cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ligand-Induced Changes in Estrogen Receptor Conformation As Measured by Site-Directed Spin Labeling†

Site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), the site-specific incorporation of nitroxide spin-labels into a protein, has allowed us to investigate ligand-induced conformational changes in the ligand-binding domain of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERalpha-LBD). EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy of the nitroxide probe attached to ER produces different spectra depending upon the identity of the bound ligand; these differences are indicative of changes in the type and degree of motional character of the spin-label induced by different ligand-induced conformations of labeled ER. Visual inspection of EPR spectra, construction of B versus C cross-correlation plots, and cross-comparison of spectral pairs using a relative squared difference (RSD) calculation allowed receptor-ligand complexes to be profiled according to their conformational character. Plotting B and C parameters allowed us to evaluate the liganded receptor according to the motional characteristics of the attached spin-label, and they were particularly illustrative for the receptor labeled at position 530, which had motion between the fast and intermediate regimes. RSD analysis allowed us to directly compare the similarity or difference between two different spectra, and these comparisons produced groupings that paralleled those seen in B versus C cross-correlation plots, again relating meaningfully with the pharmacological nature of the bound ligand. RSD analysis was also particularly useful for qualifying differences seen with the receptor labeled at position 417, which had motion between the intermediate and slow motional regimes. This work demonstrates that B and C formulas from EPR line shape theory are useful for qualitative analysis of spectra with differences subtler than those that are often analyzed by EPR spectroscopists. This work also provides evidence that the ER can exist in a range of conformations, with specific conformations resulting from preferential stabilization of ER by the bound ligand. Furthermore, it documents the complexity and uniqueness of the ligand-receptor structure, and highlights the fact that structural differences exist between the receptor bound with ligands of different pharmacological character that, nevertheless, produce similar crystal structures.
Some minimax detection and estimation problems in a Hilbert space setting

The minimax approach to the design of systems which are robust with respect to modeling uncertainties is studied employing a game theoretic formulation in which the performance functional and the sets of modeling uncertainties and admissible design policies are arbitrary. It is shown that if the performance functional and the uncertainty set are convex then a certain type of regularity condition on the functional is sufficient in order to ensure that the optimal strategy for a least favorable element of the uncertainty set is minimax robust. The efficacy of this approach is tested in a Hilbert space formulation of the problems of matched filtering, Wiener filtering, quadratic detection and output energy filtering, in which uncertainties in their respective signal and noise models are assumed to exist.
Theory and operation of space-charge-limited transistors with transverse injection

The development of a new device, called the space-charge-limited (SCL) transistor with transverse injection is reported in this paper. A theoretical model for space-charge-limited transistors, both npn and pnp, on high-resistivity silicon substrates is described and a quantitative analysis is given. Experimental results for SCL transistors are presented to support the model's validity. According to the model, current in SCL transistors is controlled by the base of a parallel-connected lateral transistor in two ways. First, the base of the parallel transistor controls the potential step in the high resistivity base of the SCL transistor. Second, the base of the parallel transistor injects carriers in the direction transverse to the SCL current flow. These carriers are of types opposite to those that carry the current flow in the SCL transistor and thus partly neutralize the space-charge in the current flow. The carriers propagate, predominantly by drift, across the high-resistivity base region of the SCL transistor. The resulting base transit time is about two orders of magnitude faster than that of a bipolar transistor with equal base width. No charge storage takes place in saturation. These features and the very low device capacitances make the SCL transistor attractive for low-power, fast-switching applications. Current gains as high as 70,000 are obtained at low current levels. The current gain decreases at higher current levels because the parallel lateral transistor turns on. It is also demonstrated that complementary pairs of SCL transistors can be fabricated with three masking steps, including metalization.
A comparative study of nanoparticles in premixed flames by scanning mobility particle sizer, small angle neutron scattering, and transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies were conducted for TiO 2 and soot particles. The TiO 2 particles were produced from a premixed stagnation ethylene–oxygen–argon flame ( ϕ = 0.36) doped with titanium tetraisopropoxide. Soot was generated from a burner-stabilized premixed ethylene–oxygen–argon flame ( ϕ = 2.5). The close agreement among SMPS, TEM, and X-ray diffraction results for TiO 2 nanoparticles demonstrates that the probe sampling/mobility measurement technique is accurate for on-line analysis of the size distribution of particles as small as 3 nm in diameter. In the case of soot, notable disagreement between the SMPS and TEM sizes was found and attributable to the fact that the soot taken from the flame studied herein is liquid-like and that upon deposition on the TEM grid, the primary particles do not retain their sphericity. This interpretation is supported by measurements with photo ionization aerosol mass spectrometry, small angle neutron scattering, and thermocouple particle densitometry.
Going Wi-Fi in Canada: Municipal, and Community Initiatives

