cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral Candida dubliniensis as a clinically important species in HIV-seropositive patients in the United States.

Abstract Objective. Interest in Candida dubliniensis has led to renewed clinical investigations regarding incidence, drug resistance, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of fungal infections in patients with HIV. C dubliniensis phenotypically resembles Candida albicans in many respects, yet it can be identified and differentiated as a unique Candida species by its phenotypic and genetic profiles. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prevalence of C dubliniensis in clinical isolates and determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients harboring C dubliniensis . Study Design. Over a 6-week period, 24 yeast-positive isolates from HIV-positive dental patients were screened for C dubliniensis through use of phenotypic criteria. HIV viral load, CD4 count, and complete oral health evaluations were performed on each patient at the same visit during which the oral fungal surveillance culture was taken. Results. Six isolates from 24 HIV-seropositive and yeast-positive patients were shown to be consistent phenotypically and by electrophoretic karyotyping with the European reference strain of C dubliniensis . Dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole was shown in one of the C dubliniensis isolates. Five of the 6 patients demonstrated moderate to high viral loads. General oral health, as evidenced by the presence of advanced periodontal lesions and a high decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (>20), was poor in 3 of the 6 patients with C dubliniensis and 7 of the 18 patients with C albicans . A history of intravenous drug abuse was present in 50% of the C dubliniensis –positive patients, which is representative of the HIV-positive population at the hospital. Conclusions. In this small sample, C dubliniensis represented 25% of the yeast-positive cultures. The clinical significance of this interesting species in the United States may be related to high viral load, rapid AIDS progression, and/or concomitant oral disease, such as a high caries index or periodontal disease. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;88:573-80)
Lunar chronology and evolution from RbSr studies of Apollo 11 and 12 samples

Lunar chronology and evolution from Rb and Sr internal isochrons on Apollo 11 and 12 crystalline rock samples
Drosophila female sterile (1) homeotic is a multifunctional transcriptional regulator that is modulated by Ras signaling

The Drosophila (fs(1)h) gene encodes small (Fs(1)hS) and large (Fs(1)hL) chromatin-binding BET protein transcription factor isoforms. Zygotic mutations cause either lethality or female sterility, whereas maternal mutations cause segmental deletions and thoracic homeotic transformations. Here, we describe novel fs(1)h embryonic phenotypes: homeosis of the head in zygotic mutants and deletion of head and tail regions in maternal mutants, similar to those caused by dominant torso (tor(D)) alleles. tor activates transcription of tailless (tll) and huckebein (hkb) by means of a canonical Ras pathway, through inactivation of Groucho (Gro), Capicua (Cic) and, possibly, Grainy-head (Grh) repressors. Expression of both tailless and huckebein are de-repressed in fs(1)h maternal mutants, as in tor(D), gro, grh, and cic mutant animals, indicating fs(1)h is also necessary for tll and hkb repression. These data link Ras signaling with modulation of a chromatin-binding transcription factor, Fs(1)h, suggesting a novel mechanism by which Ras can modulate gene expression.
Combined treatments of heat, radiation, or cytokines with flavone acetic acid on the growth of cultured endothelial cells.

The antitumour effects of flavone acetic acid (FAA) against a broad spectrum of established experimental tumours has been demonstrated. Damage to the vasculature, which rapidly disrupts blood flow and induces haemorrhagic necrosis, is believed to be a major mechanism contributing to the observed antitumour effects. Despite these established observations, FAA has shown little effect against human tumours. However, other applications of FAA, for examples, for an extended period of treatments or in combination with other antitumour modalities, have not been sufficiently explored. In order to test the direct effects of FAA on vasculature, endothelial cells isolated from human umbilical vein (HUVEC) and bovine pulmonary artery (CPAEC) were used in this study. FAA at the concentrations of 50 to 200 μg/ml causes reduction in cell number (from 20 to > 30% of the cells) of HUVEC as measured by MTT assay after 1, 3, and 5 h of treatment at 37°C. FAA did not produce significant effects on similarly treated human squ...
Long-term Differences in Tillage and Land Use Affect Intra-aggregate Pore Heterogeneity

