cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal monocyte function in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma

Monocyte-mediated functions were evaluated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 11 previously untreated patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma in association with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (KS/AIDS). All patients had lymphadenopathy, an abnormal OKT.4/OKT.8 ratio, and a good performance status; none had clinically apparent infections at the time of testing. Monocyte functional assessments included immunoregulatory activity in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated (PHA) lymphoblastogenesis assays, natural killer (NK) assays, Interleukin 2 (IL2) production assays and, quantitation of opsonized zymosan-induced chemiluminescence responses. A group of seven hemophilia patients who had been receiving concentrated blood products and who presented with evidence of an abnormal OKT.4/ OKT.8 ratio were also investigated as controls. As a group, the patients with KS/AIDS had a significantly depressed response to PHA compared with normal control subjects and patients with hemophilia; this was significantly elevated by indomethacin or by the removal of glass adherent cells. PBMC from KS/ AIDS patients also had an impaired ability to produce IL2 in PHA-stimulated cultures which was enhanced by the addition of indomethacin. NK function was also suppressed in both groups of patients, but could not be augmented by the removal of glass adherent monocytes. Chemiluminescence responses to opsonized zymosan were variable, but found to be significantly different from normal in the majority of patients studied. These results demonstrate that monocyte function can be abnormal in patients with KS/AIDS and might contribute to some of the immunologic impairment seen in these patients. Cancer 57:1501-1506, 1986. N ASSOCIATION between the acquired immune deA ficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) has become widely recognized during the past several years. Kaposi’s sarcoma patients with AIDS (KS/AIDS patients) present with an abnormally low ratio of OKT.4 to OKT.8 cells in association with a variable degree of lymphopenia, functional defects in lymphoproliferative reactivity to mitogens and alloantigens, some deficiency in natural killer (NK) function, decreased lymphokine secretion (e.g., IL-2 and interferon) and in some cases, polyclonal increases in serum immunoglobulins and circulating immune complexes.’-5 Most studies have attributed such findings to the abnormal function of lymphocytes in these patients; however, many of these same studies have not thoroughly investigated possible abnormalities in monocyte function. Cellular immunity defects which have been described
Increasingly mean-seeking utility functions and n-asset portfolios

Abstract The literature exhibits a dearth of comparative static results for n -asset portfolios. This paper shows a necessary and sufficient condition on utility functions for an increase in initial wealth never to decrease expected per-dollar final wealth in optimal n -asset portfolios. For the resulting utility function class the literature provides a measure of relative risk of portfolios; it is shown here that relative risk never decreases in optimal n -asset portfolios as initial wealth rises.
OS/2 query manager overview and prompted interface

Operating System/2™ (OS/2™) Query Manager provides a user interface for both novice and sophisticated database users of the OS/2 Database Services. It offers defaults and standard options for the novice user. Prompting provides access to the database without requiring extensive knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL), yet it also allows the advanced user to completely customize screens and reports. Direct keying of SQL statements is allowed as a fast path for the knowledgeable SQL user. Functions of OS/2 Query Manager are described, including details of the user interface.
Dictatorship Noir: Post-war Spanish History in Carlos Ruiz Zafon's La sombra del viento

AbstractCarlos Ruiz Zafon's novel La sombra del viento, published in 2001, has led post-Franco Spanish fiction to new heights of popularity. Its categorization as merely a popular novel obscures the fact that Ruiz Zafon makes palatable for an international audience a dark period in Spanish history: the oppressed, poverty-ravaged, and culturally-stifled Barcelona of the immediate post-war years. In this article I analyse the historical undercurrent visible in La sombra del viento, discussing its role in creating the larger mysterious and romantic setting of the story and in bringing to light the interplay between history and fiction operating in the novel. An examination of La sombra del viento as a twenty-first-century addition to Spanish historical fiction allows its interpretation as a manifestation of an emerging globalized Spanish literary market. This article stresses the need to expand critical inquiry to address the importance of 'anti-canonical' and genre-blending works of popular fiction, such as...
Implementing TQM: a contingency approach to intervention and change

Traditional approaches to the implementation of TQM in an organization do not address the social aspects of intervention and change. This paper describes two action research cases of TQM implementation in higher education in the context of contingency theory and associated factors that emerged during the intervention and attempted transformation. The analysis suggested that factors such as goal alignment, motivation, role uncertainty, leadership and others are variables that can affect the success of the intervention. It is proposed that a contingency approach is appropriate in the development of a TQM implementation strategy.
Distributional effects of alternative vehicle pollution control policies

Abstract Previous work shows that policies that subsidize new vehicles and tax size, miles, or gasoline efficiently reduce pollution. Less is known about their distributional effects. This paper examines distributional effects by estimating the joint demand for vehicles and miles, using the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Greater price responsiveness among low-income households enhances progressivity of gas or miles taxes across lower incomes, and mitigates regressivity across upper incomes. Taxes on engine size or subsidies to new vehicles are significantly more regressive than gas or miles taxes.
4,4′-Dibromodiphenyldisulfimide as a Reagent for the Identification of Organic Bases I: Preparation of the reagent and derivatives of some antihistamines

