cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum correction to the equation of state of an electron gas in a semiconductor.

In a recent paper [M. G. Ancona and H. F. Tiersten, Phys. Rev. B 35, 7959 (1987)] a macroscopic description of conduction electrons in a semiconductor was presented in which the equation of state for the electron gas was generalized to include a dependence on the gradient of the density. This generalization led to a new transport equation---often expressible as a generalized diffusion--drift-current equation---which has been shown to accurately describe some important quantum mechanical effects occurring in semiconductor structures. In the present paper sufficient microscopic conditions under which the density-gradient--dependent equation of state does represent lowest-order effects of quantum mechanics are established using methods of quantum statistical mechanics. A microscopic derivation of the transport equation is also given.
Synthesis of model‐based controllers for an autothermal reactor

Model-based controllers for a bench scale autothermal tubular packed-bed reactor have been formulated using the Internal Model Control (IMC) approach. The Structural Dominance Analysis technique has been used in developing the reduced-order models. Controller performance at robust and sensitive steady states have been assessed through simulations and experiments. Both PI and model-based controllers can regulate reactor operation at robust steady states, but only third order IMC controllers are able to regulate reactor operation at the sensitive steady state. On a formule a l'aide d'une methode de controle de modele interne des contrlours bases sur des modeles pour un reacteur a lit garni tubulaire autothermique a l'echelle de laboratoire. La technique de l'analyse de dominance structurale a ete utilisee pour developper les modeles d'ordre reduit. La performance des controleurs a des etats permanents robustes et sensibles a ete evaluee par des simulations et des experiences. Tant les controleurs PI que les controleurs bases sur des modeles peuvent reguler le fonctionnement du reacteur a des etats permanents robustes, mais seulement des controleurs de controle de modele interne de troisieme ordre peuvent reguler le fonctionnement du reacteur a l'etat permanent sensible.
Contextual factors in vigilance testing of children with ADHD

The effect of contextual factors on continuous performance testing was examined by administering a vigilance task to 51 children with ADHD under conditions of examiner presence and absence at different times (i.e., beginning and middle) of an assessment battery. The results showed that the ability to differentiate target stimuli from distractors (d-prime) was related to examiner presence vs. absence, and that response bias (beta), a measure of the subject's carefulness in responding to stimuli, was associated with the time of task administration. The decline in d-prime under conditions of examiner absence was shown to be related more to level of aggression as opposed to level of inattention. Children with ADHD having relatively high levels of aggression demonstrated a significant decline in d-prime scores under conditions of examiner absence, but those with relatively low levels of aggression did not. The results demonstrated the importance of contextual factors on vigilance task performance and suggested a differential impact of contextual variables on children who are inattentive vs. aggressive.
Finite element analysis of hyperelastic large deformation crack tip fields

Certain finite element methods for characterizing crack tip fields, stress intensity factor, and energy release rate for problems formulated in the context of linear elastic fracture mechanics have been applied in the analysis of a nonlinear hyperelastic material, including large deformation effects. To benchmark numerical capabilities, results are compared with an analytic asymptotic solution provided by Knowles and Sternberg [15, 16]. Good agreement between analytic and numerical results is demonstrated. The influence of large deformation on energy release rate is illustrated.
ADVERSE REACTIONS WITH LONG-TERM USE OF PHENYLBUTAZONE AND OXYPHENBUTAZONE

Abstract A re-evaluation of long-term, continuous therapy with phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone for various rheumatic disorders showed that these drugs are well tolerated by most patients. Adverse effects were similar in low incidence and mildness to those seen when the drugs are given for short periods. The 562 patients treated for 2 to 10 years (average 4.1 years) received daily doses of 100-800 mg. (average 148 mg.) of either drug with satisfactory response and no pronounced serious side-effects. Some patients with gout or other acute disorders initially received the higher doses, but most (about 90%) were on prolonged therapy of less than 200 mg. daily. Adverse reactions were recorded in 42 patients (7.5%) but in only 4 (0.7%) was it necessary to withdraw medication, because of œdema in 1 and peptic ulcer in 3. By proper management, with simple precautions and low dosage schedules, most undesirable reactions may usually be prevented or minimised.
Nitrate flux on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica and its relation to solar cosmic rays

Nitrate flux has been determined in the snow sequence deposited at Windless Bight on the Ross Ice Shelf (Antarctica). The data were obtained from on-site analysis of nitrate concentrations from a glaciological pit and a firn core spanning the time interval from midwinter 1971 to January 1986. The high resolution data can be combined with precipitation records collected from adjacent areas to provide a record of nitrate flux. The resulting time series contains a signal which corresponds to the two major solar events of 1972 and 1984. The concentration and flux profiles may be useful in studies of Antarctic ozone depletion.
Effectiveness and Safety of Endoscopic Treatment of Benign Biliary Strictures Using a New Fully Covered Self Expandable Metal Stent

