cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PROSPECTIVE STUDY VALIDATING INTER- AND INTRAOBSERVER VARIABILITY OF TISSUE COMPLIANCE METER IN BREAST TISSUE OF HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS: POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH RADIATION-INDUCED FIBROSIS OF THE BREAST

Purpose Accurate detection of radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is crucial in management of breast cancer survivors. Tissue compliance meter (TCM) has been validated in musculature. We validate TCM in healthy breast tissue with respect to interobserver and intraobserver variability before applying it in RIF. Methods and Materials Three medical professionals obtained three consecutive TCM measurements in each of the four quadrants of the right and left breasts of 40 women with no breast disease or surgical intervention. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed interobserver variability. The paired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient ( r ) were used to assess intraobserver variability within each rater. Results The median age was 45 years (range, 24-68 years). The median bra size was 35C (range, 32A–40DD). Of the participants, 27 were white (67%), 4 black (10%), 5 Asian (13%), and 4 Hispanic (10%). ICCs indicated excellent interrater reliability (low interobserver variability) among the three raters, by breast and quadrant (all ICC ≥0.99). The paired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient both indicated low intraobserver variability within each rater (right vs. left breast), stratified by quadrant (all r ≥ 0.94, p Conclusions The interobserver and intraobserver variability is small using TCM in healthy mammary tissue. We are now embarking on a prospective study using TCM in women with breast cancer at risk of developing RIF that may guide early detection, timely therapeutic intervention, and assessment of success of therapy for RIF.
Needle device systems for interventional endoscopic ultrasound and general technique of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

The ability to obtain tissue with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) techniques has been a major advance for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Using proper technique, EUS FNA is a minimally invasive, highly effective, and safe method for tissue sampling. EUS FNA has broad applicability to the staging and diagnosis of tumors of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, ampulla, pancreas, and rectum. Recently, EUS FNA techniques have been applied to mediastinal staging of lung cancer. The epidemiology, and clinical impact of lung cancer has already made this the single most important use of EUS for cancer staging in many centers, and this trend is likely to increase. This article summarizes the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of EUS FNA. It also provides detailed information of the practical techniques for EUS FNA of tumors, cysts, and lymph nodes. The increasing array of endoscopic and accessory devices available will also be discussed.
Creep behavior of electron-beam-melted rhenium

Creep deformation in electron-beam-melted polycrystalline rhenium sheet was evaluated at 2200° to 4200°F (1477° to 2588°K) and 4 to 40 ksi (28 to 276 MN per sq m). Comparisons were made with powder metallurgy rhenium under similar conditions. Changes in creep-rupture behavior resulting from electron beam melting of rhenium were greater ductility, higher primary creep rate, and longer rupture life, especially at lower temperatures. The activation energy for creep was 72 kcal per mole for electron-beam-melted rhenium and 64 kcal per mole for powder metallurgy rhenium.
Wettabilities of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold Generated from Progressively Fluorinated Alkanethiols

The conformational order and wettability of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold generated from a series of partially fluorinated alkanethiols (F(CF2)n(CH2)11SH, n = 1−10; FnH11SH, H11 series), possessing methylene spacers of equivalent length, and the corresponding n-alkanethiol (F0H11SH) were characterized by polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) and contact angle goniometry. The PM-IRRAS analyses revealed that the conformational order of the underlying methylene spacers remains constant with increasing n. Probing the wettabilities of the SAMs by contact angle goniometry using hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon contacting liquids revealed that the dispersive surface energies of the monolayers decreased as n increased from 0 to 6 and then remained constant for n = 6−10. Using cis-perfluorodecalin as the contacting liquid revealed that the decrease in the dispersive surface energies is due to a decrease in the surface density of the CF3 groups that occurs as the leng...
The relationship of the "sphere chromatophile" to the fate of displaced histones following histone transition in rat spermiogenesis.

Cytochemical, radioautographic, and microspectrophotometric studies bearing on the relationship of histone transition to the origin and development of the protein and RNA components of the "sphere chromatophile" in the developing spermatogenic cells of the albino rat are presented. These studies show that the sphere chromatophile has many features in common with somatic nuclei: it contains histonelike basic proteins rich in lysine, with lesser amounts of arginine. No evidence is found for the presence of a protamine in this granule. The sphere chromatophile is rich in RNA, but contains no DNA. The failure of a positive reaction with basic protein stains, unless the RNA is first removed, indicates either a chemical bonding or a very close association between the RNA and basic protein. The basic protein and RNA components of the sphere chromatophile appear to have different origins in the cell. A sequence of stages in the development of the lysine-rich basic protein component of this structure commences with the appearance of tiny grains in those spermatid nuclei which are beginning to replace lysine-rich histones with arginine-rich histones. Subsequently, similar-staining cytoplasmic grains appear, which coalesce to form the sphere chromatophile in the cytoplasm. Labeling studies show that the basic protein component is synthesized at about the time of the last premeiotic DNA (and histone) synthesis. The results of the microspectrophotometric measurements support the idea that the basic protein lost from the spermatid nucleus is the source of the basic protein in the sphere chromatophile.
Lattice-ordered 2 × 2 triangular matrix algebras

