cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lithium transport by mouse neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract Lithium entry and its distribution into veratridine-activated cells of an electrically excitable clone (N1E-115) of mouse neuroblastoma differed from that observed in resting cells. At a constant external lithium concentration, increasing the concentration of veratridine (an alkaloid which selectively activates sodium channels responsible for the generation of action potentials), resulted in a corresponding increase of both the rate of entry as well as the intracellular steady state concentration of lithium. Lithium entry occurred by a temperature dependent (Q10 ∼- 1.5), formally saturable process having an apparent KT of about 20 mM and an apparent Vmax which increased from 3 nmol · (mg protein) −1 · (min)−1 in the absence of veratridine to 14 nmol · (mg protein)−1 · (min)−1 in the presence of 0.67 mM veratridine. In both the veratridine-activated and resting states, mouse neuroblastoma cells concentrated lithium from the external medium, achieving steady state levels within 60 min; thus, in the absence of veratridine. neuroblastoma cells exhibited an intra: extracellular lithium distribution ratio of about 1.5 compared to a distribution ratio of 3.3 in the presence of 0.1 mM veratridine. Lithium accumulation in the presence of supranormal concentrations of extracellular potassium was not different from that found in controls. In addition to characterizing the differences between lithium transport found in veratridine-activated and resting cells, these results suggest that electrically active tissue may accumulate lithium to an extent proportional to the activity of the tissue.
MORQUIO'S SYNDROME: A DEFICIENCY OF CHONDROITIN SULFATE N-ACETYLHEXOSAMINE SULFATE SULFATASE

Morquio's syndrome, an autosomal recessive disease exhibiting severe skeletal deformities and platyspondyly, is characterized by excretion of keratan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Extracts of cultured skin fibroblasts were found to contain normal levels of arylsulfatases A, B and C, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, (β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase. Incubation of extracts of Morquio fibroblasts with [35S]chondroitin sulfate (prepared from embryonic chick epiphyses) resulted in release of 2% of the 35SO4 in contrast to the release of 10-15% by extracts of normal, Hurler, Hunter or Sanfilippo A fibroblasts. Similar results were obtained when a heptasaccharide, GalNAc 35SO4-(GlcUA-GalNAc 35SO4)3, prepared from chondroitin sulfate, was incubated with lysosomal preparations from cultured fibroblasts. These findings indicate that Morquio's syndrome is due to a deficiency of a specific N-acetylhexosamine sulfate sulfatase. On the basis of the structures of the compounds excreted in Morquio's disease, it is likely that the deficient enzyme hydrolyzes 6-0-sulfate linkages in glycosaminoglycans. Supported by USPHS Grant Nos. AM-05996, HD-04583, AM-05589-06 and 2-Mol RR-00305-08.
Approaches in measuring exposure to food contaminants.

Measurement of levels of contaminants in food commodities and prepared meals, and market basket surveys are feasible in countries with existing systems of food control laboratories. Monitoring body tissues for contaminants or their metabolites reflects total exposure but care should be taken to select the most appropriate pharmacokinetic model.
Fibrin modification by ionic and nonionic contrast media during cardiac catheterization.

T he rare but serious complication of thromboembolism during cardiac catheterization is believed to be a result of an imbalance between the prothrombotic nature of the invasive procedure and the antithrombotic effects of adequate catheter flushing and of the contrast agents themselves. Although thrombotic complications may occur as a result of an identifiable problem in procedural technique, thrombosis sometimes occurs without explanation.’ Both ionic and nonionic contrast media are known to have an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and blood clotting in vitro2-9; however, nonionic contrast has been shown to have a less inhibitory effect,3-5*7-9 and therefore could theoretically result in a greater tendency for thrombosis.tO Hwang et al” showed that use of the nonionic agents iohexol and iopamidol was associated with coronary thromboembolism during cardiac catheterization in dogs, whereas the ionic agents ioxaglate and diatrizoate were not associated with such clotting complications. It has also been observed that clots embolized into coronary arteries during catheterization are particularly difficult to dissolve with thrombolytic therapy.t2 Both the ionic contrast agent diatrizoate and the nonionic agent iopamidol have been shown in vitro to cause changes in fibrin assembly and structure, resulting in thin fibrin fibrils,6 which render the fibrin resistant to fibrinolysis. Fibrin with low mass/length ratio in certain disease states has been shown to be resistant to fibrinolysis.13 Demonstration of fibrin changes in vivo during cardiac catheterization would provide further evidence that the in vitro changes have clinical relevance, including providing a possible explanation for why contrast-induced thrombus is resistant to fibrinolysis. This study evaluates the effects of ionic and nonionic contrast media on fibrin assembly and structure by analyzing samples obtained at critical times and anatomic locations during cardiac catheterization. Twenty-three patients undergoing cardiac catheterization between March 14,1990, and July 12,1990, were prospectively studied. Exclusion criteria were as follows: history of bleeding disorder, hypercoagulable state, treatment with warfarin or heparin, hematocrit <30%, platelet count <150,000, abnormally elevated protime or partial thromboplastin time, uncontrolled angina at rest, or myocardial infarction within 3 months. The indication for cardiac catheterization was suspicion of coronary artery disease due to chest pain or a positive func-
Evolutionary and developmental changes in the lateral frontoparietal network: A little goes a long way for higher-level cognition

