cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a novel variant of the human P2X7 receptor resulting in gain of function

The P2X7 receptor exhibits significant allelic polymorphism in humans, with both loss and gain of function variants potentially impacting on a variety of infectious and inflammatory disorders. At least five loss-of-function polymorphisms (G150R, R307Q, T357S, E496A, and I568N) and two gain-of-function polymorphisms (H155Y and Q460R) have been identified and characterized to date. In this study, we used RT-PCR cloning to isolate and characterize P2X7 cDNA clones from human PBMCs and THP-1 cells. A previously unreported variant with substitutions of V80M and A166G was identified. When expressed in HEK293 cells, this variant exhibited heightened sensitivity to the P2X7 agonist (BzATP) relative to the most frequent allele, as shown by pore formation measured by fluorescent dye uptake into cells. Mutational analyses showed that A166G alteration was critical for the gain-of-function change, while V80M was not. Full-length variants with multiple previously identified nonsynonymous SNPs (H155Y, H270R, A348T, and E496A) were also identified. Distinct functional phenotypes of the P2X7 variants or mutants constructed with multiple polymorphisms were observed. Gain-of-function variations (A166G or H155Y) could not rescue the loss-of-function E496A polymorphism. Synergistic effects of the gain-of-function variations were also observed. We also identified the A348T alteration as a weak gain-of-function variant. Thus, these results identify the new gain-of-function variant A166G and demonstrate that multiple-gene polymorphisms contribute to functional phenotypes of the human P2X7 receptor. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the C-terminal of the cysteine-rich domain 1 of P2X7 is critical for regulation of P2X7-mediated pore formation.
A Novel Endovascular Technique for Temporary Balloon Occlusion and Permanent Vessel Deconstruction with a Single Microcatheter

Objective To report a novel technique for temporary and permanent vessel occlusion with a single microcatheter and investigate its efficacy in endovascular management of cerebral aneurysms and invasive head and neck tumors. Methods A 58-year-old woman with a history of T3N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue with extensive surgical resections and radiotherapy presented to the emergency department with further wound dehiscence and exposure of the left cervical internal carotid artery (ICA). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed with the patient under conscious sedation. An Ascent balloon, 4 mm × 15 mm, was prepared and introduced into the proximal ICA. While the patient was fully awake, temporary balloon occlusion (TBO) was performed for 30 minutes. The Ascent balloon was kept inflated. Through the inflated Ascent balloon, coil embolization of the proximal ICA was initiated. The interstices of the coils were filled with Onyx 18 and Onyx 34 liquid embolic agents (ev3 Neurovascular, Inc, Irvine, California, USA). Results The Ascent balloon can be used as a temporary balloon device and as a coil or Onyx embolization device. As a result, fewer catheters, guidewires, and balloon inflations and deflations are required for the procedure, which is both cost-effective and time-efficient. The combination of initial coiling to create a framework for the deconstruction with a liquid embolic agent (Onyx) is a safe and efficient technique for vessel deconstruction. Flow arrest with proximal balloon occlusion minimizes the risks of distal thromboembolic events during embolization. Conclusions This novel technique for temporary and permanent vessel occlusion with a single microcatheter is both cost-effective and time-efficient.
Identification of dynamic Green's functions in structural networks

This paper presents the mathematical and computational basis of a method for experimentally identifying the dynamic behavior of linear structural systems. The method consists of exciting the structure with specific pulses and reconstructing the dynamic Green's functions by deconvolution of the measured response. The reconstruction procedure involves the solution of an ill-posed integral equation in the presence of noise. Inverse Gaussian functions, which have mathematical properties that render the deconvolution problem tractable, are used as probing pulses. Two examples are presented for which dynamic Green's functions are reconstructed from synthetic response data: 1) a nondispersive medium consisting of a mechanical slider with free body motion, and 2) a network that may be representative of a large orbiting structure with rigidly connected torsional members and Timoshenko beams. It is shown that residual effects of noise that may be detectable in the reconstructed Green's functions are effectively smoothed out when these functions are used to predict the response to forces such as may be induced by control systems. Finally, an example is presented of deconvolution implemented in slow motion.
The rights of rape victims are enhanced: Using the law of premise liability for compensation

The field of victimology has been inundated with empirical evidence which demonstrates victims of crime have very few rights. Yet a new field of civil liability has been growing in the last few years which gives rape and assault victims a new avenue to be compensated for their injuries. This paper will demonstrate how the victims’ target is not the criminal justice system (through compensation from restitution or victim’s compensation statures). Nor is it the defendant (who usually makes no money). Rather, the target is the rich apartment complex owners and other owners of commercial premises who have failed to maintain their premises safely. As a result of their negligence, the victims fail to be afforded the right to visit or habitat or to sleep without fear and are ultimately raped. Jury verdicts in these premises liability cases have reached more than nine million dollars. This paper will analyze the legal process whereby one particular rape victim actualized her rights and gained significant monetary damages under this evolving law of premise liability. Finally, it proposes the creation of a new institutionalized program that promotes the rape victim’s rights to adequate compensation for her injury-the Rape Victims’ Rights and Opportunities Program.
Funding growth in bank-based and market-based financial systems : evidence from firm level data