Recent advances in computed tomography provide measurement tools to study internal structures of soil aggregates at micrometer resolutions and to improve our understanding of specific mechanisms of various soil processes. Fractal analysis is one of the data analysis tools that can be helpful in evaluating heterogeneity of the intra-aggregate internal structures. The goal of this study was to examine how long-term tillage and land use differences affect intra-aggregate pore heterogeneity. The specific objectives were: (i) to develop an approach to enhance utility of box-counting fractal dimension in characterizing intra-aggregate pore heterogeneity; (ii) to examine intra-aggregate pores in macro-aggregates (4-6 mm in size) using the computed tomography scanning and fractal analysis, and (iii) to compare heterogeneity of intra-aggregate pore space in aggregates from loamy Alfisol soil subjected to 20 yr of contrasting management practices, namely, conventional tillage (chisel plow) (CT), no-till (NT), and native succession vegetation (NS). Three-dimensional images of the intact aggregates were obtained with a resolution of 14.6 {micro}m at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL. Proposed box-counting fractal dimension normalization was successfully implemented to estimate heterogeneity of pore voxel distributions without bias associated with different porosities in soil aggregates. The aggregates from all three studiedmore » treatments had higher porosity associated with large (>100 {micro}m) pores present in their centers than in their exteriors. Pores 15 to 60 {micro}m were equally abundant throughout entire aggregates but their distributions were more heterogeneous in aggregate interiors. The CT aggregates had greater numbers of pores 15 to 60 {micro}m than NT and NS. Distribution of pore voxels belonging to large pores was most heterogeneous in the aggregates from NS, followed by NT and by CT. This result was consistent with presence of very large pores associated with former root channels in NT and NS aggregates. Our findings indicate that mechanisms of macro-aggregate formation might differ in their importance in different land use and management practices.« less
At the Heart of Morality Lies Folk Psychology

Abstract Moral judgments about an agent's behavior are enmeshed with inferences about the agent's mind. Folk psychology—the system that enables such inferences—therefore lies at the heart of moral judgment. We examine three related folk-psychological concepts that together shape people's judgments of blame: intentionality, choice, and free will. We discuss people's understanding and use of these concepts, address recent findings that challenge the autonomous role of these concepts in moral judgment, and conclude that choice is the fundamental concept of the three, defining the core of folk psychology in moral judgment.
The Process of Understanding and Judgments of Comprehensibility.

One theory of the processing of linguistic information asserts that there is a preliminary incomplete analysis of linguistic information which has the function of letting people judge whether the information will be impossible, difficult, or easy to process completely. At high rates of information intake (rapid reading), complete analysis may never be carried out. The present experiment investigates judgments of comprehensibility under fairly rapid presentation rates on the assumption that these judgments reflect the incomplete processing. Subjects judged whether sentences were comprehensible or incomprehensible and rated the confidence of their judgments. Judgments were highly valid, measured either against the structural complexity of artificial material or the readability of sampled material. An index of comprehensibility was derived that is probably more sensitive and reliable than any word or sentence count readability index.
Absolute Isotopic Abundance Ratios and the Atomic Weight of a Reference Sample of Chromium.

Absolute values have been obtained for the isotopic abundance ratios of a reference sample of strontium using solid sample thermal ionization mass speelrometry. Samples of independently known isotopic composition prepared from chemically pure and nearly isotopically pure separated strontium isotopes were used to calibrate the mass speelrometry. The resulting absolute 88Sr/86Sr, 87Sr/86Sr, and 84Sr/86Sr ratios are 8.3786 ± 0.0033, 0.71034 ± 0.00026, and 0.05655 ± 0.00014 respectively which yields atom percents of: 88Sr = 82.5845 ± 0.0066, 87Sr = 7.0015 ± 0.0026, 86Sr = 9.8566 ± 0.0034. and 81Sr = 0.5574 ± 0.0015. The atomie weight calculated from these abundances is 87.61681 ± 0.00012. The indicated uncertainties are overall limits of error based on 95 percent confidence limits for the mean and allowances for the effects of possible systematic error.
Single-unit responses of serotonergic medullary and pontine raphe neurons to environmental cooling in freely moving cats

Brain serotonin has long been implicated in the regulation of body temperature, although its precise role is not completely understood. The present study examined the effects of environmental cooling (4-8 degrees C for 2 or 4h) on the single-unit activity of serotonergic neurons recorded in the medullary raphe nuclei obscurus and pallidus and in the pontine dorsal raphe nucleus of freely moving cats. These neuronal groups have primarily descending projections to the spinal cord and ascending projections to the forebrain, respectively. Cold exposure induced shivering and piloerection, but no appreciable changes in core temperature. Of the medullary serotonergic cells studied (n=14), seven were activated and seven were unresponsive to cold exposure. For the responsive cells, the mean increase and peak effect in unit activity relative to baseline were 31% and 46%, respectively. Of the seven cold-responsive cells, the activity of four was monitored when the animals were transferred back to room temperature (23 degrees C). Within 15-30 min, the activity of these cells returned to baseline. In contrast, none of the dorsal raphe nucleus cells studied (n=14) displayed a significant change in neuronal activity during cold exposure, suggesting that these neurons do not receive afferent input from cold-sensitive cutaneous receptors or participate in thermoregulatory responses evoked by low ambient temperatures.Overall, these results suggest that a subset of medullary serotonergic neurons play a role in physiological mechanisms underlying cold defense (e.g. increases in motor output and/or autonomic outflow). On the other hand, the lack of responsiveness of serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus neurons to cold exposure does not support a specific role for these cells in thermoregulation.
Decreased connectivity and cerebellar activity in autism during motor task performance

