevation of vernier threshold for a moving stimulus is accounted for primarily by a shift of sensitivity to mechanisms of lower spatial frequency, and not by decreased stimulus visibility.
Electrical conductivity of graphite/polystyrene composites made from potassium intercalated graphite

Abstract Composites between graphite and polystyrene have been synthesized starting from potassium intercalated graphite and styrene vapor. This in situ polymerization process can be used to make electrically conductive composites containing well-dispersed thin graphite sheets. The conductivities of the composites increase as the number of ordered carbon layers increases. With only 10% graphite in a polystyrene matrix, an electrical conductivity up to 1.3 × 10−1 S/cm can be obtained. The key is synthesizing a material with at least four ordered graphite layers (a stage IV complex) separated by polystyrene. This composite shows an improvement in conductivity over a control composite made by radical polymerization of styrene containing the same amount of dispersed graphite which had a conductivity of 5.0 × 10−3 S/cm. Characterization of the complexes by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electrical conductivity is presented.
Regulation of memory - from the adrenal medulla to liver to astrocytes to neurons.

Abstract Epinephrine, released into blood from the adrenal medulla in response to arousing experiences, is a potent enhancer of learning and memory processing. This review examines mechanisms by which epinephrine exerts its effects on these cognitive functions. Because epinephrine is largely blocked from moving from blood to brain, it is likely that the hormone's effects on memory are mediated by peripheral actions. A classic effect of epinephrine is to act at the liver to break down glycogen stores, resulting in increased blood glucose levels. The increase in blood glucose provides additional energy substrates to the brain to buttress the processes needed for an experience to be learned and remembered. In part, it appears that the increased glucose may act in the brain in a manner akin to that evident in the liver, engaging glycogenolysis in astrocytes to provide an energy substrate, in this case lactate, to augment neuronal functions. Together, the findings reveal a mechanism underlying modulation of memory that integrates the physiological functions of multiple organ systems to support brain processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Memory enhancement’.
Reversible thioridazine-induced magnetic resonance imaging-documented pituitary enlargement associated with hyperprolactinemia.

ABSTRACT Objective To document a case of reversible thioridazine-induced pituitary enlargement associated with hyperprolactinemia in a patient with schizophrenia. Methods We describe a 19-year-old woman with paranoid schizophrenia who was taking thioridazine (a phenothiazine), in whom hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and a reversible anatomic pituitary abnormality developed. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were used to assess the status of the pituitary gland during various pharmaceutical therapies. Results Laboratory evaluation revealed increased serum prolactin (PRL) levels that ranged from 76 to 135 μg/L. Results of thyroid function tests were normal, and gonadotropins and estradiol levels were low, consistent with hyperprolactinemia. MRI revealed asymmetric enlargement of the right side of the pituitary gland. Discontinuing the thioridazine therapy resulted in normalization of the serum PRL and resolution of the pituitary abnormality. Subsequent worsening of the patient’s psychiatric condition necessitated a course of electroconvulsive therapy and initiation of treatment with clozapine, a D4 dopamine receptor antagonist. At 1-year follow-up, at which time the patient was maintained on clozapine and was not taking thioridazine, both serum PRL levels and MRI findings remained normal. Conclusion Our patient was shown to have asymmetric pituitary enlargement associated with thioridazine-induced hyperprolactinemia, which reversed when use of the drug was discontinued. In patients with serum PRL levels in excess of 100 μg/L during antipsychotic drug therapy, evaluation for a prolactinoma is warranted. (Endocr Pract. 1996; 2:85-89)
cCXCR1 is a receptor for cIL-8 (9E3/cCAF) and its N- and C-terminal peptides and is also activated by hIL-8 (CXCL8)

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that play important roles in immune responses and wound healing, as well as in pathological conditions such as chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. The chemokines and their receptors are highly conserved and maintain similar functions in different species. One noteworthy exception is the chemokine interleukin (IL)8/CXC ligand 8 and its specific receptor CXCR1, which are found in humans but are not found in the traditional model organisms, mice and rats. As a consequence, we are using model organisms other than mice to study the functions of IL-8 and CXCR1, as well as the mechanisms involved in receptor activation by IL-8. Toward this goal, we have isolated and characterized a new receptor that is highly homologous to human (h)CXCR1, which we named chicken (c)CXCR1. To determine whether this receptor is activated by cIL-8 and its N- and C-terminal peptides and whether it responds to hIL-8, we expressed cCXCR1 in NIH3T3 cells, which naturally lack this receptor, and used single-cell Ca(2)(+) imaging to detect increases in intracellular Ca(2)(+) and immunoblot analysis to detect extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. We show that cIL-8, its N and C peptides, and hIL-8 activate cCXCR1. We further show that cIL-8 and hIL-8 stimulate chemotaxis of chicken embryonic fibroblasts, cells that express cCXCR1, and that this effect is specific for each chemokine and this receptor. These results strongly suggest that cCXCR1 is the ortholog for hCXCR1 and that chickens can be used as an effective model system to study the functions of IL-8, its terminal peptides, and its specific receptor CXCR1.
Structure-function analysis of Yersinia pestis YopM's interaction with alpha-thrombin to rule on its significance in systemic plague and to model YopM's mechanism of binding host proteins

