cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by barbiturates and by procaine: Do they act at different sites?

1. The effects of three barbiturates and the local anesthetic procaine on the ion channel function of mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) muscle subtype expressed inXenopus laevis oocytes were examined by whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. 2. A concentration-response curve for the specific nicotinic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP) was first determined. This agonist produced increasing whole-cell currents up to a concentration of 100µM (EC50 = 13µM), then decreased responses at higher concentrations. 3. The barbiturates (amobarbital, secobarbital, pentobarbital) and procaine produced reversible inhibition of DMPP-induced currents at clinically used concentrations. The two classes of drugs differed in the voltage dependence of the inhibition: procaine-induced inhibition was increased at more negative transmembrane holding potentials (-90 vs. -45 mV); whereas amobarbital-induced inhibition did not vary at different transmembrane potentials. 4. Mutant forms of the nAChR, containing single amino acid changes in the M2 regions ofα andβ subunits, showed increased sensitivity to procaine but no change in sensitivity to amobarbital-induced inhibition. 5. These electrophysiologic studies provide further evidence that barbiturates and local anesthetics produce inhibition of the nAChR at different sites.
Vigilantism and the State in Modern Latin America: Essays on Extralegal Violence

Preface Introduction: Vigilantism and the State: A Look South and North Mob Lynching, Popular Violence, and Justiceiros Lynchings--Life by a Thread: Street Justice in Brazil Popular Responses and Urban Violence: Lynching in Brazil Police, People, and Preemption in Argentina Authoritarian Society: Breeding Ground for Justiceiros Paramilitary and Parapolice Death Squads Guatemala: The Recourse of Fear All the Minister's Men: Paramilitary Activity in Peru Institutional Crisis, Parainstitutionality, and Regime Flexibility in Colombia: The Place of Narcotraffic and Counterinsurgency The Discourse about Violence How Not to Think about Torture: Violence, Theory, and the Problems of Explanation Legislation and National Security in Latin America Extralegal Police Violence "Extraordinary" Police Operations in Venezuela Police and Political Crisis: The Case of the Military Police Police Deadly Force as Social Control: Jamaica, Brazil, and Argentina U.S.-Supported State Terror: A History of Police Training in Latin America Select Bibliography Index
Stacking mismatch boundaries in GaN: Implications for substrate selection

Abstract The defect microstructure of thin wurtzite GaN films grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on 6H SiC (basal plane) and sapphire ( c -plane) has been characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The predominant defects observed were double positioning boundaries that originated at the interfaces between the substrate and the buffer layer or the buffer and the GaN film. Since the stacking mismatch between coalescing domains is caused by substrate surface steps, these defects could also be termed stacking mismatch boundaries (SMBs). Structural analysis implies that these SMBs are inevitable whenever wurtzite films are grown on non-isomorphic substrates. It is therefore suggested that isomorphic materials such as bulk GaN or ZnO should be investigated as alternative substrates.
C14O2 Excretion after the intravenous administration of labeled chylomicrons in the rat.

Abstract Fasting and carbohydrate-fed rats were injected with chylomicrons labeled with palmitic acid-1-C 14 . In the following 90 min. the former expired 45% of the injected radioactivity and the latter less than 5%. There was a significant difference in the amount of unexpired radioactivity found in the fat depots in the two groups.
Feasibility of extracting velocity distribution in choriocapillaris in human eyes from ICG dye angiograms

Indocyanine green (ICG) dye angiography has been used by ophthalmologists for routine examination of the choroidal vasculature in human eyes for more than 20 years. In this study, a new approach is developed to extract information from ICG dye angiograms about blood velocity distribution in the choriocapillaris and its feeding blood vessels. ICG dye fluorescence intensity rise and decay curves are constructed for each pixel location in each image of the choriocapillaris in an ICG angiogram. It is shown that at each instant of time the magnitude of the local instantaneous dye velocity in the choriocapillaris is proportional to both the slope of the ICG dye fluorescence intensity curve and the dye concentration. This approach leads to determination of the absolute value of blood velocity in the choriocapillaris, assuming an appropriate scaling, or conversion factor can be determined. It also enables comparison of velocities in different regions of the choriocapillaris, since the conversion factor is independent of the vessel location. The computer algorithm developed in this study can be used in clinical applications for diagnostic purposes and for assessment of the efficacy of laser therapy in human eyes.
Nitric oxide stimulates γ-aminobutyric acid release and inhibits glycine release in retina