Although motor deficits are common in autism, the neural correlates underlying the disruption of even basic motor execution are unknown. Motor deficits may be some of the earliest identifiable signs of abnormal development and increased understanding of their neural underpinnings may provide insight into autism-associated differences in parallel systems critical for control of more complex behaviour necessary for social and communicative development. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine neural activation and connectivity during sequential, appositional finger tapping in 13 children, ages 8–12 years, with high-functioning autism (HFA) and 13 typically developing (TD), age- and sex-matched peers. Both groups showed expected primary activations in cortical and subcortical regions associated with motor execution [contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex, contralateral thalamus, ipsilateral cerebellum, supplementary motor area (SMA)]; however, the TD group showed greater activation in the ipsilateral anterior cerebellum, while the HFA group showed greater activation in the SMA. Although activation differences were limited to a subset of regions, children with HFA demonstrated diffusely decreased connectivity across the motor execution network relative to control children. The between-group dissociation of cerebral and cerebellar motor activation represents the first neuroimaging data of motor dysfunction in children with autism, providing insight into potentially abnormal circuits impacting development. Decreased cerebellar activation in the HFA group may reflect difficulty shifting motor execution from cortical regions associated with effortful control to regions associated with habitual execution. Additionally, diffusely decreased connectivity may reflect poor coordination within the circuit necessary for automating patterned motor behaviour. The findings might explain impairments in motor development in autism, as well as abnormal and delayed acquisition of gestures important for socialization and communication.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer lines is mediated through PDGF-D released by tissue-resident stem cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) generates tumor cells with stem cell properties. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) on EMT of cancer cells and to further investigate the mechanisms involved. We demonstrate that conditioned medium from ASCs induces breast cancer cells (4T1) to express mesenchymal markers such as fibronectin, alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Flow cytometry analyses show that ASC-conditioned medium promotes the expansion of CD44high/CD24low cancer stem cells. Soft agar assays using T47D, BT474 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells reveals that ASC conditioned medium promotes the anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells. These effects were inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D). Furthermore, PDGF-D treated breast cancer cells grow faster in a mouse model, and this effect could be neutralized by a PDGF antibody. In conclusion, our data show that tissue-resident stem cells interact with the cancer microenvironment via PDGF-D, induce EMT in the cancer cells in a paracrine fashion, thereby increasing the number of cancer stem cells and increase tumor growth in a PDGF dependent manner. Our findings shed new light on mechanisms where local tissue-resident stem cells are able to promote the growth of breast cancer cells. Possibly this could open up a novel selective therapeutic strategy targeting EMT pathways and the specific communication between tissue-resident normal stem cell and cancer stem cells, assuming that the blockage of PDGF-D pathways is critical for tumor growth but would not affect normal tissue homeostasis.
Steric restrictions of RISC in RNA interference identified with size-expanded RNA nucleobases.

Understanding the interactions between small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), the key protein complex of RNA interference (RNAi), is of great importance to the development of siRNAs with improved biological and potentially therapeutic function. Although various chemically modified siRNAs have been reported, relatively few studies with modified nucleobases exist. Here we describe the synthesis and hybridization properties of siRNAs bearing size-expanded RNA (xRNA) nucleobases and their use as a novel and systematic set of steric probes in RNAi. xRNA nucleobases are expanded by 2.4 A using benzo-homologation and retain canonical Watson-Crick base-pairing groups. Our data show that the modified siRNA duplexes display small changes in melting temperature (+1.4 to -5.0 °C); substitutions near the center are somewhat destabilizing to the RNA duplex, while substitutions near the ends are stabilizing. RNAi studies in a dual-reporter luciferase assay in HeLa cells revealed that xRNA nucleobases in the antisense strand reduce activity at some central positions near the seed region but are generally well tolerated near the ends. Most importantly, we observed that xRNA substitutions near the 3'-end increased activity over that of wild-type siRNAs. The data are analyzed in terms of site-dependent steric effects in RISC. Circular dichroism experiments show that single xRNA substitutions do not significantly distort the native A-form helical structure of the siRNA duplex, and serum stability studies demonstrated that xRNA substitutions protect siRNAs against nuclease degradation.
Design of Distributed Engine Control Systems for Stability Under Communication Packet Dropouts

In this paper, we address the issue of the stability of distributed engine control systems under communication constraints and, in particular, for packet dropouts. We propose a control design procedure, labeled decentralized distributedfull-authority digitalenginecontrol andbasedonatwo-leveldecentralized controlframework. Weshow that the packet dropping margin, which is a measure of stability robustness under packet dropouts, is largely dependent on the closed-loop controller structure and that, in particular, a block-diagonal structure is more desirable. Thus, we design a controller in a decentralized framework to improve the packet dropping margin. The effectofdifferentmathematicalpartitioningonthepacketdroppingmarginisstudied.Theproposedmethodologyis applied to an F100 gas turbine engine model, which clearly demonstrates the usefulness of decentralization in improving the stability of distributed control under packet dropouts.
EFFECT OF AN IN-PLANE MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE INTERLAYER TRANSPORT OF QUASIPARTICLES IN LAYERED SUPERCONDUCTORS

