cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Release-independent short-term synaptic depression in cultured hippocampal neurons.

Short-term synaptic plasticity may dramatically influence neuronal information transfer, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In autapses (self-synapses) formed by cultured hippocampal neurons, short-term synaptic depression (STD) had several unusual features. (1) Reduction of neurotransmitter release probability with Cd2+, a blocker of voltage-gated calcium channels, did not change depression. (2) Lowering [Ca2+]o and/or raising [Mg2+]o had little effect on STD in cells with strong baseline depression, but in cells with more modest baseline depression, it reduced the depression. (3) Random variations in the size of initial EPSCs did not influence successive EPSC sizes. These findings were inconsistent with release-dependent mechanisms, such as vesicle depletion, post-synaptic receptor desensitization, and autoreceptor inhibition. Instead, other results suggested that changes in action potentials (APs) contributed to depression. The somatic APs declined in amplitude with repetitive stimulation, and modest reduction of AP amplitudes with tetrodotoxin inhibited EPSCs. Notably, tetrodotoxin also increased depression. Similar changes in axonal APs could produce STD in at least two ways. First, decreasing presynaptic spike amplitudes could reduce calcium entry and release probability. Alternatively, APs could fail to propagate through some axonal branches, reducing the number of active synapses. To explore these possibilities, we derived the expected variance of EPSCs for the two scenarios. Experimentally, the variance increased and then decreased on average with successive responses during trains of APs, confirming a unique prediction from the conduction failure scenario. Thus, STD had surprising properties, incompatible with commonly postulated mechanisms but consistent with AP conduction failure at axonal branches.
Curvature restrictions on convex, timelike surfaces in Minkowski 3-space

Suppose that K and H are Minkowski Gauss curvature and Min- kowski mean curvature respectively on a timelike surface S that is c2 immersed in Minkowski 3-space E3. Suppose also that 0 ; K < 0 and that S is complete as a surface in the underlying Euclidean 3-space E3. It is shown that neither K nor H can be bounded away from zero on such a surface S.
Increased Sensitivity of Sensory Neurons to Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Rats With Chronic Compression of the Lumbar Ganglia

Proinflammatory cytokines may sensitize primary sensory neurons and facilitate development of neuropathic pain processes after peripheral nerve injury. The goal of this study was to determine wheth...
Improving quality of life beyond seizure control

More than 50 years ago, Lennox and Markham urged physicians who treated patients with epilepsy to "match modern drug and surgical therapy with practical sociopsychological therapy" and to be "concerned not only with turbulent brain waves but with disturbed emotions". Indeed, while seizure frequency and severity correlate with quality of life and psychosocial outcomes for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, numerous other epilepsy-related factors may also be significant determinants. These factors include medical and psychiatric co-morbidities, side effects of therapy, stigma, parental anxiety, employment status, seizure worry, self-esteem and self-mastery. Importantly, these epilepsy-related factors may be amenable to educational or therapeutic interventions, which if successful may benefit patients even without a concomitant reduction in seizure frequency or severity. Therefore, while further research is needed, physicians and other health care providers should comprehensively attend to these factors and refer patients with treatment-resistant seizures, when appropriate, for further evaluation and treatment to improve their quality of life beyond seizure control.
Complications of a Percutaneous Suture-mediated Closure Device versus Manual Compression for Arteriotomy Closure: A Case-controlled Study

PURPOSE To evaluate the incidence and types of complications encountered with use of a percutaneous suturemediated closure device versus manual compression for arteriotomy closure in a retrospective case-controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors identified 100 consecutive patients, 15 men and 85 women 21–85 years of age (mean, 50 years), between December 2000 and July 2001 in whom the Closer percutaneous suture-mediated closure device was used during 65 uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedures, 11 hepatic chemoembolization procedures, nine diagnostic angiography procedures, seven peripheral vascular interventions, six visceral arterial interventions, and two thrombolysis procedures. An age-, sex-, and procedure-matched control population was identified in which manual compression was performed. Procedure reports and clinical charts were reviewed for the presence of puncture-site complications, as categorized according to Society of Interventional Radiology reporting standards, and for risk factors and comorbid conditions (hypertension, diabetes, stroke, smoking, and coronary artery disease). Follow-up visits and imaging studies were reviewed for patients with complications. RESULTS In the Closer group, there were seven device failures, four minor complications, and three major complications. Minor complications included two groin hematomas and two cases of persistent pain at the arteriotomy site. Three major complications consisted of two cases of external iliac artery dissection, one with distal embolization, and one case of common femoral artery (CFA) occlusion and distal embolization. All major complications occurred in women undergoing UAE. One patient required thromboendarterectomy and patch angioplasty to repair the CFA occlusion, as well as amputation of a gangrenous toe. In the manual-compression group, there was one minor complication (a groin hematoma) and no major complications. There were significantly more complications in the Closer group than in the manual compression group ( P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Significantly more complications were associated with use of a percutaneous suture-mediated closure device than with manual compression for arteriotomy-site hemostasis. Major complications and associated morbidity may be seen with use of percutaneous suture-mediated closure devices. In particular, an unexpectedly high frequency of device-related complications was demonstrated in young women undergoing UAE.
Effects of rat growth hormone (rGH)-releasing factor and somatostatin on the release and synthesis of rGH in dispersed pituitary cells

