cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effects of Selenium and Vitamin E in Lead-poisoned Rats

Weanling male rats were fed a Torula yeast diet supplemented with selenium, vitamin E, or both for 3 months. Of rats fed each diet, one group received 250 ppm lead in the drinking water and another group did not. In rats not poisoned with lead, neither vitamin E nor selenium deficiency affected spleen weight, hematocrit value, or erythrocyte mechanical fragility. Vitamin E deficiency increased the splenomegaly, anemia, and mechanical fragility of red cells of lead-poisoned rats, whereas selenium deficiency did not. Addition of 0.5 ppm selenium to the vitamin E-supplemented diet increased slightly the splenomegaly and anemia in lead-poisoned rats. Excess levels of selenium (2.5 and 5 ppm) in the vitamin E-deficient diet had little or no effect on spleen size or hematocrit of rats not receiving lead, but partially prevented the splenomegaly and anemia of red cells from either non-poisoned or lead-oisoned vitamin E-deficient rats, but not as effectively as vitamin E. These results show that vitamin E status of rats is more important that selenium status in determining response to toxic levels of lead. Excess dietary selenium did protect partially against lead poisoning in vitamin E-deficient rats, but the levels of selenium used were toxic in themselves.
The effect of systemic psoriasis therapies on the incidence of myocardial infarction: a cohort study.

Summary Background Psoriasis confers an independent risk of cardiovascular disease that is likely to be related to systemic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory treatment could theoretically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and initial data suggest that treatment may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors. Objectives To determine the impact of anti-inflammatory therapy on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Methods Cohort study using administrative and pharmacy claims data from a large U.S. insurer comparing patients with psoriasis aged ≥ 18 years receiving systemic immunomodulatory therapies (methotrexate, ciclosporin, alefacept, efalizumab, adalimumab, etancercept and infliximab) with a control group treated with ultraviolet B phototherapy that has limited systemic anti-inflammatory effects. The risk of acute MI was calculated using a proportional hazards model while controlling for sex, age, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and depression. Significant interaction terms were included in the final model. Results The study group included 25 554 patients with psoriasis receiving systemic treatment or phototherapy. There was a trend towards an increased risk of MI in the systemic treatment group but not a significant difference in overall MI risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1·33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·90–1·96]. Additionally, there was a significant interaction with age: in patients under 50 years the HR for MI if receiving systemic therapy was 0·65 (95% CI 0·32–1·34), and in patients aged 50–70 years it was 1·37 (95% CI 0·79–2·38). Conclusions Overall, there does not appear to be a reduced risk of MI in patients with psoriasis receiving systemic therapy compared with a group undergoing phototherapy. The risk of MI may vary by age.
Photosynthetic Pigment Composition of the Brown Tide Alga: Unique Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Derivatives

Microscopic investigations of eukaryotic ultraplanktonic algae have been historically difficult because of their small size, fragility, and poor preservation properties. As an alternative, plant pigments are frequently used a diagnostic markers for distinguishing the various classes of eukaryotic ultraplankton found in natural waters. Chlorophyll a is found in all phototrophic groups, and the presence or absence of the major accessory chlorophylls (chlorophyll b, Mg 2,4-divinylphaeoporphyrin a 5 monomethyl ester, and chlorophylls c 1, c 2 and c 3) is considered an important feature at the class or division level (Ricket, 1966, 1970; Jeffrey, 1980; Vesk and Jeffrey, 1987; Hooks et al., 1988; Stauber and Jeffrey, 1988). The same is true for certain carotenoids, notably fucoxanthin (and its 19’-derivatives), peridinin, zeaxanthin, prasinoxanthin and alloxanthin (Norgard et al., 1974; Liaaen-Jensen, 1979, 1985; Gieskes and Kraay, 1983a,b; Foss et al., 1984, 1986; Guillard et al., 1985; Vesk and Jeffrey, 1987; Hooks et al., 1988; Stauber and Jeffrey, 1988). Table 1 summarizes the chemotaxonomic ties between the three spectral types of marine phytoplankton and the major chlorophylls and carotenoids found in these algal groups.
SU‐GG‐I‐83: Temporal Filtering of Noise in Low‐Dose X‐Ray Fluoroscopy

