cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation of Drugs by Packed Column Supercritical Fluid Chromatography 1. Phenothiazine Antipsychotics

Abstract Studies of speed, resolution, and sensitivity indicate packed column supercritical fluid chromatography is a viable technique for the analysis of antipsychotic drugs. Fourteen such drugs (mostly phe- nothiazines) were studied from a cyanopropyl liquid chromatography packed column with a tertiary mobile phase of carbon dioxide, methanol, and isopropylamine. An arbitrary mix of 10 components was baseline resolved in ˜ 11 min. Detection limits were as low as 125 ppb, with a feasible 10-fold decrease. Without the isopropylamine in the mobile phase, none of the solutes eluted. With the additive, all produced symmetrical peaks and high efficiency (i.e., >80% of theoretical). Changing modifier concentration was the most effective physical parameter for changing retention but had little effect on selectivity. Temperature changes had a modest effect on retention but provided surprisingly large changes in selectivity, with numerous peak reversals occurring over only a 30 °C temperature range. In addition, temperature programming was the most effective means to optimize resolution of the 10-component mix. No noticeable loss in efficiency accompanied the temperature programs.
An accelerated test for evaluating the stability of pyrethrins-pipronyl butoxide treatments on food storage bag fabric

Abstract Insect contamination of bagged cereal grain foods must be prevented to maintain high product quality. Insect resistant food bags help reduce food losses due to insects. Normally the effectiveness of insect-resistant treated bags may require one to two years for evaluation. The accelerated test developed indicates, in about one-sixth of this time, the insecticide retained in treated fabric on extended storage, and also the amount of insecticide that would migrate into the foodstuff. Such information is useful as a screening test to estimate the insect resistance of treated bags for shipment and storage of foods.
Bending-torsional flutter of a swept wing in a high-density, low-speed flow.

Bending torsional flutter of uniform swept wing with velocity component aerodynamic strip theory
Determination of Shear Stress-Strain Curve From Torsion Tests for Loading-Unloading and Cyclic Loading

This paper discusses a method, based on Nadai`s solution, which can be used to determine the true (Cauchy) shear stress-strain curve of a material by means of torsion test of a solid shaft. The method is shown to be applicable to loading, unloading and cyclic loading. It is also applicable to fixed-end torsion of a solid shaft in the large shear strain range. A modified method has also been derived for the case of free-end torsion of a tubular specimen in the large strain range.
The Wnt effector POP-1 and the PAL-1/Caudal homeoprotein collaborate with SKN-1 to activate C. elegans endoderm development

POP-1, a Tcf/Lef-1-like target of the convergent Wnt and MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, functions throughout Caenorhabditis elegans development to generate unequal daughters during asymmetric cell divisions. A particularly prominent such asymmetric division occurs when the EMS blastomere divides to produce MS, a mesoderm precursor, and E, the sole endoderm progenitor. POP-1 allows mesoderm development in the MS lineage by repressing the endoderm-promoting end-1 and end-3 genes. This repression is relieved in the E lineage by Wnt/MAPK signaling, which results in phosphorylation and export of POP-1 from the E nucleus. Here, we report that, in addition to repressing E development in MS, POP-1 also functions positively in endoderm development, in conjunction with the well-characterized endoderm-promoting SKN-1→MED regulatory cascade. While removal of POP-1 alone results in derepression of endoderm development in the MS lineage, mutations in several genes that result in impenetrant loss of endoderm are strongly enhanced by loss of pop-1 function. A Lef-1-like binding site is essential for activation of an end-1 promoter fusion, suggesting that POP-1 may act directly on end-1. Thus, POP-1 may generate developmental asymmetry during many cell divisions in C. elegans by reiteratively switching from repressive and activating states. Furthermore, we report that the Caudal-like homeodomain protein PAL-1, whose role in early embryogenesis was thought to be exclusive specification of mesectodermal development in the lineage of the C blastomere, can act with POP-1 to activate endoderm specification in the absence of the SKN-1→MED transcriptional input, accounting for the impenetrance of mutants lacking SKN-1 or MED-1,2 activity. We conclude that the combined action of several separate transcriptional regulatory inputs, including SKN-1, the MEDs, PAL-1, and the Wnt/MAPK-activated form of POP-1, are responsible for activating end gene transcription and endoderm development.
A Molecular Dynamics Study of DNA Bending in the IHF-DNA Complex

