cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The specificity of amylin for the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background. Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance occurs in up to 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer at the time of cancer diagnosis. It has been reported that plasma amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide [IAPP]) levels are elevated in all patients with pancreatic cancer who are diabetic, and even moderately elevated in pancreatic cancer patients with normal glucose tolerance. Aim. To determine the specificity of elevated amylin levels for pancreatic cancer. Methods. Plasma amylin levels were determined in 168 patients with one or more of the following medical conditions: benign and malignant biliary obstruction, pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, other gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, and newly diagnosed type II diabetes. Results. Elevated levels of plasma amylin were detected in several disorders other than pancreatic cancer—particularly chronic pancreatitis, other GI malignancies, and biliary obstruction from benign causes. No statistical differences in amylin levels were detected for any of the tested medical conditions when compared to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. These results suggest that elevated plasma amylin is not specific for pancreatic cancer, thereby limiting its role as a tumor marker. Further studies are needed to determine whether amylin, if used in conjunction with other biological markers, could be useful for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Comparison of gene expression profiles between Peyronie's disease and Dupuytren's contracture.

Abstract Objectives To compare the gene expression alterations in human Peyronie's disease (PD) and Dupuytren's disease (DD) to determine whether they share a common pathophysiology. Multiple mRNA expression profiles of human PD have previously shown that genes that regulate fibroblast replication, myofibroblast differentiation, collagen metabolism, tissue repair, and ossification are involved. DD, a palmar fascia fibrosis, may be associated with PD. Methods Total RNA samples from PD plaques, normal tunica albuginea, Dupuytren's nodules, and normal palmar fascia (nine samples per group) were subjected to differential gene expression profile analysis (Clontech Atlas DNA microarray) comparing PD with tunica albuginea and DD with normal palmar fascia. Changes of more than 2.0 in PD and DD compared with tunica albuginea and normal palmar fascia, respectively, were recorded. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions were performed for some genes whose expression was altered in PD. Results Some of the gene families upregulated in both PD and DD were (a) collagen degradation: matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), with MMP2 and MMP9, and thymosins (MMP activators), with TMβ10 and TMβ4; (b) ossification: osteoblast-specific factors (OSFs) OSF-1 and OSF-2 (DD only); and (c) myofibroblast differentiation: RhoGDP dissociation inhibitor 1. The genes upregulated in PD only were decorin (an inhibitor of transforming growth factor-beta1 and a part of fibroblast replication/collagen synthesis) and early growth response protein. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction confirmed these changes. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the pattern of alterations in the expression of certain gene families in PD and DD is similar, suggesting that they share a common pathophysiology and may be amenable to the same therapeutic regimens.
Analytical procedure for determination of S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, and S-adenosylethionine in same isocratic HPLC run, with a procedure for preparation and analysis of the analog S-adenosylhomocysteine sulfoxide

Abstract Virtually all methyltransferase enzymes are regulated largely by the relative levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to its metabolic product, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Ethionine is the hepatocarcinogenic antimetabolite of methionine, and has been found to produce hypomethylation of hepatic DNA when fed to rats in acute doses. The hypomethylation apparently results from the accumulation in the liver of S-adenosylethionine (SAE), the sulfur activation product of ethionine, which is a competitive inhibitor of DNA methylase. Researchers seeking to measure SAM and SAH levels by HPLC in the past have experienced numerous analytical problems because of their separation characteristics. Previous methods have either required two separate HPLC runs or used gradient elution to measure the two compounds. The method outlined here, is an accurate and precise method, that measures SAM and SAH as well as SAE in a single isocratic HPLC run. S-Adenosyl-l-homocysteine sulfoxide (SAHO), the sulfoxide of SAH is kn...
Rapid endocytosis of a G protein-coupled receptor: substance P evoked internalization of its receptor in the rat striatum in vivo.

Abstract Studies on cultured cells have shown that agonists induce several types of G protein-coupled receptors to undergo internalization. We have investigated this phenomenon in rat striatum, using substance P (SP)-induced internalization of the SP receptor (SPR) as our model system. Within 1 min of a unilateral striatal injection of SP in the anesthetized rat, nearly 60% of the SPR-immunoreactive neurons within the injection zone display massive internalization of the SPR--i.e., 20-200 SPR+ endosomes per cell body. Within the dendrites the SPR undergoes a striking translocation from the plasma membrane to endosomes, and these dendrites also undergo a morphological reorganization, changing from a structure of rather uniform diameter to one characterized by large, swollen varicosities connected by thin fibers. In both cell bodies and dendrites the number of SPR+ endosomes returns to baseline within 60 min of SP injection. The number of neurons displaying substantial endosomal SPR internalization is dependent on the concentration of injected SP, and the SP-induced SPR internalization is inhibited by the nonpeptide neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist RP-67,580. These data demonstrate that in the central nervous system in vivo, SP induces a rapid and widespread SPR internalization in the cell bodies and dendrites and a structural reorganization of the dendrites. These results suggest that many of the observations that have been made on the internalization and recycling of G protein-coupled receptors in in vitro transfected cell systems are applicable to similar events that occur in the mammalian central nervous system in vivo.
Ultrastructural Observations on Aging of Stationary Cultures and Feeding in Ochromonas