Nitric oxide (NO) modulates the uptake and/or release of neurotransmitters through a variety of cellular mechanisms. However, the pharmacological and biochemical processes underlying these neurochemical effects of NO often remain unclear. In our study, we used immunocytochemical methods to study the effects of NO, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and peroxynitrite on the uptake and release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine in the turtle retina. In addition, we examined the involvement of glutamate receptors, calcium, and the GABA transporter in this GABA uptake and release. We also tested for interactions between the GABAergic and glycinergic systems. In general, we show that NO stimulated GABA release and inhibited glycine release. The NO-stimulated GABA release involved calcium-dependent or calcium-independent synaptic release or reversal of the GABA transporter. Some effects of NO on GABA release involved glutamate, cGMP, or peroxynitrite. NO promoted glycine uptake and inhibited its release, and this inhibition of glycine release was influenced by GABAergic modulation. These findings indicate that NO modulates the levels of the inhibitory transmitters GABA and glycine through several specific biochemical mechanisms in different retinal cell types and layers. Thus it appears that some of the previously described reciprocal interactions between GABA and glycine in the retina function through specific NO signaling pathways.
Effect of inexact inertial parameters on robot manipulator system performance

The effect of a manipulator inertial parameter errors on the manipulator system performance are studied. First, the relationships between the tracking error of the manipulator joint variables and the manipulator inertial parameter errors are derived. Then, using these relationships, the maximum steady state position, velocity, and acceleration errors of the joint variables are determined. The derived relationships allow us to acquire a desired steady state performance for joint variations either by increasing the control gains in the feedback control loops and/or by reducing the manipulator inertial parameter errors. These two problems are, also, addressed in this paper. The computational results of the maximum steady state position, velocity, and acceleration errors of the joints for a PUMA 560 arm are included.
Divide- and conquer-based surveillance framework using robots, sensor nodes, and RFID tags

Sensor networks are adopted in many surveillance applications. A traditional method for such applications is to deploy sensor nodes all over the surveillance region in order to cover as much area as possible. However, this way not only waste huge amounts of money for sensor nodes and resources, but it is also unnecessary and unrealistic sometimes. It provides huge amounts of garbage in the form of dead sensor nodes and batteries. It invokes many data collisions and places a serious burden on network protocols. In many applications, we have no need to have detail on every point inside the area, but only in some critical places. For example, in a forest fire surveillance application, covering the whole forest is unnecessary and unrealistic. In this paper, we propose a divide- and conquer-based surveillance framework, in which a large surveillance area is divided into small areas by critical points and critical lines. Sensor nodes, sinks, robots, and RFID tags are all used. We only deploy sensor nodes along critical lines instead of all over the region. Our aim is to do surveillance with efficient deployment of sensor nodes and sinks, and to detect, track, and even capture targets, e.g., an intrusion tank or forest fire, with the collaboration of robots and sensor nodes. We study boundary coverage along critical lines. Robots perform tasks of patrolling, handling incidents, communicating with sensor nodes/sinks, and even being capable of deploying/throwing-out sensor nodes/RFID tags. Finally, we evaluate perimeter coverage, robot patrol routing, and so on. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sarcolemmal Calcium Influx in Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptible Muscle

The most common cause of malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility is a mutation in RyR1 (ryanodine receptor type 1), the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel. Muscles expressing MH-RyR1s have an increased cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) at rest which is exacerbated by volatile anesthetics. The Ca2+ overload induced by anesthetics is fatal unless treated with dantrolene. Here we show that the sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx and [Ca2+]i are greater at rest in MH-RyR1R163C myotubes than in WT cells. Gd+3 and GsMTx-4 are more effective than BTP2 or over-expression of a dominant negative Orai1 (E190Q) in decreasing [Ca2+]i in MH-RyR1R163C myotubes suggesting that it is mediated by an alternative non-Stim1/Orai1 entry pathway. Exposure to a DAG analog induced a larger increase in Ca2+ in MH-RyR1R163C myotubes than in WT cells and was completely blocked by Gd3+ and GsMTx-4 suggesting that TRPC3/6 could be involved. Further support is that these non-selective cationic channels are over-expressed and that [Na]i is elevated in MHRyR1R163C cells. In vivo in MH-RyR1R163C/Wt muscle intracellular Ca2+ and Na+ overload can be blocked by dantrolene, and attenuated by Gd3+ and GsMTx-4. Exposure of MH-RyR1R163C/Wt mice to halothane markedly increased both [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i in their muscle fibers. These effects of halothane were markedly attenuated by Gd+3 or GsMTx-4 and completely suppressed by dantrolene. Taken together these results strongly suggest that sarcolemmal Ca2+ and Na+ entry via TRPC3/6 are important contributors to the altered Ca2+ and Na+ homeostasis observed in MH muscle both at rest and during an MH crisis.
Attenuation of the Stimulant Response to Ethanol is Associated with Enhanced Ataxia for a GABAA, but not a GABAB, Receptor Agonist

