cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distinctive rat brain immediate early gene responses to seizures induced by lithium plus pilocarpine

The mRNA levels of four immediate early genes (IEG) were measured in rat brain regions 60 min after administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg) to lithium-treated (3 mmol/kg) rats, during generalized convulsive status epilepticus. Northern blots demonstrated induction of the genes in the order of c-fos = jun-B > c-jun > jun-D with large increases in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, a smaller increase in the cerebellum, and less in the brainstem. The mRNA levels of these four IEG were measured in rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus at several times after administration of the cholinergic agonist pilocarpine (5 or 30 mg/kg) with or without lithium pretreatment (3 mmol/kg, 16 h prior, or chronic 4 week dietary administration). Treatment with pilocarpine (30 mg/kg) alone increased mRNA levels in the order of c-fos > jun-B > c-jun but did not change the jun-D mRNA level, and maximal c-fos and jun-B mRNA levels occurred earlier (30 min) in the cortex than in the hippocampus. Treatment with the lower dose of pilocarpine (5 mg/kg) alone caused only small increases in c-fos and jun-B mRNA levels and these responses were unaffected by lithium pretreatment. Lithium pretreatment potentiated IEG expression induced by 30 mg/kg pilocarpine, likely as a result of the seizures caused by this combination of drugs because pretreatment with anticonvulsants (diazepam or MK-801) blocked seizures and the enhanced IEG mRNA levels. The mRNA levels were increased during seizures in the order of c-fos > jun-B > c-jun > jun-D in the hippocampus and jun-B > c-fos > c-jun > jun-D in the cortex, and were increased for a longer duration as well as to a greater extent than after administration of pilocarpine alone. Administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg) to rats treated chronically with lithium caused increases similar to those measured with acute lithium pretreatment. Thus the induction of IEG by cholinergic stimulation varied with dose, time, and brain region, and unique responses were observed for each of the IEG. Lithium pretreatment did not impair IEG expression induced by the lower dose of pilocarpine and greatly enhanced expression of IEG after administration of the higher dose of pilocarpine concomitant with seizure activity.
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose of reviewFetal magnetic resonance imaging is becoming more used in the evaluation of complex fetal abnormalities. Rapid advances in the technology and application of fetal magnetic resonance imaging necessitate a review of this subject.Recent findingsDiffusion-weighted imaging, magnetic reso
Informed consent is not the major ethical issue in clinical research.

Informed consent is a charming concept. Sometimes it even works. Buying a car, shopping for groceries. There are even some medical instances where informed consent seems applicable. Cosmetic plasti...
The effect of advanced age on the efficacy of radiation therapy for early breast cancer, local prostate cancer and grade III–IV gliomas

Abstract Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of advanced age on radiation therapy outcomes for early breast cancer, local prostate cancer and Grade 3–4 gliomas of the brain. Methods and Materials: Radiation therapy outcomes for three malignancies (N = 1,401) were determined for a geriatric cancer population defined as 70 years of age or older and compared to a non-geriatric cancer population defined as less than 70 years of age. The three patient groups studied were: (a) primary breast cancer patients with clinical Stage I or II disease treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy (N = 994), (b) local prostate cancer patients with Stage A2, B, or C disease treated with radical radiation therapy (N = 294), and (c) patients with Grade 3–4 gliomas of the brain treated with high dose radiation therapy (N = 113). Results: For Stage I and 11 breast cancer, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall 10-year survival rates (63% vs. 73%), 10-year cause-specific disease-free survival rates (70% vs. 63%), and 10-year local breast recurrence free survival rates (76% vs. 79%) comparing the geriatric cancer population to the non-geriatric cancer population. For local prostate cancer, there was no statistically significant difference in the 10-year survival rates (38% vs. 41%) or in the 10-year cause-specific disease-free survival rates (58% vs. 52%) in the geriatric population compared with the non-geriatric population. On the other hand, the use of high dose radiation therapy for malignant gliomas resulted in statistically significant inferior 1-year (18% vs. 38%) and 2-year (0% vs. 10%) survival rates for the geriatric population versus the non-geriatric population. Conclusion: This study strongly supports the use of standard radiation therapy programs for early breast and prostate cancer patients age 70 years or more. However, our study raises questions about the efficacy of radiation therapy in patients over the age of 70 years with Grade 3–4 gliomas.
Kinetic study of the Maillard reaction between metoclopramide hydrochloride and lactose.