Background. In patients with benign biliary strictures, the use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) has been proposed as an alternative to plastic stenting, but high quality prospective data are sparse. This study was performed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of a new fully covered SEMS for benign biliary strictures. Methods. All consecutive patients with benign biliary strictures were treated with placement of a fully covered SEMS (WallFlex) for 6 months. Short- and long-term stricture resolution, adverse events, and ease of stent removal were recorded. Results. 23 patients were enrolled. Stricture etiology was chronic pancreatitis (14), postorthotopic liver transplant (4), idiopathic (4), and biliary stones (1). All ERCPs were technically successful. All stents were successfully removed. Short-term stricture resolution was seen in 22/23 (96%) patients. Long-term success was 15/18 (83.3%). All 3 failures were patients with biliary strictures in the setting of chronic calcific pancreatitis. Conclusions. The use of the new SEMS for the treatment of benign biliary strictures led to short-term stricture resolution in the vast majority of patients. Over a long-term followup the success rate appears favorable compared to historical results achieved with multiple plastic stenting, particularly in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01238900).
Simultaneity and Bivalency as Strategies in Bilingualism

Influenced by the work of Bakhtin, a sociolinguistics has begun to take shape in recent years that takes multiplicity, hybridity, and simultaneity as key concepts. Such a sociolinguistics should place bi- and multilingual speakers and communities at its center, rather than in their traditional place at the margins. Within the frame of a Bakhtinian concept of simultaneity in language, this article reconsiders translingual phenomena of codeswitching and so-called interference, and brings into focus a relatively understudied third form, here called bivalency. It further considers the ambivalent and simultaneous messages that are communicated in linguistic contact zones, and speakers' simultaneous claims to more than one social identity. There can be analytical advantage in comparing the frequencies, functions, and relationships of these different forms of simultaneity in different political economies of language contact
Determination of dityrosine, phosphotyrosine, phosphothreonine, and phosphoserine by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract 4′-Dimethylaminoazobenzene-4-sulfonyl chloride is a chromophoric reagent commonly used to detect amino acids at picomole levels. This article describes a single-column reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography system which allows the resolution and analysis of the dabsyl chloride derivatives of several modified amino acids. Highly derivatized C 18 (22 and 31%) columns from Phenomenex are run at pH 8.1 to separate dityrosine, the phosphorylated amino acids ( o -phosphoserine, o -phosphothreonine, and o -phosphotyrosine), and the 17 other amino acids normally present in protein hydrolysates. In order to gain additional sensitivity and to verify the presence of dityrosine, the dityrosine and lysine peaks are collected and run at pH 4.1 on the same columns. Our experience indicates that, with the described setup, the lower limit for accurate and reproducible detection is near 1 pmol. This method has been applied to the analysis of dityrosine in uv-irradiated calmodulin and cardiac troponin C and to the detection of phosphorylation sites in several polypeptides.
HLA typing in uveitis: use and misuse

Purpose To evaluate the role of HLA typing as a diagnostic test in patients with uveitis. Design Perspective derived from a literature review and analysis of reported results. Methods Published data on the HLA associations of several uveitis entities and their prevalence among patients and the general population were used to calculate the positive predictive value of HLA testing as a diagnostic test for these disorders. Results For nearly all diagnostic entities evaluated (including multiple sclerosis–associated intermediate uveitis, birdshot chorioretinitis, sympathetic ophthalmic, Behcet disease, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease), the positive predictive value was low ( Conclusions In general, HLA typing has limited usefulness as a diagnostic test in patients with uveitis.
Cynicism in the workplace: some causes and effects

A scenario-based experiment was employed to test seven hypotheses concerning several causes and consequences of cynicism in the workplace. The results of a 2×2×2 MANOVA revealed that high levels of executive compensation, poor organizational performance, and harsh, immediate layoffs generate cynicism in white-collar workers. Furthermore, regression analyses showed that cynicism relates negatively to intentions to perform organizational citizenship behaviors and intentions to comply with requests to engage in unethical behaviors. The study provides a first experimental investigation of an important employee attitude and indicates directions for further research. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delivery of Macromolecules into Cytosol Using Liposomes Containing Hemolysin from Listeria monocytogenes

The cytosolic space of cells is an important but relatively inaccessible target for the delivery of therapeutic macromolecules. Here we describe the efficient delivery of macromolecules into the cytosolic space of macrophages from liposomes that contain listeriolysin O (LLO), the hemolytic protein of Listeria monocytogenes that normally mediates bacterial passage from phagosomes into cytosol. LLO was purified and encapsulated inside pH-sensitive liposomes, along with other molecules to be delivered. When internalized by bone marrow-derived macrophages, these liposomes rapidly released encapsulated fluorescent dye, first into endosomes and then into the cytosol, without measurably harming the cells. Furthermore, these liposomes efficiently delivered encapsulated ovalbumin to the cytosolic pathway of antigen processing and presentation, as measured by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted presentation of peptides derived from ovalbumin. Delivery was significantly better than that obtained by other currently available liposome formulations. LLO-containing liposomes should therefore provide an efficient vehicle for delivery of antigens or therapeutic molecules in vivo.
The Relationship between Weights of Nymphal Stages and Subsequent Development of Ornithodoros Parkeri (Acari: Argasidae)