SYNOPSIS. Changes accompanying aging of stationary cultures of Ochromonas danica were examined with the electron microscope. The cultures included light- and dark-grown populations ranging in age from 3 days to 5 weeks. Cells from the youngest cultures contained minimal amounts of lipid and a distinct leucosin vacuole. After 1 week, the number of lipid globules in the cytoplasm increased. The amount of lipid increased progressively in cells from older cultures until the leucosin vacuole was obliterated by the coalescing spheres. Cells from cultures older than 3 weeks showed a general breakdown of cytoplasmic integrity. An area of pinocytotic activity was also present; a relationship between this anterior region and blebs arising from the cell membrane is suggested.
Occurrence of giant cells in mouse salivary gland cultures

Abstract The occurrence of giant-cell formation in a primary tissue explant is reported. Explants of salivary glands removed shortly after birth in CFW mice differed from tissue cultures of the same strain obtained in previous years5 in giving rise to numerous cells of giant size. Tests have failed to disclose a course of infection or any possible causes for this change in the cultured explants other than altered environment. The giant cells contained between one and ten nuclei and were cytophagic. Multinucleated cells formed by multipolar nuclear divisions of mononucleated cells without subsequent cytokinesis. It is suggested that the cells of origin (of the giant cells) are probably wandering macrophages of the explanted organ. It is suggested also that giantism in these cells may be a response to the plethora of their environment.
Gender and temporal differences in identifying sources of stress

Much of the methodology in stress research focuses on stress manifestation and organismic reactions to life’s crises. In contrast, the present study sought to identify the major sources of stress and the nature of those sources. The results revealed a consistent pattern in high and low stressors throughout the 3-year period of the study, and differences only of intensity between males and females, not type of stress. Except for individuals’ temporal variations in critical events, the highest stressors for the groups were external, primarily financial and time management. Internal sources, such as personal relationships and self-absorption, were typically the lowest concerns. Everyday problems arising from current life styles seem to be significant sources of stress.
Stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) insecticide resistance in Kansas cattle feedlots.

Insecticide resistance to two organophosphates, dichlorovos and stirofos, and a pyrethroid, permethrin, was detected in stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), collected from eight cattle feedlots in southwestern Kansas. The frequency of resistant stable flies ranged from 2 to 100% depending on population and insecticide tested. No resistance was detected to the chlorinated hydrocarbon methoxychlor. Generally, the prevalence of resistance in each fly population in decreasing order was dichlorvos > stirofos > permethrin. Resistant stable flies were found in some feedlots where insecticide use was absent or minimal (i.e., application once per year or less) and was suspected to have resulted from localized dispersal of insecticide-resistant flies from nearby feedlots.
The Decision to Contract out An Empirical Analysis

This article examines the determinants of contracting out among cities in the United States. A precondition to contracting out is the expected realization of the cost savings from external production as a result of scale economies and/or increased competition in the supply of public services. Yet, whether or not a city chooses external production depends on the fiscal pressures within the city and the political impediments. This model of the decision to contract out is examined using a sample of 433 cities. The percentage of publicly provided services that are externally produced is found to increase with (1) greater cost savings, (2) more stringent fiscal conditions, and (3) less powerful public service constituency groups.
Charisma and the production of messages on Tanna (Vanuatu)

Abstract This paper draws upon Foucault's analysis of ‘orders of discourse’ to explore why ‘charisma’—or legitimate authority based upon the production of valuable messages—is rarely institutionalized in Melanesia. A discursive emphasis on inspiration, devaluation of authorial creativity, and other conditions ensure that individual prophets lose control of their messages and their authoritative sources. As such, Melanesian charisma is depersonalized and difficult to routinize or transform into other kinds of authority. Example messages are drawn from Tanna's John Frum movement.
Regulation of pollen foraging in honeybee colonies: effects of young brood, stored pollen, and empty space

Pollen storage in a colony of Apis mellifera is actively regulated by increasing and decreasing pollen foraging according to the “colony's needs.” It has been shown that nectar foragers indirectly gather information about the nectar supply of the colony from nestmates without estimating the amount of honey actually stored in the combs. Very little is known about how the actual colony need is perceived with respect to pollen foraging. Two factors influence the need for pollen: the quantity of pollen stored in cells and the amount of brood. To elucidate the mechanisms of perception, we changed the environment within normal-sized colonies by adding pollen or young brood and measured the pollen-foraging activity, while foragers had either direct access to them or not. Our results show that the amount of stored pollen, young brood, and empty space directly provide important stimuli that affect foraging behavior. Different mechanisms for forager perception of the change in the environment are discussed.
An annotation paradigm: The social hyperlink