The effects of rat hypothalamic GH-releasing factor (GRF) and somatostatin (SRIF) on the release and biosynthesis of rat GH were studied by RIA and quantitative immunoprecipitation using monolayer cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells. In kinetic studies, GRF stimulation of GH release appeared at the first sampling time (20-min incubation) and the effect began to diminish after 2-h incubation with GRF. On the other hand, total (cell plus medium) content of GH significantly increased only after 24-h incubation. To examine the GHsynthesizing effect of GRF more directly, newly synthesized GH labeled by [35S]methionine during incubation with GRF was quantified by immunoprecipitation. The amount of immunoprecipitable GH increased significantly and specifically (compared with the total amount of labeled proteins) also only after 24-h incubation. When GH pools were labeled with [35S]methionine under different schedules, the basal release of newly synthesized GH, which was labeled for 1 h immediately before ch...
Relationships among pheromone titre, calling and age in the omnivorous leafroller moth (Platynota stultana)

Temperature modified the expression of female calling in Platynota stultana. Absolute temperature levels and not necessarily a decrease in temperature appear to modulate the timing of calling by delimiting a specific time interval for calling at each temperature. Calling began earlier in the photoperiod at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. As females aged they initiated calling at an earlier time. Pheromone production (at 24°C) was rhythmical with maximal titre being reached near to the onset of the calling period at 14°C and about 5 hr prior to the onset of calling at 24°C. Females thus appear to be capable of emitting pheromone at an appropriate rate any time during calling intervals delimited by temperatures between 14 and 24°C. Pheromone titre appears to reflect a time-dependent readiness to respond to a decrease in temperature.
Activity of ADAM17 (a Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 17) Is Regulated by Its Noncatalytic Domains and Secondary Structure of its Substrates

ADAM proteases are implicated in multiple diseases, but no drugs based on ADAM inhibition exist. Most of the ADAM inhibitors developed to date feature zinc-binding moieties that target the active site zinc, which leads to a lack of selectivity and off target toxicity. Targeting secondary substrate binding sites (exosites) can potentially work as an alternative strategy for drug discovery; however, there are only a few reports of potential exosites in ADAM protease structures. In the study presented here, we utilized a series of TNFα-based substrates to probe ADAM10 and 17 interactions with its canonical substrate to identify the structural features that determine ADAM protease substrate specificity. We found that noncatalytic domains of ADAM17 did not directly bind the substrates used in the study but affected the binding nevertheless, most likely because of steric hindrance. Additionally, noncatalytic domains of ADAM17 affected the size/shape of the carbohydrate-binding pocket contained within the catalytic domain of ADAM17. This suggests that noncatalytic domains of ADAM17 play a role in substrate specificity and might help explain differences in substrate repertoires of ADAM17 and its closest homologue, ADAM10. We also addressed the question of which substrate features can affect ADAM protease specificity. We found that all ADAM proteases tested (i.e., ADAM10, 12, and 17) significantly decreased activity when the TNFα-derived sequence was induced into α-helical conformation, suggesting that conformation plays a role in determining ADAM protease substrate specificity. These findings can help in the discovery of ADAM isoform- and substrate-specific inhibitors.
DETERMINATION OF UNDISTURBED TEMPERATURES FROM THERMOCOUPLE MEASUREMENTS USING CORRECTION KERNELS.

Abstract A simplified method for determining the undisturbed temperatures from thermocouple measurements is presented. The determination of the temperature which would exist if the thermocouple were not present is facilitated through the use of some correction kernels which are used in a form of Duhamel's superposition integral. Kernels are given for the case of a thermocouple embedded normal to the surface of a low thermal conductivity material.
Long-term left atrioventricular valvar function following surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect

Long-term left atrioventricular valvar function was evaluated in 95 of 110 survivors following surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect between 1975 and 1984. A common or complete form was present in 40 and a partitioned or partial form in 55 patients. The patients have been followed for three to 13 years with a mean of 8.3 years. Pulmonary arterial banding was performed in 17 patients with a common atrioventricular valve prior to complete repair. The left atrioventricular valvar regurgitation was evaluated by clinical examination, Doppler and/or angiography. Three patients required valvar replacement postoperatively. Previous pulmonary arterial banding, pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio did not affect the incidence or severity of left atrioventricular valvar regurgitation postoperatively. In this series left atrioventricular valvar regurgitation increased in the early postoperative period but rarely progressed at late follow-up.
Continuous wave Doppler echocardiography for noninvasive assessment of left ventricular dP/dt and relaxation time constant from mitral regurgitant spectra in patients.

