cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic correlates and ontogeny of uricotelism in tree frogs of the genus Phyllomedusa

Activities of arginase, xanthine dehydrogenase, and uricase were measured in liver and kidney of adult Phyllomedusa sauvagei and P. hypochondrialis to examine the enzymatic basis of their unusual ability to excrete uric acid. Comparable values were obtained for two species of ureotelic anurans and a uricotelic lizard. Both Phyllomedusa species exhibited high hepatic and renal levels of xanthine dehydrogenase, whereas this enzyme was not detected in the livers of the ureotelic frogs or the lizard. Hepatic xanthine dehydrogenase was significantly higher in P. sauvagei, which excretes urate predominantly, than in P. hypochondrialis, which excretes 20% of its nitrogen as urate. Hepatic arginase was much lower in both Phyllomedusa species than in the ureotelic frogs, but higher than in the lizard. Reduced levels of uricase were also associated with uricotelism in this genus. Xanthine dehydrogenase was present in livers of larval P. sauvagei well in advance of the onset of uric acid excretion late in metamorphosis. Premetamorphic larvae excreted over 50% of their nitrogen waste as urea and the balance as ammonia.
Effects of nifedipine and verapamil on isometric and dynamic exercise in normal subjects

Effects of single- and multiple-dose nifedipine and verapamil in 10 healthy men were compared with the effect of placebo during static and dynamic physical activity. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and plasma catecholamine and plasma potassium levels were assessed and quantified at rest and at peak levels of 50% handgrip and at rest and peak treadmill activity during placebo, single- and at 2 multiple-dose levels of each of the drugs. Peak BP responses were blunted by a maximal dosage of 120 mg of verapamil administered twice daily during static activity. No blunting of HR response was observed. BP and HR did not change significantly at any dosage level of nifedipine during static exercise. During isotonic exercise the only significant alteration was a progressive decrease in the peak exercise HR with both verapamil and nifedipine. The plasma potassium level increased with both static and dynamic activity but to no greater level than that seen with placebo. Plasma norepinephrine concentration increased at rest after administration of maximal dosage of nifedipine during both isometric and isotonic phases of the study. This is probably related to the underlying mild to moderate increase in sympathetic tone induced by nifedipine. Overall, the hemodynamic responses to exercise are not blunted with calcium-channel antagonists at the dosages studied.
Effects of frontal brain electroshock stimulation on EEG activity and memory in rats: relationship to ECS-produced retrograde amnesia.

Electroencephalographic changes occurring in rat brain following frontal cortex stimulation in non-lesioned rats and in rats with bilateral lesions in the region of amygdala were investigated in Experiment I. Seizure duration and EEG spike frequency varied systematically with current level. The amnesic effects of conventional ECS and frontal cortex stimulation were studied in Experiment II. Both treatments were highly effective in producing retrograde amnesia for an inhibitory avoidance response. The findings are interpreted as suggesting that the effectiveness of ECS in producing RA varies with the amount of current reaching the brain.
The impact of a palliative care educational component on attitudes toward care of the dying in undergraduate nursing students

Nurse educators have identified that historically nurses have not been prepared to care for dying patients. Research also has identified that nursing students have anxieties about death, dying, and caring for dying patients. Several factors have been identified as affecting nurses' and nursing students' attitudes toward care of the dying. Factors addressed in this research were current and previous death education. This research incorporated experiential learning using a model of death education and transformative learning theory. The educational experiences were geared to help students understand the skills needed to care competently and compassionately for the dying. The use of the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) education package along with experiences at the hospice, the funeral home, the anatomy laboratory, and role play helped facilitate transformative learning in the nursing students. The study examined the effects of an educational experience to determine if a one-time educational experience provides sufficient, lasting effects in a 6-week format. Results of this study indicate that education can have a positive effect on nursing students' attitudes toward care of the dying. Nursing students in the intervention group had a significant positive increase in their attitudes toward care of the dying after the intervention. The attitude change increased slightly after a 4-week period.
Optical and EPR absorptions of iron in alkaline earth aluminosilicate glasses

Abstract Alkaline earth aluminosilicate glasses of the general formula xMO·yAl2O3·zSiO2 containing 0.1 mol % Fe2O3 were melted in air and investigated using optical and EPR spectroscopy and physical property measurements. Glasses having x y ratios from 2.1 to 0.47 have been prepared for the CaO, SrO, and BaO systems, while in the MgO system, the ratio extended from 2.1 to 0.7. At this iron level the optical absorption spectrum depends strongly upon the x y ratio. When x y , one observes a band at 1100 nm, normally associated with octahedrally coordinated ferrous ion, and an intense near-UV absorption associated with ferric ion. When x y > 1 , three bands are observed. The 1100 nm peak is increased in size, while the UV edge is shifted to lower wavelengths and bands at 380 and 440 nm are observed, also due to Fe3+. EPR spectroscopic examination of the Fe3+ ions also shows changes of line shape and intensity with changes x y . When x y is changed from 2.1 to 0.47, the g = 4.3 peak in the EPR absorption spectrum sharpens considerably. The effect is most pronounced in the Ba and Sr glasses, less so in the Ca glasses, and quite small in the Mg glasses. The changes in the UV part of the optical spectrum and in the EPR spectrum with changing x y are interpreted as resulting from a change in the coordination of the Fe3+ ion.
Production of triplets and cold radicals with a pulsed electric discharge in a pulsed supersonic bea]tl