The plague virulence protein YopM of Yersinia pestis KIM5 belongs to the large family of leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins. The only activity demonstrated so far for YopM is thrombin-binding, which could be a function of the small amount of YopM that is released into surrounding tissues by the bacteria. This study combined deletional and mutational analysis, chemical crosslinking assays, and in vitro functional tests with molecular modelling to identify key features of YopM necessary for interacting with thrombin. Two Y. pestis strains expressing YopM variants that differed in thrombin binding were used to assess the importance of thrombin-binding for lethality of plague. Both strains suffered a similar decrease in virulence by three orders of magnitude, indicating that thrombin-binding per se was not the major deficiency for lethality in the systemic disease model employed. It remains possible that extracellular YopM could contribute to plague pathology and to early events in peripheral tissues. The structural studies provided a model for how YopM may interact with thrombin and an insight into how YopM's LRR structure may assemble distinct regions for binding different targets.
Alcohol Consumption in Relation to Other Predictors of Suicidality among Adolescent Inpatient Girls

This study of 54 adolescent inpatient girls examined alcohol consumption in relation to depression severity and family dysfunction as predictors of suicidal ideation and behavior. Although alcohol consumption, depression severity, and family dysfunction were intercorrelated, regression analyses revealed their differential importance to the prediction of self-reported suicidal ideation and severity of clinician-documented suicidal ideation or behavior (none, ideation, intent, gesture, attempt). Self-reported ideation was strongly predicted by depression severity and family dysfunction; severity of clinician-documented suicidal ideation or behavior was predicted by alcohol consumption and family dysfunction. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS, GROWTH AND TRANSLOCATION IN GIANT KELP

this increased their susceptibility to fungal and bacterial attack. The conditions under which watersoaking was induced are likely also to have induced stomatal droplets. Johnson (1945) mentions that surface water was present on the leaves of some plants in his moist chambers. Stomatal droplets also may have been present and may have induced stomatal penetration in instances where there was no visible water congestion, e.g., sunflower leaves invaded by rust (Johnson, 1947). When stomatal penetration occurs, actual water-logging may encourage the growth of the pathogen in the tissueinvasion stage rather than in the initial penetration of the tissues. SUMMARY
Action of pharmacologic agents in experimental cardiac tamponade.

Isoproterenol, atrial pacing, ouabain and methoxamine effects on dogs during experimental cardiac tamponade, observing arterial pressure, cardiac output and heart rate changes
Synthesis, X-ray crystallographic, and NMR characterizations of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) pyrophosphato complexes.

A series of mononuclear cis-diamineplatinum(II) pyrophosphato complexes containing ammine (am), trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (dach), and 1,2-ethanediamine (en) as the amine ligands were synthesized and characterized by 31P and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. Chemical shifts of 31P NMR resonances of these completely deprotonated complexes appear at 2.12, 1.78, and 1.93 ppm, indicating a coordination chemical shift of at least 8 ppm. The 195Pt NMR chemical shifts for the am and dach complexes were observed at −1503 and −1729 ppm. The complexes are highly stable at neutral pH; no aquation due to the release of either phosphate or amine ligands was observed within 48 h. Furthermore, no partial deligation of the pyrophosphate ligand was detected within several days at neutral pH. At lower pH, however, release of a pyrophosphate ion was observed with concomitant formation of a bridged pyrophosphatoplatinum(II) dinuclear complex. The extended crystal structure containing the dach ligand revealed a zigzag chain stacked i...
Cocaine facilitation of cryptosporidiosis by murine AIDS in male and female C57/BL/6 mice.

As cocaine may affect progression of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), we used a murine model of AIDS (MAIDS) induced by LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus to examine cocaine’s possible role as a cofactor for secondary parasitic infections. Dissimilarities between the sexes were observed both in the absence and presence of the cocaine. The retrovirus-infected female mice had a much higher rate of Cryptosporidiosis than the retrovirus-infected male mice. Female, but not male, retrovirus-infected mice showed approximately 20-fold more Cryptosporidium per villus section than controls. Compared to respective gender controls, male and female animals infected with the retrovirus infection manifested a heightened Cryptosporidium oocysts count regardless of cocaine treatment. Overall, female groups incurred a higher incidence of infection compared to respective male groups. To determine the role of cocaine, groups of male and female C57BL-6 mice of similar age were treated with cocaine for 4 weeks followed by termination. Cocaine synergized with retrovirus infection in female mice to cause a 30-fold increase in the number of oocyst present. The spleen size and weight of female mice was significantly greater than uninfected controls or male mice. However, due to the very slow progression to murine AIDS in the males, parasite resistance was retained, including in cocaine treated C57BL-6 mice. Thymus cell number in the retrovirus-infected female mice decreased significantly in comparison to uninfected female controls. Continued resistance to the parasite in male mice and its loss in female mice was due to the rate of immunosuppression and thus development of retrovirus-induced murine AIDS.
Depletion of activated Vβ8+ T cells disrupts bispecific antibody directed antitumor immunity1