Relational thinking, or the ability to represent the relations between items, is widespread in the animal kingdom. However, humans are unparalleled in their ability to engage in the higher-order relational thinking required for reasoning and other forms of abstract thought. Here we propose that the versatile reasoning skills observed in humans can be traced back to developmental and evolutionary changes in the lateral frontoparietal network (LFPN). We first identify the regions within the LFPN that are most strongly linked to relational thinking, and show that stronger communication between these regions over the course of development supports improvements in relational reasoning. We then explore differences in the LFPN between humans and other primate species that could explain species differences in the capacity for relational reasoning. We conclude that fairly small neuroanatomical changes in specific regions of the LFPN and their connections have led to big ontogenetic and phylogenetic changes in cognition.
A microstructured silicon membrane with entrapped hydrogels for environmentally sensitive fluid gating

Abstract In this paper, we report on the fabrication and characterization of a new hydrogel-based microvalve. The basic structure is a silicon membrane having an array of orifices with an internal structure designed to anchor the hydrogel while allowing it to gate the flow across the membrane. Each orifice (140 μm diameter) has a central post suspended by four tethers on each side of the membrane. A stimuli-sensitive hydrogel is polymerized inside each orifice. In the swollen state, the hydrogel completely occupies the void space of the orifice, completely blocking pressure-driven fluid flow. In the shrunken state, the hydrogel contracts around the post, allowing fluid to flow through an opened annular gap. Fabrication of the microstructured silicon membrane requires only two masking steps and involves a combination of deep trench and KOH etch. Two different hydrogels, based on N-isopropylacrylamide (temperature-sensitive) and phenylboronic acid (pH and glucose-sensitive) were trapped and tested in this microvalve. The measured response times were 10 s (temperature), 4 min (pH), and 10 min (glucose). The maximum pressure drop the microvalve can sustain before breakage of the hydrogel is 21 kPa and 16 kPa for temperature-sensitive and (pH/glucose)-sensitive hydrogels, respectively.
Sediment Reworking and Transport in Eastern Lake Superior: In Situ Rare Earth Element Tracer Studies

A rare earth element (REE) tracer pellet was deployed at the floor of the Ille Parisienne basin of eastern Lake Superior to measure representative sediment reworking and transport processes in the benthic boundary layer of the profundal Great Lakes. Samarium oxide, a high neutron-capture cross-section REE, was added at a concentration 3 × 104 greater than found naturally in the lake sediments. After 23 days the study site was reoccupied and eleven submersible-taken punch cores were collected from within and around the labeled area. Vertical core sections were then examined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. High resolution gamma spectroscopy of the labeled sediments revealed little bioturbation had occurred during the 3.3-week period but that lateral advective transport processes moved tracer particles to the west and north at an average rate of 0.17 cm · sec−1, although only 1 % of the samarium deployed could be accounted for. These results demonstrate the utility of in situ tracer studies at profundal depths and suggest that longer-term studies will permit accurate measurement of post-depositional redistribution processes at the sediment-water interface of freshwater and marine environments.
Maintenance of the Adult Rat Superior Cervical Ganglion In Vitro: Comparison of Organ and Explant Culture Systems

: Concentrations of selected intermediates of energy metabolism whole rat superior cervical ganglia maintained in vitro by an organ culture technique were compared with values measured in small slices of this maintained under essentially the same conditions. Rates of incorporation [3H]leucine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable material in whole ganglia mained constant for at least 48 h: however, the oxidation-reduction state tissue as indexed by (NAD):(NADH) ratios calculated from measured amounts of lactate and pyruvate decreased more than 50% within 3h in vitro. Ganglion explants prepared by cutting the tissue into 300-pm transverse sections played (NAD):(NADH) ratios that were about three times greater than noted in whole ganglia maintained in vitro for the same period of time. explants contained significantly higher concentrations of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate than whole ganglia maintained in culture. Maintenance of vorable metabolic state may support the extensive growth of neurites seen explant cultures of superior cervical ganglia. Outgrowth of processes containing catecholamines could be detected readily in explant cultures of ganglia adult rats; however, this was somewhat slower and less consistent than growth observed in explants from neonatal rats. Outgrowth of neurites adult ganglia was minimal without the addition of Nerve Growth Factor.
Spectral profiling of radicals in polymer degradation based on electron spin resonance imaging (ESRI)