Objectives. We previously demonstrated experimentally that the mitral regurgitant velocity spectrum can be used to estimate left ventricular pressure throughout systole and may provide a new noninvasive method for estimating maximal dP/dt and the relaxation time constant. This study was designed to test this method in patients. Background. The maximal first derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) and the time constant of left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation (τ) are important variables of left ventricular function, but the need for invasive measurement with high fidelity catheters has limited their use in clinical cardiology. Methods. Twelve patients with mitral regurgitation were studied. The Doppler mitral regurgitant velocity spectrum was recorded simultaneously with micromanometer left ventricular pressure tracings in all patients. The regurgitant velocity profiles were digitized and converted to ventriculoatrial (VA) pressure gradient curves using the simplified Bernoulli equation and differentiated into instantaneous dP/dt. The relaxation time constant (τ) was calculated assuming a zero pressure asymptote from catheter left ventricular pressure decay (τc) and forn the Dopplerderived VA gradient curve with corrections. Two methods were used to correct the Doppler gradient curve to better approximate the left ventricular pressure decay before calculating the relaxation time constant: 1) adding an arbitrary 10 mm Hg (τ10), and 2) adding the actual mean pulmonary capillary pressure (τla). Results. The Doppler-derived maximal positive dP/dt (1,394 ± 302 mm Hg/s [mean ± SD]) correlated well (r = 0.91) with the catheter-derived maximal dP/dt (1,449 ± 307 mm Hg/s). Although the Doppler-derived negative maximal dP/dt differed slightly from catheter measurement (1,014 ± 289 vs. 1,195 ± 354 mm Hg/s, p < 0.01), the correlation between Doppler and catheter measurements was similarly good (r = 0.89, p < 0.0001). The correlation between τ10and τcwas excellent (r = 0.93, p < 0.01), but the Doppler-derived τ10(50.0 ± 11.0 ms) slightly underestimated the catheter-derived τc(55.5 ± 12.8 ms, p < 0.01). This slight underestimation could be corrected by adding the actual pulmonary capillary wedge pressure to the Doppler gradient curve. Conclusions. Doppler echocardiography provides an accurate and reliable method for estimating left ventricular maximal positive dP/dt, maximal negative dP/dt and the relaxation time constant (τ) in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Dendritic Encoding: An Alternative to Temporal Synaptic Coding of Conscious Experience☆

Abstract In this commentary, arguments are made for a dendritic code being preferable to a temporal synaptic code as a model of conscious experience. A temporal firing pattern is a product of an ongoing neural computation; hence, it is based on a neural algorithm and an algorithm may not provide the most suitable model for conscious experience. Reiteration of a temporal firing code as suggested in a preceding article (Helekar, 1999) does not necessarily improve the situation. The alternative model presented here is that certain synaptic activity patterns, possibly those possessing universal features as suggested by Helekar, can become encoded in the dendritic structure. Following dendritic encoding, quantum phenomena in those specific dendrite sets could illuminate the static image of that encoded synaptic activity. It is the activation of the static image that would be equivalent to conscious experience; thus, conscious awareness would not be directly affiliated with synaptic activity. This dendrite encoding model may go farther than other models to explain the gestalt nature of consciousness, insofar as quantum entanglement could produce an interconnectedness between specific sets of dendrites—an interconnectedness that need not be based on neural computation or neural connections.
Layer-by-layer surface ordering near a continuous transition in free-standing liquid-crystal films.

High-resolution heat-capacity experiments on free-standing films of the liquid-crystal compound 3(10)OBC near the smectic-A--hexatic-B phase transition have been conducted. The hexatic-B phase has been found to propagate into the smectic-A phase through a series of layer transitions, each appearing to be continuous. Furthermore, the evolution of the layer-by-layer transitions is shown to be inconsistent with recent theory regarding the fluctuation-induced forces of the highly anisotropic smectic phases.
Can the current molecular arsenal adequately track rapid divergence events within Simuliidae (Diptera)

Ancient rapid divergence events, such as those that took place during the Mesozoic, are pervasive in evolution and represent a major challenge to phylogenetic biologists. The number of molecular phylogenetic studies in which rapid divergence has been invoked to account for poor phylogenetic resolution has steadily increased over the past few years. In this study, rapid divergence events are again hypothesized to have taken place, this time within the two major tribes of Simuliidae, Prosimuliini and Simuliini. This inference is based upon the failure of portions of 28S rDNA, EF-1alpha, DDC, PEPCK, and 12S rDNA to adequately reconstruct relationships among their constituent genera and the presence of short internal and long terminal nodes within both tribes for all character partitions of these genes. Sequence divergence, other than synonymous variation within coding genes, was low among genera and node support weak, except largely for those joining morphologically similar taxa previously recognized as closely related. Strong attraction between a long terminal node (Austrosimulium Tonnoir) and a long internal node (Simuliini), is hypothesized to be the reason for strong support for the placement of Austrosimulium as the basal-most lineage in this tribe. In spite of these problems, a preferred tree intended to be a reasonable estimate of simuliid phylogeny is tentatively presented. Based upon the considerable genomic sampling conducted in this and previous studies, it is clear that new types of genes are needed to more adequately resolve rapid divergence phenomena. The CAD and GART loci, currently under development as phylogenetic markers by the author, show greater promise for resolving simuliid relationships than do any of the genes examined herein.
Japan and U.S. health policies for the 21st century: the role of geriatrics

