cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GluR5 Kainate Receptors, Seizures, and the Amygdala

: The amygdala is a critical brain region for limbic seizure activity, but the mechanisms underlying its epileptic susceptibility are obscure. Several lines of evidence implicate GluR5 (GLUK5) kainate receptors, a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor, in the amygdala's vulnerability to seizures and epileptogenesis. GluR5 mRNA is abundant in temporal lobe structures including the amygdala. Brain slice recordings indicate that GluR5 kainate receptors mediate a portion of the synaptic excitation of neurons in the rat basolateral amygdala. Whole-cell voltage-clamp studies demonstrate that GluR5 kainate receptor-mediated synaptic currents are inwardly rectifying and are likely to be calcium permeable. Prolonged activation of basolateral amygdala GluR5 kainate receptors results in enduring synaptic facilitation through a calcium-dependent process. The selective GluR5 kainate receptor agonist ATPA induces spontaneous epileptiform bursting that is sensitive to the GluR5 kainate receptor antagonist LY293558. Intra-amygdala infusion of ATPA in the rat induces limbic status epilepticus; in some animals, recurrent spontaneous seizures occur for months after the ATPA treatment. Together, these observations indicate that GluR5 kainate receptors have a unique role in triggering epileptiform activity in the amygdala and could participate in long-term plasticity mechanisms that underlie some forms of epileptogenesis. Accordingly, GluR5 kainate receptors represent a potential target for antiepileptic and antiepileptogenic drug treatments. Most antiepileptic drugs do not act through effects on glutamate receptors. However, topiramate at low concentrations causes slow inhibition of GluR5 kainate receptor-mediated synaptic currents in the basolateral amygdala, indicating that it may protect against seizures, at least in part, through suppression of GluR5 kainate receptor responses.
The epoxidation of aldrin by microsomes from the Fc strain of housefly: a genetic survey

Abstract The DDT-resistant housefly strain, Fe, known to resist DDT by biochemical oxidation, is also resistant to carbamate insecticides and has a high in vitro microsomal epoxidase activity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the DDT resistance, associated with chromosome V, is also responsible for the resistance to carbamates and for the high epoxidase levels. Genetic procedures for segregating the R factors were employed using a multimarker insecticide susceptible strain designated acbco. The technique involved backcrossing the F 1 hybrid of the resistant and susceptible parents to the susceptible parent. The genotypes with a single R chromosome from the Fc parent were retained for further development as substrains and for toxicological and biochemical studies. These studies revealed that both resistance to the carbamate insecticide, propoxur, and the high in vitro microsomal epoxidation of aldrin were lost during the genetic isolation of the R factors. However, the resistance to DDT, associated with chromosome V, was present in the substrain carrying this chromosome from the Fc parent. All of the substrains were induced five- to seven-fold, by feeding phenobarbital at 1% in the diet for 3 days. Additional substrains synthesized from the substrains carrying chromosomes II and V or III and V from the Fc parent did not possess sufficient propoxur resistance or aldrin epoxidase activity to account for that present in the R parent. The interpretation of these rseults is that neither the carbamate resistance nor the microsomal epoxidase of the Fc strain is due to the factor which oxidizes DDT. Furthermore, the factor responsible for the high microsomal epoxidase activity is not due to a single chromosome such as chromosome II which is the case in other housefly strains with high oxidase activities.
Diastolic flutter of aortic valves in aortic regurgitation: a report of seven cases.

Seven patients with aortic regurgitation, manifesting diastolic flutter of the aortic valve cusps (DFAVC) in the echograms, are described. Five patients with infective endocarditis revealed coarse or fine, irregular DFAVC. Two patients with severe aortic regurgitation and a musical murmur manifested regular DFAVC with a frequency identical to that of a simultaneously recorded dias tolic murmur. Of the 5 patients with infective endocarditis, 4 required urgent aortic valve replacement and 1 died. The 2 patients with musical murmurs are clinically stable without surgery. This report extends the clinical spectrum of patients with DFAVC and describes the character of the flutter in patients with musical murmurs. Furthermore, it suggests that DFAVC is a sign of severe aortic regurgitation.
Facile synthesis of N-substituted-4-cyano-4-phenylpiperidines via phase-transfer catalysis

Phenylacetonitrile can be condensed with N-substituted-bis(2-chloroethyl)amines in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to produce N-substituted-4-cyano-4-phenylpiperidines. Hexadecyltributylphosphonium bromide is an effective catalyst for this phase-transfer reaction.
Sprung from chains

Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure. By Wolfram Saenger. Springer-Verlag: 1984. Pp. 556. Pbk DM 79, $29.50.
Parameters Influencing Sediments Resuspension and the Link to Sorption of Inorganic Compounds