Background: The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system is implicated in the neurobiological actions of ethanol, and pharmacological agents that increase the activity of this system have been proposed as potential treatments for alcohol use disorders. As ethanol has its own GABA mimetic properties, it is critical to determine the mechanism by which GABAergic drugs may reduce the response to ethanol (i.e., via an inhibition or an accentuation of the neurobiological effects of ethanol). Methods: In this study, we examined the ability of 3 different types of GABAergic compounds, the GABA reuptake inhibitor NO-711, the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol, and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, to attenuate the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol in FAST mice, which were selectively bred for extreme sensitivity to ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation. To determine whether these compounds produced a specific reduction in stimulation, their effects on ethanol-induced motor incoordination were also examined. Results: NO-711, muscimol, and baclofen were all found to potently attenuate the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol in FAST mice. However, both NO-711 and muscimol markedly increased ethanol-induced ataxia, whereas baclofen did not accentuate this response. Conclusions: These results suggest that pharmacological agents that increase extracellular concentrations of GABA and GABAA receptor activity may attenuate the stimulant effects of ethanol by accentuating its intoxicating and sedative properties. However, selective activation of the GABAB receptor appears to produce a specific attenuation of ethanol-induced stimulation, suggesting that GABAB receptor agonists may hold greater promise as potential pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorders.
Nutrition and biogenesis of plasma lipoproteins in nonhuman primates

Abstract In this article we examine the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by perfused livers obtained from chow- and cholesterol-fed nonhuman primates. These data illustrate two important features of VLDL production. First, VLDL is secreted from the liver in a form very close to that of its plasma counterpart. Thus for chow-fed animals, plasma VLDL and liver perfusate VLDL have similar lipid compositions. Second, the composition of VLDL can be modified significantly by diet in each of two primate species, the Rhesus monkey and the baboon. Rhesus monkey livers uniformly secrete larger quantities of VLDL and show more dramatic dietary effects than do baboon livers. Nevertheless, perfused livers from both species reveal qualitatively similar responses to dietary peanut oil and to lard fed in combination with cholesterol. Both fat-containing diets induce the livers to secrete VLDL enriched in cholesteryl ester compared with control perfusates yet still cholesteryl ester deficient compared with the animals' plasma VLDL. Peanut oil diet reduces the hepatic output of VLDL-associated apoprotein B and triglyceride, whereas lard increases hepatic secretion of VLDL-associated lipids and apoprotein E. We conclude that the nature of dietary fat plays an important role in determining the profile and composition of lipoproteins formed and secreted by the primate liver. We have also briefly reviewed the production of high-density lipoprotein, which is probably formed in the plasma from many sources, with special emphasis on the possible role of newly secreted lipid-poor apolipoproteins A-I and A-II.
Seroreactivity to A‐type retrovirus proteins in a subset of cats with hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is afflicted in several endocrine, autoimmune, and malignant diseases. Previous studies detected immunoreactivity against proteins of a human intracisternal A-type retroviral particle type-I (HIAP-I) in serum samples from the majority of patients with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid that can also affect other organs, most prominently the eyes. To determine whether hyperthyroid animals might provide a model for the retroviral involvement in thyroid autoimmunity, serum samples from 32 cats (21 hyperthyroid and 11 controls) and 10 hypothyroid dogs were examined for immunoreactivity with HIAP-I using a Western blot technique. Of the 21 hyperthyroid cats 15 (71.4%) were HIAP-I positive, while only 2 of 11 (11.8%) control animals without endocrine pathology were positive. No significant correlations were seen between HIAP seroreactivity and serum thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4), age, gender, treatment history, vaccination status, or weight. No seroreactivity to HIAP-I was detected in hypothyroid dogs. An examination of HIAP-I reactivity in feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-seroconverting cats found that 7/9 (78%) animals viremic for FeLV-A showed an alteration in HIAP serology, whereas only 1/7 (14%) nonviremic animals showed a change in HIAP-I serology. These results suggest that it may be possible to develop an animal (feline) model for the role of retroviruses in thyroid autoimmune diseases. Microsc. Res. Tech. 68:235–238, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Initial clinical results of linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas

Abstract Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the initial clinical results of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for pituitary adenomas with regard to tumor and hormonal control and adverse effects of the treatment. Subjects and Methods: Forty-eight patients with pituitary adenoma who underwent SRS or SRT between September 1989 and September 1995 were analyzed. Of these, 18 received SRS and 30 received SRT. The median tumor volumes were 1.9 cm 3 for SRS and 5.7 cm 3 for SRT. Eleven of the SRS and 18 of the SRT patients were hormonally active at the time of the initial diagnosis. Four of the SRS and none of the SRT patients had a history of prior radiation therapy. Both SRS and SRT were performed using a dedicated stereotactic 6-MV linear accelerator (LINAC). The dose and normalization used for the SRS varied from 1000 cGy at 85% of the isodose line to 1500 cGy at 65% of the isodose line. For SRT patients, a total dose of 4500 cGy at 90% or 95% of the isodose line was delivered in 25 fractions of 180 cGy daily doses. Results: Disease control—The three year tumor control rate was 91.1% (100% for SRS and 85.3% for SRT). Normalization of the hormonal abnormality was achieved in 47% of the 48 patients (33% for SRS and 54% for SRT). The average time required for normalization was 8.5 months for SRS and 18 months for SRT. Adverse effects—The 3-year rate of freedom from central nervous system adverse effects was 89.7% (72.2% for SRS and 100% for SRT). Three patients who received SRS for a tumor in the cavernous sinus developed a ring enhancement in the temporal lobe as shown by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Two of these cases were irreversible and were considered to be radiation necrosis. None of the 48 patients developed new neurocognitive or visual disorders attributable to the irradiation. The incidence of endocrinological adverse effects were similar in the two groups, resulting in 3-year rates of freedom from newly initiated hormonal replacement of 78.4% (77.1% for SRS and 79.9% for SRT). Conclusion: Considering the relatively high incidence of morbidity observed in the SRS group, we recommend SRT as the primary method of radiation therapy for pituitary tumors. When treating a lesion in the cavernous sinus with SRS, special attention should be paid to dose distribution in the adjacent brain parenchyma. Longer follow-up is necessary before drawing any conclusions about the advantages of these techniques over conventional external beam radiation therapy.
Identification and Characterization of a Mouse Homolog for Decidual/Trophoblast Prolactin-Related Protein

