cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of brain dynorphin in nitrous oxide antinociception in mice.

Earlier studies indicate that nitrous oxide antinociception is mediated by opioid receptors, and we have hypothesized that nitrous oxide stimulates a neuronal release of an endogenous opioid peptide (EOP) that stimulates opioid receptors. To further test this hypothesis, male NIH Swiss mice were pretreated intracerebroventricularly with rabbit antisera to opioid peptides or with various inhibitors of peptidases involved in the degradation of EOPs. Mice were subsequently exposed to three different concentrations of nitrous oxide in oxygen, and their antinociceptive responsiveness was measured using the acetic acid abdominal constriction test. Nitrous oxide antinociception was significantly attenuated by 24-h pretreatment with antisera to various fragments of dynorphin (DYN) but not by antisera against methionine-enkephalin (ME) or β-endorphin (β-EP). In other experiments, nitrous oxide antinociception was significantly enhanced by 30-min pretreatment with phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of endopeptidase 24.11, which has been implicated in DYN degradation, but not bestatin or captopril, which inhibit aminopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme, respectively. The latter enzymes have been implicated in degradation of certain EOPs albeit not DYN. These findings support the hypothesis that nitrous oxide antinociception in the mouse abdominal constriction test is mediated by endogenous DYN acting in the central nervous system.
Ventricular remodeling in children with left ventricular dysfunction secondary to various cardiomyopathies

The ventricular remodeling that occurs in adults with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is characterized by a change in LV shape from an ellipse to more of a sphere and is associated with increased functional mitral regurgitation (MR), decreased exercise tolerance, and poor outcome. There are limited data on the occurrence and importance of LV remodeling in children with LV dysfunction. The purposes of this study were to evaluate in children with LV dysfunction (1) LV shape, (2) changes in LV shape as LV function improves, and (3) the relation between LV shape and functional MR. Children with LV dysfunction were identified and compared with controls. Patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes were noted. Echocardiograms were reviewed for LV function and shape (sphericity index). The echos of a subset of children whose LV ejection fractions (LVEFs) increased by >10% over a follow-up of >6 months were analyzed for changes in sphericity, mitral annulus size, and the degree of MR. Twenty-five children with LV dysfunction were compared with 37 age-matched controls. LV remodeling to a more spherical shape was inversely related to LVEF but was not associated with clinical outcome. In a subset of patients (n = 17) whose LVEFs improved, the reversal of remodeling (decrease in sphericity index) was associated with a decrease in MR and mitral annulus size. In conclusion, LV remodeling occurs in children with LV dysfunction. The reversal of this remodeling with a decrease in the degree of MR and the size of the mitral annulus occurs as systolic function improves.
Pulmonary function and electrolyte balance following spironolactone treatment in preterm infants with chronic lung disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Pulmonary Function and Electrolyte Balance Following Spironolactone Treatment in Preterm Infants With Chronic Lung Disease: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial
Renal angiomyolipoma. A clinicopathologic study of 32 cases

The data from 32 cases of angiomyolipoma (renal hamartoma) are presented: 23 of the tumors were removed at surgery and nine at autopsy. The histopathologic findings are reviewed and the spectrum of gross renal involvement is emphasized. On the basis of the duration of symptoms and findings and the subsequent course of patients subjected to surgical resection, the clinical behavior of the tumor is assessed. Of particular interest is the relationship of this tumor to the tuberous sclerosis complex. Data presented indicate that many of the patients have various components of the syndrome, which in some patients have familial manifestations. It is inferred from this study that the tuberous sclerosis complex may vary in expression from a solitary renal tumor to the fully developed clinical syndrome.
Correction of Sample Absorption of Radioactivity

In the method presented here for the correction of sample absorption of C(14) activity, the only requirement is the availability of any C(14)-labeled compound of sufficiently high specific activity to permit addition, in negligible mass, of a number of counts equal to or greater than that in unknown samples and with solubility characteristics that exclude preferential layering during drying of samples. The principle may be applied to liquid scintillation counting. Absorption curves are dispensed with, and the weights of the assayed samples need not be determined.
Cell cycle block in anergic T cells during tolerance induction

The induction of anergy, or T cell unresponsiveness to antigen, is preceded by T cell activation and cell division in response to fed antigens. These events parallel the activation observed in T cells following sensitization with antigen and adjuvant. The events that distinguish eventual sensitization versus tolerance remain unclear. Using a T lymphocyte transfer model specific to OVA, we demonstrated previously that oral encounter with antigen leads to functional anergy. Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells nevertheless become activated and cycle briefly after encounter with antigen. In this study, we measured the extent of cell cycling of antigen-specific T cells after oral encounter with their antigen. Whereas T cells cycle on the average of eight times in 4 days after conventional immunization, an abortive proliferation was observed in the draining LN T cells after oral encounter with antigen; OVA-specific T cells divided fewer times after exposure to fed OVA, compared to T cells in mice immunized with OVA. This abortive proliferation is antigen specific and not due to bystander suppression, as coadministration of an unrelated antigen that was previously used as a tolerogen does not alter the degree of abortive proliferation. Measurement of BrdU incorporation in mice that were previously fed ovalbumin indicates that up to 3 days following feeding, OVA-specific cells are actively cycling in vivo. However, by day 4, they have stopped cycling while identical T cells in OVA-sensitized mice continue to cycle. Our results indicate either that tolerance is a default pathway and a secondary stimulus is required at day 3 to progress to sensitization, or that elements that limit cell cycle progression are provided for tolerance induction.
Mass Localism for Improving America's Education.