Abstract It is found that a pulsed electric discharge in a pulsed supersonic expansion is an efficient source of rotationally cold triplet metastables and radicals. The spectra of both triplet argon (3P2,0) and carbon monoxide (a 3 II,) as well as CCl radical (X2II) were recorded with mass selective resonant multiphoton ionization detection.
Laryngeal Transplantation in the Setting of Cancer: A Rat Model

Objective: Traditional immunosuppressive regimens make laryngeal transplantation in cancer patients prohibitive because of the increased risk of recurrence. Everolimus, a recently developed immunosuppressant, has demonstrated significant antitumor properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of everolimus alone and in combination with other immunosuppressants on tumor growth in a combined laryngeal transplantation and tumor model. Study Design: Animal, prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded. Methods: One million squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCC-158) were injected intravenously into a total of 40 rats 1 day before laryngeal transplantation. Rats were divided into four groups differing by immunosuppressive regimens. Lung surface metastases were counted 21 days after inoculation, and numerical transplantation rejection scores were recorded. A separate experiment for comparison was performed with no transplant on 24 rats, but with the same immunosuppressive treatment groups. Results: The median number of lung surface metastases were: a) control (i.e., no immunosuppression): 85; b) everolimus 1.0 mg/kg: 25; c) tacrolimus 1.2 mg/kg: 1650; d) everolimus 1.0 mg/kg + tacrolimus 0.05 mg/kg: 1300. Rats receiving everolimus alone showed a statistically significant decrease in pulmonary surface metastases compared with the other groups. Transplanted rats had no difference in their outcomes when compared with nontransplanted rats. Conclusion: Everolimus significantly decreases SCC-158 growth in our combined transplantation and tumor model compared with controls and other immunosuppressants.
Absence of detectable viremia in a perinatally HIV-1–infected teenager after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy

A 15-year-old girl with perinatal HIV-1 infection has remained asymptomatic with undetectable plasma HIV-1 viremia for more than 5 years after discontinuing all antiretroviral therapy. Viral sequence analysis of proviral HIV-1 DNA revealed no evident fitness-attenuating deletions or mutations. This subject exhibited an unusually robust HIV-specific T-cell response, with an intact CD4 + T cell–proliferative response to HIV-1 antigens. In addition, the subject was found to be heterozygous for the 32-bp deletion in the CCR5 gene, which encodes the primary coreceptor for HIV-1 entry into cells. This mutation mediates profound resistance to HIV infection in homozygotes and has been associated with delayed disease progression in heterozygotes after both horizontal and vertical HIV-1 infection. Although adults with long-term nonprogressive HIV disease have been studied at length, there is no prior description in the literature of a perinatally HIV-infected child whose plasma HIV-1 viremia is controlled to undetectable levels in the absence of antiretroviral therapy.
MO-G-BRE-02: A Survey of IMRT QA Practices for More Than 800 Institutions

Purpose: A wide range of techniques and measurement devices are employed for IMRT QA, causing a large variation of accepted action limits and potential follow up for failing plans. Such procedures are not well established or accepted in the medical physics community. To achieve the goal of proving insight into current IMRT QA practices, we created an electronic IMRT QA survey. The survey was open to a variety of the most common QA devices and assessed the type of comparison to measurement, action limits, delivery methods, and clinical action for failing QA plans. Methods: We conducted an online survey through the Radiological Physics Center's (RPC) annual survey with the goal of ascertaining elements of routine patient-specific IMRT QA. A total of 874 institutions responded to the survey. The questions ranged from asking for action limits, dosimeter type(s) used, delivery techniques, and actions taken when a plan fails IMRT QA. Results: The most common (52%) planar gamma criteria was 3%/3 mm with a 95% of pixels passing criteria. The most common QA device were diode arrays (48%). The most common first response to a plan failing QA was to re-measure at the same point the point dose (89%), second was to re-measure at a new point (13%), and third was to analyze the plan in relative instead of absolute mode (10%) (Does not add to 100% as not all institutions placed a response for each QA follow-up option). Some institutions, however, claimed that they had never observed a plan failure. Conclusion: The survey provided insights into the way the community currently performs IMRT QA. This information will help in the push to standardize action limits among dosimeters.
Oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide as a side reaction of cyanogen bromide cleavage