The authors investigate whether firms' access to external financing, to fund growth differs between market-based, and bank-based financial systems. Using firm-level data for forty countries, they compute the proportion of firms in each country that relies on external finance, and examine how that proportion differs across financial systems. They find that the development of a country's legal system predicts access to external finance, and that stock markets, and the banking system have different effects on access to external markets. The development of securities markets is related more to the availability of long-term financing, whereas the development of the banking sector is related more to the availability of short-term financing. They find no evidence, however, that firms' access to external financing is predicted by an index of the development of stock markets, relative to the development of the banking system.
Morphine Tolerance and Supersensitivity to 5-Hydroxytryptamine in the Myenteric Plexus of the Guinea-pig

ELECTRICAL stimulation of the isolated guinea–pig ileum or its longitudinal muscle with attached myenteric plexus releases acetylcholine (ACh) and causes a muscle twitch. The twitch tension is decreased by morphine, as is the output of ACh1–5. This effect of morphine is caused by an action of the drug upon the myenteric plexus. Investigations in several laboratories3,6–8 have shown that the morphine receptors in this neural network are like those in the central nervous system in all the following essentials: (1) The effective concentrations of morphine are very low, of the order of 20–100 nM. (2) The rank order of potencies of various narcotics is the same as for analgesia and other typical central actions over a very wide range of concentrations. (3) The response to narcotics is stereospecific for the D(−) isomers. (4) Narcotic antagonists, especially the pure antagonists like naloxone, block or reverse the agonist effects. (5) Tolerance to morphine develops in this tissue in vivo, as we have shown9,10.
Antibiotics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. A meta-analysis.

Objective. —A meta-analysis of randomized trials was performed to estimate the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data Sources. —English-language studies published from 1955 through 1994 were retrieved using MEDLINE,Index Medicus, bibliographies, and consultation with experts. MEDLINE search terms included "COPD," "chronic bronchitis," and "antibiotic(s)." Study Selection. —Only randomized trials that enrolled patients having an exacerbation of COPD, used an antibiotic in the treatment group and placebo in the control group, and provided sufficient data to calculate an effect size were included in the meta-analysis. Data Extraction. —Descriptive and outcome data from each study were independently abstracted by two authors. Data Synthesis. —Overall summary effect size of the nine trials satisfying all inclusion criteria was 0.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10 to 0.34), indicating a small benefit in the antibiotic-treated group. Similar analysis of the six studies that provided data on peak expiratory flow rate changes revealed a summary effect size of 0.19 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.35) and a summary change in peak expiratory flow rate of 10.75 L/min (95% CI, 4.96 to 16.54 L/min) in favor of the antibiotic-treated group. Sensitivity analyses did not significantly affect these results. Conclusions. —These analyses suggest a small but statistically significant improvement due to antibiotic therapy in patients with exacerbations of COPD. This antibiotic-associated improvement may be clinically significant, especially in patients with low baseline flow rates. (JAMA. 1995;273:957-960)
Studies of the adsorption of tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines on graphite substrate

Abstract The adsorption of iron and cobalt terasulfonated phthalocyanines (TsPcs) on ordinary pyrolytic graphite has been investigated as a function of pH and ionic strength of the adsorption solution as well as the potential. The charge corresponding to the voltammetric redox peaks of adsorbed complexes was used as a measure of the surface concentration. Adsorption of CoTsPc occurs readily from its freshly prepared aqueous solutions and is generally independent of pH. For FeTsPc, however, adsorption does strongly depend on pH. High surface coverage is achieved only from acid solutions rather than from pure water and alkaline solutions. This can be explained in terms of the form(s) of the complexes existing in the solution phase in the presence of air. uv-Visible spectroscopic studies coupled with the addition of CN− to the macrocycle solutions provide evidence that in pure water and alkaline solutions FeTsPc exists predominantly in the μ-oxo form (FeTsPc)2O, which seems not to favor the adsorption process. No evidence of the μ-oxo complex was found for FeTsPc in acid solutions and CoTsPc in aqueous solutions over the pH range examined (1–13). The adsorption of FeTsPc was at maximum when the potential was held at −0.55 V vs sce in 0.1 M NaOH.
Extraction of events and temporal expressions from clinical narratives