Decidual/trophoblast PRL-related protein (d/tPRP) is one member of a large placental PRL gene family composed of at least nine members in the rat and four in the mouse. Only placental lactogen I and II have been characterized in both rat and mouse. The identification of mouse homologs for rat placental PRL family members will facilitate gene manipulation studies aimed at identifying functions for these hormones. In this report, we establish the presence of d/tPRP in the mouse and characterize its complementary DNA, protein, and pattern of expression during mouse gestation. Evaluation of the National Center for Biotechnology Information database of expressed sequence tags resulted in the identification of several mouse complementary DNA clones exhibiting significant homology to rat d/tPRP. One of these clones was obtained from IMAGE Consortium and Research Genetics for further investigation. The full-length mouse clone was found to have an 81% nucleotide homology with rat d/tPRP and to encode a 239-amino acid protein. Like rat d/tPRP, the mouse protein contains two putative N-linked glycosylation sites and six homologously located cysteine residues. Mouse d/tPRP maps to chromosome 13 along with other members of the mouse PRL family. Like the rat, mouse d/tPRP messenger RNA and protein are expressed by antimesometrial decidual cells and spongiotrophoblast and trophoblast giant cells in the junctional zone of the placenta. In summary, we have established the presence of d/tPRP in the mouse and demonstrated its similarity in structure and pattern of expression to rat d/tPRP. This level of conservation between species expands the biological significance of d/tPRP during pregnancy and provides additional opportunities for evaluating its function.
Predicting concordance of biochemical lung maturity in the preterm twin gestation.

Objective: To propose a strategy for lung maturity amniocentesis in diamnionic twin gestations by exploiting indicators of concordance of lung maturity status. Methods: Amniotic fluid from 92 diamnionic twin gestations was assayed for lung maturity by standard methodology. The rates of concordance of lung maturity status between twins were calculated after stratification by gestational age, chorionicity, gender and weight discordance. Results: At the extremes of gestational age (28, 29, 36 and 37 weeks), twins are 100% concordant in lung status; for twins of 33-35.9 gestational weeks, lung concordance is significantly lower at 0.91 (p = 0.02); for 30-32.9 weeks, a rate of 0.52 is even lower (p = 0.001). Same-gender twin pairs of 33-35.9 weeks and twin pairs with estimated fetal weight discordance exceeding 20% or less than 10% were uniformly concordant in their lung maturity. Conclusion: Non-selective single amniocentesis may be performed if the gestational age is greater than 35.9 weeks. Double amniocent...
The Hilbert Expansion to the Boltzmann Equation for Steady Flow

The Hilbert expansion to the Boltzmann equation is carried out for steady flow. It is shown that the first term in the Hubert series for the distribution function is a local Maxwellian leading to the steady Euler equations. The steady field equations that follow from the solution of the second term in the series are derived. The formulas for thermal conductivity and for viscosity of Hilbert that appear in the steady field equations of the second approximation are shown to be precisely the same as those obtained by Chapman and Enskog. The procedure to obtain higher approximations by Hubert's method is summarized.
A streamlined failure mode and effects analysis

Purpose: Explore the feasibility and impact of a streamlined failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) using a structured process that is designed to minimize staff effort. Methods: FMEA for the external beam process was conducted at an affiliate radiation oncology center that treats approximately 60 patients per day. A structured FMEA process was developed which included clearly defined roles and goals for each phase. A core group of seven people was identified and a facilitator was chosen to lead the effort. Failure modes were identified and scored according to the FMEA formalism. A risk priority number,RPN, was calculated and used to rank failure modes. Failure modes with RPN > 150 received safety improvement interventions. Staff effort was carefully tracked throughout the project. Results: Fifty-two failure modes were identified, 22 collected during meetings, and 30 from take-home worksheets. The four top-ranked failure modes were: delay in film check, missing pacemaker protocol/consent, critical structures not contoured, and pregnant patient simulated without the team's knowledge of the pregnancy. These four failure modes hadRPN > 150 and received safety interventions. The FMEA was completed in one month in four 1-h meetings. A total of 55 staff hours were required and, additionally, 20 h by the facilitator. Conclusions: Streamlined FMEA provides a means of accomplishing a relatively large-scale analysis with modest effort. One potential value of FMEA is that it potentially provides a means of measuring the impact of quality improvement efforts through a reduction in risk scores. Future study of this possibility is needed.
Λ -hypernuclei single-particle energies with the Nijmegen ESC04 baryon-baryon interaction

