cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvement in symptom burden within one day after palliative care consultation in a cohort of gynecologic oncology inpatients.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the magnitude and time course of change in symptom burden after palliative care (PC) consultation in a cohort of gynecologic oncology inpatients. Methods Women with a gynecologic malignancy and PC consultation for symptom management between 3/1/12 and 2/28/13 were identified. Charts were reviewed for demographic and disease characteristics. Symptom scores on a modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scale were abstracted for pain, anorexia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, nausea and dyspnea. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe symptom intensity was compared between the day of PC consultation (D1), the day after PC consultation (D2) and the last recorded symptoms before discharge (DLast). Results PC was consulted for symptom management during 129 admissions of 95 unique patients. Median age was 59, 84% were white and 67% had stage III/IV disease, with ovarian the most common site (52%). Symptom prevalence on D1 for at least mild intensity ranged 14% (dyspnea) to 80% (pain) and for at least moderate intensity from 3% (dyspnea) to 50% (pain). Statistically significant decreases in prevalence of moderate to severe symptom intensity between D1 and DLast occurred for pain, anorexia, fatigue and nausea (magnitude 58–66%) and between D1 and D2 for pain, fatigue and nausea (magnitude 50–55%). The majority of the improvement that occurred between D1 and DLast happened by D2. Conclusions PC consultation is associated with improvement in symptom burden, the majority of which occurs within one day of consultation. PC may be an effective tool for symptom management in patients with moderate to severe symptom intensity even during short hospitalizations and should be considered early in the hospitalization to effect timely symptom relief.
Cultural conflicts and problem behaviors of Latino adolescents in home and school environments

This empirical study examines the behavioral sequelae of acculturation strains among Latino adolescents in home ans school settings. Two theoretically derived hypotheses are tested. First, low acculturation Latinos experiencing strains associated wsith rapid cultural and language transitions will have more behavior problems reported by their parents and teachers. Second, highly acculturated Latinos reporting more acculturation strains. associated with perceptions of prejudical treatment and internalization of inority status will have more behavior problems reported by aprents and teachers. The data were taken from the self-reports of 2,360 adolescents in the greater Miami (Florida) area, ans their teacher ans parent reports. problem behaviors were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Teacher Report Form. Strain measures included language conflicts, acculturation conflicts, perceived discrimination, and perception of a closed society. Results indicated general confirmation of both hypotheses. Among immigrant adolescents only language confilicts were associated with reported behavior problems reported by teachers and parents. Among the U.S. born, language conficts, perceived discrimination, and perceptions ofa closed society were associated with behavior problems reported by teachers but not by parents. The central finding is that both immigrant and nonimmigrant Latino adolescents are likely to experience a variety of acculturative strains in the school setting that may affect role performance and lower educational aspirations.
Chip Discrimination for UWB Impulse Radio Networks in Multipath Channels

In this paper we present a technique that eliminates the need for centralized power control in ultrawideband (UWB) radio networks in multipath channel environments. The technique we call chip-discrimination, exploits the low duty cycle waveform of UWB impulse radio to mitigate the effects of high power interference using locally measured information at the receiver. Chip discrimination has been applied to UWB systems in non-multipath channels with matched filter reception. Here we develop a chip discrimination technique for multipath channels with RAKE receivers. A chip discriminator located at each RAKE finger selectively removes interfering pulses that exceed a dynamic threshold for each received multipath component. Computer simulation is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique using the IEEE 802.15.3a channel model under the assumptions of both perfect and imperfect channel estimation using maximal ratio combining (MRC).
A Two-Dimensional Simulation Model of the Bicoid Gradient in Drosophila

