cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV-associated mania treated with electroconvulsive therapy and highly-active antiretroviral therapy.

Received January 26, 2005; accepted March 30, 2005. From the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Ferrando, New YorkPresbyterian Hospital, 525 E. 68th St., Box 181, New York, NY 10021. e-mail: sjferran@med.cornell.edu Copyright 2006 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. The past 10 years has witnessed a shift in the HIV epidemic in the developed world, with dramatic reductions in morbidity and mortality associated with the use of combination antiretroviral therapy. Despite this shift, neuropsychiatric presentations of central nervous system (CNS) HIV continue to be an important component of the differential diagnosis of new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms. The following case presentation provides a basis for discussion of current issues in HIV neuropsychiatry that should be important components of clinical teaching in medicine and psychiatry.
Method for safer penetrating keratoplasty in patients with low scleral rigidity

In eyes with low scleral rigidity, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a high-risk procedure because forward movement of the lens-iris diaphragm can result in prolapse of intraocular contents, expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, and damage to the crystalline lens. We developed a method for safer PKP in eyes with low scleral rigidity. In this technique, the host cornea is incompletely excised and remains attached at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions while the cardinal sutures to secure the donor button over the host are placed. Donor endothelium is protected by an intervening layer of viscoelastic material. After the first 3 cardinal sutures are placed, the host button is completely excised and removed and the donor cornea is sutured. This technique prevents the unopposed forward movement of the lens-iris diaphragm and may reduce the risk of expulsive choroidal hemorrhage and spontaneous extrusion or damage to the crystalline lens during PKP in patients with low scleral rigidity.
ULTRASONICALLY INDUCED INTRAVASCULAR STREAMING AND THROMBUS FORMATION ADJACENT TO A MICROPIPETTE

Ultrasonically induced microstreaming around bubbles of gas have been shown to cause damage to biological materials in vitro at clinical exposure levels. The potential for ultrasonically induced cavitation and microstreaming in mammalian systems is of interest with respect to the safe application of clinical ultrasound. Ultrasonically induced intravascular microstreaming and formation of thrombi at 1 MHz is demonstrated adjacent the tip of a micropipette in contact with a mesenteric vessel of the mouse. These effects occur at or above therapeutic levels.
Lionel Penrose and the concept of normal variation in human intelligence

Lionel Penrose (1898-1972) was an important leader during the mid-20th century decline of eugenics and the development of modern medical genetics. However, historians have paid little attention to his radical theoretical challenges to mainline eugenic concepts of mental disease. Working from a classification system developed with his colleague, E. O. Lewis, Penrose developed a statistically sophisticated and clinically grounded refutation of the popular position that low intelligence is inherently a disease state. In the early 1930s, Penrose advocated dividing "mental defect" (low intelligence) into two categories: "pathological mental defect," which is a disease state that can be traced to a distinct genetic or environmental cause, and "subcultural mental defect," which is not an inherent disease state, but rather a statistically necessary manifestation of human variation in intelligence. I explore the historical context and theoretical import of this contribution, discussing its rejection of typological thinking and noting that it preceded Theodosius Dobzhansky's better-known defense of human diversity. I illustrate the importance of Penrose's contribution with a discussion of an analogous situation in contemporary medicine, the controversial practice of using human growth hormone injections to treat "idiopathic short stature" (mere diminutive height, with no distinct cause). I show how Penrose's contributions to understanding human variation make such treatments appear quite misguided.
Predicting the extension of equivalence classes from primary generalization gradients: the merger of equivalence classes and perceptual classes.

In Experiment 1, 6 college students were given generalization tests using 25 line lengths as samples with a long line, a short line, and a "neither" option as comparisons. The neither option was to be used if a sample did not go with the other comparisons. Then, four-member equivalence classes were formed. Class 1 included three nonsense words and the short line. Class 2 included three other nonsense words and the long line. After repeating the generalization test for line length, additional tests were conducted using members of the equivalence classes (i.e., nonsense words and lines) as comparisons and intermediate-length lines as samples. All Class 2 comparisons were selected in the presence of the test lines that also evoked the selection of the long line in the generalization test that had been given before equivalence class formation. Class 1 yielded complementary findings. Thus, the preclass primary generalization gradient predicted which test lines acted as members of each equivalence class. Regardless of using comparisons that were nonsense words or lines, the post-class-formation gradients overlapped, showing the substitutability of class members. Experiment 2 assessed the discriminability of the intermediate-length test lines from the Class 1 (shortest) and Class 2 (longest) lines. The test lines that functioned as members of an equivalence class were discriminable from the line that was a member of the same class by training. Thus, these test lines also acted as members of a dimensionally defined class of "long" or "short" lines. Extension of an equivalence class, then, involved its merger with a dimensionally defined class, which converted a close-ended class to an open-ended class. These data suggest a means of predicting class membership in naturally occurring categories.
Wnt/Frizzled family members mediate olfactory sensory neuron axon extension.