A procedure for the synthesis of a new reagent, 4,4′-dibromodiphenyldisulfimide, which reacts with all classes of amines and produces crystalline derivatives suitable for the determination of various physical properties of value in analytical work, is reported. Melting points for the 4,4′-dibromodiphenyldisulfimide derivatives of 21 antihistamines are also presented.
Mentors and heros: often one and the same

Heros, mentors and role models—we all have them. My first was Hopalong Cassidy. He was known as the “epitome of gallantry and fair play . . . a clear thinker, possessed fists of steel and a steadfast character. He was a man of action, sworn enemy of crime and cruelty, and a champion of family values.” That was in 1950. Eighteen years later, I met the man who would become the personification of the legendary western hero portrayed by William Boyd during my childhood. His name was Ward Orin Griffen, Jr., MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Kentucky where I had enrolled as a medical student. A clinical elective was required of all firstand second-year students, so in late August of 1968, I inquired if Dr. Griffen would allow me to do something surgical. After a thought pause, he grabbed his white coat and said “come with me for rounds.” That was the beginning of a “father–son” relationship that had persisted from medical school and surgical training to the wonderful experience of working as his partner and colleague, and now as his friend, trusted advisor, and confidant. All of those who were trained under the tutelage of “Boss WOG” regarded him as their second father, and it is easy to understand why. The Boss led by example, worked harder than all of us, placed the welfare and interest of his patients above his own, and remained, despite all this, a devoted husband and family man. It follows, naturally, that Mrs. Griffen became our second Mom. I reiterate that this “family” included more than their biological offspring. Honesty, resourcefulness, innovation, and respect were characteristics of our education as surgeons. These values were practiced, not preached, by our surgical Dad. He was a master surgical technician and a thoughtful doctor. I am certain that all surgeons idolize their favorite mentor with similar admiration. There are many of them among us, and many whose legacies are perpetuated by their students and residents. Although the “retro-spectra-scope” might indicate that there was much in our own education as professionals that was misdirected, the feelings for our special mentors are not diminished even in the spotlight of modern thought, technology, and knowledge. If this analogy of a boyhood, imaginary hero to a living individual who has influenced my career and life borders on the maudlin, I offer no apology! Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers all had their “creeds,” words of principle for which they stood. Members of their fan clubs had a printed copy. [I still have a copy of the Hopalong Cassidy Creed that I keep in my desk. For those interested, visit the web sites of these Western Heroes.] Today, Griffen’s Laws hang proudly in the offices of his surgical children. They are a statement of what we are about as surgeons and a reminder of our good fortune to have been trained by one so dedicated. I appreciate the opportunity offered by Dr. Pories to share these. (It is interesting to note that as I reread the Hopalong Cassidy Creed, I was struck by the uncanny similarity between those words and the ones I chose to describe my mentor.)
Speed congenics: a classic technique in the fast lane (relatively speaking).

Marker-assisted selection protocol (MASP)-based strategies produce congenic strains with the target gene contained on clearly defined donor-derived genomic intervals in less than half the number of generations required by the classic protocol, Thus, the quality and speed of congenic strain construction are enhanced by this methodology. Here, Edward Wakeland and colleagues compare various MASP-based strategies and discuss their advantages with reference to immunological traits.
Generalized tight-binding approach for molecular electronics modeling

We discuss a generalized tight-binding approach for transport calculations in molecular electronics. The parameters of the tight-binding model are directly calculated from ab initio quantum chemistry calculations for a molecular tunneling device. A Green's function approach based on the Caroli formula is used to calculate the transport properties. Our approach is unique in that it readily separates contributions to the total tunneling current from individual Bloch eigenstates (transverse electronic modes or channels) of the electrodes, thus providing a powerful tool in understanding how tunneling is affected by the electronic structure of the electrodes and molecule. The tight-binding model also allows us to show that the placement of the Fermi energy in the electrodes can change the tunneling conductance by orders of magnitude.
Addendum to “p-adic properties of division polynomials and elliptic divisibility sequences”

After the (online) publication of [4], the author became aware of a significant overlap of results, although not of methodology, with a beautiful paper of Mohamed Ayad [2]. (See also [1].) In this addendum we briefly compare the results of [2] and [4], using the notation from the latter. Thus Ayad’s elliptic divisibility sequence m = dm−1 m(M) is denoted instead by Fm(P ). We fix an odd prime p such that P ∈ E(Q) is nonsingular modulo p, and we write r for the rank of apparition of the sequence modulo p, or equivalently, for the order of P modulo p. Assuming that r ≥ 3, Ayad proves [2, Theoreme D] that the elliptic divisibility sequence is periodic modulo p for all μ ≥ 1. This may be compared with the author’s similar result [4, Theorem 8] over number fields and for r ≥ 2, but under the assumption that the elliptic curve E has good ordinary reduction. Ayad also gives a fairly explicit formula for the period πμ, which allows him to prove that πμ = min{1, pμ−ν}π1 for the constant ν = ordp(Fr(P )). This relation between the periods modulo various powers of p is Ayad’s main objective in [2] (“notre objectif principal dans ce travail”), and as an application he obtains nontrivial results for S-integer points on rank one subgroups of E(Q). The author’s purpose in [4] was rather different. The main goal was to prove the existence and algebraicity of the p-adic limit of certain subsequences of Fm(P ). More precisely, Theorem 7 of [4] (over Q) says that if E has good ordinary reduction, then there is a power q = p so that for every m ≥ 1, the limit
The microwave synthesis of platinum(II) phosphine complexes