We seek to understand how hyperlinks act as agents of annotation and play a fundamental role in how we seek and interpret information on the Internet. Recognizing that the hyperlink is a form of latent human annotation, we emphasize the significance of hyperlinking to establish authority. Furthermore, we assess the evolution of hyperlink taxonomies, acknowledging that as annotations, hyperlinks have developed into socio-cognitive entities. In the second generation of the Internet (particularly the Blogosphere), we seek to confirm the existence of social motivations for hyperlinking; thus substantiating the idea of a social hyperlink as a phenomenon prerequisite to the development of a social-linking theory.
Penile mechanisms and the role of the striated penile muscles in penile reflexes

Gross and subgross anatomical observations of the penis pointed to a mechanical arrangement whereby contraction of the bulbocavernosus (BC) muscles would enhance erections of the glans penis and contraction of the ischiocavernosus (IC) muscles would enhance or produce penis flips. These functions for the muscles were confirmed by electromyographic recordings taken during tests of penile erections and flips in spinal male rats. Surgical removal of the BC muscles did not reduce the total number of erections during penile reflex tests, but did eliminate the flared-cut type of erections. Surgical removal of the IC muscles reduced the occurrence of penile flips and virtually eliminated the long or extended flips. It is hypothesized that contractions of the BC and IC muscles, in producing penile cups and long flips, play a role in dislodgement of previously deposited seminal plugs and deposition of new plugs during mating. Contraction of the BC muscles, in forcefully emptying contents of the urethral diverticulum, would appear to play a role in the ejaculatory process by which the sperm-dense fraction of semen is first delivered to the vagina followed by delivery of a rapidly coagulating seminal plug.
Evaluating congressional reform: Deregulation revisited

An evaluation of the changes in Congress's structure that occurred in the 1970s requires attention to three dimensions of its performance as a policymaking institution: representation of interests, deliberation, and conflict resolution. Considered this way, the changes seem to have enhanced some aspects of congressional capacity (especially the representation of broadly-based interests) but to have diminished others (especially deliberation and conflict resolution on issues that are salient to mass constituencies). The resulting strengths and weaknesses help to explain differences in congressional performance on trucking deregulation and natural gas deregulation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. To some degree, they have altered the opportunities, strategic considerations, and central skills for policy analysts who seek to influence congressional decisions.
Radioactively labeled aerosols

Abstract Radioactively labeled aerosol models are very useful in the experimental physics and chemistry of aerosols, as they are in biological aerosology. This paper, while making no claims to be exhaustive, classifies major methods for preparing radioactively labeled aerosols, and reviews previous publications dealing with work in this area. Results of preparing radioactively labeled condensation aerosols and the experimental techniques used are described. Emphasis is given to work in the laboratory of the senior author, some of which is not widely available.
Congestive heart failure in infancy: significance of the venous pressure.

Summary Results of a study of the right atrial and inferior vena caval pressures in a group of 22 infants with congestive heart failure show that, except in terminal cases, the pressure in the right atrium was neither consistently nor markedly elevated when compared with that of a control group of infants. Despite the overt clinical signs, the average mean right atrial pressure in mild to moderate failure was not significantly different from that found in a group of infants with similar cardiac anomalies but without congestive failure. With severe failure the right atrial pressure was elevated. However, the degree of elevation was not nearly so high as one would expect from the degree of clinical severity. A discussion of the various mechanisms involved in congestive failure in adults reveals a dearth of information regarding these factors as they apply to infants.
La traduction d'instruments de mesure pour la recherche gérontologique en langue française: critères métrologiques et inventaire

The French language imposes an additional difficulty for gerontological research: the lack of research on valid and reliable instruments of measurement in the French language. The translation into French of instruments already developed and validated in English is an interesting solution to this problem, since it offers the opportunity of profiting from previous research and allows for international comparisons. However, translation must follow strict rules to ensure that psychometric properties of the instrument have not been altered. A consensus workshop concluded that the following steps were needed in translating from English an instrument for gerontological research: (1) selection of the most valid and reliable instrument in English; (2) translation into French and back again into English; (3) review of the translated versions by a committee; (4) pretest; (5) test-retest (and if indicated inter-rater) reliability study. An inventory of all translated instruments showed that very few instruments fulfil these basic rules. This inventory is a useful tool for researchers and will stimulate research on measurement instruments and encourage publication of its results.
Emotional quality-of-life and outcomes in adolescents with asthma