Subsequently published as: Powell, Alison and Leslie Regan Shade (2006) “Going WiFi in Canada: Municipal and Community Initiatives,” Government Information Quarterly.
Navigating the leukocyte signaling maze guided by Ariadne's thread

Ariadne is the legendary Minoan goddess of the Labyrinth. The term 'Ariadne's thread' is used to describe the understanding of complex issues. Immunologists attending the 5th Leukocyte Signal Transduction Workshop discussed the Ariadne's thread woven about intracellular signaling pathways.
Grade and flow cytometric analysis of ploidy for infiltrating ductal carcinomas

Although many studies have found that ploidy as determined by flow cytometry correlates with grade for invasive mammary carcinomas, only a few groups of investigators have evaluated ploidy for infiltrating ductal carcinomas exclusively. In this study ploidy, as analyzed in fresh tumor specimens, was compared with grade (using the Bloom and Richardson grading scheme modified by Elston and Ellis) and each of its three components (tubule formation, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitotic rate) for 118 infiltrating ductal carcinomas. Two thirds of the neoplasms were DNA aneuploid, including 4% that were hypodiploid, 14% that were tetraploid, 8% that were hypertetraploid, and 12% that were multiploid. Ploidy correlated with nuclear pleomorphism (P = .004), mitotic rate (P = .001), and grade (P = .0007), but not with tubule formation (P = .09). Forty percent of grade I, 71% of grade II, and 83% of grade III neoplasms were DNA aneuploid. Ploidy was also compared with the results of combining nuclear pleomorphism with mitotic rate to form a five-part modified Bloom and Richardson scheme (MBRS grades I to V). The frequencies of DNA aneuploidy for tumors that were MBRS grades I, II, III, IV, and V were 25%, 65%, 66%, 73%, and 89%. This relationship was significant (P = .0006). When MBRS grades II, III, and IV neoplasms were combined and compared with MBRS grade I tumors and MBRS grade V carcinomas, the differences in frequency of DNA aneuploidy among these three groups also were significant (P = .00007). These results show that ploidy correlates with the grade of infiltrating ductal carcinoma and that nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic rate are more important than tubule formation for predicting the likelihood of DNA aneuploidy.
Effects of freezing on membranes and proteins in LNCaP prostate tumor cells

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cryomicroscopy were used to define the process of cellular injury during freezing in LNCaP prostate tumor cells, at the molecular level. Cell pellets were monitored during cooling at 2°C/min while the ice nucleation temperature was varied between −3 and −10°C. We show that the cells tend to dehydrate precipitously after nucleation unless intracellular ice formation occurs. The predicted incidence of intracellular ice formation rapidly increases at ice nucleation temperatures below −4°C and cell survival exhibits an optimum at a nucleation temperature of −6°C. The ice nucleation temperature was found to have a great effect on the membrane phase behavior of the cells. The onset of the liquid crystalline to gel phase transition coincided with the ice nucleation temperature. In addition, nucleation at −3°C resulted in a much more co-operative phase transition and a concomitantly lower residual conformational disorder of the membranes in the frozen state compared to samples that nucleated at −10°C. These observations were explained by the effect of the nucleation temperature on the extent of cellular dehydration and intracellular ice formation. Amide-III band analysis revealed that proteins are relatively stable during freezing and that heat-induced protein denaturation coincides with an abrupt decrease in α-helical structures and a concomitant increase in β-sheet structures starting at an onset temperature of approximately 48°C.
The Cognition and Emotional Well-being indices of the Parkinson's disease questionnaire-39: What do they really measure?

Introduction The Parkinson's disease questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) is a common measure of health related quality of life (HRQoL) that is widely used with Parkinson disease (PD) patients. Previous evidence suggests that the PDQ-39 reflects at least 8 dimensions (i.e., Emotion, Cognitions, Mobility, etc). To date, little research has examined the external/convergent validity of the Cognitions and Emotional Well-being domains of the PDQ-39.
131 New Records of Cyanobacteria from Epilithic Habitats in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a diverse collection of plants and animals. The protection that the park provides, along with variations in climate, elevation, and geology supports this high biodiversity. In an effort to record the biodiversity within the park an All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory project was established in 1997. This inventory will serve as a baseline for the biodiversity in the park, and will be used to monitor future environmental impacts. Epilithic algae were collected from sites from Hen Wallow Falls and along Cataloochie Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 5–6 May, 2002. Of the 54 cyanobacteria species identified from Hen Wallow Falls and Cataloochie Road sites, 41 were new species records to the park: 10 Chroococcales, 11 Oscillatoriales, and 20 Nostocales. Some of these did not fit published descriptions based on morphology and may be new to science. Of special interest are several taxa in the Nostocaceae: Anabaena, Trichormus, Nodularia, and Nostoc. A Capsosira species was highly unusual and undoubtedly represents a species new to science. Morphological characterization is complete, and efforts are now being made to characterize 16S rRNA and 16S-23S ITS regions of selected strains.
On the relation of products of activated lymphocytes to cell-mediated cytolysis.