$\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-hypernuclei single-particle energies are calculated for the new Nijmegen ESC04 baryon-baryon interaction. A Brueckner-Hartree approach is employed. Whereas good agreement with experimental results is obtained for the $A=3,4$, and 5 systems, the heavier systems are considerably overbound. A possible source for some of the overbinding is the spin-orbit odd interaction and its effect on the ${}^{3}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}$ channel.
Aerial image studies of an advanced deep-UV exposure system

Abstract A method to measure directly the aerial image of arbitrary patterns, imaged by a stepper optics in a very thin layer of photoresist, is presented. Using this technique we characterised the optical properties of an advanced Deep UV stepper. Measured and simulated aerial images differ significantly, which can be attributed to imperfections of the projection optics. The major goal of this study was to find out the aerial image related limitations of lithographic process windows for patterns with 0.35 μm and 0.25 μm ground rule. Experimental data for several types of illumination (conventional and oblique illumination techniques) were obtained., and the aerial image induced offsets between the widths of isolated and grouped lines studied.
Three oscillator model of the heartbeat generator

Abstract The sinoatrial (SA) node is a group of self-oscillatory cells in the heart which beat rhythmically and initiate electric potentials, producing a wave of contraction that travels through the heart resulting in the circulation of blood. The SA node is an inhomogeneous collection of cells which have varying intrinsic frequencies. Experimental measurements of these frequencies have shown that the peripheral cells of the SA node have a higher natural frequency than do the interior cells. This is surprising to us since in 1:1 phase-locked motion of two oscillators of different frequency, the oscillator with the higher frequency leads the other oscillator by a phase angle. If the wave originates in the center of the SA node as one expects, then the interior cells would be leading in a 1:1 phase-locked motion and should therefore have a higher frequency than the peripheral cells. Our objective in this work is to explain this discrepancy between intuition and the measured results, and to determine possible advantages of having cells of lower frequency in the interior. Using a model of the SA node consisting of three coupled phase-only oscillators, we show that increased robustness of synchronized behavior (represented by a larger region of parameter space) comes as a result of the experimentally observed distribution of frequencies in the SA node. Associated with the loss of synchronized behavior is a complicated series of bifurcations called the “devil’s staircase”. We use our system to derive a 1D discontinuous map which exhibits the devil’s staircase, and we analyze its dynamics.
Improving shoulder dystocia management among resident and attending physicians using simulations.

Objective The objective of the study was to determine whether a simulation-based educational program would improve residents' and attending physicians' performance in a simulated shoulder dystocia. Study Design Seventy-one obstetricians participated in an unanticipated simulated shoulder dystocia, an educational debriefing session, and a subsequent shoulder dystocia simulation. Each simulation was scored, based on standardized checklists for 4 technical maneuvers and 6 communication tasks, by 2 physician observers. Paired Student t tests were used for analysis. Results Forty-three attendings and 28 residents participated. Residents showed significant improvement in mean maneuver (3.3 ± 0.9 vs 3.9 ± 0.4, P = .001) and communication (3.5 ± 1.2 vs 4.9 ± 1.0, P P Conclusion Our program improved physician performance in the management of simulated shoulder dystocia deliveries. Obstetric emergency simulation training can improve physicians' communication skills, at all levels of training, and should be incorporated into labor and delivery quality improvement measures.
A Database for the Static Dielectric Constant of Water and Steam

All reliable sources of data for the static dielectric constant or relative permittivity of water and steam, many of them unpublished or inaccessible, have been collected, evaluated, corrected when required, and converted to the ITS‐90 temperature scale. The data extend over a temperature range from 238 to 873 K and over a pressure range from 0.1 MPa up to 1189 MPa. The evaluative part of this work includes a review of the different types of measurement techniques, and the corrections for frequency dependence due to the impedance of circuit components, and to electrode polarization. It also includes a detailed assessment of the uncertainty of each particular data source, as compared to other sources in the same range of pressure and temperature. Both the raw and the corrected data have been tabulated, and are also available on diskette. A comprehensive list of references to the literature is included.
Q‐DockLHM: Low‐resolution refinement for ligand comparative modeling

The success of ligand docking calculations typically depends on the quality of the receptor structure. Given improvements in protein structure prediction approaches, approximate protein models now can be routinely obtained for the majority of gene products in a given proteome. Structure-based virtual screening of large combinatorial libraries of lead candidates against theoretically modeled receptor structures requires fast and reliable docking techniques capable of dealing with structural inaccuracies in protein models. Here, we present Q-Dock(LHM), a method for low-resolution refinement of binding poses provided by FINDSITE(LHM), a ligand homology modeling approach. We compare its performance to that of classical ligand docking approaches in ligand docking against a representative set of experimental (both holo and apo) as well as theoretically modeled receptor structures. Docking benchmarks reveal that unlike all-atom docking, Q-Dock(LHM) exhibits the desired tolerance to the receptor's structure deformation. Our results suggest that the use of an evolution-based approach to ligand homology modeling followed by fast low-resolution refinement is capable of achieving satisfactory performance in ligand-binding pose prediction with promising applicability to proteome-scale applications.
Parental Depression and Child Behavior Problems: A Pilot Study Examining Pathways of Influence