Abstract We have developed 1D and 2D electron spin resonance imaging (ESRI) in order to deduce the spatial variation of radical properties in polymers exposed to UV radiation in the presence of oxygen, or thermally treated. The accelerated degradation of poly (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) containing Tinuvin 770 as the hindered amine stabilizer (HAS) was studied in a weathering chamber equipped with a Xe source that mimics the spectral range of sunlight. The HAS-derived nitroxides detected by ESR occupy two sites and were assigned to radicals located in domains differing in their monomer composition. The spatial distribution of the radical intensity obtained by 1D ESRI indicated that nitroxide radicals are produced initially only on the irradiated side, but the intensity of radicals on the opposite side increases with irradiation time. By contrast, the spatial distribution of nitroxides produced during thermal degradation at 600C is spatially homogeneous. Via 2D ESRI it was possible to visualize the spatial variation of the ESR spectra and to deduce the relative intensity of the nitroxides in the two distinct sites along the selected spatial coordinate. The spectral profiling made possible by ESRI provided spatial details that can be used to deduce morphology-sensitive chemical processes along the sample depth.
Taking Calculated Risks: The Story of the Cannibal Mothers (2 Kings 6:24–7:20)

Embedded in the collection of tales about the prophet Elisha is a series of three inter-connected scenes reflecting the depredations of siege warfare and the breakdown of normal social control mechanisms (2 Kgs 6:24–7:20). Each scene plays upon the tendency by humans whenever possible to calculate the risks that they face. Presented in these three episodes is a simple proposition: given current conditions, what actions are worth the risk? To make this clear the storyteller shapes the drama in order to highlight the choices that are made by the unnamed king and two widows as they attempt to deal with an emergency situation. The choices made by these characters include whether to take a risk and handle the crisis in their own way or to be risk-averse and rely upon the covenantal injunction to trust Yahweh to provide what is needed.
Synthesis, Dealloying, and ORR Electrocatalysis of PDDA-Stabilized Cu-Rich Pt Alloy Nanoparticles

We report on the polymeric surfactant-assisted synthesis and characterization of highly dispersed, uniformly alloyed Cu-rich Pt-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles with Cu contents up to 75 atom % Cu for use as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst at polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Base-metal-rich Pt alloy particles are generally very difficult to prepare as a well-alloyed single-phase material with high dispersion using conventional liquid impregnation/reductive annealing routes. A comparison between the characteristics of Pt-Cu alloy particle obtained from a poly(dimethyl-diallyl ammonium) chloride (PDDA) assisted polyol process and a conventional impregnation method shows that the polyol process is able to form single-phase nanoparticles with a very narrow particle size at temperatures below 200°C. We further investigated the electrochemical behavior of Cu-rich electrocatalysts. We demonstrate the formation of highly active ORR Pt-Cu catalyst phases from a PtCu 3 precursor by selective electrochemical dissolution (dealloying) of Cu. The dealloyed catalyst yields ORR surface-area-specific activities rivaling those of the Pt-rich state-of-the-art Pt 3 Co electrocatalysts. Based on the severe depletion in Cu near the surface combined with moderate surface area increases, we propose geometric rather than electronic or surface-area effects as the origin of the observed activity enhancement.
Assessment of myocardial perfusion and function with PET and PET/CT.

Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in cardiac imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). However, PET has been used for more than 35 years as a powerful tool to study cardiac physiology. PET started as an investigative tool used at select academic medical centers equipped with cyclotrons, to probe physiologic processes such as myocardial perfusion, metabolism, neuronal innervation, and receptor function. At the outset, myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with PET was primarily used in research applications, or as an adjunct to 18F-fluoro deoxy glucose (FDG) imaging for viability assessment, or to guide clinical management in high-risk patients. Over the past 7-8 years, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the use of MPI with PET. It is now being increasingly used for routine clinical evaluation of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Also, it is being used not only at large academic institutions, but also at community hospitals and large private practice groups. There are several factors contributing to this shift in the use of PET MPI, including the exponential growth and availability of combined PET + computed tomography (CT) systems which were driven primarily by oncology applications, FDA approval of an easily available generator produced radiotracer, 82Rubidium (Rb), changes in reimbursement, and the increasing clinical evidence supporting the value of PET/CT MPI. There are several excellent review articles that detail the clinical applications, PET radiotracers,1 quantitative PET,2 viability assessment,3 and utility of hybrid PET MPI applications.3-6 The focus of this article is to discuss the evolution of PET MPI over the course of the years to highlight some of the major achievements in PET that have culminated in the present day applications of PET MPI.
Central vasopressin receptors are upregulated by deoxycorticosterone acetate