Experiments have been designed to test the hypothesis that soluble mediator production and T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity are necessarily related phenomena, and that soluble mediators may be involved in the mechanism of cytolysis. To this end, agents known to inhibit T-cell-mediated lysis in vitro have been studied for their effects on the production of two lymphocyte-derived mediators, lymphotoxin (LT) and migration inhibitory factor (MIF). A clear dissociation between mediator production and cell-mediated cytolysis was found using inhibitors of protein synthesis. Pactamycin and emetine, in doses of 10–7 M to 10–6 M, suppressed production of MIF and LT with only slight effect on killing of mastocytoma cells by immune T cells. On the other hand colchicine and vinblastine inhibited T-cell-mediated cytolysis in a dose-related manner but had no significant effect on either MIF or LT production, A striking dichotomy was also observed after augmentation of intracellular cyclic 3'5' adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels with cholera enterotoxin. Increased cAMP levels were associated with abrogation of direct lytic activity, but were without significant effect on MIF or LT production in guinea pigs or mice. These findings indicate that mediator production and direct lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis can be experimentally dissociated and represent independent cell-mediated immune functions.
The effect of aminophylline on diaphragm blood flow in the piglet

ABSTRACT: The effect of aminophylline on diaphragmatic blood flow was investigated in two groups of newborn piglets. Six animals were studied during spontaneous breathing and seven additional animals were paralyzed and ventilated to assess the effect of aminophylline on blood flow to the nonworking diaphragm. Arterial blood gases and pH, cardiac output, and diaphragmatic blood flow were measured before and 20 min after infusion of 20 mg/kg aminophylline. Blood theophylline concentrations averaged 117 Alt+0181mol/L (21 Alt+0181g/mL) in both groups of animals. Heart rate increased significantly in all animals. Cardiac output increased significantly only in spontaneously breathing animals. Aminophylline had no effect on blood flow to the costal or crural portions of the diaphragm in either the paralyzed or spontaneously breathing animals.
Ultrasound axial length measurement in biphakic eyes.

Abstract Purpose To determine the calculations to correct the error in ultrasound measurement of a phakic eye with a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) (biphakic eye) to increase the accuracy of IOL power calculation should cataract surgery become necessary. Methods Mathematical derivations were performed to calculate the error caused by a phakic IOL while measuring an eye using an average sound velocity. A simple model was developed to allow correction of the axial length (AL). Results If the eye is measured at an average velocity of 1555 meters/second, the following calculation can be used depending on the material of the phakic IOL: AL corrected = AL 1555 + X × T , where T is the central thickness of the phakic IOL and X = +0.42 (0.41 – 0.42) for poly(methyl methacrylate), –0.59 (0.56 – 0.59) for silicone, +0.11 (0.10 – 0.12) for Collamer, and +0.23 (0.23 – 0.24) for acrylic. Conclusion By obtaining the dioptric power of the phakic IOL and central thickness from the manufacturer and knowing the material of the lens, a mathematical correction can be made to arrive at the true ultrasound AL in a biphakic eye.
Reconciliation for Monoclinic Materials of the Linear, Elastically Isotropic Plate Theories of Reissner and Ladevèze

Reissner’s well-known sixth-order linear theory for the bending of elastically isotropic plates, here extended to elastically monoclinic materials, is shown to be a compatible precursor to a recent extension to monoclinic materials of Ladeveze’s exact fourth-order plate theory. With a solution of Reissner’s extended equations in hand, Ladeveze’s extended equations reduce to three equations for three unknowns, two additional, previously unknown functions now being determinant. The key link is the requirement that the stress resultants and couples of the two theories agree.
Variations in the size distributions of sulfur-containing compounds in urban aerosols

Abstract A program of aerosol collection was conducted with the Goetz Aerosol Spectrometer in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas during the spring and summer of 1964 and 1965. These collections yielded more than seventy individual size distributions of sulfurcompound particulates. Weighted averages, calculated from the individual collections, are presented for data classified according to humidity, time of day, and location. A typical size distribution for all the data would have a mass median equivalent diameter of about 0.35 μ with upper and lower quartiles at about 1.0 and 0.1μ, respectively. Sulfur-compound aerosols collected during periods of high humidity had a substantially higher average mass median diameter than those collected under low humidity conditions. A limited number of round-the-clock samples indicated that the average size of the particles generally was largest in the forenoon, decreased in the afternoon and evening, and then increased again during the early morning. There was some variability among the average size distributions for different sampling locations.
Regulation, competition, and the optimal recovery of stranded costs

