cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF ABNORMAL CONCENTRATIONS OF THE SERUM ELECTROLYTES ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN THE INTACT ANIMAL.

Abstract Left ventricular function in the intact anesthetized dog was evaluated by measurements of the ventricular response to a pressure load (the "pressure-function" curve), the maximum rate of rise in intraventricular pressure (dpdt Max.), enddiastolic pressure, and cardiac output. Observations were made of the effects on these measurements of changes in heart rate and in various serum electrolyte concentrations or in blood pH induced by infusions of NaCl, NaHCO 3 , HCl, mannitol, EDTA, and CaCl 2 , or by dialysis with and artificial kidney. Sympathomimetic effects of injected solutes were evaluated by blockade with DCI (dichloroisoproterenol). Bradycardia at rates below 80 beats per minute reduced dpdt Max. and depressed the pressure-function curve. However, changes in rate in the range pertinent to the electrolyte experiments (between 80 and 160 beats per minute) had only minimal effect on the pressure-function curve. The only electrolyte disturbances which altered the pressure-function curve were hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia and acidosis to a serum pH of less than 7.0 units. Hyperkalemia to the point of cardiac arrest had no effect on the curve. These results extend the previous brief observations made in isolated heart or muscle preparations to periods of several hours in the intact animal. They have a bearing on several clinical problems in the management of heart failure in human subjects.
Asymptotic stabilization of two dimensional real analytic systems

Abstract We investigate the local asymptotic stabilizability of a real analytic control system around an equilibrium point and give necessary and sufficient conditions for local asymptotic stabilization using continuous feedback.
The Effect of Hypovolemia on Drinking in Rats With Lateral Hypothalamic Damage.

SummaryLesions in the lateral hypo-thalamus of rats led to impaired drinking responses to acute hyperosmolarity produced by 1 M NaCl injected subcutaneously and to acute hypovolemia produced by subcutaneous injection of 10% polyethylene glycol solution. Since recovered laterals drink while eating dry food, it was suggested that the lesions may disrupt structures mediating thirst arising from such stimula as hyper-osmolariy and hypovolemia, but leave intact structures mediating drinking in response to peripheral stimuli such as dry mouth. Other evidence was presented which suggests that the renal aspects of osmo- and volume regulation are not impaired by the lesions.
Cosmic gamma-ray bursts

Abstract All aspects of cosmic gamma-ray bursts are reviewed. First, instrumentation and experimental technique are briefly covered. Then the observable burst properties are described, and empirical classification schemes are offered. Searches for coinciding bursts at other frequencies are enumerated. The observed spatial distribution of the burst sources is given, as well as various theoretical interpretations. A section is devoted to the unusual gamma-ray burst of March 5, 1979; its features are compared to more typical events and analyzed for insights into burst origins. Theoretical models for gamma-ray bursts are considered in general, and then examined in more detail under the categories of extragalactic models, accretion onto compact objects, thermonuclear explosions, flare models, and exotic models.
Autoregulation of the NF-kappa B transactivator RelA (p65) by multiple cytoplasmic inhibitors containing ankyrin motifs.

Abstract RelA (p65) functions as the critical transactivating component of the heterodimeric p50-p65 NF-kappa B complex and contains a high-affinity binding site for its cytoplasmic inhibitor, I kappa B alpha. After cellular activation, I kappa B alpha is rapidly degraded in concert with the induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B. The present study demonstrates that tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced degradation of I kappa B alpha in human T cells is preceded by its rapid phosphorylation in vivo. However, these effects on I kappa B alpha result in nuclear mobilization of only a fraction of the entire cytoplasmic pool of RelA. Subsequent studies have revealed that (i) cytoplasmic RelA is stably associated not only with I kappa B alpha but also with other ankyrin motif-rich proteins including the products of the NF-kappa B2 (p100) and NF-kappa B1 (p105) genes; (ii) in contrast to RelA-I kappa B alpha, RelA-p100 cytoplasmic complexes are not dissociated following tumor necrosis factor alpha activation; (iii) p100 functions as a potent inhibitor of RelA-mediated transcription in vivo; (iv) the interaction of RelA and p100 involves the conserved Rel homology domain of both proteins but not the nuclear localization signal of RelA, which is required for I kappa B alpha binding; (v) p100 inhibition of RelA function requires the C-terminal ankyrin motif domain, which mediates cytoplasmic retention of RelA; and (vi) as observed with I kappa B alpha, nuclear RelA stimulates p100 mRNA and protein expression. These findings thus reveal the presence of a second inducible autoregulated inhibitory pathway that helps ensure the rapid but transient action of nuclear NF-kappa B.
Genome-wide polycomb target gene prediction in Drosophila melanogaster