We consider the quasiparticle $c$-axis conductivity in highly anisotropic layered compounds in the presence of the magnetic field parallel to the layers. We show that at low temperatures the quasiparticle interlayer conductivity depends strongly on the orientation of the in-plane magnetic field if the excitation gap has nodes on the Fermi surface. Thus measurements of the angle-dependent $c$-axis (out-of-plane) magnetoresistance provide information on the momentum dependence of the superconducting gap (or pseudogap) on the Fermi surface. Clean and highly anisotropic layered superconductors are the best candidates for probing the existence and location of the nodes on the Fermi surface.
An overview of biomimetic sensor technology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the wide range of biomimetic sensor technology and innovations.Design/methodology/approach – The reader is introduced to biomimetic sensors, their types, their advantages and how they are different from traditional sensors. Background information is also provided regarding sensor design, inspiration and innovation.Findings – There are two approaches to sensor design, which lead to diverse advantages and innovations. Classification of biomimetic sensors indicated which natural senses are underutilized by sensor designers and researchers.Originality/value – The paper provides information of value for those seeking innovative sensor designs and research information for those who want to research in this area.
Project Management in an Interdisciplinary Senior Design Team

Innovation in the changing undergraduate engineering curriculum mandates efficient management of interdisciplinary capstone senior design projects. This effort requires collaboration and management by students and faculty from multiple disciplines, and provides students an opportunity to learn from other engineering systems. In addition, this approach will i) emphasize problem solving and creative thinking; ii) provide first-hand experience in generating a management plan; iii) expose students to multiple engineering and management disciplines, and to work in diverse, multi-cultural teams; and iv) prepare students with a keen understanding of the interdisciplinary environment necessary for success. The senior design project (SDP) presented is based on the interdisciplinary collaboration of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering students and faculty to design an integrated high altitude balloon system that would reach an altitude of 100,000 feet and return safely to earth. This paper presents the modes by which all the above issues in SDP are addressed, results obtained and improvements planned for the next interdisciplinary projects.
Systems Modeling for Drug Courts A Policy Research Note

This policy research note argues for a systems modeling approach to explain drug court processes. The conceptual model links participants' beliefs, behavioral intentions, and behavioral outcomes. Conceptualization of core constructs combines elements of planned behavior theory with those of routine activities theory and acknowledges the transtheoretical model and therapeutic jurisprudence. Systems modeling is offered in an effort to identify specific drug court interventions that work, more accurately select suitable offenders, and ultimately to promote public safety.
Effects of group-level and individual-level variation in leader behaviours on subordinate attitudes and performance

This study compared two contrasting approaches to leadership, average leadership style and the dyadic approach, by examining the relationships between leader reward and punishment behaviours and subordinate satisfaction with supervision, role ambiguity, organizational commitment, and performance. Data collected from 369 nursing home employees from 37 different work groups were analysed using a sequential data-analytic strategy. First, the appropriate level of analysis (group or individual) was assessed using within and between analysis. Second, in the appropriate situations, the relative contributions of both group and individual leader behaviour measures to explaining variance in subordinate attitudes and performance were examined using a regression procedure. Results indicated that for the majority of relationships individual ratings of leader behaviours (which represented the dyadic approach to leadership) played a larger role than group ratings (which represented the average leadership style approach) in explaining subordinate attitudes. This pattern was also true of performance. These findings were examined in the context of past research.
Measurements on an oscillating 70-deg delta wing in subsonic flow

A series of low-speed wind tunnel tests on a 70-deg sharp leading-edged delta wing at both static and dynamic conditions were performed to investigate the aerodynamic forces and moments. Forces and moments were obtained from a six-component internal strain-gauge balance. Large amplitude dynamic motion was produced by sinusoidally oscillating the model over a range of reduced frequencies. Static results compared well with previous experimental findings. Significant Reynolds number effects were present in the experimental measurements. Reynolds number effects are reduced, but still present when a sharper leading-edge delta wing was tested. Large hysteresis loops and a delay in dynamic stall were seen in the dynamic data. Dynamic forces and moments were a strong function of reduced frequency. Nonzero sideslip created complex rolling moment and lift behavior due to asymmetric vortex bursting.
A review of uncertainties in technology experience curves