This paper addresses an important task of event and timex extraction from clinical narratives in context of the i2b2 2012 challenge. State-of-the-art approaches for event extraction use a multi-class classifier for finding the event types. However, such approaches consider each event in isolation. In this paper, we present a sentence-level inference strategy which enforces consistency constraints on attributes of those events which appear close to one another. Our approach is general and can be used for other tasks as well. We also design novel features like clinical descriptors (from medical ontologies) which encode a lot of useful information about the concepts. For timex extraction, we adapt a state-of-the-art system, HeidelTime, for use in clinical narratives and also develop several rules which complement HeidelTime. We also give a robust algorithm for date extraction. For the event extraction task, we achieved an overall F1 score of 0.71 for determining span of the events along with their attributes. For the timex extraction task, we achieved an F1 score of 0.79 for determining span of the temporal expressions. We present detailed error analysis of our system and also point out some factors which can help to improve its accuracy.
A Distributed Sensor Network Structure With Fault-Tolerant Facilities

In this paper, we discuss advanced architectures for distributed sensor networks. This includes the development of efficient algorithms for data-combination, noise removal, and information abstraction. Specifically, the we discuss the following issues in distributed signal processing: *A new signal processing architecture for networking spatially distributed sensors. *An improved method for integration of sensor information. *Fault-tolerance capabilities within the proposed signal processing architecture.
Numerical computation of co‐oscillating palaeotides in the Catskill epeiric Sea of eastern North America

A numerical model describing two-dimensional, shallow water, long wave propagation has provided estimates of the co-oscillating palaeotides in the upper Devonian Catskill Sea. This sea was open to the ocean along the present Gulf Coast and, moving clockwise, was circumscribed by the Transcontinental Arch, the Old Red Sandstone Continent, and the rising Appalachian Orogen. Using the present best estimates of basin bathymetry and open-ocean tidal range, the model indicates high mesotidal to low macrotidal ranges for the Catskill Shelf along the ancestral Appalachians. The Mid-Continent Shelf, centred on Iowa, is considered to have been microtidal. These conclusions are not sensitive to reasonable variations in shelf geometry and support the hypothesis that at least some epicontinental seas could have been tide-dominated.
Turnover of esters produced from inosine in human erythrocyte ghosts

Abstract The kinetic variation of glucose-6-P, 2 fructose-6-P, fructose diphosphate (FDP), mixed triosephosphates (G-3-P and dihydroxyacetone-P), xylulose-5-P, and ribulose-5-P was studied in ghosts incubated with inosine. Extracts were made with metaphosphoric or perchloric acid and assayed enzymatically. A synthesis of all esters occurred, dependent on inosine and Pi reaching a maximum in 4 hr. and diminishing to low values in 6 hr. Approximately 1 mmole of inosine was metabolized in 4 hr., of which the esters accounted for 75% of the inosine pentose carbon. Glucose-6-P together with F-6-P was 45%. At the maximum, the amounts (μmoles/10 12 cells) were: G-6-P (274), TrP (150), Xu-5-P (115), F-6-P (95), Ru-5-P (57), and FDP (42). Triosephosphate synthesis paralleled that of HMP, the ratio of the two being constant for 4 hr. and dependent on inosine concentration. Xylulose-5-P accumulated most rapidly and diminished, consistent with metabolism to HMP and TrP. In contrast, Ru-5-P appeared to be diverted to other pathways as it was low or not detectable in less than 2 hr. In 3–4 hr. of incubation, however, it was found to be equilibrated with R-5-P and Xu-5-P. Ribose-5-P metabolism by ghosts differed from inosine in that Xu-5-P and Ru-5-P equilibrated rapidly.
Rapid echocardiographic assessment of left and right heart hemodynamics in critically ill obstetric patients

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to compare noninvasive two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization with a pulmonary artery catheter in the estimation of stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index, left ventricular filling pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and right atrial pressure in a heterogeneous group of critically ill obstetric patients. Study Design: Eleven critically ill obstetric patients requiring invasive monitoring for clinical management were prospectively studied. Simultaneous Doppler and pulmonary artery catheter readings of stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index, left ventricular filling pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and right atrial pressure were acquired. Mean ± SD or median and range, as appropriate, of each parameter were compared, and data for all parameters were subjected to regression analysis. A two-tailed p value Results: There was no significant difference between the two techniques in the estimation of cardiac index, intracardiac pressures, or pulmonary artery systolic pressure. There was a good correlation between the two methods for stroke volume ( R 2 = 0.98), cardiac output ( R 2 = 0.98), cardiac index ( R 2 = 0.96), left ventricular filling pressure ( R 2 = 0.79), pulmonary artery systolic pressure ( R 2 = 0.85), and right atrial pressure ( R 2 = 0.86). Conclusion: Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography allow rapid, reliable, noninvasive assessment of hemodynamic parameters in critically ill obstetric patients and may give the clinician valuable information that may influence therapeutic and clinical management.
Allow use of electronic cigarettes to assess risk

Monitoring the outcomes of incentivized e-cigarette use, not endless research, will be the key to sensible regulation, says Daniel Sarewitz.
Can I Trust You? Negative Affective Priming Influences Social Judgments in Schizophrenia