Purpose: To improve quality of low‐dose X‐ray fluoroscopic images using statistics‐based restoration algorithm so that the patient fluoroscopy can be performed with much reduced radiation dose. Method and Materials: We first studied the noise properties of low‐dose X‐ray fluoroscopic images through repeated measurements using a Varian Acuity simulator. Noise in X‐ray fluoroscopic images can be modeled as Poisson noise plus background electronic Gaussian noise and the mean‐variance of the noise can be described by an analytical formula. Based on the noise model in fluoroscopic images, a penalized weighted least‐squares (PWLS) objective function was constructed to restore fluoroscopic images acquired with low mAs protocol. Furthermore, the Karhunen‐Loeve (KL) transform was utilized to consider correlations among neighboring frames of fluoroscopy. The KL transform manipulates a sequence of correlated measurements into an uncorrelated, ordered principle component series and, therefore, provides a unique means for de‐correlation, feature extraction and noise reduction. After the KL transform, the regularization parameter in PWLS criterion will be inverse proportional to its corresponding eigenvalue. Such a choice is favorable because the regularization parameter varies adaptively according to the signal‐to‐noise ratio of that component. A smaller KL eigenvalue is associated with a component having a lower SNR; therefore, a larger regularization value should be used to penalize this noisier data. Results: We tested the proposed K‐L domain PWLS noise reduction algorithm using an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Low‐dose fluoroscopic images were acquired with X‐ray tube current of 10 mA and duration of x‐ray pulse 2 ms. In the image restored by the proposed KL domain PWLS algorithm, noise is greatly suppressed while fine structures are well preserved. Conclusion: Experiment studies show that image quality of low‐dose X‐ray fluoroscopic image can be dramatically improved by using statistics‐based temporal filtration. The proposed noise reduction technique shows potential for dose reduction of X‐ray fluoroscopy.
Physical abuse among depressed women

OBJECTIVE: To provide estimates of physical abuse and use of health services among depressed women in order to inform efforts to increase detection and treatment of physical abuse. DESIGN: Retrospective assessment of abuse and health services use over 1 year in a cohort of depressed women. SETTING: Statewide community sample from Arkansas. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 303 depressed women through random-digit-dial screening. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Exposure to physical abuse based on the Conflict Tactics Scale, multi-informant estimate of health and mental health services. Over half of the depressed women (55.2%) reported experiencing physical abuse as adults, with 14.5% reporting abuse during the study year. Women abused as adults had significantly more severe depressive symptoms, more psychiatric comorbidity, and more physical illnesses than nonabused women. After controlling for sociodemographic and severity-of-illness factors, recently abused, depressed women were much less likely to receive outpatient care for mental health problems as compared to other depressed women (odds ratio [OR] 0.3; p=.013), though they were more likely to receive health care for physical problems (OR 5.7, p=.021). CONCLUSIONS: Because nearly all depressed women experiencing abuse sought general medical rather than mental health care during the year of the study, primary care screening for physical abuse appears to be a critical link to professional help for abused, depressed women. Research is needed to inform primary care guidelines about methods for detecting abuse in depressed women.
Potential for scaling by sparingly soluble salts in crossflow DCMD

Abstract Membrane distillation (MD) whether of the DCMD (direct contact membrane distillation) or VMD (vacuum membrane distillation) variety can have a role to play in desalting highly saline waters that have considerable osmotic pressures where reverse osmosis (RO) operation becomes more expensive and problematic. Using MD in this way would allow increased recovery and help reduce the problem of concentrate disposal vexing inland desalination. To realize this promise, MD must show itself to be more resistant to scaling than RO and thus not limited by it in the way that RO is. An analysis of the scaling potential in hollow fiber membrane-based crossflow DCMD is presented in terms of the saturation index profiles throughout the hollow fiber membrane module as a function of the location in the module for the sparingly soluble salt, CaSO 4 , in various forms (such as, gypsum and anhydrite). Modeling shows that the highest scaling potential is to be found at the high temperature end of the module both due to the high brine temperature and concentration polarization associated with high local fluxes. Concentration effects are far more important than temperature, although concentration polarization estimated in crossflow hollow fiber DCMD units is lower than that in spiral wound modules in RO for similar flux values. Experimental results at high saturation indices on the calcium sulfate system ranging between 1.13 and 1.93 show that despite evidence that calcium sulfate precipitates at elevated temperatures, no significant loss in water vapor permeation is observed. Possible explanations for this resistance to scaling are presented and discussed.
The effect of chlorpromazine on respiration and glycolysis in rat brain.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of chlorpromazine on respiration and anaerobic glycolysis on brain homogenates and mitochondrial preparations has been investigated. 2. 2. Aerobic respiration was found to be inhibited at the concentrations of the drug tested, while anaerobic metabolism was insensitive to chlorpromazine. 3. 3. An inhibitory action of the drug on the oxidation of α-ketoglutarate and on succinate was observed. The cytochrome oxidase system was similarly inhibited. 4. 4. The Mg ++ -ATPase system was also blocked by the action of chlorpromazine. 5. 5. An uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation was also observed as part of the drug action.
Synthesis and characterization of branched poly(L-glutamic acid) as a biodegradable drug carrier