Objective Examine the association between emotional quality-of-life (QOL) and asthma morbidity in adolescents with asthma. Study design Cross-sectional survey of 185 adolescents with asthma 11 to 17 years of age cared for in three managed care organizations (MCOs) in the United States. The asthma-specific Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and a short version of the generic Child Health and Illness Profile-Adolescent Edition (CHIP-AE) were used to assess emotional QOL. Asthma morbidity measures were: asthma control, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, doctor visits for worsening asthma, and missed school because of asthma. Results Of the adolescents surveyed, 45% reported feeling depressed, 41% had ED visits, and 30% missed ≥1 day of school because of asthma. Poorer asthma-specific emotional QOL was associated with poorer control of asthma symptoms ( P P P Conclusions Emotional symptoms related to asthma are common in adolescents with persistent asthma and asthma-specific QOL is related to increased asthma morbidity, healthcare use, and school absenteeism. Adolescents with high morbidity from asthma exhibit poorer QOL. Therefore, the evaluation of asthma-specific emotional QOL should be included in the assessment of adolescents with asthma.
Olfactory receptor surface expression is driven by association with the β2-adrenergic receptor

Abstract Olfactory receptors (ORs) comprise more than half of the large class I G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Although cloned over a decade ago, little is known about their properties because wild-type ORs do not efficiently reach the cell surface following heterologous expression. Receptor–receptor interactions strongly influence surface trafficking of other GPCRs, and we examined whether a similar mechanism might be involved in OR surface expression. Olfactory neurons are known to express β-adrenergic receptors (ARs), and we found that coexpression with β2-ARs, but not any other AR subtypes, dramatically increased mouse 71 (M71) OR surface expression in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. A persistent physical interaction between M71 ORs and β2-ARs was shown by coimmunoprecipitation and by cointernalization of the two receptors in response to their specific ligands. Also, coexpression of wild-type M71 ORs with β2-ARs resulted in cAMP responses to the M71 ligand acetophenone. Finally, in situ hybridization studies showed extensive colocalization of M71 OR and β2-AR expression in mouse olfactory epithelium. These data demonstrate the successful heterologous surface expression of a functional wild-type OR and reveal that persistent physical association with other GPCRs can control OR surface expression.
Towards a complete model of 3D line emission from ICF capsules: results from the first 3D simulations

Abstract Hydrodynamic instabilities can reduce the yield in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions. Line emission from dopants placed in the capsule can be used to diagnose the extent of the instabilities. In earlier work we compared line emission measured in experiments performed on the Nova laser to one-dimensional mix models and two-dimensional models in which many different instability wavelengths interact. Three-dimensional simulations are required to model properly the saturation of the hydrodynamic instabilities. This paper presents the results of the first three-dimensional simulations of line emission from ICF capsules. The simulations show that the three lines considered here come from different spatial regions. Line ratios cannot be used to determine temperatures without accounting for the spatial dependence of the line emission. Future papers will present detailed comparisons to experiments.
Relativistic nuclear structure effects in quasielastic neutrino scattering.

Charged-current cross sections are calculated for quasielastic neutrino and antineutrino scattering using a relativistic meson-nucleon model. We examine how nuclear-structure effects, such as relativistic random-phase-approximation (RPA) corrections and momentum-dependent nucleon self-energies, influence the extraction of the axial form factor of the nucleon. RPA corrections are important only at low-momentum transfers. In contrast, the momentum dependence of the relativistic self-energies changes appreciably the value of the axial-mass parameter {ital M}{sub {ital A}} extracted from dipole fits to the axial form factor. Using Brookhaven`s experimental neutrino spectrum we estimate the sensitivity of {ital M}{sub {ital A}} to various relativistic nuclear-structure effects.
Influence of distance changing between liquid surface and equatorial surface of hemispherical dielectric resonator on whispering gallery oscillations

Experimental investigations of hemispherical dielectric resonator (HDR) placed above the liquid surface have been carried out The influence of liquid dielectric properties on HDR parameters has been shown. The fact that the parameters of E-type oscillations are more sensitive to dielectric properties of liquid (compared with H-type oscillations) is established
Artificial neural network based contingency ranking method for voltage collapse

The paper presents a neural network-based approach for contingency ranking of voltage collapse. By using the singular value decomposition method, a Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network is trained to map the operating conditions of power systems to a voltage stability indicator and contingency severity indices corresponding to transmission lines. The advantages of RBF neural network are demonstrated by applying it to contingency ranking and voltage stability assessment. Tests carried out on the IEEE 57-bus system are reported.
Cellular changes in the toad urinary bladder in response to metabolic acidosis.