To build a better education system, America must build on what we have—differentiation, uniqueness, and diversity.
How therapists specializing in hand therapy evaluate the ability of patients to participate in their daily lives: An exploratory study

Abstract Study design Exploratory, Survey Design. Introduction A gap in current knowledge exists regarding how therapists evaluate patient difficulty participating in life situations. Purpose The goal is to explore how therapists measure participation. Methods A survey questionnaire was developed, piloted, and tested for reliability and validity. Convenience sample of 249 participants responded, providing information about assessment tools employed, problems and goals identified, indications for patient discharge, and participants' demographics. Results Participants used tools to measure body structures/functions, and informal discussion about daily activities, daily to weekly. Participation measures were employed monthly or less. Participation was noted more often in goals than problems identified in case study vignettes. Body structures/functions and participation were considered equally when anticipating patient discharge. Conclusions Evaluations principally employed tools and identified problems relevant to impairments in body structures/functions. Yet, when looking forward, setting goals and anticipating discharge, patients' participation needs were also attended. Level of evidence 2c
THE 1994–1995 MANYARA AND KWAMTORO EARTHQUAKE SWARMS: VARIATION IN THE DEPTH EXTENT OF SEISMICITY IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

Seismicity within two earthquake swarms (mb 1.0 to 4.0) in northern Tanzania recorded by the 1994–1995 Tanzania Broadband Seismic Experiment has been investigated through event relocation, modelling of regional depth phases and examination of focal mechanisms. In the Manyara swarm, seismicity is distributed over a region ~20 km wide and extends to >30 km depth. Hypocenters correlate well with the Manyara Rift, and focal mechanisms of many events show normal faulting with nodal planes having the same north-northeast orientation as the Manyara Rift border fault. This result indicates that the events are consistent with slip along the border fault and related faults beneath the Manyara Rift, and shows that the faults extend into the lower crust. Seismicity in the KwaMtoro swarm is distributed over a region ~10 km wide but extends only to ~12 km depth. There are no mapped faults above the swarm, but a strong correlation between the north to south orientation of the swarm, the north to south orientation of nodal planes in focal mechanisms, and north to south striking extensional structures nearby, suggest that events in this swarm could be caused by slip on a system of rift faults. However, a magma-driven origin for either swarm cannot be ruled out either.
Detection of Membrane Biointeractions Based on Fluorescence Superquenching

Assays for biointeractions of molecules with supported lipid bilayers using fluorescence superquenching are described. A conjugated cationic polymer was adsorbed on to silica microspheres, which were then coated with an anionic lipid bilayer. The lipid bilayer attenuated superquenching by acting as a barrier between the conjugated polymer and its quencher. Biointeractions of the lipid bilayer with a membrane lytic peptide, melittin, were detected and quantitated by superquenching of the conjugated polyelectrolyte in flow cytometric and microfluidic bioassays. A higher sensitivity for detecting melittin lysis of the lipid bilayer at lower concentrations and shorter times for melittin action was found using flow cytometry in this study in comparison to other existing methods. This study combined the sensitivity of superquenching and flow cytometry to detect biointeractions with a lipid bilayer, which serves as a platform for developing functional assays for sensor applications, lipid enzymology, and investigations of molecular interactions. In addition, this study demonstrated proof-of-concept for using superquenching detected as a result of lipid bilayer disruption in a microfluidic format.
Coping with Medicare Part D's effects on patient assistance programs.

This interview was conducted on July 13, 2006, with Jennifer P. Askew, B.S., Pharm.D., Coordinator of Outpatient Pharmacy Services at New Hanover Health Network in Wilmington, North Carolina. Askew was interviewed by Donna Young, news writer for the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. The
Liquid curtains—I. Fluid mechanics

Abstract A mathematical model of liquid curtains which accounts for gravity, surface tension, pressure differences and nozzle exit geometry is presented. Analytical solutions are obtained in the absence of friction and compared with the results of numerical calculations; differences of at most three percent in the convergence length, are obtained between the numerical and analytical results even for nozzle exit angles of thirty degrees. It is shown that the convergence length is a monotonically increasing function of the Froude number, initial thickness to initial radius ratio, pressure difference and nozzle exit angle. The convergence length increases as the Weber number is increased. It is also shown that very small pressure differences between the gas enclosed by and the gas surrounding the liquid curtain are required to dramatically increase the convergence length. Pressure differences higher than a critical value which is related to the Froude and Weber numbers, are shown to result in flow divergence.
Effective Membrane Model of the Immunological Synapse