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have higher rates of depressive symptoms than parents of typically developing children and parents of children with other developmental disorders. Parental depressive symptoms are strongly associated with problem behaviors in children; however, the mechanisms through which parental depression influences child behavior in families of children with ASD are unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parental depression and child behavior problems among families of children with ASD, more specifically to investigate the mediating variables that may explain the processes through which parental depression and child behavior problems are associated. The sample consisted of 33 parents of children with ASD (ages 2 to 5 years old). Findings suggested that authoritative parenting style significantly mediated the relationship between parental depression and behavior problems. This study highlights the importance of considering pa...
Pre-Existing Inflammation Induced by TNF-Alpha Augments Cryosurgery on Human Prostate Cancer

Vascular injury is a major mechanism of cryosurgical destruction. The extent of vascular injury may be affected by the addition of molecular adjuvants. This study, in addition to determining the injury mechanism in the LNCaP Pro 5 human prostate cancer line grown in a nude mouse, examines the effect of cytokine TNF-α on cryosurgery of an in vivo microvascular preparation (Dorsal Skin Flap Chamber). Cryosurgery was performed in the chamber on either normal skin or tumor tissue. The area of vascular injury observed with FITC-labeled dextran quantitatively corresponded to the area of necrosis observed in histologic section after 3 days (p>0.5). There was complete destruction of the vasculature in the center of the lesion followed by an abrupt change to normal patency moving radially outward. A comparison of injury data to a thermal model indicated that the minimum temperature required for causing necrosis was 3.5±6.9°C in TNF-α-treated LNCaP Pro 5 tumor tissue (n = 4) and −9.8±5.8°C in TNF-α-treated normal skin of the nude mouse (n = 4). Comparing to tissues without TNF-α treatment, where the minimum temperature required for causing necrosis was −16.5±4.3°C in LNCaP Pro 5 human prostate tumor tissue (n = 8) and −24.4±7.0°C in normal skin of the nude mouse (n = 9), comparable to those found in the Copenhagen rat (p>0.05), the results indicated the local use of TNF-α would dramatically increase the thermal threshold of cryo-destruction by more than 10°C (p<0.01). In addition, the size of lesion from cryosurgery was larger in tumor tissue than that in normal skin after the same thermal history, either with or without TNF-α treatment (p<0.05). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that vascular-mediated injury is responsible for defining the edge of the cryolesion in microvascular-perfused tissue, and therefore induced inflammation would augment cryoinjury. The local use of TNF-α to pre-inflame prostate cancer promises to increase both the ability of freezing to destroy cancer as well as improving the ability of ultrasound or other iceball-monitoring techniques to predict the outcome of the treatment.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
RADIATIVE CORRECTIONS TO K$sub 13$ /+ -/ DECAYS

The radiative corrections to the lepton spectrum and decay rate for ${{K}_{l3}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ decays are calculated, assuming a phenomenological weak $K\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ vertex and using perturbation theory. The answer depends logarithmically on a cutoff. The result applied to pion beta decay yields a fractional change in lifetime of -1.2% and is not sensitive to reasonable variations in the cutoff. The radiative correction to the electron spectrum from ${{K}_{e3}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ decays at rest is substantial, averaging about 5% in absolute magnitude over most of the measurable energy range, and is insensitive to the cutoff. The correction to the ${{K}_{e3}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ lifetime, the ${{K}_{\ensuremath{\mu}3}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ lifetime and muon spectrum is probably small (a fraction of a percent) although the numerical estimates are sensitive to the cutoff.
Activating the Need to Know in Reading Instruction: One Teacher Educator's Practice.

This article examines one teacher educator's teaching of reading methods at a university that was recognized for exemplary reading instruction. Data collected over the course of one semester indicated that she modeled the teaching of reading and served as a catalyst in activating preservice teachers’ need to know about how to teach reading by helping each one make a personal connection to the content through assignments, feedback, class sessions, and field assignments. This teacher educator's practice can inform others who seek to establish closer and more productive links between coursework, fieldwork, and prospective teachers’ teaching.
Further attempts to induce "egg transformation" using irradiated pollen.