Unfed 3rd-instar nymphal Ornithodoros parkeri (UN3s) were arranged into 7 weight classes, fed, and reared to adults. Fed 3rd-instar nymphs (N3s) produced 22.0% males, 3.8% females, and 57.2% 4th-instar nymphs (N4s); 17.0% died or were lost. The resulting N4s were fed and subsequently produced 14.7% males, 56.4% females, and 9.5% 5th-instar nymphs (N5s); 19.3% died or were lost. The N5s were fed and yielded 5.0% males and 70.0% females; 25.0% died or were lost. After rearing all UN3s to the adult stage, the final sex ratio was 0.77♂:1♀ (43.5% ♂, 56.5% ♀). UN3s weighing less than 2.6 mg produced males and N4s but no females after feeding. A few females were produced from N3s heavier than 2.6 mg. N4s resulting from all N3 weight classes developed into males, females, and N5s, and those originating from N3s in the lowest weight class (0.1–1.0 mg) produced more males than females. N4s originating from all other N3 weight classes produced more females than males. In a 2nd experiment, only females ecdysed from fed N4s weighing 25 mg and over, while those weighing 5–9 mg produced only males and N5s. The N5s in both experiments produced females almost exclusively (34 females and 1 male).
Effect of clofibrate and high fat diets on adrenaline-induced lipolysis in isolated rat adipose tissue

Summary Adipose tissue from rats fed high fat diets were found to exhibit significantly less adrenaline-induced FFA release than those from rats maintained on low fat commercial diet. Addition of CPIB to the high fat diet reversed this suppression of adrenaline-induced FFA release by isolated adipose tissue. Supplementation of the diet with cholesterol-cholate also reversed the suppressive effect of high dietary fat on adrenaline-induced lipolysis in vitro . Adrenaline-induced FFA release in adipose tissue seems to depend upon the metabolic status of the tissue as determined by previous nutrition of the animal.
On the relation between mean cloudiness and the number of clear and cloudy days in the United States

The peculiar frequency-distribution of values of cloudiness in the latitudes which are under the influence of polar-front cyclonic circulation has been a subject of discussion in the meteorological literature. As is well known, the frequency of cloudiness in these regions has two modes, one at 0/10, the other at 10/10. This leads to the uncommon U-shaped frequency-curve. The problem arises, of course, if under the circumstances values of mean cloudiness have any meaning or usefulness beyond offering an opportunity to compare the cloudiness at various places by using one figure only. Hence the question is: Does the mean cloudiness permit one to make any statements about the frequency of clear and cloudy sky at a given place?
Estimates of mercury flux into the United States from non-local and global sources: results from a 3-D CTM simulation

Abstract. The sensitivity of Hg concentration and deposition in the United States to emissions in China was investigated by using a global chemical transport model: Model for Ozone and Related Chemical Tracers (MOZART). Two forms of gaseous Hg were included in the model: elemental Hg (HG(0) and oxidized or reactive Hg (HGO). We simulated three different emission scenarios to evaluate the model's sensitivity. One scenario included no emissions from China, while the others were based on different estimates of Hg emissions in China. The results indicated, in general, that when Hg emissions were included, HG(0) concentrations increased both locally and globally. Increases in Hg concentrations in the United States were greatest during spring and summer, by as much as 7%. Ratios of calculated concentrations of Hg and CO near the source region in eastern Asia agreed well with ratios based on measurements. Increases similar to those observed for HG(0) were also calculated for deposition of HGO. Calculated increases in wet and dry deposition in the United States were 5–7% and 5–9%, respectively. The results indicate that long-range transcontinental transport of Hg has a non-negligible impact on Hg deposition levels in the United States.
Myelin-based inhibitors of oligodendrocyte myelination: clues from axonal growth and regeneration

The differentiation of and myelination by oligodendrocytes (OLs) are exquisitely regulated by a series of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. As each OL can make differing numbers of myelin segments with variable lengths along similar axon tracts, myelination can be viewed as a graded process shaped by inhibitory/inductive cues during development. Myelination by OLs is a prime example of an adaptive process determined by the microenvironment and architecture of the central nervous system (CNS). in this review, we discuss how myelin formation by OLs may be controlled by the heterogeneous microenvironment of the CNS. Then we address recent findings demonstrating that neighboring OLs may compete for available axon space, and highlight our current understanding of myelin-based inhibitors of axonal regeneration that are potentially responsible for the reciprocal dialogue between OLs and determine the numbers and lengths of myelin internodes. Understanding the mechanisms that control the spatiotemporal regulation of myelinogenic potential during development may provide valuable insight into therapeutic strategies for promoting remyelination in an inhibitory microenvironment.
Mechanisms of evolutionary change in structural plumage coloration among bluebirds (Sialia spp.)

