Diagnostic performance of MRI perfusion and spectroscopy for brainstem glioma grading

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the roles of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion and multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in grading brainstem glioma (BSG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our retrospective study comprised 12 patients, including 6 with pathology verified low-grade BSGs and 6 with high-grade BSGs. We examined differences in age, relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and the metabolite ratios of choline (Cho)/N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and Cho/creatine (Cr) between these two groups using the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to establish cutoff values and assess their usefulness in grading BSG.

RESULTS

The Cho/NAA metabolite ratio had the strongest preoperative predictive performance for identifying the correct histological grade among BSGs, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.944 (cutoff: 3.88, sensitivity [Se]: 83.3%; specificity [Sp]: 100%), followed by the Cho/Cr ratio (cutoff: 3.08; AUC: 0.917; Se: 83.3%; Sp: 100%), rCBF (cutoff: 3.56, AUC: 0.917; Se: 83.3%; Sp: 100%), rCBV (cutoff: 3.16, AUC: 0.889; Se: 100%; Sp: 66.7%), and age (cutoff: 9.5 years, AUC: 0.889; Se: 100%; Sp: 83.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

rCBF and rCBV values comparing solid tumors with the normal brain parenchyma and the metabolite ratios for Cho/NAA and Cho/Cre may serve as useful indices for establishing BSG grading and provide important information when determining treatment planning and prognosis in patients with BSG.

Superconductivity in an extreme strange metal

Some of the highest-transition-temperature superconductors across various materials classes exhibit linear-in-temperature 'strange metal' or 'Planckian' electrical resistivities in their normal state. It is thus believed by many that this behavior holds the key to unlock the secrets of high-temperature superconductivity. However, these materials typically display complex phase diagrams governed by various competing energy scales, making an unambiguous identification of the physics at play difficult. Here we use electrical resistivity measurements into the micro-Kelvin regime to discover superconductivity condensing out of an extreme strange metal state-with linear resistivity over 3.5 orders of magnitude in temperature. We propose that the Cooper pairing is mediated by the modes associated with a recently evidenced dynamical charge localization-delocalization transition, a mechanism that may well be pertinent also in other strange metal superconductors.

Intercellular bridges coordinate the transition from pluripotency to meiosis in mouse fetal oocytes

Meiosis is critical to generating oocytes and ensuring female fertility; however, the mechanisms regulating the switch from mitotic primordial germ cells to meiotic germ cells are poorly understood. Here, we implicate intercellular bridges (ICBs) in this state transition. We used three-dimensional in toto imaging to map meiotic initiation in the mouse fetal ovary and revealed a radial geometry of this transition that precedes the established anterior-posterior wave. Our studies reveal that appropriate timing of meiotic entry across the ovary and coordination of mitotic-meiotic transition within a cyst depend on the ICB component Tex14, which we show is required for functional cytoplasmic sharing. We find that Tex14 mutants more rapidly attenuate the pluripotency transcript Dppa3 upon meiotic initiation, and Dppa3 mutants undergo premature meiosis similar to Tex14 Together, these results lead to a model that ICBs coordinate and buffer the transition from pluripotency to meiosis through dilution of regulatory factors.

Effect of Magnetic Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) Nanoparticle Size on Arsenic (V) Removal from Water

Magnetic magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles with average sizes of 5.11, 10.53, and 14.76 nm were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. The surface area of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (average size of 5.11 nm) had the largest value of 167 m²/g. The adsorption capacity for removing arsenic (As(V)) from water at 3 ppm concentration was investigated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that the As(V) adsorption capacity of Fe₃O₄ was dependent on particle size. The maximum absorption efficiency (H_max) reached 99.02%, the equilibrium time was 30 min; the maximum Langmuir isotherm adsorption capacity was 14.46 mg/g with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle an average size of 5 nm. The results indicate that reducing the size of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is a promised way for As(V) ion removal from water and wastewater treatment.

Dynamical aspects of nanoparticle formation by wire explosion process

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by wire explosion process (WEP) and it was noted that the amount of energy (E) deposited on the wire and the ambient pressure play a major role on the size of particles formed. Dynamic diffusion and condensation processes of NPs formation by WEP were modelled. Calculations of critical size of embryo, activation energy and nucleation rate of the formation of NPs in WEP were made considering classical homogeneous nucleation theory. Decrease in critical size of nuclei and activation energy, increase in nucleation rate with high E (540 J) and low operating pressure (10 kPa) confirm the formation of small size NPs (26 nm). Different cooling rates due to unsymmetrical shape of the vapour cloud has been identified as the cause for generating mixed particle sizes. The qualitative analysis conducted in this work validates the obtained experimental results and can be used as a design tool for industrial apparatus to produce NPs in bulk.

Evaluation of the blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids in matrix coating as antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, excreta microflora, and carcass quality in broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (35 ± 0.44 g) were randomly allocated into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments (17 broilers per pen with 8 pens per treatment): dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs. The study lasted 5 wk during which growth performance was determined. In the current study, the inclusion of 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06% blend of OAs and MCFAs in the basal diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) on day 7 to 14, day 14 to 35, as well as overall. Increasing inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets also linearly increased (P = 0.001) the digestibility of dry matter on day 35. Broilers fed with different levels of the blend of OAs and MCFAs showed a linear increment (P = 0.042) in Lactobacillus concentration and decrease (P = 0.002) in Escherichia coli concentration. With regard to relative organ weight, a trend of linear reduction (P = 0.052) in bursa of Fabricius weight of broilers fed the blend of OAs and MCFAs was observed. There was a significant linear improvement (P = 0.011) in the IgG concentration associated with the inclusion of the blend of OAs and MCFAs levels in the diets. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and excreta microflora in broiler chickens.