The immunological synapse is a patterned collection of different types of receptors and ligands that forms in the intercellular junction between T cells and antigen presenting cells during recognition. The synapse is implicated in information transfer between cells, and is characterized by different spatial patterns of receptors at different stages in the life cycle of T cells. We obtain a minimalist model that captures this experimentally observed phenomenology. A functional renormalization group analysis provides further insights.
The noncoplanar 6Li(p, pd)4He reaction at 120 MeV, and the 6Li cluster momentum wave function

Abstract The 6Li(p, pd)4He reaction was studied at 119.6 MeV, at the quasifree angle-pair (θp, θd) = (40°, 59°), for noncoplanarity angles 0° ⩽ φ ⩽ 36°. The deduced 6Li αd spectroscopic factor (0.75) and momentum distribution (73 MeV/c) FWHM) agree reasonably well with most other intermediate-energy measurements. A minimum and adjacent secondary maximum in the integrated cross section versus φ, predicted by the DWIA theory, was observed for the first time. Cross sections at large φ are about 2.5 times greater than the DWIA predictions, suggesting contributions of higher-order processes not included in the DWIA treatment of the reaction, or larger momenta than the cluster wave function contains.
CD34 + , kit + , rhodamine123 low phenotype identifies a marrow cell population highly enriched for human hematopoietic stem cells

We hypothesized that human hematopoietic cells displaying a CD34+, kit-, rhodamine123(low) phenotype would be highly enriched for cells with stem-like properties. To test this hypothesis, we employed fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate cells with this phenotype from normal light density marrow mononuclear cells (MNC). CD34+, kit+, rhodamine123(low) cells comprised from 0.05-0.01% of the total MNC population. They were small, had scant cytoplasm, and contained nuclei with dense, hyperchromatic chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Additional immunophenotyping revealed that these cells were CD33-, CD38-, CD20-, and glycophorin A-. When plated in semisolid cultures containing optimal concentrations of IL-3, GM-CSF, KL, EPO, IL-6, and IL-1 these cells did not form colonies. However, when cultured over irradiated stromal cells, cobblestone areas were observed to form after 3 weeks, and harvested cells were able to initiate long-term cultures. To further demonstrate that these cells were indeed stem like, we also tested their ability to engraft and mature in immunocompromised (SCID) mice. Irradiated (400 cGy) SCID mice were transplanted with 2 x 10(3) candidate stem cells which were then injected with recombinant human growth factors every other day. Two months post-transplant the animals were sacrificed. PCR and FACS analysis of marrow and spleen cell samples revealed the presence of cells expressing human CD45 consistent with engraftment of human stem cells and the establishment of murine-human chimerism. Moreover, MNC isolated from transplanted mice formed unambiguously human BFU-E, CFU-GM and B cell colonies when stimulated with the appropriate growth factors. Accordingly, we have identified a relatively rapid and simple mechanism for isolating primitive human hematopoietic cells with stem cell-like properties. We anticipate that this strategy will be useful for experimental and therapeutic applications that require human stem cells in quantity.
Color and electroweak forces as a source of quark and lepton masses

Abstract It is suggested that the familiar color and electroweak forces may be responsible for the intrinsic masses of the quarks and leptons in theories without elementary scalar fields. A model illustrating this possibility is presented, in which quarks are composites of more elementary fermions. In models of this sort, the masses of various composites arise from different number of gluon and/ or electroweak gauge-boson exchanges, and therefore have ratios of order e 2 8π 2 or g 2 color 8π 2 .
Geochronology of Precambrian metamorphic rocks, north-central New Mexico

New K-Ar and Rb-Sr data have been obtained for Precambrian rocks of north-central New Mexico. K-Ar dates fall into one group with a mean of 1,325 ± 13 m.y. and another with a mean of 1,257 ± 21 m.y. The former conforms to the 1,350-m.y. B.P. event reported in previous literature. The latter defines a 1,250-m.y. B.P. event that is both tectonic and hydrothermal. Limited new Rb-Sr data support a 1,425-m.y. isochron. Thus, there are four events for the Precambrian rocks of northern New Mexico: (1) 1,673-m.y. B.P. intrusion of “Embudo Granite”; (2) 1,425-m.y. B.P. tectonic and metamorphic event accompanied by pegmatite emplacement; (3) 1,350-m.y. B.P. thermal event; and (4) 1,250-m.y. B.P. tectonic and hydrothermal event.
Non-invasive imaging of angiogenesis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is the seventh most common cancer in the United States. Angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed, is an essential element at the basis of both tumor growth and metastases. This review discusses pertinent aspects of the role of imaging modalities in assessing angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy in advanced HNSCC.
Real time monitoring of sickle cell hemoglobin fiber formation by UV resonance Raman spectroscopy.