Abstract The microwave synthesis of a series of platinum(II) phosphine complexes is reported. The complexes dppePtCl2 (dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), dpppPtCl2 (dppp = bis(diphenylphosphino)propane), dppmPtCl2 (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 are synthesized from the reaction of potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) and the phosphine. The isolated yields are 65% or better.
Cerebral glucose utilization during aerobic metabolism in fetal sheep.

Extract: The relative utilization rates of glucose and oxygen by the fetal brain were evaluated by measuring simultaneously arteriovenous differences of glucose (Δ glucose) and oxygen (Δ oxygen) across the cerebral circulation of 10 fetal sheep. The mean ± 1 SEM Δ glucose was 0.197 ± 0.012 mM, and the Δ oxygen was 1.11 ± 0.08 mM. Preductal arterial blood was obtained from the brachiocephalic artery; cerebral venous blood was obtained from the fetal sagittal sinus up to 6 days following surgery. A glucose/oxygen quotient was calculated to determine the fraction of cerebral oxygen consumption required to metabolize the glucose utilized by the brain to CO2 and H2O. This quotient was 1.06 with 95% confidence limits of 1.12 and 1.02. These data indicate that glucose can supply all the aerobic metabolic requirements of the fetal brain. Speculation: Although glucose seems to be the primary substrate of cerebral metabolism, the amount of glucose acquired by the fetal lamb via the umbilical circulation can satisfy, at most, one-half of the total fetal aerobic needs. Thus the fetal brain seems much more dependent on glucose than do other fetal organs, and may be particularly vulnerable to periods of hypoglycemia.
Practicality, Usefulness, and Limits of Pulse Oximetry in Critical Small Animal Patients

Summary Pulse oximetry holds the promise of wide application for monitoring and assessing pulmonary function in small animal patients. Although the saturation as read by pulse oximetry (SpO2) has previously been shown to be accurate in healthy dogs, its accuracy and usefulness have not been demonstrated in critical small animal patients. The present study assessed the accuracy and usefulness of a pulse oximeter (Ohmeda Biox 3740, Ohmeda, Louisville, CO) in a small animal intensive care unit. The instrument yielded readings in 48 of 51 attempts in 33 animals (25 dogs, 8 cats). Criteria were developed to reject spurious readings; when these criteria were applied, the actual calculated SaO2 differed from the SpO2 by O.26 +2.2%, with a correlation of 0.87 (p<0.0001). The 95% confidence interval was +4.4%, comparable to the accepted level in humans. No ill effects from SpO2 were apparent in the patients, and the instrument was useful in monitoring the progress of critical animals. However, uncritical use of the oximeter could have led to gross patient mismanagement, as SpO2 readings as much as 29% different from SaO2 were sometimes obtained.
On-chip protection for automotive integrated circuits robustness

On-chip protection architecture for automotive ICs (integrated circuits) system-level robustness is introduced. It comprises three-level protection for interface pins with high bidirectional voltage swing. A first protection stage is optimized to sustain the largest portion of the ESD (electrostatic discharge) and EMI (electromagnetic interference)-induced stress. A second-level protection stage is customized to sustain the relatively lower IC-level ESD stress, and the third level protection stage absorbs the initial transient voltage impulse.
Testing the Validity of Microwave-Interfaced, in Situ Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool for Kinetic Studies

Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with microwave heating is a convenient and robust tool for monitoring organic reactions from a qualitative perspective. Its validity as a method for obtaining quantitative data is shown. Activation enthalpies for the synthesis of a range of substituted chalcones are determined and the results compared with well-established previous data and reactivity trends for this aldol condensation. The methodology is used for obtaining previously unreported pK(a) data for substituted acetophenones.
KCNC3R420H, a K+ channel mutation causative in spinocerebellar ataxia 13 displays aberrant intracellular trafficking