Effects of market type and time of purchase on oxidative status and descriptive off-odors and off-flavors of beef in Vietnam

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of market type (super market - SM, indoor market - IM, open market - OM) and sampling time (at the opening - T0 and 4 h after the opening - T4) on antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation, and descriptive sensory attributes of beef in Vietnam. Values of FC and TEAC were greater in OM beef than IM and SM (P < 0.001) and FC value was also greater at T4 than T0 (P = 0.038). The beef from SM had 7% greater TBARS than IM and OM (P = 0.003). Livery odor was less intense in raw beef from OM when compared to SM and IM (P ≤ 0.047). Sour odor in raw beef, and livery flavor in cooked beef was increased from T0 to T4 (P ≤ 0.035). Principal component analysis of descriptive sensory attributes indicated that FC and TEAC could predict partial livery flavor in cooked beef, but not off-odors in raw beef.

Search for triboson [Formula: see text] production in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector

This paper reports a search for triboson [Formula: see text] production in two decay channels ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 [Formula: see text] at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with exactly three charged leptons, or two leptons with the same electric charge in association with two jets, are selected. The total number of events observed in data is consistent with the Standard Model (SM) predictions. The observed 95% confidence level upper limit on the SM [Formula: see text] production cross section is found to be 730 fb with an expected limit of 560 fb in the absence of SM [Formula: see text] production. Limits are also set on WWWW anomalous quartic gauge couplings.

Measurement of the Inelastic Proton-Proton Cross Section at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector at the LHC

This Letter presents a measurement of the inelastic proton-proton cross section using 60  μb^{-1} of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s] of 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Inelastic interactions are selected using rings of plastic scintillators in the forward region (2.07<|η|<3.86) of the detector. A cross section of 68.1±1.4  mb is measured in the fiducial region ξ=M_{X}^{2}/s>10^{-6}, where M_{X} is the larger invariant mass of the two hadronic systems separated by the largest rapidity gap in the event. In this ξ range the scintillators are highly efficient. For diffractive events this corresponds to cases where at least one proton dissociates to a system with M_{X}>13  GeV. The measured cross section is compared with a range of theoretical predictions. When extrapolated to the full phase space, a cross section of 78.1±2.9  mb is measured, consistent with the inelastic cross section increasing with center-of-mass energy.

Search for Higgs and Z Boson Decays to ϕγ with the ATLAS Detector

A search for the decays of the Higgs and Z bosons to a ϕ meson and a photon is performed with a pp collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.7  fb^{-1} collected at sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. No significant excess of events is observed above the background, and 95% confidence level upper limits on the branching fractions of the Higgs and Z boson decays to ϕγ of 1.4×10^{-3} and 8.3×10^{-6}, respectively, are obtained.

Observation of Long-Range Elliptic Azimuthal Anisotropies in sqrt[s]=13 and 2.76 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS has measured two-particle correlations as a function of the relative azimuthal angle, Δϕ, and pseudorapidity, Δη, in sqrt[s]=13 and 2.76 TeV pp collisions at the LHC using charged particles measured in the pseudorapidity interval |η|<2.5. The correlation functions evaluated in different intervals of measured charged-particle multiplicity show a multiplicity-dependent enhancement at Δϕ∼0 that extends over a wide range of Δη, which has been referred to as the "ridge." Per-trigger-particle yields, Y(Δϕ), are measured over 2<|Δη|<5. For both collision energies, the Y(Δϕ) distribution in all multiplicity intervals is found to be consistent with a linear combination of the per-trigger-particle yields measured in collisions with less than 20 reconstructed tracks, and a constant combinatoric contribution modulated by cos(2Δϕ). The fitted Fourier coefficient, v_{2,2}, exhibits factorization, suggesting that the ridge results from per-event cos(2ϕ) modulation of the single-particle distribution with Fourier coefficients v_{2}. The v_{2} values are presented as a function of multiplicity and transverse momentum. They are found to be approximately constant as a function of multiplicity and to have a p_{T} dependence similar to that measured in p+Pb and Pb+Pb collisions. The v_{2} values in the 13 and 2.76 TeV data are consistent within uncertainties. These results suggest that the ridge in pp collisions arises from the same or similar underlying physics as observed in p+Pb collisions, and that the dynamics responsible for the ridge has no strong sqrt[s] dependence.

Measurement of the ZZ Production Cross Section in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

The ZZ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV center-of-mass energy is measured using 3.2  fb^{-1} of data recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The considered Z boson candidates decay to an electron or muon pair of mass 66-116 GeV. The cross section is measured in a fiducial phase space reflecting the detector acceptance. It is also extrapolated to a total phase space for Z bosons in the same mass range and of all decay modes, giving 16.7_{-2.0}^{+2.2}(stat)+0.9/-0.7(syst)+1.0/-0.7(lumi)  pb. The results agree with standard model predictions.