Abstract The use of log-linear experience curves (or learning curves) relating reductions in the unit cost of technologies to their cumulative production or installed capacity has become a common method of representing endogenous technical change in energy-economic models used for policy analysis. Yet, there are significant uncertainties in such formulations whose impact on key model results have been insufficiently examined or considered. This paper reviews the major types of uncertainty in log-linear experience curves and their effect on projected rates of cost reduction. Uncertainties are found not only in the learning rate parameter of a log-linear model, but also in the functional form that determines the shape of an experience curve. Evidence for alternative forms such as an S-shaped curve is reviewed along with case studies that demonstrate the uncertainties associated with cost increases during early commercialization of a technology—a phenomena that is widely recognized but rarely quantified or incorporated in learning models. Additional factors discussed include the effects of learning discontinuities, institutional forgetting, and the influence of social, economic and political factors. We then review other models of causality, which aim to improve modelers’ ability to explain and predict the influence of other underlying processes that contribute to technology cost reductions in addition to learning. Ignoring other types of underlying mechanisms can create a false sense of precision and overestimate the true contribution of learning. Currently, however, uncertainties in such multi-factor models remain large due to the difficulties of estimating key parameters (such as private-sector R&D investments) and extending models of a specific technology to a broader suite of technologies and cost projections. Pending the development and validation of more robust models of technological change, we suggest ways to significantly improve the characterization and reporting of current learning model uncertainties and their impacts on the results of energy-economic models to help reduce the potential for drawing inappropriate or erroneous policy conclusions.
Videos in clinical medicine. Electrocardiographic monitoring in adults.

Electrocardiography is an inexpensive, reproducible, noninvasive technique that can be invaluable when performed correctly. This video focuses on three-lead and five-lead configurations, which are commonly used in real-time ECG monitoring.
The Sun's Magnetic Field and Corpuscular Emission

A NEW instrument, the solar magnetograph1, has been developed for measuring and recording weak photospherio magnetic fields. With it, more than 450 magnetograms showing the distribution, intensity and polarity of weak fields (greater than 0.3 gauss) on the sun have been obtained over a two-year period including the recent minimum of solar activity2. Most of the large-scale features of the magnetic pattern show a certain regularity; but there are pronounced random variations. There is also a partially resolved fluctuating fine structure showing changes of the order of 0.5 gauss in 30 min.
Investigation of containerization for transportation of live blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus

Simulated over-the-road transportation studies were designed to determine the survival rate of blue crabs in various types of containers and at three storage temperatures. Survival rates were evaluated for seven container designs at test temperatures 5, 10, 20°C during a 96-hr storage period. The best survival rate for blue crabs out of water was at 10°C in open baskets with moist burlap packaging (80–95% relative humidity). Mean mortalities under these conditions were 4.2% after 24 hr, 5.0% after 36 hr, and 16.7% after 48 hr storage. Tests on the frequency of handling the crabs indicated that these mortalities were probably high. The results of this study indicated that procedures which encompass an open type container with a method to maintain high humidity, such as moist burlap, and temperature control (approx. 10°C) will substantially improve the survival of blue crabs. Differential survival by sex indicate that the geographical distribution of the crabs deserves further study.
1132 FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR TWO CLASSES OF INSULIN RECEPTORS ON HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

We previously reported evidence for two classes of insulin receptors on erythrocytes based on the interaction with concanavalin A (Nature 28:279, 1980). Further evidence for this hypothesis is provided here when proinsulin is used as a competitive inhibitor of insulin binding to human and rabbit erythrocytes. Proinsulin in a molar ratio of 33:1 to insulin (Endocr. 107:195, 1980) binds to the low affinity, high capacity site in a preferential manner allowing the high affinity, low capacity site to be expressed. When insulin binding data are analyzed using a computer model (Ligand, NIH) the values obtained for affinity (K1) and maximum (R1) are nearly identified for site I as shown for a typical experiment. We conclude that these findings are further evidence supporting the concept of two classes of insulin receptors on erythrocytes. If only the linear site I affinity and capacity are used this may simplify insulin binding data interpretation.
Reflective judgment: Concepts of justification and their relationship to age and education☆

This paper describes a seven-stage model of post-adolescent reasoning styles, the most advanced of which is called “Reflective Judgment.” The model outlines a sequence of increasingly complex methods of justification of beliefs. This model demonstrates how people's conceptions of the nature of knowledge, the nature of reality, and their concepts of justification change over age/educational levels. Sixty subjects from three age/educational levels (high school, college, and graduate school) were administered the Reflective Judgment Interview. In addition, subjects were tested on four other factors hypothesized to affect reflective judgment scores. Two were competing theoretical constructs: verbal ability (using Terman's Concept Mastery Test) and Piagetian formal operations (chemicals and pendulum tasks); and two were potentially confounding factors: socio-economic status (using Hollingshead's two-factor index) and verbal fluency (number of words spoken during the interview). Highly significant differences (p < .001) were found on reflective judgment level between the three age/educational groups, and could not be statistically accounted for by scores earned on measures of the other four factors. Whereas verbal ability was found to be closely related to reflective judgment level, the differences between groups on reflective judgment could not be solely attributed to this factor.
Tyrosine kinases in activation of the MAP kinase cascade by G-protein-coupled receptors