As key epigenetic regulators, polycomb group (PcG) proteins are responsible for the control of cell proliferation and differentiation as well as stem cell pluripotency and self-renewal. Aberrant epigenetic modification by PcG is strongly correlated with the severity and invasiveness of many types of cancers. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism of PcG-mediated epigenetic regulation remained elusive, partly due to the extremely limited pool of experimentally confirmed PcG target genes. In order to facilitate experimental identification of PcG target genes, here we propose a novel computational method, EpiPredictor, that achieved significantly higher matching ratios with several recent chromatin immunoprecipitation studies than jPREdictor, an existing computational method. We further validated a subset of genes that were uniquely predicted by EpiPredictor by cross-referencing existing literature and by experimental means. Our data suggest that multiple transcription factor networking at the cis-regulatory elements is critical for PcG recruitment, while high GC content and high conservation level are also important features of PcG target genes. EpiPredictor should substantially expedite experimental discovery of PcG target genes by providing an effective initial screening tool. From a computational standpoint, our strategy of modelling transcription factor interaction with a non-linear kernel is original, effective and transferable to many other applications.
Zero-temperature bulk modulus of alpha-plutonium

Using resonant-ultrasound spectroscopy, we measured alpha-plutonium's bulk modulus $B$ between 298 and $18\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. Fitting the measurements to an Einstein-oscillator-based function gave the zero-temperature bulk modulus ${B}_{o}=70.9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. We compare our measurement with numerous previous measurements and with numerous theoretical estimates ranging from $41\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}227\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. From $0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, $B(T)$ is regular and smooth, evincing no phase transition (electronic, magnetic, structural). The bulk modulus decreases to $54.4\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$, about 30%, a very large change compared with typical materials. We attribute this large decrease to electron localization during warming. High-temperature $dB∕dT$ yields a Gruneisen parameter $\ensuremath{\gamma}=5.1$, too high we believe because of temperature-induced electron localization. From the low-temperature elastic constants, averaged in the usual Debye $⟨{v}^{\ensuremath{-}3}⟩$ manner, we obtain a Debye temperature ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}=205\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$.
Many Many Problems

Supervaluationist solutions to ‘the problem of the many’ typically rely on two principles. First, the root of the problem is that singular terms can be vague, just as predicates can be. Secondly, the same resolution as the supervaluationist suggests for puzzles with vague predicates will resolve puzzles concerning vague singular terms. In recent years this second principle has been attacked from a number of fronts: it has been claimed that supervaluationist accounts of vague singular terms cannot explain the role of vague singular terms in propositional attitude reports, cannot explain penumbral connections between distinct singular terms, and cannot allow that vague singular terms are directly referential. While some of these arguments are successful against extant supervaluationist theories, I offer some natural modifications to supervaluationism which avoid the challenges.
Real-space tight-binding and discrete phase-space many-body quantum transport in granular nanoelectronics

Abstract A formulation of nonlinear many-body quantum transport theory of “granular” quantum-based devices is given. The present formalism can, in principle, account for the exact energetics of particles in solids, all many-body scattering and all phonon-induced processes in ordered and disordered condensed and finite systems. Therefore it can account for heterostructure interfaces and device surfaces. The application of appropriate boundary conditions allows for high-speed analysis of active finite open system, including all quantum effects and nonlinearities.
Association of advanced leukemic stage and skin cancer tumor stage with poor skin cancer outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Importance Although it has been well established that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, few studies have investigated the effect of CLL stage on the risk of poor skin cancer outcomes. The present study of CLL staging assesses outcomes of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma in this high-risk population. Objective To determine if progression of CLL measured by advanced Rai stage (III or IV) is associated with worse skin cancer outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants Twenty-year retrospective study at 2 academic centers in Boston, Massachusetts, of adults with CLL and either melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or Merkel cell carcinoma. Main Outcomes and Measures Hazard ratios (HRs) for the development of poor skin cancer outcomes (local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, or death from skin cancer). Results In total, 133 patients with 377 primary skin cancers and a median follow-up of 41 months were included. Squamous cell carcinoma predominated (92.0%). The risk of death from skin cancer was equivalent to the risk of death from CLL (13.5%). On multivariate analysis, advanced Rai stage (III or IV) at the time of the first skin cancer diagnosis (HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-8.9) and a high skin cancer tumor (T) stage (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2-10.8) were associated with poor skin cancer outcomes. Those with both a low skin cancer T stage and a low Rai stage (n = 265) had a low risk (5.3%; 95% CI, 3.2%-8.7%) of poor skin cancer outcomes. Those with a low T stage and a high Rai stage (n = 89) had a significantly higher risk of poor skin cancer outcomes (16.9%; 95% CI, 10.9%-26.0%). The 23 patients with a high T stage had high risks of poor outcomes regardless of CLL status (27.3% if a low Rai stage and 50.0% if a high Rai stage, with wide 95% CIs). Conclusions and Relevance In patients with CLL and non–basal cell carcinoma skin cancer, mortality is as high from skin cancer as from CLL. The Rai stage and skin cancer T stage should be considered when risk-stratifying patients with skin cancer. Regular communication between dermatologists and oncologists will help facilitate the identification of patients with CLL who are at high risk of having poor skin cancer outcomes.
A model for 3-dimensional growth of bladder cancers to investigate cell-matrix interactions