Abstract The emergence of competition in traditional public utility industries has given rise to a number of challenges to both positive and normative theories of regulation. Perhaps none created more controversy than the debate regarding embedded cost recovery once a regulated monopoly is opened to competition. Of particular concern is the prospect that embedded costs that have been incurred in a monopoly environment will be unrecoverable (i.e., stranded) in a competitive environment. In this paper, we develop a model of the socially optimal level of stranded cost recovery for a regulated firm facing the prospect of competition for its services under the assumption that past actions by the firm and regulators were rational. Some very useful generalizations emerge from the analysis. Among these, perhaps the most important is that under reasonable assumptions full recovery of a firm’s costs that are stranded by competition is not generally socially optimal.
Effect of acetazolamide on pulmonary and muscle gas exchange during normoxic and hypoxic exercise

Acetazolamide (ACZ) is used to prevent acute mountain sickness at altitude. Because it could affect O2 transport in several different and potentially conflicting ways, we examined its effects on pulmonary and muscle gas exchange and acid–base status during cycle exercise at ∼30, 50 and 90% in normoxia (F= 0.2093) and acute hypoxia (F= 0.125). In a double-blind, order-balanced, crossover design, six healthy, trained men (normoxic = 59 ml kg−1 min−1) exercised at both F values after ACZ (3 doses of 250 mg, 8 h apart) and placebo. One week later this protocol was repeated using the other drug (placebo or ACZ). We measured cardiac output , leg blood flow (LBF), and muscle and pulmonary gas exchange, the latter using the multiple inert gas elimination technique. ACZ did not significantly affect , , LBF or muscle gas exchange. As expected, ACZ led to lower arterial and venous blood [HCO3−], pH and lactate levels (P < 0.05), and increased ventilation (P < 0.05). In both normoxia and hypoxia, ACZ resulted in higher arterial PO2 and saturation and a lower alveolar–arterial PO2 difference (AaDO2) due to both less mismatch and less diffusion limitation (P < 0.05). In summary, ACZ improved arterial oxygenation during exercise, due to both greater ventilation and more efficient pulmonary gas exchange. However, muscle gas exchange was unaffected.
A self-organizing multiple-view representation of 3D objects

We explore representation of 3D objects in which several distinct 2D views are stored for each object. We demonstrate the ability of a two-layer network of thresholded summation units to support such representations. Using unsupervised Hebbian relaxation, the network learned to recognize ten objects from different viewpoints. The training process led to the emergence of compact representations of the specific input views. When tested on novel views of the same objects, the network exhibited a substantial generalization capability. In simulated psychophysical experiments, the network's behavior was qualitatively similar to that of human subjects.
Coronary and total peripheral resistance changes during sleep in a porcine model

Changes in autonomic tone in the vasculature during sleep may have important implications for silent ischemia and sudden cardiac death. Few models exist in which both cardiac output and coronary bl...
Two fluoradene derivatives: pseudosymmetry, eccentric ellipsoids and a phase transition

Numerous printing errors in the paper by Xia et al. [Acta Cryst. (2001), B57, 507–516] are corrected.
Strategies to optimize efficacy, duration of remission, and safety in the treatment of plaque psoriasis by using tazarotene in combination with a corticosteroid

Abstract In the treatment of plaque psoriasis with corticosteroids, long-term efficacy and safety are often compromised by tachyphylaxis, steroid rebound, and adverse effects. However, the results of recent studies demonstrate that the use of tazarotene in conjunction with a corticosteroid can help to optimize the efficacy, the duration of remission, and the safety of corticosteroid treatment. In one study, the adjunctive use of tazarotene with a mid-potency corticosteroid promoted greater efficacy, more rapid efficacy, and more prolonged remission after treatment than corticosteroid monotherapy. In another study, after the induction of remission with tazarotene plus a superpotent corticosteroid, maintenance therapy with tazarotene, with or without the superpotent corticosteroid, achieved more sustained remissions than vehicle. In a third study, tazarotene reduced the degree of epidermal atrophy induced by repeated applications of a superpotent corticosteroid on normal skin in healthy volunteers. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:S43-6.)
Ozone as Releasing Agent: The Determination of Trace Mercury in Organic Matrices by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption

Abstract Ozonization of aqueous solutions of organomercurials and mercury salts in organic complexing agents is recommended for releasing the mercury for direct determination by cold vapor atomic absorption. The combination of ozonization and subsequent reduction by sodium borohydride is particularly effective.
A parametric algorithm for drawing pictures of solid objects bounded by quadric surfaces

An algorithm for drawing pictures of three-dimensional objects, with surfaces made up of patches of quadric surfaces, is described.The emphasis of this algorithm is calculating the intersections of quadric surfaces. A parameterization scheme is used. Each quadric surface intersection curve (QSIC) is represented as a set of coefficients and parameter limits. Each value of the parameter represents at most two points, and these may easily be distinguished. This scheme can find the co-ordinates of points of even quartic (fourth-order) intersection curves, using equations of no more than second order.Methods of parameterization for each type of QSIC are discussed, as well as surface bounding and hidden surface removal.
A visit to taxicab geometry