Abstract In addition to cleaving the peptide bond in N-pentafluorobenzoyl-methionyl-glycine, cyanogen bromide can also oxidize this peptide to the corresponding sulfoxide, particularly at a higher pH. The yields of this sulfoxide are 1, 8, 64, and 97% when the reaction conditions are 70% formic acid, 0.1 m hydrochloric acid, pH 3.5 citrate buffer, and pH 6.5 phosphate buffer, respectively. Thus, it is no longer acceptable to assume that any methionine sulfoxide arising at the conclusion of a cleavage reaction by cyanogen bromide is necessarily due to partial oxidation of the methionine in the starting peptide or protein.
3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter: evaluation in low dose chest multidetector-row computed tomography.

Objectives: To evaluate a 3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter in reducing streak artifacts in low dose chest computed tomographic (CT) images. Methods: Fourteen adult patients who underwent low dose chest CT examination (parameters: 25 or 50 mAs, 120 kV) on 64-detector CTscanner were included in this study. We prepared 2 sets of contiguous 5-mm thick images by reconstruction with and without 3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter (filter-processed and unprocessed images). Streak artifacts and visualization of peripheral vessels in both filter-processed and unprocessed images were evaluated using a 5-point scale. Upper, middle, and lower thorax were evaluated separately. Results: The difference in artifact severity was statistically significant in upper and lower thorax (P = 0.002 and 0.03, respectively), whereas it was not significant in middle thorax (P = 0.13). The difference in the visibility of peripheral pulmonary vessels was not statistically significant in all anatomical regions. Conclusions: The 3-dimensional adaptive raw-data filter reduced streak artifacts in low dose chest CT in upper and lower thorax.
Diastereomeric Salt Resolution Based Synthesis of LY503430, an AMPA (α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid) Potentiator

This article describes the development and optimization of chemical reactions and subsequent preparation of the API LY503430 under cGMPs to fund first human dose (FHD) clinical evaluation as a potential therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease. Reasons and rationale are presented for changes in solvents and reagents. One of the major developments presented here is the replacement of a chiral chromatography with a diastereomeric salt resolution. This article also discusses a preferred orientation issue with LY503430 which complicated the XRPD analysis.
The retention of americium and calcium by the skeleton of growing and mature female rats.

The retention of47Ca and241Am by 14 parts of the skeleton of growing and mature female rats 7 days after injection has been measured. The various parts of the skeleton possessed widely differing abilities to concentrate both these elements. The bones of the younger rats had a significantly greater ability to concentrate241Am but not47Ca. The implications of these results for the radiation dosimetry of internal contamination by241Am are discussed.
Absorber Materials for Transition-Edge Sensor X-ray Microcalorimeters

Arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) can provide high spatial and energy resolution necessary for x-ray astronomy. High quantum efficiency and uniformity of response can be achieved with a suitable absorber material, in which absorber x-ray stopping power, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity are relevant parameters. Here we compare these parameters for bismuth and gold. We have fabricated electroplated gold, electroplated gold/electroplated bismuth, and evaporated gold/evaporated bismuth 8x8 absorber arrays and find that a correlation exists between the residual resistance ratio (RRR) and thin film microstructure. This finding indicates that we can tailor absorber material conductivity via microstructure alteration, so as to permit absorber thermalization on timescales suitable for high energy resolution x-ray microcalorimetry. We show that by incorporating absorbers possessing large grain size, including electroplated gold and electroplated gold/electroplated bismuth, into our current Mo/Au TES, devices with tunable heat capacity and energy resolution of 2.3 eV (gold) and 2.1 eV (gold/bismuth) FWHM at 6 keV have been fabricated.
A note on transference and alliance: I. Transference--variations on a theme.

Abstract Conceptual and pragmatic difficulties are encountered in relating and differentiating transference from alliance. Transference and alliance, along with the real relationship, are component elements of the analytic relationship, and are mutually involved in intermingling and interaction at all points of the analytic process. Variants of transference are discussed with an eye to distinguishing their differentiation from and relationship to alliance components and functions. Forms of transference differentiated are classical transferences (libidinal and aggressive), transference neuroses, transference psychoses, narcissistic transferences, selfobject transferences, transitional relatedness, transferences as psychic reality, and relational or intersubjective transferences. Transference mechanisms—specifically displacement, projection, and projective identification—and their role in transference development are discussed. Differences in the concept of transference conceived classically as opposed to r...
Nest mites (Pellonyssus reedi) and the reproductive biology of the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)

We investigated the effects of a hematophagous nestling mite (Pellonyssus reedi, Acari: Macronyssidae) on the reproductive biology of the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) in east-central Alabama,...
Thermal characteristics of a closed thermosyphon under various filling conditions