Elucidating the mechanisms by which the phenotype of cancer cells is modulated by the extracellular matrix (ECM) potentially identifies mechanisms that could be exploited for cancer control. Three readily available bladder cancer cell lines of different aggressiveness were grown on a bioscaffold material (Small Intestine Submucosa: SIS) under a variety of media and nutrient schedules to determine the influence of epigenetic factors on phenotype. The aggressive TCCSUP and J82 lines displayed an invasive phenotype when fed twice weekly with medium containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), but grew as a layered, noninvasive structure when fed daily with the same nutrient. The papillary RT4 cells grew as a nearly normal appearing layered phenotype when fed with medium containing 10% FCS, regardless of the feeding schedule. The papillary phenotype appeared only when the fetal calf serum concentration was reduced to 1% and the cells were fed twice weekly. Immunohistochemical staining showed E-cadherin was detected in the nucleus of the TCCSUP line rather than on the cell periphery, thus, demonstrating that normalization of the TCCSUP line into a layered phenotype did not alter the fundamental dysregulation of the cadherin-B-catenin-cytoskeleton complex. In contrast, in the RT4 cells the biomarker was distributed discretely around the cell periphery in 10% fetal calf serum but in the nucleus in 1% fetal calf serum and twice weekly feeding. Modulating the phenotype of cancer cells from invasive to noninvasive through manipulation of matrix and nutrient components presents a model system for identifying the key factors involved in invasiveness and may identify new therapeutic targets and markers.
3,3′,5-L-triiodothyronine but not L-thyroxine can block the induction of tyrosinase by imidazole in cultured B16 melanoma cells

Summary 3,3′,5-L-triiodothyronine (T3) can inhibit tyrosinase activity in B16/C3 melanoma cells in culture and block the induction of that enzyme by imidazole (Endocrinol. 119, 2118, 1986). The current study examined the effect of thyroxine (T4) on tyrosinase activity. Proliferating cultures were exposed to either T3 (0–500 nM) or T4 (0–50,000 nM) in addition to imidazole (10 mM). Imidazole induced enzyme activity by ∼ 3-fold and T3 could block that induction with a maximal inhibition occurring at 10 nM. Even at the highest concentrations used, T4 had no effect on tyrosinase activity. These studies disclose that T4, the tetraiodinated parent compound from which T3 is derived, is devoid of intrinsic biological activity in this T3 responsive system.
Incorporation of FT-IR spectral data in a computer-assisted prediction of globular protein structure

Currently, much effort is being directed to the determination of the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Two classes of research are of interest; spectrometric techniques which include Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, and non-spectrometric prediction schemes. The spectra obtained using FT-IR spectrometry, are analyzed to determine the percentages of alpha-helices, beta-pleated sheets, and non-structured coils in a protein. Unfortunately, FT-IR, as well as other spectrometric techniques, cannot be used to determine the exact secondary structure of a protein reliably. Non-spectrometric prediction methods yield information on the exact secondary structure, but are not always accurate. Most prediction methods relate the primary amino acid sequence to the secondary structure of a protein, allowing sequential secondary structure information for the protein examined to be obtained. The goal of this research is to incorporate FT-IR with a prediction method, resulting in an improvement in the accuracy of the prediction.
Unit roots and cointegration in estimating causality between exports and economic growth: Empirical evidence from the ASEAN countries

Abstract This paper utilizes cointegration and error-correction representation methodology in estimating the long-run behavioral relationship between exports and economic growth in the ASEAN countries.
Marital adjustment among rural couples: The role of expressiveness.

This study examined the relationship between marital adjustment and husbands' and wives' instrumentalness and expressiveness. Eighty-five rural couples completed the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses indicated that husbands' expressiveness was the sole predictor of both husbands' and wives' marital adjustment. Results are compared to previous research findings with urban couples. Implications of the findings for gender-related patterns of socialization are also discussed.
Pharmacy-managed program for providing education and discharge instructions for patients with heart failure.