Prior research suggests that individuals with schizophrenia misinterpret social stimuli and this misinterpretation contributes to impaired social functioning. We tested the hypothesis that for people with schizophrenia, social judgments are abnormally influenced by affective information. Twenty-three patients with schizophrenia and 35 healthy control participants rated the trustworthiness of faces following the presentation of neutral, negative (threat-related), or positive affective primes. Results showed that all participants rated faces following negative affective primes as less trustworthy than faces following neutral or positive primes. Importantly, this effect was significantly more pronounced for participants with schizophrenia, suggesting that schizophrenia may be characterized by an exaggerated influence of negative affective information on social judgment. Furthermore, the extent that the negative affective prime influenced trustworthiness judgments was significantly associated with patients’ severity of positive symptoms, particularly feelings of persecution. These findings suggest that for people with schizophrenia, negative affective information contributes to an interpretive bias, consistent with paranoid ideation, when judging the trustworthiness of others. This bias may contribute to social impairments in schizophrenia.
Gasoline production from phytol

Phytol, a diterpene alcohol found in many plants, has been subjected to catalytic cracking and a large enough sample for ASTM gasoline analysis has been obtained. The product shows a high octane number and meets many of the ASTM requirements for gasoline. Such a process represents a renewable route to motor fuels.
The effects of background pattern and contrast on prey discrimination by the praying mantis Sphodromantis lineola (Burr.).

Tethered, adult female Sphodromantis lineola (Burr.) were presented with two groups of two-dimensional stimuli (i.e., 2-D lures) against various backgrounds. Lure Group 1 comprised
The creation of a German Language Children's Literature Collection

This article concerns the development of a German Language Children’s Literature Collection at Louisiana State University (LSU) that is used in conjunction with the German Language Program at LSU. The article discusses the rationale behind such a collection and provides the tools and selection criteria necessary to develop a successful collection. Also included are sample titles chosen using the process that is discussed during the course of the article.
Neighborhood-Level Factors Associated with Physical Dating Violence Perpetration: Results of a Representative Survey Conducted in Boston, MA

Neighborhood-level characteristics have been found to be associated with different forms of interpersonal violence, but studies of the relationship between these characteristics and adolescent dating violence are limited. We examined 6 neighborhood-level factors in relation to adolescent physical dating violence perpetration using both adolescent and adult assessments of neighborhood characteristics, each of which was aggregated across respondents to the neighborhood level. Data came from an in-school survey of 1,530 public high school students and a random-digit-dial telephone survey of 1,710 adult residents of 38 neighborhoods in Boston. Approximately 14.3% of the youth sample reported one or more acts of physical aggression toward a dating partner in the month preceding the survey. We calculated the odds of past-month physical dating violence by each neighborhood-level factor, adjusting for school clustering, gender, race, and nativity. In our first 6 models, we used the adolescent assessment of neighborhood factors and then repeated our procedures using the adult assessment data. Using the adolescent assessment data, lower collective efficacy (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.09–3.52), lower social control (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.07–3.43), and neighborhood disorder (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05–1.35) were each associated with increased likelihood of physical dating violence perpetration. However, when we used the adult version of the neighborhood assessment data, no neighborhood factor predicted dating violence. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Isolation of denatured proteins and peptides by high-performance liquid chromatography. Effect of different perfluorinated acids, column length and large-pore supports.

Abstract The utilization of high-performance liquid chromatography for the isolation of peptides and proteins is extended by the demonstration that trifluoroacetic acid, pentafluoropropionic acid and heptafluorobutyric acid are effective peptide and protein solvents and as components of a mobile phase alter both the absolute and relative retention times of eluting peptides. In addition, studies related to stationary-phase performance indicate that: (1) column length (55–25 cm) does not significantly influence large peptide or protein retention times or resolution; (2) 300 A pore supports are ideal for the isolation of both large peptides and proteins; (3) peptide and protein conformation, even in the presence of denaturants, alters the steric interaction with the support; and (4) large peptides and proteins probably interact with the support by virtue of multi-site binding, not partitioning between the stationary and mobile phases.
Stable isotope record from Seneca Lake, New York: Evidence for a cold paleoclimate following the Younger Dryas

A radiocarbon controlled stable isotope record from Seneca Lake, New York, has defined a relatively cold paleoclimate (10.1–8.2 ka) that was younger, and regionally of greater magnitude, than the well-known Younger Dryas cold interval. These new isotope results are supported by published pollen records, from throughout the Great Lakes region, that also define a relatively cold paleoclimate at this time. This cold paleoclimate occurred during global meltwater pulse IB when large volumes of cold, isotopically light (low δ 18 O) meltwater flowed into the Great Lakes from the rapidly retreating Laurentide ice sheet. The discharge of cold glacial meltwaters into the Great Lakes during pulse IB suppressed downwind summer temperatures in the Finger Lakes region and provided a source of isotopically light precipitation. Published proxy data from Greenland, Norway, and Alaska also record relatively cold paleoclimates following the Younger Dryas, suggesting widespread Northern Hemisphere cooling as a direct result of the rapid melting of the Laurentide ice sheet between 10 and 8 ka.
Special families of matrices – A talk in honor of Miroslav Fiedler