Abstract The purpose of this work is to study the apparent solid-state kinetics of the Maillard reaction of the colyophilized metoclopramide hydrochloride (MCP) and lactose system and to elucidate some of the effects of molecular mobility on the kinetic behavior of the amorphous mixture. Colyophilized MCP–lactose mixtures (1:9 molar ratio) were stored at temperatures ranging from 100 to 115 °C (above the glass transition temperature, T g = 99.7 °C). This temperature range, which corresponds to the change between the glass and liquid states of the lactose–MCP mixtures, is also the temperature region where molecular mobility represents a kinetic impediment of enough significance as to affect the observed order of the reaction. A pseudo second-order kinetic model was developed to fit the MCP loss data. The proposed model gives better fit to the degradation data than many of the commonly used kinetic models available in the literature. The second-order rate constant of the model follows Arrhenius kinetics and the activation energy was found to be 53.8 kcal mol −1 . The molecular mobility (relaxation time) of the mixture was calculated from the heating rate dependence of the DSC-determined glass transition temperature of the mixtures. From molecular mobility considerations alone, it is possible to accurately predict the temperature dependence of the reaction rate constant. These results support the hypothesis that the solid-state reaction is mobility controlled.
Calculation in K space of integrals arising in the theory of Van Der Waals forces

We derive basic integrals needed for calculation of matrix elements of the Fourier transformed Coulomb operator and the Fourier transformed square of the Coulomb operator between 1s Slater functions. These integrals arise, for example, in the momentum space (k space) susceptibility formulation of van der Waals forces. The advantages of integration in k space (rather than r space) are that in k space there is a drastic reduction in the number of integration variables, and contour integration can be used. The derivation is completely analytic and the auxiliary integrals are all obtained in closed form.
A comparison of the sensitivities of neonatal ovine pulmonary and femoral arteries to l-norepinephrine stimulation.

Summary: We compared the concentration-response relationship of intralobar pulmonary arteries to l-norepinephrine with that of femoral arteries from newborn lambs. In addition, the effect of inhibition of the neuronal and extra-neuronal uptake mechanisms on these concentration-response relationships was examined. Concentration-response curves on 10 intralobar pulmonary arteries were performed with and without inhibition of the uptake mechanisms. Uptake inhibition shifts the curve to the left; thus, the-log EC50 with uptake inhibition (6.63 ± 0.15) is greater than that without uptake inhibition (6.13 ± 0.14). Similar curves on 10 femoral arteries demonstrated that the-log EC50 with and without uptake inhibition (6.20 ± 0.13 and 6.00 ± 0.04, respectively) are not statistically different. Because, in the presence of intact uptake mechanisms the concentration of l-norepinephrine in the a-receptor microenvironment is less than that placed in the organ bath, the appropriate comparison of pulmonary and femoral arterial response to l-norepinephrine stimulation requires uptake inhibition in both vessels. The concentration-response curve with uptake inhibition for the intralobar pulmonary artery is significantly to the left of that for the femoral; the-log EC50 for the pulmonary vessel (6.63 ± 0.15) is greater than that of the femoral vessel (6.20 ± 0.13). The intralobar pulmonary artery in vitro is more sensitive to l-norepinephrine stimulation than is the femoral.
Elliptic Trainer Wattage: Fitting to Find a Function

A computational physics laboratory exercise finds a functional form that expresses power in terms of repetition rate and resistance.
Percolation and fracture in disordered solids and granular media: Approach to a fixed point.

We argue that there exist universal fixed points (FPs) that classify the universality classes of fracture processes in disordered media. As a system approaches its macroscopic failure point, the ratio of its elastic moduli appears to approach a universal value, independent of microscopic features of the system. We suggest that there are two such FPs: one describes systems that are under a uniform external load and in which fracture does not take place at random, but depends on the stress field in the system, while the other describes systems in which fracture accumulates at random and is identical with the FPs of elastic percolation networks. Experimental data on fractured rocks appear to support this.
Copper ion binding and enzyme inhibitory properties of the antithyroid drug methimazole

The antithyroid drug, methimazole (1-methyl-2-thiolimidazole), is a powerful chelator of cupric ion. This is reflected in its ability to selectively inhibit certain copper oxidases. Uricase, ascorbic oxidase and monoamine oxidase are not affected. Ceruloplasmin oxidase is slightly inhibited and tyrosinase is markedly inhibited by methimazole.
COMMENTS ON THE RELATIVE VALUE OF OBSERVATIONAL AND LABORATORY STUDIES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

St~mnzury.-Because the variables in the psychotherapy situation have different effects in different contexts, observational as well as laboratory studies are needed in our present stare of knowledge. Observational studies are also of value in Leading us to the right variables and in helping us to assess the relative importance of variables. Observation of therapy often makes us aware of the importance of experimecter-subject relationships. Good laboratory studies need not be simulations of thrrapy; the laboratory can lift out and study in isolation, variables found to be pertinent to therapy. When Dr. Marston asked me to participate in this symposium,' I drew back from the invitation, feeling a good deal of diffidence at expressing myself about the relative advant~ges of observational and experimental studies. It seemed to me that preferrnces in style of scientific work are in some respects like the varying approaches that people have to sexual intercourse. It would hardly do to prescribe one standard way of going about sex, nor will it do to prescribe one standard way of going about research. Both of these activities are creative and as such involve a capacity for psychological regression. In either of these activities logical and rational thinking will carry one only so far, but the
Bessel inequalities with applications to conditional log returns under GIG scale mixtures of normal vectors