Polymeric drug delivery systems are used not only to improve aqueous solubility of drug molecules but also to achieve desirable pharmacokinetics and an enhanced therapeutic index. New biodegradable polymers are needed to improve the biodistribution and targeting-ability of polymeric carriers. In this study, the synthesis and characterization of branched poly(L-glutamic acid) (PG) containing multiple PG chains centered on a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer or polyethyleneimine (PEI) cores were described. The branched PG polymers were obtained by ring-opening polymerization of benzyl ester of L-glutamic acid N-carboxyanhydride using PAMAM or PEI as the initiator. These polymers were degradable in the presence of the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B, albeit more slowly than linear PG. Unlike conventional linear PG, each branched PG possessed multiple terminal amino groups. This made it possible to attach multiple targeting moieties selectively to the termini of branched PG. Conjugation of monofunctional or heterodifunctional polyethylene glycol to the chain ends of branched PG was demonstrated in the presence of side chain carboxyl groups. Furthermore, folic acid, a model targeting moiety, and the near-infrared dye indocyanine green, a model diagnostic agent, were successfully conjugated to the terminal amino groups and the side chain carboxyl groups of branched PG, respectively. The resulting conjugate had reduced nonspecific interaction and bound selectively to tumor cells expressing folate receptors. Thus, branched PG may be useful as a polymeric carrier for targeted drug delivery.
Reduced gap strains induce changes in bone regeneration during distraction

A bilateral New Zealand white rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis (DO) was used to investigate the relationship between strain environment and bone regeneration during limb lengthening. In seven (n = 7) rabbits, a stiffener was applied to the fixator on one side to reduce strains within the gap tissue after lengthening was completed. Animals were euthanized six days later and their distraction zones were harvested and analyzed for changes in new bone volume and architecture. Nonlinear finite element analyses (FEA) were performed to predict changes in the gap strain environment. FEA results predicted a nearly uniform sevenfold decrease in average strain measures within the distraction zone. No change in total average new bone volume and significant decreases in both bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were observed in tibiae in which gap strains were reduced experimentally, compared to contralateral controls. These results suggest that fixator stiffening influenced the architecture but not the amount of newly formed bone. This animal model of distraction might be used to study the mechanisms by which strain fields affect events in bone repair and regeneration, such as cell proliferation, precursor tissue differentiation, and altered growth factor and nutrient delivery to tissues.
The synthesis of all of the monomethyl isomers of benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]thiophene

All isomers of the monomethylbenzo[bnaphtho[1,2-d]thiophenes were synthesized by photocyclization of 2-styrylbenzo[b]thiophenes which were prepared by the Wadsworth-Emmons reaction or the Wittig reaction.
Isolation and characterization of a blue fluorophore from human eye lens crystallins: in vitro formation from Maillard reaction with ascorbate and ribose.

Abstract A blue fluorophore, named LM-1 was isolated from human eye lens cyrstallins. The fluorescence property of LM-1 (excitation/emission, 366 400 nm) is similar to the fluorescence originating during non-enzymatic glycation (Maillard reaction) of proteins with the reducing sugars. LM-1 accumulates linearly with age in highly cross-linked water insoluble crystallins and is present at higher levels in cataractous lenses. The fluorophore could be synthesized by incubation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with ribose, but not with glucose or fructose. Incubation of bovine lens crystallins with ascorbic acid (ASA) and its oxidative products, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and 2,3-diketogulonic acid (DKG) in presence of oxygen resulted in LM-1 formation. When oxygen was removed from the system, only DHA and DKG could synthesize LM-1, but not ASA, suggesting that ASA oxidation is obligatory for LM-1 synthesis. Modification of lysine residues on BSA prior to incubation with ribose resulted in corresponding decrease in LM-1 formation. Since ASA concentration is unusually high in lens and has been found to be a powerful glycating agent of crystallins and since LM-1 does not form with hexoses, it is likely that ASA is the major precursor of LM-1.
Endogenous expression of ASLV viral proteins in specific pathogen free chicken embryos: relevance for the developmental biology research field

The use of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) eggs in combination with RCAS retrovirus, a member of the Avian Sarcoma-Leukosis Virus (ASLV) family, is of standard practice to study gene function and development. SPF eggs are certified free of infection by specific pathogen viruses of either exogenous or endogenous origin, including those belonging to the ASLV family. Based on this, SPF embryos are considered to be free of ASLV viral protein expression, and consequently in developmental research studies RCAS infected cells are routinely identified by immunohistochemistry against the ASLV viral proteins p19 and p27. Contrary to this generally accepted notion, observations in our laboratory suggested that certified SPF chicken embryos may endogenously express ASLV viral proteins p19 and p27. Since these observations may have significant implications for the developmental research field we further investigated this possibility. We demonstrate that certified SPF chicken embryos have transcriptionally active endogenous ASLV loci (ev loci) capable of expressing ASLV viral proteins, such as p19 and p27, even when those loci are not capable of producing viral particles. We also show that the extent of viral protein expression in embryonic tissues varies not only among flocks but also between embryos of the same flock. In addition, our genetic screening revealed significant heterogeneity in ev loci composition even among embryos of the same flock. These observations have critical implications for the developmental biology research field, since they strongly suggest that the current standard methodology used in experimental studies using the chick embryo and RCAS vectors may lead to inaccurate interpretation of results. Retrospectively, our observations suggest that studies in which infected cells have been identified simply by pan-ASLV viral protein expression may need to be considered with caution. For future studies, they point to a need for careful selection and screening of the chick SPF lines to be used in combination with RCAS constructs, as well as the methodology utilized for qualitative analysis of experimental results. A series of practical guidelines to ensure research quality animals and accuracy of the interpretation of results is recommended and discussed.
Tungstate as an antagonist of molybdate in Azotobacter vinelandii.