Combinations of microstructural and pigmentary components of barbs create the colour displays of feathers. It follows that evolutionary changes in colour displays must reflect changes in the underlying production mechanisms, but rarely have the mechanisms of feather colour evolution been studied. Among bluebirds in the genus Sialia, male rump colour varies among species from dark blue to light blue while breast colour varies from blue to rusty. We use spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier analysis to identify the morphology responsible for these divergent colour displays. The morphology of blue rump barbs is similar among the three species, with an outer keratin cortex layer surrounding a medullary ‘spongy layer’ and a basal row of melanin granules. A spongy layer is also present in blue breast barbs of mountain bluebirds Sialia currucoides and in rusty breast barbs of western Sialia mexicana and eastern bluebirds Sialia sialis. In blue barbs melanin is basal to the spongy layer, but is not present in the outer cortex or spongy layer, while in rusty barbs, melanin is present only in the cortex. The placement of melanin in the cortex masks expression of structural blue, creating a rusty display. Such shifts in microstructures and pigments may be widespread mechanisms for the evolutionary changes in the colours of feathers and other reflective structures across colourful organisms.
Controversies concerning the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in children

This commentary grows out of an interdisciplinary workshop focused on controversies surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder (BP) in children. Although debate about the occurrence and frequency of BP in children is more than 50 years old, it increased in the mid 1990s when researchers adapted the DSM account of bipolar symptoms to diagnose children. We offer a brief history of the debate from the mid 90s through the present, ending with current efforts to distinguish between a small number of children whose behaviors closely fit DSM criteria for BP, and a significantly larger number of children who have been receiving a BP diagnosis but whose behaviors do not closely fit those criteria. We agree with one emerging approach, which gives part or all of that larger number of children a new diagnosis called Severe Mood Dysregulation or Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria. Three major concerns arose about interpreting the DSM criteria more loosely in children than in adults. If clinicians offer a treatment for disorder A, but the patient has disorder B, treatment may be compromised. Because DSM’s diagnostic labels are meant to facilitate research, when they are applied inconsistently, such research is compromised. And because BP has a strong genetic component, the label can distract attention from the family or social context. Once a BP diagnosis is made, concerns remain regarding the primary, pharmacological mode of treatment: data supporting the efficacy of the often complex regimens are weak and side effects can be significant. However, more than is widely appreciated, data do support the efficacy of the psychosocial treatments that should accompany pharmacotherapy. Physicians, educators, and families should adopt a multimodal approach, which focuses as much on the child’s context as on her body. If physicians are to fulfill their ethical obligation to facilitate truly informed consent, they must be forthcoming with families about the relevant uncertainties and complexities.
The clinical character of local anesthetics: a function of frequency-dependent conduction block.

Abstract It is clinically recognized fact that some local anesthetics have a proclivity for inhibition of motor nerves, while others preferentially affect sensory and sympathetic fibers. On the basis that sensory fibers have a frequency threshold for transmission of nociceptive stimuli and that somatic motor fibers have no such frequency threshold, we hypothesized that this variation may be due to differences in the effect of local anesthetics on axonal refractory period. Frog sciatic nerves were partially blocked with lidocaine, bupivacaine, tetracaine and etidocaine, and then stimulated in trains of 17 pulses, at frequencies between 3 and 100 Hz. The height and area of the last action potential in a train were measured. At a comparable level of partial block (50% at 100 Hz), tetracaine and etidocaine showed only a 10% difference between 3 and 100 Hz, while with bupivacaine and lidocaine there was a 30% drop between these two frequencies. This excellent correlation between the laboratory and clinical phenomenon supports our hypothesis. Local anesthetics which have a minimal effect on the refractory period yield enhanced motor block; whereas local anesthetics with a large effect on the refractory period are relatively more potent blockers of sensory and sympathetic transmission.
Temporal Changes in Outer Surface Proteins A and C of the Lyme Disease-Associated Spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, during the Chain of Infection in Ticks and Mice