Ratios of Bessel functions of third kind occur naturally in the expressions for conditional moments of financial log returns under GIG scale mixtures of normal vectors. In this article, various expressions and elegant bounds for such Bessel ratios are derived.
Muddy Waters: Bisexuality in the Cinema

As a review of the literature, this article analyzes how self-identified bisexual critics and theorists have written about bisexuality in the cinema. With the emergence of a bisexual discourse on film in the past 20 years has come a substantial bibliography as well as a set of methods, which have been shaped by the dominant strategies for representing bisexuality. The author's interest here, as bi film scholar, lies less with the content of the articles that make up this body of work than with the kinds of approaches this critical discourse has taken. So far, not enough attention has been paid to these methods of study or, for that matter, to the nature of the medium. The author argues that the meanings we have ascribed to films are inextricably tied to the ways we have chosen to frame our observations. What is more important, however, is that our analyses have not taken into account how the cinema works to make meaning, an oversight that becomes apparent when the limitations of these methods are exposed....
Multi time-scale structure assignment for linear multivariable systems-Singular perturbation approach

In this paper we examine the problem of high-gain output feedback for linear time-invariant multivariable systems. More specifically, we do the following: ? We study the possible set of multiple time-scale structures that can be assigned via high-gain output feedback control laws (We refer to this set as a set of 'achievable multiple time-scale structures'). ? We propose a design procedure for a high-gain compensator which yields a closed-loop system with an arbitrary 'achievable multi-time- scale structure close to the desired in each time-scale. ? We discuss the connections between the time-scale structure of a feedback system and its robustness with respect to external disturbances and uncertainities in the model of a given physical system.
Self-Assembled Polymer Membrane Capsules Inflated by Osmotic Pressure

We fabricate and characterize capsules that are composite membranes, made of a polymer network stabilized by adsorption to colloids and inflated by osmotic pressure from internal free polyelectrolyte; here, poly-L-lysine forms the network and inflates the capsules. To assess these capsules' properties and structure, we deform capsules using microcantilevers and use finite element modeling to describe these deformations. Additional experimental tests confirm the model's validity. These capsules' resilient response to mechanical forces indicates that loading and shear should be good triggers for the release of contents via deformation. The osmotic pressure inflating these capsules has the potential to trigger release of contents via deflation in response to changes in the capsules' environment; we demonstrate addition of salt as a trigger for deflating capsules. Because these capsules have a variety of release triggers available and the technique used to fabricate them is very flexible and allows high encapsulation efficiency, these capsules have very high potential for application in many areas.
A small circle of knowledge, a large circle of ignorance.

Carl Sandburg, in his "The People, Yes," writes of the meeting of an Indian and a white man. The latter, impressed with his own importance, draws a small circle in the sand and says, "This is what the white man knows." The Indian, the much wiser of the two, draws an enormous circle and then correctly points out, "This is where the white man and the red man know nothing." Sandburg's story is an appropriate way of introducing a few summary remarks about this symposium. Just a few years ago, shortly before most of the research pre? sented here was initiated, our knowledge could be described by a small circle. As a result of the work presented at this sympo? sium as well as the work of other scientists
Cholinergic antagonism of methylphenidate-induced stereotyped behavior.

Rats were pretreated with methylscopolamine. One group received neostigmine or physostigmine followed by methylphenidate. Physostigmine, but not neostigmine prevented the occurrence of stereotyped gnawing behavior. Another group received methylphenidate followed by physostigmine or neostigmine. Physostigmine abolished rat stereotyped gnawing behavior.
CFTR may play a role in regulated secretion by lymphocytes: a new hypothesis for the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis

Human lymphocytes and pancreatic acinar cells have a common function: both cell types secrete specific proteins in response to extracellular signals. Acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes, while lymphocytes secrete antibodies and cytokines. Both cell types utilize similar receptor-mediated activation systems, similar signal transduction pathways (i.e., α adrenergic receptors, and cAMP), and express the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Preliminary tests of the hypothesis that B lymphocytes are capable of regulated secretion were carried out using transformed lymphocytes. λ light chain secretion rates were measured in response to treatment with 8-CPT-cAMP. A rapid transient increase in secretion was observed in non-CF lymphocytes. This effect was absent in CF lymphocytes. A failure of regulated secretion could cause a reduced response to antigen presentation, and an inability to completely clear pathogens such as Pseudomonasaeruginosa. Another piece of circumstantial evidence is that lung-transplanted CF patients remain chronically ill. While immunosuppressive therapy may contribute to the chronic illness, the phenomenon is more acute in CF lung-transplant patients than non-CF lung-transplant recipients receiving the same immunosuppressive therapy. A defect in regulated secretion of antibodies and cytokines in response to antigens may be the source of a long suspected, but as yet unproved CFTR-mediated immunological defect underlying the pulmonary morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF).
Tag-free garbage collection using explicit type parameters