In the aquatic environment, the accumulation of chemicalcontaminants by sediments poses a potential threat to endemiclife forms and drinking water resources. Trace metals such asCd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and toxic organic compounds, are among awide variety of contaminants having an affinity for sediments.In this study, experiments were performed simulating sedimentresuspension in the lower Housatonic River, Connecticut, using aParticle Entrainment Simulator. Analyses of grain sizedistributions, porosities and total organic contents of thesediments suggested that these parameters influence theredistribution and entrainment of settleable solids in the watercolumn. These findings were established by evaluating the impactof one parameter on sediment resuspension as a function ofstream flow with the other two characteristics being heldconstant. Total suspended solids and volatile suspended solidsresuspension concentration ranged from 3.2 to 20648.3 mg L-1,and 1.5 to 1823.8 mg L-1, respectively, with subsequentincreases in flow rates from 9 to 6 dynes cm-2. The resuspension concentrations were augmentedby sediment porosity (22.0 to 57.5%), percent finer grain-size distributions at 0.1 mm, and total organic content (2.7 g kg-1 to 29.0 g kg-1). Using Kp values, and the dissolvedcontaminant levels of various trace metals, the particulatecontaminant levels of the metals were determined under variousoscillation rates. As sediment resuspension increased withincreased stream flow, there was an overall general increasefrom 0.02 to 33.6 μg L-1 in the particulatecontaminant levels of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb.
Younger Adults with Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Cancer have a Significantly Higher 5-Year Survival Rate than do Older Adults in the United States, Controlling for Patient- and Disease-Specific Characteristics

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Age as a determinant of outcomes for patients with oral cancer. Goldenberg D, Brooksby C, et al. Oral Oncol 2009;45(8):e57-61. Reviewer Mark D. Macek, DDS, DrPH Purpose/Question How does 5-year survival rate for oral cavity squamous cell cancer compare for older and younger adults in the United States, using 4 specific age thresholds and controlling for sex, race, cancer site, and stage of disease? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Retrospective cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
The olivo-cerebellar system: Functional properties as revealed by harmaline-induced tremor

Intracellular recording from Purkinje cells in cat cerebellar cortex demonstrated an 8–10/sec burst activity following intravenous administration of harmaline (10 mg/kg), a drug known to produce tremor at the same frequency. The burst activation of Purkinje cells was generated by large all-or-none depolarizations similar to climbing fiber (CF) excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Polarization of the cell membrane through the recording electrode (via a Wheatstone bridge) revealed that the all-or-none depolarization had an equilibrium potential and time course identical to the electrically evoked CF-EPSP, demonstrating directly that tremor is associated with specific activation of the CF afferent system. Interspike frequency histograms of the burst responses of Purkinje cells show that the rhythmic CF activity may continue for several hours with approximately 10% frequency scatter, the actual frequency depending on the level of anesthesia. Simultaneous extracellular recordings from Purkinje cells near the midline vermis indicated that CFs projecting to this area fire in a synchronous manner, while simultaneous recording from three Purkinje cells at different lateralities from the midline showed that the rhythmic activity is reduced in the lateral vermis and may be absent in the cerebellar hemispheres. Intra- and extracellular recordings from cerebellar nuclear cells (fastigial) disclosed a bursting type of activation following harmaline; a similar type of activity could be recorded in the reticular formation neurons and at inferior olive level. At spinal cord level, harmaline induced a repetitive and rhythmic activation of motoneurons which was not modified by dorsal root section. Cooling of the cerebellar cortex produced a definite desynchronization of the rhythmic motoneuronal firing. However, the basic 10/sec firing of the spinal cord motoneurons could still be observed. Following lesion of the inferior peduncles which interrupted the olivo-cerebellar pathway, the rhythmic activation of Purkinje cells, nuclear cells, vestibular and reticular cells and motoneurons disappeared. However, the rhythmic activity was maintained at inferior olivary level. It is suggested that harmaline acts directly on the inferior olive since in animals with low decerebration, cerebellectomy and spinal transection, rhythmic activity of the inferior olive could still be observed. The results of these experiments strongly suggest that the inferior olive is able to generate the activation of motoneurons and that such influence can only take place through the activation of the cerebellar nuclei. Possible functions of the inferior olive as a generator of fast muscular transients are discussed.
Theoretical Studies of the Quinolinic Acid to Nicotinic Acid Mononucleotide Transformation

Quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRTase) is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the transformation of quinolinic acid (QA) to nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NAMN), a key step on the de novo pathway for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. We describe herein a theoretical study of the intrinsic energetics associated with the possible mechanistic pathways by which QA forms NAMN. Our main interest is in probing the decarboxylation step, which is intriguing since the product is a vinylic anion, not unlike the reaction catalyzed by orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase, an enzyme whose mechanism is under fierce debate. Our calculations indicate that a path involving a quinolinic acid mononucleotide (QAMN) intermediate is the most energetically attractive, favoring decarboxylation. We also find that the monocarboxylate form of QAMN will decarboxylate much more favorably energetically than will the dicarboxylate form of QAMN. Furthermore, our calculations indicate that decarboxylation is not a likely first step; the substrate in such a mechanism would prefer to decarboxylate at the C3 position, not the desired C2 position. We also discuss our results in the context of existing experimental data.
Regulation of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Leak by Cytosolic Calcium in Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes

Diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca leak determines Ca content and, therefore, the amplitude of action potential-induced global Ca transients in ventricular myocytes. However, the pathways and properties of SR Ca leak have been poorly described. Here, we studied the effects of cytosolic [Ca] ([Ca]i) on SR Ca leak in permeabilized rabbit ventricular myocytes. Using confocal microscopy we simultaneously measured intra-SR free Ca ([Ca]SR) with fluo-5N and cytosolic Ca sparks with rhod-2, and monitored SR Ca leak as the change in [Ca]SR over time after complete SERCA inhibition with thapsigargin (10 μM). Increasing [Ca]i from 150 to 250 nM significantly increased SR Ca leak (by ∼30%) over the entire range of [Ca]SR. This increase in SR Ca leak associated with an increase in Ca spark frequency. Further increasing [Ca]i to 350 nM led to rapid [Ca]SR depletion due to the occurrence of spontaneous Ca waves. In contrast, lowering [Ca]i to 50 nM markedly decreased SR Ca leak rate (by ∼60%) and nearly abolished Ca spark activity. When the ryanodine receptor (RyR) was completely inhibited with ruthenium red (50 μM), changes in [Ca]i between 50 and 350 nM did not produce any significant effect on SR Ca leak, showing that changes of [Ca]i over a physiological range alter SR Ca leak solely by regulating RyR activity. However, decreasing [Ca]i to a lower, non-physiologically level (5 nM) activated additional SR Ca leak pathway(s) that were insensitive to RyR or SR Ca ATPase inhibition. In summary, [Ca]i plays an important role in regulating SR Ca leak by activating RyR and preventing Ca leak through unspecified pathways.
Habitat Use by Nekton along a Stream-Order Gradient in a Louisiana Estuary

We examined patterns of habitat use by fishes and decapod crustaceans in a seemingly pristine tidal stream system that drains into southeastern coastal Louisiana, northern Gulf of Mexico. The study area centered on a relatively unaltered mesohaline saltmarsh nested within more heavily degraded conditions. Monthly sampling (February–November 2004) stratified along a stream-order gradient examined changes in nekton abundance, species richness, and community structure. Analyses were based on a microhabitat approach used to characterize nekton responses to spatial gradients of water depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, bottom slope, stream width, and distance to mouth. Thirty taxa were identified from 3,757 individuals collected in 82 seine samples. Seven fishes and three decapods constituted >95% of the community structure. Analyses detected the effects of stream order on fish community structure and associated environmental variables. Spatial differences of environmental variables across stream order were attributed to the geomorphology and hydrology of the study area. A factor analysis resolved eight environmental variables into four orthogonal axes that explained 80% of environmental variation. We interpreted factor 1 as a stream-order axis, factor 2 as a morphological axis, factor 3 as a seasonal axis, and factor 4 as a salinity axis. Differences in use of four-dimensional factor space by dominant species reflected habitat selection and species residency status.
Influence of floral resources on sugar feeding and nutrient dynamics of a parasitoid in the field

To investigate how floral resources impact feeding and nutrient dynamics of parasitoids, the ichneumonid Diadegma insulare (Cresson) was monitored in cabbage fields with and without buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Moench borders. Biochemical analyses of field-collected wasps determined whether sugar feeding occurred, and whether it enhanced nutrient levels and increased parasitism of diamondback larvae Plutella xylostella (L.) from 2000 to 2003. The effects of experimental spatial scale on sugar feeding dynamics were also evaluated in 2001. 2. The majority of D. insulare foraging on cabbage had fed upon sugar, but floral borders did not consistently increase the proportion of sugar-fed wasps or their levels of glycogen and lipid over all 4 years. Floral borders increased sugar storage by females in 2001. More females fed on sugar when experimental plots were separated by at least 800 m compared with 67 m. 3. Feeding on buckwheat nectar vs. honeydew produced by the soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura in surrounding fields was distinguished using the ratio of fructose to total sugars, which was higher in nectar- than in honeydew-fed parasitoids. Floral borders increased the probability that females collected from adjacent crops were nectar-fed in 2002, demonstrating that floral resources were utilised by foraging parasitoids. Diadegma insulare that fed upon any sugar source had higher levels of sugar and glycogen than unfed wasps, and feeding on honeydew appeared to enhance nutrient storage. 4. The prevalence of sugar or nectar feeding by female D. insulare was not correlated with parasitism rates over the 4 years from all plots, but nectar feeding was positively correlated with parasitism rates within floral plots.
Distributed intelligence in an astronomical Distributed Sensor Network

The Telescope Alert Operations Network System (TALONS) was designed and developed in the year 2000, around the architectural principles of a distributed sensor network. This network supported the original Rapid Telescopes for Optical Response (RAPTOR) project goals; however, only with further development could TALONS meet the goals of the larger Thinking Telescope Project. The complex objectives of the Thinking Telescope project required a paradigm shift in the software architecture – the centralised intelligence merged into the TALONS network operations could no longer meet all of the new requirements. The intelligence needed to be divorced from the network operations and developed as a series of peripheral intelligent agents, distributing the decision making and analytical processes based on the temporal volatility of the data. This paper is presented as only one part of the poster from the workshop and in it we will explore the details of this architecture and how that merges with the current Thinking Telescope system to meet our project goals. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Editorial: endoscopic stent placement as a bridge to surgery in malignant colorectal obstruction: a balance between study validity and real-world applicability.