The Lyme disease-associated spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is maintained in enzootic cycles involving Ixodes ticks and small mammals. Previous studies demonstrated that B. burgdorferi expresses outer surface protein A (OspA) but not OspC when residing in the midgut of unfed ticks. However, after ticks feed on blood, some spirochetes stop making OspA and express OspC. Our current work examined the timing and frequency of OspA and OspC expression by B. burgdorferi in infected Ixodes scapularis nymphs as they fed on uninfected mice and in uninfected I. scapularis larvae and nymphs as they first acquired spirochetes from infected mice. Smears of midguts from previously infected ticks were prepared at 12- or 24-h intervals following attachment through repletion at 96 h, and spirochetes were stained for immunofluorescence for detection of antibodies to OspA and OspC. As shown previously, prior to feeding spirochetes in nymphs expressed OspA but not OspC. During nymphal feeding, however, the proportion of spirochetes expressing OspA decreased, while spirochetes expressing OspC became detectable. In fact, spirochetes rapidly began to express OspC, with the greatest proportion of spirochetes having this protein at 48 h of attachment and then with the proportion decreasing significantly by the time that the ticks had completed feeding. In vitro cultivation of the spirochete at different temperatures showed OspC to be most abundant when the spirochetes were grown at 37°C. Yet, the synthesis of this protein waned with continuous passage at this temperature. Immunofluorescence staining of spirochetes in smears of midguts from larvae and nymphs still attached or having completed feeding on infected mice demonstrated that OspA but not OspC was produced by these spirochetes recently acquired from mice. Therefore, the temporal synthesis of OspC by spirochetes only in feeding ticks that were infected prior to the blood meal suggests that this surface protein is involved in transmission from tick to mammal but not from mammal to tick.
Arsenic and phosphorus biogeochemistry in the ocean: Arsenic species as proxies for P-limitation

Arsenic and phosphorus are biochemically very similar, and hence arsenate (As5+) is toxic by interfering with the energy metabolism, in particular during P limitation. However, many phytoplankton detoxify As by reducing arsenate to arsenite (As3+), and/or methylating it to mono and dimethyl As. Such As detoxification becomes operative in oligotrophic waters when phosphate concentrations are below those for As; therefore, we evaluated the potential use of these detoxification products as indicators of P limitation by measuring As speciation during the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic transect. The distribution of As3+ concentrations in surface waters is similar to that of N : P ratios and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), two conventional proxies for P-limitation. As3+ concentrations have a very similar relationship to phosphate as APA to phosphate, and therefore indicate the potential of As3+ as proxy for P-limitation. From the relationship to phosphate we derived threshold values of As3+ concentration to indicate moderate and extreme P-limitation. We then applied these threshold values to assess P-limitation with high horizontal resolution in the North Atlantic, improving on the contradictory assessments using the conventional proxies. Our new evaluation is consistent with the general concept that the North Atlantic is moderately to extremely limited in phosphate.
Radiosurgery for hemangioblastoma: results of a multiinstitutional experience.

Abstract Purpose: Between June 1988 and June 1994, 38 hemangioblastomas were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SR) at three SR centers to evaluate the efficacy and potential toxicity of this therapeutic modality as an adjuvant or alternative treatment to surgical resection. Methods and Materials: SR was performed using either a 201-cobalt source unit or a dedicated SR linear accelerator. Of the 18 primary tumors treated, 16 had no prior history of surgical resection and were treated definitively with SR and two primary lesions were subtotally resected and subsequently treated with SR. Twenty lesions were treated with SR after prior surgical failure (17 tumors) or failure after prior surgery and conventional radiotherapy (three tumors). Eight patients were treated with SR for multifocal disease (total, 24 known tumors). SR tumor volumes measured 0.05 to 12 cc (median: 0.97 cc). Minimum tumor doses ranged from 12 to 20 Gy (median: 15.5 Gy). Results: Median follow-up from the time of SR was 24.5 months (range: 6–77 months). The 2-year actuarial overall survival was 88 ± 15% (95% confidence interval). Two-year actuarial freedom from progression was 86 ± 12% (95% confidence interval). The median tumor volume of the lesions that failed to be controlled by SR was 7.85 cc (range: 3.20–10.53 cc) compared to 0.67 cc (range: 0.05–12 cc) for controlled lesions ( p = 0.0023). The lesions that failed to be controlled by SR received a median minimum tumor dose of 14 Gy (range: 13–17 Gy) compared to 16 Gy (range: 12–20 Gy) for controlled lesions ( p = 0.0239). Seventy-eight percent of the surviving patients remained neurologically stable or clinically improved. There were no significant permanent complications directly attributable to SR. Conclusions: This report documents the largest experience in the literature of the use of SR in the treatment of hemangioblastoma. We conclude that SR: (a) controls the majority of primary and recurrent hemangioblastomas; (b) offers the ability to treat multiple lesions in a single treatment session, which is particularly important for patients with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome; and that (c) better control rates are associated with higher doses and smaller tumor volumes.
Letter to the Editor-A Note on Two Coverage Problems for Multiple Shots

The solutions to several coverage problems for multiple shots are obtained by Weiss in the form of finite series. This note shows that the series solution to one of these problems reduce to the incomplete Beta function, for which tables are available, and obtains a new series solution, more amenable to computation, for a second problem.
Recombinant thyrotropin containing a beta-subunit chimera with the human chorionic gonadotropin-beta carboxy-terminus is biologically active, with a prolonged plasma half-life: role of carbohydrate in bioactivity and metabolic clearance.