Abstract This paper is essentially the talk that I delivered in the minisymposium in honor of Miroslav Fiedler at the 17th ILAS meeting in Braunschweig, Germany.
The energy source simulation method

An energy source simulation method (ESSM) has been developed to determine sound energy density. Using this approach, a specified intensity boundary condition on the surface of a vibrating body is approximated by superimposing energy density sources located outside the acoustic domain. The unknown strengths for these sources are then found by minimizing the error on the boundary, using a least-squares technique. The superposition of these energy density sources should then approximate the sound radiating from the body. The approach was evaluated for radiation problems in two-dimensions for circular and square boundaries. The ESSM proved an excellent tool for predicting the energy density provided that power radiated uniformly along the boundary. However, the ESSM could not accurately predict the directivity characteristics of the energy density field if the power radiated significantly higher from one side of an object than other sides. The ESSM was also applied to both an interior and exterior scattering problem with similar results.
Direct pulsed laser crystallization of nanocrystals for absorbent layers in photovoltaics: Multiphysics simulation and experiment

Direct pulsed laser crystallization (DPLC) of nanoparticles of photoactive material—Copper Indium Selenide (nanoCIS) is investigated by multiphysics simulation and experiments. Laser interaction with nanoparticles is fundamentally different from their bulk counterparts. A multiphysics electromagnetic-heat transfer model is built to simulate DPLC of nanoparticles. It is found smaller photoactive nanomaterials (e.g., nanoCIS) require less laser fluence to accomplish the DPLC due to their stronger interactions with incident laser and lower melting point. The simulated optimal laser fluence is validated by experiments observation of ideal microstructure. Selectivity of DPLC process is also confirmed by multiphysics simulation and experiments. The combination effects of pulse numbers and laser intensity to trigger laser ablation are investigated in order to avoid undesired results during multiple laser processing. The number of pulse numbers is inversely proportional to the laser fluence to trigger laser ablation.
Signal-detection analysis of recognition memory of obese subjects.

Obese and normal-weight subjects were run on a series of recognition-memory tasks with low and high meaningful CVC trigrams. Subjects received feedback or no feedback regarding the appropriateness of their answers during testing for recognition memory. A signal-detection analysis was used to examine a relatively pure index of memory (d') as compared to response-bias factors [Ln (β)]. No significant main effect on memory of obese and control subjects was noted although a significant interaction indicated that obese subjects' memory increases over trials in a differential fashion from normal-weight individuals with poorer performance among the obese after 3 trials. Feedback facilitated memory for both groups. Analysis of response criteria [Ln (β)] showed no significant difference between groups. Highly meaningful trigrams had a significantly lower response criterion than low meaningful trigrams and there was a significant interaction of meaningfulness by trials. An interaction of feedback by meaningfulness ...
35Cl NMR Study of Cl− Distribution and Transport in Human Red Blood Cell Suspensions

The chloride (Cl−) distribution in human red blood cell (RBC) suspensions was studied using cobalt(II) glycine, [Co(Gly)3]−, as a shift reagent (SR). When [Co(Gly)3]− was added to suspensions of human RBCs, it shifted the 35Cl NMR signal of the extracellular Cl−. Intracellular and extracellular 35Cl− signals were clearly discriminated. Erythrocytes were impermeable to [Co(Gly)3]− but were slowly permeable to the SR Co2+ and to the relaxation agent Mn2+. The exchange of intracellular Cl− with extracellular hypophosphite in human RBCs was monitored by 35Cl NMR. The Cl− efflux was found to follow first-order kinetics with an efflux rate constant of 0.0024 min−1.
Digital Processing Of Mariner 9 Television Data

The digital image processing performed by the Image Processing Laboratory (IPL) at JPL in support of the Mariner 9 mission is summarized. The support is divided into the general categories of image decalibration (the removal of photometric and geometric distortions from returned imagery), computer cartographic projections in support of mapping activities, and adaptive experimenter support (flexible support to provide qualitative digital enhancements and quantitative data reduction of returned imagery). Among the tasks performed were the production of maximum discriminability versions of several hundred frames to support generation of a geodetic control net for Mars, and special enhancements supporting analysis of Phobos and Deimos images.
Toward a multi-membrane model for potassium conduction in squid giant axon.