A comprehensive model has yet to emerge, but it seems likely that numerous mechanisms contribute to the specificity of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon innervation of the olfactory bulb. Elsewhere in the nervous system the Wnt/Fz family has been implicated in patterning of anterior-posterior axes, cell type specification, cell proliferation, and axon guidance. Because of our work describing cadherin-catenin family member expression in the primary olfactory pathway, and because mechanisms of Wnt-Fz interactions can depend in part on catenins, we were encouraged to explore Wnt-Fz expression and function in OSN axon extension. Here, we show that OSNs express Fz-1, Fz-3, and Wnt-5a, whereas olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) express Wnt-4. Fz-7 is also expressed in the olfactory nerve by cells that delineate large axon fascicles, but are negative for OEC markers. Fz-1 showed a developmental downregulation. However, in adults it is expressed at different levels across the olfactory epithelium and in restricted glomeruli across the olfactory bulb, suggesting an important role in the formation and maintenance of OSN connections to the olfactory bulb. Reporter TOPGAL mice demonstrated that some OECs located in the inner olfactory nerve layer can respond to Wnt ligands. Of further interest, we show here with in vitro assays that Wnt-5a increases OSN axon outgrowth and alters growth cone morphology. Our data point to a key role for Wnt/Fz molecules in the development of the mouse olfactory system, providing complementary mechanisms required for OSN axon extension and coalescence. J. Comp. Neurol. 511:301–317, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Management of asthma

Despite recent advances in the understanding and treatment of asthma, it remains an important cause of illness in children. It causes recurrent absence from school, restriction of activities, and much anxiety and unhappiness for children and parents. Hospital admissions for asthma in children in the O-4 years age group increased almost seven-fold between 1970 and 1986 and admissions for children in the 5-14 age group tripled.’ Asthma is responsible for a fifth of all admissions to paediatric wards in the 5-14 age group.’ Consultations with General Practitioners for asthma have doubled in the last decade. Whether these changes represent a real increase in prevalence, or whether they simply reflect changes in referral, management, or diagnosis, is unclear.2 What is clear, is that despite having safe, effective treatment there is no decrease in asthma morbidity. Why is this so?
Watching DNA breath one molecule at a time

As the carrier of genetic information, DNA is the template and substrate in many fundamental biological reactions, including replication, transcription, DNA repair, recombination, and remodeling. It is now well accepted that the power of DNA in controlling gene expression is not limited to the actual genetic codes contained in DNA sequence. Compared with the well-documented chemical modifications of DNA and their functions in shaping gene expression patterns (1⇓–3), the impact of physical properties of DNA is much less characterized, partially because they are relatively difficult to describe and measure directly. Nevertheless, it is now more and more appreciated that physical properties, such as DNA bending (4, 5) and DNA breathing (6⇓–8), play important roles in gene expression by affecting binding and assembly of molecular machineries on DNA. In PNAS, Phelps et al. introduce to us a unique single-molecule approach to study DNA breathing dynamics and investigate the role of DNA breathing in protein assembly on DNA (9).
Dynamics of the Interface of a Gas-Liquid Meniscus in Complex PDMS Micro-Geometries

This article describes the design and manufacturing of microfluidic chips, where an injected gas-liquid meniscus is used for actuation purpose. The dynamics of the meniscus during its controlled motion is studied. The critical pressures to move the meniscus are measured and compared to theoretical result. Three different micro-geometries are compared in term of their ability to stabilize the meniscus. Also, the meniscus response to ultrasonic excitation is studied. When the excitation is weak, traveling waves are found and their wavelength decreases with increasing excitation frequencies. When the ultrasonic excitation is stronger, subharmonic and superharmonic oscillations at the meniscus interface are observed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Control of air quality in an assisted reproductive technology laboratory

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of improved air quality on IVF and subsequent embryo development. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Hospital-based IVF facility composed of an anteroom, a cleanroom, and an adjacent operating room. Patient(s): Two-hundred seventy-five couples requesting IVF between 1993 and 1997. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Particle counts (sizes 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 μm); IVF rates; and embryo quality (stage and grade). Result(s): Clinical pregnancy rates decreased from 35% in 1993 to 16% in 1994 (numerous construction odors were detected during 1994) and increased steadily after the cleanroom was built (rates for 1995–1997 were 20%, 32%, and 59%, respectively). Fertilization rates decreased between 1993 (74%) and 1994 (60%) and then steadily increased after cleanroom installation (62% in 1995, 71% in 1996, and 69% in 1997). The proportion of embryos past the four-cell stage decreased from 66% in 1993 to 61% in 1994 but then increased steadily in the years after the cleanroom was built (78%, 77%, and 83% in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively). During the same 5-year period, there were no differences in embryo quality or number of embryos transferred. Conclusion(s): Construction of a Class 100 cleanroom improved air quality and IVF rate and increased the number of embryos past the four-cell stage available for transfer.
Pentamidine Is an Uncoupler of Oxidative Phosphorylation in Rat Liver Mitochondria