Abstract A two-dimensional numerical model is developed to simulate the transient operation of a thermosyphon with various working fluid filling ratios. Conservation equations for mass, momentum, and thermal energy are solved using finite volume scheme to determine the hydrodynamic and thermal behavior of the thermosyphon. The heat transfer due to the liquid pool and liquid film are accounted for. The numerical model is validated through comparison with experimental data available in the literature. The model is capable of predicting the optimal filling ratio which corresponds to a condensate film extending from the condenser end cap to the evaporator end cap at steady-state for a given heat input. Overfilled and underfilled conditions for which the working fluid inventories are respectively greater than and less than the optimal case are also investigated. Simulation results show that the evaporator temperature of the underfilled thermosyphon rises dramatically due to dryout. The optimally-filled thermosyphon has the shortest response time and the lowest thermal resistance, however, a slight increase in the input power will cause breakdown of the condensate film. The overfilled thermosyphon poses a slightly slower thermal response and greater thermal resistance compared to the optimal condition. To ensure optimal and stable steady-state operation, an optimally-filled thermosyphon is recommended with a small amount of additional working fluid to prevent breakdown of the liquid film.
Transgenic mice with a reduced core body temperature have an increased life span

Reduction of core body temperature has been proposed to contribute to the increased life span and the antiaging effects conferred by calorie restriction (CR). Validation of this hypothesis has been difficult in homeotherms, primarily due to a lack of experimental models. We report that transgenic mice engineered to overexpress the uncoupling protein 2 in hypocretin neurons (Hcrt-UCP2) have elevated hypothalamic temperature. The effects of local temperature elevation on the central thermostat resulted in a 0.3° to 0.5°C reduction of the core body temperature. Fed ad libitum, Hcrt-UCP2 transgenic mice had the same caloric intake as their wild-type littermates but had increased energy efficiency and a greater median life span (12% increase in males; 20% increase in females). Thus, modest, sustained reduction of core body temperature prolonged life span independent of altered diet or CR.
Exploring the relationship between intercollegiate athletic expenditures and team on-field success among NCAA division I institutions.

In recent years, there has been increased research exploring the relationship between college/university intercollegiate athletic expenditures and team on-field success. Scope and methodological li...
Stevenson's optimized perturbation theory applied to factorization and mass scheme dependence

The principles of the optimized perturbation theory proposed by Stevenson to deal with coupling constant scheme dependence are applied to the problem of factorization scheme dependence in inclusive hadron reactions. Similar considerations allow the optimization of problems with mass dependence. A serious shortcoming of the procedure, common to all applications, is discussed.
Editorial essay: : why do we still have journals?

The Web has greatly reduced the barriers to entry for new journals and other platforms for communicating scientific output, and the number of journals continues to multiply. This leaves readers and...
Automatic detection and recognition of traffic road signs for intelligent autonomous unmanned vehicles for urban surveillance and rescue

In this paper, we propose a system that automatically detects and recognizes road signs found in the United States, in real time or close to real-time. The proposed system has application to intelligent autonomous unmanned vehicles for urban surveillance and rescue. It is a multi-layered hierarchical scheme composed of 3 parts: road sign color segmentation, shape recognition, and classification. The system is robust and is invariant to image translation, rotation and scaling. It can deal with situations where there is partial occlusion, blurring of the image, and low visibility due to either weather or a change in lighting conditions. The road sign shape detection and sign classification/recognition are both based on the Principle Component Analysis. We show that the proposed system has correct classification rate of 99.2%. Experimental results show that with the current system, using existing standard hardware/software, it takes on average 2.5 seconds to detect, to segment, and to classify/recognize road signs in a road image scene. This is considered relatively fast. This time can easily be decreased in the future with dedicated specialized hardware and optimized software, taking advantage of the latest embedded hardware technology. Currently, in this paper the focus is on red and yellow road signs found in the United States but the proposed techniques can be generalized to be used for any other colored road signs found both in the United States of America and other countries.
Comparison of the Stability of Functionalized GaN and GaP

Surface functionalization via 1 H,1 H,2 H,2H-perfluoro octanephosphonic acid was done in the presence of phosphoric acid to provide a simplified surface passivation technique for gallium nitride (GaN) and gallium phosphide (GaP). In an effort to identify the leading causes of surface instabilities, hydrogen peroxide was utilized as an additional chemical modification to cap unsatisfied bonds. The stability of the surfaces was studied in an aqueous environment and subsequently characterized. A physical characterization was carried out to evaluate the surface roughness and water hydrophobicity pre and post stability testing via atomic force microscopy and water goniometry. Surface-chemistry changes and solution leaching were quantified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results indicate a sensitivity to hydroxyl terminated species for both GaN and GaP under aqueous environments, as the increase of the degree of leaching was more significant for hydrogen peroxide treated samples. The results support the notion that hydroxyl species act as precursors to gallium oxide formation and lead to subsequent instability in aqueous solutions.
Achieving Marketing Objectives Through Social Sponsorships