We have constructed a practical tag-free garbage collector based on explicit type parameterization of polymorphic functions, for a dialect of ML. The collector relies on type information derived from an explicitly-typed 2nd-order representation of the program, generated by the compiler as a byproduct of ordinary Hindley-Milner type inference. Runtime type manipulations are performed lazily to minimize execution overhead. We present details of our implementation approach, and preliminary performance measurements suggesting that the overhead of passing type information explicitly can be made acceptably small.
A nature-inspired decentralized trust model to reduce information unreliability in complex disaster relief operations

One of the foremost challenges confronting society today is the vulnerability of critical physical infrastructures in urban areas to extreme events. The major challenge in these scenarios despite the availability of the means of communication (e.g. ad-hoc networks, hand held devices) is the lack of trust among the first responders due to their having no prior experience of interactions amongst themselves. Also the spreading of inaccurate or misleading information can have disastrous consequences in the chaotic and hazardous environments which are prevalent in large-scale disasters. Therefore it is imperative that the responders possess the ability to assess and evaluate the trustworthiness as well as the information propagated by fellow responders in order to facilitate collaboration. This paper presents a decentralized trust model to enhance reliable information dissemination in large-scale disasters. The model proposed includes a distributed recommendation scheme, incorporated into an existing membership maintenance service for ad-hoc networks. In addition it has a nature-inspired activation spreading mechanism that allows trust-based information propagation. Search and Rescue exercises involving civil engineers and firefighters were conducted at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) to test the software. The upshot of the simulation was immediate and robust establishment of trust and high resilience to the spread of the unreliable information.
Enterochromaffin properties of granular cells in the heart of the snails Helix aspersa and Strophocheilus oblongus

1. 1. Specific granular cells were found in the heart, mantle and subesophageal ganglia of the snails Helix aspersa and Strophocheilus oblongus. 2. 2. Histochemical methods for the demonstration of enterochromaffin granules gave positive results in these cells. 3. 3. Differential osmium reduction by nerves in these hearts showed two kinds of fibres: osmiophilic and non-osmiophilic nerves and gives histological evidence of a double innervation (inhibitory and stimulatory fibres) to the snail heart. 4. 4. Osmiophilic endings are reported in the ventricle and auricle and are shown to end very close to the granular cells. 5. 5. No neurosecretory-staining material could be traced along nerves in these hearts. 6. 6. One large bipolar neuron is described in these hearts. 7. 7. Histological preparations of the heart of Strophocheilus oblongus that had long been stimulated through its cardiac nerve show a release of the granular content in the cells and disclose stages of a secretory cycle. It is suggested that these cells are glandular tissue and perform a hormonal function.
Characterization of Oligomeric Intermediates in α-Synuclein Fibrillation: FRET Studies of Y125W/Y133F/Y136F α-Synuclein

The aggregation of α-synuclein is believed to be a critical step in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. A variety of biophysical techniques were used to investigate the aggregation and fibrillation of α-synuclein in which one of the four intrinsic Tyr residues was replaced by Trp, and two others by Phe, in order to permit fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between residues 39 (Tyr) and 125 (Trp). The mutant Y125W/Y133F/Y136F α-synuclein (one Tyr, one Trp) showed fibrillation kinetics similar to that of the wild-type, as did the Y125F/Y133F/Y136F (one Tyr, no Trp) and Y39F/Y125W/Y133F/Y136F (no Tyr, one Trp) mutants. Time-dependent changes in FRET, Fourier transform infrared, Trp fluorescence, dynamic light-scattering and other probes, indicate the existence of a transient oligomer, whose population reaches a maximum at the end of the lag time. This oligomer, in which the α-synuclein is in a partially folded conformation, is subsequently converted into fibrils, and has physical properties that are distinct from those of the monomer and fibrils. In addition, another population of soluble oligomers was observed to coexist with fibrils at completion of the reaction. The average distance between Tyr39 and Trp125 decreases from 24.9 A in the monomer to 21.9 A in the early oligomer and 18.8 A in the late oligomer. Trp125 remains solvent-exposed in both the oligomers and fibrils, indicating that the C-terminal domain is not part of the fibril core. No FRET was observed in the fibrils, due to quenching of Tyr39 fluorescence in the fibril core. Thus, aggregation of α-synuclein involves multiple oligomeric intermediates and competing pathways.
Selecting Appropriate Assessment Instruments to Ensure Quality Transition Services