Abstract 1. 1. Tungsten has been shown to be a competitive inhibitor of the molybdenum functions of Azotobacter vinelandii. 2. 2. The uptake of molybdenum by Azotobacter vinelandii is more sensitive to tungsten inhibition than is growth. 3. 3. Vanadium does not overcome tungsten inhibition. This suggests that vanadium cannot replace the molybednum requirement of Azotobacter vinelandii.
Cell migration on cell-internalizable ligand microdepots: a phenomenological model.

We have shown that collagen “ligand associated microdepots” (LAMs) at polymer substrates can significantly enhance levels of skin epidermal cell migration (Tjia and Moghe, Tissue Eng. 8:247–259, 2002). In this study, we have further examined the dynamics of cell–LAM interactions, primarily through a phenomenological model to examine the differential effects of LAM–cell binding and LAM internalization within the cells. Based on the experimental data of cell migration and LAM dynamics under selected conditions, the model was solved to yield rates of LAM binding and internalization at various LAM substrate densities. The clearance dynamics of LAMs computed at various times from the model matched well with the LAM clearance kinetics observed experimentally. The model was used to generate simulations of the rates of LAM binding and internalization over time, under conditions of differential exogenous activation. Our model analysis suggests that the rate of cell migration can be sensitively governed by rate of cellular sampling of LAMs, given by differential rates of LAM binding and internalization. Maximal cell migration was found to occur during LAM presentation regimes (LAM spatial density) that engendered concerted changes in the extent of cell activation, as measured via net tyrosine kinase activity, due to LAM sampling dynamics. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Controlling common mode noise radiation through differential signalling IO buffer optimization

Non-ideal IO differential signaling from the silicon die or transmitter buffer propagating through the package, printed circuit board, connector, cable until to the external device, may cause undesirable common mode noise radiation. This common mode noise could be radiated effectively through the external cable causing the risk of EMI. Although controlling the common mode noise is critical, it is challenging to define a specification of the allowable common mode noise. This paper proposes an analytical method on estimating differential signal rise/fall time mismatch and timing skew allowable for the unintended common mode radiation on the cable that meet the regulatory requirements.
Influence of cropping intensity and nitrogen fertilizer rates on in situ nitrogen mineralization

Cycling of N through an agroecosystem can be managed more effectively if effects of N management and cropping sequence on soil N microbial processes are understood. Effects of cropping intensity and N fertilizer rate on net soil N mineralization were studied as well as their correlation with precipitation, air temperature and soil water content. Net soil N mineralization was measured by incubating undisturbed soil cores (15-cm depth) containing anion and cation exchange resins at their bottoms. Cores were incubated during each of five time periods (3-4 wk each) during the fallow phase (mid-April to mid-September) of two no-till cropping systems, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow (WF) and wheat-corn (Zea mays L.)- fallow (WCF). Past N fertilizer applications were over four rates with total amounts applied during the previous 6 yr of 0, 95, 190, and 286 kg N ha -1 in WF and 0, 134, 269. and 403 kg N ha -1 in WCF. Soils were an Aridic Paleustoll at Sterling and an Aridic Argiustoll at Stratton in eastern Colorado. Total net N mineralization in WCF was half that in WF (22 vs. 43 kg N ha 1 ; 2-site average), probably due to greater immobilization as evidenced by nearly three times greater accumulation of crop residue on the soil surface after 6 yr of no-till management. Greater conservation of applied N and soil N can be expected in the more intensive WCF system. Total mineralized N increased with N rate by 0.2 kg ha 1 for each kg ha ha -1 of previously applied N. Precipitation in combination with air temperature and their interaction term gave the best prediction of average daily N mineralization at both sites.
Evaluation of New Gingival Retraction Agents