The complex of the protein Integration Host Factor (IHF) with oligomeric DNA results in a structure in which the DNA is bent by nearly 180 degrees, referred to by the crystallographers reporting on the structure as a “U-turn”. This is a highly unusual form of duplex DNA, and the nature of how the structure forms is a question of current research interest. This project involves using molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulation to study the dynamics involved in the bending process, in particular the extent to which the U-shaped structure is pre-programmed into the DNA sequence or induced by the IHF-DNA interaction. The protein-DNA crystal structure consists of a 35-mer B-strand singly-nicked DNA sequence and the IHF protein unit of 193 amino acid residues (PDB #1IHF). Additionally, an MD simulation was run on a canonical B form DNA oligomer of identical sequence to examine the resulting convergence of the two starting DNA structures. The MD was performed using the AMBER suite of programs as implemented on the Wesleyan PC cluster. The molecular graphics and animations were carried out using the programs VMD and SwissPDB DeepView. Simulations including water and counterions were performed on both the nicked and sealed versions of the U-turn DNA, the fabricated canonical B DNA, the free IHF protein, and the entire IHF-DNA complex.
Cell Penetrating Peptide Mediated Transport across Membranes

We investigate how a small cell-penetrating peptide called Pep-1 is able to carry a large object, such as a protein, across a lipid bilayer. To create a membrane, two sub-microliter, lipid-encased aqueous droplets are contacted - termed a droplet interface bilayer (DIB). The peptides adsorb to the protein cargo non-covalently and somehow “carry” the protein from one droplet to the other through the membrane. We then quantitate the translocated cargo through a fluorogenic assay in real-time. We found that transport is dependent membrane charge, and that the symmetry of the bilayer membrane also play a role in Pep-1-mediated protein translocation. Proteins as large as β-gal (465 kDa) can be translocated using this method and we can detect as few as several thousand molecules. By charactering Pep-1/protein complex with DLS and gel electrophoresis, we could get more information about the active form for effective translocation. We expect this new method combing translocation experiments with the size characterization will give some hints on the transportation driving force and make deciphering direct translocation mechanisms possible.
A Prospective Phase II Evaluation of Esophageal Stenting for Neoadjuvant Therapy for Esophageal Cancer: Optimal Performance and Surgical Safety

Background Many surgeons are reluctant to use esophageal stents during neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer because of concerns about nutritional status, stent-related complications, or added difficulties during esophagogastrectomy. We hypothesized that esophageal stenting during neoadjuvant therapy allows for optimal nutritional intake without adversely affecting perioperative outcomes. Study Design This study is a prospective, dual-institution, single-arm, phase II evaluation of esophageal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy before resection. All patients had a self-expanding polymer stent placed before neoadjuvant therapy. We monitored dysphagia symptoms, nutritional status, stent-related complications, and perioperative complications during the course of therapy and 90 days postoperatively. Results We enrolled 32 patients with dysphagia and weight loss who were eligible for neoadjuvant therapy. After stent placement, 2 patients had stent migrations requiring replacement. No erosive complications were observed. During the course of neoadjuvant therapy, we noted improvement in dysphagia, mild weight loss, and maintenance of performance status. At a median of 50 days (range 18 to 92 days) after completion of neoadjuvant therapy, 20 patients underwent margin-negative esophagogastrectomy (16 Ivor Lewis, 4 minimally invasive) without problems with stent removal or difficulty in surgical dissection. Twelve patients did not undergo resection due to development of metastases (n = 8) or rapid decline in functional status (n = 4). Major perioperative complications included pulmonary embolism (n = 2), chyle leak (n = 1), and bronchial injury (n = 1). No surgical complications were attributed to stent placement. Conclusions Use of esophageal stents during neoadjuvant therapy is safe and results in resolution of dysphagia, mild weight loss, and maintenance of performance status without an effect on intraoperative dissection, perioperative complications, or delay in resection after neoadjuvant therapy.
Pion production in the reaction pd → tπ

Abstract The Yao-Barry model is extended to the reaction pd → tπ and provides a description of the cross section for incident proton energies from 340 to 670 MeV in terms of a single parameter, the triton nd wavefunction evaluated at the origin. The results are competitive with the predictions of the Ruderman model for the energy dependence of the forward cross section and show much larger backward cross sections.
A note on weighted queries in information retrieval systems

Methode de ponderation des termes de recherche dans le cadre des systemes relevant des ensembles flous
Requirements planning of production components and spare parts at a farm equipment manufacturing company

This paper deals with the way in which AB Bolinder-Munktell is solving the requirements explosion problem of spare parts and production components using an IBM 1410 data processing machine.
Selective late steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation

Steroid withdrawal (SW) after paediatric renal transplantation (RTPL) is controversial. Selective late SW has been performed in our unit since 1995. The safety and effects of SW were analysed retrospectively in 47 patients undergoing RTPL between 1995 and 2004. Initial immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine A, azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. Criteria for SW were: (1) stable renal function, (2) time interval after RTPL ≥ 1 year, (3) no rejection or time interval after last rejection ≥ 1 year and (4) good compliance. SW was performed in 30 patients at an age of 13.5 years (range 4.5–18.5) and 2.2 years (range 1–6.6) after RTPL. After SW, one patient experienced a steroid-sensitive rejection. Follow-up after SW (1.3 year; range 0.25–7.5) showed maintained renal function: glomerular filtration rate at SW and currently was 82 (65–128) and 82 (42–115) ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. The number of patients on antihypertensive treatment did not significantly change (at SW: n = 15; currently: n = 11). Height and body mass index (BMI) remained stable: Median standard deviation score (SDS) for height/BMI at SW and currently was −1.1/0.2 and −0.8/0.1, respectively. Selective late SW was safe regarding renal function and had no significant effect on blood pressure and growth.
An Overview of Systolic Array Concepts and Applications for Linear Algebra and Signal Processing