Pentamidine is a cationic drug that is used for the treatment of African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. When incubated with pharmacological concentrations of pentamidine, some of the etiologic agents of those diseases reach internal concentrations close to 1.0 mM. In this work pentamidine is shown to exhibit characteristics of a cationic uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in isolated rat liver mitochondria: it released respiratory control, enhanced the latent ATPase activity, and released the inhibition of State 3 respiration by oligomycin. Maximal stimulation of respiration and ATPase activity was observed at a concentration of pentamidine of 200-300 microM. Higher concentrations had an inhibitory effect on mitochondrial respiration. As it happens with other cationic uncouplers, the uncoupling effect of pentamidine required inorganic phosphate. Pentamidine-induced uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation was accompanied by an efflux of Ca2+ from the mitochondria and partial collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
Economic and Managerial Perspectives on New Venture Growth: An Integrated Analysis

During the past two decades the behavior and performance of new ventures have been central issues for entrepreneurship research. Empirical efforts, primarily conducted from industrial economic and strategic management perspectives, have identified specific factors related to new venture performance. Despite the volume of these studies, however, researchers continue to seek generally accepted theoretical models to explain the growth of new ventures (see e.g., Tuck and Hamilton, 1993).1 A serious conceptual problem facing this research is the need to explicitly represent the specific situation facing new ventures (see, e.g., Low and MacMillan 1988). In contrast, in addressing the determinants of new venture performance, Chrisman, et al. (1998) proposed entrepreneurship as a special case of strategic management. We question whether the application of organizational and economic theory developed to explain the performance of complex, large, or established organizations should be sufficient to model the distinctive characteristics and behaviors of relatively small new ventures. Knight's (1921) definition of the entrepreneur emphasizes the significant uncertainty faced by new ventures, and suggests that researchers examining new venture performance should examine the influence of uncertainty. Stigler (1939) introduced the concept of flexibility to address efficient operations for firms facing uncertain market conditions. Facing considerable Knightian uncertainty, new ventures can therefore be represented as adopting the concept of flexibility in their managerial activities. This paper attempts to extend existing research by developing a framework that integrates economic and management explanations of new venture growth in the early stages of a venture's life. Our framework is derived from an industrial economic model of firm behavior and performance suggested by Marris (1964) and extended to integrate indicators of the venture's managerial capacity, i.e. managerial processes and activities as enablers of success. Expanding on Stigler's concept, flexibility is integrated into the framework as well to address the uncertainties faced by new ventures during their early development. The framework developed in this paper is empirically evaluated by examining the growth of independent, high-tech German ventures in their early years of operation (no more than six years old). We consider as determinants of growth economic elements describing firms' technological innovation activities and market activities as well
Educators' Perceptions of Computers in Education: 1979 and 1981

AbstractA 1979 survey was replicated in 1981 to compare and assess knowledge and attitudes of Nebraska K-12 teachers. Teachers' College faculty, and student teachers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Although participants in the 1981 study were significantly more knowledgeable about computers than the 1979 participants, they still felt unqualified to teach computer literacy. In this study student teachers were the least positive and knowledgeable about computers in education. Findings from the survey were used to modify and design teacher preparation courses and inservice workshops to meet current needs of educators at all levels to use computers as instructional tools.
Sphingosine regulates Ca2+-ATPase and reloading of intracellular Ca2+ stores in the pancreatic acinar cell

Abstract The purpose of present study was to examine the effects of sphingosine on cellular Ca 2+ transports using dispersed rat pancreatic acini. The results demonstrated that sphingosine had a specific effect to inhibit Ca 2+ uptake into the cell's agonist-sensitive pool as well as inhibiting microsomal Ca 2+ -ATPase. The ability of sphingosine to inhibit Ca 2+ uptake resulted in both augmentation of Ca 2+ release from the pool by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) and conversion of the Ca 2+ release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate from a transient response to a sustained response. Furthermore, by preventing Ca 2+ pool refilling sphingosine mimicked the effect of the agonist, carbachol, to maintain an increased [Ca 2+ ] i during sustained stimulation. These results suggest that regulation of Ca 2+ -ATPase by sphingosine or a sphingosine-like agent mediates some of the effects of agonist on cell Ca 2+ transports.
Phototropin 1 and cryptochrome action in response to green light in combination with other wavelengths