INTRODUCTION Activation of Vbeta8+ T cells with superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and use of an antitumor, anti-CD3 bispecific antibody (BsAb) leads to tumor protective immunity. We hypothesize that Vbeta8+ T-cell activation in combination with BsAb is crucial for tumor protective immunity in this model. METHODS Adolescent C3H/HeN mice were intravenously injected with syngeneic CL62 melanoma to establish pulmonary metastasis. Three days after establishing pulmonary metastasis, predominantly Vbeta8+ T cells are activated with 50 mug of intraperitoneal superantigen SEB. T cells were depleted at different time points in relation to SEB administration to assess the effect on protective immunity against a second tumor challenge. RESULTS Protective immunity is significantly (P < 0.008) decreased when Vbeta8+ depletion occurs 6 h after SEB injection, as growth of rechallenged CL62 melanoma occurred in 43%. Protective immunity is present at all other time points when mice survive Vbeta8+ T-cell depletion. Survival of animals treated with SEB/BsAb (82%) is significantly better (P < 0.002) than with SEB alone (60%) or nontreated control (0%). Survival when Vbeta8+ T-cell depletion occurred at 6 h and 48 h post-SEB is 72% and 77%, respectfully, and is statistically indistinguishable (P < 0.232 and P < 0.602). If T-cell depletion was conducted before SEB administration, however, the combination of SEB and BsAb did not result in significant protective immunity. T-cell depletion before the use of SEB alone, without BsAb, failed to result in significant protective immunity. CONCLUSIONS Depletion of Vbeta8+ T cells 6 h after activation disrupts the development of protective immunity.
Biodemography of Exceptional Longevity: Early-Life and Mid-Life Predictors of Human Longevity

Effects of early-life and middle-life conditions on exceptional longevity are explored in this study using two matched case-control studies. The first study compares 198 validated centenarians born in the United States in 1890-1893 to their shorter-lived siblings. Family histories of centenarians were reconstructed and exceptional longevity validated using early U.S. censuses, Social Security Administration Death Master File, state death indexes, online genealogies and other supplementary data resources. Siblings born to young mothers (<25 years) had significantly higher chances to live to 100 compared to siblings born to older mothers (odds ratio = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.33 - 3.11, P = 0.001) while paternal age and birth order were not associated with exceptional longevity. The second study explores whether people living to 100 and beyond are any different in physical characteristics at young age from their shorter-lived peers. A random representative sample of 240 men born in 1887 and survived to age 100 was selected from the US Social Security Administration database and linked to the US WWI civil draft registration cards collected in 1917 when these men were 30 years old. These validated centenarians were then compared to randomly selected controls matched by calendar year of birth, race and place of draft registration in 1917. It was found that ‘stout’ body build (being in the heaviest 15% of population) was negatively associated with survival to age 100 years. Farmer occupation and large number of children (4+) at age 30 increased the chances of exceptional longevity. Detailed description of dataset development, data cleaning procedure and validation of exceptional longevity is provided for both studies. These results demonstrate that matched case-control design is a useful approach in exploring effects of early-life conditions and middle-life characteristics on exceptional longevity.
Surgical Resection of Cervical Schwannoma or Paraganglioma at a Single Institution: Speech and Swallow Outcomes

METHODS AND MATERIALS Institutional review board approval was obtained. Pathological diagnoses of cervical schwannoma or paraganglioma between 2003 and 2009 at a tertiary care academic institution were identified through a pathology database. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, radiologic evaluations, surgical approaches and intra-operative findings, postoperative functional outcomes, and management of postoperative sequelae. Table 1: Cervical Schwannoma Functional Outcomes Pt: Age/Sex Location Approach Involved Nerve(s) (condition)* Primary Treatment Initial Outcome Subsequent Treatment (timingoutcome) A. Speech and Swallow Deficits
Packaged Software Configuration through the Lens of Social Construction of Technology

This research concerns the configuration of packaged software. Specifically, it concentrates on the technical, organizational and social aspects of post-purchase configuration. Accordingly, adoption of a Social construction of technology (SCOT) approach to study configuration process of packaged software is proposed. In doing so configurable packaged software has been defined based on the previous literature. After a review of the sociotechnical approach of SCOT, this theoretical lens has been defined and its use in the context of IS has been discussed. The potential insights from such a study are argued to benefit both use and development of packaged software.