Modern communication, control, avionic, and radar systems require the use of computationally intensive algebraic operations for real-time high throughput filtering, estimation, tracking, direction-of-arrival, and localization purposes. In this overview paper, we first review some basic systolic array (SA) concept, then SA algorithms for digital filtering, recursive least-squares, QR decomposition, Kalman filtering, eigenvalue and singular value decompositions will be discussed.
DEPENDENCE OF THE ULTRASONIC SCATTER COEFFICIENT ON COLLAGEN CONCENTRATION IN MAMMALIAN TISSUES.

The difference between literature values of ultrasonic attenuation and absorption coefficients, defined as the scatter coefficient, was related to percent wet weight collagen concentration for brain, heart, liver, kidney, and tendon, in the range of 0.7 to 7 MHz. The comparison shows that as the ultrasonic frequency increases, the scatter coefficient increases, and the dependence of scattering upon collagen concentration decreases.
A computer program for comparing survival experience of two groups after adjustment for relevant covariates

A computer program is described which evaluates the difference in survival between two groups of patients based on the methods of Mantel [1] and Hankey and Myers [3]. Life table analysis is based on the stratification of prognostic variables. In addition, an adjusted survival curve is computed for one group of patients relative to the other group based on differences in the distribution of these variables. Plots of cumulative survival curves are optionally provided.
Gas chromatography of some urinary acid metabolites related to phenylketonuria.

Abstract A rapid accurate method for the determination of o -hydroxyphenylacetic acid, β-phenyllactic acid, and phenylpyruvic acid has been developed for the analysis of phenylketonuric urine. A semiquantitative measure of the amount of p -hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid is obtained simultaneously. The method uses ethyl acetate extraction of acidified urine, trimethylsilylation of the residue from ethyl acetate evaporation, and gas chromatography of the trimethylsilyl derivatives on a SE-30 column. Normal alkanes are used as internal standards.
Measurement of atmosopheric noise emmision during heavy rain events using a C-band radiometer

This paper presents details for a 6.8 GHz microwave radiometer measurement system used for measuring atmospheric microwave noise emission during heavy rain. This radiometer system and the ancillary rain rate and rain drop size instruments comprise a new research facility at the University of Central Florida for determining the C-band rain absorption coefficient during high rain rate events associated with thunder storms and tropical cyclone rain. These results will improve theoretical calculations for atmospheric propagation loss prediction during heavy rain events. Results of the system radiometric calibration and typical radiometer measurements during rain events are presented.
Measuring the Performance of the Chair.

A fact of administrative life is that chairs are evaluated on a periodic basis. This chapter addresses issues related to the performance evaluation of department chairs.
Germination conditions affect physicochemical properties of germinated brown rice flour

Germinated brown rice has been reported to be nutritious due to increased free gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The physicochemical properties of brown rice (BR) and glutinous brown rice (GNBR) after germination as affected by different steeping times (24, 36, 48, and 72 h depending on the rice variety) and pHs of steeping water (3, 5, 7, and as-is) were determined and compared to those of the nongerminated one (control). As the steeping time increased or pH of steeping water decreased, germinated brown rice flours (GBRF) from both BR and GNBR had greater reducing sugar, free GABA and alpha-amylase activity; while the total starch and viscosity were lower than their respective controls. GBRFs from both BR and GNBR prepared after 24-h steeping time at pH 3 contained a high content of free GABA at 32.70 and 30.69 mg/100 g flour, respectively. The peak viscosity of GBRF obtained from both BR and GNBR (7.42 to 228.22 and 4.42 to 58.67 RVU, respectively) was significantly lower than that of their controls (255.46 and 190.17 RVU, respectively). The principal component analysis indicated that the important variables for discriminating among GBRFs, explained by the first 2 components at 89.82% of total explained variance, were the pasting profiles, alpha-amylase activity, and free GABA.
THE ORIGIN OF SINUOUS RILLES

This report describes the distribution and morphology of sinuous rilles and presents data on rille geometry. Examples of the relation between sinuous rilles and the regional structure are given. Leading theories for the origin of sinuous rilles are discussed and evaluated. It is concluded that the general weight of evidence is against water erosion. The ash flow theory is not excluded, but evidence in its favor is weak. The best explanations involve lava tube formation for certain sinuous rilles, and faulting for others. In some cases, a gradation between faulting and igneous activity is noted.
AN ASSIGNMENT APPROACH TO CHOOSING R&D EXPERIMENTS