In sickle cell hemoglobin, individual tetramers associate into long fibers as a consequence of the mutation at the β6 position. In this study UV resonance Raman spectroscopy is used to monitor the formation of Hb S fibers in real time through aromatic amino acid vibrational modes. The intermolecular contact formed by the mutation site (1β16 Glu→Val) of one tetramer and the 2β285 Phe−2β288 Leu hydrophobic pocket on a different tetramer is observed by monitoring the increase in signal intensity of Phe vibrational modes as a function of time, yielding kinetic progress curves similar to those obtained by turbidity measurements. Comparison of individual spectra collected at early time points (<1000 s) show small Phe intensity changes, which are attributed to weak transient associations of Hb S tetramers during the initial stages of the polymerization process. At later times (1000−2000 s) Phe signal intensity steadily increases because of increasing hydrophobicity of local Phe environment, a consequence of form...
Epilepsy surgery of posterior quadrant dysplasia in the first year of life: experience of a single centre with long term follow-up

Abstract Posterior quadrant dysplasia (PQD) is a rare variant of cortical dysplasia involving the posterior regions of a single hemisphere. It is always associated with early onset, refractory epilepsy often characterized by a "catastrophic" evolution. The experience on its surgical management during the first year of life is limited to sporadic, isolated cases. Between 2002 and 2005, four children less than one-year-old and affected by drug-resistant epilepsy associated with PQD were admitted to our Institution and underwent surgical treatment. One patient remained seizure-free during all the follow-up (Engel I). The remaining three children showed a recurrence of the seizures, requiring subsequent surgical procedures in two cases. In one case (Engel II), the seizure control has been obtained thanks to pharmacological treatment. The other two patients respectively had only a partial (Engel III) and a less relevant reduction of the number of seizures (Engel IV). Both the epileptic and the neuropsychological outcome of our series were significantly influenced by persistent contralateral interictal anomalies rather than by the timing of the surgical procedure. Unpredictable results should be expected in this kind of patients if there is the detection of contralateral independent epileptiform activities on the EEG at diagnosis. Parents and relatives should be aware of the results' variability, even though a reduction of seizures may be expected, enabling an easier handling of the child's condition.
Pregabalin: A novel γ-aminobutyric acid analogue in the treatment of neuropathic pain, partial-onset seizures, and anxiety disorders

Abstract Background: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin in December 2004 for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Pregabalin is the first drug approved in the United States and in Europe for both conditions. In June 2005, pregabalin was approved as an adjunctive treatment in adults with partial-onset seizures. The FDA currently is considering the approval of pregabalin as adjunctive therapy in adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD). Objectives: The goals of this review were to summarize the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability of pregabalin; review its approved uses in the management of neuropathic pain and refractory partial-onset seizures; and investigate its potential use in patients with GAD or SAD. Methods: Relevant English-language literature was identified through a search of MEDLINE (1993–June 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (2000–June 2006). The search terms included pregabalin, Lyrica, S-(+)-3 isobutylgaba, PN, DPN, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, PHN, postherpetic neuralgia, partial seizures, epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder, and CI-1008 . Results: In 4 clinical trials in a total of 1068 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the patients receiving pregabalin 300 to 600 mg/d had significantly greater improvement in mean pain scores than placebo recipients ( P ≤ 0.01). Patients with postherpetic neuralgia receiving pregabalin 450 to 600 mg/d had significantly greater improvement in relief of pain and pain-related sleep interference than placebo recipients ( P ≤ 0.002). Patients with refractory partial-onset seizures who received pregabalin 150 to 600 mg/d (divided into 2 or 3 doses) concomitantly with antiepileptic drugs had significantly fewer seizures than placebo recipients ( P ≤ 0.001). In the 3 studies that evaluated the efficacy of pregabalin in patients with GAD or SAD, the patients receiving pregabalin 200 to 600 mg/d (divided into 2 or 3 daily doses) had a significantly greater reduction in mean pain scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale than placebo recipients ( P ≤ 0.01). Across all the reviewed clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse effects (AEs) were those affecting the central nervous system, including somnolence (≤50%), dizziness (≤49%), and headache (≤29%). AEs resulted in withdrawal from the study in ≤32% of patients. Conclusions: Pregabalin appears to be an effective therapy in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and adults with refractory partial-onset seizures. The available data suggest that pregabalin may be beneficial as an adjunctive therapy in adult patients with GAD or SAD.
Electromagnetic Pulse Interaction with Mammalian Cranial Structures

The transmitted field strengths in homogeneous spherical models of human and animal heads are determined as a function of time and position, using frequency analytic techniques for an impinging pulse of Gaussian character. A relaxation process and constant conductivity are assumed for the electrical behavior of brain matter. The constant conductivity process predicts continued decrease in pulse amplitude as it advances in the head starting from the leading surface; however, the relaxation process predicts reduction only from the surface to the center. Moreover, it appears that the transmitted pulse in a spherical model of the head is always related to the time derivative of the incident radiation. Numerical results indicate that the transmitted pulse amplitude is quite small and can be estimated using the constant conductivity model.
Monte Carlo estimation under different distributions using the same simulation