Recombinant TSH is now successfully being used in clinical studies of thyroid cancer. Because of its therapeutic potential, we have constructed a longer acting analog of TSH by fusing the carboxy-terminal extension peptide (CTEP) of hCG beta onto TSH beta. When coexpressed either with alpha-subunit complementary DNA or alpha minigene in African green monkey (COS-7) and human embryonic kidney (293) cells, the chimera was fully bioactive in vitro and exhibited enhanced in vivo potency associated with a prolonged plasma half-life. The addition of 25 amino acids with 4 O-linked oligosaccharide chains did not affect the assembly and secretion of chimeric TSH. Wild-type (WT) and chimeric TSH secreted by COS-7 and 293 cells displayed wide differences in their plasma half-lives, presumably due to the presence of terminal sialic acid and SO4 on their oligosaccharide chains, respectively. Chimeric and WT TSH secreted by both cell lines demonstrated similar bioactivity in cAMP production, with some differences in [3...
The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB): Clinical and cognitive correlates

The purpose of this study was to examine the cognitive and clinical correlates of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) which was originally developed to be an endpoint for cognitive enhancement clinical trials. In a sample of 117 people with schizophrenia and 77 healthy control participants we found the following: a) the MCCB was highly sensitive to the type and level of impairment typically observed in schizophrenia, b) the MCCB composite score was highly correlated with WASI Estimated Full Scale IQ score, c) that the MCCB domain scores were generally moderately-highly intercorrelated, d) that MCCB performance was minimally related to clinical symptom type and severity, and e) the MCCB is sensitive to employment status with better performance in employed vs. unemployed patients. These data support the validity of the MCCB as a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and suggest that MCCB performance is relevant for functional outcome. The data also suggest that the MCCB domain scores may offer limited resolution on discrete cognitive functions.
Large-Scale InP Transmitter PICs for PM-DQPSK Fiber Transmission Systems

We report here the first demonstration of a large-scale monolithically integrated InP-based 10-channel 45.6-Gb/s per channel transmitter photonic integrated circuit employing polarization-multiplexed differential quadrature phase-shift keying modulation format.
Developing a media space for remote synchronous parent-child interaction

While supporting family communication has traditionally been a domain of interest for interaction designers, few research initiatives have explicitly investigated remote synchronous communication between children and parents. We discuss the design of the ShareTable, a media space that supports synchronous interaction with children by augmenting videoconferencing with a camera-projector system to allow for shared viewing of physical artifacts. We present an exploratory evaluation of this system, highlighting how such a media space may be used by families for learning and play activities. The ShareTable was positively received by our participants and preferred over standard videoconferencing. Informed by the results of our exploratory evaluation, we discuss the next design iteration of the ShareTable and directions for future investigations in this area.
Experimental Acute Pancreatitis in Mice Protective Effects of Glucagon

Abstract The effects of glucagon on pancreatitis induced by feeding mice a choline-deficient ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet for 1 day were studied. Glucagon pretreatment (a) decreased the mortality rate of pancreatitis; (b) lessened the rise in serum amylase; (c) diminished the rise in pancreatic digestive enzyme (a-amylase, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen) content and both digestive enzyme and protein in vitro secretion; and (d) decreased the severity of pancreatitis noted microscopically, In contrast, when glucagon was given concomitant with the administration of the CDE diet ("treatment" group), the mortality rate of pancreatitis was not lowered, and a significant reduction in serum amylase elevation was not observed. Although the effects of glucagon treatment and pretreatment on pancreatic digestive enzyme content and digestive enzyme and protein in vitro secretion were qualitatively similar, the changes noted after pretreatment were of greater magnitude. The effects of glucagon on the pancreas of mice fed a regular diet were also studied. Pretreatment with glucagon lowered amylase content as well as in vitro protein nnd amylase secretion, while treatment with glucagon lowered only pancreatic amylase content. In both cases, the percent amylase output was increased. These studies indicate that glucagon alters the mortality rate, serum amylase elevation, microscopic appearance, and in vitro function of the pancreas during diet-induced experimental pancreatitis. The effects of glucagon are greatest when its administration precedes exposure to the CDE diet. If this model is representative of clinical acute pancreatitis, it is unlikely that glucagon will be of therapeutic value in the treatment of clinically established acute pancreatitis.
Carbon Nanotube Vacuum Gauges With Wide Dynamic Range