The criteria upon which RD therefore in practice it is extremely difficult to obtain a series of weights so that the trade-offs between the various criterion can be analyzed. The problem is compounded when the experiments represent basic research and no prior history is available for utility estimation. This paper presents a graph-theoretic interpretation of the selection process based only on the rank-order of the alternatives thus eliminating the need for utility estimation. Index numbers are then obtained as the solution of an integer program. An application and the theoretical foundations of the procedure are discussed.
Optimal encryption of quantum bits

We show that $2n$ random classical bits are both necessary and sufficient for encrypting any unknown state of n quantum bits in an informationally secure manner. We also characterize the complete set of optimal protocols in terms of a set of unitary operations that comprise an orthonormal basis in a canonical inner product space. Moreover, a connection is made between quantum encryption and quantum teleportation that allows for a different proof of optimality of teleportation.
The risk of diabetes in deficit schizophrenia.

1Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 2University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Residency Training Program in Psychiatry, Baltimore, Maryland 3College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 4Capital Healthcare Area (VISN 5) Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Baltimore, Maryland
The Choice Between an Academic Versus Private Practice Career in Cardiology: A Fellow's Perspective

This study is written in editorial style from the perspective of a fellow-in-training. The editorial profiles specific principles to assist other fellows as they deliberate on the choice between an academic versus private practice career in cardiovascular medicine. Among the key principles are: outlining the general differences between academic and nonacademic careers, identifying the areas of overlap and change, understanding the heterogeneity within academia, and choosing the opportunities that invest in your success. Emphasis is also placed on outlining ways in which one can advance their competitive frontier in cardiology. In conclusion, this editorial emphasizes guiding principles to help fellows-in-training as they search for a career in cardiovascular medicine that fosters growth and empowers them to achieve their professional goals.
Historically Low Productivity by the United States Congress: Snapshot of a Reinforcement-Contingency System in Transition

The number of new laws produced by the United States Congress has declined in recent years, with the 2013 Congress yielding the fewest new laws ever. A formerly reliable pattern, in which law production was concentrated near the end of an annual session, appears to be vanishing. Drawing upon archival data sources and political commentary, we examine some possible shifts in reinforcement contingencies that may contribute to these changes. Our analysis suggests that the two types of changes in law production began at different points in time and may have different origins. We conclude with comments on the value of conducting empirically informed behavioral analyses of complex, everyday phenomena for which no experiments are possible.
Nucleotide sequence of a genomic gene encoding tritin, a ribosome-inactivating protein from Triticum aestivum

A genomic gene of tritin, a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) from Triticum aestivum, was cloned using a barley RIP gene as a probe. The 5′-non-coding region has potential TATA boxes and three sequences homologous to the binding sequence of the transcriptional activator protein Opaque-2 which activates maize RIP gene expression. The cloned DNA encoded tritin consits of 275 amino acids with no secretion signal sequence. The coding region of tritin was expressed in Escherichia coli using lac promoter and yielded a protein similar to the native one, as determined by SDS-polyacrulamide gel electrophoresis and immunological analysis.
Biogenesis and function of endogenous and exogenous siRNAs

RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence-specific gene silencing, or ‘knockdown’, mechanism facilitated by short duplex strands of RNA with sequence complementarity to target mRNAs. RNAi has many different forms, including posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS), and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). Here, we review the biogenesis and function of an endogenous set of small RNA gene regulators, called microRNAs, as well as the mechanism of exogenously delivered small interfering RNAs. The potential applications of RNAi-based therapeutics are also highlighted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Purification and characterization of a cardioexcitatory neuropeptide from the central ganglia of a bivalve mollusc.

Abstract We have purified a cardioexcitatory substance, previously designated peak C, from ganglia of the Sunray Venus clam, Macrocallista nimbosa. Low concentrations (10−9 -10−8M) of this substance not only excite the isolated clam heart, but also produce tonic contractions of the isolated radula protractor muscle of the whelk, Busycon contrarium. These two muscle preparations have therefore been used as a parallel bioassay for peak C. Peak C is inactivated by proteolytic enzymes, has an isoelectric point greater than pH 10 and has an ultraviolet absorption spectrum similar to that of phenylalanine. On thin layer chromatograms, peak C separates into two components; one of these is probably a partially oxidized form produced during purification. Both components react with ninhydrin and with the Sakaguchi reagent for guanidino groups. The amino acid composition of peak C is Phe2.00 Met0.81 Arg1.12. N-terminal analysis, one round of Edman-dansyl degradation, and tryptic digestion are consistent with the ide...
Web application for studying the free energy of binding and protonation states of protein–ligand complexes based on HINT