Two methods for reducing the computer time necessary to investigate changes in distribution of random inputs to large simulation computer codes are presented. The first method produces unbiased estimators of functions of the output variable under the new distribution of the inputs. The second method generates a subset of the original outputs that has a distribution corresponding to the new distribution of inputs. Efficiencies of the two methods are examined.
Factors associated with parental ratings of condition severity for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Background There is currently little consensus on how the severity of a child's autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be measured, and yet despite the lack of a standardized definition, parents were readily able to answer a question asking them to describe the severity of his/her child's ASD in a national survey. Objective The current study examined factors associated with a parent's judgment of ASD severity, by identifying child and household characteristics that were associated with a parent's severity rating of his/her child's ASD, including child ASD symptomatology, child impact, and family impact. Methods Data came from the 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services (“Pathways”). A total of 967 parents in households with a child diagnosed with ASD between the ages of 6–17 were eligible for the current study. A measurement model was used to create latent factors of child symptoms, child impact, and family impact; multivariate logistic regression models examined the relationship between these latent factors and the parent's severity rating of their child's ASD. Results Children with higher family impact factor scores were more likely to have parents who rated their child's ASD as the most severe. Surprisingly, symptomatology and impact on the child were less predictive of severe ratings. Conclusions A parent's conceptualization of their child's ASD severity may vary more as a function of the impact of the child's condition on the family and less as a function of the symptoms exhibited by the child or the impact directly felt by the child.
Model-Based Geostatistics

(2008). Model-Based Geostatistics. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 103, No. 483, pp. 1325-1326.
Intrapelvic pressure monitoring in the partially obstructed porcine kidney

Abstract Objectives. The diagnosis of urinary obstruction in newborns and infants remains difficult because the diagnostic studies available at present are fraught with many problems. It is our premise that precise measurement of renal pelvic pressures under physiologic conditions in patients with urinary tract dilation will allow diagnosis of obstruction and prediction of further renal damage. This study evaluates an intrapelvic pressure monitoring system. Methods. Four porcine subjects had partial ureteropelvic junction obstruction createdsurgically; two subjects were used as controls. Doppler ultrasound and MAG-3 furosemide renography were performed preoperatively and each week pressures were measured with a Millar 5 F solid-state pressure transducer and the analog signals were converted on line to digital information to allow signal processing and later data analysis. Antegrade nephrostograms were obtained at the same sitting and showed that the model remained stable over time. Measurements were obtained at physiologic flow rates as well as at the standard Whitaker infusion rate of 10 cc/min. Results. Thirteen pressure studies were performed on 9 kidneys. Each study was classifiedas normal (4), partial obstruction (8), or total obstruction (1), based on ultrasound and nephrostogram criteria. The normal units had baseline pressures of 4.12±0.94 cm water (H2O), which increased to 9.12 ± 1.38 cm H2O with infusion. In the partially obstructed group, baseline was 16.4±3.83 cm H2O and increased to 35.3 ± 15.9 cm H2O with infusion. The kidney with total obstruction showed a baseline pressure of 27 cm H2O, which increased to 68 cm H2O with infusion. These pressure measurements were also compared to furosemide renography. Conclusions. Intrapelvic pressures correlated well with conventional ultrasound andnephrostogram in the evaluation of partial obstruction. However, the results of furosemide renography and the Whitaker test were quite variable and did not accurately define partial obstruction or correlate with intrapelvic pressure. The Millar solid-state transducer monitoring system is an accurate method of evaluating the intrapelvic pressure and could possibly become a standard for diagnosing significant urinary obstruction against which other studies can be evaluated.
Nitrogen balance of women consuming cottonseed protein.

This study investigated the ability of cottonseed protein in liquid formula diets to maintain the nitrogen balance of twelve young women at the level of protein intake usually eaten by adults in the United States. Four levels of defatted cottonseed flour (0, 30, 60, and 100%) and R1-5, a commercially available protein product presumed to be adequate to support nitrogen balance, were used to provide 10 grams of nitrogen. After equilibration each diet was fed for 7 days. Mean daily nitrogen balances were −0.05, S.D. 1.28, +0.76, S.D. 1.62; +0.35, S.D. 2.46; and +1.42, S.D. 1.88 for the 0, 30, 60, and 100% cottonseed diets. The ratios of essential to nonessential amino acids were 0.82, 0.76, 0.67, and 0.59 for the diets from 0 to 100% cottonseed. At the level fed in this study, cottonseed protein adequately maintained nitrogen equilibrium in young adult women.
Cardiac interventions under MRI guidance using robotic assistance