Abstract In light of the present and projected growth of our aging populations, it is vital that the U.S. and Japan join forces in conducting research and instituting policies which will better serve not only the elderly, but the population as a whole. while Japan and the U.S. have differing cultural attitudes towards the elderly, both countries are reexamining the role of the elderly in society. It is clear that much comparative research needs to be done in the areas of changing current health care policies, attitudes towards the elderly and the aging process, as well as movements to empower the elderly. As geriatrics becomes an increasingly important field of medical and social study, Japan and the U.S. have much to learn from each other in preparing for our changing societies.
Expression of the murine fibroblast growth factor 5 gene in the adult central nervous system.

Abstract The murine homolog of the fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF-5) gene has been cloned, and the sequence of the gene's three exons has been determined. The murine gene and the previously isolated human FGF-5 gene are substantially homologous within the coding sequences and in upstream sequences, which contain an additional open reading frame. We have used a portion of the murine gene as probe to detect FGF-5 RNA in adult mouse tissues by both Northern blot and in situ hybridization methods. FGF-5 RNA is present at low levels in widely distributed areas of the central nervous system. Several loci of FGF-5 expression could be localized by in situ hybridization and include portions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. Neuronal expression accounts for at least some of the FGF-5 RNA synthesized in the central nervous system.
Abstract 2946: Post-transcriptional regulators of microRNA biogenesis regulate pathogenesis of cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as key regulators of both normal and pathologic phenotypes, including cancer. Fine grained regulation of their biogenesis, however, is still poorly understood and only a few of their key regulators have been characterized. In order to understand the extent and specificity of miR-biogenesis control, as well as the role of miR-biogenesis regulators in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, we set out to identify these regulators and profile their targets. We developed a genome-wide computational screening method that leverages miR and gene expression profiles in hundreds of samples to identify potential biogenesis regulators in glioma and ovarian cancer. In total, miRage predicted thirty miR-biogenesis regulators that are common to glioma and ovarian cancer tumors, and hundreds of glioma-specific and ovarian-cancer-specific regulators. Predicted regulators include known biogenesis regulators DGCR8, HNRNPA1, DDX5, LIN28 and SMAD family proteins. We validated selected regulators that are predicted to regulate miRs in both cancers and are differentially expressed across glioma prognosis. Differential expression of (1) mature miRs, (2) their host genes, (3) co-transcribed miRs, (4) miR precursors, and (5) pri-miRs were measured upon ectopic expression or RNAi-mediated silencing of the predicted regulators in a glioma cell line. DDX10 was predicted to up-regulate miR-218 biogenesis, and we showed that its ectopic expression up-regulates miR-218 at the pri-miRNA stage; up-regulation of DDX10 may account for miR-218 over-expression in poor-prognosis tumors. High-throughput screening by nanostring nCounter and fluidigm systems suggest that DDX10 regulation is broader effect than regulation by the known biogenesis regulator, DDX17. In total, we report on nearly a dozen validated miR-biogenesis regulators that were predicted by our computational screens. Our results suggest that miR biogenesis is a complex, context specific, and finely-regulated process, and that miR biogenesis regulators may influence tumor initiation and progression by altering the expression of specific tumor-suppressor and oncomirs or by modifying large miR programs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2946. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2946
A New Rang-instantaneous Doppler ISAR Imaging Algorithm

ISAR imaging algorithm based on sparse representation has the advantages of high resolution, noise suppression and dealing with gapped data effectively. The method is based on the hypothesis that the imaging targets move smoothly. But the movement of ISAR imaging targets is usually of high maneuverability, which results in big phase error after motion compensation. Using the traditional RD imaging algorithm and the imaging algorithm based on sparse representation will make the resultant image fuzzy, and can't even be identified. This paper introduces a new range- instantaneous Doppler imaging algorithm based on sparse representation and time-frequency transform, which can effectively image the maneuvering target. The experimental results validate the feasibility of this approach.
Institutionalizing microcomputers in developing bureaucracies: Theory and practice from Kenya*

Abstract The thesis of this article is that the significance of a computer application is more important than its simplicity in institutionalizing the application in a developing bureaucracy. This thesis is tested using a three part framework which measures the significance of an application, the complexity of an application, and the administrative capacity required to support the technology. Computer applications can be significant for policy, administration, or both, and ranked accordingly. The complexity of an application depends on its configuration (enduser versus systems) and its role (automate versus informate). Combining the categories of role and configuration defines the strategy of use which includes four types: enduser/automate, enduser/informate, system/automate, and system/informate. The third part of the framework, administrative capacity, has four components: policy, leadership, internal administration, and bureaucratic hygiene. This framework is then used to analyze computer applications ...
Theory of a correlated-emission free-electron laser.