A public web server performing computational titration at the active site in a protein–ligand complex has been implemented. This calculation is based on the Hydropathic interaction noncovalent force field. From 3D coordinate data for the protein, ligand and bridging waters (if available), the server predicts the best combination of protonation states for each ionizable residue and/or ligand functional group as well as the Gibbs free energy of binding for the ionization-optimized protein–ligand complex. The 3D structure for the modified molecules is available as output. In addition, a graph depicting how this energy changes with acidity, i.e., as a function of added protons, can be obtained. This data may prove to be of use in preparing models for virtual screening and molecular docking. A few illustrative examples are presented. In β secretase (2va7) computational titration flipped the amide groups of Gln12 and Asn37 and protonated a ligand amine yielding an improvement of 6.37 kcal mol−1 in the protein–ligand binding score. Protonation of Glu139 in mutant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (2opq) allows a water bridge between the protein and inhibitor that increases the protein–ligand interaction score by 0.16 kcal mol−1. In human sialidase NEU2 complexed with an isobutyl ether mimetic inhibitor (2f11) computational titration suggested that protonating Glu218, deprotonating Arg237, flipping the amide bond on Tyr334, and optimizing the positions of several other polar protons would increase the protein–ligand interaction score by 0.71 kcal mol−1.
Characteristics of persons and jobs with needlestick injuries in a national data set.

Background Physicians, nurses, and others are at risk of needlesticks, yet little national information is available regarding incidence across demographic and occupational categories. Methods Analysis was conducted on national data on occupational injuries for 1992-2003 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Because BLS data were limited to cases with 1 or more days of work loss, and reasons related to reporting of incidents, the data only reflected a subset of all needlesticks. Nevertheless, the data were internally consistent across categories so that relative magnitudes were reliable. Statistical tests for differences in proportions were conducted that compared needlesticks with all other occupational injuries and employment. Results Cases with 1 or more days of work loss numbered 903 per year, on average, from 1992 through 2003. Women comprised 73.3% (95% CI: 72.5%-74.2%) of persons injured. For those reporting race, white, non-Hispanic comprised 69.3% of the total (95% CI: 68.1%-70.4%); black, non-Hispanic, 14.8% (95% CI: 13.9%-15.6%); and Hispanic, 13.8% (95% CI: 12.9%-14.6%). The age bracket 35 to 44 years had the highest percentage of injuries at 34.0% (95% CI: 33.1%-34.9%). Ages over 54 years reported smaller percentages of needlestick injuries than either all other injuries or employment. Occupations with greatest frequencies included registered nurses, nursing aides and orderlies, janitors and cleaners, licensed practical nurses, and maids and housemen. Occupations with greatest risks included biologic technicians, janitors and cleaners, and maids and housemen. Almost 20% (95% CI: 18.88%-20.49%) of needlesticks occurred outside the services industry. Seven percent (95% CI: 6.56%-7.53%) of needlesticks resulted in 31 or more days of work loss in contrast to 20.46% (95% CI: 20.44%-20.48%) of all other injuries. Conclusion In this nationally representative sample, the most frequent demographic and occupational categories were women; white, non-Hispanic; ages 35 to 44 years; and registered nurses.
Shedding light on the structure of a photoinduced transient excimer by time-resolved diffraction.

Time-resolved single-crystal diffraction performed with synchrotron radiation shows that the $53(1)\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ phosphorescent state, generated in the crystalline phase of trimeric ${[3,5\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}({\mathrm{CF}}_{3}{)}_{2}\mathrm{\text{Pyrazolate}}]\mathrm{Cu}{}}_{3}$ molecules by exposure to 355 nm of light at 17 K, is due to the formation of an excimer rather than the shortening of the intramolecular $\mathrm{Cu}\ensuremath{\cdots}\mathrm{Cu}$ distances within the trimeric units, or the formation of a continuous chain of interacting molecules. One of the intermolecular $\mathrm{Cu}\ensuremath{\cdots}\mathrm{Cu}$ distances contracts by 0.56 \AA{} from 4.018(1) to 3.46(1) \AA{}, whereas the interplanar spacing of the trimers is reduced by 0.65 \AA{} from 3.952(1) to 3.33(1) \AA{}. Density-functional theory calculations support the formation of a $\mathrm{Cu}\ensuremath{\cdots}\mathrm{Cu}$ bond through the intermetallic transfer of a Cu $3d$ electron to a molecular orbital with a large $4p$ contribution on the reacting Cu atoms.
Studies on muscarinic binding sites in human brain identified with [3H]pirenzepine.