Background Bicoid (Bcd) is a Drosophila morphogenetic protein responsible for patterning the anterior structures in embryos. Recent experimental studies have revealed important insights into the behavior of this morphogen gradient, making it necessary to develop a model that can recapitulate the biological features of the system, including its dynamic and scaling properties. Methodology/Principal Findings We present a biologically realistic 2-D model of the dynamics of the Bcd gradient in Drosophila embryos. This model is based on equilibrium binding of Bcd molecules to non-specific, low affinity DNA sites throughout the Drosophila genome. It considers both the diffusion media within which the Bcd gradient is formed and the dynamic and other relevant properties of bcd mRNA from which Bcd protein is produced. Our model recapitulates key features of the Bcd protein gradient observed experimentally, including its scaling properties and the stability of its nuclear concentrations during development. Our simulation model also allows us to evaluate the effects of other biological activities on Bcd gradient formation, including the dynamic redistribution of bcd mRNA in early embryos. Our simulation results suggest that, in our model, Bcd protein diffusion is important for the formation of an exponential gradient in embryos. Conclusions/Significance The 2-D model described in this report is a simple and versatile simulation procedure, providing a quantitative evaluation of the Bcd gradient system. Our results suggest an important role of Bcd binding to non-specific, low-affinity DNA sites in proper formation of the Bcd gradient in our model. They demonstrate that highly complex biological systems can be effectively modeled with relatively few parameters.
Study of diffractively produced five-pion final states

Abstract Diffractively produced five-pion final states are studied in the reaction π−d → 3π−2π+d at 15 GeV/c and compared with predictions of the statistical dissociation model and multiperipheral models.
Ultrasound evaluation of the anatomy of the vessels in relation to the femoral nerve at the femoral crease.

We conducted this prospective, observational study using ultrasound to describe the neuro-vascular relationships at the femoral crease. In particular, we sought to identify and describe the incidence of vascular structures lying lateral to the femoral artery at this level, and the frequency with which needle insertion would require adjustment to avoid contact with these vessels during femoral nerve blockade (FNB). Twenty-five patients undergoing surgery on the knee for femoral nerve block were scanned with ultrasound in the femoral triangle region to evaluate the anatomy of the vessels in this region. Specifically, the position and course of the profunda femoral and lateral circumflex arteries, and their relationship to the site of typical FNB, were described. Depth and dimensions of the vessels and nerves were recorded. The patients’ body mass indices and the depth of the femoral nerve were evaluated for correlation. In 52% of the cases, the profunda femoral artery coursed lateral to the femoral artery, while in the others, it remained deep to the femoral artery. The profunda femoral artery emerged from the femoral artery above the femoral crease in 12% of the cases, and below it in the remainder, while the lateral circumflex femoral artery emerged above the crease in 8% of the patients. The site of needle insertion for FNB was adjusted to avoid vessels lateral to the femoral artery in 12% of the cases. Ultrasound scanning at the femoral crease in preparation for FNB reveals branches lying lateral to the main femoral artery in a significant proportion of patients, presenting a significant risk of needle contact with one of these vessels. The use of ultrasound likely reduces the risk of vascular trauma in this setting.
Dynamic exercise normalizes resting blood pressure in mildly hypertensive premenopausal women

Abstract Background: Dynamic exercise acutely and transiently lowers resting blood pressure in hypertensive men and is termed postexercise hypotension (PEH). We examined 18 premenopausal women (7 hypertensive and 11 normotensive) to determine if PEH occurs in women and to elucidate possible hemodynamic and hormonal mechanisms. Methods and Results: Patients wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor throughout the day after 40 minutes of a rest sham session and 40 minutes of cycle exercise, of which 30 minutes was performed at 60% of maximal oxygen consumption. Cardiac output and total systemic vascular resistance were determined by Doppler echocardiography before and 15 minutes after sham and exercise. Catecholamines, plasma renin activity, and β-endorphin were measured over this same period. PEH occurred only in the hypertensive women. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure decreased in the hypertensive women by a mean of 9.5 ± 2.8 mm Hg (P .05). After exercise, total systemic vascular resistance was lower (P
Seizures in an Alzheimer’s Disease Patient as a Complication of Colonoscopy Premedication with Meperidine