Spinocerebellar ataxia 13 (SCA13) is an autosomal dominant disease resulting from mutations in KCNC3 (Kv3.3), a voltage-gated potassium channel. The KCNC3(R420H) mutation was first identified as causative for SCA13 in a four-generation Filipino kindred with over 20 affected individuals. Electrophysiological analyses in oocytes previously showed that this mutation did not lead to a functional channel and displayed a dominant negative phenotype. In an effort to identify the molecular basis of this allelic form of SCA13, we first determined that human KCNC3(WT) and KCNC3(R420H) display disparate post-translational modifications, and the mutant protein has reduced complex glycan adducts. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that KCNC3(R420H) was not properly trafficking to the plasma membrane and surface biotinylation demonstrated that KCNC3(R420H) exhibited only 24% as much surface expression as KCNC3(WT). KCNC3(R420H) trafficked through the ER but was retained in the Golgi. KCNC3(R420H) expression results in altered Golgi and cellular morphology. Electron microscopy of KCNC3(R420H) localization further supports retention in the Golgi. These results are specific to the KCNC3(R420H) allele and provide new insight into the molecular basis of disease manifestation in SCA13.
Role of Biotransformation in Drug-Induced Toxicity: Influence of Intra- and Inter-Species Differences in Drug Metabolism

It is now widely appreciated that drug metabolites, in addition to the parent drugs themselves, can mediate the serious adverse effects exhibited by some new therapeutic agents, and as a result, there has been heightened interest in the field of drug metabolism from researchers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies. Much progress has been made in recent years in understanding mechanisms of toxicities caused by drug metabolites, and in understanding the numerous factors that influence individual exposure to products of drug biotransformation. This review addresses some of these factors, including the role of drug-drug interactions, reactive metabolite formation, individual susceptibility, and species differences in drug disposition caused by genetic polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes. Examples are provided of adverse reactions that are linked to drug metabolism, and the mechanisms underlying variability in toxic response are discussed. Finally, some future directions for research in this field are highlighted in the context of the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents.
May’s theorem in an infinite setting

Abstract We generalize May’s theorem to an infinite setting, preserving the elementary character of the original theorem. We define voting scenarios and generalized voting scenarios, and prove appropriate versions of May’s theorem. The case of generalized voting scenarios specialized to a countably infinite set of voters and the collections of all coalitions that have asymptotic density, shows that majority rule is the only aggregation rule that satisfies neutrality, irrelevance of null coalitions, anonymity, and positive responsiveness.
Iron therapy in the pediatric hemodialysis population

Iron therapy maintains iron stores and optimizes the response to recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in patients with end-stage renal failure. Information is limited, however, regarding the preferential route of iron administration in pediatric patients receiving hemodialysis. Therefore, we prospectively randomized 35 iron-replete patients (aged >1 to 2 months, had a baseline transferrin saturation [TSAT] >20%, and were receiving maintenance r-HuEPO. Treatment arms were evenly distributed with respect to baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, with no statistically significant differences in baseline hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), reticulocyte Hb content (CHr), serum ferritin (SF), TSAT, or r-HuEPO dose. In the 35 patients, IV iron dextran and not oral iron was associated with a significant increase (138.5 to 259.1 ng/ml, P=0.003) in SF. A comparison of the change in SF between the IV iron group and the oral iron group was also significant (P=0.001). Whereas only IV iron was associated with a significant decrease in the dose of r-HuEPO (234.0 to 157.6 U/kg per week, P=0.046) and an increase of the CHr (29.2 to 30.1 pg, P=0.049), these changes were not significantly different from those experienced by patients in the oral iron group. In both groups, the Hct remained stable and in neither group was there a significant change in the TSAT. In summary, although both oral and IV iron maintained patients in an iron-replete state in this short-term study, only IV therapy allowed for a significant improvement in iron stores.
Taking the history of medical ethics seriously in teaching medical professionalism.

(2004). Taking the History of Medical Ethics Seriously in Teaching Medical Professionalism. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 13-14.
Impedance and complex propagation constant measurements at W-band on planar circuits

The voltage standing wave on a coplanar waveguide (CPW) is measured at W-band (75–110 GHz) using an array of bismuth microbolometers placed over the CPW. From this information, the impedance at the end of the line can be determined in addition to the complex propagation constant of the CPW. This measurement technique should also be applicable for other planar transmission lines and be extendable above 110 GHz. This work represents the highest frequency, direct measurement of a VSW on a CPW made to date.
Exercising ‘The Right To Research’: Youth-Based Community Media Production as Transformative Action

This article explores the participatory media practices used by the Center for Urban Pedagogy, a non-profit community-based media organisation in New York City. Taking as her point of departure a digital media investigation into bodegas in the south Bronx (neighbourhood grocery stores), the author explores how CUP uses the power of art and design to cultivate civic engagement among youth, in part by strengthening participants’ public speaking, digital media and research skills. In interviews with participants, the author finds that this work mitigates participants’ expressed fears of being dismissed as boring when speaking with public officials, a fear taken seriously through a reading of the work of child psychoanalyst D. W. Winnicott. Winnicott worried that the person who felt boring too often retreated from participating in civic life. If, argues the author, youth are to claim what Appadurai describes as the fundamental ‘human right to research’ in the public realm, then the civic as well as the psychological dimensions that enable participants to engage in transformative action must be strengthened.
9000 years of salmon fishing on the Columbia River, North America