: Pirenzepine, a potent antimuscarinic agent with apparent selectivity for a subtype (M1) of muscarinic receptors, was used in tritiated form to characterize its binding to human brain tissue. Specific [3H]pirenzepine binding showed rapid association and dissociation. From kinetic and competitive binding experiments, its KD was 5.5 nM and 9 nM, respectively. Regional distribution of [3H]pirenzepine binding determined in parallel with [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding, a nonselective muscarinic antagonist, indicated a significant correlation for the maximum number of binding sites for the two radioligands in 13 brain regions, with the highest amount of binding for each in the putamen and the least in the cerebellum. Binding for [3H]pirenzepine averaged 57% of that for [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate, with a range of 20% (cerebellum) to 77% (frontal cortex). Most antidepressants and neuroleptics tested had affinities for [3H]pirenzepine binding sites that were not significantly different from their previously reported values obtained with the use of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate.
The Impact of Anemia on Child Mortality: An Updated Review

Iron deficiency anemia and child mortality are public health problems requiring urgent attention. However, the degree to which iron deficiency anemia contributes to child mortality is unknown. Here, we utilized an exhaustive article search and screening process to identify articles containing both anemia and mortality data for children aged 28 days to 12 years. We then estimated the reduction in risk of mortality associated with a 1-g/dL increase in hemoglobin (Hb). Our meta-analysis of nearly 12,000 children from six African countries revealed a combined odds ratio of 0.76 (0.62–0.93), indicating that for each 1-g/dL increase in Hb, the risk of death falls by 24%. The feasibility of a 1-g/dL increase in Hb has been demonstrated via simple iron supplementation strategies. Our finding suggests that ~1.8 million deaths in children aged 28 days to five years could be avoided each year by increasing Hb in these children by 1 g/dL.
Explicit and asymptotic formulas for LDMt factorization of banded toeplitz matrices

Abstract We study the LDMt factorization of banded Toeplitz matrices. We show that, under fairly general conditions, the L, M, and D factors exhibit exponential convergence along diagonals. We also give explicit formulas for the limiting values. Our method of proof involves a generalization to matrices of the theory of continued fractions of quadratic irrationals.
A trial of education, prompts, and opinion leaders to improve prescription of lipid modifying therapy by primary care physicians for patients with ischemic heart disease

Background: Recent clinical trials indicate that treatment with lipid modifying therapy improves outcomes in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The results of these trials, however, have not been widely implemented in clinical practice. Objectives: To develop and test an intervention designed to increase the rate of prescription of lipid modifying therapy and to determine the relative effectiveness of three different prompts (progress notes, patient letters, or computer chart reminders). Methods: The study was conducted in 11 US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. The effect of the intervention on the proportion of eligible patients receiving lipid modifying therapy was compared between five intervention sites and six matched control sites using a controlled before and after study design. Additionally, 92 providers within the intervention clinics were randomized to receive one of the three prompts. Data were analyzed using logistic regression modeling which incorporated terms to account for the clustered nature of the data. Results: At the intervention sites the prescription rate increased from 8.3% during the pre-intervention period to 39.1% during the intervention (OR = 6.5, 95% CI 5.2 to 8.2, p<0.0001) but remained unchanged at the control sites. The interaction between group (control v intervention) and time period was highly significant (p<0.0001). The adjusted odds of receiving a prescription during the intervention period was 3.1 times higher at the intervention sites than at the control sites (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Overall, there was no significant difference in prescription rates among the three prompt groups. However, there was a significant interaction between prompt group and site, indicating that the efficacy of the prompts differed by site. Conclusion: An intervention for primary care providers consisting of an educational workshop, opinion leader influence, and prompts substantially increased the prescription rate of lipid modifying therapy.
Amino acid composition and the evolutionary rates of protein-coding genes.

Based on the rates of amino acid substitution for 60 mammalian genes of 50 codons or more, it is shown that the rate of amino acid substitution of a protein is correlated with its amino acid composition. In particular, the content of glycine residues is negatively correlated with the rate of amino acid substitution, and this content alone explains about 38% of the total variation in amino acid substitution rates among different protein families. The propensity of a polypeptide to evolve fast or slowly may be predicted from an index or indices of protein mutability directly derivable from the amino acid composition. The propensity of an amino acid to remain conserved during evolutionary times depends not so much on its being features prominently in active sites, but on its stability index, defined as the mean chemical distance [R. Grantham (1974) Science 185∶862–864] between the amino acid and its mutational derivatives produced by single-nucleotide substitutions. Functional constraints related to active and binding sites of proteins play only a minor role in determining the overall rate of amino acid substitution. The importance of amino acid composition in determining rates of substitution is illustrated with examples involving cytochrome c, cytochrome b5,ras-related genes, the calmodulin protein family, and fibrinopeptides.
Towards robust and efficient routing in multi-radio, multi-channel wireless mesh networks

Routing is a critical element of wireless mesh network design and serves to enhance the network's capacity as a whole and the performance of individual flows. Achieving both robustness and efficiency in mesh routing is an important, yet challenging issue due to uncertain traffic demands. To ensure routing performance while retaining robustness, we explore using knowledge of historical traffic demands. Two concepts of robustness, namely congestion robustness and performance ratio robustness are examined. We show that though a routing that is robust with respect to the interior of a convex region of traffic demands implies future robustness, the similar property does not hold for the boundaries of the region because the performance ratio is not limited by the boundaries, while the absolute congestion is. We develop a performance-ratio robust routing formulation for multi-radio, multi-channel networks that exploits traffic demands that fall into a predicted region. A linear problem transformation is presented to solve this highly complex non-linear formulation. A detailed simulation study is conducted over representative topologies with a real traffic trace to evaluate the novel algorithm. We find a strong performance improvement with little margin for further gains.
Issues and problems in the power sectors of developing countries