We show that there are four different lattice orders on a 2 × 2 triangular matrix algebra over a totally ordered field to make it into a lattice-ordered algebra in which the identity matrix is positive. A general method is also given to construct lattice orders in which the identity matrix is not positive.
Regulation of Lipid Membrane Trafficking and Transmembrane Signaling by Graphene

Cholesterol, a lipid molecule found ubiquitously in eukaryotic cells, plays a vital role in the integrity, dynamics, and trafficking of the lipid membrane, in addition to influencing many transmembrane proteins. However, the functionality of membrane cholesterol is far from clear, largely due to an inability to manipulate membrane cholesterol with high spatiotemporal precision. Popular tools like statins or methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) only lead to chronic and indiscriminative cholesterol reduction. Moreover, there is no selective approach to increase membrane cholesterol. Our recent work involving carbon nanomaterials provided an unexpected answer. Graphene, a one-atom thick carbon crystal, has been explored for biomedical applications because of its remarkable chemical and physical properties. Using in vitro and in vivo measurements, we have found that graphene selectively interacts with cholesterol. This enriches cholesterol at the plasma membrane, and thus enhances membrane lipid phase order, likely promoting the formation of cholesterol-rich lipid membrane nanodomains. Neurons grown on graphene exhibited presynaptic potentiation, specifically caused by a larger pool of releasable vesicles and an increase of fast recycling. By addition or depletion of membrane cholesterol, we found that the graphene-induced presynaptic enrichment of membrane cholesterol is necessary and sufficient to promote potentiation. In non-neuronal cells, graphene significantly elevates ATP-induced intracellular Ca2+-signaling by promoting the activation of P2Y receptors, a group of GPCRs which are selectively responsive to extracellular ATP. Furthermore, we found that graphene enhances P2Y receptor signaling on the timescale of seconds, as rapidly as its effect on membrane packing. This then reveals an intriguing interaction between graphene and cholesterol, and its impact on plasma membrane structure, trafficking, and transmembrane proteins. Given the current challenges in manipulating membrane cholesterol, this graphene-cholesterol interaction will accelerate studies of membrane cholesterol function and broaden the biological application of carbon nanomaterials.
The inheritance of pseudo-self compatibility (PSC) in Raphanus sativus L.

Pseudo-self compatibility (PSC) in Raphanus sativus L. is determined by modifying genes that appear to have a threshold effect. Plants that do not possess PSC when used as male or female can produce progeny with increased PSC levels. This suggests that specific combinations and numbers of genes influence PSC. Once high PSC levels are attained, epistatic gene action predominates. Selection of parents for breeding systems using self incompatibility to control fertilization should use progeny testing to determine the best self-incompatible parents.
Bidirectional synaptic plasticity induced by a single burst during cholinergic theta oscillation in CA1 in vitro

In standard protocols, the frequency of synaptic stimulation determines whether CA1 hippocampal synapses undergo long-term potentiation or depression. Here we show that during cholinergically induced theta oscillation (theta) synaptic plasticity is greatly sensitized and can be induced by a single burst (4 pulses, 100 Hz). A burst given at the peak of theta induces homosynaptic LTP; the same burst at a trough induces homosynaptic LTD of previously potentiated synapses. Heterosynaptic LTD is produced at inactive synapses when others undergo LTP. The synaptic modifications during theta require NMDA receptors and muscarinic receptors. The enhancement is cooperative and occludes with standard LTP. These results suggest that the similar bursts observed during theta rhythm in vivo may be a natural stimulus for inducing LTP/LTD.
Band structure engineering of semiconductors for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting: The case of TiO 2

Here, we propose general strategies for the rational design of semiconductors to simultaneously meet all of the requirements for a high-efficiency, solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting device. As a case study, we apply our strategies for engineering the popular semiconductor, anatase ${\text{TiO}}_{2}$. Previous attempts to modify known semiconductors such as ${\text{TiO}}_{2}$ have often focused on a particular individual criterion such as band gap, neglecting the possible detrimental consequence to other important criteria. Density-functional theory calculations reveal that with appropriate donor-acceptor coincorporation alloys with anatase ${\text{TiO}}_{2}$ hold great potential to satisfy all of the criteria for a viable PEC device. We predict that (Mo, 2N) and (W, 2N) are the best donor-acceptor combinations in the low-alloy concentration regime whereas (Nb, N) and (Ta, N) are the best choice of donor-acceptor pairs in the high-alloy concentration regime.
Automated segmentation of thyroid gland on CT images with multi-atlas label fusion and random classification forest