Abstract Possible physical mechanisms are considered which come close to a quantitative explanation for features of the potassium admittance magnitude. At 1–30 Hz there is an elevation of [Y] and positive phase above that obtained from the Hodgkin-Huxley model. Moreover there appears to be a slight negative phase for lower frequencies. An additional important feature for model fitting is the movement of the middle zero-phase crossing to the left with depolarization. Two general classes of subsystems are discussed. (1) Extracellular: potassium accumulation, barriers to diffusion near or adjacent to the excitable membrane, diffusion with volume flow, bulklimited diffusion through the Schwann cell layer and adsorption or absorption by the Schwann cells; (2) processes intrinsic to the excitable membrane: cyclic steady state, co-operative, inactivating and second order. A generalized potassium inactivation is treated in detail which provides fairly quantitative fits to transmembrane transfer data with a voltage-dependent inactivation time constant ranging between 40 and 100 ms. However, potassium accumulation coupled with hypothesized sorptive effects of the greater membrane, particularly the Schwann cell layer, also provide reasonable fits. Based on lack of experimental evidence for an inactivation, the choice is made for a multicompartment model. When an HH membrane element is combined with accumulation-depletion in an extracellular space and with a bulk limited or surface limited diffusion through the Schwann cells good agreement is obtained with measured admittance.
Blaming the Victim: Attributions Concerning Sexual Harassment Based on Clothing, Just-World Belief, and Sex of Subject

Belief in a just world is associated with an expectation that individuals can determine their own rewards and punishments rather than being at the mercy of external forces (Rotter, 1966). Believers in a just world are likely to view victims as responsible for their fates. An experimental design was used to test the effect of victim clothing, just-world belief, and sex of subject on attributions concerning sexual harassment. A convenience sample of 200 subjects (97 males, 102females, 1 information missing) was used in a 2 (provocative vs. nonprovocative clothing) × 2 (believers vs. nonbelievers) × 2 (sex of subject) between-subjects factorial design. The subjects read a vignette that described a claim of sexual harassment, viewed a photograph of the victim, and made attributions reflecting blame by responding to four items. Subjects also indicated the likelihood that a male supervisor would engage in each of eight sexually harassing behaviors. Multivariate analyses of variance, analyses of variance, and the Newman-Keuls test were used to analyze the data. Subjects indicated that the victim appearing in provocative clothing, as opposed to the victim in nonprovocative clothing, could have prevented the incident, provoked the advances, and brought about the advances. Female subjects indicated that a male supervisor was more likely to engage in sexually harassing behaviors than did male subjects. Subjects also indicated a female appearing in provocative clothing was more likely to be the recipient of sexually harassing behavior than a female in nonprovocative clothing.
Controversies in the Management of Craniofacial Malformations

The controversies in the management of patients with craniofacial malformations originate from a lack of knowledge of the etiology, the pathogenesis, and the long-term effects of the currently accepted treatments. The craniofacial malformations found most commonly, excluding cleft lip and/or palate, are malformations of the upper face and the cranial vault (craniosynostosis) and the mandible (hemifacial microsomia). The classification and etiology of these conditions are subject to controversies. The use and effectiveness of new imaging methods is debated, but they have had a major impact on diagnosis, treatment planning, and the evaluation of the treatment outcome. Currently, orthodontic treatment is delivered in preparation for surgical procedures and this is the current state of the art. The use of distraction osteogenesis is a new trend in surgery, often misused because of inexperience. Unfortunately, evidence-based care is lacking and treatment decisions are based on empirical experience of the individual professional or on anecdotal reports of success of a specific treatment modality. The role of the orthodontist in a craniofacial team is somewhat unclear and an important goal is to maintain well-defined protocols for the management of the different malformations. This is critical in light of the pressing need for proper clinical trials involving large samples of patients. There is an urgent need to create collaboration between craniofacial teams with a history of high volume and with an excellent track record for care of patients with craniofacial malformations. This approach will ensure a successful delivery of evidence-based care in the future.
An evaluation of two new analgesics (dextromoramide and racemoramide) in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic pain.

Abstract We have evaluated the analgesic effectiveness of dextromoramide and racemoramide (a racemic mixture of dextromoramide and its optical isomer, levomoramide) in normal subjects, in patients with chronic pain, and in patients with acute postoperative pain. In addition, we have attempted to determine the addictive liability of the drugs in question. Both dextromoramide and racemoramide are effective analgesics when given either orally or subcutaneously. Dextromoramide is approximately twice as potent as racemoramide, per os. In normal subjects 10 mg. of dextromoramide per os is as effective as 100 mg. of meperidine per os or 10 mg. of methadone per os in elevating experimental pain thresholds. The optimum oral dosage of dextromoramide is 5 to 10 mg.; of racemoramide 10 to 20 mg. The average duration of analgesia produced by either drug ranges from 3.4 ± 0.7 to 4.8 ± 1.3 hours. Occasionally, analgesia of 8 hours' duration has been observed when dextromoramide was administered subcutaneously for chronic pain. Side effects attending the use of dextromoramide and racemoramide are similar to those attending the use of other potent analgesics. In patients with chronic pain, tolerance to side effects seems to develop rapidly. Although dextromoramide does have potential addictive liability, primary addiction was not observed during its prolonged administration to 7 patients. Secondary addiction has been observed in one patient receiving racemoramide.
Nonenzymatic glucosylation of lysyl and hydroxylysyl residues in type I and type II collagens.