The taxi metric is introduced, compared to the Euclidean metric, and used to define the taxi circle. For all pairs of points A and B the set of points equally distant under the taxi metric to A and to B is determined. For any triangle these sets are used to either find the centre of a taxi circle that can circumscribe the triangle or to show that there is no taxi circle that can circumscribe the triangle. The taxi distance from a point P to a line l is shown to be the shorter of the vertical distance from P to l or the horizontal distance from P to l. It is shown that ratios of Euclidean lengths of segments that are collinear or that lie on parallel lines equal the corresponding taxi ratios of the same segments. Using this property, a method to construct the taxi bisector of any angle is demonstrated. For any triangle the intersection of any two taxi angle bisectors gives the centre of the inscribed taxi circle for the triangle.
Emerging antiviral resistant strains of influenza A and the potential therapeutic targets within the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex

Emerging antiviral resistant strains of influenza A virus are greatly limiting the therapies available to stop aggressive infections. Genome changes that confer resistance to the two classes of approved antivirals have been identified in circulating influenza A viruses. It is only a matter of time before the currently approved influenza A antivirals are rendered ineffective, emphasizing the need for additional influenza antiviral therapies. This review highlights the current state of antiviral resistance in circulating and highly pathogenic influenza A viruses and explores potential antiviral targets within the proteins of the influenza A virus ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex, drawing attention to the viral protein activities and interactions that play an indispensable role in the influenza life cycle. Investigation of small molecule inhibition, accelerated by the use of crystal structures of vRNP proteins, has provided important information about viral protein domains and interactions, and has revealed many promising antiviral drug candidates discussed in this review.
Hormonal Dynamics During Luteal-Follicular Transition

To gain insights into the neuroendocrine basis for the initiation of folliculogenesis, the hormonal dynamics during the period from the late luteal to the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (the luteal-follicular transition) were examined. Blood samples were obtained at 2-h intervals for 5 consecutive days in seven women and at 15-min intervals for 8 h on each of 4 consecutive days in five women. The results indicate that the luteolytic process, as reflected by an exponential decline of both serum estradiol and progesterone levels, began at least 64 h before the onset of menses. During estradiol and progesterone withdrawal, there was a selective increase in mean serum FSH levels (P less than 0.001) beginning 24 h before and reaching a peak 24 h after the onset of menses. The frequency of LH pulses increased slightly but not significantly during this period, with a significant rise in mean serum LH levels on the day of menses. Thus, an acute rise in FSH concentrations the day before and in LH concentrations the day after the onset of menses occurs during luteal-follicular transition. The dissociation of FSH and LH secretion observed suggests that additional neuroendocrine events other than changes in pulsatile GnRH secretion may be operative during this period. These findings indicate that the initiation of folliculogenesis for the ensuing cycle occurs during the late luteal phase by a process of selective augmentation in FSH secretion independent of hypothalamic GnRH secretion. This event may ultimately prove to be a manifestation of the action of recently characterized ovarian peptides on FSH secretion.
Propagation model, optimal geometry and receiver design for RF Geotomography

A novel RF Geotomography system is introduced. RF Geotomography may become a powerful technique to detect tunnels and underground cavities. A RF Geotomography system requires a set of transmitters and receivers deployed above the ground according to a known geometry. Using the concept of diffraction tomography, an image of the ground is constructed, thus providing the capability to easily detect tunnels and cavities below the ground. This paper addresses the issues of 1) Propagation model specifically designed for RF geotomography 2) Appropriate frequency ranges for detection of tunnels and cavities 3) Design procedures for receivers. 4) Investigation on the optimal geometry to maximize the resolution and minimize the displaced units.
Politics of a Revolutionary Elite: A Study of Mulk Raj Anand's Novels

Mulk Raj Anand was one of the leading figures among the politically committed Indian novelists writing in English during the nineteen thirties and forties. He published several novels after Independence, but most of his writings appeared before 1947 and dealt with the political choices facing the Indian of that era. The intention of this paper is to examine Mulk Raj Anand's novels in order to gain insight into the politics of the Indian revolutionary elite, and, in particular, into the conflicts between their cultural background and professions of political faith, their image of themselves, and the utopia they sought.
Distinct long-term neurocognitive outcomes after equipotent sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia in immature rats