We describe the first reported case of generalized tonic–clonic seizures induced by meperidine premedication for a colonoscopy procedure in a 63-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease. The active metabolite of meperidine, normeperidine, is postulated to be the precipitating cause of the seizures, although a cholinesterase inhibitor and an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, both routinely used for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, may have contributed by reducing the seizure threshold. The neuronal changes which occur in Alzheimer’s disease can themselves also predispose to seizures. We recommend avoidance of meperidine for all flexible endoscopic procedures on patients with Alzheimer’s disease and in any patient with a condition that predisposes to seizures, and suggest the use of alternative opioids.
Intermolecular axial solvation of bound cations by sidearm donor groups in lariat ethers: formation of a supramolecular network

Abstract Previously studied disubstituted 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 derivatives, R N18N R, in which the substituents were cyanomethylor propargyl did not show intramolecular, lariat-type cation solvation. The ring-bound cation in the propargyl derivative issolvated by the six macroring heteroatoms and apically by a bifurcated interaction of the type F···K + ···F. In contrast, when thesidearm is cyanoethyl, an extended intermolecular network forms when the bound cation is either Na + or K + . © 2001 Publishedby Elsevier Science B.V. Keywords :Supramolecular network; Aza macrocycles; Crown ethers 1. Introduction The compounds we named [1] ‘lariat ethers’ weredesigned to have two components: a cation-bindingmacroring and one or more ‘secondary’ donor groupsthat would provide axial solvation to a ring-boundcation [2]. The advantage of such a design was twofold.It was anticipated that the macroring would conferupon the system at least a modicum of cation bindingselectivity while ensuring cation-binding dynamics. Theﬂexible sidearm was expected to provide the ring-boundcation with three-dimensional solvation. Incorporationof the two elements was inspired by the fact that thecyclic depsipeptide valinomycin [3] is selective for K
Fe65 stimulates proteolytic liberation of the β-amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain

The β-amyloid precursor protein (APP)-binding protein Fe65 is involved in APP nuclear signaling and several steps in APP proteolytic processing. In this study, we show that Fe65 stimulates γ-secretase-mediated liberation of the APP intracellular domain (AICD). The mechanism of Fe65-mediated stimulation of AICD formation appears to be through enhanced production of the carboxyl-terminal fragment substrates of γ-secretase and direct stimulation of processing by γ-secretase. The stimulatory capacity of Fe65 is isoform-dependent, as the non-neuronal and a2 isoforms promote APP processing more effectively than the exon 9 inclusive neuronal form of Fe65. Intriguingly, Fe65 stimulation of AICD production appears to be inversely related to pathogenic β-amyloid production as the Fe65 isoforms profoundly stimulate AICD production and simultaneously decrease Aβ42 production. Despite the capacity of Fe65 to stimulate γ-secretase-mediated APP proteolysis, it does not rescue the loss of proteolytic function associated with the presenilin-1 familial Alzheimer disease mutations. These data suggest that Fe65 regulation of APP proteolysis may be integrally associated with its nuclear signaling function, as all antecedent proteolytic steps prior to release of Fe65 from the membrane are fostered by the APP-Fe65 interaction.
Bioactivity of serum and pituitary prolactin during the rat estrous cycle.

The availability of a mitogenic bioassay for PRL in which multiple, small samples could be analyzed led us to examine circulating and pituitary PRL bioactivity during the estrous cycle of the rat. Bio- (B) and immuno (I)-activities were compared in individual samples using rat PRL RP-1 standard. B:I ratios ranged between 2.3 and 6.8 for serum and 1.4 and 3.2 for pituitaries. Serum bioactivity increased 24-fold during the surge of PRL on the afternoon of proestrus, whereas pituitary bioactivity decreased almost 5-fold during this time period. Serum B:I ratios were significantly (P < 0.01) elevated on the day of proestrus (0900-1800 h) compared to those on diestrous day 2. Pituitary B:I ratios ranged from a high of 2.3 ± 0.3 on diestrous day 2 and 1500 h on proestrus to 1.8 ± 0.1 on diestrous day 1. Differences between mean B:I ratios of pituitaries obtained at different cycle stages were not statistically significant. Interestingly, serum B and I were not correlated (r = 0.55, 0.68) at the peak of the proe...
Environmental impact on direct neuronal reprogramming in vivo in the adult brain