Transforming growth factor beta 1, a cytokine with regenerative functions

We review the biology and role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in peripheral nerve injury and regeneration, as it relates to injuries to large nerve trunks (i.e., sciatic nerve, brachial plexus), which often leads to suboptimal functional recovery. Experimental studies have suggested that the reason for the lack of functional recovery resides in the lack of sufficient mature axons reaching their targets, which is a result of the loss of the growth-supportive environment provided by the Schwann cells in the distal stump of injured nerves. Using an established chronic nerve injury and delayed repair animal model that accurately mimics chronic nerve injuries in humans, we summarize our key findings as well as others to better understand the pathophysiology of poor functional recovery. We demonstrated that 6 month TGF-β1 treatment for chronic nerve injury significantly improved Schwann cell capacity to support axonal regeneration. When combined with forskolin, the effect was additive, as evidenced by a near doubling of regenerated axons proximal to the repair site. We showed that in vivo application of TGF-β1 and forskolin directly onto chronically injured nerves reactivated chronically denervated Schwann cells, induced their proliferation, and upregulated the expression of regeneration-associated proteins. The effect of TGF-β1 and forskolin on old nerve injuries is quite impressive and the treatment regiment appears to mediate a growth-supportive milieu in the injured peripheral nerves. In summary, TGF-β1 and forskolin treatment reactivates chronically denervated Schwann cells and could potentially be used to extend and prolong the regenerative responses to promote axonal regeneration.

Determination of the Ratio of b-Quark Fragmentation Fractions f(s)/f(d) in pp Collisions at √s=7 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

With an integrated luminosity of 2.47  fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, the exclusive decays B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ and B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0) of B mesons produced in pp collisions at √s=7  TeV are used to determine the ratio of fragmentation fractions f(s)/f(d). From the observed B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ and B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0) yields, the quantity (f(s)/f(d))[B(B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ)/B(B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0))] is measured to be 0.199±0.004(stat)±0.008(syst). Using a recent theory prediction for [B(B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ)/B(B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0))] yields (f(s)/f(d))=0.240±0.004(stat)±0.010(syst)±0.017(th). This result is based on a new approach that provides a significant improvement of the world average.

Search for Dark Matter in Events with Missing Transverse Momentum and a Higgs Boson Decaying to Two Photons in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Results of a search for new phenomena in events with large missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson decaying to two photons are reported. Data from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb^{-1} have been collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The observed data are well described by the expected standard model backgrounds. Upper limits on the cross section of events with large missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson candidate are also placed. Exclusion limits are presented for models of physics beyond the standard model featuring dark-matter candidates.

Measurements of the Total and Differential Higgs Boson Production Cross Sections Combining the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Measurements of the total and differential cross sections of Higgs boson production are performed using 20.3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=8  TeV and recorded by the ATLAS detector. Cross sections are obtained from measured H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ event yields, which are combined accounting for detector efficiencies, fiducial acceptances, and branching fractions. Differential cross sections are reported as a function of Higgs boson transverse momentum, Higgs boson rapidity, number of jets in the event, and transverse momentum of the leading jet. The total production cross section is determined to be σ_{pp→H}=33.0±5.3 (stat)±1.6 (syst)  pb. The measurements are compared to state-of-the-art predictions.

Search for a Heavy Neutral Particle Decaying to eμ, eτ, or μτ in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents a search for a heavy neutral particle decaying into an opposite-sign different-flavor dilepton pair, e^{±}μ^{∓}, e^{±}τ^{∓}, or μ^{±}τ^{∓} using 20.3  fb^{-1} of pp collision data at sqrt[s]=8  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The numbers of observed candidate events are compatible with the standard model expectations. Limits are set on the cross section of new phenomena in two scenarios: the production of ν[over ˜]_{τ} in R-parity-violating supersymmetric models and the production of a lepton-flavor-violating Z^{'} vector boson.

Evidence of Wγγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV and Limits on Anomalous Quartic Gauge Couplings with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports evidence of triple gauge boson production pp→W(ℓν)γγ+X, which is accessible for the first time with the 8 TeV LHC data set. The fiducial cross section for this process is measured in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3  fb^{-1}, collected by the ATLAS detector in 2012. Events are selected using the W boson decay to eν or μν as well as requiring two isolated photons. The measured cross section is used to set limits on anomalous quartic gauge couplings in the high diphoton mass region.

Search for a new resonance decaying to a W or Z boson and a Higgs boson in the [Formula: see text] final states with the ATLAS detector

A search for a new resonance decaying to a W or Z boson and a Higgs boson in the [Formula: see text] final states is performed using 20.3 fb[Formula: see text] of pp collision data recorded at [Formula: see text] 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The search is conducted by examining the WH / ZH invariant mass distribution for a localized excess. No significant deviation from the Standard Model background prediction is observed. The results are interpreted in terms of constraints on the Minimal Walking Technicolor model and on a simplified approach based on a phenomenological Lagrangian of Heavy Vector Triplets.

Search for Scalar Charm Quark Pair Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

The results of a dedicated search for pair production of scalar partners of charm quarks are reported. The search is based on an integrated luminosity of 20.3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=8  TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The search is performed using events with large missing transverse momentum and at least two jets, where the two leading jets are each tagged as originating from c quarks. Events containing isolated electrons or muons are vetoed. In an R-parity-conserving minimal supersymmetric scenario in which a single scalar-charm state is kinematically accessible, and where it decays exclusively into a charm quark and a neutralino, 95% confidence-level upper limits are obtained in the scalar-charm-neutralino mass plane such that, for neutralino masses below 200 GeV, scalar-charm masses up to 490 GeV are excluded.

Measurement of spin correlation in top-antitop quark events and search for top squark pair production in pp collisions at √s=8 TeV using the ATLAS detector

A measurement of spin correlation in tt[over ¯] production is presented using data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3  fb^{-1}. The correlation between the top and antitop quark spins is extracted from dilepton tt[over ¯] events by using the difference in the azimuthal angle between the two charged leptons in the laboratory frame. In the helicity basis the measured degree of correlation corresponds to A_{helicity}=0.38±0.04, in agreement with the standard model prediction. A search is performed for pair production of top squarks with masses close to the top quark mass decaying to predominantly right-handed top quarks and a light neutralino, the lightest supersymmetric particle. Top squarks with masses between the top quark mass and 191 GeV are excluded at the 95% confidence level.