A large assemblage of salmon bones excavated 50 yr ago from an ∼10,000-yr-old archaeological site near The Dalles, Oregon, USA, has been the primary evidence that early native people along the Columbia River subsisted on salmon. Recent debate about the human role in creating the deposit prompted excavation of additional deposits and analysis of archaeologic, geologic, and hydrologic conditions at the site. Results indicate an anthropogenic source for most of the salmonid remains, which have associated radiocarbon dates indicating that the site was occupied as long ago as 9300 cal yr B.P. The abundance of salmon bone indicates that salmon was a major food item and suggests that migratory salmonids had well-established spawning populations in some parts of the Columbia Basin by 9300–8200 yr ago.
Highly Enantioselective Aza‐Baylis–Hillman Reactions Catalyzed by Chiral Thiourea Derivatives

We report the discovery of asymmetric aza-Baylis–Hillman (ABH) reactions of N-p-nitrobenzenesulfonylimines with methyl acrylate catalyzed by chiral thiourea derivatives. A series of aromatic imines was found to undergo coupling with methyl acrylate with unprecedented levels of enantioselectivity (87–99% ee), albeit only in modest (25–49%) yields. A DABCO-acrylate-imine adduct was isolated as a key intermediate in the ABH reaction. We provide a mechanistic analysis based on the identity of this intermediate as well as kinetic investigations and isotope studies, and propose a rationale for the observed limitations in yield. Synthetic applications of the ABH products are also described.
Analysis of operational filtration data Part II: Incomplete cleaning of candle filters

Abstract A model has been developed for hot-gas filtration by candle filters, which includes incomplete removal of the filter cakes by the cleaning backpulses of compressed air. Operational data from the filtration system of the Integrated Gasification and Cleanup Facility at the Federal Energy Technology Center were analyzed with the model and used to estimate the cake permeability, thickness of cake left on the filter after each backpulse, and total cake thickness vs. time. The statistical R 2 for the fit of the incomplete-cleaning model was 0.93, compared to the R 2 = 0.78 previously obtained for a fit of the ‘ideal filtration’ model to the same data set.
Pathways and Functional Significance of the Coronary Collateral Circulation

Two hundred coronary arteriograms and left ventriculograms of patients having significant coronary artery disease were reviewed. Collateral circulation was seen only when the degree of arterial narrowing exceeded 90%. Ten different collateral pathways were noted in patients having right coronary obstruction; seven different pathways were noted in left anterior descending obstruction; five different pathways were noted in left circumflex obstruction. The role of collateral circulation in preserving myocardial function was assessed by comparing regional left ventricular contractility in 86 instances of total arterial occlusion and adequate collateral circulation with that in 80 instances of total arterial occlusion and inadequate collateral circulation. Among the group with adequate collaterals, regional left ventricular contraction was normal in 43%, mildly impaired (hypokinetic) in 52% and severely impaired (akinetic or dyskinetic) in only 5%. Among the group lacking adequate collaterals, regional contraction was normal in 11%, mildly impaired in 16% and severely impaired in 73%. Chi square analysis reveals that the difference between the two groups is significant at the .01 level. These data indicate that collateral circulation plays an important role in preserving myocardial contractility in patients with coronary artery disease.
Endogenous opioids acting at a medullary μ-opioid receptor contribute to the behavioral antinociception produced by GABA antagonism in the midbrain periaqueductal gray

Abstract This study examined the contribution of endogenous opioids to the antinociception produced by microinjection of the GABA A receptor antagonist, bicuculline, into the rat midbrain ventrolateral periaqueductal gray region. Microinjection of bicuculline (40 ng/0.4 μl) into the periaqueductal gray produced robust antinociception as measured by the tail-flick latency to noxious heat. This antinociception was partially reversed by intravenous administration of the non-selective opioid antagonist naloxone hydrochloride (1 and 5 mg/kg), indicating that endogenous opioid release is necessary for this effect. To determine whether opioid release in the rostral ventromedial medulla, a major projection target of the periaqueductal gray, contributes to this effect, we microinjected another opioid antagonist, naltrexone, into the rostral ventromedial medulla. Naltrexone in the rostral ventromedial medulla (5 and 10 μg/μl) significantly attenuated bicuculline antinociception elicited from the periaqueductal gray. Cys 2 ,tyr 3 ,orn 5 ,pen 7 -amide (26.5 nmol), a selective μ-opioid receptor antagonist, also reversed the antinociception when microinjected into the rostral ventromedial medulla. Microinjections of naltrexone (10 μg/μl) or cys 2 ,tyr 3 ,orn 5 ,pen 7 -amide at sites in the medulla dorsal to the rostral ventromedial medulla were ineffective. None of the antagonists altered baseline tail-flick latencies. These results support the hypothesis that a population of periaqueductal gray neurons produces antinociception through a μ-opioid receptor-mediated action of endogenous opioids in the rostral ventromedial medulla. Thus, two opioid-sensitive pain-modulating brainstem sites are linked by an endogenous opioid synapse in the rostral ventromedial medulla.
Functional corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in human neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract The present study examined the presence of functional corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors in IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells. [125I]Tyr°-ovine CRF binding was linear with increasing protein concentrations, saturable, reversible and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis indicated aKd of ∼ 0.8 nM and aBmax of ∼ 32 fmol/mg protein. Competition studies with CRF and related peptides revealed a pharmacological profile characteristic of the CRF1 receptor subtype. CRF stimulated cAMP production in a dose-dependent manner with an apparent EC50 of ∼ 4 nM. In addition, the putative CRF receptor antagonist α-helical CRF9–41 dose-dependently inhibited CRF stimulated (10 nM) cAMP production with an IC50 of ∼ 60 nM. CRF treatment down regulated its own receptor while treatment with the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), increased CRF binding in neuroblastoma cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate the utility of the human neuroblastoma cell line for functional studies on CRF receptors and suggest that CRF may play a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of human neuroblastoma.
Perspectives on operations research in data and knowledge management