Direct reprogramming of non-neuronal cells to generate new neurons is a promising approach to repair damaged brains. Impact of the in vivo environment on neuronal reprogramming, however, is poorly understood. Here we show that regional differences and injury conditions have significant influence on the efficacy of reprogramming and subsequent survival of the newly generated neurons in the adult rodent brain. A combination of local exposure to growth factors and retrovirus-mediated overexpression of the neurogenic transcription factor Neurogenin2 can induce new neurons from non-neuronal cells in the adult neocortex and striatum where neuronal turnover is otherwise very limited. These two regions respond to growth factors and Neurogenin2 differently and instruct new neurons to exhibit distinct molecular phenotypes. Moreover, ischaemic insult differentially affects differentiation of new neurons in these regions. These results demonstrate strong environmental impact on direct neuronal reprogramming in vivo.
Force-feedback high-speed atomic force microscope for studying large biological systems

We designed and developed a high-speed atomic force microscope (HSAFM) utilizing a force-feedback scheme for imaging large biological samples. The system collects three simultaneous images: a deflection image, a topographic image, and a force image. We demonstrated that this force-feedback HSAFM is capable of acquiring large topographic images of Escherichia coli biofilms at approximately one frame per second in air. We discuss how the self-actuating cantilever and the piezo tube follow those larger biological topographic features during the HSAFM imaging process.
Attitude Change A Function of Emotion-Eliciting Qualities of Environment

The relationship between the feelings of pleasure and arousal elicited by an environment and ratings of source credibility and attitude change was explored in a three by two design. Three levels of pleasure and two levels of arousal were combined factorially. 7he results suggest that the emotion-eliciting qualities of the environment can be used to predict both source credibility and attitude change. The results are discussed in relation to other findings in attitude research.
Observation of Microstructural Evolution in Li Battery Cathode Oxide Particles by In Situ Electron Microscopy

We developed a simple approach to carry out in situ electron microscopy of single Li-ion battery cathode particles during electrochemical cycling. We focused on Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)O2-based cathode materials because life-cycle tests suggest a strong contribution of the cathode material to changes in cell impedance. In situ scanning electron microscopy was carried out operando during cycling and at various stages by interrupted cycling. Our work revealed several important aspects of cathode oxide particle dynamics: significant separations develop between grains even during the very first charge (oxide delithiation) and electrolyte penetration through that crack network all the way into the particle interior. Comparing these results to post-test microstructural characterization of oxide particles subjected to extensive cycling confirms the occurrence of these processes in practical cells and suggests that the physical separation and isolation of grains may contribute to performance degradation of lithium-ion cells.
The pathophysiology of irreversible hemorrhagic shock in monkeys.

Abstract Irreversible shock was produced in pig-tail monkeys by hemorrhaging them to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg and maintaining that pressure until (15%) “uptake” of blood signaled decompensation. Reinfusion of the remainder of the blood, plus additional lactated Ringer's solution restored hemodynamic function and urine flow temporarily, but in spite of continuing and increasing crystalloid infusions, refractory circulatory failure ensued, characterized by decreasing mean arterial pressure, widening pulse pressure, decreased systemic vascular resistance, progressive hemodilution, diminished systemic oxygen transport, and narrowed arteriovenous oxygen differences. Cardiac outputs were normal or supranormal, central venous, right atrial, and pulmonary artery pressures were well sustained and left atrial and left ventricular end diastolic pressures were normal or low indicating that neither inadequate venous return nor cardiac failure were to blame. Significant anatomic systemic arteriovenous shunting did not occur but either abnormal oxygen transport or inability of cells to utilize oxygen seemed likely. Regional blood flows, with the exception of renal, splenic, and bronchial flows were restored to normal in the postresuscitative period and myocardial adrenal, hepatic, and intestinal flows became supranormal. The pattern observed is unlike that after endotoxin administration and may provide a clue to the identity of the factor(s) responsible for this vasomotor collapse.
Damage Mechanics and Fatigue Life Assessment of Composite Materials

The present state of fatigue life assessment of composite materials is largely empirical. This paper discusses how the discipline of damage mechanics can elevate this status to a mechanisms-based m...
Potential application of algicidal bacteria for improved lipid recovery with specific algae.