The theory of a correlated-emission free-electron laser is developed for the case where the electron beam is initially in a coherent superposition of two pure momentum states. A strong correlation between the two laser modes is found under certain requirements on the electron beam and the relative phase diffusion coefficient can vanish.
Tactile perception of direction in relation to hemispheric locus of lesion.

Abstract The performances of patients with lesions of the right or the left hemisphere on a task involving the perception of the direction of tactile stimulation applied to the palms of the hands were compared with each other and with those of patients without cerebral disease. The results confirmed earlier findings of bilateral impairment in this function in a noteworthy proportion of patients with lesions of the right hemisphere. Patients with lesions of the left hemisphere showed significant impairment only in the right hand. Within the left hemisphere group, aphasic and non-aphasic patients did not differ with respect to level or pattern of performance. The results are interpreted as supporting the conclusion that the right hemisphere plays a distinctively important role in mediating spatial perception in the tactile as well as in the visual and auditory modalities.
Mutational analysis of the West Nile virus NS4B protein.

Abstract West Nile virus NS4B is a small hydrophobic nonstructural protein approximately 27 kDa in size whose function is poorly understood. Amino acid substitutions were introduced into the NS4B protein primarily targeting two distinct regions; the N-terminal domain (residues 35 through 60) and the central hydrophobic domain (residues 95 through 120). Only the NS4B P38G substitution was associated with both temperature-sensitive and small-plaque phenotypes. Importantly, this mutation was found to attenuate neuroinvasiveness greater than 10,000,000-fold and lower viremia titers compared to the wild-type NY99 virus in a mouse model. Full genome sequencing of the NS4B P38G mutant virus revealed two unexpected mutations at NS4B T116I and NS3 N480H (P38G/T116I/N480H), however, neither mutation alone was temperature sensitive or attenuated in mice. Following incubation of P38G/T116I/N480H at 41 °C, five mutants encoding compensatory substitutions in the NS4B protein exhibited a reduction in the temperature-sensitive phenotype and reversion to a virulent phenotype in the mouse model.
Reversible β-pleated sheet formation of a phosphorylated synthetic τ peptide

Serine 416 of human τ protein is believed to be phosphorylated in Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles. We synthesized a fragment of τ, consisting of amino acids 408–421 in both non-phosphorylated and serine 416 -phosphorylated forms. Circular dichroism in a trifluoroethanol-water mixture indicated a β-turn → β-pleated sheet conformational transition upon phosphorylation. The β-structure formation is intermolecular and can be inhibited by addition of Ca 2+ ions or a phosphorylated tripeptide, but not with its non-phosphorylated analog. The presence of the phosphorylated τ peptide did not facilitate the formation of β-pleated sheets of a phosphorylated neurofilament fragment. Multivalent cations induced a conformational transition of this phosphorylated neurofilament peptide, but the effect was less specific than the transition induced in the τ fragment, and it could also be reversed with the competing phosphorylated tripeptide.
Soil Compaction and Tillage Effects on Soil Physical Properties of a Mollic Ochraqualf in Northwest Ohio

ABSTRACT Soil compaction affects crop yields through alterations of soil physical properties and processes. Effects of 3 tillage methods and 3 compaction treatments on the physical properties of a clayey soil were investigated in the lakebed region of northwestern Ohio. Tillage treatments included no-till (NT), chisel plowing (CP), and moldboard plowing (MP). Compaction treatments were imposed for 3 consecutive years followed by 4 years without compaction. Compaction treatments involved control, 10 Mg, and 20 Mg axle load on single axis. Effects of tillage (as main plots) and axle load (as sub-plots) treatments were evaluated for 2 crop rotations: a 3-year rotation involving corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max)-oats (Avena sativa) and a 2-year rotation involving corn-soybean. These experiments were initiated in fall 1987, and measurements of soil physical properties were made in 1992 and 1993. Neither tillage nor compaction treatments had a significant effect on soil bulk density (ρb), and mean ρb measur...
The IFA-2 Collective Ion Accelerator System

A second generation ionization front accelerator system (IFA-2) is being brought into operation. Results of IFA-2 IREB optimization experiments, laser characterization experiments, beam switch experiments, and laser deflector experiments are presented. The status of the IFA-2 system is summarized.
Total and partial widths of isobaric analog resonances

Abstract Total and partial widths and resonance mixing phases for d 5 2 analog resonances in 87 Rb, 89 Y, 91,93 Nb, 93,97 Tc are calculated in the framework of a nonorthogonal, optical-model basis in a shell-model theory of reactions. The proton optical potential used is identical to that with which the experimental resonance parameters were extracted, for 89 Y and 91 Nb where the most detailed and unambiguous experimental studies have been made.
Simultaneous Determination of Pregabalin, Sildenafil and Its Active Metabolite in Rat Plasma Utilising SPE Followed by LC–MS–MS