The transfer from an early intervention system to a program for a 3-year-old is a critical event that not only brings opportunities but also presents challenges to children and their families. In order to help families handle these transition related issues, professionals should collect authentic data about family concerns, needs, and expectations during transition so as to design developmentally and culturally appropriate transition goals and deliver family-centered services. The purpose of this study is twofold: to review and compare possible transition instruments with a focus on reliability and validity; and to describe how to involve families in transition assessment, planning, and intervention activities, thus ensuring a smooth, successful transition for young children.
Gene order and gene-polypeptide relationships of the proton-translocating ATPase operon (unc) of Escherichia coli.

Abstract We have constructed an extensive set of plasmids that carry the genes specifying the eight polypeptides of the proton-translocating ATPase of Escherichia coli. Using detailed restriction analysis and in vitro protein synthesis directed by these plasmids, we have established the order of the eight unc genes to be BEFHAGDC and the corresponding polypeptides to be a, c, b, delta, alpha, gamma, beta, and epsilon. These analyses include determining the location of the gene coding for the delta subunit of the F1 portion of the complex. We call this gene uncH. We have now established the gene order and gene-polypeptide relationships of the unc operon. This approach should be of use for study of other multigene bacterial operons, especially those with genes coding for polypeptides with unknown or unmeasurable catalytic activity.
Theoretical and computational chemistry of complex systems: Solvation of DNA and proteins

As is known, atomic and very small molecular systems can be realistically simulated by quantum mechanical models. In complex chemical systems, however, the natural parameters are not only electronic density and energy but also entropy, temperature, and time. To approach this description we use a hierarchy of theoretical models. In model 1, the system is considered as an ensemble of fixed nuclei and electrons—the standard quantum chemical approach. However, our definition of model 1 is broader, since it includes aspects of solid-state physics. In model 2, the system is considered as an ensemble of atoms (or ions) and atom-pair potentials are obtained using data from model 1. In model 3, the phase space is scanned either for the generalized coordinates (Monte Carlo) or for both space and momentum coordinates (molecular dynamics). In model 4 (presently not considered) the fluid dynamical equations are solved making use of coefficients and parameters obtained from the previous models. Both theoretical and computational improvements are needed at each level in order to reach a sufficiently realistic simulation for complex systems. We have summarized some recent progress obtained for models 1 and 2 related to new methods for molecular computations and studies on three-body effects and energy band computations in DNA-related polymers. We have considered as examples of a complex chemical system the structure of water surrounding DNA (with counterions) and enzymes. Our results from model 3 include the first determination of the position of the Li+, Na+, and K+ counterions in B and Z DNA at room temperature at high relative humidity, and hydration studies on enzymes including variations due to the solvent pH.
Male Germ Cell-specific Alteration in Temperature Set Point of the Cellular Stress Response

Abstract Heat shock factor (HSF), a transcriptional regulator with heat-activatable DNA binding ability, mediates the stress-induced expression of eukaryotic heat shock protein genes. Previous results from this laboratory demonstrated that a preparation of mixed male germ cell types from mouse testis exhibited a lower temperature threshold for activation of HSF1 DNA binding relative to other mouse cell types (Sarge, K. D., Bray, A. E., and Goodson, M. L. (1995) Nature 374, 126). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the phenomenon of reduced HSF1 activation temperature is common to all testis cell types, both somatic and germ cell types, or whether it is a special property of male germ cells. The results show that a purified population of pachytene spermatocytes, one of the male germ cell types, exhibits a profile of reduced HSF1 activation temperature identical to that observed for the mixed germ cell preparation, with a threshold HSF1 activation temperature of 35°C. Activation of HSF1 DNA binding in male germ cells by incubation at 38°C is accompanied by the classic cellular stress response parameters of heat-induced HSF1 phosphorylation and increased expression of the hsp72 stress protein. In contrast, a preparation of somatic testis cell types exhibits HSF1 activation only at temperatures of 42°C and above, a profile identical to that observed for mouse liver cells and mammalian cell lines. These results demonstrate that the phenomenon of reduced HSF1 activation temperature is a unique property of male germ cell types within the mammalian testis and demonstrate that HSF1 activated at this lower temperature threshold is fully capable of mediating a productive cellular stress response in these cell types.
The intracellular loop of Orai1 plays a central role in fast inactivation of CRAC channels