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascade is a prominent cellular pathway used by many growth factors, hormones and neurotransmitters to regulate physiological responses. Although activation of the MAPK pathway by receptors with tyrosine kinase activity is well defined, the mechanism used by heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptors to activate this pathway is less clear. Here we show that in cells deficient in the Src-related tyrosine kinase Lyn, stimulation of MAPK kinase and MARPK by Gq-coupled m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) is blocked, whereas Gi-coupled m2 mAChR-mediated stimulation is unaffected. In cells deficient in the tyrosine kinase Syk, both m1 and m2 mAChRs failed to stimulate MAPK kinase and MAPK. This result indicates that Syk is essential for the Gi-coupled pathway and that Lyn and Syk are necessary for the Gq-coupled pathway.
Nasalance Scores of Children With Repaired Cleft Palate Who Exhibit Normal Velopharyngeal Closure During Aerodynamic Testing

Purpose To determine if children with repaired cleft palate and normal velopharyngeal (VP) closure as determined by aerodynamic testing exhibit greater acoustic nasalance than control children without cleft palate. Method Pressure-flow procedures were used to identify 2 groups of children based on VP closure during the production of /p/ in the word hamper: (a) children with repaired cleft palate and normal VP closure (n = 23) and (b) controls without cleft palate and with normal VP closure (n = 16). Acoustic nasalance scores were obtained for all children during the production of syllables with high-pressure consonants and sentences with low-pressure consonants (i.e., low-pressure sentences). Results Nasalance scores were generally higher for children with repaired cleft palate and normal VP function as compared to controls; however, a significant difference occurred only for low-pressure sentences (p = .005). Conclusion Results partially support a pressure-sensitive theory of VP function in that some chi...
The Role of Proteomics in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Women's Cancers: Current Trends in Technology and Future Opportunities

Technological and scientific innovations over the last decade have greatly contributed to improved diagnostics, predictive models, and prognosis among cancers affecting women. In fact, an explosion of information in these areas has almost assured future generations that outcomes in cancer will continue to improve. Herein we discuss the current status of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers as it relates to screening, disease diagnosis, and treatment options. Among the differences in these cancers, it is striking that breast cancer has multiple predictive tests based upon tumor biomarkers and sophisticated, individualized options for prescription therapeutics while ovarian cancer lacks these tools. In addition, cervical cancer leads the way in innovative, cancer-preventative vaccines and multiple screening options to prevent disease progression. For each of these malignancies, emerging proteomic technologies based upon mass spectrometry, stable isotope labeling with amino acids, high-throughput ELISA, tissue or protein microarray techniques, and click chemistry in the pursuit of activity-based profiling can pioneer the next generation of discovery. We will discuss six of the latest techniques to understand proteomics in cancer and highlight research utilizing these techniques with the goal of improvement in the management of women's cancers.
All-optical regeneration of differential phase-shift keyed signals based on phase-sensitive amplification

All-optical regeneration of differential phase-shift keyed signals based on phase-sensitive amplification in a nonlinear fiber Sagnac interferometer is described. Nearly ideal phase regeneration can be achieved in the undepleted pump regime, with output differential phase noise limited only by fast fluctuations of the pump phase relative to the DPSK signal. Operating in the depleted pump regime offers the possibility of simultaneously regenerating both phase and amplitude information of DPSK signals while providing low noise, phase-sensitive gain.
Genetic and environmental factors in ethanol self-administration

Findings presented in this paper from pharmacogenetic studies of oral ethanol self-administration suggest a correlation between ethanol preference and self-administration and indicate that there are important genetic as well as environmental determinants of ethanol reinforced behavior. AA (alcohol accepting) and ANA (alcohol nonaccepting) rats, animals bred selectively for differential ethanol preference, showed large differences in operant responding for ethanol. AA rats drank significantly more ethanol than water, and their intake varied as a function of ethanol concentration. Intake of water and ethanol solutions did not differ in the ANA rats. In two inbred strains of rats, F344 and LEWIS, ethanol maintained higher response rates and was consumed in larger volumes than the water vehicle. In a third series of studies, C57BL/6J mice, which exhibit high ethanol preference and low sensitivity, readily self-administered ethanol in an operant situation. Conversely, BALB/cJ mice, which exhibit low preference and high sensitivity, were not positively reinforced by ethanol. The results demonstrate the experimental control possible by the utilization of genetically defined animals, even when complex learned behavioral sequences are being measured, and indicate that genotype and environment interact in a complex but definable way to determine the degree to which ethanol comes to function as a positive reinforcer.
Ceftaroline Fosamil for the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: from FOCUS to CAPTURE