Transapical aortic valve replacement under MRI guidance in a beating heart is a recent minimally invasive technique that could benefit from a surgical assistant system. We present a robotic surgical assistant system that can precisely and repeatably deliver aortic valve prostheses. The surgical system consists of an imaging system, an Innomotion robotic arm, a 3-DoF valve delivery module and user interfaces. Interactive control allows the physician to remain in the loop and adjust the orientation and position using real-time MR feedback. The 3-DoF valve delivery module is developed to deploy both balloon-expandable and self-expanding stented prostheses. We use a new compact fiducial that can be placed close to the volume of interest and requires a single image plane for image based robot registration. We evaluate the MRI compatible valve delivery module for both types of prostheses. The accuracy for prosthesis delivery is about 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, for self-expanding and balloon-expandable prostheses, respectively. Preliminary results in ex-vivo experimentation suggest that the robotic system can be translated into animal and clinical models.
The effectiveness of computerized instruction at the college level: Five suggestions for successful implementation

Although the literature suggests that computers cannot completely replace traditional learn­ ing environments, a closer examination offactors that confound method with medium offers new research avenues for successful implementation of computer-based learning at the college level. Five suggestions for successful implementation ofcomputers in the university setting are discussed. Attempts to integrate computers into higher level edu­ cation are evidenced by the growing number of computer learning centers on college campuses and the allocation of federal funds to individuals working to train instruc­ tors in the implementation and use of computers in the college classroom. The purpose of this paper is to pro­ vide reasons and suggestions for implementing the com­ puter at the college level. The difficulty in presenting these suggestions is that I may be in the position of preaching to the choir. The very name of this society (and journal) suggests a bias in favor ofteaching psychology with com­ puters. Perhaps this paper will be more useful if viewed as an outline for apologetics to be used when one must de­ fend computer implementation to colleagues and adminis­ trators. This talk might better be titled "How to Win Col­ leagues and Influence Administrators." Allow me to review five suggestions for the successful implementation of computer-assisted instruction (CAl) and computer-based instruction (CBI) at the college level. First, one should emphasize the resources that are con­ served with CAl and CBI rather than those that are lost. Although the haphazard implementation of computers into courses can result in wasted time and money (Castellan, 1986; Eamon, 1986), numerous studies have shown that once computers are integrated into a course, teachers are freed from technical duties involved in the preparation of demonstrations and experiments. Students also have the op­ portunity to utilize time effectively. While more advanced
Priming primates: Human and otherwise

The radical nub of Byrne & Russon's argument is that passive priming effects can produce much of the evidence of higher-order cognition in nonhuman primates. In support of their position we review evidence of similar behavioral priming effects n humans. However, that evidence further suggests that even program-level imitative behavior can be produced through priming.
Biodiversity below ground: probing the subterranean ant fauna of Amazonia

Ants are abundant, diverse, and ecologically dominant in tropical forests. Subterranean ants in particular are thought to have a significant environmental impact, although difficulties associated with collecting ants underground and examining their ecology and behavior have limited research. In this paper, we present the results of a study of subterranean ant diversity in Amazonian Ecuador that employs a novel probe to facilitate the discovery of species inhabiting the soil horizon. Forty-seven species of ants in 19 genera, including new and apparently rare species, were collected in probes. Approximately 19% of the species collected at different depths in the soil were unique to probe samples. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) results showed that the species composition of ants collected with the probe was significantly different from samples collected using other techniques. Additionally, ANOSIM computations indicated the species assemblage of ants collected 12.5 cm below the surface was significantly different from those found at 25, 37.5, and 50 cm. Ant diversity and species accumulation rates decreased with increasing depth. There were no species unique to the lowest depths, suggesting that subterranean ants may not be distributed deep in the soil in Amazonia due to the high water table. The technique we describe could be used to gain new insights into the distribution and biology of subterranean ant species and other members of the species-rich soil invertebrate macrofauna.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycopeptides

MUC1 glycopeptide was efficiently coupled to glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) derivatives by sortase A (SrtA), verifying that SrtA can accept sterically hindered glycopeptide as substrate for ligation with GPIs. This work has established a practical method for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of GPI-linked glycopeptides.
ASHP therapeutic position statement on the use of second-generation antipsychotic medications in the treatment of adults with psychotic disorders.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) recognizes that schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other psychotic disorders are serious mental illnesses that can significantly affect an individual’s perceptual, behavioral, affective, and cognitive functions. These conditions
Error analysis in acoustic elastography. I. Displacement estimation

Correlation between acoustic echo signals obtained before and after application of an external compressional force provides information about the internal deformation of an elastic medium. In this paper, the variance for displacement estimated from an echo data segment and the covariance between two windowed segments that may overlap are derived. The signal and noise spectra are Gaussian and independent. The dependence of the displacement variance on input signal-to-noise ratio (SNRi), time-bandwidth product W, fractional bandwidth Y−1, and the rate of displacement variation with depth a is investigated. The relationship between a and the other experimental parameters is crucial for understanding how signal decorrelation affects displacement error. The expression for displacement variance reduces to the Cramer-Rao lower bound result when a=0 and W≫1 for both bandpass and base-band signals. When a≠0 displacement variance increases, and there is an optimal window length at W=20/a1+Y2 for which the displacem...
The effects of basis set quality and configuration mixing in ab initio calculations of the ionization potentials of the nitrogen molecule