The urinary bladder ofBufo marinus excretes H+ and NH 4 + , and the H+ excretion is increased when the animal is placed in metabolic acidosis. The mitochondriarich (MR) cells mediate the H+ excretion by the bladder. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a change in MR cells of the bladder during metabolic acidosis. Bladders from normal toads and from toads that had been placed in metabolic acidosis were used. The bladders were mounted between plastic chambers and H+ excretion measured. The bladder was then fixed and prepared for scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron micrograph studies. SEM's at low magnification were used to count the various cell types and the TEM's were used to confirm the different cell types. Fields were randomly selected and a total of 2500 cells counted in each group. The bladders from toads in metabolic acidosis had a consistently higher ratio of MR cells to granular cells than did the normal bladders. These results indicate that during metabolic acidosis there is an increased number of MR cells in the bladder, and this increases the bladder's capacity to excrete H+.
Contribution to the First Spark Spectrum of Germanium (Ge ii)

Observations of the spark spectrum of Ge from 4741 A to 7145 A have made possible the improvement of certain of the term values of Ge ii. By combining their interferometric wavelength measurements with unpublished data of C. W. Gartlein the authors were able to determine the fine structure of four 4s2nf2F° terms of Ge ii. All the terms for n = 4, 5, 6, and 7 are inverted and the splittings range from 0.47 to 0.75 cm−1. Values were obtained for the unresolved 4s2ng2G terms for n = 6 and 7.
Changes in the population of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) off Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland: A collapsing stock with low exploitation

Abstract Changes in the population dynamics of American plaice off southern Labrador and eastern Newfoundland (NAFO Subarea 2 and Division 3K) for the period 1977–1994 were investigated. Since the mid 1980s the population has declined dramatically and by the 1990s the stock had essentially collapsed. A higher proportion of what remained of the stock was found in deeper and warmer water than had previously been observed, coincident with a period of unusually cold ocean conditions. During the period of the greatest reductions in population size, the proportion of older, spawning-age fish declined much more rapidly than the younger ages and this decline was accompanied by a slight decrease in mean size at age. Also associated with these observations were declining trends in both size and age at maturity. Although exploitation has always been low, the fishery for American plaice in NAFO Subarea 2 and Division 3K has been regulated since the early 1970s. For the period investigated the average annual commercial exploitation rate was less than 2% with negligible bycatch in other fisheries. We conclude, therefore, that the collapse of this stock was not a result of fishing mortality. The causal mechanism for the decline remains unclear although unusual environmental conditions during the period continue to be investigated in relation to the observed changes in this population.
Indirect electrochemical epoxidation of hexene in a liquid-liquid electrolyte

Preliminary experiments have been carried out on the mediated electrolytic synthesis of 1,2-epoxyhexane from 1-hexene. The electrochemical cell was an undivided parallel-plate reactor under galvanostatic operation at 25°C and 1 atm. The electro-active Br2/Br− couple acted as the mediating species. A dispersion of 1-hexene droplets in aqueous sodium bromide solution was generated by use of a static mixer. Current efficiency for organic species and chemical yield of epoxide were determined in order to investigate qualitatively the dependence of the overall electrolyzer performance upon flow rate, organic volume fraction, dispersed droplet size, and current density. The cell effluent was analyzed by gas chromatography. Epoxide current effciencies around 65% were obtained under operation conditions where the rate of bromine production by anodic reaction was sufficiently high so as to exceed the saturation concentration of hexene. Since the aqueous cell effluent was depleted of hexene, if was concluded that mass transfer from the organic phase into the aqueous phase was not able to replenish the electrolyte effectively.
Many Minds Make Madness: Judgment Under Uncertainty and Certainty

(1992). Many Minds Make Madness: Judgment Under Uncertainty and Certainty. Psychological Inquiry: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 170-172.
Effects of infant head position on sides preference in adult handling

This study examined the possibility that the mother's preference for holding the infant on the left side is a result of the neonate's normal right-facing head position since mothers may prefer to have the infant's head facing toward them when the infant is cradled in the arms. One hundred and forty-one college students were asked to hold a doll as they would a real infant. The subjects were divided into three groups depending upon whether the doll's head was facing to the right, middle, or left. All three groups tended to hold the doll on the left side but the group given the left-facing doll had the highest proportion holding the doll on the right side. Also, subjects who had the most experience with infants showed the strongest tendency to hold the doll on the left side, independent of the doll's head position.
Unified theory of broadband matching

Abstract The paper presents a unified summary of recent progress on mathematical theory of broadband matching. It is shown that the characterization of the normalized scattering matrix, the problem of compatible impedances and the matching of an arbitrary load to a frequency-dependent source to give a preassigned transducer power-gain characteristic can all be stated in terms of the more convenient basic coefficient constraints. Thus, the three problems are in fact three facets on the existence of a complex normalized scattering matrix.
Differentiation of neurons restricts Arbovirus replication and increases expression of the alpha isoform of IRF-7.