Ceftaroline fosamil (ceftaroline hereafter) is the latest addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), which is a recent FDA indication that centers on individuals with documented bacterial pneumonias that arise in the community setting. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the major findings from the Phase III CAP clinical trials as well as the clinical experience with ceftaroline among patients with CAP in the “Ceftaroline Assessment Program and Teflaro® Utilization Registry” (CAPTURE). In its two Phase III CAP trials, ceftaroline was compared to ceftriaxone among adults with radiographically confirmed CAP requiring hospitalization who were classified as Pneumonia Outcomes Research Team (PORT) risk class III or IV. Among patients with CAP, clinical success at test of cure was 84.3% vs 77.7% (difference 6.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–11.8%) in those treated with ceftaroline and ceftriaxone, respectively, across the two Phase III clinical trials. Among patients with a culture-confirmed CABP, day 4 response rates were numerically higher, albeit non-significant, among patients that received ceftaroline vs. ceftriaxone (69.5% for ceftaroline vs. 59.4% for ceftriaxone, difference 10.1%, 95% CI, −0.6% to 20.6%). The efficacy of ceftaroline is supported by real-world observational data from CAPTURE for patients with both CAP and CABP. In addition, the CAPTURE program afforded an opportunity to assess the outcomes of patients who were excluded or limited in the original Phase III trials in a non-comparative fashion. These underrepresented patient populations with CAP included: patients that received prior antibiotics, patients in the ICU, patients with severe renal dysfunction, and those with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from respiratory or blood culture. As CAPTURE is a retrospective, non-comparator convenience sample registry, all the findings need to be interpreted with caution.
What is a microprocessor

A microprocessor is the decision-making/data-manipulating portion of a microcomputer system just as is the central processing unit (CPU) of a minior macrocomputer system (macro is a convenient term used to refer to large-scale mainframes). The distinction is somewhat blurred with respect to the classifications between minicomputers and large-scale computers. This is even more so between minicomputers and microcomputers. The main distinctions have to do with size, speed, and cost factors. In point of fact, a microprocessor may be defined as a oneor few-chip integrated circuit (IC) realization of a general purpose CPU. (The term IC refers to the electronic fabrication technology involved in manufacturing the microprocessor. This term will be explained in more detail later.) The microprocessor contains registers (temporary, or working storage), control circuitry, and data paths for interpretation and execution of instructions? The primary difference between the larger CPUs and the microprocessor is size. This stems from the fact that the larger CPUs are made up of many individual physical components and the microprocessor is a single physical device. Figure 1 shows this relationship between the CPU of a NOVA 820 minicomputer and an INTEL 8080 microprocessor. The microprocessor is a single programmable logic device, which may act as the heart of a computer system (i.e., be a CPU) or may find use in a myriad of other devices (i.e., be a controller). In particular, microprocessors today are found in automobile ignition systems, washing machines, microwave ovens, and intelligent laboratory instruments. The extreme versatility, low cost, and high reliability of these devices have brought about a revolution in the electronics industry as well as in every other field that utilizes devices to control or monitor situations through electronic means.
Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects in Children & Adults Using the Amplatzer Septal Occluder

We are reporting the worldwide experience in closing atrial septal defects (ASDs) in children and adults using the Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) as of July 2000. The outcome measures were safety and efficacy with special emphasis on: (1) immediate success of the ASD closure as measured by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), (2) short- and medium-ten follow-up at 24 hours and 1 and 3 months and long-term follow-up at 1, 2, and 3 years as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE); and (3) the incidence of complications. In all, 3580 procedures were performed in 3535 patients. In 75 patients, the device was not implanted for variety of reasons: 3460 patients received a single ASO device and 45 received two devices for multiple ASDs. The median age of the patients was 12.1 year, (range, 10 days-88 years, the median weight was 41.0 kg (range, 2.4–137 kg) and the median Qp/Qs ratio was 2 (range, 0.3–10). The median size of ASD by TEE was 14 mm (range, 1–38 mm) and the median stretched diameter was 18 mm (range, 4–44 mm). The median size of device implanted was 18 mm (range, 4–40 mm). The median fluoroscopy time was 17.1 minutes (range, 0.0–194.0 minutes). The immediate success rate including those patients with complete closure, trivial residual shunt, or with small residual shunt was 97.4%. This increased to 99.2% and 100% at 3 months and 3 years, respectively. Minor complications were encountered in 2.8% of procedures, while serious complications occurred in less than 0.3% of the cases. There were no device related deaths. We conclude that the ASO is a safe and effective device for catheter closure of small to large ASDs up to a stretched diameter of 40 mm in children and adults with very high short-, medium, and long-term success rates. (J Interven Cardiol 2001;14:37–44)
Altered granulopoietic profile and exaggerated acute neutrophilic inflammation in mice with targeted deficiency in the sialyltransferase ST6Gal I