Numerous pollination treatments involving heavily irradiated (40–100 krad) pollen of diverse plant species failed to produce any clear cut “egg transformants” of the type reported by Pandey in Nicotiana. Genetic stocks of pea, rapeseed, and apple, bearing multiple Mendelian markers, were employed to detect any possible transformation events. For each plant species, an optimal level of irradiation was determined which would allow normal pollen tube growth leading to fertilization, but which would prevent the formation of normal hybrids due to the “pulverized” condition of the chromosomes contributed by the irradiated pollen. Pollination treatments included selfing, pollination with donor pollen mixed with self pollen, pollination with irradiated donor pollen mixed with self pollen, pollination with irradiated pollen followed by a delayed self pollination, and pollination with irradiated pollen by itself. None of these treatments produced clearly transformed seedlings. The total number of potential transformation events screened was in excess of 6,046 including 2,268 for pea, 3,309 for rapeseed, and 469 for apple. It is concluded that if egg transformation occurs outside of Nicotiana it is a rare event, and its frequent occurrence in Nicotiana must be, at best, an isolated phenomenon.
Effects of formation conditions on the physicochemical properties, aggregation, and phase transformation of iron oxide nanoparticles.

In this work, hematite transformation from a precursor 6-line ferrihydrite phase was investigated by systematically altering the forced hydrolysis hematite synthesis. Specifically, we used a combination of in situ and ex situ characterization techniques to examine the effects of varying the FeIII injection rates and cooling methods on the hematite and 6-line ferrihydrite nanoparticle size, isoelectric point, mineral phase, and aggregation. Finally, As(V) adsorption experiments were performed to determine how the two iron oxide phases existed in the reaction system. Nanoparticle synthesis thermodynamics and kinetics were found to control the extent of distinct 6-line ferrihydrite phases in the iron oxide nanoparticle solutions, as well as the particle size and isoelectric point. Conversion of 6-line ferrihydrite to hematite was greatly influenced by the degree of aggregation (determined by synthesis conditions) during drying. As(V) adsorption experiments revealed that 6-line ferrihydrite and hematite exist...
The Persuasive Influence of Narrative Causality: Psychological Mechanism, Strength in Overcoming Resistance, and Persistence Over Time

The impact of narrative persuasion depends on the location of its persuasive information relative to the cause-and-effect structure within the narrative, yet, the bounds of this structural influence remain unknown. This study examines the a) underlying psychological mechanism, b) strength in overcoming psychological resistance, and c) persistence over time of narrative causality effects on information acceptance. Results suggest causality effects occur during initial stages of comprehension, which serve to shield the influence from external moderators, such as preexisting worldviews. The effect also remained constant over a two-week delay. Results serve to psychologically explain the narrative causality effect and suggest it remains robust over a wide range of conditions, potentially being useful for persuasion of otherwise resistant audiences.
Comparative effectiveness of generic and brand-name statins on patient outcomes: a cohort study.

Statins are the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States, but evidence suggests that patients do not fully adhere to statin therapy. This observational study of a large cohort of Medic...
Model and Parameter Uncertainty in Distributed Systems

This paper formulates and solves the problem of model identification and parameter uncertainty in plutonium storage systems. A systematic procedure helps to choose among alternative mathematical models with different properties and degrees of freedom. Rigorous metrics for measuring the statistical alignment between five different physical models and given experimental data are discussed. On the basis of those metrics, the most adequate model is identified and the optimal parameter values for the heat source and the heat transfer coefficients in the packed plutonium bed are calculated. Model confidence and parameter uncertainty are accurately quantified by confidence regions. Rigorous bounds on the uncertain parameter range are computed. Mathematical framework for a flexible design approach and risk minimization is introduced. Flexibility analysis approach is used to detect the worst case temperature hotspots in plutonium storage containers.
Low efficacy and high mortality associated with clofarabine treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Abstract Clofarabine, a second-generation nucleoside analog, has clinical activity in relapsed or refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, there are few data evaluating performance of clofarabine in populations of patients not enrolled in clinical trials. We reviewed outcomes for 84 patients treated with clofarabine for relapsed or refractory AML or MDS, either with clofarabine as monotherapy (n = 19) or in combination with cytarabine (n = 65). Using International Working Group (IWG) response criteria, the overall response rate (ORR) of all treated patients was 21%, with a complete response rate with either complete or incomplete hematopoietic recovery (CRR = CR + CRi) of 14%. For combination therapy, ORR was 22% with CRR of 18%, and monotherapy patients had an ORR of 21% with CRR of 11%. Although limited by small numbers, subgroup analysis did not reveal variation in response rates when comparing different risk factors. The 30-day mortality was 21% and median survival was 3 months; a subset of 12 patients who were able to go to transplant had an 18-month median survival. Clofarabine's efficacy in a “real-world” setting appears to be less than has been reported in clinical trials, and treatment is associated with a high early mortality rate.
Reducing the effect of chemiluminescence on the efficiency of extracting 14C-neomycin from fortified kidney tissue as measured by a liquid scintillation system.