The thyroid gland plays an important role in clinical practice, especially for radiation therapy treatment planning. For patients with head and neck cancer, radiation therapy requires a precise delineation of the thyroid gland to be spared on the pre-treatment planning CT images to avoid thyroid dysfunction. In the current clinical workflow, the thyroid gland is normally manually delineated by radiologists or radiation oncologists, which is time consuming and error prone. Therefore, a system for automated segmentation of the thyroid is desirable. However, automated segmentation of the thyroid is challenging because the thyroid is inhomogeneous and surrounded by structures that have similar intensities. In this work, the thyroid gland segmentation is initially estimated by multi-atlas label fusion algorithm. The segmentation is refined by supervised statistical learning based voxel labeling with a random forest algorithm. Multiatlas label fusion (MALF) transfers expert-labeled thyroids from atlases to a target image using deformable registration. Errors produced by label transfer are reduced by label fusion that combines the results produced by all atlases into a consensus solution. Then, random forest (RF) employs an ensemble of decision trees that are trained on labeled thyroids to recognize features. The trained forest classifier is then applied to the thyroid estimated from the MALF by voxel scanning to assign the class-conditional probability. Voxels from the expert-labeled thyroids in CT volumes are treated as positive classes; background non-thyroid voxels as negatives. We applied this automated thyroid segmentation system to CT scans of 20 patients. The results showed that the MALF achieved an overall 0.75 Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and the RF classification further improved the DSC to 0.81.
Structure of pyrR (Rv1379) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a persistence gene and protein drug target.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis pyrR gene (Rv1379) encodes a protein that regulates the expression of pyrimidine-nucleotide biosynthesis (pyr) genes in a UMP-dependent manner. Because pyrimidine biosynthesis is an essential step in the progression of TB, the gene product pyrR is an attractive antitubercular drug target. The 1.9 A native structure of Mtb pyrR determined by the TB Structural Genomics Consortium facilities in trigonal space group P3121 is reported, with unit-cell parameters a = 66.64, c = 154.72 A at 120 K and two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The three-dimensional structure and residual uracil phosphoribosyltransferase activity point to a common PRTase ancestor for pyrR. However, while PRPP- and UMP-binding sites have been retained in Mtb pyrR, a distinct dimer interaction among subunits creates a deep positively charged cleft capable of binding pyr mRNA. In silico screening of pyrimidine-nucleoside analogs has revealed a number of potential lead compounds that, if bound to Mtb pyrR, could facilitate transcriptional attenuation, particularly cyclopentenyl nucleosides.
Ventilator Dependence in Acute Severe Asthma Due to a Variant Presentation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

A 23-year-old white woman presented with severe status asthmaticus requiring prolonged ventilator support and subsequently developed a flacid areflexic quadraparesis which resolved after plasmapheresis. This case represents a variant presentation of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) that is difficult to distinguish from critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP).
Effects of screen size, viewing angle, and players' immersion tendencies on game experience

This study investigated the effects of viewing angle manipulated through screen size and the moderating role of players' immersion tendencies on presence experience in the context of computer game playing. Thirty participants played a third-person computer game, Tomb Raider 2, in two screen size conditions: a 12.7-in. and an 81-in. display. ANCOVA analyses showed that playing in front of a large screen led to a more favorable impression on the game character, a more positive mood change, and significantly higher feelings of both physical and self-presence, confirming previous research. Our findings also revealed that individuals' intrinsic immersion tendencies have a positive moderating effect on the sensation of physical and self-presence, above and beyond the influence of screen size. The results suggest that feeling of presence as well as overall game experience is determined by the interaction between technological factors and human influence.
Host response to challenge with SA7-induced autochthonous tumor cells.

The fate of SA7-induced autochthonous tumor transplants in inbred hamsters (strain LSH) was determined. It was found that the host response to tumor autografts was not uniform. Out of a series of 30 such transplants, evidence for host resistance was found in 12 instances. Conversely, in six cases the tumor cell inoculum grew only or more rapidly in the autochthonous host. In three tests the challenge tumor growth rate was similar in both autochthonous and control (s), and in nine trials neoplasms did not develop in either recipient. In the last category the failure of the tumor cells to grow was most likely due to host resistance rather than to poor transplantability because it was found that SA7 tumor lines which were poorly oncogenic or non-oncogenic in adult animals invariably produced lethal tumors in infant hamsters. It was concluded that a) hamsters can manifest autochthonous tumor immunity to SA7-induced neoplasms and b) one factor which contributed to the diversity of the host response was the size of the primary tumor prior to and shortly after grafting.
Conformations of Bridging Polyelectrolytes in Poor Solvent: Single-Chain Self-Consistent Field Calculations

We report on numerical self-consistent field (SCF) calculations on the single-chain conformation of an electrostatically charged, yet poorly soluble, flexible polymer. We find numerical evidence that a “necklace of beads” conformation is self-organized and speculate that the predicted cascade of conformational transitions can be probed via a single-chain mechanical experiment with an atomic force microscope.
Phase equilibria and structural relations in the system BaMnO3−x