The premise of self-expandable metal stent placement to restore luminal continuity in patients with acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction is intuitively logical. However, the available body of literature addressing their benefit in this setting is contradictory. We sought to briefly critique the available literature and put the findings of Jimenez-Perez et al. published in this current issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology in perspective.
The Economic Effects of the Gold Discoveries upon South Africa: 1886–1910

Introductory survey, 553.— Development of the gold industry, 557.— Capital imports and their timing, 560.— The expansion of purchasing power, 567.— Price movements: foods, 570; house rents, 572; imports, 574; exports, 574; complications, 576.— Money incomes, 578.— Immigration, 582.— The balance of payments, 583.— Trade statistics, 585.— Other items in the balance, 587.— The terms of trade, 588.— Comparative advantages and disadvantages: exports, 590; imports, 592; production, 593.— Conclusion, 596.
A Contemporary Leadership Model to Promote Teacher Leadership

Abstract The idea of leadership is rapidly changing. This article presents a contemporary leadership model comprised of three elements necessary in a successful guide to recognizing and promoting teacher leaders. The elements include establishing an appropriate school culture, recognizing teacher leaders, and inspiring teachers' confidence. These three elements, along with enabled teacher leadership, result in positive cultural outcomes, effective administration, empowered teachers, and relevant organizational policies and procedures which focus on the student. Recommendations are made for teacher education and administrator preparation programs to incorporate these elements into the training of future educators.
Sugar characteristics of sweet corn populations from a sugary enhancer breeding program

Endosperm sugars and sorbitol were determined on 18 sweet corn (Zea mays L.) populations from a breeding program undertaken to transfer the sugary enhacer (se) gene into diverse sugary (su) backgrounds. Three subpopulations of IL677a, the source of se, and six su Se inbreds were included for comparison. Mature dry kernels of between two and four successive generations of these populations were analyzed. Immature kernels at two developmental stages (21 and 35 days after pollination) were also analyzed for one generation.
Modeling of Bolt Joint Behavior of Cast Aluminum Alloy (A380-T5) by Coupling Creep and Plasticity in Finite Element Analysis

Aluminum casting alloys exhibit creep behavior when the materials are exposed to high temperature and load. In this article, the stress- and temperature-dependent creep behavior of a die casting A380-T5 aluminum alloy was simulated using a classical constitutive model. The bolt-load retention behavior of the material was analyzed in a head bolt joint in an aluminum engine under thermal cycle condition using the finite element method. In this simulation, transient thermal analysis was performed first to calculate the metal temperature at the head bolt joint as a function of time during engine thermal cycling. This temperature was then input as the thermal loading in the subsequent structural analysis to calculate its effect on the bolt-load retention. The finite element analysis (FEA) model for the bolt-load retention simulation includes not only the plasticity in all metal components but also the creep properties of head bolt threads in the cast aluminum engine block. The FEA model was validated by good correlation between the predicted head bolt-load loss and the experimental measurement during engine thermal cycling. The simulation results also indicated that creep in the head bolt threads of cast aluminum engine block was mainly responsible for the load loss in the head bolt joint.
Nontopological global field dynamics.

We use arguments based on Derrick's theorem to show that the property of collapse, which is the key feature of global texture, appears in several field theory models with broken global O({ital N}) symmetry. Such models do not necessarily have a nontrivial third homotopy group of the vacuum manifold but may give rise to collapsing global field configurations with properties similar to textures. It is verified that configurations with planar and cylindrical geometries do not collapse. The existence of critical parameters for collapse of spherically symmetric global field configurations is verified both analytically and numerically.
Time-dependent Takagi-Taupin eikonal theory and applications in the subpicosecond manipulation of X-rays

Abstract A time-dependent version of the Takagi–Taupin theory of X-ray diffraction is derived in a unified space–time approach, which is particularly applicable to X-ray diffraction in a crystal that is undergoing rapid change on the subpicosecond, and even few-femtosecond, time scale. The theory is applied to the proposal of a class of X-ray optical elements for the subpicosecond manipulation of X-rays.
PReS-FINAL-2366: Paediatric rheumatology in South Africa