Carbon-nanotube-based vacuum gauges have been developed and characterized, which primarily utilize the thermal conductivity principle. The vacuum gauges, comprising 5- to 10-mu m-long single-walled nanotubes contacted on either end with Au/Cr electrodes, have been shown to operate at low power (nanowatts to microwatts) and exhibit a wide dynamic range from 760 to 10-6 torr. Pressure sensitivity was found to increase rapidly as the bias power was increased. In addition, by etching part of the thermal SiO 2 beneath the tubes and minimizing heat conduction through the substrate, pressure sensitivity was extended toward higher vacuums. Results are compared to a conventional thin-film meander resistor, which was fabricated and whose pressure response was also measured for comparative purposes.
Deterrence and Origin of Legal System: Evidence from 1950-1999

This article offers evidence on legal systems' detterrence of acts that may cause harm, which extends law-and-finance literature comparing common law and civil code systems. Fatality rates from two causes are used to gauge deterrence: (1) motor vehicle accidents and (2) accidents other than motor vehicle. Both vary significantly across countries classified by origin of legal system. The data cover 50 years, offering evidence on evolution of differences over time. Findings for accidents other than motor vehicle are evidence on legal system flexibility, as the diffuse set of causes increases the difficulty of specifying harmful actions ex ante.
Encoding of Time-Discounted Rewards in Orbitofrontal Cortex Is Independent of Value Representation

We monitored single-neuron activity in the orbitofrontal cortex of rats performing a time-discounting task in which the spatial location of the reward predicted whether the delay preceding reward delivery would be short or long. We found that rewards delivered after a short delay elicited a stronger neuronal response than those delivered after a long delay in most neurons. Activity in these neurons was not influenced by reward size when delays were held constant. This was also true for a minority of neurons that exhibited sustained increases in firing in anticipation of delayed reward. Thus, encoding of time-discounted rewards in orbitofrontal cortex is independent of the encoding of absolute reward value. These results are contrary to the proposal that orbitofrontal neurons signal the value of delayed rewards in a common currency and instead suggest alternative proposals for the role this region plays in guiding responses for delayed versus immediate rewards.
Vocal alliances in Chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus)

Theory predicts that females in species with matrilineal dominance hierarchies should use nepotistic support systems to maintain their family's rank. Female Old World monkeys, however, form alliances against other females at surprisingly low rates. Nonetheless, in many species, females utter threat vocalizations when observing others' disputes, suggesting that these vocalizations may function as 'vocal alliances'. We describe a playback experiment testing the efficacy of vocal alliances in free- ranging female baboons. Subjects were played the same female's threat-grunts under three separate conditions: after being threatened by the signaller's close relative to mimic kin support, after being threatened by a female maternally unrelated to the signaller to mimic non-kin support, and after a friendly interaction with the signaller's close relative as a control. Subjects responded more strongly to the playback and avoided the signaller and her matrilineal relatives for a longer period of time in kin support trials than in either non-kin support or no aggression trials. In contrast, there was no difference in subjects' behaviour between non-kin support and no aggression trials. These results corroborate observational data showing that vocal support occurs at a higher rate than physical support in female baboons, and that kin are more likely to provide vocal support than non-kin. We conclude that vocal support plays a similar role as physical support in the alliances of female baboons.
Abstract 373: Unexpected Differences In Traditional Etiologies of Readmission and Mortality Post Left Ventricular Assist Device After Adjusting For Socioeconomic Status

Background: Readmission rates after placement of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remain high and are generally attributed to arrhythmia, bleeding, heart failure (HF), infection, and thrombosis. Readmission and mortality risks have not been clearly assessed after adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES). We hypothesized that etiologies unrelated to medication adherence and nutrition would contribute to worse outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 101 patients who underwent HeartMate II LVAD between January 2006- December 2010 at our facility. All patients were followed until December 2011 for readmission and death. Multivariable analysis with adjustment for median household income, insurance status, age, gender, and race was performed. Results: The main causes of initial readmission and death respectively were arrhythmia (n=5, 5.4%; n=1, 3%), bleeding (n=13, 14.0%; n=9, 30%), device issue (n=20, 21.5%; n=6, 20%), HF (n=8, 8.6%; n=2, 7%), and infection (n=6, 6.5%; n=0, 0%). After adjusting for SES, bleeding alone remained a significant independent predictor for readmission [Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.57, p=0.003] and mortality (HR 4.73, p<0.0001). Standard HF therapy upon discharge or place of discharge (home versus facility) after LVAD provided no significant reduction in risk of readmission or mortality. Conclusions: Bleeding was associated with significant increased risk of readmission and mortality after LVAD even after adjusting for SES. This suggests that income levels and perhaps education do not provide protection from readmission and mortality after LVAD. ![][1] ![][2] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/graphic-2.gif
Effects of Nonthyroidal Illness on Thyroid Function