Abstract Electricity demand in developing countries is likely to grow at more than 6% per annum over the next few decades, compared to little over 1% in the developed world. This will require huge investments for which the capital will not be available if the power sectors in these countries continue to perform as badly as they do now. It also has serious environmental implications for the countries themselves and the world at large. Steps can be taken now to reduce both capital needs and environmental impacts by more than one half if the operational performance of the power sectors in these countries could be improved and brought up to standards prevailing in the developed world.
The positions of 12 simple sequence repeat markers relative to reference loci on mouse Chromosome 16

The genetic map positions of 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers spanning mouse Chromosome (Chr) 16 were determined relative to reference markers on that chromosome. Interval mapping data were obtained with a panel of DNAs from two intersubspecific backcrosses. All but one of the markers were typed by use of nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products analyzed on agarose gels. The marker order was determined to be Prm-1, D16Mit9, Igl-1, D16Mit29, D16Mit1/D16Mit2, Smst, D16Mit4, D16Mit11, Gap43, D16Mit14, D16Mit30, D16Mit5, Pit-1, D16Mit27, D16H21S16 (formerly D21S16h), D16Mit19, App, D16Mit7, Sod-1. Two of these markers mapped to the known human Chr 21 (HSA21)/Chr 16 conserved linkage group. Nine additional SSR markers could not be typed because they were not polymorophic (four markers), did not amplify MOLD/Rk DNA (three markers), or failed to give PCR products under a range of conditions (two markers). A subset of the most robust SSRs provide a useful marker set for the analysis of previously unmapped crosses.
Alterations in mouse hypothalamic adipokine gene expression and leptin signaling following chronic spinal cord injury and with advanced age

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in an accelerated trajectory of several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and related aging characteristics, however the molecular mechanisms that are activated have not been explored. Adipokines and leptin signaling are known to play a critical role in neuro-endocrine regulation of energy metabolism, and are now implicated in central inflammatory processes associated with CVD. Here, we examine hypothalamic adipokine gene expression and leptin signaling in response to chronic spinal cord injury and with advanced age. We demonstrate significant changes in fasting-induced adipose factor (FIAF), resistin (Rstn), long-form leptin receptor (LepRb) and suppressor of cytokine-3 (SOCS3) gene expression following chronic SCI and with advanced age. LepRb and Jak2/stat3 signaling is significantly decreased and the leptin signaling inhibitor SOCS3 is significantly elevated with chronic SCI and advanced age. In addition, we investigate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the uncoupled protein response (UPR) as a biological hallmark of leptin resistance. We observe the activation of the ER stress/UPR proteins IRE1, PERK, and eIF2alpha, demonstrating leptin resistance in chronic SCI and with advanced age. These findings provide evidence for adipokine-mediated inflammatory responses and leptin resistance as contributing to neuro-endocrine dysfunction and CVD risk following SCI and with advanced age. Understanding the underlying mechanisms contributing to SCI and age related CVD may provide insight that will help direct specific therapeutic interventions.
Nonaqueous Catalytic Water Oxidation

The complex [Ru(Mebimpy)(bpy)(OH2)]2+ [Mebimpy = 2,6-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine] and its 4,4′-(PO3H2CH2)2bpy derivative on oxide electrodes are water oxidation catalysts in propylene carbonate and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) to which water has been added as a limiting reagent. The rate of water oxidation is greatly enhanced relative to that with water as the solvent and occurs by a pathway that is first-order in H2O; an additional pathway that is first-order in acetate appears when TFE is used as the solvent.
Subsets of GABAergic neurons in dissociated cell cultures of neonatal rat cerebral cortex show co-localization with specific modulator peptides

Abstract The GABAergic properties of dissociated neurons from cerebral cortex of neonatal rats were studied in primary culture using electrophysiological, biochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Cultured neurons had a resting potential of −50 to −60 mV and exhibited spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents. Non-spontaneous (elicited) ionic currents were produced by direct application of GABA and glutamate. Cultures contained measurable amounts of GABA from the first day in culture; GABA content reached a plateau around the 10th day of culture, and continued, nearly unchanged, until the 21st day of culture. Immunohistochemistry showed that 45% of the total cells in culture contained glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), a putative neuroregulatory peptide for benzodiazepine recognition sites, was present in approximately 28% of all neurons. Ninety-three percent of ODN-positive cells demonstrated GABAergic properties as well by displaying GAD-immunoreactivity. The peptide GABA-modulin (GM), a putative GABA receptor modulator, was found in about 75% of all neurons, with a further 65% of these cells exhibiting GAD-immunoreactivity. Cells immunopositive for neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SRIF), and cholecystokininoctapeptide (CCK), were found at much lower incidence (1–4%). Double-labelling studies showed that 90–97% of the cells positive for NPY, SRIF and CCK were also positive for GAD. Cells immunoreactive with serotonin or tyrosine hydroxylase were not detected. We suggest that primary cultures of neonatal cortical neurons may provide a useful experimental model to investigate the function and the modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebral cortex.
Analysis of AIRS and IASI System Performance Under Clear and Cloudy Conditions