Search for Higgs and Z Boson Decays to J/ψγ and ϒ(nS)γ with the ATLAS Detector

A search for the decays of the Higgs and Z bosons to J/ψγ and ϒ(nS)γ (n=1,2,3) is performed with pp collision data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of up to 20.3  fb^{-1} collected at sqrt[s]=8  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. No significant excess of events is observed above expected backgrounds and 95% C.L. upper limits are placed on the branching fractions. In the J/ψγ final state the limits are 1.5×10^{-3} and 2.6×10^{-6} for the Higgs and Z boson decays, respectively, while in the ϒ(1S,2S,3S)γ final states the limits are (1.3,1.9,1.3)×10^{-3} and (3.4,6.5,5.4)×10^{-6}, respectively.

Search for Higgs boson pair production in the γγbb[over ¯] final state using pp collision data at sqrt[s]=8 TeV from the ATLAS detector

Searches are performed for resonant and nonresonant Higgs boson pair production in the γγbb[over ¯] final state using 20  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. A 95% confidence level upper limit on the cross section times branching ratio of nonresonant production is set at 2.2 pb, while the expected limit is 1.0 pb. The difference derives from a modest excess of events, corresponding to 2.4 standard deviations from the background-only hypothesis. The limit observed in the search for a narrow X→hh resonance ranges between 0.7 and 3.5 pb as a function of the resonance mass.

Measurements of the Nuclear Modification Factor for Jets in Pb+Pb Collisions at √(s)NN]=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Measurements of inclusive jet production are performed in pp and Pb+Pb collisions at √(s)NN=2.76  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.0 and 0.14  nb(-1), respectively. The jets are identified with the anti-k(t) algorithm with R=0.4, and the spectra are measured over the kinematic range of jet transverse momentum 32<p(T)<500  GeV and absolute rapidity |y|<2.1 and as a function of collision centrality. The nuclear modification factor R(AA) is evaluated, and jets are found to be suppressed by approximately a factor of 2 in central collisions compared to pp collisions. The R(AA) shows a slight increase with p(T) and no significant variation with rapidity.

Observation of an excited Bc(±) meson state with the ATLAS detector

A search for excited states of the Bc(±) meson is performed using 4.9  fb(-1) of 7 TeV and 19.2  fb(-1) of 8 TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. A new state is observed through its hadronic transition to the ground state, with the latter detected in the decay Bc(±)→J/ψπ(±). The state appears in the m(Bc(±)π(+)π(-))-m(Bc(±))-2m(π(±)) mass difference distribution with a significance of 5.2 standard deviations. The mass of the observed state is 6842±4±5  MeV, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The mass and decay of this state are consistent with expectations for the second S-wave state of the Bc(±) meson, Bc(±)(2S).

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross-section using [Formula: see text] events with [Formula: see text]-tagged jets in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] and 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The inclusive top quark pair ([Formula: see text]) production cross-section [Formula: see text] has been measured in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, using [Formula: see text] events with an opposite-charge [Formula: see text] pair in the final state. The measurement was performed with the 2011 7 TeV dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 [Formula: see text] and the 2012 8 TeV dataset of 20.3 [Formula: see text]. The numbers of events with exactly one and exactly two [Formula: see text]-tagged jets were counted and used to simultaneously determine [Formula: see text] and the efficiency to reconstruct and [Formula: see text]-tag a jet from a top quark decay, thereby minimising the associated systematic uncertainties. The cross-section was measured to be: [Formula: see text]where the four uncertainties arise from data statistics, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, knowledge of the integrated luminosity and of the LHC beam energy. The results are consistent with recent theoretical QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order. Fiducial measurements corresponding to the experimental acceptance of the leptons are also reported, together with the ratio of cross-sections measured at the two centre-of-mass energies. The inclusive cross-section results were used to determine the top quark pole mass via the dependence of the theoretically predicted cross-section on [Formula: see text] giving a result of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] GeV. By looking for an excess of [Formula: see text] production with respect to the QCD prediction, the results were also used to place limits on the pair-production of supersymmetric top squarks [Formula: see text] with masses close to the top quark mass, decaying via [Formula: see text] to predominantly right-handed top quarks and a light neutralino [Formula: see text], the lightest supersymmetric particle. Top squarks with masses between the top quark mass and 177 GeV are excluded at the 95 % confidence level.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross-section using [Formula: see text] events with [Formula: see text]-tagged jets in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] and 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The inclusive top quark pair ([Formula: see text]) production cross-section [Formula: see text] has been measured in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, using [Formula: see text] events with an opposite-charge [Formula: see text] pair in the final state. The measurement was performed with the 2011 7 TeV dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 [Formula: see text] and the 2012 8 TeV dataset of 20.3 [Formula: see text]. The numbers of events with exactly one and exactly two [Formula: see text]-tagged jets were counted and used to simultaneously determine [Formula: see text] and the efficiency to reconstruct and [Formula: see text]-tag a jet from a top quark decay, thereby minimising the associated systematic uncertainties. The cross-section was measured to be: [Formula: see text]where the four uncertainties arise from data statistics, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, knowledge of the integrated luminosity and of the LHC beam energy. The results are consistent with recent theoretical QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order. Fiducial measurements corresponding to the experimental acceptance of the leptons are also reported, together with the ratio of cross-sections measured at the two centre-of-mass energies. The inclusive cross-section results were used to determine the top quark pole mass via the dependence of the theoretically predicted cross-section on [Formula: see text] giving a result of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] GeV. By looking for an excess of [Formula: see text] production with respect to the QCD prediction, the results were also used to place limits on the pair-production of supersymmetric top squarks [Formula: see text] with masses close to the top quark mass, decaying via [Formula: see text] to predominantly right-handed top quarks and a light neutralino [Formula: see text], the lightest supersymmetric particle. Top squarks with masses between the top quark mass and 177 GeV are excluded at the 95 % confidence level.