Current gingival retraction agents are not without undesirable side-effects; there appears to be no ideal gingival retraction agent. Several sympathomimetic amines, capable of producing local vasoconstriction with minimal systemic side-effects, are available as non-prescription nasal decongestants and eye washes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three of these agents for gingival tissue displacement. Mongrel dogs were used as experimental subjects, in which pulse rate and blood pressure were monitored electronically. Visine (tetrahydrozoline HCl, 0.05%), Afrin (oxymetazoline, 0.05%), and Neosynephrine (phenylephrine HCl, 0.25%) were the commercial products studied as gingival retraction agents. Plain, untreated cord was used as a mechanical control, and as a vehicle for the three experimental agents. Commercially available cords impregnated with both racemic epinephrine (8%) and alum were also used as standard retraction agents with which the test solutions were compared. Visine and Afrin produced tissue displacement greater than that of any of the other agents; Neosynephrine, epinephrine, and alum were more effective than the untreated mechanical control. Cardiovascular changes included a slight increase in systolic pressure in the Neosynephrine group, and a slightly lower mean arterial pressure and pulse rate in all three experimental groups.
Synthesis of polyphenylquinoxaline copolymers via aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions of an A-B quinoxaline monomer

A self-polymerizable quinoxaline monomer (A-B) has been synthesized and polymerized via aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions. An isomeric mixture of self-polymerizable quinoxaline monomers-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-6-fluoroquinoxaline and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl).-2-phenyl-6-fluoroquinoxaline-was polymerized in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) to afford high molecular weight polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) with intrinsic viscosities up to 1.91 dL/g and a glass-transition temperature (T g ) of 251 °C. A series of comonomers was polymerized with A-B to form PPQ/ polysulfone (PS), PPQ/polyetherether ketone (PEEK), and PPQ/polyethersulfone (PES) copolymers. The copolymers readily obtained high intrinsic viscosities when fluorine was displaced in NMP under reflux. However, single-electron transfer (SET) side reactions, which limit molecular weight, played a more dominant role when chlorine was displaced instead of fluorine. SET side reactions were minimized in the synthesis of PPQ/PS copolymers through mild polymerization conditions in NMP for longer polymerization times. Thus, the T g 's of PES (T g = 220 °C), PEEK (T g = 145 °C), and PS (T g = 195 °C) were raised through the incorporation of quinoxaline units into the polymer. Copolymers with high intrinsic viscosities resulted in all cases, except in the case of PPQ/PEEK copolymers when 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone was the comonomer.
C60 bonding and energy-level alignment on metal and semiconductor surfaces.

Electronic-structure studies of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ condensed on metal surfaces show that the energy levels derived from the fullerene align with the substrate Fermi level, not the vacuum level. For thick layers grown on metals at 300 K, the binding energy of the C 1s main line was 284.7 eV and the center of the band derived from the highest occupied molecular orbital was 2.25 eV below the Fermi level. For monolayer amounts of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ adsorbed on Au and Cr, however, the C 1s line was broadened asymmetrically and shifted to lower binding energy, the shakeup features were less distinct, and a band derived from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was shifted toward the Fermi level. These monolayer effects demonstrate partial occupancy of a LUMO-derived state, dipole formation, and changes in screening that are associated with LUMO occupancy. Results for ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ monolayers on n-type GaAs(110) show transfer of \ensuremath{\le}0.02 electron per fullerene, as gauged by substrate band bending. For ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ on p-type GaAs, however, the bands remained flat because electron redistribution was not possible, and the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$-derived energy levels were aligned to the substrate vacuum level.
Data-centric transformations on non-integer iteration spaces

Data-centric transformations have been used in recent years to improve locality for several classes of applications. However, the existing work has applied these transformations for integer iteration spaces, i.e., the iteration spaces involving loop variables that take integer values between specified lower and upper bounds. In many applications, a loop could involve a loop variable which takes values from a sequence or set of real numbers, strings, or any other data type. We refer to such iteration spaces as non-integer iteration spaces. This paper focuses on the problem of applying data-centric transformations on applications with non-integer iteration spaces. We first present a general algorithm that uses a hash table. Then, we show how in many cases, we can exploit the repetitive nature of the dataset to avoid the overhead associated with such a table. Our algorithms have been implemented as part of a compiler for the XML query language XQuery, which supports processing over virtual XML. Our system also parallelizes the processing. We present experimental results from several applications to demonstrate the effectiveness of our transformations and parallel performance.
Developmental disorders of activity dependent neuronal plasticity.

A number of neurodevelopmental disorders are caused by defects in activity dependent neuronal plasticity, the process by which neuronal activity shapes developing neuronal circuits. These disorders are caused by genetic mutations or other factors that disrupt intracellular signaling pathways that link the cell surface with the nuclear machinery for gene expression. The signaling pathways disrupted by these disorders are involved in learning, memory and behavior as well as in the synaptic proliferation and pruning that occurs during normal development. Examples of neurodevelopmental disorders that target plasticity include X-linked disorders such as Rett, Fragile-X and Coffin-Lowry Syndromes as well as acquired disorders such as cretinism.Several other X-linked mental retardation syndromes as well as autosomal disorders including neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis also involve signaling pathways involved in neuronal plasticity. Disruption of neuronal plasticity is a mechanism that may underlie a diverse group of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Evaluation of end points of serial drug testing in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia after healing of acute myocardial infarction