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) due to activation of Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels leads to sustained elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and activation of lymphocytes. CRAC channels consisting of four pore-forming Orai1 subunits are activated by STIM1, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor that senses intracellular store-depletion and migrates to plasma membrane proximal regions to mediate SOCE. One of the fundamental properties of CRAC channels is their Ca2+-dependent fast inactivation (CDI). To identify the domains of Orai1 involved in CDI, we have mutated residues in the Orai1 intracellular loop linking transmembrane (TM) segment II to III. Mutation of four residues V151SNV154 (MutA) at the center of the loop abrogated fast inactivation leading to increased SOCE as well as higher CRAC currents. Point mutation analysis identified five key amino acids N153VHNL157 that increased SOCE in Orai1 null murine embryonic fibroblasts. Expression or direct application of a peptide comprising of the entire intracellular loop or the sequence N153VHNL157 blocked CRAC currents from both WT and MutA Orai1. A peptide incorporating the MutA mutations had no blocking effect. Concatenated Orai1 constructs with four MutA monomers exhibited high CRAC currents lacking fast inactivation. Reintroduction of a single WT monomer (MutA-MutA-MutA-WT) was sufficient to fully restore fast inactivation, suggesting that only a single intracellular loop can block the channel. These data suggest that the intracellular loop of Orai1 acts as an inactivation particle, which is stabilized in the ion permeation pathway by the N153VHNL157 residues. These results along with recent reports support a model in which the N terminus and the selectivity filter of Orai1 as well as STIM1 act in concert to regulate the movement of the intracellular loop and evoke fast inactivation.
Design of a G⋅C-Specific DNA Minor Groove-Binding Peptide

A four-ring tripeptide containing alternating imidazole and pyrrole carboxamides specifically binds six-base pair 5'-(A,T)GCGC(A,T)-3' sites in the minor groove of DNA. The designed peptide has a specificity completely reversed from that of the tripyrrole distamycin, which binds A,T sequences. Structural studies with nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that two peptides bound side-by-side and in an antiparallel orientation in the minor groove. Each of the four imidazoles in the 2:1 ligand-DNA complex recognized a specific guanine amino group in the GCGC core through a hydrogen bond. Targeting a designated four- base pair G•C tract by this synthetic ligand supports the generality of the 2:1 peptide-DNA motif for sequence-specific minor groove recognition of DNA.
Ultrametrics and matrix theory

Abstract An ultrametric is shown equivalent to a matrix that is idempotent under a particular definition of matrix multiplication. By considering ultrametrics in terms of semirings and lattices, the clustering methods B k of Jardine and Sibson are reinterpreted using this nonstandard operation.
Reconsidering Movement of Eukaryotic mRNAs between Polysomes and P Bodies

Cell survival in changing environments requires appropriate regulation of gene expression, including posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms. From reporter gene studies in glucose-starved yeast, it was proposed that translationally silenced eukaryotic mRNAs accumulate in P bodies and can return to active translation. We present evidence contradicting the notion that reversible storage of nontranslating mRNAs is a widespread and general phenomenon. First, genome-wide measurements of mRNA abundance, translation, and ribosome occupancy after glucose withdrawal show that most mRNAs are depleted from the cell coincident with their depletion from polysomes. Second, only a limited subpopulation of translationally repressed transcripts, comprising fewer than 400 genes, can be reactivated for translation upon glucose readdition in the absence of new transcription. This highly selective posttranscriptional regulation could be a mechanism for cells to minimize the energetic costs of reversing gene-regulatory decisions in rapidly changing environments by transiently preserving a pool of transcripts whose translation is rate-limiting for growth.
Modulation of Pituitary Gonadotropin Response to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone by Estradiol

ABSTRACT This study was designed to investigate the possibility that estradiol-17β plays a role in the initiation of the surge of gonadotropins at midcycle by increasing pituitary responsiveness to hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The effect of estradiol-17β on pituitary response to 50 μ GnRH was studied in 15 women on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. Three groups of women were studied: Group I did not receive exogenous estradiol. Groups II and III received estradiol-17β in amounts which achieved circulating concentrations equal to those seen in the midfollicular and ovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle respectively. A significant increase in circulating LH occurred following GnRH administration in Group I. A diminished response occurred in Group II, while LH concentrations failed to rise in Group III. A significant increase in circulating FSH concentrations occurred only in Group I. These data demonstrate a direct and inhibitory effect of estradiol upon the pituitary, and suggest that ...
Petroporphyrins as chemical indicators of soil contamination by crude oil

Abstract The assessment of the presence of petroleum products is usually based on a series of chemical indicators. The indicators currently used are total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS). None of these are specific to crude oil and many are lost during the weathering process. Petroporphyrins are proposed as stable chemical indicators, which are specific to crude oils and easily measured in soils. Petroporphyrin analysis in various soil samples is shown to be simple, specific to crudes and free of interference from co-extractives.
The Association between Use of a Clinical Decision Support Tool and Adherence to Monitoring for Medication-Laboratory Guidelines in the Ambulatory Setting