Background Many anaesthetics when given to young animals cause cell death and learning deficits that persist until much later in life. Recent attempts to compare the relative safety or toxicity between different agents have not adequately controlled for the relative dose of anaesthetic given, thereby making direct comparisons difficult. Methods Isoflurane or sevoflurane were given at 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) for 4 h to postnatal day 7 (P7) rat pups. Beginning at P75 these animals underwent fear conditioning and at P83 Morris water maze testing to assess working memory, short-term memory and early long-term memory using delays of 1 min, 1 h, and 4 h. Results No difference between groups was seen in fear conditioning experiments. Morris water maze learning was equivalent between groups, and no difference was seen in working memory. Sevoflurane-treated animals had a deficit in early long-term memory, and isoflurane-treated animals had a deficit in both short-term and early long-term memory. Conclusions Both isoflurane and sevoflurane delivered at 1 MAC for 4 h to immature rats caused a deficit in long-term memory. Isoflurane also caused a deficit in short-term memory. Isoflurane might be more detrimental than sevoflurane in very young animals.
Selenoprotein Metabolism and Function: Evidence for More than One Function for Selenoprotein P

Biological functions of selenium are exerted by selenoproteins that contain selenocysteine in their primary structure. Selenocysteine is synthesized and inserted into proteins cotranslationally by a complex process. Families of selenoproteins include the glutathione peroxidases, the iodothyronine deiodinases and the thioredoxin reductases. These are redox enzymes that take advantage of the chemical properties of selenium to catalyze, respectively, removal of hydroperoxides by glutathione, deiodination of thyroid hormones and support of cellular processes requiring reduction of disulfides. Approximately 10 additional selenoproteins have been identified. One of them, selenoprotein P, is an extracellular protein that contains most of the selenium in plasma. It associates with endothelial cells, probably through its heparin-binding properties. Selenoprotein P has been postulated to protect against oxidative injury and to transport selenium from the liver to peripheral tissues. Selenium-dependent protection against diquat-induced liver necrosis and lipid peroxidation in the rat correlates with the presence of selenoprotein P. Recent results support a transport function. When (75)SeO(3)(2-) was administered intravenously to rats, liver tissue took up (75)Se within minutes, associated with a rapid decline in plasma (75)Se. Brain tissue did not begin accumulating (75)Se until (75)Se-labeled selenoprotein P had begun appearing in the plasma after 30 min. These results suggest that tissues like liver can take up small-molecule forms of selenium whereas presence of the element in selenoprotein P facilitates uptake by tissues like brain. Thus, there is evidence for both antioxidant and selenium transport functions of selenoprotein P.
Effects of a Confidence Weighted Scoring System on Measures of Test Reliability and Validity

The validity of a confidence scored vocabulary test was investigated by demonstrating an increase in its reliability without changing the relative difficulty of the test items and without detecting any personality bias in the confidence scoring system. The reliability estimate of the vocabulary test increased from .57 using a traditional scoring system to .85 using a confidence scoring system. No significant interaction was found between the difficulty of the test items and the type of scoring system. Three personality measures failed to correlate significantly with the confidence scores of the vocabulary test.
French and American Mothers’ Childrearing Beliefs Stimulating, Responding, and Long-Term Goals

Previous research on French parenting suggests that the French share characteristics with both individualistic and collectivist cultures, but cross-cultural studies remain scarce. For this study, 84 European American and 120 French mothers completed two measures of beliefs about childrearing practices with 1-day-old to 3-year-old children and long-term goals and values for children. Both groups believed stimulating practices to be more important than responsiveness practices. French mothers attributed greater importance to stimulating and less importance to responding than American mothers. Although both groups valued long-term goals representing inner psychological attributes more than those representing concrete achievements, French mothers valued concrete goals slightly more than American mothers. Results suggest that although French and European American parents’cultural models share some aspects of individualistic cultures, they are distinctly different. This study contributes to the argument that fu...
Phylogenetic Context for the Origin of Feathers1

A number of hypotheses have been suggested for the origin of birds and feathers. Although distributions of functional complexes have frequently been used to test phylogenetic hypotheses, analysis of the origin of feathers remains hampered by the incomplete fossil record of these unmineralized structures. It is also complicated by approaches that confuse the origins of birds, feathers, and flight without first demonstrating that these relate to the same historical event. Functional speculation regarding the origin of feathers usually focuses on three possible alternatives: (1) flight; (2) thermal insulation; or (3) display. Recent fossil finds of Late Cretaceous feathered dinosaurs in China have demonstrated that feathers appear to have originated in taxa that retained a significant number of primitive nonavian features. Current evidence strongly suggests that birds are theropod dinosaurs, and that the most primitive known feathers are found on non-flying animals. This further suggests that feathers did not evolve as flight structures. Thermoregulatory, display, and biomechanical support functions remain possible explanations for the origin of feathers. As the earliest function of feathers was probably not for aerial locomotion, it may be speculated that the transitional animals represented by the Chinese fossils possessed skin with the tensile properties of reptiles and combined it with the apomorphic characteristics of feathers.
Caesarius of Arles and Old English literature: some contributions and a recapitulation