South Africa is a middle income, developing country with a population of 51 million people, 29% of whom are younger than 14 years. As a result of a heavy burden of communicable disease and major socio-economic and political challenges, chronic rheumatic conditions in children have received very little attention in the past and South Africa only has 5 pediatric rheumatologists, 1 for every 3 million children.
Quantitative determination of N-arylaceto- and N-arylglycolhydroxamic acids in biochemical reaction mixtures

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) solvent system was developed for use with C 18 bonded packings that effected the chromatographic resolution of monoaromatic hydroxamic acids in complex mixtures. The success of this hplc system resulted from the incorporation of an aliphatic hydroxamic acid additive into the elution solvent. This additive, desferal mesylate, suppressed chemisorption effects between the stationary phase of the chromatographic packing and the aromatic hydroxamic acids being analyzed. The detectability limit for acetyl-derived aromatic hydroxamic acids was about 10 ng, while that for glycolyl-derived aromatic hydroxamic acids was about 5 ng. This level of sensitivity was sufficiently low to allow for the direct detection of these components in enzymatic reaction mixutres. By manipulation of the percentage methanol in the aqueous solvent the resolution of either type of hydroxamic acid from other related metabolites was readily accomplished.
Crystalline structure and morphology of microphases in compatible mixtures of poly(tetrahydrofuran-methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer and polytetrahydrofuran

The crystalline structure and morphology of compatible mixtures of poly(tetrahydrofuran-methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers (PTHF-b-PMMA) with a polytetrahydrofuran homopolymer (PTHF) were studied with synchrotron X-rays. Wide-angle diffraction was used to study the crystalline structures in a confined lamellar region with a PTHF thickness ranging from 12.2 to 19.5 nm, and in a PTHF matrix with an interface distance between the PMMA cylinders ranging from 17 to 22 nm. As the above thickness values are around the long period (ca. 17 nm) of PTHF homopolymer under the crystallization condition used, the crystalline structure has been found to be very sensitive to the average thickness of the PTHF phase. The changes in the diffraction patterns with changing PTHF homopolymer content suggested a chain folding model in confined PTHF lamellae with the PTHF fiber axes being perpendicular to the thick PTHF lamella. In the case of hexagonally packed cylindrical PMMA microdomains with an interface distance ranging from 12 to 16 nm, the effects of PMMA cylinders on the crystallization morphology of PTHF in the PTHF matrix, and the effects of the PTHF crystallization on the hexagonally packed structure of PMMA cylinders were also studied. It is shown that only when the interdistance of two neighboring PMMA cylinders is comparable with the long period of the pure PTHF homopolymer, ordered PTHF stacks can be formed in the PTHF matrix. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 779–792, 1999
Occupational vehicular accident claims: A workers’ compensation analysis of Oregon truck drivers 1990–1997

This study used workers' compensation data from Oregon from 1990 to 1997 to examine workers' compensation claims from vehicular accidents by truck drivers, and to calculate claim rate estimates using baseline data derived from the US Bureau of Census' Current Population Surveys. During this period, 1168 valid injury claims due to vehicular accidents were filed representing an accident claim rate of 50.3 (95% CI: 45.1-55.5) per 10,000 truck drivers annually. There were 19 work-related vehicular accident fatalities recorded in the data over the 8-year period. Of all claimants, males constituted the majority (80.7%), most were 35 years of age or younger (51.4%) and had less than 1 year of job tenure (51.0%). Truck driver claim rates due to vehicular accidents were lowest during the 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. period. The average amount of compensable lost work days per injury claim was 57.8 days (S.D.=124.7) and the median claim time was 16.0 days with the inter-quartile range being 53.5 days. The amount of lost work reported increased with the claimant's age. A total of US$ 11,642,635 was paid in claims for vehicular accidents of truck drivers in Oregon over the time examined, which averaged US$ 9966 per claim, with a median claim amount of US$ 2590 and inter-quartile range of US$ 7670. Claims citing sprains were the most frequently recorded injury experienced from vehicular accidents.
1,n‐Glycols as Dialdehyde Equivalents in Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Carbonyl Allylation and Iterative Two‐Directional Assembly of 1,3‐Polyols

Unstable? We're able! 1,n-Glycols serve as synthetic equivalents to unstable dialdehydes in two-directional carbonyl allylation from the alcohol oxidation level under iridium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation conditions. Iterative asymmetric allylation employing 1,3-propanediol enables the rapid assembly of protected 1,3-polyol substructures with exceptional levels of stereocontrol.
Post-exercise acid-base disturbance in Gecarcinus lateralis, a Terrestrial Crab†

Following enforced activity the hemolymph of Gecarcinus lateralis exhibits a “mixed” respiratory and metabolic acidosis. There is an elevation of hemolymph lactate and P levels and a reduction of total CO2. The lactate release is slow and peak concentrations are reached in 20 minutes. One hour after exercise hemolymph pH, total CO2 and P have returned to resting levels but lactate is elevated for four hours following activity. The metabolic acidosis is due only partly to lactate. A rapid change in base deficit following exercise appears to be independent of lactate concentrations.
Functional diameters of alveolar microvessels at high lung volume in zone II.