Abstract Extraction efficiency was monitored, using 14C-neomycin and liquid scintillation counting, during development of a procedure to isolate neomycin from fortified kidney tissue. Chemiluminescence caused 119% false positive recovery at 0.16ppm neomycin (1260 disintegrations/min (dpm) activity). However, the contribution of chemiluminescence to false positive recovery was negligible above 8 ppm neomycin (63,000 dpm activity). To reduce chemiluminescence, fortified kidney tissue was extracted with saline by homogenization, mixed with Protosol at 70 °C for 1 h, cooled 5 min at 4 °C and neutralized with acetic acid. The digest was mixed with Aquasol and incubated 1 h at 47 °C, followed by equilibration for 2 h in the counter. The procedure allows reliable monitoring of extraction efficiency down to about 407 dpm activity from 14C-neomycin (0.05 ppm) with maximum chemiluminescence of about 4%.
Preferences for alternative risk management policies at the United States major nuclear weapons legacy sites

Abstract A survey of 1351 people who lived within 50 miles of one of six US Department of Energy nuclear weapon sites showed that the vast majority of residents prefer strong public health surveillance and land use controls. The sample was stratified so that the same number of responses was obtained at each site. The strongest correlates of wanting the DOE to restrict on-site activities and maintain and expand its surveillance programs were worries about DOE activities on the site, as well as how those activities could damage the off-site environment. Notably, the exceptions, that is, those who demanded less from the DOE and were not particularly worried about the DOE's activities, tended to live near the site, many worked there or knew people who did, and had high socio-economic status, and trusted the DOE. The findings are mostly, but not entirely, consistent with expectations drawn from the risk perception and organizational trust literatures. The challenge is how to establish a stewardship program tha...
A finite element method for first order elliptic systems in three dimensions

Abstract We consider finite element approximation schemes for boundary value problems for linear first order elliptic systems in three dimensions. We also discuss div-curl type systems in three independent variables. Both a least squares method and a new subdomain-collocation-least-squares method are considered. The analysis yield optimal asymptotic H 1 (Ω) and L 2 (Ω) error estimates.
Heterotaxy Patients With Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: Improving Surgical Results

Background Survival after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous return in patients with heterotaxy syndrome has consistently been reported in the literature to be far inferior to the results obtained in nonheterotaxy patients. The outcomes of heterotaxy patients at Texas Children's Hospital undergoing repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous return were examined and compared with those of nonheterotaxy patients. Methods Between July 7, 1995, and November 22, 2005, 122 consecutive patients underwent primary repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous return. Characteristics were as follows: mean age, 0.35 ± 1.8 years; mean weight, 4.3 ± 2.8 kg; single ventricle, 40 (33%); heterotaxy, 38 (31%); pulmonary atresia, 13 (11%). Concomitant procedures included pulmonary artery banding in 4 (3%), systemic-to-pulmonary shunt in 14 (12%), bidirectional Glenn in 11 (9%), and other in 16 (14%). Results With a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 2.5 years including all patients, overall 30-day and 5-year survival was 93% and 86%, respectively; for heterotaxy patients it was 84% and 79%; and for nonheterotaxy patients it was 96% and 89%. Heterotaxy and nonheterotaxy survival curves were not significantly different ( p > 0.05). Overall, there were 12 (9.8%) patients who required reoperation for pulmonary vein stenosis, at a mean of 5.1 ± 5.5 months postoperatively. Seven (58%) reoperations were in heterotaxy patients. Rate of pulmonary vein reoperation is statistically greater ( p Conclusions At midterm follow-up, heterotaxy patients undergoing total anomalous pulmonary venous return repair have a higher pulmonary vein reoperative rate but a comparable overall survival to nonheterotaxy patients.
Determination of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as the semicarbazone derivative using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic (hplc) procedure is described for the determination of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) in animal tissues. The procedure is based on extraction with perchloric acid and treatment with semicarbazide to form PLP-semicarbazone. This derivative is quantitatively determined using hplc with an octylsilica column, an acidic phosphate mobile phase buffer, and fluorometric detection. The validity of the method was confirmed by inspection of the fluorescence spectra of the PLP-semicarbazone hplc peaks of semicarbazide-treated standards and tissue extracts. Preparative chromatography for extract purification is not required because of the hplc efficiency and detection specificity. This method provides a simple technique for the rapid, direct assay of PLP in animal tissues.
Glutathione peroxidase II of guinea pig liver cytosol: relationship to glutathione S-transferases.

Abstract GSH peroxidase II activity is not associated with all GSH-S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) proteins. In guinea pig liver GSH peroxidase II (nonseleno and specific for organic hydroperoxides) is associated almost entirely with GSH-S-transferase peak aa and a smaller peak designated aa′. Transferase a shows a slight peroxidase activity, transferase b is absent, and transferase c has no peroxidase activity. GSH peroxidase II of guinea pig liver has an isoelectric point of 8.9 and a molecular weight of 45,000. It consists of two subunits of similar size (26,000). The GSH peroxidase II and the GSH-S-transferase activities of transferase aa have not been resolved into separate proteins and presumably reside in the same protein. In rat liver GSH peroxidase II activity is present with the highest specific activity in GSH-S-transferase AA. There is no AA′. Transferase B also shows peroxidase activity. Transferases A and C show low but measurable peroxidase activity. Transferase peak E shows peroxidase activity, but it is contaminated by large amounts of GSH peroxidase I (EC 1.11.1.9), recognized by its activity on H2O2.