Susceptibility to alphavirus infection is age dependent, and host maturation is associated with decreased virus replication and less severe encephalitis. To identify factors associated with maturation-dependent restriction of virus replication, we studied AP-7 rat olfactory bulb neuronal cells, which can differentiate in vitro. Differentiation was associated with a 150- to 1,000-fold decrease in replication of the alphaviruses Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, as well as La Crosse bunyavirus. Differentiation delayed synthesis of SINV RNA and protein but did not alter the susceptibility of neurons to infection or virion maturation. Additionally, differentiation slowed virus-induced translation arrest and death of infected cells. Differentiation of uninfected AP-7 neurons was associated with changes in expression of antiviral genes. Expression of key transcription factors was increased, including interferon regulatory factor 3 and 7 (IRF-3 and IRF-7) and STAT-1, suggesting that neuronal maturation may enhance the capacity for antiviral signaling upon infection. IRF-7 produced by undifferentiated AP-7 neurons was exclusively the short dominant negative γ-isoform, while that produced by differentiated neurons was the full-length α-isoform. A similar switch in IRF-7 isoforms also occurred in the brains of maturing C57BL/6J mice. Silencing of IRF expression did not improve virus multiplication in differentiated neurons. Therefore, neuronal differentiation is associated with upregulation of transcription factors that activate antiviral signaling, but this alone does not account for maturation-dependent restriction of virus replication. IMPORTANCE Viral encephalomyelitis is an important cause of age-dependent morbidity and mortality. Because mature neurons are not readily regenerated, recovery from encephalitis suggests that mature neurons utilize unique antiviral mechanisms to block infection and/or clear virus. To identify maturational changes in neurons that may improve outcome, we compared immature and mature cultured neurons for susceptibility to three encephalitic arboviruses and found that replication of Old World and New World alphaviruses and a bunyavirus was reduced in mature compared to immature neurons. Neuronal maturation was associated with increased baseline expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 and 7 mRNAs and production of distinct isoforms of interferon regulatory factor 7 protein. Overall, our studies identified maturational changes in neurons that likely contribute to assembly of immunoregulatory factors prior to infection, a more rapid antiviral response, increased resistance to virus infection, and improved survival.
Tryptophan depletion in recently manic patients treated with lithium.

Background: Serotonin has been repeatedly implicated in the mechanism of action of lithium against acute mania. Its role, however, has never been directly confirmed. Methods: We studied recently manic patients successfully treated with lithium using a tryptophan depletion methodology. Results: Patients remained euthymic despite a confirmed decrease in serum tryptophan levels. Conclusions: These data do not suggest that serotonin plays a critical role in the acute antimanic effect of lithium.
ERP correlates of auditory processing during automatic correction of unexpected perturbations in voice auditory feedback

Auditory sensory processing is an important element of the neural mechanisms controlling human vocalization. We evaluated which components of Event Related Potentials (ERP) elicited by the unexpected shift of fundamental frequency in a subject's own voice might correlate with his/her ability to process auditory information. A significant negative correlation between the latency of the N1 component of the ERP and the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia scores for Melodic organization was found. A possible functional role of neuronal activity underling the N1 component in voice control mechanisms is discussed.
Long-lasting inactivation of nicotinic receptor function in vitro by treatment with high concentrations of nicotine

Exposure of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to brief pulses of nicotine results in the stimulation of dopamine release, whereas prolonged treatment with low concentrations of nicotine (approximately 10 nM) produces a reversible blockade of a subsequent nicotine challenge as a result of nAChR desensitization. We and others have observed that, following prolonged treatment with stimulating (microM) concentrations of nicotine, there is incomplete recovery from desensitization. In this study we investigated this nonrecoverable component by characterizing the ability of nicotine to stimulate [3H]dopamine release from rat striatal synaptosomes following recovery from nicotine-induced desensitization. Brief (12 s) exposure to 30 microM nicotine, or longer exposure (> or = 5 min) to 0.3 microM nicotine produced a long-lasting decrease in nAChR function with an apparent IC50 of 0.7 microM. The maximal inactivation achieved was approximately 50%. Recovery of nAChR function did not return even after 5 h, whereas recovery from desensitization occurred within 20 min. Determinations of the concentration of nicotine in the superfusate indicated that residual nicotine could not account for the observed decrease in response as a consequence of desensitization. These results indicate that high concentrations of nicotine can produce a long-lasting nAChR inactivation which can be distinguished from reversible nAChR desensitization.
Candida Virulence Properties and Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Neonatal Candidiasis