Systematic configuration interaction calculations of the adiabatic ionization potentials of N2(1Σg+) to the X 2Σg+, A 2Πu and B 2Σu+ states of N2+ give best results of 15.62, 16.41, and 18.93 eV compared with observed values of 15.576, 16.694, and 18.746 eV. The computed values are near the complete basis limit for a wave function containing single and double excitations from the Hartree–Fock configuration with the Langhoff–Davidson correction for unlinked cluster quadruple excitations. The critical dependence of ionization potentials on basis is demonstrated. Vertical ionization potentials at near the N2 ground state equilibrium internuclear separation are compared for a variety of basis sets using different computational methods. In particular, an important comparison is made with the EOM calculation of Herman, Yeager, Freed, and McKoy using a ’’double‐zeta+polarization’’ basis identical to one used in this study. We conclude that agreement to within ∼0.2 eV can be expected for ionization potentials bet...
Approach for targeting landers and penetrators using orbital optical navigation

Onboard orbital optical navigation data is analyzed with the purpose of generating topographic maps for selecting a landing site. It is suggested that a near-real time orbit-determination process be used for solving a large set of parameters including the spacecraft orbit and primary-body gravity field, the rotational properties of the planetary body, the coordinates of surface features, and the camera-pointing and orientation angles of each picture. A batch-sequential formulation of the standard least-squares problem is employed, along with backward smoothing and a square-root formation filter. An experiment in which over 100 images of Phobos are processed to estimate about 2000 parameters is presented, with emphasis on coordinate systems, transforming points on the reference surface to images in the picture, parameter estimation, and cartographic accuracy.
A Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanical Model of Structural Relaxation in Glass

We derive a new model of structural relaxation in glass based on nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and the Stillinger model of inherent structures. Our model follows the evolution of a system from its equilibrium liquid state through an arbitrary cooling path and allows for the computation of macroscopic properties as a function of time. Using this new model, we have numerically demonstrated for the first time the connection between the topography of a potential energy landscape in 1-D and its corresponding fragility.
Closed-Form Theoretical Solution for Finite-Depth Seepage below Flat Apron with Equal End Cutoffs and a Downstream Step

AbstractThe paper gives a closed-form theoretical solution for the steady seepage below the flat horizontal impervious apron of a hydraulic structure with equal end cutoffs, with a step at the downstream end, founded on a pervious medium of finite depth. This is obtained by using Schwarz-Christoffel transformation in two stages. The numerical solution of the resulting implicit equations involving elliptic integrals gives the uplift pressures at key points, seepage discharge factor, and exit gradient factor in terms of nondimensional floor profile ratios. Design charts have been given for these seepage characteristics.
Porosity Determinations in Buried and Surface Layers of Porous Silicon

Gravimetric techniques offer a convenient and accurate method of determining surface layer porosity in both n- and p-type porous silicon (PS). Porosity of the PS affects its volume expansion on oxidation and the insulating properties of the resulting oxide. Optimal porosity (ca. 55%) yields fully dense, insulating oxides with minimal expansion-induced stresses. Two factors affect the porosity: chemical dissolution of PS by the anodization electrolyte, and oxidation of the PS to produce a native oxide on the surface. Buried layer porosities cannot normally be measured by gravimetric techniques unless the volume of the buried layer is large enough to yield a measurable weight change on anodization. We therefore used a form of Faraday's Law to determine buried layer porosities and determined that they can be correlated with porosities of surface layers formed under identical conditions. 9 refs., 4 figs.
On the reaction of protons with methane, ammonia, water and oxygen

Abstract The reactions of protons with CH4, NH3, H2O, and O2 have been examined by the ICR trapped ion and ion ejection methods. The reaction of H+ with CH4 produces both the CH4+ ion by charge transfer and the CH3+ ion by hydride ion abstraction in the ratio 2:3, respectively. The reactions with NH3, H2O, and O2 proceed exclusively by charge transfer. The rate constants for the reactions are: H+ CH4, (3.8 ± 0.3) × 10−9; H+ NH3, (5.2 ± 0.5) × 10−9; H+ H2O, (8.2 ± 0.6) × 10−9; and H+ O2, (1.17 ± 0.09) × 10−9 cm3/s.
Explaining homeless youths' criminal justice interactions: Childhood trauma or surviving life on the streets?