Search for scalar diphoton resonances in the mass range 65-600 GeV with the ATLAS detector in pp collision data at √s=8 TeV

A search for scalar particles decaying via narrow resonances into two photons in the mass range 65-600 GeV is performed using 20.3  fb(-1) of √s 8 TeV pp collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The recently discovered Higgs boson is treated as a background. No significant evidence for an additional signal is observed. The results are presented as limits at the 95% confidence level on the production cross section of a scalar boson times branching ratio into two photons, in a fiducial volume where the reconstruction efficiency is approximately independent of the event topology. The upper limits set extend over a considerably wider mass range than previous searches.

Evidence for electroweak production of W±W±jj in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents the first study of W(±)W(±)jj, same-electric-charge diboson production in association with two jets, using 20.3 fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s] = 8  TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with two reconstructed same-charge leptons (e(±)e(±), e(±)μ(±), and μ(±)μ(±)) and two or more jets are analyzed. Production cross sections are measured in two fiducial regions, with different sensitivities to the electroweak and strong production mechanisms. First evidence for W(±)W(±)jj production and electroweak-only W(±)W(±)jj production is observed with a significance of 4.5 and 3.6 standard deviations, respectively. The measured production cross sections are in agreement with standard model predictions. Limits at 95% confidence level are set on anomalous quartic gauge couplings.

Measurements of four-lepton production at the Z resonance in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 and 8 TeV with ATLAS

Measurements of four-lepton (4ℓ, ℓ=e,μ) production cross sections at the Z resonance in pp collisions at the LHC with the ATLAS detector are presented. For dilepton and four-lepton invariant mass regions m(ℓ+ℓ(-)) > 5 GeV and 80<m(4ℓ) < 100 GeV, the measured cross sections are 76 ± 18(stat) ± 4(syst) ± 1.4(lumi) fb and 107 ± 9(stat) ± 4(syst) ± 3.0(lumi) fb at sqrt[s] = 7 and 8 TeV, respectively. By subtracting the nonresonant 4ℓ production contributions and normalizing with Z → μ(+)μ(-) events, the branching fraction for the Z boson decay to 4ℓ is determined to be (3.20 ± 0.25(stat) ± 0.13(syst)) × 10(-6), consistent with the standard model prediction.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand translates neonatal respiratory infection into chronic lung disease

Respiratory infections in early life can lead to chronic respiratory disease. Chlamydia infections are common causes of respiratory disease, particularly pneumonia in neonates, and are linked to permanent reductions in pulmonary function and the induction of asthma. However, the immune responses that protect against early-life infection and the mechanisms that lead to chronic lung disease are incompletely understood. Here we identify novel roles for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in promoting Chlamydia respiratory infection-induced pathology in early life, and subsequent chronic lung disease. By infecting TRAIL-deficient neonatal mice and using neutralizing antibodies against this factor and its receptors in wild-type mice, we demonstrate that TRAIL is critical in promoting infection-induced histopathology, inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion, as well as subsequent alveolar enlargement and impaired lung function. This suggests that therapeutic agents that target TRAIL or its receptors may be effective treatments for early-life respiratory infections and associated chronic lung disease.

Search for quantum black hole production in high-invariant-mass lepton+jet final states using pp collisions at √s=8 TeV and the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents a search for quantum black-hole production using 20.3 fb-1 of data collected with the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at the LHC at √s = 8 TeV. The quantum black holes are assumed to decay into a final state characterized by a lepton (electron or muon) and a jet. In either channel, no event with a lepton-jet invariant mass of 3.5 TeV or more is observed, consistent with the expected background. Limits are set on the product of cross sections and branching fractions for the lepton+jet final states of quantum black holes produced in a search region for invariant masses above 1 TeV. The combined 95% confidence level upper limit on this product for quantum black holes with threshold mass above 3.5 TeV is 0.18 fb. This limit constrains the threshold quantum black-hole mass to be above 5.3 TeV in the model considered.

Search for dark matter in events with a hadronically decaying W or Z boson and missing transverse momentum in pp collisions at √s=8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search is presented for dark matter pair production in association with a W or Z boson in pp collisions representing 20.3  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity at √s=8  TeV using data recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with a hadronic jet with the jet mass consistent with a W or Z boson, and with large missing transverse momentum are analyzed. The data are consistent with the standard model expectations. Limits are set on the mass scale in effective field theories that describe the interaction of dark matter and standard model particles, and on the cross section of Higgs production and decay to invisible particles. In addition, cross section limits on the anomalous production of W or Z bosons with large missing transverse momentum are set in two fiducial regions.