Purpose The impact of a pharmacy-managed program for providing education and discharge instructions for patients with heart failure (HF) was evaluated. Methods A before-and-after quasiexperimental design was used to quantify the effect of a pharmacist-managed HF medication education and discharge instruction program on the incidence of 30-day readmission rates and adherence to targeted Joint Commission core measures for HF (the provision of discharge instructions and the prescribing of an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor [ACEI]/angiotensin II receptor blocker [ARB] at discharge or documentation of the reason if therapy was not prescribed). Adult patients admitted to Oregon Health and Science University’s cardiology unit with systolic HF exacerbation as their primary diagnosis between December 2010 and March 2011 were included. Throughout patients’ hospitalization, the pharmacist collaborated with the multidisciplinary team to make treatment and monitoring recommendations; provided discharge medication reconciliation, discharge medication recommendations, and discharge instructions; answered patient-specific questions; and gave the patient a complete discharge medication list. Results The study enrolled 35 patients and compared results against a historical control group of 115 patients. The frequency of discharge counseling increased significantly ( p = 0.007), as did the rate of ACEI/ARB prescribing at discharge ( p = 0.02). Both 30-day all-cause and HF-related readmissions were reduced compared with baseline ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.11, respectively). Conclusion Pharmacist involvement in medication reconciliation and discharge counseling for HF patients was associated with a significant increase in adherence with the Joint Commission’s core measures, a significant reduction in 30-day all-cause readmissions, and a positive effect on patient satisfaction.
The Role of CXCR4 in Maintaining Peripheral B Cell Compartments and Humoral Immunity

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is expressed in B cells at multiple stages of their development. CXCR4 function in humoral immunity has not been fully investigated. We have generated gene-targeted mice in which CXCR4 can be selectively inactivated in B cells and have shown that it is required for retention of B cell precursors in the bone marrow. CXCR4-deficient B cell precursors that migrated prematurely became localized in splenic follicles despite their unresponsiveness to CXCL13. Concomitantly, mature B cell populations were reduced in the splenic marginal zone and primary follicles, and in the peritoneal cavity in the mutant animals, as were T-independent antibody responses. In addition, aberrant B cell follicles formed ectopically in intestinal lamina propria around Peyer's patches. These findings establish an important role for CXCR4 in regulating homeostasis of B cell compartmentalization and humoral immunity.
Web3D in ocean science learning environments: virtual big beef creek

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), Java 3D software development packages, and World Wide Web (the Web) offer great potential for delivering three-dimensional, collaborative virtual environments to broad, on-line audiences. These capabilities have significant potential in ocean sciences, so a visualization environment was developed to explore these possibilities. The University of Washington's Virtual Big Beef Creek (VBBC) project has been continuously refined since its initial implementation in April 1999. VBBC affords users the ability to navigate through a data-rich representation of a physical world estuary on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. One important project goal is to give users a better sense of the overall watershed before they venture out to experience it in person. A second significant goal is to provide a single on-line repository for geo-referenced data obtained through fieldwork (both quantitative and qualitative). The research team has gained insight into application improvements through the participation of Ocean Sciences graduate students, video game enthusiasts, and the general public. In this paper, research challenges, project successes, and project shortcomings are discussed that may inform the larger Web3D community.
The pancreatic ductal epithelium serves as a potential pool of progenitor cells

With the increasing success of islet transplantation, beta-cell replacement therapy has had renewed interest. To make such a therapy available to more than a few of the thousands of patients with diabetes, new sources of insulin-producing cells must become readily available. The most promising sources are stem cells, whether embryonic or adult stem cells. Clearly identifiable adult pancreatic stem cells have yet to be characterized. Although considerable evidence suggests their possibility, recent lineage-tracing experiments challenge their existence. Even in light of these lineage-tracing experiments, we suggest that evidence for neogenesis or new islet formation after birth remains strong. Our work has suggested that the pancreatic duct epithelium itself serves as a pool for progenitors for both islet and acinar tissues after birth and into adulthood and, thus, that the duct epithelium can be considered 'facultative stem cells'. We will develop our case for this hypothesis in this perspective.
Targeting IGF-IR with ganitumab inhibits tumorigenesis and increases durability of response to androgen-deprivation therapy in VCaP prostate cancer xenografts.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men. While tumors initially respond to androgen-deprivation therapy, the standard care for advanced or metastatic disease, tumors eventually recur as castration-resistant prostate cancer. Upregulation of the insulin-like growth factor receptor type 1 (IGF-1R) signaling axis drives growth and progression of prostate cancer by promoting proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. Ganitumab (formerly AMG 479) is a fully human antibody that inhibits binding of IGF-1 and IGF-2 to IGF-1R. We evaluated the therapeutic value of ganitumab in several pre-clinical settings including androgen-dependent prostate cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, and in combination with androgen-deprivation therapy. Ganitumab inhibited IGF-1 induced phosphorylation of the downstream effector AKT and reduced proliferation of multiple androgen-dependent and castration-resistant human prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. Ganitumab inhibited androgen-dependent VCaP xenograft growth and increased tumor doubling time from 2.3±0.4 weeks to 6.4±0.4 weeks. Ganitumab blocked growth of castration-resistant VCaP xenografts for over 11.5 weeks of treatment. In contrast, ganitumab did not have appreciable effects on the castration-resistant CWR-22Rv1 xenograft model. Ganitumab was most potent against VCaP xenografts when combined with complete androgen-deprivation therapy (castration). Tumor volume was reduced by 72% after 4 weeks of treatment and growth suppression was maintained over 16 weeks of treatment. These data suggest that judicious use of ganitumab particularly in conjunction with androgen-deprivation therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Fundamental Solution of Laplace's Equation in Hyperspherical Geometry