Abstract The corporate social responsibility literature has focused on creating broad associations, such as simply being “socially responsible,” and on the simple transfer of positive affect from sponsored causes to sponsoring firms. Both views fail to recognize the power of social initiatives as a means for differentiating among socially responsible firms and, in particular, for reinforcing the brand's positioning. The authors adopt a more traditional branding perspective and show that the fit between a firm's specific associations and a sponsored cause can reinforce or blur the firm's positioning, influence liking for the sponsorship, and bolster or undermine the firm's equity. They also show that communications decisions can mitigate the negative effects of low fit. Finally, they show that sponsorship effects can persist for as long as a year despite day-to-day exposure to other brand communications.
Optimal control of helicopter vibration through cyclic variations in blade root stiffness

This study demonstrates that optimal multi-cyclic variations of the blade root flap and lag stiffness can produce simultaneous reductions in all of the components of vibratory hub loads of a four-bladed hingeless rotor helicopter. Both gradient- and non-gradient-based optimization schemes are successful in reducing the hub vibrations. The required stiffness variations can be reduced (without significantly compromising performance) by introducing a penalty on the input in the objective function used for minimization. Reductions in the vibration performance index of over 90% were seen with optimal 2/rev and 3/rev flap and lag stiffness variations. The concept was effective in reducing vibrations over a range of variations in configuration (fundamental flap, lag, and torsion frequencies) and operational parameters (forward speed). Furthermore, it was shown that stiffness variations of discrete flap and lag springs introduced to the blade root region are effective in reducing vibratory hub loads. Thus, the introduction of discrete controllable stiffness elements (devices) is a viable method for varying the stiffness of the blade root region.
Single-switch three-level DC-DC converters for dimmable LED lighting

A novel single-switch three-level (TL) converter is proposed for dimmable LED lighting. Compared with standard TL converters, the proposed topology not only maintains the advantage of using a lower voltage rating power switch that is rated half the input voltage, but also eliminates one active switch and its associated driving circuit. Moreover, it can naturally solve the voltage stress imbalance issue because of the resonant flying capacitor. The operation principle and dimming scheme of the proposed TL converters have been described. A prototype of 46-W dimmable LED driving converter has been implemented to verify the designs and analyses. The experimental result shows that single-switch TL buck converter can regulate the LED current from zero to the desired 1 A with fast slew rate. A peak efficiency of 98% was achieved with 400 kHz switching frequency.
Implicit communication in multiple-access settings

Optimal control strategies for decentralized control problems may involve internal communication between controllers. We think of such internal communication as implicit, since the messages being sent are endogenous to the system and not externally specified. Recently, Grover and Sahai [1] applied information-theoretic techniques to provide an approximately optimal scheme for the Witsenhausen counterexample: one of the simplest models of a decentralized control system. This paper examines a MAC-inspired extension of the Witsenhausen counterexample. Deterministic modeling techniques based on the work by Avestimehr at al. [2] feature centrally in the strategy development. This example illustrates that “Information is in the eye of the beholder”, and we find “rate gains” in the context of implicit communication. These are not observed in the original Witsenhausen counterexample.
Reactive solute transport in acidic streams

Spatial and temporal profiles of pH and concentrations of toxic metals in streams affected by acid mine drainage are the result of the interplay of physical and biogeochemical processes. This paper describes a reactive solute transport model that provides a physically and thermodynamically quantitative interpretation of these profiles. The model combines a transport module that includes advection-dispersion and transient storage with a geochemical speciation module based on MINTEQA2. Input to the model includes stream hydrologic properties derived from tracer-dilution experiments, headwater and lateral inflow concentrations analyzed in field samples, and a thermodynamic database. Simulations reproduced the general features of steady-state patterns of observed pH and concentrations of aluminum and sulfate in St. Kevin Gulch, an acid mine drainage stream near Leadville, Colorado. These patterns were altered temporarily by injection of sodium carbonate into the stream. A transient simulation reproduced the observed effects of the base injection.
Influence of chlordecone and mirex exposure on benzo[a]pyrene metabolism of rat-liver microsomes.

1. The metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in hepatic microsomes isolated from rats exposed to chlordecone or mirex was compared to that of untreated rats and rats treated with 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) or phenobarbital (PB).2. Treatment with chlordecone resulted in a two- to three-fold increase in cytochrome P-450 content but the BP-hydroxylase activity per mg microsomal protein was unaffected. Addition of α-naphthoflavone (α-NF) or chlordecone caused changes in BP-hydroxylase activity indicating that chlordecone-induced cytochromes P-450 were similar to control. H.p.1.c. analyses of BP metabolites confirmed this similarity3. Treatment with mirex caused a two-fold induction of cytochrome P-450, and BP-hydroxylase activity expressed per mg microsomal protein was increased 1.3-fold. Addition of chlordecone or a-NF caused changes in BP-hydroxylase activity, indicating differences between control and mirex-induced cytochromes P-450. H.p.1.c. analyses of BP metabolites confirmed this difference.4. Treatment w...
Potent inhibitors of human organic anion transporters 1 and 3 from clinical drug libraries: discovery and molecular characterization.

Transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions in the kidney dramatically influence the pharmacokinetics and other clinical effects of drugs. Human organic anion transporters 1 (hOAT1) and 3 (hOAT3) are the major transporters in the basolateral membrane of kidney proximal tubules, mediating the rate-limiting step in the elimination of a broad spectrum of drugs. In the present study, we screened two clinical drug libraries against hOAT1 and hOAT3. Of the 727 compounds screened, 92 compounds inhibited hOAT1 and 262 compounds inhibited hOAT3. When prioritized based on the peak unbound plasma concentrations of these compounds, three inhibitors for hOAT1 and seven inhibitors for hOAT3 were subsequently identified with high inhibitory potency (>95%). Computational analyses revealed that inhibitors and noninhibitors can be differentiated from each other on the basis of several physicochemical features, including number of hydrogen-bond donors, number of rotatable bonds, and topological polar surface area (TPSA) for hOAT1; and molecular weight, number of hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors, TPSA, partition coefficient (log P(7.4)), and polarizability for hOAT3. Pharmacophore modeling identified two common structural features associated with inhibitors for hOAT1 and hOAT3, viz., an anionic hydrogen-bond acceptor atom, and an aromatic center separated by ∼5.7 A. Such model provides mechanistic insights for predicting new OAT inhibitors.
Neuropeptides as growth factors for normal and cancerous cells

Neuropeptides are molecular messengers that regulate multiple functions in the central nervous system and in the periphery via G-protein-coupled receptors. These signaling peptides have also been identified as potent cellular growth factors for normal cells and they participate in autocrine/paracrine stimulation of tumor cell proliferation and migration. Recent studies on the signaling pathways activated by mitogenic neuropeptides revealed previously unsuspected connections and complexities, including the realization that these receptors not only stimulate the synthesis of conventional second messengers but also induce tyrosine phosphorylation cascades. A major task for the future will be to identify all the contributing molecules, define their functional importance and elucidate the spatiotemporal relationships of this complicated signaling network. As our understanding of the role of neuropeptides in cancer increases, novel possibilities for translational research are emerging for improving the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
ILP-based engineering change

We have developed a generic integer linear programming (ILP)-based engineering change (EC) methodology. The EC methodology has three components: enabling, fast, and preserving. Enabling EC provides a user with the means to specify the amount of flexibility and how this flexibility should be distributed throughout the solution so that one can guarantee that a specific set of EC demands can be satisfied while preserving the quality of the initially obtained solution. Fast EC conducts changes in a fraction of the time needed to solve the problem while preserving or in some cases improving the quality of the initial solution. Preserving EC maintains either user specified components of the solution or as much as possible of the initial solution while still guaranteeing an optimal solution to the altered problem instance. We applied the generic methodology to the Boolean satisfiability (SAT) problem. The effectiveness of all proposed approaches and algorithms is demonstrated on standard benchmarks.
Organizational Power Styles: Collective and Competitive Power under Varying Organizational Conditions:

This article reports research on the extent to which managers exercise both competitive and collective power with bosses, peers, and subordinates and the extent to which this exercise is related to organizationalfactors such as resource availability, normative structures, and organizational form (Type A or Type Z). Based on data from a survey of 350 managers from three levels of management in two businesses and two universities, the author finds that managers exercise both collective and competitive power in these organizations, in all role relationships, and that the type of power exercised is associated with resource availability and organizationalform.
The effect of focal geometry on radiation from atomic ionization in ultrastrong/ultrafast laser field

Larmor radiation calculated with non-paraxial approximation to the laser field peaks away from the laser propagation direction and has larger angular spread when compared to the calculation with plane wave approximation.
Enhancement by Poly-d-Lysine of Poly I: C-Induced Interferon Production in Mice

Poly-d-lysine of high molecular weight enhances interferon induction in mice by the double-stranded complex of polyinosinic and polycytidylic acids and is superior to diethylaminoethyl-dextran in this respect.
A latent profile analysis of college students’ achievement goal orientation

Achievement goal research has grown increasingly complex with the number of proposed goal orientations that motivate students. As the number of proposed goal constructs proliferates, a variety of data analytic challenges have emerged, such as profiling students on different types of goal pursuit as well as evaluating the relationships of multiple goal pursuit with different educational outcomes. The purpose of the current article is to showcase the advantages of using latent profile analysis (LPA) over other traditional techniques (such as multiple regression and cluster analysis) when analyzing multidimensional data like achievement goals. Specifically, we review the advantages of LPA over traditional person- and variable-centered analyses and then provide a critical look at three different conceptualizations of goal orientation (2-, 3-, and 4-factor) using LPA.
Ca2+ transients induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone rapidly lose their ability to cause release of prolactin