The system BaMnO3−x (0 ⩽ x < 0.5) in air was investigated by gravimetric, quenching, single-crystal and powder-X-ray diffraction studies. Below 1150°C hexagonal, two-layer BaMnO3 (a = 5.699 A, c = 4.817 A) is stable. Above 1150°C a series of anion deficient BaMnO3−x phases exists. With increasing temperature, these include a rhombohedral 15-layer form (a = 5.681 A, c = 35.377 A; hexagonal indexing) and hexagonal 8-layer (a = 5.699 A, c = 18.767 A), 6-layer (a = 5.683 A, c = 14.096 A), 10-layer (a = 5.680 A, c = 23.373 A) and 4-layer (a = 5.672 A, c = 9.319 A) forms. The 6-layer modification is not of the hexagonal BaTiO3-type. A simple orderly structural sequence involving a progressive increase of cubic-type layer stacking with increasing temperature characterizes the phases prepared. Influence of anion stoichiometry on phase formation is considered.
Rate of concretion growth

Abstract Mathematical expressions for the time of growth of spherical post-depositional concretions from flowing and non-flowing supersaturated ground water are derived based on ionic diffusion as the rate-controlling growth mechanism. The theoretical treatment is that used by Frank (1950) and Nielsen (1961) for physically analogous problems. Application of the equations to the growth of CaCO 3 concretions is done in the form of growth curves for different ground water flow rates. For a typical slowly flowing ground water supersaturated in CaCO 3 by 10 ppm the time of growth of calcite concretions ranges from ~500 yr for concretions of 1 cm radius to ~12,000 yr for those of 5 cm radius.
The number needed to treat: a useful clinical measure or a case of the Emperor's new clothes?

The number needed to treat (NNT) was introduced into the medical literature as an easily understood and useful measure of treatment effect for clinical trials in which the main outcome variable is binary. It has been argued that it is more easily understood by practising physicians than more statistically based measures. In this paper we review the claims made for the NNT and question whether it is truly understandable to physicians, and look at issues around determining a confidence interval, or a Bayesian interval, for the NNT. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solubility of Benzoic Acid and Related Compounds in a Series of n-Alkanols

The solubility of benzoic acid and esters of p -hydroxybenzoic acid were determined in a series of n -alkanols, and Hildebrand′s solubility parameters were assigned to these compounds. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical solubility calculated from the Hildebrand equation for regular solutions. Fair agreement was found for methyl and ethyl p -hydroxybenzoic acid, but propyl and butyl p -hydroxybenzoic acid and benzoic acid agreed less favorably. Hildebrand′s equation appears most applicable to solvents whose solubility parameters are quite similar to those of the solutes; it is strictly applicable to nonpolar rather than polar systems.
Adsorption and wetting on moveable walls

Abstract Polystyrene latex spheres, colloidally suspended at very low volume fraction in critical and nearcritical mixtures of 2,6-lutidine and water (LW), have been observed to segregate strongly into a complete wetting phase when the LW mixture is placed in its two-phase region near Tc. The wetting temperature, Tw, is observable as that at which colloidal particles abruptly begin to migrate to the meniscus. In the one-phase region near the coexistence temperature, the particles aggregate reversibly through a process which appears to be interpretable as a form of capillary condensation.
Metal-ion facilitated hydrolysis of hippuryl-DL-β-phenyllactate, a carboxypeptidase substrate

The hydrolysis of hippuryl-DL-β-phenyl-lactate (I), a carboxypeptidase A substrate, has been studied over the pH range 3.7–6.0. The products from the hydrolysis are hippuric acid and DL-β-phenyllactate. The rate of spontaneous hydrolysis of I obeys the rate law, rate = ko + kOH[OH], with ko 2.2 × 10−6 sec−1 and kOH of 4.36 × 103 M−1 sec−1. Of several divalent metal ions examined, Cu(II) provides the greatest increase in hydrolysis rate, with an enhancement of 1200 time the spontaneous rate. The rate acceleration afforded by divalent metal ions is most likely due to a transition-state effect in which the leaving group, β-phenyllactate, is stabilized by chelation to the metal ion. The relevance of these kinetic studies to the mechanism of carboxypeptidase A and other metallohydrolases is discussed.
Employment History Survey of ASCE’s Younger Members

In random sampling of ASCE younger members (ages 22 to 35) in the fall of 2001, various aspects of employment history were investigated in an effort to obtain preliminary information on the civil engineering field and the career development of engineers. Among the issues covered were the number of years worked, the number of positions held, the number of organizations worked for, and whether or not the person had an advanced degree. Attention was also given to salary range and to the factors considered important in selecting a job. Many of the respondents offered additional comments concerning the field. While these preliminary findings show that the average civil engineer changes jobs infrequently, does not possess an advanced degree, and works in the private sector for a consulting firm, detailed analysis by years worked provides a fuller understanding of the employment history of those surveyed.
c-Myc Is Glycosylated at Threonine 58, a Known Phosphorylation Site and a Mutational Hot Spot in Lymphomas