A sensitive and selective analytical method for the quantification of pregabalin, sildenafil and the active desmethyl metabolite of sildenafil (UK-103320) has been developed. The method can simultaneously quantify the three analytes within the expected in vivo concentration ranges using 50 μL of rat plasma. It utilises solid-phase extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Quantitation in rat plasma demonstrated good accuracy and precision over the following dynamic ranges for each analyte: pregabalin (70–10,000 ng mL−1), sildenafil (1–2,000 ng mL−1) and UK-103320 (1–2,000 ng mL−1). For each analyte, the following lower limits of quantitation were obtained: 70 ng mL−1 for pregabalin and 1 ng mL−1 for sildenafil and UK-103320, respectively. The method was successfully used to analyse plasma samples from rats when pregabalin and sildenafil were administered in combination.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Fructose, Glucose, and Sucrose Concentration in Snap Bean Pods

Sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose, contribute signifi cantly to the fl avor and consumer acceptance of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Differences between dry and snap bean cultivars and among snap bean cultivars in the patterns of accumulation of sugars have been observed. In ‘Eagle’, a white-seeded, largesieve snap bean cultivar, fructose and glucose concentrations in developing pods decreased while sucrose concentration increased with increasing pod size. In contrast, fructose and glucose concentrations increased while sucrose remained unchanged with increasing pod size in Puebla 152, a black-seeded dry bean landrace from Mexico. A population derived from the cross Eagle × Puebla 152 consisting of 75 F 9:10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed by single seed descent. Signifi cant differences in fructose, glucose, and sucrose concentrations of sieve size 4 (8.33–9.52 mm) pods were observed among RILs. No signifi cant genotype × year interactions were observed. Heritability estimates for fructose, glucose, and sucrose were 0.85 ± 0.16, 0.81 ± 0.16, and 0.85 ± 0.16, respectively. A single quantitative trait locus (QTL) on linkage group B1 was identifi ed that is closely linked to random amplifi ed polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker W9.1050 and explains 28.8 and 26.6% of the variation in pod fructose and sucrose concentration, respectively. A two-QTL model, including W9.1050 and RAPD marker F8.500 on linkage group B6, explained 36.4% of the variation in glucose concentration in pods.
Translational control from head to tail

mRNA translation, a highly coordinated affair involving many proteins and RNAs, is generally divided into three steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. Each of these steps serves as a point of regulation to control the amount of protein that is produced. The protein 4E-HP has recently been shown to disrupt recruitment of the translation initiation complex by directly binding the 5' cap of cellular mRNAs. Recent work has shown elongation rates are probably altered during mitosis and certain types of synaptic transmission. Other work has shown premature termination of mRNAs lacking stop codons appears to repress their translation. Together, these studies highlight the importance of translational control in diverse processes such as development, cancer, and synaptic plasticity.
Co-carcinogenic effect of carbon black ingestion with dietary fat on the development of colon tumors in rats

Previous studies in our laboratory on the co-carcinogenic effect of the ingestion of an industrial carbon black (CB) on chemically induced colon cancer in rats and mice demonstrated no differences in tumor incidences attributable to CB feeding. The present study examined the effect of CB ingestion within the context of a high fat diet, formulated to simulate the typical diet of western industrialized nations. Corn oil was added to ground commercial chow at 20% by weight and CB added at 2.05 g/kg diet and fed for 52 weeks to female Sprague-Dawley rats. Colon tumors were induced with 16 weekly injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 10 mg/kg body weight). Tumor incidences in DMH-treated rats ingesting CB were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in those with no CB added to the diet (76% vs. 60%). The survival of CB + DMH treated animals (64%) was also lower than that of animals treated with DMH and not ingesting CB (80%). These findings may implicate CB ingestion as a co-carcinogen for industrial workers when acting in synergism with high fat diets and other unknown colon carcinogens.
Seasonal and Species Variation in Baseline Functions for Determining Crop Water Stress Indices in Turfgrass

Differences between CWSI baseline functions from 1986 and 1987 for common bermudagrass, buffalograss, and tall fescue were highly significant (P<0.01). Mean values of net radiation, VPD, and wind speed also were significantly different (P<0.01) for the seasons. Vapor pressure deficit usually accounted for more than 50% of the variability in T c −T a across seasons and turfgrass species. Using the energy-balance method to calculate CWSI and comparing these values with empirical calculated CWSI values reduced the portion of index differences that were greater than 0.1
Repetitive passive Q switching of single-frequency lasers

A simple model describing repetitive passive Q switching of a single-frequency laser with an intracavity saturable absorber is presented. Three coupled nonlinear rate equations are postulated to describe the inversion density of the amplifier, the inversion density of the absorber, and the photon density in the laser cavity. Each of the three variables is assumed to exhibit a simple exponential relaxation. By considering the linear equations describing small deviations about the expected equilibrium point, a condition on the various parameters is found that describes when repetitive pulsing will occur. Digital computer solutions are shown to verify this condition. Experiments with a CO 2 laser with an internal CO 2 absorber provide qualitative agreement with the model.
Intraoperative Fibrinolysis of Submacular Hemorrhage with Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Surgical Drainage