Abstract Studies were performed to characterize the regulation of central vasopressin (AVP) receptors in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-NaCl-treated and control rats, and in DOCA-treated primary neuronal enriched cell cultures. Uninephrectomized rats were given NaCl to drink and implanted subcutaneously with a silastic implant containing 200 mg/kg DOCA. [ 3 H]AVP binding to a diencephalic block of tissue was examined. Whereas DOCA-NaCl treatment did not affect the affinity of [ 3 H]AVP binding, the total number of AVP receptors was increased between 3 and 14 days following DOCA-NaCl administration. No differences in the number of binding sites were present in the established (35–56 days after DOCA-NaCl administration) stages of hypertension. To determine whether the increase in [ 3 H]AVP binding was a direct effect of DOCA on neurons or related to the hormonal, volume or other physiologic changes that DOCA-NaCl treatment causes in the whole animal, [ 3 H]AVP binding was examined in neurons grown in culture that was treated with DOCA. Scatchard analysis demonstrated that DOCA treatment (compared to control) produced an increase in the number but no change in the affinity of the AVP binding sites in primary neuron-enriched cultures. Treatment of cultured neurons with other steroids (estrogen, corticosterone, or aldosterone), did not change the kinetics of [ 3 H]AVP binding, suggesting that the effects of DOCA on the AVP receptor were specific for this steroid. These data indicate that, in comparison to control rats, DOCA-NaCl hypertensive rats, have an enhanced number of AVP receptors in the diencephalon, perhaps as a direct result of an interaction between DOCA and AVP receptors. Since these changes in AVP binding occur during the early, developmental stage of DOCA-NaCl hypertension, they may contribute to the rise in arterial pressure.
p21(CIP1/WAF1/SDI1) hypermethylation: an exciting new lead in ALL biology.

Roman-Gomez and colleagues (page [2291][1]) have examined hypermethylation of the p21CIP1/WAF1/SDI1 gene promoter in bone marrow cells from a large group of children and adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hypermethylation, observed in 51 of 124 patients, correlated strongly with
Regulating genes by packaging domains: bits of heterochromatin in euchromatin?

which a variegating gene is inactivated and the frequency with which it is incorporated within cytologically visible heterochromatin 16,17, and also by changes at the molecular level in the chromatin structure of variegating loci TM. While there is evidence that some variegating loci are inactivated as a consequence of DNA loss, due to differential replication or DNA elimination 13,19, it is clear that in many cases of PEV this does not occur 2°m. Inactivation is generally the result of changes in chromatin structure 'v'6. One would therefore expect mutations that modify the extent of inactivation at variegating loci to lie in genes encoding chromosomal proteins, their modifiers, or assembly factors (reviewed in Ref. 8). Many of these mutations have been identifieda2, 23, including both suppressors of PEV [Su(var)], which suppress inactivation of the variegating gene, and znhancers of PEV [En(var)], whicil enhance inactivation. Mutations at as many as 120 loci can have a dominant effect on PEV 2"~. Several such modifier loci have been cloned and characterized (reviewed in Refs 8, 25). Interestingly, many Su(var) and En(var) loci that encode chromosomal proteins show a strong dosage effect. These include the histone gene cluster 26 and the Su(var)205 locus encoding heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) 27-29, which is predominantly associated with the ~-heterochromatin of salivary gland polytene chromosomes 27.30. These results support the hypothesis that changes in chromatin structure dictate the stable inactivatior, of genes that lie adjacent to heterochromatin as the result of a translocation.
Comments on diane macunovich

Virginia Deane Abernethy comments on the paper that was written by Diane Macunovich on the consequences of immigration on US fertility. According to Macunovich immigration from any high-fertility Third World country into the US results in fewer total births for the planet. The departures induce a higher fertility rate among those left in the Third World country but this effect is offset based on Macunovichs calculations by much lower fertility induced among natives in the host country. In addition Abernethy observes that table IV of Macunovich s paper lacks other pertinent data that would show the addition of births removed from any high-fertility Third World country to US births and the births foregone by native-born and resident Americans. Finally Abernethy states that calls for soul-searching and ethical approaches to fast-developing demographic facts on the ground should have a foundation of truth.
Differences in regional and subcellular localization of G(q/11) and RGS4 protein levels in Alzheimer's disease: correlation with muscarinic M1 receptor binding parameters.

Deficits in M1 muscarinic receptor system signaling in Alzheimer's disease (AD) prompted an analysis of components of these systems, namely, the G(q/11) protein and the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) 4 protein. In AD parietal cortex, total levels of G(q/11) and RGS4 proteins were significantly lower than age-matched control cases by 40% and 53%, respectively. However, the levels of membrane-bound G(q/11) and RGS4 protein in AD parietal cortex were maintained at levels comparable to controls. Furthermore, in the frontal cortex and cerebellum both the total and membrane levels of G(q/11) and RGS4 protein were not altered in AD cases compared to control cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report to examine RGS proteins in AD. Using receptor binding assays on the parietal cortex membrane fractions from AD cases, we found the muscarinic agonist carbachol still bound to high- and low-affinity sites (two-site fit) and the potency of 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp) to shift receptors from the high- to low-affinity state (based on the ternary complex model) was greater in AD cases compared to controls. In contrast, we previously reported a lack of high-affinity agonist binding sites in the frontal cortex in AD cases even in the absence of GppNHp. The data suggest that the equilibrium dynamics between the cytosolic and membrane levels of G(q/11) and RGS4 may contribute to the regional differences in the coupling of muscarinic M1 receptors in AD and have implications for the variability in effects of cholingeric treatment strategies currently in place.
Aortoiliac and femoropopliteal phase‐based NMR angiography: A comparison between FLAG and RSE