Due to the isotropy of d-dimensional hyperspherical space, one expects there to exist a spherically symmetric fundamental solution for its corresponding Laplace{Beltrami operator. The R-radius hypersphere S d with R > 0, represents a Riemannian manifold with positive-constant sectional curvature. We obtain a spherically symmetric fundamental solution of Laplace's equation on this manifold in terms of its geodesic radius. We give several matching expressions for this fundamental solution including a definite integral over reciprocal powers of the trigonometric sine, finite summation expressions over trigonometric functions, Gauss hypergeometric functions, and in terms of the associated Legendre function of the second kind on the cut (Ferrers function of the second kind) with degree and order given by d=2 1 and 1 d=2 respectively, with real argument between plus and minus one.
Simultaneous repair of cardiac pathology and severe pectus excavatum in Marfan patients using a modified minimally invasive repair

Pectus excavatum (PE) deformity is present in the majority of Marfan patients. Many have not had PE repair and present as adults with aortic and valve pathology requiring operative intervention. We present our preliminary report of simultaneous cardiac surgery and repair of the chest wall deformity. Utilizing this modified minimally invasive excavatum repair provided quick, safe repairs with good cosmetic results.
Preadolescent Conduct Disorder Behaviors Predict Relapse and Progression of Addiction for Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abusers

Increased awareness of the heterogeneity among alcohol and drug abusers has led to examination of the influence of concomitant psychopathology on the course of addiction and addictive relapse. Research among adult alcohol and drug abusers has found a detrimental influence of comorbid psychopathology on treatment outcome. Evidence exists for prevalent comorbidity, in particular conduct disorder (CD), among clinical samples of teen alcohol and drug abusers. However, little information is currently available on the relation and influence of psychopathology on outcome after treatment for adolescent alcohol and drug abuse. The current study examines the relation between CD, as assessed by the extent of preadolescent CD behaviors occurring before the initiation of drug use, and outcome for 131 adolescents over 2 years after inpatient treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Drawing on recent conceptualizations of the process of relapse and progression of addictive behavior, CD is hypothesized to influence the process of relapse by altering coping efforts and intentions and increasing exposure to potential relapse situations. Results reveal that the extent of preadolescent CD behaviors is positively related to alcohol involvement in the 2 years after treatment, and that much of this relation is accounted for by posttreatment cognitive coping, motivation for alcohol abstinence, interpersonal problems, and exposure to alcohol use. Contrary to expectations, preadolescent CD behaviors did not predict posttreatment drug use. These findings provide evidence for the influence of psychopathology on the process of relapse and progression of addiction after treatment for adolescent alcohol and drug abuse, and suggest that teens with early life CD behaviors may be at greater risk for continued alcohol abuse.
Theory of Mass Transport in Sodium Alanate

Sodium alanate, NaAlH4, is a well-known hydrogen storage material that decomposes into Na3AlH6 and Al while releasing H2 as a gas. While the thermodynamics of this reaction are ideal for applications in fuel cell vehicles, the reaction rates are prohibitively slow unless the material is doped with transition metals (such as titanium) or rare earths (such as cerium). It has been widely theorized that the flux of point defects through the bulk phases provides the mechanism for long-range metal transport which accompanies the hydrogen release and absorption reactions. In this paper, a quantitative model is introduced to describe mass transport using point defect energies obtained from first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that negatively charged sodium vacancies in Na3AlH6 have the largest flux of all metal-site defects in any of the phases, at all temperatures examined. Positively charged hydrogen vacancies are predicted to balance the charge of sodium vacancies and have a higher diffusivity than this metal defect. The activation energy for the formation and diffusion of sodium vacancies in Na3AlH6 is found to be equal to 50 kJ mol−1 for rehydrogenation and 70 kJ mol−1 for dehydrogenation, in good agreement with experimental values. It is argued that diffusion of sodium vacancies in Na3AlH6 represents the rate-limiting process in the dehydrogenation of Ti-doped NaAlH4 and that Ti must catalyze some other process (or processes) than bulk mass transport.
Endogenous Activation of μ and δ-1 Opioid Receptors Is Required for Long-Term Potentiation Induction in the Lateral Perforant Path: Dependence on GABAergic Inhibition