Elevation of serum sialic acid and the ST6Gal-1 sialyltransferase is part of the hepatic system inflammatory response, but the contribution of ST6Gal-1 has remained unclear. Hepatic ST6Gal-1 elevation is mediated by P1, 1 of 6 promoters regulating the ST6Gal1 gene. We report that the P1-ablated mouse, Siat1ΔP1, and a globally ST6Gal-1–deficient mouse had significantly increased peritoneal leukocytosis after intraperitoneal challenge with thioglycollate. Exaggerated peritonitis was accompanied by only a modest increase in neutrophil viability, and transferred bone marrow–derived neutrophils from Siat1ΔP1 mice migrated to the peritonea of recipients with normal efficiency after thioglycollate challenge. Siat1ΔP1 mice exhibited 3-fold greater neutrophilia by thioglycollate, greater pools of epinephrine-releasable marginated neutrophils, greater sensitivity to G-CSF, elevated bone marrow CFU-G and proliferative-stage myeloid cells, and a more robust recovery from cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Bone marrow leukocytes from Siat1ΔP1 are indistinguishable from those of wild-type mice in α2,6-sialylation, as revealed by the Sambucus nigra lectin, and in the expression of total ST6Gal-1 mRNA. Together, our study demonstrated a role for ST6Gal-1, possibly from extramedullary sources (eg, produced in liver) in regulating inflammation, circulating neutrophil homeostasis, and replenishing granulocyte numbers.
Rapid oxidation of liquid tin and its alloys at 600 to 800°C

The behavior of liquid tin and its alloys in oxygen at temperature range 600 to 800°C were investigated. Rapid and nearly linear reaction kinetics were observed for pure tin at temperature higher than 700°C. Marker experiments, which determine the mode of mass transport through the scale, and wetting phenomena between the oxide and melts were studied to delineate the reaction mechanism of oxide growth. Moreover, the rates of oxidation of tin were markedly changed by alloying it with small amount of foreign elements. Significantly increased oxidation rates for binary tin alloys containing Mg, Ba, La or Ca were observed. TEM studies indicated that additional growth stresses were introduced into the SnO2 scales by these additions.
"Identity Demands of Professionals: Implications for Authenticity, Engagement, and Life Satisfaction"

When individuals choose an occupation, join an organization, and assume a work role, they are faced with demands and norms that define how they are to behave and enact the role. Identity demands help employees make sense of their environments and serve as a source of self-worth, but they may also prevent employees from enacting their roles authentically. Drawing from theory on identity enactment, authenticity, and engagement, we developed theoretical support for a mediated model that suggests that when faced with identity demands, employees may be less engaged at work and ultimately less satisfied with their lives, partly because of limited opportunities for behavioral authenticity. Using a sample of pastors from two denominations in the United States, we found support for this mediated model using both pastor and spouse assessments of the pastors’ engagement and life satisfaction. We also found that identity-supportive work relationships buffer the negative effects of identity demands, allowing pastors t...
Haemodynamic effects of intravenous methadone anaesthesia in dogs.

The cardiovascular effects of intravenous anaesthetic doses of methadone were evaluated in 30 mongrel dogs breathing oxygen. One half of the dogs were unpremedicated (group B) and the other half (group A) received atropine 1.5 mg intramuscularly 20 minutes before infusion of methadone. After collection of control cardiovascular data dogs in both groups were given 0.3 mg · kg-1 of methadone intravenously over a ten-minute period and cardiovascular dynamics were again recorded immediately following infusion and 20 minutes later. Following this 0.5 mg · kg-1 of methadone was infused over ten minutes and measurements were obtained as with the 0.3 mg · kg-1 dose. Data were recorded in a similar fashion before and following intravenous infusion of methadone 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg · kg-1 in the same animals, so that after the final infusion each animal had received a total accumulated dose of methadone 5.3 mg · kg-1. Group A dogs had significantly higher heart rates, mean aortic pressures and cardiac output than group B dogs during control conditions and throughout the study. Group A dogs showed no change in any cardiovascular variable measured during or after infusion of methadone 0.3 or 0.5 mg · kg-1. Methadone 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg · kg-1 produced slight (but similar) decreases in mean aortic blood pressure but did not change heart rate, cardiac output, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, right atrial pressure or pulmonary systemic vascular resistance. In group B dogs methadone 0.5 mg · kg-1 produced modest decreases in heart rate, cardiac output and aortic blood pressure. Infusion of methadone 1.0,1.5 and 2.0 mg · kg-1 (total doses of 1.8, 3.3 and 5.3 mg · kg-1) produced changes similar to those with 0.5 mg · kg-1 of the compound in group B animals with the exception of heart rate, which was further decreased, and pulmonary vascular resistance, which was increased with 1.5 and 2.0 mg · kg-1 infusions. These data demonstrate that intravenous anaesthetic doses of methadone produce only minimal changes in cardiovascular dynamics, most of which can be avoided by prior administration of atropine.