Despite the absence of thyroid disease, patients with nonthyroidal illness frequently have changes in serum thyroid hormone measurements that may suggest either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Serum T3 levels are frequently decreased mainly because of a decrease in the rate of T3 production from T4. The free T3 concentration may be either normal or reduced as well. The binding of T4 and T3 by the serum-binding proteins is almost always impaired, resulting in an increase in the dialyzable fraction (free) fraction. This is due to a decrease in the concentration of thyroxine-binding proteins and the presence of circulating inhibitors of binding. If serum T4 concentration remains within the normal range, the free T4 concentration can be increased. However, serum T4 is frequently decreased in patients with chronic and/or severe illness. The decrease in serum T4 in these patients, combined with an increase in the dialyzable fraction, results in normal free T4. In patients who are critically ill, none of the available methods for measurement of free T4 may give results that accurately reflect the euthyroid state. Since T3 is the major active thyroid hormone, it is surprising that patients with decreased serum T3 do not appear hypothyroid. The decrease in serum T3 is probably an adaptive change to nonthyroidal illness, which at least enables the sick patient to conserve protein. The clinical impression of euthyroidism is supported by the finding of a normal serum TSH level in most patients. Although TSH regulation may not be entirely normal in patients with nonthyroidal disease, it is likely that serum TSH will be increased in most sick patients who also have significant thyroid failure. The normal clinical findings in patients with decreased serum T3 may result from an augmentation of those biologic responses associated with the clinical manifestations of the euthyroid state. Several animal models of nonthyroidal disease or starvation show that cells have the ability to modulate some biologic responses to thyroid hormone. Further study should elucidate the mechanisms underlying these changes. This article has emphasized that no single laboratory measurement may reliably predict the thyroid state in patients with nonthyroidal disease. This fact emphasizes the need for careful clinical evaluation of these patients and judicious use of laboratory tests. Because the changes in thyroid hormone metabolism that occur in nonthyroidal disease probably represent adaptive changes to the illness, treatment with L-thyroxine to restore serum thyroid concentrations to the normal range is not indicated.
An assessment of existing risk stratification guidelines for the evaluation of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis

Background Prior studies have demonstrated that existing risk stratification guidelines for the evaluation of suspected choledocholithiasis lack accuracy, leading to the overutilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of published guidelines in predicting choledocholithiasis and to determine the impact of laboratory trends on diagnostic accuracy.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes UCP2 and UCP3 affect mitochondrial metabolism and healthy aging in female nonagenarians

Energy expenditure decreases with age, but in the oldest-old, energy demand for maintenance of body functions increases with declining health. Uncoupling proteins have profound impact on mitochondrial metabolic processes; therefore, we focused attention on mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes. Alongside resting metabolic rate (RMR), two SNPs in the promoter region of UCP2 were associated with healthy aging. These SNPs mark potential binding sites for several transcription factors; thus, they may affect expression of the gene. A third SNP in the 3′-UTR of UCP3 interacted with RMR. This UCP3 SNP is known to impact UCP3 expression in tissue culture cells, and it has been associated with body weight and mitochondrial energy metabolism. The significant main effects of the UCP2 SNPs and the interaction effect of the UCP3 SNP were also observed after controlling for fat-free mass (FFM) and physical-activity related energy consumption. The association of UCP2/3 with healthy aging was not found in males. Thus, our study provides evidence that the genetic risk factors for healthy aging differ in males and females, as expected from the differences in the phenotypes associated with healthy aging between the two sexes. It also has implications for how mitochondrial function changes during aging.
What do you recommend for a patient with a Pap smear indicating atypical cells

The finding of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) should prompt a test for human papillomavirus.
The fate of streptococcus hemolyticus in the gastro-intestinal canal

Dangerous streptococci, especially Str. hemolyticus, are found very commonly in the throat. Our observations1 show that in the crypts of the faucial tonsils hemolytic streptococci occur in nearly 100%. Often they occur in large numbers on the pharyngeal mucosa in normal persons, and especially in persons suffering with various respiratory infections, in which these organisms so often play an important role. Large numbers of streptococci are therefore constantly passing down the esophagus into the stomach in both normal and diseased persons. Furthermore, during milk-borne epidemics of streptococcus sore throat, milk from infected cows containing large numbers of streptococci is swallowed. The fate of these virulent hemolytic streptococci in the gastro-intestinal canal is the subject of this paper. Three questions arise: First, the possibility of secondarily infecting the intestinal canal; second, the invasion of the body through the wall and third the possible danger of transmission' of dangerous streptococci through sewage, etc. As is well known, the gastric contents exercise a strong bactericidal effect on bacteria entering the stomach. Certain acidophils are able to live and develop in the stomach; spores and certain fungi, on account of their resisting properties, can do likewise. But the great mass of bacteria that enter the stomach through the act of swallowing are killed, and therefore the food passing into the duodenum contains relatively few organisms. While these statements are generally true, there are exceptions due to several reasons ; bacteria become enmeshed in particles of food and are thereby protected from acid until they enter the duodenum. This is especially true in cases of hypermotility. In achylia the bacteria pass through the stomach little affected by the feebly acid gastric contents.