Genetic studies have shown the effects of various photoreceptors on early photomorphogenic processes, defining the precise time course of red (RL), far-red (FrL) and blue light (BL) action. In this study, the effect of green wavebands in conjunction with these responses is examined. Longer-term (end point; 24–96 h) analysis of hypocotyl elongation in enriched green environments shows an increase in growth compared to seedlings under blue, red or both together. The effect was only observed at lower fluence rates (<10 μmol/m2 s). Genetic analyses demonstrate that cryptochromes are required for this GL effect, consistent with earlier findings, and that the phy receptors have no influence. However, analysis of early (minutes to hours) stem growth kinetics indicates that GL cannot reverse the cryptochrome-mediated BL effect during early stem growth inhibition, and instead acts additively with BL to drive cryptochrome-mediated inhibition. Green light (GL) treatments antagonize RL and FrL-mediated hypocotyl inhibition. The GL opposition of RL responses persists in phyA, phyB, cry1cry2 and phot2 mutants. The response requires phot1 and NPH3, suggesting that this is not a GL response, but instead a response to extremely low-fluence rate BL. Tests with dim BL (<0.1 μmol/m2 s) confirm a previously uncharacterized phot1-dependent promotion of stem growth, opposing the effects of RL. These findings demonstrate how enriched green environments may adjust RL and BL photomorphogenic responses through both the crys and phot1 receptors, and define a new role for phot1 in stem growth promotion.
Polar ice stratigraphy from laser‐light scattering: Scattering from ice

We demonstrate that laser-light scattering (LLS) off glacial (pre-Holocene) polar ice can be used to measure variations in dust concentration along sections of bubble-free ice core. We have used this technique with considerable success on the GISP2 ice core that was retrieved from central Greenland down to bedrock. The technique is fast, non-destructive and has a very high resolution (1 mm or less).
Deformation of a Burgers oriented bimetallic bicrystal of alpha-beta (Ti-13Mn)

The deformation behavior of a Burgers oriented α-β-Ti-13Mn bimetallic bicrystal was studied at two plastic strains, 0.52 and 2.08 pct. Two single crystals, α and β, each corresponding to the orientation of its respective bicrystal component were also investigated. The stress axes were $$[1\bar 7610]_\alpha $$ and [1218]β. The interface planes were $$(\bar 1\bar 3580)_\alpha $$ and $$(\bar 334)_\beta $$ and lay in the x’-z’ plane. The deformation behavior of the a component differed from that of the a single crystal because of plastically induced stresses,T y’z’ ,T x’z’ ,T x’y’ , and σ x’x’ . Prismatic slip and $$\{ 11\bar 21\} $$ twinning were found in the single crystal α whereas the bicrystal revealed additionally pyramidal andc + a slip, the latter at the interface. Slip on the front and back surfaces was different and both thec + a and twinning systems acted to maintain compatibility. Slip in the β single crystal and the β bicrystal component were quite similar. However, there were differences in the intensity and amount of primary slip, (231) $$[\bar 11\bar 1{\text{]}}$$ , on the front and back surfaces. The diminished amount of (231) $$[\bar 11\bar 1{\text{]}}$$ slip on the back surface was due to plastically induced stresses, and on the front surface the primary slip cross slipped to $$(1\bar 2\bar 3)[\bar 11\bar 1]$$ slip which triggeredc + a slip in α. On the back surface the dominant slip system was $$(21\bar 1){\text{ }}[\bar 11\bar 1{\text{]}}$$ which acted in response to the plastically induced stresses. An approximate calculation revealed that the interface deformation zone had about twice the flow stress of the average bicrystal stress.
On the shape of the convex hull of random points

Denote by E n the convex hull of n points chosen uniformly and independently from the d-dimensional ball. Let Prob(d, n) denote the probability that E n has exactly n vertices. It is proved here that Prob(d, 2 d/2 d -ɛ)→1 and Prob(d, 2 d/2 d (3/4)+ɛ)→0 for every fixed ɛ>0 when d→∞. The question whether E n is a k-neighbourly polytope is also investigated.
An empirical investigation of bogus recall

A mall-intercept study involving 200 respondents was conducted to examine bogus recall of advertising slogans. The findings suggest that bogus recall is: (1) negatively related to (a) education, (b) age, (c) income, and (d) being told that slogan recall will be verified by being asked to name the product/company associated with the slogan; (2) positively related to (a) the belief that advertising provides useful product information, (b) a “yea-saying” orientation, (c) radio, newspaper, magazine and TV use, and (d) the attitude toward the slogan; and (3) not related to (a) prior notification of the fact that some slogans are bogus, (b) sex, and (c) race.
IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS IN FAMILIES WITH CŒLIAC DISEASE

Abstract The serum levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM were measured in 48 subjects from families in which more than one member had proven cœliac disease. Isolated IgA deficiency was found in 1 healthy subject. This does not support the hypothesis that IgA deficiency is a major factor in the pathogenesis or inheritance of cœliac disease.
A parameter estimation technique for stochastic self-assembly systems and its application to human papillomavirus self-assembly