Several studies in recent years have contributed to the discovery that the early-sixth-century sermons of Caesarius of Arles had considerably more influence on Old English literature than had been realized. The extent of that influence may not be fully apparent even now, partly because many of the recent studies discuss examples in isolation, each in its own context, and partly because many of the earlier studies cited certain anonymous Latin sermons which have been only later identified as the work of Caesarius. My aim here is to offer new evidence for Caesarius's influence on five Old English texts and to recapitulate the evidence for his influence upon the corpus of Old English literature as a whole.
Role of calcium ions in phytochrome responses: an update

Recent findings related to the role of calcium ions in phytochrome responses are reviewed and summarized. Hypotheses tested are the activation of calmodulin by light-regulated Ca2+ transport in cells and the photoinduction of calmodulin-activated enzyme activities. Discussion focuses on evidence that Ca2+ helps to regulate phytochrome responses, calcium requirements for photoinduced spore germination in the fern Onoclea, Ca2+ fluxes and phytochrome function in the alga Mougeotia, calmodulin antagonist blocking of red-light stimulated chloroplast rotation, the role of phosphorylation in calmodulin-regulated responses, and phytochrome regulation of nuclear protein phosphorylation.
Microwave ablation for lung neoplasms: a retrospective analysis of long term results

Abstract Purpose To determine the long-term safety and efficacy of microwave (MW) ablation in the treatment of lung tumors at a single academic medical center. Materials and Methods Retrospective review was performed of 108 patients (42 female; mean age, 72.5 y ± 10.3 [standard deviation]) who underwent computed tomography (CT)–guided percutaneous MW ablation for a single lung malignancy. Eighty-two were primary non–small-cell lung cancers and 24 were metastatic tumors (9 colorectal carcinoma, 2 renal-cell carcinoma, 4 sarcoma, 2 lung, and 7 other). Mean maximum tumor diameter was 29.6 mm ± 17.2. Patient clinical and imaging data were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed by Kaplan–Meier modeling and logistic regression. Results Odds of primary technical success were 11.1 times higher for tumors 3 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.97–41.1; P = .0003). For every millimeter increase in original tumor maximal diameter (OMD), the odds of not attaining success increased by 7% (95% CI, 3%–10%; P = .0002). For every millimeter increase in OMD, the odds of complications increased by 3% (95% CI, 0.1%–5%; P = .04). Median time to tumor recurrence was 62 months (95% CI, 29, upper bound not reached; range, 0.2–96.6 mo). Recurrence rates were estimated at 22%, 36%, and 44% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Recurrence rates were estimated at 31% at 13 months for tumors > 3 cm and 17% for those Conclusions This study further supports the safe and effective use of MW ablation for the treatment of lung tumors.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Single‐ Versus Double‐Cylinder Over‐Water Nest Structures

Minnesota waterfowl management plans prescribe widespread deployment of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) nest structures. We compared 53 single- and 57 double-cylinder nest structures from 1996 to 2003 because managers used both structure types but were uncertain about their respective cost-effectiveness. More nests occurred in double-cylinder structures, but numbers of successful nests and hatched ducklings were comparable for both types. Nest success in single- and double-cylinder structures was 92.8% and 79.4%, respectively, with nest abandonment being >4.5 times greater in doubles. Structure damage occurred only at ice-out and was greater for doubles. However, relative risk of failure for double- versus single-cylinder structures was similar (1.26; 95% CI = 0.91–1.75) and increased with size of the open-water area containing the structure. Modeling indicated approximately 95% of recruits from nest structures were additional recruits. A case-history approach indicated doubles produced an additional recruit for $23.11 versus $23.25 for singles. However, these estimates were sensitive to assumptions used to apportion costs between structure types and ignored structure-placement influences. Placement affected cost-effectiveness significantly, with structures placed in open-water areas >10 ha being more cost-effective. Results also suggested singles might be more effective than doubles when placement is considered. Lower nest abandonment alone might make single-cylinder structures the better choice.
Spatial Decentralization and Programme Evaluation: Theory and an Example

This paper proposes an instrumental variable method for programme evaluation that only requires a single cross‐section of data on the spatial intensity of programmes and outcomes. The instruments are derived from a simple theoretical model of government decision‐making in which governments are responsive to the attributes of places, rather than to the attributes of individuals, in making allocation decisions across space, and have a social welfare function that is spatially weakly separable, that is, that the budgeting process behaves as if it is multi‐stage with respect to administrative districts and sub‐districts. The spatial instrumental variables model is then estimated and tested with a single cross‐section of Indonesian census data. The results offer support to the identification strategy proposed but also highlight some issues affecting validity.
Responses of Fertile and Sterile Screwworm (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Flies to Bovine Blood Inoculated with Bacteria Originating from Screwworm-Infested Animal Wounds