Purpose This pilot study determined the safety and efficacy of intraoperative pharmacologie lysis of recent submacular hemorrhage with tissue plasminogen activator followed by surgical drainage of the unclotted blood in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Methods In a prospective study, 24 consecutive eyes with recent ( Results Twenty eyes (83%) had improved visual acuity after surgery, and eight eyes (33%) attained visual acuity of 20/200 or better. In a subset of 16 eyes with submacular hemorrhage of seven days duration or less, eight (50%) attained visual acuity of 20/200 or better. Factors associated with poor visual outcome included submacular hemorrhage with duration greater than seven days (P Conclusions Tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis may be a valuable adjunct to the surgical treatment of select patients with sub-macular hemorrhages secondary to agerelated macular degeneration.
Superconductivity in the RTlSrCuO system with R = rare earths

Abstract Superconductivity above 40 K has been observed by low frequency ac susceptibility and resistance measurements in the RTlSrCuO system with R = La, Pr, Nd, and Y. Powder x-ray diffraction analyses for a nominal La2Tl2Sr2Cu3O10 sample and a nominal Pr2Tl2Sr2Cu3O10 sample showed that they were nearly single phase, and can be indexed to a tetragonal unit cell with a=3.775±0.005 A and c+35.35±0.05 A, and with a=3.762±0.005 A and c=35.34±0.05 A , respectively.
Melt-Welding and Improved Electrical Conductivity of Nonwoven Porous Nanofiber Mats of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Grown on Electrospun Polystyrene Fiber Template

A simple and efficient way of synthesizing conducting polymers on polymer templates and subsequently improving the connectivity between fibers and hence improving the electrical conductivity of nonwoven porous conducting polymer nanofiber mats is reported. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) conducting polymer was grown via a vapor-phase polymerization on a nonwoven porous mat of polystyrene (PS) nanofibers containing ferric p-toluenesulfonate (Fe-TS). The PS/Fe-TS nanofibers of diameter ∼300 nm were electrospun and exposed to 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) vapors. Two different vapor exposure conditions were studied. The shape of the PS template fibers is preserved best under the vapor exposure condition where the EDOT vapor does not condense on the fiber surface. A better electrical conductivity of the fiber mat can be obtained by condensing the EDOT vapor on the PS template fiber during the polymerization. This allows melt-welding of the fibers, which results in a better connectivity betwee...
Respiratory metabolism of the soft tick, Ornithodoros turicata (Dugès)

The rate of oxygen consumption was investigated in fed larval, nymphal and adult Ornithodoros turicata ticks and in starved nymphal and adult ticks. Oxygen consumption rate of fed adult ticks increased with increasing temperature. The metabolic rate of adult ticks was affected by starvation whereby starved adult ticks showed a significantly lower oxygen consumption than their fed counterparts. The oxygen consumption rate of fed female ticks was significantly higher than that of fed males but, there was no significant difference between the oxygen consumption rates of starved female versus starved male ticks. Oxygen consumption of fed larvae was significantly greater than those of fed first through third instar nymphs. Fed and starved nymphal ticks as well as fed adult ticks ventilated continuously. In contrast, starved adults ventilated discontinuously. The ability to reduce metabolic rate, plus the capability to ventilate discontinuously allow O. turicata adults to cope with prolonged starvation.
A Probabilistic Nonparametric Model for the Vertical-to-Horizontal Spectral Ratio

This article develops a probabilistic nonparametric model for the vertical-to-horizontal spectral ratio of earthquake ground motions. Using Relevance Vector Machines, the spectral ratio is characterized based on ground motion records. Unlike conventional models, the proposed method does not require a functional form, and treats the model coefficients as random variables instead of fixed quantities. Demonstrative examples using records from strike-slip earthquakes are presented, and the results are compared to those from the conventional empirical models. The proposed model provides reasonably good estimates using only three predictive variables: magnitude, distance, and shear wave velocity. Future studies will investigate near-fault ground motions.
Comparing the Effects of Antidepressants: Consensus Guidelines for Evaluating Quantitative Reviews of Antidepressant Efficacy

With increasing numbers of treatment options available for patients with major depression over the last decade and the growing body of evidence describing their efficacy and safety, clinicians often find it difficult to determine the best and most appropriate evidence-based treatment for each patient. Systematic reviews utilizing statistical methods that synthesize and evaluate data from a number of studies have become increasingly more available over the past decade. We review major findings and lessons learned from salient examples of quantitative analyses of antidepressant research and provide recommendations for meta-analysts, journal and grant reviewers, and research 'consumers' (ie, clinicians) for conducting, reporting, and evaluating such analyses.
Fungal infections in renal transplant patients