Objective To determine whether premature infants with invasive Candida infection caused by strains with increased virulence properties have worse clinical outcomes than those infected with less virulent strains. Study design Clinical isolates were studied from 2 populations of premature infants, those colonized with Candida spp (commensal; n=27) and those with invasive candidiasis (n = 81). Individual isolates of C albicans and C parapsilosis were tested for virulence in 3 assays: phenotypic switching, adhesion, and cytotoxicity. Invasive isolates were considered to have enhanced virulence if detected at a level >1 SD above the mean for the commensal isolates in at least one assay. Outcomes of patients with invasive isolates with enhanced virulence were compared with those with invasive isolates lacking enhanced virulence characteristics. Results Enhanced virulence was detected in 61% of invasive isolates of C albicans and 42% of invasive isolates of C parapsilosis . All C albicans cerebrospinal fluid isolates (n = 6) and 90% of urine isolates (n = 10) had enhanced virulence, compared with 48% of blood isolates (n = 40). Infants with more virulent isolates were younger at the time of positive culture and had higher serum creatinine levels. Conclusion Individual isolates of Candida species vary in their virulence properties. Strains with higher virulence are associated with certain clinical outcomes.
Engineering optoelectronically active macromolecules for polymer-based photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices

The design and synthesis of semiconducting and conducting macromolecules has led to recent marked increases in the performance of polymer-based sustainable energy conversion devices. Specifically, the design of semiconducting copolymers has allowed for the fabrication of solution-deposited organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices with power conversion efficiencies approaching 11% to be realized on the laboratory scale. Furthermore, polymer-based thermoelectric (TE) devices with figure of merit (ZT) values of greater than 0.4 have been realized due to the refinement of conducting polymers and conducting polymer–inorganic nanoparticle composites. Here, we describe the macromolecular design strategies that have been implemented to achieve these impressive results, and we suggest future routes of investigation that could allow for the discovery of even higher performance materials and devices.
489 MEDICAL STUDENTS AND THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS

From 1974 to 1976 first year medical students were asked the following question: Should parents, parents and physicians, or parents' physicians, and the courts have the right to decide if the parents' profoundly retarded child with severe hydrocephalus and meningomyelocele, who has never talked, requires tube feeding, and is cared for in a nursing home, live or die as a result of their decision that treatment be given or withheld when an infection occurs? They were requested to answer yes, no or uncertain. After they made their initial decision, faculty members from Boston College Law School and physicians from the Genetic Service of the New England Medical Center Hospital discussed the pros and cons of the question. Following a discussion period the students revoted on the issue. In 1974, 21 percent, and in 1975 and 1976, 23 percent of the students changed their original opinions. In all three years the most consistent change was from allowing parents to make the decision alone to sharing the decision making process with either the physician or the courts. These findings are of interest because it emphasizes the uncertainty students have regarding such an ethical question. It also shows that a student's opinion is subject to change within an hour's lecture after receiving more information. Medical school faculty should always be aware of the significant role they play in formulating their students' opinions and should make a determined effort to present all sides of such an issue.
Sub-50-nm $\hbox{In}_{0.7}\hbox{Ga}_{0.3}\hbox{As}$ MOSFETs With Various Barrier Layer Materials

Sub-50-nm In0.7Ga0.3As MOSFETs with high-k dielectric Al2O3 have been demonstrated and investigated. The device performance of buried-channel In0.7Ga0.3As MOSFETs with various barrier layer materials (i.e., InP and InAlAs) has been analyzed and compared to that of devices without a barrier layer. The 40-nm-gate-length In0.7Ga0.3 As MOSFETs with InP/InAlAs barrier exhibit a subthreshold swing of 130 mV/dec, a drain-induced barrier lowering of 174 mV/V, and an extrinsic transconductance of 570 mS/mm at Vds = 1 V. Scaling behaviors of buried-channel In0.7Ga0.3As MOSFETs with and without a barrier layer material have also been analyzed.
Gradual reduction of distal radial malunion using distraction osteogenesis.

Purpose To evaluate gradual distraction lengthening or distraction osteogenesis as a technique for treating malunions of the distal radius. Methods Twenty patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of distal radius malunion were treated with osteotomy of the distal radius using distraction osteogenesis. At the follow-up evaluation each patient was evaluated for healing rates, complications, resolution of pain, and radiographic alignment. Surgical treatment consisted of an application of a nonbridging external fixator that could be distracted to correct the deformity. A loosely set screw that connected the distal pins to the fixator served as a hinge and allowed the distal radius to rotate into a corrected position. Gradual distraction via distraction osteogenesis was initiated 1 week after surgery. Results Seventeen osteotomies healed uneventfully in an average of 9 weeks. Complications included 9 pin track infections. Two nonunions required bone grafting. One patient inadvertently compressed rather than distracted the fixator, leading to premature healing of the osteotomy. One patient ruptured the extensor pollicis longus. All complications resolved with additional intervention. Overall the patients showed radiographic and symptomatic improvement. Conclusions An external fixator and distraction lengthening through distraction osteogenesis is a viable alternative to plate fixation and bone grafting. In 18 of 20 of our patients, the technique eliminated the need for bone grafting and the need for a second surgical procedure to remove a dorsal plate. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Computer simulation of interfaces between two-dimensional fluid phases