c-Myc is a helix-loop-helix leucine zipper phosphoprotein that heterodimerizes with Max and regulates gene transcription in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and programmed cell death. Previously, we demonstrated that c-Myc is modified by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) within or nearby the N-terminal transcriptional activation domain (Chou, T.-Y., Dang, C. V., and Hart, G. W.(1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 4417-4421). In this paper, we identified the O-GlcNAc attachment site(s) on c-Myc. c-Myc purified from sf9 insect cells was trypsinized, and its GlcNAc moieties were enzymically labeled with [3H]galactose. The [3H]galactose-labeled glycopeptides were isolated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and then subjected to gas-phase sequencing, manual Edman degradation, and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. These analyses show that threonine 58, an in vivo phosphorylation site in the transactivation domain, is the major O-GlcNAc glycosylation site of c-Myc. Mutation of threonine 58, frequently found in retroviral v-Myc proteins and in human Burkitt and AIDS-related lymphomas, is associated with enhanced transforming activity and tumorigenicity. The reciprocal glycosylation and phosphorylation at this biologically significant amino acid residue may play an important role in the regulation of the functions of c-Myc.
Welding and Manufacturing of Large Electrical Apparatus

The object of this paper is to show how extensively electric welding is being used in the fabrication of large electrical apparatus. It outlines the use and advantages of welding for supplanting the casting and machinery of parts and describee briefly the welding equipment developed for this purpose and soms of the electrical machines produced by this method.
Crystallin synthesis and crystallin mRNAs in galactosemic rat lenses.

Abstract Changes in crystallin synthesis and crystallin mRNA content were followed in the epithelial and fiber cells of rat lenses during the development and reversal of galactose cataracts. Crystallin synthesis was not lowered in the lens epithelial cells throughout the 18 days of galactose feeding. By contrast, crystallin synthesis appeared partially reduced in the fiber cells of cultured lenses after the rats had been on a diet of 50% galactose for 6 days, and was essentially arrested in the lens fiber cells after the rats were fed galactose chow for 12 or 18 days. In vitro translation tests in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate demonstrated that control lenses contained α-, β- and γ-crystallin mRNAs in the cortical and nuclear fiber cells. The lens fiber cells of the 6-day galactosemic rats still possessed a full complement of crystallin mRNAs but those of the 15-day galactosemic rats had no detectable crystallin mRNAs. After 12 days the galactosemic lenses had lost approximately half of the crystallin mRNAs from the cortical fiber cells and all of the mRNAs from the nuclear fiber cells. Both crystallin synthesis and crystallin mRNA content recovered in the cortical fiber cells, but not in the nuclear fiber cells, during reversal of the galactose cataract. These results indicate that the reduction in crystallin synthesis is confined to the fiber cells and occurs initially by a decreased efficiency of utilization of crystallin mRNAs and subsequently by the degradation of the mRNAs. Previous experiments provide evidence that the impaired utilization of the crystallin mRNAs is due to the alterations in electrolytes in the cataractous lenses.
Androgens reduce HDL2-cholesterol and increase hepatic triglyceride lipase activity.

ABSTRACTKANTOR, MARK A., ADAM BIANCHINI, DAVID BERNIER, STANLEY P. SADY, and PAUL D. THOMPSON. Androgens reduce HDL2-choIesterol and increase hepatic triglyceride lipase activity. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 462-465, 1985. We quantified serum lipids and postheparin plasma lipolytic
Interleukin-2 potentiates novelty- and GBR 12909-induced exploratory activity.

Abstract Interleukin (IL)-2 is a cytokine that influences exploratory behavior and central dopamine activity in rodents, and induces schizophrenic-like behavior and cognitive deficits in humans. We presently report that a single i.p. injection of murine IL-2 (0.05–0.80 μg/mouse) induced significant increases in novelty-induced locomotion and exploration in BALB/c mice. These measures were not significantly altered in mice that were pre-exposed to the test cage prior to cytokine injection. The IL-2-induced behavioral changes were not further augmented by repeated intermittent injections (five daily i.p. injections; 0.4 μg/mouse), however. Nonetheless, during the treatment period, activity scores of IL-2-treated mice significantly exceeded those of mice receiving saline; hence, repeated injections of IL-2 induced a persistent behavioral activation. IL-2 treatment also increased sensitivity to the behavior-stimulating effects of GBR 12909, a highly selective dopamine uptake inhibitor. This effect was a very long-lasting one since the dopamine agonist was administered 6 weeks after cessation of IL-2 treatment. The latter finding indicates that IL-2 interacts with the mesolimbic dopamine system, changing its sensitivity to seemingly different substances. Based on these data, and those of Zalcman and colleagues (S. Zalcman, I. Savina, R.A. Wise, Interleukin-6 increases sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating effects of amphetamine in rats, Brain Res. 847 (1999) 276–283), it is suggested that cytokines can influence the development of behavioral abnormalities that are characteristic of aberrant mesolimbic dopamine activity via sensitization-like processes.
Ephrin-B2-induced cleavage of EphB2 receptor is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases to trigger cell repulsion.