Background: Stage 2 Meaningful Use criteria require the use of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) on high priority health conditions to improve clinical quality measures. Although CDSS hold great promise, implementation has been fraught with challenges, evidence of their impact is mixed, and the optimal method of content delivery is unknown. Objective: The authors investigated whether implementation of a simple clinical decision support (CDS) tool was associated with improved prescriber adherence to national medication-laboratory monitoring guidelines for safety (hepatic function, renal function, myalgias/rhabdomyolysis) and intermediate outcomes for antidiabetic (Hemoglobin A1c; HbA1c) and antihyperlipidemic (low density lipoprotein; LDL) medications prescribed within a diabetes registry. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in three phases of CDS implementation (2008–2009): pre-, transition-, and post-Prescriptions evaluated were ordered from an electronic health record within a multispecialty medical group. Adherence was evaluated within and without applying guideline-imposed time constraints. Results: Forty-thousand prescriptions were ordered over three timeframes. For hepatic and renal function, the proportion of prescriptions for which labs were monitored at any time increased from 52% to 65% (p<0.001); those that met time guidelines, from 14% to 21% (p<0.001). Only 6% of required labs were drawn to monitor for myalgias/rhabdomyolysis, regardless of timeframe. Over 90% of safety labs were within normal limits. The proportion of labs monitored at any time for LDL increased from 56% to 64% (p<0.001); those that met time guidelines from 11% to 17% (p<0.001). The proportion of labs monitored at any time for HbA1c remained the same (72%); those that met time guidelines decreased from 45% to 41% (p<0.001). Conclusions: A simple CDS tool may be associated with improved adherence to guidelines. Efforts are needed to confirm findings and improve the timeliness of monitoring; investigations to optimize alerts should be ongoing.
Perceived Effectiveness of Warning Messages for Use as Vocal Warnings in Residential Fire Alarms

Approximately half of all deaths associated with residential fires occur while individuals are sleeping. Voice technology added to fire alarms may provide better warnings than traditional, nonverbal alarms. This study examined several verbal messages presented to participants in written form. Forty-four university students and 12 firefighters rated the appropriateness, attention-getting qualities, and content of 6 prototype messages. Data indicate similarities and differences between the two participant groups. Firefighters provided recommendations on improving the messages with respect to safe egress for children during residential fires. Areas for further research are discussed.
Polyimides formulated from a partially fluorinated diamine for aerospace tribological applications

Preliminary tribological studies on polyimides formulated from the diamine 2,2-bis 4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl hexafluorapane (4-BDAF) indicate that polyimides formulated from this diamine have excellent potential for high temperature tribological applications. The dianhydrides used to make the polyimides were pyromellitic (PMDA) and benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid (BTDA). Friction and wear studies at 25 and 200 C indicate that polyimides formulated using 50 mole percent of the PMDA dianhydride and 50 mole percent of the BTDA dianhydride perform better than polyimides formulated solely with the BTDA dianhydride. Graphite fiber reinforced polyimide composites were formulated with the polyimide made from the BTDA dianhydride, both graphitic and non-graphitic fibers were evaluated. Graphitic fibers produced better tribological results, since thin, flowing, "layer-like' transfer films were produced which did not build-up with long sliding durations. Non-graphitic fibers did not produce this type of transfer.
Heterodyne frequency measurements of CO and OCS beyond 2100 cm−1

Abstract Infrared heterodyne frequency measurements are given for absorption lines of the 04 0 0-00 0 0 band of OCS and the fundamental band of CO. Transition frequencies of several isotopomers of CO are given. The frequency measurements were based on doubled CO 2 laser radiation used as a local oscillator and as a frequency standard. Tables of wavenumber standards based on both OCS and CO absorption lines are given.
Tephra layers in the Byrd Station ice core and the Dome C ice core, Antarctica and their climatic importance

Abstract Volcanic glass shards from tephra layers in the Byrd Station ice core were chemically analyzed by electron microprobe. Tephra in seven layers have similar peralkaline trachyte compositions. The tephra are believed to originate from Mt. Takahe, on the basis of their chemical similarity to analyzed rocks from Mt. Takahe and because dated rock samples from the volcano are younger than 250,000 years old. Glass shards from 726 m deep in the Dome C ice core, which is 2400 km from Byrd Station, are composed of peralkaline trachyte and may have also been derived from Mt. Takahe. The tephra could have resulted from eruptions which were triggered by increased ice loading during the late Wisconsin glaciation. Preliminary grain size data suggest the eruptions were only minor and they were unlikely to have instantaneously altered global climate as have explosive eruptions in the tropics. Nevertheless, the effect of this localized volcanic activity upon the Antarctic energy budget warrants further investigation.
Pharmacotherapy for incident attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: practice patterns and quality metrics.