Abstract Molecular Dynamics computer simulations are performed to study the structure of the interface between two-dimensional fluid phases. The interactions between the particles are modeled by a truncated Lennard-Jones pair potential and no external field is imposed. The density profile and the thickness of the vapor-liquid interface are obtained over a range of temperatures lying between that of the triple point and that of the critical point. The exponent describing the divergence of the interfacial thickness at the critical point is determined and compared with theoretical predictions.
Inherited metabolic disorders and cerebral infarction

The association of genetic factors and cerebral infarction (CI) has long been established. A positive family history alone is a recognized risk factor for CI and vascular events in general. However, there are certain inherited conditions that further increase the risk of stroke. These conditions are generally metabolic and mitochondrial genetic defects that have variable modes of inheritance. This article reviews major inherited metabolic disorders that predispose an individual to CI. Ten main conditions will be discussed: Fabry's disease, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, tangier disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, homocystinuria, methylmalonic acidemia, glutaric aciduria type I, propionic acidemia, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency and mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like phenomenon.
Interferon-gamma corrects the respiratory burst defect in vitro in monocyte-derived macrophages from glycogen storage disease type 1b patients.

ABSTRACT: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1b is accompanied by decreased respiratory burst activity in peripheral blood phagocytic cells (i.e. monocytes and neutrophils). To elucidate whether this depressed respiratory burst was due to an intrinsic defect of phagocytic cells or due in part to in vivo host factors, we examined superoxide anion (O2−) production in monocytes from five GSD 1b patients cultured 9 d in vitro to allow for differentiation into macrophages (MDM). O2− production in MDM was measured in response to concanavalin A, fMet-Leu-Phe, and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation. GSD 1b MDM had significantly depressed O2− generation with fMet-Leu-Phe and concanavalin A stimulation; however, unlike peripheral blood monocytes, GSD 1b MDM responded to PMA stimulation with O2− production comparable to healthy control donors. The cytokine interferon- (IFN-) has been shown to enhance O2− production in MDM. When GSD 1 b MDM were cultured in the presence of IFN- (1 ± 105 U/L), O2− production in response to fMet-Leu-Phe, concanavalin A, and PMA was enhanced to rates similar to those of control MDM cultured in the presence of IFN-. Thus, the respiratory burst defect observed in circulating phagocytic cells is also present in vitro in cultured GSD 1b MDM. However, in contrast to circulating phagocytic cells, depressed O2− production in GSD 1 b MDM is selective to receptor-mediated activation, but not to PMA stimulation. This defect is correctable after short-term treatment with IFN-, suggesting a role for IFN- in treating the phagocytic defect in this disease.
Towards secure resource sharing for impromptu collaboration in pervasive computing

Access control in mobile and pervasive computing is a complex issue, with many aspects relating to the establishment, management, and enforcement of methods and policies that allow mobile devices to share resources with each other. Communication between mobile devices can arise spontaneously, involve the sharing of few resources between heterogeneous platforms, and only need to be maintained for a short time. Additionally, the devices often communicate with each other a single time, and have no pre-shared secret or a priori knowledge of the other device. In this paper we propose a secure solution for providing controlled access to local resources in mobile and pervasive computing environments. Our solution incorporates demonstrative verification of security credentials, a key-based capability delegation, and easy to use access control features in order to provide simple access with low maintenance costs. It is particularly designed for one-time-only communication between mobile-to-mobile or mobile-to-kiosk devices.
A generalization of Berwick's unit algorithm

Abstract In 1913 W. E. H. Berwick published an algorithm for finding the fundamental unit of a cubic field with negative discriminant. His method relied heavily on the geometry of such fields and was less efficient than the well-known algorithm of Voronoi. In the present paper we show that the use of cubic geometry is not necessary and also that Berwick's method can be generalized. We present a periodic algorithm for finding a maximal set of independent units in an arbitrary algebraic number field.
A general relation between kink-exchange and kink-rotation

The normal correlation between spin and statistics is shown to be valid for arbitrary kinks, among them theSU(n) Skyrmions forn≧3. It is assumed in the proof that no gauge-ambiguity attaches to the values of the underlying scalar field, and that conversely each configuration of this field is represented quantum mechanically by a Hilbert subspace of dimension precisely one.
Parametrization of the feedback Hamiltonian realizing a pure steady state

Feedback control is expected to considerably protect quantum states against decoherence caused by interaction between the system and environment. Especially, Markovian feedback scheme developed by Wiseman can modify the properties of decoherence and eventually recover the purity of the steady state of the corresponding master equation. This paper provides a condition for which the modified master equation has a pure steady state. By applying this condition to a two-qubit system, we obtain a complete parametrization of the feedback Hamiltonian such that the steady state becomes a maximally entangled state.