The utility of specific strains of natural algicidal bacteria isolated from shallow wetland sediments was evaluated against several strains of algae with potential immediate or future commercial value. Two strains of bacteria, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes AD6 and Aeromonas hydrophila AD9, were identified and demonstrated to have algicidal activity against the microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans and Dunaliella tertiolecta. These bacteria were further evaluated for the potential to improve lipid extraction using a mild solvent extraction approach. Aeromonas hydrophila AD9 showed a nearly 12-fold increase in lipid extraction with D. tertiolecta, while both bacteria showed a sixfold improvement in lipid extraction with N. oleoabundans.
Additive preconditioning, eigenspaces, and the inverse iteration☆

We incorporate our recent preconditioning techniques into the classical inverse power (Rayleigh quotient) iteration for computing matrix eigenvectors. Every loop of this iteration essentially amounts to solving an ill conditioned linear system of equations. Due to our modification we solve a well conditioned linear system instead. We prove that this modification preserves local quadratic convergence, show experimentally that fast global convergence is preserved as well, and yield similar results for higher order inverse iteration, covering the cases of multiple and clustered eigenvalues.
Antigene leaps forward through an open door.

Blocking gene expression by interfering with translation of mRNA can be accomplished by means of antisense or short interfering RNA strategies, but more potent inhibitors would act by inhibiting transcription of genomic DNA. Two new studies show efficient inhibition of transcription using single-stranded peptide nucleic acid or double-stranded RNA targeted to the open complex formed at the transcription start site.
New patient safety organizations can help health providers learn from and reduce patient safety events.

After the passage of the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, the Federal Government has published a final rule that aims to encourage health providers to report, learn from, and, ultimately, reduce the incidence of patient safety events. The final rule is broad in scope: it describes the roles and activities of new patient safety organizations (PSOs) and establishes a process to report, protect, and disseminate safety information. In the interim, guidelines that describe how organizations can become PSOs were released in October by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 1 These guidelines will be in effect until 60 days after the date of publication of the final rule in November. Under these guidelines, HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was authorized to receive applications from qualified entities that seek to become PSOs. Ten organizations were officially listed as PSOs on November 5, 2008, and 5 more were listed on November 19. Qualified organizations can continue to submit applications through the interim period. There is no limit to the number of organizations that may apply to become PSOs. THE ROLE AND RATIONALE Private voluntary entities, PSOs were called for by the Institute of Medicine and established by Congress in the 2005 law. 2 They are intended to address a major stumbling block to sustained quality improvement: a lack of uniform Federal standards for privilege and confidentiality of information about patient safety events. Existing state-based legal protections for quality improvement activities, known as peer review protections, do not exist in all states and cover only review of hospital-based care, not services provided in other health care settings. The result has been a pervasive fear of legal liability and sanctions among physicians, other health care providers, and health care organizations. A second related barrier to quality improvement that the final rule seeks to address is the inability of health care providers to collect and share data about patient safety events with other facilities locally, within, and across states. This limitation makes it harder for providers and organizations to identify and adopt patterns of practice that reduce the risk of medical errors.
Dental plaque development on defined streptococcal surfaces

Coaggregations between bacterial species have been widely studied in vitro but not in the mouth. A new in vivo assay was used to measure the rate and composition of indigenous plaque formation onto bovine enamel chips covered with a continuous layer of bacteria. Chips were covered with Streptococcus oralis ATCC 10557, which coaggregated with many oral species, or Streptococcus gordonii S7, which did not coaggregate with these oral species, and placed in the mouth for 4 and 24 h. There were no differences in the number of most indigenous bacterial species isolated from the two streptococcal surfaces. However, the number of Actinomyces viscosus as a proportion of total Actinomyces spp. was significantly different on the two surfaces at 24 h. With the exception of Actinomyces naeslundii and A. viscosus removed from the S7 surface, all indigenous species increased significantly in number from 4 to 24 h, irrespective of the streptococcal surface. This study demonstrated that interbacterial coaggregation had only a limited effect on in vivo plaque development. Thus suggesting that environmental factors, growth or other adherence phenomena are dominant in in vivo plaque formation.
Reduced-order solutions to H/sub /spl infin// and LPV control problems involving partial-state feedback