To investigate the relationship of changes in cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]c) caused by TRH to changes in PRL secretion, we simultaneously monitored PRL release and [Ca2+]c, using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator indo-1, in freshly isolated perifused cells from rat anterior pituitary glands. We found that a 30-sec pulse of 100 nm TRH triggered a transient spike of [Ca2+]c, but prolonged PRL release for up to 30 min; continuous administration of TRH caused a sustained elevation in [Ca2+]c, but the same pattern and amount of PRL release as that caused by the pulse of TRH. PRL secretion was refractory to further pulses of TRH given at 10-min intervals for 40 min, but did respond to a second pulse of TRH given 40 min after the first pulse with no intervening pulses. Pulses of TRH given every 10 min still triggered spikes of [Ca2+]c of the same magnitude as the first pulse, indicating that the cause of the refractory state must occur at a postreceptor step that is after the mobilization of [Ca2+]...
Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages or on Floors Through 59 Weeks of Age

Abstract Semen characteristics and egg production of male and female commercial broiler breeders maintained in cages or on litter floors were evaluated over a 24-week period. Semen was collected from males caged singly or in pairs on a schedule of 3, 5, and 10 times (3×, 5×, and 10×) weekly from 36 through 59 weeks of age. Semen volume and concentration were determined once weekly for each male. Fertility and hatchability data of semen from males of the various treatment groups were obtained at 4 week intervals. Body weights and leg and foot problems were recorded at 28-day intervals and mortalities noted. No significant differences in semen volume, sperm concentration, percent fertility, and percent hatchability were found between males ejaculated 3× and 5× weekly or between males caged individually or as pairs. Total sperm per ejaculate was highest in birds ejaculated 5× weekly. Males ejaculated 10× weekly showed excessive cumulative mortality. The data suggest that although frequent semen collection (10× weekly) is feasible for up to 15 consecutive weeks, intensive use of males will be dependent upon proper management conditions. Broiler breeders, 36 through 59 weeks of age, were maintained on litter floors in groups based on male to female ratios of 1:25, 2:25, and 3:25 in individual pens. Fertility and hatchability data were obtained at 4 week intervals from hatching eggs produced by natural mating. Percent egg production, mortality, and female body weights at 28-day intervals were recorded. Percent fertility and hatchability were not significantly different among male to female ratios of 1:25, 2:25, and 3:25.
Antiviral CD8+ T cell effector activities in situ are regulated by target cell type

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a prominent role in the resolution of viral infections through their capacity both to mediate contact-dependent lysis of infected cells and to release soluble proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The factors controlling these antiviral effector activities in vivo at infection sites are ill defined. Using a mouse model of influenza infection, we observed that the expression of CTL effector activity in the infected lungs is dictated by the target cell type encountered. CD45+ lung infiltrating inflammatory mononuclear cells, particularly CD11chi dendritic cells, trigger both CTL cytotoxicity and release of inflammatory mediators, whereas CD45− influenza-infected respiratory epithelial cells stimulate only CTL cytotoxicity. CTL proinflammatory mediator release is modulated by co-stimulatory ligands (CD80 and CD86) expressed by the CD45+ inflammatory cells. These findings suggest novel mechanisms of control of CTL effector activity and have potentially important implications for the control of excess pulmonary inflammation and immunopathology while preserving optimal viral clearance during respiratory virus infections.
A model of random sequences for de novo peptide sequencing

We present a model for the probability of random sequences appearing in product ion spectra obtained from tandem mass spectrometry experiments using collision-induced dissociation. We demonstrate the use of these probabilities for ranking candidate peptide sequences obtained using a de novo algorithm. Sequence candidates are obtained from a spectrum graph that is greatly reduced in size from those in previous graph-theoretical de novo approaches. Evidence of multiple instances of subsequences of each candidate, due to different fragment ion type series as well as isotopic peaks, is incorporated in a hierarchical scoring scheme. This approach is shown to be useful for confirming results from database search and as a first step towards a statistically rigorous de novo algorithm.
High-Assurance Software Design for Mobile Tele-Health Systems

This panel will focus on the security and reliability challenges posed by distributed, mobile tele-health solutions (particularly those based on mobile phones). Academic, clinical, as well as industry panelists with direct experience in the design and implementation of mobile tele-health solutions will provide insights on how those challenges have been addressed thus far, and what are some of the areas for improvement. Panelists will also discuss the required organizational, policy, and technological changes that must take place to allow these emerging solutions to become ubiquitous.
Large sample inference in random coefficient regression models