Virus capsid assembly has been a key model system for studies of complex self-assembly but it does pose some significant challenges for modeling studies. One important limitation is the difficulty of determining accurate rate parameters. The large size and rapid assembly of typical viruses make it infeasible to directly measure coat protein binding rates or deduce them from the relatively indirect experimental measures available. In this work, we develop a computational strategy to deduce coat–coat binding rate parameters for viral capsid assembly systems by fitting stochastic simulation trajectories to experimental measures of assembly progress. Our method combines quadratic response surface and quasi-gradient descent approximations to deal with the high computational cost of simulations, stochastic noise in simulation trajectories and limitations of the available experimental data. The approach is demonstrated on a light scattering trajectory for a human papillomavirus (HPV) in vitro assembly system, showing that the method can provide rate parameters that produce accurate curve fits and are in good concordance with prior analysis of the data. These fits provide an insight into potential assembly mechanisms of the in vitro system and give a basis for exploring how these mechanisms might vary between in vitro and in vivo assembly conditions.
Top-down identification and quantification of stable isotope labeled proteins from Aspergillus flavus using online nano-flow reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to a LTQ-FTICR mass spectrometer.

Online liquid chromatography−mass spectrometric (LC−MS) analysis of intact proteins (i.e., top-down proteomics) is a growing area of research in the mass spectrometry community. A major advantage of top-down MS characterization of proteins is that the information of the intact protein is retained over the vastly more common bottom-up approach that uses protease-generated peptides to search genomic databases for protein identification. Concurrent to the emergence of top-down MS characterization of proteins has been the development and implementation of the stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) method for relative quantification of proteins by LC−MS. Herein we describe the qualitative and quantitative top-down characterization of proteins derived from SILAC-labeled Aspergillus flavus using nanoflow reversed-phase liquid chromatography directly coupled to a linear ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (nLC-LTQ-FTICR-MS). A. flavus is a toxic filamentous...
The classical S-matrix: a more detailed study of classically forbidden transitions in inelastic collissions☆

Abstract Procedures are investigated for describing classically forbidden collision processes within the framework of the classical limit of quantum mechanics. The goal is to use exact classical mechanics (numerically computed trajectories) to treat classically forbidden transitions in a complex collision (such as an atom plus diatom) in a manner analogous to the way one uses it to treat barrier transmission by a single particle in one dimension (a classically forbidden process); in this latter example the transmission coefficient is exp(−2 O ), θ being the classical action integral through the barrier (a classically forbidden region). Numerical application of these procedures is made to the linear atom-diatom collision system (without reaction), and the resulting vibrational probabilities for the classically forbidden transitions are in as good agreement with the exact quantum mechanical values are the transition probabilities for classically allowed transitions. It appears, therefore, that the dynamics of even these classically forbidden transitions is accurately described in this semiclassical framework.
METABOLISM OF THE STEROID HORMONES: THE ADRENAL GLAND AS THE SOURCE OF CORTIN-LIKE MATERIAL IN THE URINE OF MONKEYS1

THAT CORTIN-LIKE MATERIAL is excreted in the urine of normal men and post-operative patients has been previously demonstrated. Extracts of normal men's urine have been shown to possess the following biological activities in the adrenalectomized rat: protection against low environmental temperatures (Dorfman, Horwitt and Fish, 1942), maintenance of life (Dorfman and Horwitt, 1943), increased work performance of muscle (Shipley, Dorfman and Horwitt, 1943), increased formation of liver glycogen (Horwitt and Dorfman, 1943), and protection against water intoxication (Schiller and Dorfman, 1943). Post-operative urine has been shown to possess material capable of protecting adrenalectomized rats against cold (Weil and Browne, 1939) as well as maintaining life and increasing the synthesis of liver glycogen (Venning, Hoffman and Browne, 1943). This report deals with the presence of cortin-like material in the urine of monkeys. The studies which have been made on intact, gonadectomized, adrenalectomized, and gonade...
Qualitative modeling and simulation of dynamic systems

Abstract Qualitative simulation is a promising technique for design and analysis, particularly in model-based reasoning systems. The purpose of qualitative simulation is to explain process observations by reasoning from physical descriptions to behavioral descriptions. Qualitative simulation has the ability to yield partial conclusions from incomplete knowledge of the process. In this work, the qualitative simulation algorithm, QSIM, is used to model qualitatively several systems from chemical engineering. The QSIM algorithm successfully generated qualitative descriptions for the open-loop responses for all of the systems studied including linear, nonlinear and multivariable processes. Some models required the use of redundant contraints to eliminate otherwise ambiguous parameters. The closed-loop behavior of a mixing tank has also been successfully analyzed with qualitative versions of feedback control. The correct dynamic behavior and the qualitative features of proportional control, such as offset, are captured by the QSIM algorithm.
Choroidal neovascularization in a young, healthy eye after LASIK.