AbstractIntroduction:This study examines incident treatment patterns for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children seen in eight integrated healthcare delivery systems and identifies factors associated with adherence to Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) quality measures developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).Method:A retrospective cohort analysis using electronic healthcare data from children aged 3 through 17 years with newly diagnosed ADHD between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 was conducted. NCQA quality definitions for initiation and for continuation and maintenance (C&M) of ADHD medications were expanded to include preschoolers and adolescents. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to evaluate the association between NCQA HEDIS adherence measures, provider type, patient characteristics and care process measures.Results:Of 6864 children aged 3–17 years old qualifying for incident treatment analyses, 553...
Room-Temperature β-H Elimination in (P2P)Pt(OR) Cations: Convenient Synthesis of a Platinum Hydride

In situ-generated [(BINAP)(PMe3)Pt][BF4]2 reacts with benzyl alcohol at RT to yield [(BINAP)(PMe3)Pt−H][BF4] and benzaldehyde. This reactivity contrasts similarly ligated platinum−alkyl species, which are stable to β-hydride elimination even at elevated temperatures. Protonolysis of the platinum hydride leads to a species that is readily substituted by weakly coordinating ligands (acetone, pentafluorobenzonitrile).
The effect of owner versus management control on the choice of accounting methods

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the ownership control status of firms and the accounting methods they adopt. The arguments of Watts and Zimmerman's positive theory are integrated with those of managerial economists to generate the prediction that management controlled firms are more likely than owner controlled firms to adopt accounting methods which increase reported earnings. This prediction is inconsistent with Fama's hypothesis that the market for managerial talent will prevent management controlled firms from acting differently than owner controlled firms. This paper compares the depreciation methods used by a sample of management and owner controlled firms for financial reporting purposes. The comparison considers and controls for the factors of firm size, leverage, and the depreciation method used for tax reporting purposes. The comparison reveals that there is a significant difference in the depreciation methods adopted by management controlled and owner controlled firms for financial reporting purposes.
A similarity metric for matching incomplete edge curves

This paper presents a similarity metric for use in comparing incomplete edge curves extracted from multimodal images. A common problem with multimodal image registration based on extracted integral curves is that a curve in one image may not be exactly mapped to a corresponding curve in a different image. To address this problem, this work proposes a similarity metric based on extracted subcurves as a base primitive. Given a test and reference image, curves are extracted from both images. Junctions are detected on test curves, and used to partition the test curves into subcurves. Partitioning allows for the test subcurves being matched to a reference curve if they correspond to each other. A test subcurve is defined to be matched to a reference curve if its average distance to the reference curve is small. The number of matched curves and the number of pixels on matched curves are shown to be a useful similarity metric. Experimental results show that the presented similarity metric gives more robust and reliable results.
QUASI‐NATURALISM AND MORAL REALITY

In his recent book Moral Reality, Paul Bloomfield has put forward an original set of arguments for moral realism. Central to his treatment is an argument for the reality of moral properties, one which models them on the property of being healthy. The paper is a critical examination of Bloomfield's central line of argument. It is contended that his proposed method of grounding moral realism fails, inasmuch as his Distinction Test criterion for property reality – essentially the claim that a property exists if its existence is required for distinctions that we make and must make – is inadequate. An alternative approach toward properties is suggested, which has the result, inter alia, that Bloomfield's quasi-naturalistic approach is unnecessary for the defense of moral realism.1
Some thoughts on failure analysis for noisy data

A critical piece of evaluation is doing a failure analysis of the experimental results. This is necessary to improve results, but equally important, it is necessary to understand where the problems REALLY are, as opposed to just following "conventional" wisdom. The talk will present some current failure analysis techniques and examine how these techniques could be extended to retrieval from noisy data.
Unravelling gene networks from noisy under-determined experimental perturbation data

Systems biology aims to study the properties of biological systems in terms of the properties of their molecular constituents. This occurs frequently by a process of mathematical modelling. The first step in this modelling process is to unravel the interaction structure of biological systems from experimental data. Previously, an algorithm for gene network inference from gene expression perturbation data was proposed. Here, the algorithm is extended by using regression with subset selection. The performance of the algorithm is extensively evaluated on a set of data produced with gene network models at different levels of simulated experimental noise. Regression with subset selection outperforms the previously stated matrix inverse approach in the presence of experimental noise. Furthermore, this regression approach enables us to deal with under-determination, that is, when not all genes are perturbed. The results on incomplete data sets show that the new method performs well at higher number of perturbations, even when noise levels are high. At lower number of perturbations, although still being able to recover the majority of the connections, less confidence can be placed in the recovered edges.
P2X7 receptor-mediated purinergic signaling promotes liver injury in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in mice

Inflammation contributes to liver injury in acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity in mice and is triggered by stimulation of immune cells. The purinergic receptor P2X7 is upstream of the nod-like rec...