To assess the performance of FLAG and RSE NMR angiography 22 aortoiliac (A1) and 22 femoropopliteal (FP) angiograms in 11 healthy males, mean age 38 ± 7.6 years, were acquired. The image quality was graded in a blinded fashion by two independent readers. The readers grades were not statistically different (K = 0.5696). The representation of diagnostic images was 6/ 11 FLAG and 8/ 11 RSE A1 as well as 8/ 11 FLAG and 8/ 11 RSE FP. On back-to-back comparison six RSE A1 and seven RSE FP were graded bettcr than their FLAG counterparts. Although these differences did not achieve a statistical significance RSE NMR angiography provided consistently better images and appears preferable for imaging of the peripheral vascular system in normal subjects. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Interdependence Issues in Analyzing Negotiation Data

This study illustrates the conceptual and statistical issues stemming from the use of nested, interdependent data in negotiation research. To this end, the nature and forms of interdependence are discussed, several models of interdependence are outlined, and methods for analyzing interdependent data are presented. Furthermore, an example using the actor–partner interdependence model is given. This discussion and example may provide an avenue to rethink the modeling and analysis of offline and online negotiation processes, given the interdependent nature of negotiation data.
Differential contributions of worry, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive symptoms to ERN amplitudes in response monitoring and reinforcement learning tasks

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts (i.e. obsessions) and future-oriented worrisome cognitions that are associated with behavioral ritualistic compensations (i.e. compulsions) and anxious arousal. Research has found an enhanced error-related negativity (ERN) among those with OCD in choice response tasks such as the flankers task, but not in probabilistic learning tasks. To date, research has not directly investigated whether the ERN effect observed in individuals with OCD is specific to the central features of OCD (obsessions and compulsions), or is related more closely to the worry or anxiety observed in this disorder. This study compared groups with relatively pure symptom profiles on OC, worry, and anxiety symptoms (e.g. high on OC, low on worry and anxiety) relative to a "typical" OC presentation group (e.g. high OC, mild to high worry and anxiety) and a non-anxious non-worry Control group, in both flankers and probabilistic learning tasks. For the flankers task, only the Worry group had a significantly enhanced ERN relative to controls. For the probabilistic learning task, the OC typical group had significantly enhanced ERN amplitude on suboptimal choices relative to controls. Across tasks, the experimental groups had significantly enhanced activity on error/suboptimal choices relative to the OC specific group. The results highlight the role of worry across both tasks, and to a lesser extent anxiety and OC symptoms, in performance-monitoring processes.
High Concentration Silicon Solar Cells

The present state-of-the-art of silicon high concentration solar cells is reviewed. Two cell structures, the silicon point contact cell and the microgrooved cell structure, have demonstrated efficiencies of 28% at 150× and 24.7% at 100×, respectively. The problems associated with operation at high concentration are discussed. It is noted that Auger recombination is the limiting factor in the operation of high efficiency solar cells, affecting not only the open circuit voltage, but having a great impact on the short circuit current as well. With additional design improvements, efficiencies over 30% at concentration appear to be within reach.
Equine herpesvirus type 1 infected cell polypeptides: evidence for immediate early/early/late regulation of viral gene expression

EHV-1 polypeptide synthesis was examined in productively infected rabbit kidney and hamster embryo cells. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyses of extracts from [35S]methionine- and 3H-amino acid-labeled-infected and mock-infected cultures revealed the presence of 30 infected cell-specific polypeptides (ICPs) which ranged in apparent molecular weights from 16.5K to 213K. Twenty-two of these ICPs comigrated with virion structural proteins. Four ICPs (203K, 176K, 151K, 129K) were detected in extracts of infected cultures labeled in the presence or absence of actinomycin D (Act D) immediately after release from a 4-hr treatment with cycloheximide (CH). These polypeptides, which were designated as EHV-1 immediate early (alpha) ICPs, were not detected in unblocked (non-CH-treated) infected cells. The most abundant ICP was a 31.5K nonstructural protein which, in addition to a 74K protein, was detected in unblocked infected cells at 2-3 hr postinfection. These proteins appeared to be regulated as early (beta) ICPs, since neither protein was observed in Act D-treated cultures released from CH block. Twelve ICPs were classified as late (gamma) polypeptides on the basis of their reduced synthesis in cultures in which viral DNA replication was inhibited by phosphonoacetic acid. All but one (40K) of these late ICPs corresponded to virion structural proteins.
Reduction of dADAR activity affects the sensitivity of Drosophila melanogaster to spinosad and imidacloprid

The insecticides spinosad and imidacloprid cause toxicity by acting at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), but at distinct sites on the receptor. Mutations or deletions of specific nAChR subunits cause resistance to these compounds. Transcripts of nAChR subunits are subject to A-to-I RNA editing by adenine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), which may result in altered receptor physiology. However, reports on the influence of A-to-I RNA editing on insecticide sensitivity have been very limited. We used the Gal4–UAS system in Drosophila melanogaster to reduce the expression of dAdar in specific tissues and evaluated the toxicity of spinosad and imidacloprid. Ubiquitous reduction of dAdar increased spinosad sensitivity, while dAdar reduction in cholinergic neurons and muscle reduced spinosad sensitivity. Imidacloprid sensitivity was reduced by decreased dAdar expression in cholinergic neurons, muscle and glia. While reduction in editing of nAChR subunits may explain some of these changes in insecticide toxicity, it is likely that editing of genes other than nAChRs can affect toxicity of these insecticides.
Managing hazardous facilities: Lessons from the Bhopal accident