Measurement of top quark polarization in top-antitop events from proton-proton collisions at √s=7 TeV using the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents measurements of the polarization of the top quark in top-antitop quark pair events, using 4.7  fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider at √s=7  TeV. Final states containing one or two isolated leptons (electrons or muons) and jets are considered. Two measurements of α(ℓ)P, the product of the leptonic spin-analyzing power and the top quark polarization, are performed assuming that the polarization is introduced by either a CP conserving or a maximally CP violating production process. The measurements obtained, α(ℓ)P(CPC)=-0.035±0.014(stat)±0.037(syst) and α(ℓ)P(CPV)=0.020±0.016(stat)(-0.017)(+0.013)(syst), are in good agreement with the standard model prediction of negligible top quark polarization.

Measurement of the azimuthal angle dependence of inclusive jet yields in Pb+Pb collisions at √(sNN)=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Measurements of the variation of inclusive jet suppression as a function of relative azimuthal angle, Δφ, with respect to the elliptic event plane provide insight into the path-length dependence of jet quenching. ATLAS has measured the Δφ dependence of jet yields in 0.14 nb(-1) of √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC for jet transverse momenta p(T)>45 GeV in different collision centrality bins using an underlying event subtraction procedure that accounts for elliptic flow. The variation of the jet yield with Δφ was characterized by the parameter, v(2)(jet), and the ratio of out-of-plane (Δφ~π/2) to in-plane (Δφ~0) yields. Nonzero v(2)(jet) values were measured in all centrality bins for p(T)<160 GeV. The jet yields are observed to vary by as much as 20% between in-plane and out-of-plane directions.

Sickle cell disease and complex congenital cardiac surgery: a case report and review of the pathophysiology and perioperative management

Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia are hemoglobinopathies rarely encountered in the United States. Compounded with congenital heart disease, patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and open-heart surgery represent the proverbial “needle in the haystack”. As such, there is some trepidation on the part of clinicians when these patients present for complex cardiac surgery.

SCD is an autosomal, recessive condition that results from a single nucleotide polymorphism in the β-globin gene. Hemoglobin SS molecules (HgbSS) with this point mutation can polymerize under the right conditions, stiffening the erythrocyte membrane and distorting the cellular structure to the characteristic sickle shape. This shape change alters cellular transit through the microvasculature. As a result, circumstances such as hypoxia, hypothermia, acidosis or diminished blood flow can lead to aggregation, vascular occlusion and thrombosis. Chronically, SCD can give rise to multiorgan damage secondary to hemolysis and vascular obstruction.

This review and case study details an 11-year-old African-American male with known SCD who presented to the cardiothoracic surgical service with congenital heart disease consisting of an anomalous, intramural right coronary artery arising from the left coronary sinus for surgical consultation and subsequent surgical correction. This case report will include a review of the pathophysiology and current literature regarding preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management of SCD patients.

Observation of associated near-side and away-side long-range correlations in sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV proton-lead collisions with the ATLAS detector

Two-particle correlations in relative azimuthal angle (Δø) and pseudorapidity (Δη) are measured in sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV p+Pb collisions using the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The measurements are performed using approximately 1 μb(-1) of data as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)) and the transverse energy (ΣE(T)(Pb)) summed over 3.1 < η < 4.9 in the direction of the Pb beam. The correlation function, constructed from charged particles, exhibits a long-range (2 < |Δ η | < 5) "near-side" (Δø ~ 0) correlation that grows rapidly with increasing ΣE(T)(Pb). A long-range "away-side" (Δø ~ π) correlation, obtained by subtracting the expected contributions from recoiling dijets and other sources estimated using events with small ΣE(T)(Pb), is found to match the near-side correlation in magnitude, shape (in Δη and Δø) and ΣE(T)(Pb) dependence. The resultant Δø correlation is approximately symmetric about π/2, and is consistent with a dominant cos2Δø modulation for all ΣE(T)(Pb) ranges and particle p(T).

Ethanol upregulates glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper expression and modulates cellular inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells

Alcohol abuse is associated with immunosuppressive and infectious sequelae. Particularly, alcoholics are more susceptible to pulmonary infections. In this report, gene transcriptional profiles of primary human airway epithelial cells exposed to varying doses of alcohol (0, 50, and 100 mM) were obtained. Comparison of gene transcription levels in 0 mM alcohol treatments with those in 50 mM alcohol treatments resulted in 2 genes being upregulated and 16 genes downregulated by at least 2-fold. Moreover, 0 mM and 100 mM alcohol exposure led to the upregulation of 14 genes and downregulation of 157 genes. Among the upregulated genes, glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) responded to alcohol in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, GILZ protein levels also correlated with this transcriptional pattern. Lentiviral expression of GILZ small interfering RNA in human airway epithelial cells diminished the alcohol-induced upregulation, confirming that GILZ is indeed an alcohol-responsive gene. Gene silencing of GILZ in A549 cells resulted in secretion of significantly higher amounts of inflammatory cytokines in response to IL-1beta stimulation. The GILZ-silenced cells were more resistant to alcohol-mediated suppression of cytokine secretion. Further data demonstrated that the glucocorticoid receptor is involved in the regulation of GILZ by alcohol. Because GILZ is a key glucocorticoid-responsive factor mediating the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions of steroids, we propose that similar signaling pathways may play a role in the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of alcohol.

Neurologic evaluation of acute lacrimomimetic effect of cyclosporine in an experimental rabbit dry eye model

PURPOSE

To evaluate neurologically acute lacrimation caused by cyclosporine (CsA) eyedrops in rabbit.