Organ transplantation has always been considered to be the standard therapeutic interventions in patients with end-stage organ failure. In 2008, more than 29,000 organ transplants were performed in US. Survival rates among transplant recipients have greatly improved due to better understanding of transplant biology and more effective immunosuppressive agents. After transplant, the extent of the immune response is influenced by the amount of interleukin 2 (IL-2) being produced by the T-helper cells. Transplant immunosuppressive therapy primarily targets T cell-mediated graft rejection. Calcineurin inhibitor, which includes cyclosporine, pimecrolimus and tacrolimus, impairs calcineurin-induced up-regulation of IL-2 expression, resulting in increased susceptibility to invasive fungal diseases. This immunosuppressive state allows infectious complication, leading to a high mortality rate. Currently, overall mortality due to invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in solid organ transplant recipients ranges between 25% and 80%. The risk of IFI following renal transplant is associated with the dosage of immunosuppressive agents given, environmental factors and post-transplant duration. Most fungal infections occur in the first 6 months after transplant because of the use of numerous immunosuppressors. Candida spp. and Cryptococcus spp. are the yeasts most frequently isolated, while most frequent filamentous fungi (molds) isolated are Aspergillus spp. The symptoms of systemic fungal infections are non-specific and early detection of fungal infections and proper therapy are important in improving survival and reducing mortality. This article will provide an insight on the risk factors and clinical presentation, compare variation in treatment of IFIs in renal transplant patients, and evaluate the role of prophylactic therapy in this group of patients. We also report the course and management of two renal transplant recipients admitted to Staten Island University Hospital, both of whom developed pulmonary complications secondary to Aspergillus infection.
Sex differences in the anatomical locations of human body scarification and tattooing as a function of pathogen prevalence

Abstract Pathogen prevalence can affect human mate selection because pathogen severity limits the number of high-quality pathogen-resistant mates. This creates a selection pressure to fashion mechanisms to identify and select pathogen-resistant mates. Gangestad and Buss have suggested that attractiveness indicates pathogen resistance. Humans in many instances enhance their attractiveness by using permanent body markings, such as tattooing and scarification. We hypothesized that as pathogen severity increases, so should permanent marking of body areas that are attended to for evaluating attractiveness and mate quality. Females were predicted to scarify their breasts and stomachs (due to the stomach being a component of waist-to-hip ratio), both indicative of youthfulness and fertility. Males were predicted to scarify those body parts indicative of sexual maturity and strength, such as the face, shoulders, and arms. Cross-cultural data revealed that pathogen prevalence predicts female stomach scarification independent of polygyny, famine, and social class stratification. The relationship between scarification of body parts and pathogen prevalence was not evident for males. These findings, based upon between-society comparisons, suggest that stomach scarification could act as a signal of female mate quality in societies that encounter a high prevalence of pathogens.
Constitutional courts as veto players: Divorce and decrees in Italy

This article argues that constitutional courts in Western European parliamentary systems should be integrated into discussions of how public policies are changed, rather than being viewed as an external veto point.It attempts to bridge a gap between a judicial politics literature that focuses on the micro-level of individual judges' votes and comparative scholarshipthat operates at the macro-level. A model for viewing constitutional courts as veto players, as a third institutional actor, is proposed and is then illustrated using the cases of legalizing divorce and blocking the executive reissuing decree laws in Italy. The model considers both the indirect and direct influences that constitutional courts can exert on the policy-making process. It also facilitates understanding and explaining the role of courts, as well as legislatures and executives, in conducting the interactions and bargaining that result in policy change.
Spinning-Disk Generation and Drying of Monodisperse Solid Aerosols with Output Concentrations Sufficient for Single-Breath Inhalation Studies

The air-driven spinning-disk aerosol generator was modified to allow the production of monodisperse dry spherical aerosols of disodium fluorescein (as model solute) in high output concentrations. Output concentrations were determined by filtration. Optical and aerodynamic size distributions were determined microscopically (after electrostatic precipitation) and by cascade impaction. The generator housing allowed the entrainment of 25-microns primary aqueous solution droplets in a 10-L X min-1 downward flow of dry, filtered air. Internal equipment surfaces were machined flush and polished to minimize aerosol losses. Primary droplets were dried within a stainless steel pipe encased in a tube furnace. Water vapor was removed by diffusion drying. Disk-driven air, satellite droplets, and additional dilution air were vented to waste without using a vacuum. Generator yields were increased by reducing the size of the satellite droplet extraction gap. Aerosols were generated reproducibly by delivering aqueous solutions at a rate of 0.2 mL X min-1 to the center of the disk and spinning at 1000 rps. Dry aerosols, with mass median aerodynamic diameters of 2, 4.9, and 9 microns, were produced in concentrations of 0.89, 5.48, and 54.6 micrograms X L-1 from aqueous solutions containing 0.0374, 0.584, and 3.4% solute by weight. Geometric standard deviations were less than 1.2 in all cases. Concentrations are several times higher than others in the literature and are suitable for single-breath inhalation studies of therapeutic aerosol deposition and effect.