Abstract A brief description of the Bhopal Plant and how the accident occurred has been presented. Using a framework developed for assessment of technology, the
Spin-wave utilization in a quantum computer

We propose a quantum computer scheme using spin waves for quantum-information exchange. We demonstrate that spin waves in the antiferromagnetic layer grown on silicon may be used to perform single-qubit unitary transformations together with two-qubit operations during the cycle of computation. The most attractive feature of the proposed scheme is the possibility of random access to any qubit and, consequently, the ability to recognize two qubit gates between any two distant qubits. Also, spin waves allow us to eliminate the use of a strong external magnetic field and microwave pulses. By estimate, the proposed scheme has as high as ${10}^{4}$ ratio between quantum system coherence time and the time of a single computational step.
Lowered leptin slims immune response

The decrease in leptin induced by starvation causes immune suppression, further demonstrating that falling and rising leptin levels have major, and quite distinct, physiologic consequences.
ADAPTORS AND INNOVATORS: DIFFERING APPROACHES TO DESIGNING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE INTERVENTIONS '

The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the role of cognitive style and problem-solving in terms of what are similarities and differences among experienced practitioners of human resource development in their approaches to organizational change interventions and what is the relationship, if any, between these approaches and Kirton's characterizations of adaptors and innovators. Qualitative analysis of responses from 10 persons to a hypothetical scenario supported Kirton's Adaption-Innovation theory. The 2 Adaptors accepted the given problem and solution and described creative ways to design traditional classroom-based training. The 8 Innovators challenged the assumptions in the scenario, found creative ways to restructure the problem, and proposed nontraditional learning interventions.
Electrorheological Fluids: Structure Formation, Relaxation, and Destruction

In a strong electric field, the qualitative behavior of electrorheological fluids is dominated by the dipolar interactions between the colloidal particles. When thermal effects can be ignored, the ground state of a system of dipolar particles is an ordered solid. However, long-range ordered structures are rarely seen in experiment. When a high electric field is applied to a fluid, dielectric columns oriented parallel to the field rapidly form. The relaxation of these columns is a much slower process. I calculate the shape of the columns formed and the time scale for the relaxation of the columnar structure. I also discuss how this structure formation is altered in the presence of a shear flow.
Current conceptualizations of sexual dysfunction: A review and an alternative perspective

Abstract Current conceptualizations of sexual dysfunctions are reviewed, focusing upon the disorders of arousal (male erectile impotency and female anorgasmia) and their treatment. The centrality of the concept of anxiety is illustrated in clinical reports and critiqued in light of current theoretical accounts of anxiety from related literature. Direct and indirect empirical evidence is reviewed, exploring the role of anxiety as a maintaining f actor in these dysfunctions. Finally, an alternative perspective is presented, drawing a parallel between operative processes in the arousal disorders and social phobia, and deliniating relevant cognitive factors such as detraction and attentional focus. Suggestions for empirical study are offered and implications for treatment discussed.
Dosage, duplication, and diploidization: clarifying the interplay of multiple models for duplicate gene evolution over time

Requirements to maintain dosage balance shape many genome-scale patterns in organisms, including the resolution of whole genome duplications (WGD), as well as the varied effects of aneuploidy, segmental duplications, tandem duplications, gene copy number variations (CNV), and epigenetic marks. Like neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization, the impact of absolute and relative dosage varies over time. These variations are of particular importance in understanding the role of dosage in the evolution of polyploid organisms. Numerous investigations have found the consequences of polyploidy remain distinct from small-scale duplications (SSD). This observation is significant as all flowering plants have experienced at least two ancient polyploid events, and many angiosperm lineages have undergone additional rounds of polyploidy. Intriguingly, recent studies indicate a link between how epigenetic marks in recent allopolyploids may induce immediate changes in gene expression and the longer-term patterns of biased fractionation and chromosomal evolution. We argue that dosage effects represent one aspect of an emerging pluralistic framework, a framework that will use biophysics, genomic technologies, and systems-level models of cells to broaden our view of how genomes evolve.
Outcomes after resection of leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava: A pooled data analysis of 377 cases