METHODS

Normal adult male New Zealand White rabbits and those that underwent parasympathectomy each received a single instillation of 0.1% CsA or vehicle eyedrops. Schirmer tear test (STT) results, flow rate of lacrimal gland (LG) fluid from the excretory lacrimal duct of the main LG, and blink rate (over a 3-minute period) were measured before and after instillation of CsA or vehicle. Light microscopy was performed to examine the main LG in vitro. Protein release from LG fragments was assessed after incubation with CsA for 30 minutes.

RESULTS

In normal rabbits, the STT value and the flow rate of LG fluid were significantly increased after treatment with CsA compared with vehicle (P < 0.05). In contrast, no changes were found in denervated eyes. The blink rate of CsA-treated eyes was significantly higher than that of vehicle-treated eyes in normal rabbits (P < 0.005), whereas that of denervated eyes decreased significantly after CsA instillation compared with before administration (P < 0.005). Light microscopy showed that the cytoplasm of acinar cells was packed with secretory granules in denervated LG tissue 7 days after parasympathectomy. The same finding was observed 3 hours after CsA instillation. CsA had no stimulatory effect on protein release by acinar cells in LG fragments at all concentrations tested.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that CsA has no direct effect on tear fluid secretion from the LG in an acute model. Instead, CsA increases reflex tear flow.

Elevated ankyrin G in a plexiform neurofibroma and neuromas associated with pain

Ankyrin G has recently been shown to be responsible for activation of sodium channels in the developing and regenerating axonal membrane. Via this sodium channel mechanism, elevated ankyrin G levels have been linked with spontaneous ectopic hyperexcitability and thus with pain phenomena in nervous tissue. Ankyrin G, a transmembrane, structural protein of the axon, was examined in four conditions: (a) painful plexiform neurofibroma; (b) painful neuroma; (c) non-painful neuromas; (d) normal nerve. Neurofibroma tissue was obtained from an 18-year old male patient who developed an intensely painful, plexiform neurofibroma of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and subsequently underwent surgery. Sample proteins were separated by PAGE and labeled with anti-ankyrin G antibodies in a Western blot procedure.

RESULTS

The ankyrin G band density (mug) of protein for the painful neurofibroma was 6014 and was 3557 for the painful neuroma as compared to 3041, 1988 and 606 (mean+/-SD=1878+/-1221) for the three non-painful neuromas. Ankyrin G expression in normal nerves (8 specimens from 7 patients) was comparatively less (mean+/-SD=411+/-339).

CONCLUSION

Our results may represent the first evidence for abnormally increased levels of ankyrin G protein with painful neurofibromas. Due to ankyrin G's multifunctional role in the development and remodeling of excitable membranes, it can be hypothesized that the significant increase contributes to the development of hyperexcitable axonal membranes in neurofibromas and potentially other peripheral pain conditions.

Evaluation of novel dry eye model: preganglionic parasympathetic denervation in rabbit

PURPOSE

To evaluate ocular surface status after interruption of preganglionic, parasympathetic neural control after surgical removal of the greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN).

METHODS

New Zealand White rabbits underwent unilateral section and removal of a 5-mm portion of the GSPN by a route through the inner ear; no ocular or orbital tissue was involved. Before and 7 days after surgery, all animals underwent preliminary examination, including fluorescein staining, rose bengal instillation, blink rate, tear breakup time (BUT), tear flow, and impression cytology. Total tarsorrhaphy was carried out in four additional rabbits, and another four animals underwent unilateral sham procedures. The GSPN, pterygopalatine ganglion, lacrimal gland, and conjunctiva were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

GSPN sectioning resulted in significant changes of the ocular surface after 7 days: intense rose bengal staining of the conjunctiva, fluorescein staining of the cornea, increased blink rate (P < 0.05), decreased BUT (P < 0.005), decreased tear flow by 26% (P < 0.005), and decreased goblet cell density (P < 0.01). TEM revealed massive accumulation of secretory granules in lacrimal acinar cells. The changes were also seen after tarsorrhaphy. Neither the contralateral control nor the sham eyes were affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of GSPN nerve section led to the rapid onset of a dry eye condition in the rabbits that continued for at least 1 week. The authors suggest that continuous neural drive of the pterygopalatine ganglion is necessary to maintain adequate tear flow and mucin secretion. It is likely the trigeminal system is the afferent origin of this continuous neural tone.

The impact of ziprasidone in combination with sertraline on visually-evoked event-related potentials in depressed patients with psychotic features

BACKGROUND

The use of atypical antipsychotics in major depression complicated by psychotic features has not been extensively investigated. Event-related potentials (ERP) have been reported to be impaired in depressed patients, probably due to serotonergic hypofunction. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a combination therapy with ziprasidone and sertraline on ERP in major depression with psychotic features.

METHODS

19 patients with major depression with psychotic features were treated with ziprasidone and sertraline. Before and after four weeks of treatment, visually-evoked ERP (P3 -- oddball paradigm) were investigated.

RESULTS

While a significant clinical improvement assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was noted, no significant changes in weight, basal prolactin values and scores on the Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale were observed. A significant prolongation (p = 0.041) of the QTc-interval between baseline and endpoint showed no clinical symptoms. Combination treatment with ziprasidone and sertraline over 4 weeks was associated with a significant decrease (p = 0.033) of P3 latencies from baseline to week 4. After a four week treatment, significantly (p = 0.008) fewer patients showed pathologically P3 latencies (>450 ms) than at baseline.

DISCUSSION

Our data, showing that ziprasidone in combination with sertraline lead to a decrease of prolonged P3 latencies, are in line with previous studies showing a decrease of prolonged P3 latencies by antidepressant treatment.