Random coefficient regression models have been used t odescribe repeated measures on members of a sample of n in dividuals . Previous researchers have proposed methods of estimating the mean parameters of such models. Their methods require that eachindividual be observed under the same settings of independent variablesor , lesss stringently , that the number of observations ,r , on each individual be the same. Under the latter restriction ,estimators of mean regression parameters exist which are consist ent as both r→∞and n→∞ and efficient as r→∞, and large sample ( r large ) tests of mean parameters are available . These results are easily extended to the case where not a11 individuals are observed an equal number of times provided limit are taken as min(r) → ∞. Existing methods of inference , however, are not justified by the current literature when n is large and r is small, as is the case i n many bio-medical applications . The primary con tribution of the current paper is a derivation of the asymptot...
Acute lesions that impair affective empathy.

Functional imaging studies of healthy participants and previous lesion studies have provided evidence that empathy involves dissociable cognitive functions that rely on at least partially distinct neural networks that can be individually impaired by brain damage. These studies converge in support of the proposal that affective empathy—making inferences about how another person feels—engages at least the following areas: prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal gyrus, anterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, temporal pole, amygdala and temporoparietal junction. We hypothesized that right-sided lesions to any one of these structures, except temporoparietal junction, would cause impaired affective empathy (whereas bilateral damage to temporoparietal junction would be required to disrupt empathy). We studied 27 patients with acute right hemisphere ischaemic stroke and 24 neurologically intact inpatients on a test of affective empathy. Acute impairment of affective empathy was associated with infarcts in the hypothesized network, particularly temporal pole and anterior insula. All patients with impaired affective empathy were also impaired in comprehension of affective prosody, but many patients with impairments in prosodic comprehension had spared affective empathy. Patients with impaired affective empathy were older, but showed no difference in performance on tests of hemispatial neglect, volume of infarct or sex distribution compared with patients with intact affective empathy.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage as a Social Determinant of Teen Childbearing in the U.S.

Objective.We reviewed the literature focused on socioeconomic influences on teen childbearing and suggested directions for future research and practice related to this important indicator of teen s...
The simplex method in an advanced algorithms course

The simplex method is a relatively simple algorithm for solving the linear programming problem. Due to the great usefulness of linear programming in a number of applications, and the fact that linear programming can approximate the Euclidean traveling salesman problem, covering the simplex method in an upper-division course in algorithms is beneficial. Further, the simplex method can be described in a very short time, as demonstrated in this paper.
Antidiuretic Effect of Non-Renal Venous Congestion on Renal Water Excretion by the Hydrated Rat

Summary(1) Water excretion by hydrated rats has been studied to ascertain the alterations after ligation of the inferior vena cava at 3 levels in relationship to the renal veins. In addition, the effects of unilateral nephrectomy, hypophysectomy and thoracic lymph duct ligation, and various other control procedures have been observed. (2) The antidiuretic effect of inferior vena cava ligation in the hydrated rat is shown to be independent of increased renal venous pressure, and is also shown to occur in the absence of the pituitary gland. (3) The critical importance of the lymphatic pathway in maintaining an effective circulating blood volume in the presence of acute venous obstruction is demonstrated by showing the lethal effects of hydration in animals with combined caval and thoracic duct ligation, procedures which are separately tolerated by the rat.
The Rhetoric of Sincerity: Cicero and Smith on Propriety and Political Context

The study of rhetoric has recently undergone a revival in political theory as a response to deliberative democratic approaches that value reason over affect in the political sphere. Most rhetorical revivalists look to Aristotle and develop accounts of ethos (character) that privilege the epistemic dimensions of trust, while overlooking the importance that considerations of propriety play in shaping the political speech of democratic leaders. We reconsider the rhetorical approach by integrating the regulative standards suggested by two political thinkers who also were theorists of rhetoric: Cicero and Adam Smith. Committed to character's role in collective judgment, Cicero and Smith both hold that sincerity and context shape decorum or propriety: Leaders rely on decorum to shape their rhetorical appeals, and audiences look to the fit between speech and character to gauge moral trustworthiness. Smith, however, goes beyond Cicero to develop a rhetorical theory more relevant for democracies by highlighting the importance of political context for rhetorical appeals and evaluations. We conclude by suggesting that attention to these components of decorum moves beyond Aristotelian accounts of rhetorical character in a way that is consistent with much empirical research on how voters judge the character of elected officials.
Allergy in Childhood: A Pediatrician's Viewpoint

The morbidity associated with allergic disease is extensive and presents a challenge in caretaking that cannot be met by allergists alone. Yet most practicing pediatricians are ill prepared to care for the large volume of allergic disease they encounter. A practical approach to the care of the allergic child that has prospects for success and acceptability from the point of view of patient, parent, and practitioner is presented.