Opioid peptides costored with glutamate have emerged as powerful regulators of long-term potentiation (LTP) induction in several hippocampal pathways. The objectives of the present study were twofold: (1) to identify which opioid receptor types (μ, δ, or κ) regulate LTP induction at lateral perforant path–granule cell synapses and (2) to test the hypothesis that endogenous opioids regulate LTP induction via modulation of GABAergic inhibition. LTP of lateral perforant path-evoked field EPSPs was induced selectively by high-frequency stimulation applied to the outer third of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus of rat hippocampal slices. No changes in medial perforant path responses occurred. LTP was blocked when high-frequency stimulation was applied in the presence of the μ receptor antagonist CTAP, the selective δ-1 receptor antagonist BNTX, or the δ-1 and δ-2 receptor antagonist naltrindole. By contrast, the κ-1 opioid receptor antagonist NBNI had no effect on LTP induction. The role of GABAergic inhibition was investigated by comparing the effect of naloxone on LTP induction in slices maintained in standard buffer and picrotoxin-containing buffer. Naloxone blocked LTP in standard buffer, whereas normal LTP was induced in picrotoxin-treated, disinhibited slices. Finally, NMDA receptor blockade completely inhibited LTP in both standard and disinhibited slices. The results show that μ and δ-1 opioid receptors regulate LTP induction and that this mechanism critically depends on GABAergic inhibition. A key issue then becomes how endogenous opioids fine-tune the activity of intact inhibitory networks in the dentate gyrus, effectively gating synaptic plasticity in specific dendritic strata.
Imaging for whom: patient or physician?

OBJECTIVE. Radiologic imaging examinations are being ordered beyond the margin of medical necessity. Radiologists can assess the value of imaging in a variety of clinical situations by gathering data regarding test ordering patterns and their effects on patient outcomes.CONCLUSION. Emerging information technologies have the potential to facilitate the collection of data and permit the dissemination of appropriate guidelines to limit the number of unnecessary and possibly harmful examinations.
Cutaneous malignant melanoma in association with mycosis fungoides

Abstract We retrospectively analyzed the first 461 cases entered into our cutaneous lymphoma database and found 285 cases of mycosis fungoides. We also identified 6 cases of malignant melanoma, all of which were found in patients with mycosis fungoides. The crude rate of melanoma in the general population in England, United Kingdom, in 1998 was 8.8/100000 in men and 11.4/100000 in women. The incidence of melanoma found in our cohort of patients with mycosis fungoides was far higher, and in 4 of the 6 patients cannot be explained on the basis of prior therapy. The reason for this association is unclear, but this report emphasizes the risk of second malignancies for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and melanoma.
Undergraduate Perceptions of Vocational Calling into Missions and Ministry

This article is a qualitative study of undergraduate student perceptions of the calling into Christian missions and ministry. A number of central factors emerged when students spoke of the process ...
SMT-based modular analysis of sequential systems code

In this paper, we describe a few challenges that accompany SMT-based precise verification of systems code (device drivers, file systems) written in low-level languages such as C/C++. First, the presence of pointer arithmetic and untrusted casts make type checking difficult; we show how to formalize C type safety checking and exploit the types for disambiguation of addresses in the heap. Second, the prevalence of explicit manipulation of pointers in data structures using dereference and address arithmetic precludes abstract reasoning about data structures.We provide an expressive and efficient theory for reasoning about linked lists, which comprise most data structures in systems code. We discuss extensions to standard SMT solvers to tackle these issues in the context of the HAVOC verifier.
Human segmentation by geometrically fusing visible-light and thermal imageries