Exposure of pregnant dairy heifer to magnetic fields at 60 Hz and 30 µT

Thirty-two pregnant Holstein heifers weighing 499 +/- 45 kg, at 3.1 +/- .7 months of gestation and 21 +/- 2.0 months of age were confined and exposed to 30 microT magnetic fields (MFs) and a 12 h light/12 h dark light cycle. The heifers were divided into two replicates of 16 animals. Each replicate was divided into two groups of eight animals each, one group the non-exposed and the second, the exposed group. The animals were subjected to the different treatments for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the animals switched treatment, the exposed group becoming the non-exposed group and vice versa. Then the treatment continued for 4 more weeks. Catheters were inserted into the jugular vein, and blood samples were collected twice a week to estimate the concentration of progesterone (P4), melatonin (MLT), prolactin (PRL), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Feed consumption was measured daily. The results indicated that exposure of pregnant heifers to MF similar to those encountered underneath a 735 kV high tension electrical power line for 20 h/day during a period of 4 weeks produces slight effects. This is evidenced by statistically significant higher body weight (1.2%), higher weekly body weight gain (30%), and decreases in the concentration of PRL (15%) and IGF-1 (4%) in blood serum. The absence of abnormal clinical signs and the absolute magnitude of the significant changes detected during MF exposure, make it plausible to preclude any major animal health hazard.

Practical management of avian influenza in humans

There has been much alarm about avian influenza and its potential for a global pandemic ever since the current epidemic of avian influenza infections in humans began in 2003. While there have been a number of published reports on the clinical features of avian influenza, there are few guidelines on the practical management of patients with avian influenza. A symposium organised by the Society of Infectious Disease (Singapore), Society of Intensive Care Medicine and the Singapore General Hospital was held in Singapore to gather the views of experts from Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia who collectively had first-hand experience of the management of the majority (more than 100 of 192) of cases of avian influenza worldwide. The experts emphasised the importance of adapting international guidelines to the practicalities of situations on the ground. There was stress on wide screening using clinical criteria primarily, molecular diagnostic techniques (with reference laboratory confirmation) for diagnosis, and rational use of antiviral prophylaxis as well as infection control using at least surgical masks, gowns and gloves. A detailed analysis of data from a pooled database from these and other affected countries is critical to building up the evidence base for practical internationally applicable guidelines.

Sensory denervation modulates eIF-2 alpha kinase expression in the rabbit lacrimal gland

PURPOSE

To investigate the hypothesis that sensory denervation of the rabbit lacrimal gland results in dysregulation of protein synthesis. We used differential display of mRNA to identify genes associated with protein synthesis and secretion that may be altered in this situation.

METHODS

New Zealand white rabbits underwent unilateral sensory denervation by the ablation of the trigeminal ganglion. After 7 days, the denervated and contralateral control lacrimal glands were removed. The effects of denervation on gene expression were carried out using differential mRNA display. Northern and Western blot analyses were used to verify differential gene expression.

RESULTS

Differential mRNA display identified the gene heme-regulated inhibitor eukaryotic initiation factor-2 alpha kinase (HRI eIF-2a kinase) in the lacrimal gland, the expression of which was reduced in the denervated lacrimal gland. The sequenced fragment from differential display showed 94% identity to rabbit HRI eIF-2a kinase. The decreased expression of HRI eIF-2a kinase was confirmed by Northern and Western blots, and measurement of HRI eIF-2a kinase phosphorylation activity in the lacrimal gland after ablation of sensory neurons showed that it was significantly decreased compared with that of normal and control lacrimal glands.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that loss of sensory innervation has a role in the lacrimal gland, contributing to the expression of HRI eIF-2a kinase, a pivotal negative regulator of protein synthesis. A reduction in control of protein synthesis may lead to the translation of repressed messages associated with cell stress responses.

Loss of parasympathetic innervation leads to sustained expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the rat lacrimal gland

It has been shown that removal of parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland (LG) leads to rapid reduction in tear flow. Additionally, removal of the neural input resulted in disorganization of LG structure and changes in the expression of genes associated with the secretory pathway and inflammation. The goal of this study was to investigate the change in pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic gene expression in the rat LG following parasympathetic denervation. Male Long-Evans rats underwent unilateral sectioning of the greater superficial petrosal nerve and were sacrificed 7 days or 2.5 months later. cDNA was synthesized from LG RNA from the contralateral control (Ctla) and parasympathectomized (Px) glands and comparative real-time PCR was performed. Mean threshold cycles (MC(T)) for the Ctla and Px LG genes were normalized to 18S rRNA MC(T) values, and the relative fold change was calculated for each gene using the 2(-DeltaDeltaC)(T) method. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B1, caspase 1, eotaxin, leukocyte antigen MRC-OX44, allograft inflammatory factor-1, MHC class II molecules RT.1B and RT.1D, IgG receptor FcRn, and macrophage metalloelastase was increased and remained elevated in the Px LG, compared with the Ctla LG. Increased expression of the initiator of apoptosis gene, caspase 2, was confirmed, but expression of the executor gene, caspase 6, was not elevated in the Px LG. Reduced expression of genes associated with post-translational protein processing-furin convertase, protein disulfide isomerase, and UDP-gal transporter isozyme 1-was noted in the Px LG. No significant changes in the expression of genes associated with lysosomal and non-lysosomal-mediated protein degradation were found. Removal of parasympathetic input may lead to decreased capacity for protein synthesis and elevated immune responses in the Px LG. These changes occur without increases in expression of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 3, and may suggest the early changes in LG acinar cells and the pathophysiology of autoimmune responses.