To estimate the functional diameter of alveolar microvessels, we perfused isolated rat lungs with fluorescent latex particles (1 diameter/lung) at inflation, pulmonary arterial, and left atrial pre...
Youth protection and the prevention of juvenile delinquency Keeping cinema on the right side of the law

The year 1926 marked the passage of Germany’s Law to Protect Youth from Worthless and Obscene Publications. In combination with the Reich Motion Picture Law of 1920, this legislation sought to shelter minors from the corrupting forces of cultural narrative and imagery. As the discourse surrounding these laws attests, the terms of Germany’s so-called ‘cinema debate’ were ambivalent, and discussions about films thematizing crime were especially complex. Whereas many detective and crime films were condemned for glorifying delinquency, brutalizing the senses and exposing youth to excessive details about criminal activity, educational films and films that sounded a warning were viewed by reformists as ideal means to teach moral responsibility and good citizenship. This paper explores the purported connection between visual imagery, sensual—psychological stimulation, crime and censorship during the early years of the Weimar period.
Covariance-driven mosaic formation from sparsely-overlapping image sets with application to retinal image mosaicing

A new technique is presented for mosaicing sparsely-overlapping image sets, with a target application of assisting the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases. The geometric image transformations required to construct the mosaics are estimated by (1) estimating the transformations between as many pairs of images as possible, (2) extracting sets of constraints (correspondences)from the successfully registered image pairs, and (3) using these constraint sets to simultaneously (jointly) estimate the final transformations. Unfortunately, this may not be sufficient to construct seamless mosaics when two images overlap but can not be successfully registered (step 1). This paper presents a new method to generate constraints between such image pairs, and use these constraints to estimate a more consistent set of transformations. For each pair transformation parameter covariance matrices are computed and used to estimate the mapping error covariance matrices for individual features from one image. These features are matched in the second image by minimizing the resulting Mahalanobis distance. The generated correspondences are validated using robust estimation techniques and used to refine the estimates. The steps of covariance computation, matching, and transform estimation are repeated for all relevant image pairs until the final alignment converges. Results are presented and evaluated for several difficult image sets to illustrate the efficacy of the techniques.
Experimental intervention studies on word problem solving and math disabilities: A selective analysis of the literature.

This article provides a quantitative synthesis of the published literature on word problem solving intervention studies for children with math disabilities (MD). Seven group and eight single-subjec...
Effect of the Work Zone Double-Fine Law in Texas

Results of research conducted to investigate the short-term effects of the double-fine law in work zones implemented in Texas on January 1, 1998, are presented. Field studies of traffic speeds in several work zones were performed before and after the law was implemented. Traffic citation data for these same work zones were also obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Analyses showed that traffic speeds in the work zones 4 to 6 months after the law was enacted were essentially unchanged from before the law was enacted. Similarly, citation frequency and fines levied were not significantly higher than they were before enactment of the law. The data suggested that a higher proportion of drivers who were issued citations after the law was implemented chose to take defensive driving training and to have the ticket subsequently dismissed. However, researchers could not determine whether this was due to the increased fine or to other external reasons.
Pharmacology, Therapeutic Efficacy, and Adverse Effects of Bumetanide, A New “Loop” Diuretic

Bumetanide is a recently developed natriuretic and diuretic agent, belonging to the "loop" class of diuretics. Since it is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration, oral and parenteral formulations have a similar pharmacokinetic profile. Peak plasma levels are achieved approximately 30 min after oral administration. The apparent half-life is 1.2-1.5 hr, and the volume of distribution is about 25 liters. Plasma clearance is 228-255 ml/min. Bumetanide is promptly and almost completely eliminated by metabolism of the butyl side chain and urinary excretion of the parent drug and its metabolites. The principle renal site of action is the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, with a minor effect on the proximal tubule. The drug causes decreases in both free water clearance (during water diuresis) and solute free water reabsorption (during hydropenia), increased fractional delivery of sodium chloride to the distal tubule and a natriuresis approaching 20% of the filtered load of sodium, calciuria, phosphaturia, and minimal bicarbonaturia. Extensive clinical studies have been conducted with both oral and parenteral bumetanide in patients with a variety of edematous conditions. The agent has been clearly demonstrated to be an effective diuretic in the treatment of edema due to cardiac disease (congestive heart failure) and edema, with or without ascites, due to hepatic disease. Bumetanide has also been shown effective in treating edema due to renal disease, even when modest to severe renal insufficiency is present, and it may be useful in the treatment of edema refractory to other loop diuretics. As would be predicted for any potent diuretic, bumetanide administration has been associated with hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic aklalosis, hyperuricemia, and prerenal azotemia. Alterations in glucose metabolism are an inconsistent finding. Transient thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia have been noted, but no consistent or important alterations in biochemical parameters have been observed. In some patients, especially those with renal failure receiving high doses, myalgias and muscle tenderness have been described. To date only a very limited potential for ototoxicity has been observed. Bumetanide has been administered without difficulty to patients having side effects from other loop diuretics.
Expression of collagens I, III, IV and V mRNA in excimer wounded rat cornea: analysis by semi-quantitative PCR

A semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology was used to evaluate the kinetic changes occurring in collagens I, III, IV and V mRNA in rat cornea following excimer laser keratectomy. cDNA was synthesized from RNA extracted from rat cornea at various times following excimer laser photoablative keratectomy. Collagen cDNA sequences were subsequently amplified using specific sets of oligonucleo-tide primers. Competitive PCR amplification was carried out using an internal standard so that a semi-quantitative analysis of message for synthesis of collagen types I, III, IV and V could be performed and time course dynamics of message for these collagens studied. There was a biphasic increase in the levels of collagens III, IV and V mRNA following excimer laser keratectomy. Collagen I mRNA levels demonstrated a more sustained increase and were still elevated at 6 weeks following wounding. Collagens IV and V mRNA showed the largest increase with an approximate three fold increase over controls betw...
Analytic embedded atom method model for bcc metals

The requirements for fitting bcc metals within the EAM format are discussed and, for comparative purposes, the EAM format is cast in a normalized form. A general embedding function is defined and an analytic first- and second-neighbor model is presented. The parameters in the model are determined from the cohesive energy, the equilibrium lattice constant, the three elastic constants, and the unrelaxed vacancy formation energy. Increasing the elastic constants, increasing the elastic anisotropy ratio, and decreasing the unrelaxed vacancy formation energy favor stability of a close-packed lattice over bcc. A stable bcc lattice relative to close packing is found for nine bcc metals, but this scheme cannot generate a model for Cr because the elastic constants of Cr require a negative curvature of the embedding function.
New artificial neural networks for true triaxial stress state analysis and demonstration of intermediate principal stress effects on intact rock strength

Abstract Simulations are conducted using five new artificial neural networks developed herein to demonstrate and investigate the behavior of rock material under polyaxial loading. The effects of the intermediate principal stress on the intact rock strength are investigated and compared with laboratory results from the literature. To normalize differences in laboratory testing conditions, the stress state is used as the objective parameter in the artificial neural network model predictions. The variations of major principal stress of rock material with intermediate principal stress, minor principal stress and stress state are investigated. The artificial neural network simulations show that for the rock types examined, none were independent of intermediate principal stress effects. In addition, the results of the artificial neural network models, in general agreement with observations made by others, show (a) a general trend of strength increasing and reaching a peak at some intermediate stress state factor, followed by a decline in strength for most rock types; (b) a post-peak strength behavior dependent on the minor principal stress, with respect to rock type; (c) sensitivity to the stress state, and to the interaction between the stress state and uniaxial compressive strength of the test data by the artificial neural networks models (two-way analysis of variance; 95% confidence interval). Artificial neural network modeling, a self-learning approach to polyaxial stress simulation, can thus complement the commonly observed difficult task of conducting true triaxial laboratory tests, and/or other methods that attempt to improve two-dimensional (2D) failure criteria by incorporating intermediate principal stress effects.
XIAP downregulation promotes caspase-dependent inhibition of proteasome activity in AML cells

To further understand the role of XIAP in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we suppressed XIAP expression by antisense oligonucleotides and determined the effect on gene expression profiles and biological pathways. XIAP inhibition upregulated expression of proteasome genes in a manner similar to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib or MG132; decreased 20S proteasome activity, an effect which was diminished in the presence of a pan-caspase inhibitor; and increased IκBα, Mcl-1, and HSP70 in AML cells. In addition to multiple functions already described, XIAP contributes to increased proteasome activity in AML cells, and the antitumor effect of XIAP inhibition may be mediated in part through caspase-dependent proteasome inhibition.
Reversible modulation of GABAA receptor‐mediated currents by light is dependent on the redox state of the receptor

Light has recently been shown to be a physical modulator of GABAA receptor activity. Here, we further characterize the effects of light on a native cortical and retinal population of GABAA receptors, and identify a possible mechanism for light induced potentiation using recombinant receptors. GABA-induced currents in cortical neurons were observed to be rapidly and reversibly potentiated following exposure to a brief flash of light (0.5‐2 s; >280 nm) directed via an optical fibre (50mm i.d.). GABAA receptor-mediated responses in retinal ganglion cells were also enhanced by light, while glycine-induced currents in these cells were unaffected by the same stimulus. We also determined that physiological levels of light, that is, those that would normally reach the retina, also enhanced GABA-induced currents. Finally, we observed that chemical reduction of recombinant a1b2 and a1b2g2S GABAA receptors by dithiothreitol substantially attenuated the effects of light. These results suggest that GABAA receptors can be reversibly modified by a brief pulse of light via an allosteric mechanism that is intimately linked to redox modulation.
Engineering of homologous recombination hotspots with AU-rich sequences in brome mosaic virus.