Homeless youth are at increased risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. This study investigated childhood trauma as a risk factor for arrest or jail among a sample of youth seeking services at drop in, shelter, and transitional housing settings, while controlling for more established risk factors including: substance use, peer deviance, and engagement in survival behaviors. Standardized and researcher developed measures collected quantitative data through face-to-face interviews with youth (N = 202). Two sequential logic regression models identified significant predictors of arrest and jail, with a particular interest in the effects of childhood maltreatment. Youth with a history of physical abuse were nearly twice as likely to be arrested and to be jailed compared to non-abused youth, controlling for the significant influence of drug use and survival behaviors. These findings suggest the need for trauma screening and trauma-informed services for homeless youth at risk of illegal behavior.
Bradykinin, digital blood flow, and the arteriovenous anastomoses.

Bradykinin injected ipsilaterally into the brachial artery has been shown rheoplethys mographically to produce digital vascular changes which are the same as those observed in reactive hyperemia. The changes seem to be due to a selective constriction of the A-V shunts with dilatation of the arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. These vessels seem to dilate largely in passive response to the constriction of the A-V shunts.
Perceptual Load and Visuocortical Processing: Event-Related Potentials Reveal Sensory-Level Selection

Behavioral evidence suggests that the processing of parafoveal stimuli decreases as the perceptual demands of a task at fixation increase. However, it remains unclear whether or not this effect of perceptual load occurs during initial sensory-level processing at early stages of visuocortical analysis. Using event-related potential measures, we found that increasing the perceptual load of foveal targets led to a significant decrease in the sensory-evoked response to parafoveal stimuli. Moreover, these effects were observed using two different operational definitions of perceptual load. This result indicates that perceptual load affects the flow of information during the initial stages of visuocortical processing.
The Weekend Effect, ‘Reverse’ Weekend Effect, and Firm Size

In this paper, we find a ‘reverse%rsquo; weekend effect — whereby returns for Monday are positive and significantly greater than returns for the preceding Friday — in recent data for major stock indexes. We also find that, while a weak weekend effect exists in portfolios of smaller firms, the effect begins to diminish and weak ‘reverse’ weekend effect begins to appear in medium size firms. The ‘reverse’ weekend effect becomes strong and statistically significant in portfolios of large firms. The detection of a ‘reverse’ weekend effect in portfolios of large firms is a new finding in the literature.
Mechanisms of osmoregulation in the green alga Dunaliella salina

The halotolerant alga, D. saliva, offsets the high (up to 5 M) external NaCl concentration in its environment by maintaining a nearly equivalent level of intracellular glycerol. Cells experiencing sudden hypoosmotic shock respond initially by volume expansion and then convert glycerol to osmotically inactive starch. Within 2 min following dilution of cells from 1.7 M NaCl to 0.85 M NaCl, their volume and surface area increase by 50%. Concurrently, the plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) level falls by 30% due to hydrolysis by a GTP-binding, protein-activated phospholipase C that produces inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol (DAG)
De novo identification of in vivo binding sites from ChIP-chip data

Poster presentation Advances in high-throughput technologies such as ChIPchip and the completion of human genomic sequences allow analysis of the mechanisms of gene regulation on a systems level. In this study, we have developed a computational genomics approach (ChIPModules) and a motif discovery approach (ChIPMotifs) to mine the ChIP-chip data. The ChIPModules approach begins with experimentally determined binding sites and integrates positional weight matrices, a comparative genomics approach, and statistical learning methods to identify transcriptional regulatory modules. Using E2F1 ChIP-chip data performed on ENCODE regions in both HeLa and MCF7 cells, we have identified five regulatory modules for E2F1. One of modules was validated by using ChIP-chip with arrays containing ~14,000 human promoters. The ChIPMotifs approach incorporates a bootstrap re-sampling method to statistically infer the optimal cutoff threshold for a position weight matrix (PWM) of a motif identified from ChIP-chip data by ab initio motif discovery programs. Using OCT4 ChIP-chip data, we developed an in vivo OCT4 PWM. We then used this PWM and our ChIPModules to identify transcription factors co-localizing with OCT4 in a testicular germ cell tumor (Ntera2 cells).
A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF MEDIATING VARIABLES IN THE DRUG USE-DROPPING OUT RELATIONSHIP*

Theoretically informed models estimate the temporal relationships between illicit drug use and dropping out of school, and the variables that mediate these relationships. Subjects are tested in the seventh grade (Time 1), in the eighth grade (Time 2), and during young adulthood (Time 3) (N=2,805). Models are estimated by using logistic regression. Time 1 drug use has a significant effect on not graduating from high school (measured at Time 3), controlling for gender, father's education, race/ethnicity, and Time 1 measures of deviance, distress, self-control, and grades. This effect is decomposed by the addition of three hypothesized mediating variables in the relationships: Time 2 measures of low motivation, negative social sanctions, and premature performance of competing social roles. The addition of Time 1 measures of these variables does not obviate the relationship, but the addition of Time 2 measures of the three hypothesized mediating variables to the equation reduces to nonsignificance the effect of drug use on not graduating from high school.