Abstract Background Primary leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava (IVC) pose unique surgical challenges. Due to the rarity of the disease, little definitive data exists on prognosis and treatment options. Methods A pooled data analysis was performed on all cases of initial IVC leiomyosarcoma resection identified by literature search ( n = 371) and our institutional database ( n = 6). Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Patients were predominantly female (76%, n = 286); the median age of presentation was 55 years. Five-year DFS and OS were 6% and 55%, respectively. Preoperative factors independently associated with decreased OS included older age (HR:1.05, 95% CI:1.00–1.09), larger tumor size (HR:1.14, 95% CI:1.04–1.24), resection of adjacent organ(s) (HR:3.62, 95% CI:1.34–9.77), and R2 resection (HR:7.80, 95% CI:1.94–32.05). Isolated involvement of the suprarenal infrahepatic IVC was associated with longer OS (HR:0.22, 95% CI:0.06–0.78). A scoring system incorporating independent predictors of OS stratified outcomes: score 4–5 ( n = 10, median OS 6 months), score 2–3 ( n = 88, median OS 23 months) compared to a score of 0–1 ( n = 44, median OS 29 months). Conclusions Following resection of IVC leiomyosarcomas, recurrence is a near certainty; long-term survival, however is possible. The dominant predictors of survival include margin status, tumor size and radical resection. These can be combined into a risk score that has prognostic value.
Two‐element array of insulated antennas in a relatively dense medium

The applications and the theory of coupled insulated dipoles and monopoles in a relatively dense medium (like water, the earth, a living tissue) are reviewed. Graphs of the distributions of current and the admittances calculated from the theory are displayed for two‐element arrays of air‐insulated monopoles in lake water. A comparison is made with measured data and generally good agreement is observed for the currents. Differences in the admittances due to the effects at the junctions between the monopole and the driving coaxial line and the approximations of the theory are discussed.
Comparing the standard rating scale and the magnifier scale for assessing risk perceptions.

Objective. A new risk perception rating scale (“magnifier scale”) was recently developed to reduce elevated perceptions of low-probability health events, but little is known about its performance. ...
Electrophysiologic properties of hydralazine in man.

There is considerable interest in selecting the proper drug to preserve the ischemic myocardium, or twilight zone, in a patient with a recent myocardial infarction, Vasodilator therapy with an infusion of nitroprusside1 or phentolamine2,3 has been shown to improve left ventricular function by reducing both preload and afterload. Sublingual nitroglycerin4 as well as an infusion of nitroglycerin5 can also alleviate left ventricular failure in patients with an acute myocardial infarction. Similarly, chronic congestive heart failure patients, irrespective of the etiology, improve hemodynam-ically after an infusion of phentolamine,6,7 nitroprusside8 or hydralazine.9 Oral nitrates,10 phentolamine,11 and hydralazine12 have also been demonstrated to produce improvement in chronic heart failure patients. Recently data has become available on the effects of phentolamine.13 nitroglycerin14 and nitroprusside15 on cardiac conduction in man. However there is no information on the electrophysiological properties of hydralazine in man. The present study involving 12 human subjects was undertaken lo determine what effect iniravenously administered hydralazine has on the human conduction system.
89 ROLE OF GROWTH HORMONE (GH) IN THE GROWTH RETARDATION PRODUCED BY PERPHENAZINE (PER)

Previous studies have demonstrated that the phenothiazine anti-psychotic drug PER blocks r (rat) GH secretion (Redmond, Neuroendocrinol 30:243, 1980) and retards growth (Redmond and Hirshman, Ped Pharmacol, in press). In order to determine whether the diminished rGH secretion was causally related to the growth retardation, an experiment was performed in which rGH replacement was given with PER. Raw results in male Sprague-Dawley rats were as follows: When data was transformed using covariate analysis to adjust for food intake, there was significant restoration by rGH of growth in both weight and length of PER treated rats. Conclusion: Inhibition of rGH secretion is at least one of the mechanisms by which PER impairs growth.
Effect of Polymer Structure on Ion Transport in an Anhydrous Proton Conducting Electrolyte

We have studied the effect of polymer structure of a proton-conducting polymer electrolyte on proton conductivity. Proton conducting electrolytes composed of mixtures of a MePEG7SO3H acid, our MePEGn polymer, and a PEG containing cross-linker have been prepared. We have independently varied two structural parameters in our polymer electrolyte, viscosity and free volume, and studied the effects of these changes on the H+ conductivity. The copolymerization of a PEG13 cross-linker increases the viscosity and the molecular weight distribution (i.e., PDI) of our MePEGn polymers. In addition, the fractional free volume of our MePEGn polymers increases as the length of the PEG side chains in the polymer increases from n = 7 to n = 12. Under certain conditions, high-viscosity, cross-linked MePEGn polymers show almost the same ionic conductivity as less viscous, uncross-linked MePEGn polymers. The effect of this change in viscosity is compensated by a simultaneous change in the free volume of the MePEGn polymer. T...
Using CO2 spatial variability to quantify representation errors of satellite CO2 retrievals

[i] Satellite measurements of column-averaged CO 2 dry-air mole fraction (X CO2 ) will be used in inversion and data assimilation studies to improve the precision and resolution of current estimates of global fluxes of CO 2 . Representation errors due to the mismatch in spatial scale between satellite retrievals and atmospheric transport models contribute to the uncertainty associated with flux estimates. This study presents a statistical method for quantifying representation errors as a function of the underlying spatial variability of X CO2 and the spatial distribution of retrieved soundings, without knowledge of the true X CO2 distribution within model gridcells. Representation errors are quantified globally using regional X CO2 spatial variability inferred using the PCTM/GEOS-4 model and a hypothetical atmospheric transport model with 1° x 1° resolution, 3 km 2 retrieval footprints, and two different sounding densities.
TLK1B is elevated with eIF4E overexpression in breast cancer.