Abstract Background Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), degenerative myopia, angioid streaks, presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, and numerous other ocular and systemic conditions. Idiopathic CNV is also a common form of the condition. However, CNV has rarely been noted after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and a cause-and-effect relationship has not been found. A case of CNV after uneventful LASIK is reported here, along with a literature review of previously reported cases and suggested pathophysiology. A link between LASIK and CNV is sought. Methods A case report of CNV in a young, healthy eye after uneventful LASIK is presented. Review of the pertinent literature reporting a relationship between LASIK and CNV was conducted through 2007, and few studies are reported after 2005. Conclusion To date, there is anecdotal evidence of CNV after LASIK. The incidence from prior reports ranges from 0.003% to 0.33%. However, a causal link cannot be disregarded and merits further study. Each patient undergoing LASIK warrants a thorough preoperative dilated fundus examination, including a thorough examination of the macula. This occurrence, albeit rare, should be considered for inclusion in the refractive surgery consent form.
Expressibility of output equals input: negative and positive results

We examine the common and seemingly simple specification that the output stream equals the input stream. We show that this is not in full generality expressible in first-order or temporal logic by an infinite set of sentences or a recursive specification, but requires certain extra assumptions, such as the existence of a clock or discrete input values.
Titanium dioxide/silicon hole-blocking selective contact to enable double-heterojunction crystalline silicon-based solar cell

In this work, we use an electron-selective titanium dioxide (TiO2) heterojunction contact to silicon to block minority carrier holes in the silicon from recombining at the cathode contact of a silicon-based photovoltaic device. We present four pieces of evidence demonstrating the beneficial effect of adding the TiO2 hole-blocking layer: reduced dark current, increased open circuit voltage (VOC), increased quantum efficiency at longer wavelengths, and increased stored minority carrier charge under forward bias. The importance of a low rate of recombination of minority carriers at the Si/TiO2 interface for effective blocking of minority carriers is quantitatively described. The anode is made of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) heterojunction to silicon which forms a hole selective contact, so that the entire device is made at a maximum temperature of 100 °C, with no doping gradients or junctions in the silicon. A low rate of recombination of minority carriers at the Si/TiO2 interface is crucial for effective blocking of minority carriers. Such a pair of complementary carrier-selective heterojunctions offers a path towards high-efficiency silicon solar cells using relatively simple and near-room temperature fabrication techniques.
Daidzein and the daidzein metabolite, equol, enhance adipocyte differentiation and PPARγ transcriptional activity

Dietary soy isoflavones have been shown to favorably alter the metabolic phenotypes associated with Type 2 diabetes. However, the identification of direct targets and the underlying molecular mechanisms by which soy isoflaovones exert antidiabetic effects remain elusive. Since the insulin-sensitizing effects of thiazolidinediones, antidiabetic drugs, are mediated through activation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), we examined the effects of daidzein and the daidzein metabolite, equol, on adipocyte differentiation and PPARγ activation. In 3T3-L1 cells, daidzein enhanced adipocyte differentiation and PPARγ expression in a dose-dependent manner. Daidzein also dose-dependently increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and the relative abundance of insulin-responsive glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) mRNA. In C3H10T1/2 cells, both daidzein and equol at 1 μmol/L and higher significantly increased adipocyte differentiation and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Furthermore, daidzein and equol up-regulated PPARγ-mediated transcriptional activity, and daidzein restored the PPARγ antagonist-induced inhibition of aP2 and GLUT4 mRNA levels. Our results indicate that daidzein enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes by increasing the expression of GLUT4 and IRS-1 via the activation of PPARγ. These data further support the recent findings that favorable effects of dietary soy isoflavones may be attributable to daidzein and its metabolite equol.
Manipulating critical period closure across different sectors of the primary auditory cortex

During early brain development and through 'adult' experience-dependent plasticity, neural circuits are shaped to represent the external world with high fidelity. When raised in a quiet environment, the rat primary auditory cortex (A1) has a well-defined 'critical period', lasting several days, for its representation of sound frequency. The addition of environmental noise extends the critical period duration as a variable function of noise level. It remains unclear whether critical period closure should be regarded as a unified, externally gated event that applies for all of A1 or if it is controlled by progressive, local, activity-driven changes in this cortical area. We found that rearing rats in the presence of a spectrally limited noise band resulted in the closure of the critical period for A1 sectors representing the noise-free spectral bands, whereas the critical period appeared to remain open in noise-exposed sectors, where the cortex was still functionally and physically immature.
Evaluative Indices Assigned to Contraceptive Methods by University Undergraduates

Abstract Background: Preordinate attitudes and beliefs about contraception may influence acceptance or rejection of a particular method. Purpose: We examined the attitudes about contraception methods held by undergraduate students (N=792) at two large southeastern universities in the United States. Methods: Twelve methods were rated on 40 semantic differential scales. Means of the scale sum scores for men and women were compared using t-tests. Results: Among women the most favorably rated methods were: abstinence, oral contraceptive, male condom, Nuva ring, contraceptive patch, emergency contraception, male sterilization, female sterilization, diaphragm and female condom, each yielding a mean above the scale midpoint. The most negatively rated methods were withdrawal and douche. For men, the ratings in descending order were: oral contraceptive, male condom, abstinence, contraceptive patch, emergency contraception, female sterilization, Nuva ring, female condom, diaphragm, withdrawal, male sterilization an...
Isolation of IL-2 receptor-β cDNA clones from AtT-20 pituitary cells: Constitutive expression and role in signal transduction