Abstract Nonenzymatic glucosylation of type I and type II collagens was examined by incubating collagen substrates with D-glucose in vitro . In one set of experiments, unlabeled collagen was incubated with [ 14 C]-glucose and the incorporation of [ 14 C]-radioactivity into protein was determined by TCA precipitation. The incorporation was dependent on the concentration of glucose and the time of incubation. The glucosylated product was also examined by SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis. The results indicated that both α1 (I)- and α2(I)-chains of type I collagen were glucosylated and the glucosylation occurred both with native and denatured collagen as substrate. In further studies [ 3 H]-lysine-labeled collagens were glucosylated, the products reduced by NaBH4, and the [ 3 H]-lysine-derived residues were separated by amino acid analyzer. After a 144 h incubation in vitro , 18.9 % of [ 3 H]-lysyl residues and 36.5 % of [ 3 H]-hydroxylysyl residues in type I collagen were substituted with glucose. In contrast, 47.9 % of [ 3 H]-lysyl residues and 68.1 % of [ 3 H]-hydroxylysyl residues in type II collagen were glucosylated after 144 h incubation. Based on quantitative amino acid analyses of the substrates, these values represent 27.6 lysine plus hydroxylysine residues substituted per triple-helical type I collagen molecule and 65.3 residues per triple-helical type II collagen molecule. Thus, type I and type II collagens display differential susceptibilities to nonenzymatic glucosylation. Finally, [ 3 H]-proline-labeled type I collagen was glucosylated to varying extents, and the glucosylated products were used as substrates for human polymorphonuclear leukocyte collagenase. No difference in susceptibility to this collagenase was noted, irrespective of the extent of glucosylation.
Procedural and non-procedural query languages revisited: a comparison of relational algebra and relational calculus

Abstract The performance of a single group of subjects on four queries of varying degrees of difficulty, written in both relational algebra and in relational calculus, is measured. The experiment indicates a definite superiority of algebra over calculus in the formulation of complex queries. Varying approaches to query formulation in the two languages are discussed and analysed. Differences between the complexity levels of the languages are illustrated via three forms of a single query.
Residue level and manure application timing effects on runoff and sediment losses.

loss. They protect soil from raindrop impact, reduce particle detachment, andprevent surface sealing (Potter There is growing interest in evaluating the effects of corn silage (2002-2003),runofffrom2.0-1.5-mplotscollected,andasubsample evaluation of residue cover and manure application on analyzed for sediment concentration and aggregate size distribution. Runoff volume was inversely related to residue cover. Manure addi- runoff and soil losses are rare. tion to silage plots reduced spring runoff by 71 to 88%, attributable Managementpracticesaimedatretainingtopsoilhave to an increase in soil organic matter content, compared with SH-N been developed and implemented for many decades. and SL-N. Differences in sediment concentration between SH and However, growing interest in corn silage utilization in SL were not significant. For silage plots, spring-applied manure had the United States, in response to changing animal farm the greatest influence on sediment export reducing it by 84 to 93% dynamics and more favorable economics, threatens to in spring runoff compared with corresponding N plots. Sediment loads make topsoil more susceptible to soil erosion. A 15% were also 85 to 97% lower from SH-S compared with SL-N in all increase in cropland area harvested as corn silage in four seasons. Except for spring 2003, sediment export was lower from Wisconsin from 1994 to 1998 (Battaglia, 1999) and a G compared with SL. The combination of manure and higher residue survey of nutritional consultants (Shaver, 2000) support associated with high-cut silage often lowered sediment export com- pared with low-cut silage. Nearly identical aggregate size distributions this trend. Furthermore, acreage for corn silage in Wis- were observed in sediments from SH and SL plots. High residue levels consin has increased an additional 20% since 1998 combined with spring-applied manure led to enrichment in the clay- (USDA, 2004). In addition, Klemme (1998) reported a sized fraction of runoff sediment.Recently applied manure and higher net advantage of $100/acre ($250/ha) for growing corn residue levels achieved by high-cutting silage can substantially lower silage compared with alfalfa, due primarily to the differ- sediment losses in spring runoff when soil is most susceptible to erosion. ence in dry matter yield. Since the extent of residue cover influences runoff production and soil erosion, this trend of increasing corn silage production may affect
One-way sequencing of multiple amplicons from tandem repetitive mitochondrial DNA control region

Repetitive DNA sequences not only exist abundantly in eukaryotic nuclear genomes, but also occur as tandem repeats in many animal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control regions. Due to concerted evolution, these repetitive sequences are highly similar or even identical within a genome. When long repetitive regions are the targets of amplification for the purpose of sequencing, multiple amplicons may result if one primer has to be located inside the repeats. Here, we show that, without separating these amplicons by gel purification or cloning, directly sequencing the mitochondrial repeats with the primer outside repetitive region is feasible and efficient. We exemplify it by sequencing the mtDNA control region of the mosquito Aedes albopictus, which harbors typical large tandem DNA repeats. This one-way sequencing strategy is optimal for population surveys.
Experimental superior vena caval placement of the Greenfield filter