A number of problems in the design and management of database systems and knowledge base systems (KBSs) can be addressed using techniques from operations research (OR). This article provides a perspective on these problems and the types of models that have been applied to them, and identifies some areas that pose interesting modeling and analysis questions for researchers working in areas such as mathematical programming, stochastic modeling, dynamic programming and simulation.
Evidence of Kinetic Alfvén Waves in the Solar Wind at 1 AU

Several independent lines of observational evidence of the existence of kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) in the solar wind are briefly reviewed. Each piece of evidence is inconclusive when considered separately, but when taken together, it is reasonable to conclude from these observations that KAWs in the form of kinetic Alfven turbulence are almost always present in the free-flowing solar wind near 1 AU and, by inference, perhaps throughout much of the heliosphere.
Racial (In)variance, Disadvantage, and Lethal Violence: A Survival Analysis of Black Homicide Victimization Risk in the United States

This research is a race-specific analysis of homicide victimization risk in the United States. It contributes to the literature by examining risk factors at multiple levels using data from the National Health Interview Survey, National Death Index, and Census. The direct association between community resource deprivation and victimization is racially invariant. For Blacks, however, low income increases victimization risk and this association is exacerbated in disadvantaged communities, whereas income tends to have a protective effect across levels of aggregate resource deprivation among Whites. This suggests racial variance in how community characteristics moderate the association between family income and homicide victimization risk.
The synthesis of ω-dialkylaminoalkylaminopyrazino[2,3-d]-, pyrido[2,3-d]-, imidazo[4,5-c]- and imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazines

The synthesis of 5-chloro-8-(ω-dialkylaminoalkylamino)pyrazino[2,3-d]pyridazine (II) proceeded smoothly when 5,8-dichloropyrazino[2,3-d]pyridazine (I) was allowed to react with ω-dialkylaminoalkylamines. Similarly, the reaction of 5,8-dichloropyrido[2,3-d]pyridazine (IV) with ω-dialkylaminoalkylamines gave the two expected products 8-chloro-5-(ω-dialkylaminoalkylamino)pyrido[2,3-d]pyridazine (V) and 5-chloro-8-(ω-dialkylaminoalkylamino)pyrido[2,3-d]pyridazine (VI) in a 2:3 ratio. 4,7-Dichloroimidazo[4,5-d]pyridazine (XII) was found to be much less reactive towards nucleophilic substitutions and more vigorous conditions resulted in disubstituted products (XIII). 7-Chloroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridazine (XVIII) was also found to be much less reactive towards nucleophilic substitution. In both of these cases one of the imidazole nitrogen atoms was blocked by a tetrahydropyranyl group which increased the reactivities and led to the desired monosubstituted products XVII from XII and in the latter case the expected products (XIX).
STABILITY AND EAR ADVANTAGE FOR DICHOTICALLY PRESENTED ENVIRONMENTAL SOUND STIMULI: DEVELOPMENT DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD "

Summary.-55 right-handed children with no family history of left-handedness received two dichotic presentations of environmental sounds. The mean test-retest interval was 9 days. Raw accuracy scores yielded acceptable temporal stability (rs>.72). The expected consistent left-ear advantage for environmental sound stimuli was only evident in younger and less mature children. Five- and 6-yr.-old children, particularly those with strong right-hand preferences, had a right-ear advantage for the stimuli. Their computed laterlty coefficients showed low and nonsignificant test-retest reliabilities, however. Three- and 4-yr.-old children, particularly those with weak hand preferences, had a left-ear advantage €or the same stimuli. Of the 3- and 4-yr.-old children who did not have strong right-hand preferences, 92% demonstrated consistent ear advantages across testing sessions and their laterality coefficient test-retest correlations were significant. In contrast, only 47% of the strongly right-handed 3- and 4yr.-old children and 71% of the strongly right-handed 5- and 6-yr.-old children had consistent ear advantages for the same stimuli. It is suggested that the 3- and 4-yr.-old children processed these stimuli according to endogenous, stimulus-specific brain mechanisms and that learned processing strategies overrode these mechanisms for the 5and 6-yr.-old children.
A versatile method for functionalizing surfaces with bioactive glycans.