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to stimulate ACTH secretion by anterior pituitary cells and has been implicated in pathophysiological processes of the pituitary and brain in several major neuropsychiatric disorders. The present study tested the hypothesis that IL-2 receptor-β (IL-2Rβ), a constitutively expressed and essential subunit for IL-2 signaling in lymphocytes, is expressed by AtT-20 pituitary cells and involved in transducing intracellular signals induced by IL-2. We isolated and sequenced three overlapping IL-2Rβ cDNA clones from AtT-20 pituitary cells representing key regions of the gene protein coding sequence. These cDNA clones included conserved sequences shared by growth hormone and prolactin as well as intracytoplasmic Src and JAK family homology domains of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases essential for IL-2 signaling in lymphocytes. Their nucleotide sequences were 100% homologous with those expressed by lymphocytes (together they comprised 70% of the full length coding sequence). The IL-2Rβ gene is constitutively expressed by AtT-20 pituitary cells, and its transcription was upregulated after CRF stimulation. Species-specific Il-2 induced intracellular signals in AtT-20 cells known to be mediated by Il-2Rβ, including a transient increase in c-myc nuclear proto-oncogene transcription and the dose-dependent induction of DNA replication as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. The IL-2-induced DNA replication signal was not delivered by heat inactivated IL-2 and was partially blocked by a murine anti-IL-2Rβ monoclonal antibody. These studies suggest that IL-2Rβ may be a critical target involved in mediating the neuroimmunological actions of this prototypical cytokine in endocrine cells.
Measurement of S-T segment elevation in acute myocardial infarction in man. Comparison of a precordial mapping technique and the Frank vector system.

Abstract Precordial S-T segment mapping has been used to evaluate the extent of ischemie injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Because precordial S-T segment mapping is time-consuming and is limited to patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction, we evaluated the possibility of using the magnitude (ST-VM) and direction (ST-VD) of the S-T vector, derived from X, Y and Z leads of the Frank vector system, as a substitute for the precordial S-T segment mapping technique. Precordial S-T segment mapping and Frank system vectorcardiograms were simultaneously obtained in three groups: (1) nine normal subjects; (2) nine patients with persistent S-T segment elevation 2 to 15 months after acute anterior myocardial infarction; and (3) nine patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction studied on 41 occasions. For both systems the S-T segments were analyzed 20 and 60 msec after completion of inscription of the QRS complex. The sum of the S-T segment elevations for the 35 sites (∑ST) and the number of sites (NST) in which S-T segment elevations exceeded 0.1 mv were computed for the precordial S-T maps. The ST-VM and ST-VD were calculated by standard formulas from X, Y and Z lead tracings of the Frank vector system. Good correlations were observed between: ST-VM and ∑ST (r = + 0.818 and + 0.791 at 20 and 60 msec, respectively, P
He(I) photoelectron spectroscopy of anions in adiponitrile solution

Abstract He(I) photoelectron spectra are reported of solutions of salts in adiponitrile in which peaks characteristic of the anions are visible; the vertical ionisation energies of these peaks are 6.91 and 7.85 (I − ), 7.6 (Br − ), 8.1 (Cl − ), 7.0 (CNS − ), 8.1 and 6.8 (NO 2 − ), and 7.6eV (SO 4 2− ). The salts examined were tetra- n -butyl ammonium (NO 2 − , I − , Br − , Cl − , CNS − , SO 4 2− ), N-methylpyridinium I − , trimethylphenylammonium I − , choline I − , methyltrioctylammonium I − and methyltriphenylphosphonium Br − . The relationship between these spectra and the charge transfer to solvent spectra of the anions is discussed.
Stabilization of anionic adducts in negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry.

Attachment of small anions to neutral molecules is an important ionization mechanism in negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry. In this report, the tendency for different anions to remain attached to selected analyte compound classes has been systematically investigated. A rationale for the formation and stability of preferred anionic adducts is proposed in light of thermodynamic considerations. A series of collision-induced dissociation experiments reveals that the gas-phase basicities of the deprotonated analyte molecule ([M − H]-) and the anion moiety play important roles in determining the stability of anionic adducts. Adducts of the form [M − H]-···H+···[anion]- manifest increased stability when the two anions have similar gas-phase basicities. Within certain limitations, the difference in ΔG° values for proton combination with [M − H]- and with [anion]- can be used as a first-order predictor of adduct stability. In addition, stability increases with the rising gas-phase basicities of the two mo...
The political viability of a negative income tax

This paper offers three propositions relating to the political viability of the negative income tax. One, despite its work disincentive, a majority of households would support a linear income tax that makes cash payments to low income households. However two, when government consumption is sufficiently high, a majority would favor a proportional tax over such a tax. Three, under certain conditions, a majority of households will prefer public provision of a private good or an in-kind transfer to a negative income tax. These latter two propositions offer an explanation for the public's apparent distaste for widespread cash transfers.
SU‐FF‐T‐215: Evaluation of a Planar Ion Chamber Array for Patient Specific IMRT QA