From depth sensors to thermal cameras, the increased availability of camera sensors beyond the visible spectrum has created many exciting applications. Most of these applications require combining information from these hyperspectral cameras with a regular RGB camera. Information fusion from multiple heterogeneous cameras can be a very complex problem. They can be fused at different levels from pixel to voxel or even semantic objects, with large variations in accuracy, communication, and computation costs. In this paper, we propose a system for robust segmentation of human figures in video sequences by fusing visible-light and thermal imageries. Our system focuses on the geometric transformation between visual blobs corresponding to human figures observed at both cameras. This approach provides the most reliable fusion at the expense of high computation and communication costs. To reduce the computational complexity of the geometric fusion, an efficient calibration procedure is first applied to rectify the two camera views without the complex procedure of estimating the intrinsic parameters of the cameras. To geometrically register different blobs at the pixel level, a blob-to-blob homography in the rectified domain is then computed in real-time by estimating the disparity for each blob-pair. Precise segmentation is finally achieved using a two-tier tracking algorithm and a unified background model. Our experimental results show that our proposed system provides significant improvements over existing schemes under various conditions.
Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary Background Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. However, the size of this risk relative to that associated with other central venous catheters (CVCs) is unknown. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with PICCs versus that associated with other CVCs. Methods We searched several databases, including Medline, Embase, Biosis, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Conference Papers Index, and Scopus. Additional studies were identified through hand searches of bibliographies and internet searches, and we contacted study authors to obtain unpublished data. All human studies published in full text, abstract, or poster form were eligible for inclusion. All studies were of adult patients aged at least 18 years who underwent insertion of a PICC. Studies were assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa risk of bias scale. In studies without a comparison group, the pooled frequency of venous thromboembolism was calculated for patients receiving PICCs. In studies comparing PICCs with other CVCs, summary odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with a random effects meta-analysis. Findings Of the 533 citations identified, 64 studies (12 with a comparison group and 52 without) including 29 503 patients met the eligibility criteria. In the non-comparison studies, the weighted frequency of PICC-related deep vein thrombosis was highest in patients who were critically ill (13·91%, 95% CI 7·68–20·14) and those with cancer (6·67%, 4·69–8·64). Our meta-analysis of 11 studies comparing the risk of deep vein thrombosis related to PICCs with that related to CVCs showed that PICCs were associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (OR 2·55, 1·54–4·23, p Interpretation PICCs are associated with a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis than are CVCs, especially in patients who are critically ill or those with a malignancy. The decision to insert PICCs should be guided by weighing of the risk of thrombosis against the benefit provided by these devices. Funding None.
Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis: A Prospective Study of a Hemodialysis Outbreak with Evaluation of a Serologic Marker in Patients and Staff

An outbreak of non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH) in a hemodialysis unit was prospectively studied and the clinical, biochemical, and serologic events were correlated with an experimental immunodiffusion assay for serum antigen and antibody. One hundred sixteen subjects (76 dialysis patients and 40 staff members) were studied over an 8-month period. Hepatitis was defined as two consecutive SGPT levels greater than two times the upper limit of normal occurring in two separate samples drawn greater than 7 days apart in the absence of other likely causes of liver disease. Weekly serum specimens were obtained and tested for SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, total anti-HAV, and anti-HAV IgM by commercial reagents, and for antigen and antibody by agar gel diffusion using reference reagents previously obtained from well-documented posttransfusion NANBH patients. Clinical evaluations were performed three times per week. Thirty patients and none of the staff developed NANBH. The NANBH patients were asymptomatic, except for two patients with jaundice. Fifteen of the 30 patients were positive for antigen which was detectable in at least one serum collected during the acute phase. Six patients and 10 staff without clinical NANBH or abnormal serology had antigen. Antigenemia was also observed in three patients with acute hepatitis B, with chronic hepatitis B in one patient and with alcoholic hepatitis in one patient. Thus, an antigen was detected in a high proportion of patients during the acute phase of NANBH, and it was also found in exposed patients who had other liver diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Pediatrician and the Child with a Communication Disorder "Semiverbality" in Children

The child who uses delayed or disordered language, particularly when he may be doing somewhat better in other areas of his development, presents difficult questions concerning both identification and direction of referral. This paper focuses on the common aberrant disorders in language de velopment, rather than on productive disorders such as cleft palate, voice disorders, misarticulations or nonfluencies ("stuttering"). Guide lines for consultation with a communication specialist are presented.
Accessing and browsing 3D anatomical images with a navigational ontology.

The problem that our research addresses is the lack of a comprehensive, universally useful system for navigating 3D images ofanatomical structures. In this paper we discuss the organization of anatomical information in a navigational ontology, a knowledge representation formalism that supports intelligent browsing of 3D anatomical images. For the purposes ofthis project, 'intelligent' means that the computer system behaves as if it had accurate knowledge of human anatomy consistent with that of a trained anatomist (though not necessarily as complete). To give a simple example, if the user asks to see the component structures of the urinary system, the system will return to the user either a list of structures and/or a model of them, just as an anatomy instructor might do. The Vesalius Anatomy Browser provides an interface for navigating 3D anatomical images in which anatomical images are linked to a hierarchical representation of conceptual information that corresponds directly to the images displayed on the screen. The association of the concepts with images makes possible simultaneous visual exploration of anatomical information via word and image.
Foreign Direct Investment, Pollution, and Economic Growth Evidence from Turkey

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, and economic growth in terms of Gross Domestic Product (...
Near Infrared Atomic Emissions of Sulfur and Carbon in the Argon Inductively Coupled Plasma