Microarrays and biosensors owe their functionality to our ability to display surface-bound biomolecules with retained biological function. Versatile, stable, and facile methods for the immobilizati...
Dynamics and rheology of a dilute suspension of dipolar nonspherical particles in an external field: Part 1. Steady shear flows

Suspensions of small nonspherical particles having dipolar moments exhibit non-Newtonian behavior under the influence of shear and external fields. Numerical methods are presented for calculating the rheological and rheo-optical properties of dilute suspensions of Brownian particles having permanent dipoles subject to time-dependent shear and external fields. The numerical methods employ the Galerkin method of weighted residuals to solve the differential equation for the particle orientation distribution function. The steady-state shear flow intrinsic viscosity of suspensions of particles with sufficiently extreme aspect ratio is predicted to exhibit a maximum value attained for intermediate shear rates at selected field orientations. These numerical results provide valuable insight into the coupling which occurs between the effects of rotary Brownian motion, the hydrodynamic resistance of nonspherical particles, and the external torque exerted on dipolar particles. The results are applicable to both suspensions of magnetic particles and electrically dipolar particles.
The stability of traveling calcium pulses in a pancreatic acinar cell

Abstract The traveling pulse solutions of an intracellular calcium waves model, formulated by Sneyd et al. [Physica D 145 (2000) 158], are shown to be stable for an extended range of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) concentrations. The nonlinear reaction–diffusion system that describes the interaction between calcium and IP3 receptors in pancreatic acinar cells exhibits a T-point bifurcation. Although the waves at the T-point are unstable (due to unstable essential spectrum), compelling numerical evidence shows that the bifurcating calcium pulses themselves are stable.
Effects of Different Kinds of Supporting Electrolyte on the Electrochemical Test of T501

The functions of transformer oil in the transformer were insulation and cooling, its position was very important. Oil usually keeps its good oxidation resistance by adding antioxidants, the most common used antioxidants in the transformer oil was T501, the oxidation rate of oil could be delayed significantly by adding it, thereby the life of oil would be prolonged. But the electrochemical performance of oil would be affected by the excessive addition of antioxidants, so it was important to determine the content antioxidant precisely. This paper mainly studied under the three electrode system, the determined electrode material and electrode size, studied the influence of support electrolyte species on the determination of T501 by electrochemical methods, choose the most suitable electrolyte solution type. It was further demonstrated that the working electrode was a 4 mm-diameter graphite electrode, Pt coil was used as the counter electrode, the reference electrode was a calomel electrode, the optimum electrolyte was KOH, optimum organic solvent was 98% ethanol solution.
Cooperative self-organization of afferent and lateral connections in cortical maps

A self-organizing neural network model called LISSOM for the synergetic development of afferent and lateral connections in cortical feature maps is presented. The weight adaptation process is purely activity-dependent, unsupervised, and local. The afferent input weights self-organize into a topological map of the input space. At the same time, the lateral interconnection weights adapt, and a unique lateral interaction profile develops for each neuron. Weak lateral connections die off, leaving a pattern of connections that represents the significant long-term correlations of activity on the feature map. LISSOM demonstrates how self-organization can bootstrap based on input information only, without global supervision or predetermined lateral interaction. The model gives rise to a nontopographically organized lateral connectivity similar to that observed in the mammalian neocortex as illustrated by a LISSOM model of ocular dominance column formation in the primary visual cortex. In addition, LISSOM can potentially account for the development of multiple maps of different modalities on the same undifferentiated cortical architecture.
Watershed scale rainfall interception on two forested watersheds in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico

Abstract Interception losses were monitored for one year and related to vegetation characteristics in two forested watersheds in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico. Total watershed interception was then modeled by weighting values of throughfall measured in representative areas of different vegetation types of the total watershed area of that vegetation group. Annual canopy throughfall equaled 59% of annual rainfall whereas stemflow represented 2.3%. Canopy throughfall was greatest in gaps and along stream channels with 91% of the total falling over 75% of the watershed area. However, 50% of the total stemflow came from less than 12% of the total stems. Reported values of throughfall in the Tabonuco type forest of the Luquillo Mountains are typically 20 to 30% less than values reported for many montane and lowland tropical forests. These differences result from a high frequency, low intensity rainfall regime rather than the physiognomic character of the forest.
The Effects of Order on the Administration of WRAT Subtests

The Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) was administered to two groups of learning disabled in a summer remedial program. The 39 boys and 15 girls ranged in age from 84 months to 183 months and upcoming fall grade placemenys ranged from 1.0 to 9.0. The students were matched on age and randomly assigned to groups. The subtest administration order varied for each group; the Reading and Spelling subtests served as the dependent variables while the Arithmetic subtest served as the dependent variables while the Arithmetic subtest remained constant. Although order of administration has been found to be a factor in test performance (Creekmore & Graham, 1981; Ward, 1973), the results of the Current study indicate that, for this sample of learning disabled students, varying the order of the language arts subtests did not significantly affect performance.
Wind-bias correction method for narrowband sodium Doppler lidars using iodine absorption spectroscopy