EphB receptors provide crucial adhesive and repulsive signals during cell migration and axon guidance, but it is unclear how they switch between these opposing responses. Here we provide evidence of an important role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in repulsive EphB2 signaling. We found that EphB2 is cleaved by MMPs both in vitro and in vivo, and that this cleavage is induced by interaction with its ligand ephrin-B2. Our findings demonstrate that MMP-2/MMP-9-specific inhibition or cleavage-resistant mutations in the ectodomain of EphB2 can prevent EphB2-mediated cell-cell repulsion in HEK293 cells, and block ephrin-B1-induced growth cone withdrawal in cultured hippocampal neurons. Transient expression of wtEphB2, but not noncleavable EphB2–4/5 mutant, restored ephrin-B1-induced growth cone collapse and withdrawal in EphB-deficient neurons. The inhibition of EphB2 cleavage also had potent regulatory effects on EphB2 activity. This study provides the first evidence that MMP-mediated cleavage of EphB2 is induced by receptor-ligand interactions at the cell surface and that this event triggers cell-repulsive responses.
The Neuer Markt is Dead. Long Live the Neuer Markt

News reports of the potential consolidation of financial markets in Europe and the United States invite an analysis of the economic impact of such mergers. Yet, most scholarly discussion of these issues has revolved around a view of markets as efficient providers of capital and has ignored the issue of information transmission which Hayek argues is more important. Germany's Neuer Markt closed at the end of 2002 and the resulting transfer of securities to the larger Frankfurt exchange provides a unique opportunity to examine the informational impact of market consolidation. The results suggest that the closure of the Neuer Markt has resulted in a loss in the pricing transparency of Neuer Markt securities which has implications for the current debate.
On some multiattribute value function generalizations of the EOQ model in the context of personal inventory decisions

By personal inventory decisions we mean the decisions on quantity purchased which are made daily in such activities as grocery shopping. This topic has previously been introduced only at the conceptual level. Hence our main purpose is to provide a quantitative discussion. Some specific models are pursued to solution. Surprisingly, a conjoint value function aggregator leads to indifference in replenishment quantity. Contrasts to the EOQ assumptions are highlighted.
Evalquote in simple Fortran: A tutorial on interpreting Lisp

This paper describes the implementation of a pedagogical version of Evalquote with a set of Fortran subroutines. Their study enables the user to understand the programming machinery needed to interpret Lisp programs; the implementation of the subroutines allows him to run pure Lisp in machines for which only Fortran is available. The approach used in this paper is to define a stack-machine capable of executing a sequence of pseudo-instructions which represent a Lisp program in post-fixed notation. These instructions are easily simulated by Fortran subroutines. Once the subroutines are implemented in a computer it is a simple matter to manually transcribe Evalquote into a sequence of these pseudo-instructions and thus obtain a Lisp interpreter with a minimum of programming effort. The paper does not attempt to describe a complete and efficient Lisp interpreter; instead, it concentrates on the description of a minimal set of pseudo-instructions and their actions.
Bridging the Times: Trends in Micah Studies since 1985

Scholars continue to respond to Willis's foundational work of the 1960s, and to each other, using a variety of classical and new methodologies to treat questions of unity, coherence, theme, and other aspects of the book of Micah. Sampling works that use literary criticism, text criticism, form criticism, historical criticism, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, rhetorical criticism, feminist and womanist approaches, canonical and intertextual approaches, and inter-disciplinary approaches, as well as innovative combinations of these (both multi-critical and multi-disciplinary), this article follows the progress of methodological trends in Micah scholarship from the 1980s to the present. These trends have generated new questions regarding ideological concepts such as justice; class differences and power; and the book's use in the church.
On dynamic stability and quasi-bifurcation

Abstract In this paper, a dynamic stability concept and a quasi-bifurcation criterion introduced in a recent paper [1] are clarified. A simple dynamic system of four degrees of freedom is employed to illustrate the concept and the significance of the criterion.
The 129I AMS program at PRIME Lab

The current status of sample preparation activities and AMS determination of 129II ratios are described. Determination of 129II ratios is being performed routinely at the precision of 3% (at 10−11 level). A system background of 20−80 × 10−15 of 129II ratio has been achieved without a time-of-flight (TOF) detector and without a low-energy electrostatic deflector. An intercomparison of 129II ratios for AgI samples obtained from other AMS facilities and for the round robin exercise by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) show an excellent agreement. Potential applications of 129I for tracing groundwater and ocean water are discussed.
Using a bicriteria Boolean linear programming model for parameter selection in large multicategory classification problem

The proximity feature selection model developed by the authors is enhanced to consider a multicategory classification problem. The proximity indices between intra- and inter-categories are used to establish the similarity and dissimilarity criteria. Using these criteria, a bicriteria Boolean linear programming model is developed to select an optimal set of discriminatory parameters to solve a multicategory classification problem. This method, thus, addresses the recurring issue of parameter selection in pattern recognition problems, and suggests the designers of classification systems to consider the problem from a different perspective. The paper suggests that one shall extract as much information as conveniently possible in pattern-information domain, and use the proposed model to select a significantly smaller, yet optimal parameter subset for classification. This method is formally described and is successfully applied to an electroencephalogram (EEG) waveform classification problem. The parameters selected by the algorithm are used to classify three EEG signal classes, and produce a very encouraging recognition performance of over 86% on 300 samples from three classes. This method is computationally inexpensive and particularly useful for large data set problems.
Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia

Three cases of unilateral pulmonary vein atresia in children are described. The findings in all three cases were similar and consisted of hemoptysis, recurrent pulmonary infections, and a normal size or small lung with reticular markings. In combination, these findings should allow one to strongly suspect the diagnosis which then can be confirmed with radionuclide perfusion studies and pulmonary angiography. Both procedures demonstrate decreased blood flow to the involved lung, but the pulmonary arteriogram is the definitive study in that it shows a small pulmonary artery, pruned peripheral branches, stasis of contrast material, and nonvisualization of draining pulmonary veins. The condition generally is believed to be congenital and related to the somewhat more common, but still rare, focal congenital pulmonary vein stenosis. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the involved lung or lobe.
Studies in the Resolving Power of Photographic Emulsions. V.* The Effect of Reduction and Intensification†

The effects of six common reducers and four common intensifiers have been studied on a high contrast positive emulsion, a fine-grained panchromatic negative emulsion, and a high speed negative emulsion. It was found that reducers generally injure resolution, cutting reducers most of all, although the simple persulfate reducer improves resolution at low densities. Intensifiers vary according to no general rule, and some have little effect on resolution. Most of them are somewhat deleterious at low and medium densities, the silver intensifier being least so, but all improve resolution at high densities. No evidence was found for Scheffer’s statement that a rinse in Farmer’s reducer will dissolve the resolved portion of the image without much affecting its density.
Synthesis of N‐methyl‐3‐aza[10] paracyclophane: A rigid analog of phenethylamine

The synthesis of N-methyl-3-aza[10]paracyclophane is reported which represents the first example of this ring system being formed via an acyloin reaction. This 3-aza[10]paraeyclophane ring system behaves physiochemically inbetween the normal [9]- and [10]paracyclophane ring systems. Reductive desulfurization of N-methyl-3-aza[10]paracyclophane-6-ethylene thioketal in ethanol provides a small amount of the title compound and an unexpected, ring-opened product, N-ethyl-N-methyl-p-heptylphenethylamine. A possible mechanism for the ring-opening process is suggested.
Extracellular Enzyme Kinetics Scale With Resource Availability

Microbial community metabolism relies on external digestion, mediated by extracellular enzymes that break down complex organic matter into molecules small enough for cells to assimilate. We analyzed the kinetics of 40 extracellular enzymes that mediate the degradation and assimilation of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus by diverse aquatic and terrestrial microbial communities (1160 cases). Regression analyses were conducted by habitat (aquatic and terrestrial), enzyme class (hydrolases and oxidoreductases) and assay methodology (low affinity and high affinity substrates) to relate potential reaction rates to substrate availability. Across enzyme classes and habitats, the scaling relationships between apparent Vmax and apparent Km followed similar power laws with exponents of 0.44 to 0.67. These exponents, called elasticities, were not statistically distinct from a central value of 0.50, which occurs when the Km of an enzyme equals substrate concentration, a condition optimal for maintenance of steady state. We also conducted an ecosystem scale analysis of ten extracellular hydrolase activities in relation to soil and sediment organic carbon (2,000–5,000 cases/enzyme) that yielded elasticities near 1.0 (0.9 ± 0.2, n = 36). At the metabolomic scale, the elasticity of extracellular enzymatic reactions is the proportionality constant that connects the C:N:P stoichiometries of organic matter and ecoenzymatic activities. At the ecosystem scale, the elasticity of extracellular enzymatic reactions shows that organic matter ultimately limits effective enzyme binding sites. Our findings suggest that one mechanism by which microbial communities maintain homeostasis is regulating extracellular enzyme expression to optimize the short-term responsiveness of substrate acquisition. The analyses also show that, like elemental stoichiometry, the fundamental attributes of enzymatic reactions can be extrapolated from biochemical to community and ecosystem scales.
Infrared detectors for 2- to 220-um astronomy

We present the performance characteristics of two examples from a special class of photon detector, based on the blocked impurity band (BIB) concept. Recent results are presented on Si:Sb BIB detectors covering the 2 to 50 micrometers wavelength range, and on Ge:Ga BIB detectors that are sensitive in the 50 to 220 micrometers range. The inherent properties of these BIB detectors make them a natural choice for infrared astronomy; minimal sensitivity to ionizing radiation, compatibility with large format (128 X 128) arrays, low dark currents and high detective quantum efficiencies, combined with a lack of anomalous behavior. The detector characteristics are discussed in terms of a standard BIB performance model. Both detector types appear to have unique potential for astronomy applications.
Relations between program and system variables and fidelity to the wraparound process for children and families.