Serial electrophysiologic drug testing was used to guide antiarrhythmic therapy in a consecutive series of 150 patients with clinical sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or cardiac arrest and inducible monomorphic VT. All patients had coronary artery disease and a history of myocardial infarction. For patients with clinical sustained VT, drug responders and partial drug responders (VT slowed by drug to rate or = 90 mm Hg) had similar total mortality rates (2-year actuarial survival 100% and 94%, p = NS), which were statistically different from that of patients with drug inefficacy (2-year survival 67%). Partial drug responders had high arrhythmia recurrence rates, similar to those of patients with drug inefficacy. For cardiac arrest survivors, the results of electrophysiologically guided drug testing did not predict prognosis. Patients with a change in mode of VT induction during antiarrhythmic therapy had a favorable prognosis (no deaths during follow-up).
Discordant regulation of transforming growth factor-β receptors by prostaglandin E2

The effect of PGE2 on TGF-β receptor binding was assessed for both signaling (type I and type II) and non-signaling (type III) TGF-β receptors. We found in cross-linking studies that PGE2 treatment (24 h) decreased binding of TGF-β to the type I and type II receptors by approx. 50% and markedly increased binding of TGF-β to type III receptors nearly 10-fold. Northern analyses indicated that PGE2 decreased type I receptor mRNA levels by approximately 30–50%, decreased type II receptor mRNA levels by approximately 60%, and markedly increased type III receptor mRNA levels. Coincubation with cycloheximide partially blocked the PGE2-induced inhibition of type II receptor mRNA. In contrast, cycloheximide minimally affected PGE2-induced type III receptor mRNA levels. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters had no apparent effect on TGF-β receptor mRNA levels. Our data suggest that alterations in TGF-β receptor expression could modify the response of tissues to TGF-β during injury.
Putting Science to Work: A Statewide Attempt to Identify and Implement Effective Interventions

Few systematic efforts have been undertaken to identify and deploy evidence-based interventions at a statewide level. Moreover, no previous attempts have attempted to delineate criteria for judging the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, and then to apply these criteria to the existing evidence base to evaluate interventions for children's behavioral and emotional disorders. Chorpita and their colleagues are to be commended for addressing these much-needed issues, and systematically attempting to close the gaps between “what we know” versus “what we do.” While their work represents an important step forward, further evaluation of its impact will be needed. Nonetheless, in the hope that they will succeed, other groups of scientists, parents, providers, and policy-makers should consider such strategic approaches in closing the gaps between optimal, evidence-based treatments and current treatment practices.
Stimulus-Induced Diffuse Voltage Attenuation (SIDVA): A Previously Undescribed EEG Pattern in a Critically Ill Child:

We report the case of a 15-month-old critically ill child with stimulus-induced diffuse voltage attenuation, a previously unreported electroencephalogram pattern. No clinical evidence of seizure activity was associated with these EEG changes. The patient went on to have a full recovery. This case suggests that critically ill children have distinct stimulus induced electrographic patterns from those seen in adults. Additional research is needed to define the significance of these patterns.
Illuminating the Black Box of TNF Action in Tuberculous Granulomas

TNF clearly contributes to immunity to intracellular pathogens, but how it does so is incompletely understood. In this issue of Immunity, Clay et al. (2008) provide unique insights, using intravital microscopy and the zebrafish-embryo model of tuberculosis.
Politics by Genocide

Between 6 April and the end of July 1994 an estimated one million Rwandese people, mostly Tutsis, were murdered ‐ often in horrifying circumstances. This assay at genocide was intended to eliminate all political opposition and had been planned by extremist factions within the Hutu government. The assassination of President Habyarimana, at a stroke, disposed of a leader beginning to yield to international pressure on implementation of a peace accord that would have led to the sharing of political power with moderate wing Hutus, and offered a plausible pretext for ‘revenge massacres’. Misinterpretation of the true nature of the conflict by the international community compounded by the confused responses on the part of the United Nations allowed the impetus of the slaughter to develop a critical momentum that only the death of all Tutsis and moderate Hutus or the military defeat of the Rwandese Government Forces could end. Some of the background to the conflict, some of the events that occurred during and fo...
Acute coronary syndrome due to extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension: successful treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention

A patient with severe pulmonary (arterial) hypertension (PH) presented with a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and recurrent angina at rest. Coronary angiography showed severe ostial left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis; coronary arteries were otherwise normal. Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) showed deformation of the LMCA due to extrinsic compression from a markedly dilated main pulmonary artery, which was confirmed by cardiac computed tomography. The LMCA was successfully stented using a paclitaxel-eluting stent resulting in complete resolution of angina. Extrinsic compression of the LMCA should be considered in patients with severe PH and angina; IVUS may aid in the diagnosis. Percutaneous stent implantation may be the preferred treatment in this high-risk group of patients.
Automating factory performance diagnostics using overall throughput effectiveness (OTE) metric

The overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) metric is a powerful tool that can be used to measure performance and also perform diagnostics at the equipment level. Although important, gains made in OEE are insufficient; because the ultimate objective is a highly efficient integrated system, not brilliant individual equipment. Factory level performance monitoring and diagnostics can be facilitated by classifying the entire manufacturing system layout into unique subsystems including “series,” “parallel,” “assembly,” and “expansion.” The overall throughput effectiveness (OTE) metric is then derived for each of these subsystems. Factory level metric can be computed by synthesizing the subsystem level metrics, capturing their interconnectivity information. The objective of this paper is to present the algorithms developed to automate the factory-level performance monitoring and diagnostics process using OTE. The algorithms are implemented into a software tool called SIMPRO. SIMPRO allows factory professionals to efficiently measure performance and conduct factory level diagnostics (i.e., identify bottlenecks/hidden capacity). A glass manufacturing case study is used to illustrate automated performance diagnostics and the benefits obtained by using the approach.
Evaluation of Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) damage on resistant and susceptible hosts with comparisons of damage ratings to quantitative plant measurements.

Resistant and susceptible plant hosts of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis Noxia (Mordvilko), were used to evaluate the relationships between damage rating indices and quantitative measurements of plant damage. The degree of association between percentage of leaf chlorosis, leaf rolling, and plant stunting, indicated that these occur independently. Damage ratings based on percentage of chlorosis accurately identified highly resistant and highly susceptible entries. When compared with quantitative plant measurements, the most reliable plant damage rating was plant stunting expressed as the percentage of height of a noninfested control. No significant relationships between leaf rolling and quantitative plant measurements were found. However, aphid-caused reductions in leaf turgor were closely related to the amount of chlorosis.
Molecular Recognition in the Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Family

Computational modeling and its application in ligand screening and ligand receptor interaction studies play important roles in structure-based drug design. A series of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor ligands with varying potencies and receptor selectivities were docked into homology models of the S1P(1-5) receptors. These studies provided molecular insights into pharmacological trends both across the receptor family as well as at single receptors. This study identifies ligand recognition features that generalize across the S1P receptor family, features unique to the S1P(4) and S1P(5) receptors, and suggests significant structural differences of the S1P(2) receptor. Docking results reveal a previously unknown sulfur-aromatic interaction between the S1P(4) C5.44 sulfur atom and the phenyl ring of benzimidazole as well as pi-pi interaction between F3.33 of S1P(1,4,5) and aromatic ligands. The findings not only confirm the importance of a cation-pi interaction between W4.64 and the ammonium of S1P at S1P(4) but also predict the same interaction at S1P(5). S1P receptor models are validated for pharmacophore development including database mining and new ligand discovery and serve as tools for ligand optimization to improve potency and selectivity.
Electronic Normal Modes and Polarization Waves in Translational Polymer Helices. Application to Fully Extended Poly[(R)-β-aminobutyric acid] Chains

The electronic normal modes of a finite translational polymer helix are found to be well approximated by sinusoidal standing waves of electronic polarization with either even or odd symmetry with respect to inversion through the chain center. The dipole and rotational strengths of the normal modes are expressed as products of two types of sums over the wave: (i) lattice sums which are independent of the structure within the unit cell and (ii) cell sums which contain the structural information of the unit cell. Owing primarily to the behavior of the lattice sums at low wavenumber k of the polarization wave, the dipole and rotational strengths of a single low-k mode tend to dominate the absorption and circular dichroic spectra. The dispersion relation between frequency and wavenumber is derived for the polarization waves, giving further relations for the phase velocity and group velocity of a traveling polarization wave. The results are illustrated by calculations for fully extended poly[(R)-β-aminobutyric...
Fast Safe Spline Surrogates for Large Point Clouds

To support real-time computation with large, possibly evolving point clouds and range data, we fit a trimmed uniform tensor-product spline function from one direction. The graph of this spline serves as a surrogate for the cloud, closely following the data safely in that, according to user choice, the data are always 'below' or 'above' when viewed in the fitting direction. That is, the point cloud is guaranteed to be completely covered from that direction and can be sandwiched between two matching spline surfaces if required. This yields both a data reduction since only the spline control points need to be further processed and defines a continuous surface in lieu of the isolated measurement points. For example, using a 20 times 20 spline, clouds of 300 K points are safely approximated in less than 1/2 second.
The Psychodynamics of Constructive Aggression in Small Groups

This article articulates the central role that conflict and aggression play in the development of the small group. In this context, the definition of aggression is expanded to include not only dest...
Immune responsiveness of splenocytes after chronic daily melatonin administration in male Syrian hamsters