Abstract Pulmonary embolism (PE) from sources superior to the right atrium has been documented in several reports, but mechanical device protection has not been advised because of the morbidity associated with occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC). Mechanical protection must maintain caval patency, protect against recurrent PE, and be safe. Since the Greenfield filter has fulfilled these criteria when placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC), we tested its suitability for use in the SVC in 11 dogs. Thrombus was harvested from phenolized segments of infrarenal vena cava and embolized into filters positioned in the SVC through the jugular or brachiocephalic vein under fluoroscopic guidance. Central venous pressure (CVP) was monitored before and after embolization. The dogs were allowed to recover and were followed up with monthly vena caval contrast studies and CVP measurements. After 3 months the animals were put to death and autopsies performed to determine the size of any residual thrombus and to examine the pulmonary arteries for signs of PE. Ten dogs had correct placement of the filter in the SVC; there were no perforations and no episodes of PE. CVP rose slightly after embolization into the filter but caval patency was maintained in all animals. Resolution of filter-entrapped thrombi occurred in all animals (mean initial weight=1.02 gm, mean final weights=0.11 gm, p
Observation of long lifetime lines in photoluminescence from Si: In

Abstract We report the first observation of lines with lifetimes of about 200 μs in silicon samples doped with indium. These long lifetimes are comparable to the radiative lifetime for the indium bound exciton and suggest that these lines are due to isoelectronic centers in silicon.
Prolonged bleeding time as a marker of venous clot lysis during streptokinase therapy.

Abstract Despite their expense and inconvenience, serial ultrasound or venographic examinations are currently the only available methods to assess the efficacy of thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We therefore tested whether the bleeding time (BT), a simple and inexpensive test, is useful in assessing lytic efficacy and might thus be a valuable adjunct in guiding the dose and duration of the thrombolytic agent. Serial BTs were obtained dally in 16 patients (eight men and eight women, average age 45.5 years, range 19 to 70) receiving streptokinase (SK) for proximal lower extremity DVT ( n = 5), for upper extremity DVT ( n = 10), or for renal vein thrombosis ( n = 1). Duration of treatment averaged 89.9 ± 43.6 hours (range 35 to 198 hours). Clot lysis on ultrasound, venogram, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was defined as: complete (≥90%), moderate (50% to 90%), minimal (
An internal state variable plasticity-based approach to determine dynamic loading history effects on material property in manufacturing processes

Abstract Worked materials in large deformation processes such as forming and machining experience a broad range of strain, strain rate, and temperatures, which in turn affect the flow stress. However, the flow stress also highly depends on many other factors such as strain path, strain rate and temperature history. Only a model that includes all of these pertinent factors is capable of predicting complex stress state in material deformation. In this paper, the commonly used phenomenological plasticity models (Johnson–Cook, Usui, etc.) to characterize material behavior in forming and machining were critically reviewed. Although these models are easy to apply and can describe the general response of material deformation, these models lack the mechanisms to reflect static and dynamic recovery and the effects of load path and strain rate history in large deformation processes. These effects are essential to understand process mechanisms, especially surface integrity (residual stress, microhardness, and microstructure) of the manufactured products. As such a dislocation-based internal state variable (ISV) plasticity model was used, in which the evolution equations enable the prediction of strain rate history and temperature history effects. These effects can be quite large and cannot be modeled by the equation-of-state models that assume that stress is a unique function of the total strain, strain rate, and temperature, independent of the loading path. The temperature dependence of the hardening and recovery functions results in the prediction of thermal softening during adiabatic temperatures rises, which are common in metal forming and machining. The dynamic mechanical behaviors of three different benchmark work materials, titanium Ti-6Al-4V, AISI 52100 steel (62 HRc), and aluminum 6061-T6, were modeled using the ISV approach. The material constants were obtained by using a nonlinear regression-fitting algorithm in which the stress–strain curves from the model were correlated to the experiments at different (extreme) temperatures. Then the capabilities of the determined material constants were examined by comparing the predicted material flow stress with the test data at different temperatures, strains, and strain rate history. The comparison demonstrates that the internal state variable plasticity model can successfully recover dynamic material behavior at various deformation states including the loading path effect. In addition, thermal softening due to adiabatic deformation was also captured by this approach.
Effectiveness and Safety of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Fibrinolytic Therapy for ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

The goal of treatment of an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is the timely restoration of myocardial blood flow to decrease myocardial necrosis and thereby preserve cardiac tissue and overall function. Mainstays of reperfusion treatment include fibrinolytic therapy and/or primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In those patients who are treated with fibrinolysis, there is debate as to whether and when they should also undergo subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention. In conclusion, the investigators review the published reports on systematic percutaneous coronary intervention after fibrinolytic therapy in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and discuss the rationale behind this treatment strategy.