Purpose: To evaluate the IBA MatriXX planar ion chamber array for patient specific IMRT QA by comparing measurements to ion chamber measurement and isodose distribution. Method and Materials: Ten IMRT plans were delivered to the MatriXX which was placed into the IBA MultiCube virtual water phantom. The dose distribution was compared to the Brainscan treatment planning system (TPS) by using the Omnipro I'mRT software. Ion chamber measurements were also compared to TPS as well as coronal isodose distributions taken with film. A PTW TN31010 cylindrical ion chamber and Kodak EDR were used. Each dosimeter was placed at similar depth in phantom and the composite dose of all treatment fields was used for comparison. The deviation between measured and planned dose was determined for each dosimetry system. Isodose distributions were analyzed with gamma routines meeting a 3%/3mm criteria. The average gamma as well as percentage pixel failure rate were compared. Results: CAX dose measured on MatriXX differs from plan by an average of 2.8% with a standard deviation of 1.5%. CAX dose measured with the ion chamber differed from plan by an average of 1.8% with a standard deviation of 1.1% The average gamma for MatriXX dose distribution was 0.59 with standard deviation 0.17. The average gamma for film distribution was 0.64 with a standard deviation of 0.21. The average percentage of pixels that fail gamma was 3.6% for MatriXX and 7.5% for film. Conclusion: The MatriXX performed as well as or better than ion chamber or film measurements, and the MatriXX provided better agreement to plan than film in nine out of ten cases measured. The results show that the MatriXX is a reliable and consistent device for patient specific IMRT QA.
Poster Sessions BP03: Myelin, Demyelination and Diseases of Myelin

The myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) is the major structural protein of CNS myelin, accounting for approximately half of total myelin protein. We studied synthesis and accumulation of myelin components for two months postnatally in PLP-null mice and age-matched controls. Accumulation of myelin, as assayed by levels of whole brain cerebroside and myelin basic protein, was normal in the knockout mice. The rate of cerebroside synthesis in the knockout mice was also normal. Myelin was isolated at several ages during development, using a standard subcellular fractionation protocol. The yield of ‘purified myelin’ isolated from a large particle (crude mitochondrial) fraction was reduced in PLP-null mice, but increased amounts of ‘myelin’ were obtained in the small particle (crude microsomal) fraction. This ‘myelin’ in the crude microsomal fraction was identified as such by flotation on 0.85 m sucrose and the myelin-characteristic 2 : 1 molar ratio of cholesterol to cerebroside. This suggests myelin from PLP-null mice is physically more fragile than normal myelin, and that during tissue dispersion, much more PLP-null myelin is fragmented into small vesicles than is the case for normal myelin. Three hours after intracranial injection of tritiated acetate into PLP-null mice, cerebroside in myelin isolated from the large particle fraction was at a similar specific radioactivity to that isolated from the small particle (crude microsomal) fraction, suggesting that the most recently deposited PLP-null myelin is not preferentially unstable. The increased fragility evident during tissue dispersion is indicative of an underlying structural abnormality in PLP-null myelin. Whether this inherent structural instability affects myelin metabolism is under investigation. Acknowledgements: Supported by USPHS & NMSS grants.
Nursing considerations in psychotropic medication-induced weight gain.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES The purpose of this clinical project is to emphasize the importance of prevention/treatment of psychotropic medication-induced weight gain. Professionals who work with patients taking psychotropic medications should provide a weight management program specifically designed to address the unique needs of the mentally ill patient. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE Psychotropic medications used in the treatment of serious psychiatric disorders are associated with body weight gain. Medication-induced weight gain can lead to serious health issues and noncompliance with needed treatment. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Current literature and discussion of possible mechanisms of pharmacologically induced weight gain are reviewed. Health issues related to weight gain are summarized. The nursing process is then used to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate a program of weight management for pharmacologically treated psychiatric patients. OUTCOMES Research findings demonstrate an increased rate of obesity in pharmacologically treated psychiatric patients. This phenomenon is probably multifactorial and leads to physical complications, psychological consequences, and noncompliance with treatment. Patients with mental health disorders can effectively control their weight if they are supported by a weight management program specifically designed to meet their needs. INTERPRETATION/CONCLUSIONS Early intervention can prevent or minimize weight gain. Weight gain when it does occur can be reversed through a program of weight management. Nurses can utilize the nursing process to develop a weight management program that provides for the special needs of mentally ill clients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Psychotropic medication-induced weight gain is an often neglected problem that is not readily addressed in the clinical setting. On the basis of the scope of the problem, nurses should view medication-induced weight gain as a priority. Nurses are in a unique position to design and implement an individualized weight management program through the collaborative and holistic strategies that the nursing process provides.