The radiometric and spectral system performance of space-borne infrared radiometers is generally specified and analyzed under strictly cloud-free, spatially uniform and warm conditions, with the assumption that the observed performance applies to the full dynamic range under clear and cloudy conditions and that random noise cancels for the evaluation of the radiometric accuracy. Such clear conditions are found in only one percent of the data. Ninety nine percent of the data include clouds, which produce spatially highly non-uniform scenes with 11 micrometers window brightness temperatures as low as 200K. We use AIRS and IASI radiance spectra to compare system performance under clear and a wide range of cloudy conditions. Although the two instruments are in polar orbits, with the ascending nodes separated by four hours, daily averages already reveal surprisingly similar measurements. The AIRS and IASI radiometric performance based on the mean of large numbers of observation is comparable and agrees within 200 mK over a wide range of temperatures. There are also some unexpected differences at the 200 -500 mK level, which are of significance for climate applications. The results were verified with data from July 2007 through January 2010, but many can already be gleaned from the analysis of a single day of data.
The Role of Bcl-xL in Synergistic Induction of Apoptosis by Mapatumumab and Oxaliplatin in Combination with Hyperthermia on Human Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. The main cause of death because of colorectal cancer is hepatic metastases, which can be treated using isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP), allowing treatment of colorectal metastasis with various methods. In this study, we present a novel potent multimodality strategy comprising humanized death receptor 4 (DR4) antibody mapatumumab in combination with oxaliplatin and hyperthermia to treat human colon cancer cells. Oxaliplatin and hyperthermia sensitized colon cancer cells to mapatumumab in the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to Bcl-xL phosphorylation at serine 62 in a c-jun-NH2-kinase (JNK)-dependent manner. Overexpression of Bcl-xL reduced the efficacy of the multimodality treatment, whereas phosphorylation of Bcl-xL decreased its antiapoptotic activity. The multimodality treatment dissociated Bcl-xL from Bax, allowing Bax oligomerization to induce cytochrome c release from mitochondria. In addition, the multimodality treatment significantly inhibited colorectal cancer xenografts' tumor growth. The successful outcome of this study will support the application of multimodality strategy to colorectal hepatic metastases.
Police perspectives on responding to mentally ill people in crisis: Perceptions of program effectiveness

In this study, we sampled sworn police officers from three law enforcement agencies (n = 452), each of which had different system responses to mentally ill people in crisis. One department relies on field assistance from a mobile mental health crisis team, a second has a team of officers specially trained in crisis intervention and management of mentally ill people in crisis, and a third has a team of in-house social workers to assist in responding to calls. Calls involving mentally ill people in crisis appear to be frequent and are perceived by most of the officers to pose a significant problem for the department; however, most officers reported feeling well prepared to handle these calls. Generally, officers from the jurisdiction with a specialized team of officers rated their program as being highly effective in meeting the needs of mentally ill people in crisis, keeping mentally ill people out of jail, minimizing the amount of time officers spend on these calls, and maintaining community safety. Officers from departments relying on a mobile crisis unit (MCU) and on police-based social workers both rated their programs as being moderately effective on each of these dimensions except for minimizing officer time on these calls where the MCU had significantly lower ratings.
Dynamic tomography using curve evolution with spatial-temporal regularization

We develop a variational method for dynamic tomography using curve evolution with spatial-temporal regularization. We take into account both the dynamics of the object boundaries as well as the dynamics of region intensities. These quantities are jointly estimated through minimization of an appropriately defined energy function. The temporal correlation of the object boundary curves are included through a weighted area difference distance measure between curves. The intensity dynamics are captured through a simple autoregressive model. Curve evolution methods are used to solve for the optimal reconstruction, which are implemented with efficient level set techniques. The strength of this approach is demonstrated through the successful reconstruction of an object sequence based on observations of only a single projection angle over time.
Operator Algebras of Idempotents

Abstract We introduce the concept of a matricial Schur ideal, which serves as a dual object for operator algebras generated by a finite set of idempotents. Using matricial Schur ideals and some factorization theorems for tensor products of operator algebras, we are able to obtain matrix-valued interpolation results for general product domains. These results include and generalize the recent matrix-valued interpolation results on the bidisk.