The interrelationships between the immune system and the pineal hormone, melatonin, have been explored recently. The present studies investigated the effects of daily melatonin injections on reproductive and spleen function in male Syrian hamsters. Testes weights and serum testosterone levels were depressed after 8-10 weeks of daily melatonin injections. Melatonin-treated hamsters exhibited increased splenic lymphoproliferative responses to a polyclonal T-cell mitogen (concanavalin A (Con-A)), but decreased proliferation following stimulation with a polyclonal B-cell mitogen (lipopolysaccharide). It appears that daily melatonin injections in male hamsters increase the T-cell-mediated immune capacity while reducing the antibody-mediated immune potential. These data suggest that chronic, daily melatonin alters immune system responsiveness in hamsters by shifting the balance of cellular and humoral reactivity.
Antagonists of LHRH superior to antide ; effective sequence/activity relationships

Abstract Twenty new analogs of LHRH featured acylated aminocyclohexylalanines and acylated lysines in positions 5,6. (N-Ac-D-2-Nal1,DpC1Phe2,D-3-Pal3,PicLys5, pzACAla6,Val7,Ilys8,D-Ala1O)-LHRH (l00% AOA/0.5ug) and (N-Ac-D-2-Nal1, DpClPhe2 D-3-Pal,PicLys5,D-Piclys6Abu7,D-Ala10-LHRH (50% AOA/0.25ug) were most potent.
Managerial domination of boards of directors and financial performance

Abstract This research tests prior findings associating managerial domination of corporate boards of directors with financial performance. A multiattribute scale is developed to identify boards as managerial dominated or pluralistic. This scale is used to investigate the relationship of board typology and corporate financial performance.
Communicating with Patients Who Cannot Read

In 1992, the Department of Education tested 26,000 adults in the National Adult Literacy Survey to assess the literacy of the U.S. population in the English language.1 On the basis of the survey re...
Elaeophora schneideri in a white-tailed deer from Texas.

The arterial worm, Elaeophora schneideri, was recovered from a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Texas. This is the first report of E. schneideri from white-tailed deer in Texas.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and photobleaching recovery of multiple binding reactions. II. FPR and FCS measurements at low and high DNA concentrations.

The preceding paper develops the theory for the interpretation of fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR) measurements of multiple binding of a ligand to a multivalent substrate molecule. Based on a reasonable assumption about the mechanism of the photobleaching process, this analysis shows that the observed behavior of a multivalent system should be practically identical to that of a univalent binding system. This is in contrast to the expected and observed behavior of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurments. Experimental FPR measurements of multivalent binding of ethidium bromide to DNA confirm these conclusions. The FCS and FPR measurements also reveal an apparently enhanced diffusion of ethidium at high DNA concentration. This enhancement might result from direct transfer of ethidium among DNA molecules.
Determining the Role DNA of Bending in Topology Simplification by Type II Topoisomerases

Type II topoisomerases are essential and universally conserved enzymes that simplify the global topology of DNA by an ATP dependent mechanism that involves passing one double stranded segment (T segment) of DNA through a transient double stranded break in a second segment (G segment) of DNA. This core strand passage mechanism allows type II topoisomerases to decatenate DNA and relax supercoils to below equilibrium levels. Although much is known about the structure and function of these critical proteins, the specific mechanism that drives this topology simplification reaction remains an open question, though several compelling theories have been presented. Some of the more plausible theories postulate that type II topoisomerases achieve non-equilibrium topology simplification by inducing a sharp bend into the G segment. In this study we sought to determine if and to what extent type II topoisomerases impose a bend on DNA. We used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to visualize protein-DNA complexes of three different type II topoisomerases that span the range of topology simplification activity. We directly measured the bend angles imposed on DNA by these proteins to determine if the bend angles could fully account for the observed topology simplification behavior. We found that type II topoisomerases bend DNA, but the measured bend angles were not in accordance with the relative non-equilibrium activity. These findings suggest that bending of DNA could be an important component of the mechanism of topology simplification by type II topoisomerases but it cannot completely account for the observed topology simplification behavior.
Two-phase flow patterns and void fractions in downward flow Part I: Steady-state flow patterns

Abstract Observations of void fractions and flow patterns have been made during steady-state, co-current, downward flow of liquid refrigerant 113 and its vapor. The new data on flow pattern transitions, plus the available downward flow data in the literature, have been compared with available predictions. It was found that the flow pattern map previously developed for horizontal and upward flow can be extended to downward flow with only minor modifications. Part II of this paper will report on the void fraction measurements and the observations of flow pattern transitions during flow transients.
Near Infrared Reflectivity of Venus and Ice Clouds

Abstract The near infrared reflectivity of ice clouds is computed and compared to observations of Venus. The difficulty in making an exact correction for CO2 absorption precludes the possibility of either establishing or absolutely ruling out ice particles as the primary cloud constituent; however, it is possible to conclude that the clouds are not optically thick and composed of large ice crystals. There is still disagreement as to the quantitative significance of the infrared spectra, but, if it is assumed that a 20% depression may exist in the continuum near 2.0 μ then optically thin clouds (τ≲5–10) of ice particles with radii ≲4 μ are compatible with the observations. It is shown that there is a small amount of positive evidence for such clouds.