Objective: Past research and experience have indicated that characteristics of organizations and service systems influence the quality of mental health services delivery. The study aimed to illuminate such associations by examining the relationship between a set of program- and system-level variables and fidelity to the wraparound model for children and families. Methods: A measure of fidelity to the wraparound process for children and families (the Wraparound Fidelity Index) was administered to families receiving services in eight mental health agencies across the United States. Program administrators at each agency also completed by telephone a standardized interview for assessing program and system conditions hypothesized to influence quality of implementation (Program Administrator version of the Wraparound Fidelity Index). Regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between program and system variables and fidelity. Results: Results of interviews with program administrators revealed substantial variation across programs in the number and type of program and system supports for wraparound implementation. Regression analyses found a significant association between the number of organizational and system supports and Wraparound Fidelity Index scores. Conclusions: Results support the hypothesized relationship between program and system conditions and the quality of service delivery. Results also highlight the importance of engineering the system and organizational context (maintaining low caseload sizes, establishing interagency partnerships, and implementing accountability mechanisms) in order to provide a solid foundation for high-quality wraparound to children and families.
Surface morphology and Bi incorporation in GaSbBi(As)/GaSb films

Several GaSbBi(As)/GaSb films were grown to investigate the effects of Bi on GaSb surface morphology and bulk composition as a function of growth conditions. Scanning electron microscopy of the surface shows several biphasic droplets consisting of Ga- and Bi-rich phases ≈1μm in diameter form on the surface. Some of these droplets exhibit more unusual features such as facets, sub-droplets, and droplet etching into the underlying film. Bi droplet coverage shows a direct increase with increasing Bi:Ga and Bi:Sb BEP ratios. Rutherford backscatter and X-ray diffraction analyses of these films show Bi concentration of up to 12% and a concurrently increasing unintentional As concentration of up to 9.3%, suggesting the presence of a strain auto-compensation mechanism during film growth. Once Bi concentration reaches 10–12%, Bi incorporation saturates, with excess Bi atoms instead accumulating in the droplets.
The effect of a donor's history of active substance on outcomes following orthotopic heart transplantation.

Objective: To review the short-term and long-term outcomes of using heart donors with a history of substance abuse. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed of heart recipients over an 8-year span. Charts provided demographics, mechanisms of donor death, and history of substance abuse. Additionally, charts were quarried for post-operative echocardiography and coronary angiogram results, serologic tests, and survival. Results: Between January 1997 and December 2005, 689 heart transplants were performed, 150 (21.8%) had a history positive for substance abuse. The mean donor age was 34.5 years (range 16—62 years); most common cause of death was traumatic head injury in 87 donors (58.0%). Most patients (76.0%) had a history of 1 ppd smoking for 5 years, 89 (59.3%) had a history of inhaled drug use, 75 (50.0%) alcohol abuse, and 12 (8.0%) intravenous drug use. At a mean follow-up of 8.3 days, 68 hearts (45.3%) had normal, 36 (24.0%) mild, 23 (15.3%) moderate, and 10 (6.7%) severe ventricular dysfunction by echocardiography. Furthermore, 110 hearts (73.3%) had normal coronaries, 20 (13.3%) had mild, and 2 (1.3%) had evidence of moderate coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary angiogram at a mean follow-up of 9.8 months (range 0.1—43.7 months). All recipients who received organs from known hepatitis B, or C positive, donors converted to positive serologies. Overall posttransplant survival for the group was 89.8% at a mean follow up of 43.3 months (range 5.8—108.6 months). Conclusions: A history of donor substance abuse does not have a negative impact on overall survival, cardiac function, risk of transplant associated coronary artery disease (TCAD). In patients who receive organs from virus positive donors, the risk of viral conversion is high, but survival seems not to be influenced. # 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The Influence of Time and Type of Preparation on Children's Adjustement to Hospitalization

Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of filmed peer models undergoing preoperative preparation on the presurgical anxiety reduction of children about to undergo their first hospital experience (Melamed & Siegel, 1975; Vernon & Bailey, 1974). Current interest focused on defining the critical variables determining appropriate timing and type of preparation. The age of the child has been isolated as a theoretically meaningful variable. Most authors believe that older children may benefit from a longer interval between preparation and the occurrence of the procedure. Heller (1967) also suggested that older children need a more lengthy and detailed preparation. Mellish (1969) felt that younger children need only a few days of preparation since longer intervals may only increase their anticipatory anxiety. However, the ideal time has never been subjected to systematic research efforts. Robertson (1958) feels that preparation should begin no sooner than one week prior to admission, whereas Dimock (1960) recommended that preparation for all children should begin one to three weeks prior to admission. In an attempt to derive more concrete evidence to support the need for early preparation, half the children in this study viewed a preparatory film one week prior to their hospital admission, whereas the other children viewed it immediately preceding their admission to the pediatric ward the day before surgery.
DC Characteristics of AlGaAs/GaAs/GaN HBTs Formed by Direct Wafer Fusion

We have fabricated AlGaAs/GaAs/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) formed by direct wafer fusion with different fusion temperatures. By employing a low wafer fusion temperature of 550 degC, current gains as high as ~9 and output currents as high as ~65 mA (emitter size of 100times120 mum2) were obtained. The effective minority carrier lifetime in the base was estimated to have decreased ~20 times due to the fusion process. In comparison, HBTs produced with higher wafer fusion temperatures (600 degC and 650 degC) exhibit lower current gains (~2-3) and higher base-collector leakage currents