Previously, we observed that crossovers sites of RNA recombinants clustered within or close to AU-rich regions during genetic recombination in brome mosaic bromovirus (BMV) (P. D. Nagy and J. J. Bujarski. J. Virol. 70:415-426, 1996). To test whether AU-rich sequences can facilitate homologous recombination, AU-rich sequences were introduced into parental BMV RNAs (RNA2 and RNA3). These insertions created a homologous RNA2-RNA3 recombination hotspot. Two other AU-rich sequences also supported high-frequency homologous recombination if a common sequence with high or average G/C content was present immediately upstream of the AU-rich element. Homologous RNA recombination did not require any additional sequence motifs or RNA structures and was position nonspecific within the 3' noncoding region. These results suggest that nucleotide content (i.e., the presence of common 5' GC-rich or moderately AU-rich and 3' AU-rich regions) is the important factor that determines the sites of homologous recombination. A mechanism that involves replicase switching during synthesis of positive-sense RNA strands is presented to explain the observed results.
Electrode Mounting For Potentiostatic Anodic Polarization Studies

Abstract : Samples of an arc melted, 10Cr- 10Ni- Fe alloy were mounted with the Stern-Makrides compression gasket assembly. Some electrodes were mounted directly, others were partially encased or coated with various resins prior to mounting. Potentiostatic anodic polarization measurements were performed in hydrogensaturated, normal sulfuric acid at 25C, using an identical potential step technique for each specimen. Polarization behavior in the active region is unaffected by mounting material. However, all resins except heat-cured epoxy and alkyd types, markedly increase apparent passive current density. This is due to the presence of fine crevices at the electrode-resin interfaces. Although the area within crevices may be small, current density is high, and the effect on measured passive currents is pronounced. The results indicate that crevices in, or adjacent to, electrodes must be avoided during potentiostatic anodic polarization measurements. Specimens should be mounted with the Stern-Makrides compression gasket, in heatcured epoxy resin, in alkyd varnish or other methods which ensure freedom from microscopic crevices. (Extracted)
Effects of aerial spray volume, coverage, and abamectin on Scirtothrips perseae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

Helicopter applications using abamectin in different spray volumes were made against Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara in Ventura County, CA. On small (2.2 m tall) trees, spray coverage on water-sensitive papers was 24–48% and 43–97% for 468 and 935 liter/ha volume treatments, respectively. On large (6.2–8.1 m tall) trees, spray coverage was lower and quite variable, from 1 to 28% and 10 to 70% for 468 and 935 liter/ha treatments, respectively. On small trees, 468, 701, and 935 liter/ha with a high abamectin rate (26 g [AI]/ha) were equally effective against larvae from 13 to 27 d after treatment (DAT). On medium (4.2 m tall) trees, 468 and 935 liter/ha with the high rate were equally effective from 23 to 113 DAT. On large (6.5–8.1 m tall) trees, 468 and 935 liter/ha with a low abamectin rate (13 g [AI]/ha) were ineffective in three tests. In a fourth large (6.8 m tall) tree test, 468 and 935 liter/ha with the high rate were effective at 3 and 37 DAT. In a fifth large (6.2 m tall) tree test, 468-1, 403 liter/ha with the high and 935 liter/ha with the low rate were equally effective 2-22 DAT. After all effective treatments, thrips numbers were lower than in controls for 1–3 mo. However, stable and highest reductions in populations were sometimes delayed until 20–23 DAT even when coverage was high. The variability in spray coverage on the lower levels of large trees and the delayed effect may explain inconsistencies in the reporting of or in actual aerial application results.
Computer-Assisted Surgery: A Wine Before its Time: In the Affirmative

A number of investigators have demonstrated, in their hands, the potential for computer-assisted navigation to improve precision and accuracy in obtaining optimal knee alignment in the total knee arthroplasty construct. However, it will be difficult to demonstrate improvement in revision and loosening rates. In addition, there are concerns for computer glitches, training of personnel, extra time requirements, and cost and ability to demonstrate improvements in clinical results to warrant these concerns. Reproducibility of these improvements in precision and accuracy in the hands of the less experienced surgeon must be documented.
United States Economic Expansion and Social Policy During the 1990's: Implications for Poor Americans

This paper examines the impact of policies and programs implemented by the United States federal government during the 1990's on poor Americans. The primary objective of this review is to determine how poverty reduction policies and programs, along with the significant economic expansion of the United States economy during the 1990's impacted the economic predicament of people living below the poverty line.
Solid State Reaction Kinetics IV: The Analysis of Chemical Reactions by Means of the Weibull Function

There is a good deal of interest in the analysis of reactions which are initially heterogeneous, solid state reactions but which end up as homogeneous, liquid phase reactions.1 This interest stems from the determination of the true melting point of a material which reacts during melting. Also, since organic systems are potentially useful as heat transfer and temperature sensing agents, it is of interest to have a mathematical model of their decomposition on melting.