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) excitation of the 9212.91 A nonresonant line of atomic sulfur is reported and is found to yield a detection limit more than 20-fold better than any visible or "air path" ultraviolet sulfur lines produced by the argon ICP. The ICP excited spectrum reported here for the element sulfur is markedly different from that reported for atmospheric pressure microwave-induced helium plasmas. Partial Grotrian diagrams and tables of relative intensities, detection limits, and corresponding wavelengths of 30 ICP excited, nonresonant atomic sulfur emission lines and 20 ICP excited, nonresonant atomic carbon lines are presented for the air path, photomultiplier accessible region 2000 to 9900 A. No lines of ionized sulfur were observed in the 27-MHz, 1.75-kW argon ICP. Vertical emission intensity profiles of near infrared S(I) and C(I) lines are presented for both conventional and extended ICP torches. The present near infrared (S(I) 9212.91 A and C(I) 9094.83 A) detection limits for sulfur and carbon are 0.006 μg and 0.13 μg, respectively, using 8μL gas sampling loop injections of H2S and CH4 into a low-volume transfer line leading directly into the ICP.
Analysis of both TSC1 and TSC2 for germline mutations in 126 unrelated patients with tuberous sclerosis.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of multiple hamartomas involving many organs. About two-thirds of the cases are sporadic and appear to represent new mutations. With the cloning of two causative genes, TSC1 and TSC2 it is now possible to analyze both genes in TSC patients and identify germline mutations. Here we report the mutational analysis of the entire coding region of both TSC1 and TSC2 genes in 126 unrelated TSC patients, including 40 familial and 86 sporadic cases, by single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis followed by direct sequencing. Mutations were identified in a total of 74 (59%) cases, including 16 TSC1 mutations (5 sporadic and 11 familial cases) and 58 TSC2 mutations (42 sporadic and 16 familial cases). Overall, significantly more TSC2 mutations were found in our population, with a relatively equal distribution of mutations between TSC1 and TSC2 among the familial cases, but a marked underrepresentation of TSC1 mutations among the sporadic cases (P = 0.0035, Fisher's exact test). All TSC1 mutations were predicted to be protein truncating. However, in TSC2 13 missense mutations were found, five clustering in the GAP-related domain and three others occurring in exon 16. Upon comparison of clinical manifestations, including the incidence of intellectual disability, we could not find any observable differences between TSC1 and TSC2 patients. Our data help define the distribution and spectrum of mutations associated with the TSC loci and will be useful for both understanding the function of these genes as well as genetic counseling in patients with the disease. Hum Mutat 14:412–422, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluating the queue distribution of an ATM multiplexer with multiple time scale arrivals

For an ATM multiplexer we develop a recursive asymptotic expansion method for approximating the queue length distribution and investigate the radius of convergence of the queue asymptotic expansion series. The analysis focuses on "small" to "moderate" buffer sizes under the conditions of strictly stable multiple time scale arrivals. For a class of examples we analytically determine the radius of convergence using methods of linear operator theory. We also give general sufficient conditions under which the radius converges to zero; this shows roughly what situations have to be avoided for the proposed method to work well. We combine the asymptotic expansion method with the EB approximation, and give an approximation procedure for the buffer probabilities for all buffer ranges. The procedure is tested on extensive numerical examples. We suggest this procedure for efficient admission control in ATM networks.
Effects of portion size on chronic energy intake

Background: This study experimentally examined the effects of repeated exposure to different meal portion sizes on energy intake. Methods: Nineteen employees of a county medical center were given free box lunches for two months, one month each of 1528 and 767 average kcal. Foods were identical in the two conditions, but differed in portion size. Meals averaged 44% calories from fat. Participants self-reported how much of each lunch was eaten. Unannounced 24-hour dietary recalls were also conducted by phone twice per week during each exposure period. Results: Mean energy intake at the lunch meal was 332 kcal/day higher in large lunch than in small lunch periods (p < .001). Mean 24-hour energy intake was 278 kcal/day higher in large versus small lunch periods (p < .001). There was no evidence of compensation over time. Average weight change over the month of large and small lunches was 0.64 ± 1.16 kg and 0.06 ± 1.03 kg, respectively, about what would be expected with the observed differences in energy intake. Conclusion: This study suggests that chronic exposure to large portion size meals can result in sustained increases in energy intake and may contribute to body weight increases over time.
Solubilization of Brain Benzodiazepine Receptors with a Zwitterionic Detergent: Optimal Preservation of Their Functional Interaction with the GABA Receptors

: Rat brain benzodiazepine receptors have been solubilized by means of the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS under conditions in which the GABA stimulation of [3H]flunitrazepam binding to the benzodiazepine receptors is maintained intact. This stimulation is partially or totally abolished when using other conventional deter gents.