We present a technique to measure the frequency chirp introduced by the laser pulse amplification process in the transmitter of the Colorado State University sodium lidar system. This chirp causes a systematic radial wind bias that must be removed from the reported wind measurements. An iodine absorption line located near the lidar operating wavelength of 589.16 nm is used for real-time monitoring and measurement of the chirp for the correction of radial wind bias. This technique has been thoroughly characterized in the laboratory and validated by field testing, facilitating simultaneous measurements of temperature and horizontal wind in the mesopause region of the atmosphere (80-105 km).
Structural complex of sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) with 14α-methylenecyclopropyl-Δ7-24, 25-dihydrolanosterol

Sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) that catalyzes the removal of the 14α-methyl group from the sterol nucleus is an essential enzyme in sterol biosynthesis, a primary target for clinical and agricultural antifungal azoles and an emerging target for antitrypanosomal chemotherapy. Here, we present the crystal structure of Trypanosoma (T) brucei CYP51 in complex with the substrate analog 14α-methylenecyclopropyl-Δ7-24,25-dihydrolanosterol (MCP). This sterol binds tightly to all protozoan CYP51s and acts as a competitive inhibitor of F105-containing (plant-like) T. brucei and Leishmania (L) infantum orthologs, but it has a much stronger, mechanism-based inhibitory effect on I105-containing (animal/fungi-like) T. cruzi CYP51. Depicting substrate orientation in the conserved CYP51 binding cavity, the complex specifies the roles of the contact amino acid residues and sheds new light on CYP51 substrate specificity. It also provides an explanation for the effect of MCP on T. cruzi CYP51. Comparison with the ligand-free and azole-bound structures supports the notion of structural rigidity as the characteristic feature of the CYP51 substrate binding cavity, confirming the enzyme as an excellent candidate for structure-directed design of new drugs, including mechanism-based substrate analog inhibitors.
Fully automated ab initio protein structure prediction using I-SITES, HMMSTR and ROSETTA.

Motivation: The Monte Carlo fragment insertion method for protein tertiary structure prediction (ROSETTA) of Baker and others, has been merged with the I-SITES library of sequence structure motifs and the HMMSTR model for local structure in proteins, to form a new public server for the ab initio prediction of protein structure. The server performs several tasks in addition to tertiary structure prediction, including a database search, amino acid profile generation, fragment structure prediction, and backbone angle and secondary structure prediction. Meeting reasonable service goals required improvements in the efficiency, in particular for the ROSETTA algorithm. Results: The new server was used for blind predictions of 40 protein sequences as part of the CASP4 blind structure prediction experiment. The results for 31 of those predictions are presented here. 61% of the residues overall were found in topologically correct predictions, which are defined as fragments of 30 residues or more with a root-mean-square deviation in superimposed alpha carbons of less than 6 ˚ A. HMMSTR 3-state secondary structure predictions were 73% correct overall. Tertiary structure predictions did not improve the accuracy of secondary structure prediction. Availability: The server is accessible through the web at http://isites.bio.rpi.edu/hmmstr/index.html. Programs are available upon requests for academics. Licensing agreements are available for commercial interests.
An object-oriented hydrologic model for humid, shallow water-table environments

Summary Humid, shallow water-table environments such as the flatwoods of the southeastern United States are characterized by flat topography and moderately to poorly drained soils where significant interaction between surface water and groundwater occurs. A Java-based, object-oriented hydrologic model has been created specifically for shallow water-table environments within the framework of the ACRU2000 model. Using the object-oriented design concept of inheritance allows for new modeling approaches to be incorporated into a model by extension, without modifying existing functionality. The object-oriented programming properties of inheritance, aggregation, and association provide a flexible, modular, and readily extensible platform for model development. The physically based, conceptual model represents the effect of the water-table on evapotranspiration, local groundwater flow, and runoff generation. The model is physically based in that it uses physically measurable parameters and is conceptual to the extent that the model domain is idealized. Model validation to two experimental sites in the southeastern US indicated the model’s ability to predict water-table depths, soil moisture distributions, evapotranspiration, and saturation-excess runoff.
Nasoenteric feeding tubes in critically ill patients (fluoroscopy versus blind)

Numerous complications have been encountered with small-bore nasoenteric feeding tubes, some potentially life threatening. Patients particularly at risk are those with anatomic abnormalities, debilitation, or neurologic impairment. Fluoroscopy has been reported to be a safe, efficacious modality for the placement of these tubes. Thirty critically ill patients were studied to assess caloric delivery, costs, and complications associated with both fluoroscopically and blindly placed feeding tubes. All patients had either a tracheostomy or an endotracheal tube. They were randomized to group A (fluoroscopy) or group B (blind). Caloric delivery was greater in group A patients on days 1 through 5, with statistically significant differences on days 1 through 4. The mean daily calories per patient over the study period was 1135 ± 96 and 662 ± 110 (mean ± SEM) in groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.01). Costs were similar in both groups. The most frequent problems encountered were difficult insertion, tubes requiring replacement, and failure to intubate the duodenum. We conclude that critically ill patients intubated either endotracheally or with tracheostomy should have nasoenteric feeding tubes placed with the guidance of fluoroscopy.