Abstract Introduction The overexpression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), a critical component of the “RNA helicase” necessary for the initiation of protein synthesis of mRNAs with long 5′ prime untranslated regions (5′UTRs), can result in malignant transformation. In a prospective study on breast cancer outcome of women with stage I to III disease, eIF4E overexpression was an independent predictor of cancer recurrence (RR = 7.3, CI = 1.58–33.9). Dysregulation of Tousled-like kinase 1B (TLK1B), a threonine kinase with a highly conserved gene sequence, has been linked to defects in cell division and DNA replication. In cell lines, TLK1B overexpression has been recently associated with resistance to radiation. The 5′UTR of TLK1B is long (1088 nt) and the structure is complex. Our hypothesis is that TLK1B elevation is correlated with the overexpression of eIF4E in human breast carcinoma. Materials and methods Eighty-seven patients with invasive breast cancer and 11 patients with benign breast disease were accrued prospectively. Clinical data collected include age, race, stage, grade of tumor, ER, and PR status. TLK1B and eIF4E levels were quantified by Western blot analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation, paired and unpaired t test, and multivariate analysis. Results In the 87 cancer specimens from patients with breast carcinoma, eIF4E level was elevated by a mean of 9.5-fold (range = 1.8–48.4), and TLK1B was elevated by a mean of 9.4-fold (range = 1.0–58.0) when compared to the 11 specimens from noncancer patients. Multivariate analysis performed demonstrates the degree of eIF4E overexpression is independent of age, race, tumor grade, and ER or PR status of the tumor. Similarly, the degree of TLK1B elevation is independent of age, tumor grade, and ER or PR status of the tumor. Using the Spearman correlation, the degree of TLK1B elevation was strongly correlated with the degree of eIF4E overexpression (r = 0.39, P = 0.001). Conclusions Both eIF4E and TLK1B are elevated in breast cancer specimens but not in benign breast specimens from noncancer patients. The degree of TLK1B elevation is correlated with the degree of IF4E overexpression. Both eIF4E and TLK1B overexpression are independent of tumor grade, tumor stage, and ER and PR status.
A simplified flow cytometric assay identifies children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have a superior clinical outcome

Bone marrow normal lymphoid progenitors (CD19+, CD10+, and/or CD34+) are exquisitely sensitive to corticosteroids and other antileukemic drugs. We hypothesized that, in patients with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cells with this phenotype detected early in treatment should be leukemic rather than normal. We therefore developed a simple and inexpensive flow cytometric assay for such cells and prospectively applied it to bone marrow samples collected on day 19 from 380 children with B-lineage ALL. In 211 patients (55.5%), these cells represented 0.01% or more of the mononuclear cells; results correlated remarkably well with those of more complex flow cytometric and molecular minimal residual disease (MRD) evaluations. Among 84 uniformly treated children, the 10-year incidence of relapse or remission failure was 28.8% ± 7.1% (SE) for the 42 patients with 0.01% or more leukemic cells on day 19 detected by the simplified assay versus 4.8% ± 3.3% for the 42 patients with lower levels (P = .003). These assay results were the strongest predictor of outcome, even after adjustment for competing clinicobiologic variables. Thus, this new assay would enable most treatment centers to identify a high proportion of children with ALL who have an excellent early treatment response and a high likelihood of cure. (Blood. 2006;108:97-102)
EVIDENTIARY ISSUES WITH PARENTAL ALIENATION SYNDROME

Expert testimony on unsubstantiated social science syndromes such as the Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) has been increasingly admitted in courtrooms across the United States. This is a problem because a trier of fact is making a determination based on theories that are inaccurate or incorrect. To remedy this, the standards of admissibility for expert testimony must be heightened. The broad discretion given to trial judges in determining admissibility should be reevaluated and a new rule of evidence for social science testimony should be adopted.
A Note on the Invariance Law for Surrogate Dimension Reduction

In this article, we give an alternative and much shorter proof for the invariance law of surrogate dimension reduction for measurement error regression that was established by Li and Yin (2007).
Simultaneous production of market-specific and global products: A two-stage stochastic program with additional demand after recourse

This paper analyzes the simultaneous production of market-specific products tailored to the needs of individual regions and a global product that could be sold in many regions. We assume that the global product costs more to manufacture, but allows the decision concerning the allocation of products to regions to be delayed until after the manufacturing process has been completed. We further assume that there is additional demand after the region allocation but prior to delivery, extending the two-stage stochastic program with recourse to include additional stochastic demand after the recourse. This scenario arises, for example, when there is additional uncertainty during a delivery delay which might occur with transoceanic shipments. We develop conditions for optimality assuming a single build-allocate-deliver cycle and stochastic demand during both the build and deliver periods. The optimal policy calls for the simultaneous production of market-specific and global products, even when the global product is substantially more costly than the market-specific product. In addition, we develop bounds on the performance of the optimal policy for the multicycle problem. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 438–461, 2003