A simple bioassay system was developed to study locomotory and ovipositional responses of screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), flies to bovine blood inoculated with eight species of coliform bacteria that were isolated from screwworm-infested animal wounds. When exposed to odors from bacteria-inoculated blood which was incubated for 72 h at 37°C, ≈50% of 7- and 10-d-old gravid females landed on the blood by the end of 15 min test exposure. Only 17% of 7-d-old reproductively sterile females (from irradiated pupae) with previtellogenic ovaries and 2% of 4-d-old vitellogenic females responded to the same treatment. Females generally reacted in greatest numbers to bacteria-inoculated blood incubated for 72 h, followed by 48 h, then 24 and 96 h. Males of all ages tested were unresponsive. Although oviposition occurred in tests with gravid females lasting for 1 h, with both inoculated blood and an uninoculated control, the inoculated sample was significantly better than the control at 48, 72, and 96 h incubation duration. Our results are consistent with the conclusion that the inoculated blood, when incubated for 48–72 h, gives off volatile chemicals which attract gravid females and contains an oviposition stimulant that acts following contact and feeding. The volatiles, once isolated and identified, may be useful for sampling gravid females in the field as well as improving the oviposition system in the mass-production facility of the screwworm eradication program.
Entanglement properties of the critical quench of O (N ) bosons

The entanglement properties of quenched quantum systems have been studied for a decade, however results in dimensions other than $d=1$ are generally lacking. We remedy this by investigating the entanglement properties of bosonic critical systems in $d=3$, both numerically and analytically, comparing the free and the interacting critical quench of an $O(N)$ model. We find that the evolution of the entanglement entropy for these two systems is nearly identical, as expected from the "quasi-particle" picture. However, the low-lying entanglement spectrum is controlled by the different critical exponent of the two systems, and therefore these exponents may be extracted by purely entanglement-theoretic calculations. We verify this scaling numerically.
Comparison of inhaled metaproterenol via metered-dose and hand-held nebulization in prehospital treatment of bronchospasm.

INTRODUCTION Although the efficacy of the administration of beta-adrenergic bronchodilators has been demonstrated, the best method available for the delivery of these drugs in the prehospital setting has not been defined. This paper compares the effects of administration of metaproterenol when administered by paramedics using either a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a hand-held nebulizer (HHN). HYPOTHESIS There is no difference in the effects produced in patients suffering from smooth bronchiolar muscle spasm by metaproterenol when delivered either by a standard metered-dose inhaler or with a hand-held nebulizer. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive prehospital patients complaining of difficulty breathing with clinical evidence of bronchospasm and with a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or emphysema who were not in extremis. METHODS Prior to the administration of metaproterenol, a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was obtained. This measurement was repeated five minutes following the conclusion of the administration of metaproterenol. Patients in Burbank, California, received the treatment using a standard metered-dose inhaler, and those in Madison, Wisconsin, received the drug using a hand-held nebulizer. Peak expiratory flow rates were compared using Student's t-tests with Bonferroni's correction. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Data were collected from 36 consecutive patients by the paramedics of the Burbank Fire Department and from 32 consecutive patients by the paramedics of the Madison Fire Department. For the metered-dose inhaler group, the mean value for peak expiratory flow rate for the pre-treatment test was 95.4 +/- 88.1 l/min, and after treatment was 109.4 +/- 89.3 l/min (p < 0.001). For the hand-held nebulizer group, the mean value for peak expiratory flow rate before the administration of the metaproterenol was 96.1 +/- 76.3 l/min and following the treatment was 149.1 +/- 92.9 l/min (p < 0.001). The mean values for the differences between the control peak expiratory flow rate and the post-treatment peak expiratory flow rate for the metered-dose inhaler group was + 140.0 +/- 27.4 l/min, and for the hand-held nebulizer group was + 53.0 +/- 69.1 l/min (p < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS In the prehospital setting, the administration of metaproterenol using a hand-held nebulizer is more effective than delivering the drug using a metered-dose inhaler. The hand-held nebulizer is easier to use and delivers a higher dose of the drug than is convenient using the metered-dose inhaler.
Preparation and Characterization of Fe Doped Bi2Ga4O9 Ceramics

A series of Fe-doped Bi2(FexGa1-x)4O9 (x=0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5) ceramics were synthesized by solid-phase method with sintering process. The influences of Fe doping content on phase, morphology, dielectric properties are discussed. XRD results show that there is no second phase in Fe-doped Bi2(FexGa1-x)4O9 ceramics. The SEM analysis indicates the grain size of as-prepared doped samples are relatively uniform and estimated to be about 1–4μm. The permittivity of as-prepared doped samples increases and the dielectric loss decrease compared to pure Bi2Ga4O9 ceramics.