We solve a parameter-dependent control problem for a linear parameter-varying (LPV) plant in which both noisy outputs and/or exact measurements of some plant states are fed back. Known bounds on the parameters' rates of variation are used to reduce conservatism. We give necessary and sufficient conditions, expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), for solvability by full- and reduced-order controllers. If the desired controller order equals the plant order minus the number of exactly measured states, then the intractable rank condition currently required for reduced-order synthesis can be avoided; moreover, this controller order is the largest needed for a solution. The solutions of the solvability LMIs are used to derive explicit controller formulae.
Influence of suboptimal navigation filter design on lunar landing navigation accuracy

Most onboard guidance, navigation, and control computers will be programmed using suboptimal filter design in an effort to reduce software size and computation speed. Reduction in the order of the gravity-field model of the moon is one method that can be used to reduce the number of calculations the onboard filter must perform, thus increasing the speed of computation. A result of that reduction is an increase in navigation error, which in turn directly influences the accuracy of the guidance commands. This paper investigates two prevalent lunar gravity-field models—the Ferrari 79 and the Sagitov model. A brief history of their origins and a comparison of the models are given. Particular emphasis is placed on studying their effect on guidance and navigation accuracy as the order of the onboard navigation filter model is reduced, resulting in a suboptimal filter design.
Target thickness dependence of 50 keV electron bremsstrahlung

Abstract We are investigating the extent/existence of PB contributions to the X-ray spectra at 90° to the electron beam for experiments involving 50 keV electrons on Au targets. Our experimental results, for a range of target thicknesses from 63 μg/cm 2 to CSDA range of the electrons, are compared to results obtained using the Monte Carlo program, PENELOPE, which is based on ordinary bremsstrahlung. We have reduced the error in target thickness of previous cross section measurements by determining the average target thickness using X-ray absorption.
The 39K(3He,p)41Ca reaction at 13.0 MeV

Abstract The 39 K( 3 He,p) 41 Ca reaction has been investigated at a bombarding energy of 13.0 MeV. The predominant mode of excitation was found to be L = 0 deuteron transfer. The results show the two-particle, one-hole character of the low-lying even-parity states in 41 Ca, as well as for other levels situated at higher energies.
Immunoreactivity in Limulus. II. Studies of serotoninlike immunoreactivity, endogenous serotonin, and serotonin synthesis in the brain and lateral eye

Serotoninlike immunoreactivity was examined by the fluorescein-iso-thiocyanate-labeled secondary antibody technique in the lateral eye and brain of Limulus. Endogenous serotonin was measured with high-perfor-mance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. The synthesis of [3H]serotonin from [3H]tryptophan was measured in the presence and absence of reserpine. Fibers with serotoninlike immunoreactivity were found in the proximal stalks of the corpora pedunculata, in the neuropil of the central body, in the neuropils of the visual centers (lamina, medulla, and ocellar gnaglion), in the optic tract that connects the ocellar ganglion with the posterior medial medulla, and in the central neuropil of the brain. Immunoreactive somata were found in four groups in the brain. Up to 50 somata were scattered through each side of the dorsal medial group that lies centered on the dorsal surface within the curve of the centra body. These neurons innervate the central body neuropil and send processes into the central neuropil. Three of four reactive somata formed the ventral pole of each medullar group. These may provide the innervation of the proximal stalk of the corpora pedunculata. Five to ten reactive neurons were observed anteriorly in the ventral posterior lateral group #2 on each side that send processes into the central neuropil. Ten to 15 reactive somata were found on either side of the midline in the dorsal anterior part of the ventral medial group that contribute processes to the central neuropil. The remainder of the brain was not immunoreactive. No immunoreactive fibers or somata were found in the lateral eye or in the lateral optic nerve. Serotoninlike and substance P-like immunoreactivities were not found to be colocalized anywhere in the brain. Significant amounts of endogenous serotonin were detected in the lamina and medulla whose neuropils are rich in immunoreactive fibers and in the central body and dorsal medial group that are also rich in immunoreactive somata and fibers. No endogenous serotonin was detected in either the lateral eye of the lateral optic nerve. The lamina, medulla, and central body and dorsal medial group also synthesized and stored [3H]serotonin from [3H]tryptophan. It is likely that serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain, but not in the lateral eye of the horseshoe crab. In particular, it appears that serotoninergic neurons may play a role in central visual processing.
Ca2+ Modulation of Ca2+ Release-Activated Ca2+ Channels Is Responsible for the Inactivation of Its Monovalent Cation Current

The Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel is the most well documented of the store-operated ion channels that are widely expressed and are involved in many important biological processes. However, the regulation of the CRAC channel by intracellular or extracellular messengers as well as its molecular identity is largely unknown. Specifically, in the absence of extracellular divalent cations it becomes permeable to monovalent cations with a larger conductance, however this monovalent cation current inactivates rapidly by an unknown mechanism. Here we found that Ca2+ dissociation from a site on the extracellular side of the CRAC channel is responsible for the inactivation of its Na+ current, and Ca2+ occupancy of this site otherwise potentiates its Ca2+ as well as Na+ currents. This Ca2+-dependent potentiation is required for the normal functioning of CRAC channels.
Effects of iodine therapy on blood iodine and basal metabolic rate in pregnancy.

ConclusionsThere is a definite relationship between the advance of pregnancy and the basal metabolism of the gravid individual. The blood iodine level during pregnancy tends to increase. When iodine medication is used during pregnancy, the basal metabolic rate tends to remain close to the normal range of the non-pregnant individual. The supplemental iodine is utilized to a greater extent during the third trimester of pregnancy for at this time the blood iodine level decreases in contrast with the rise seen when iodine medication is withheld.
SH2 and SH3 domains

Abstract SH2 and SH3 domains are found in a variety of cytoplasmic signalling proteins that couple growth factor receptors to intracellular signal-transduction pathways. SH2 domains, in particular, direct the interactions of signalling proteins with activated receptor tyrosine kinases and other phosphoproteins. The ≈95-amino-acid SH2 domain appears to be a good example of a protein module. This review summarizes recent work on the structure and function of SH2 and SH3 domains.
TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT FROM THE CENTRAL NUCLEUS OF ZAMIA UMBROSA

AS A FIRST step in preparation for a study of fertilization in Zamia umbrosa Small we have recently described chromatin behavior during the development and maturation of the egg nucleus (Bryan and Evans, 1956). The present paper takes an additional step in presenting an account of several types of development arising from the central nucleus and includes a full description of the regular persistence of the ventral canal nucleus. This regular persistence is apparently unusual among cyeads as will be shown in the discussion. The material used in this study and the technical methods employed in killing, staining, etc., have been described in previouis papers (Bryan, 1952; Bryan and Evans, 1956). In this paper, the sections illustrated by fig. 1-21 inclusive (except fig. 2). were stained with Heidenhain's iron alum hematoxylon and counterstained with erythrosin. Figure 2 and fig. 22-37 were made from sections stained using Schiff's reagent in the Feulgen reaction and counterstained with fast green.
Effects of Lactic Acid on Astrocytes in Primary Culture

Excessive tissue lactic acidosis is considered to be detrimental to the central nervous system (CNS) and may adversely affect recovery from anoxia, ischemia, trauma and epilepsy. Since astrocytes are believed to play a role in pH regulation in the CNS, we studied the effect of this acid on primary astrocyte cultures. Cells exposed to lactic acid showed chromatin clumping, an increase of lipid and dense bodies, a loss of polyribosomal clusters, slightly increased cytoplasmic lucency, swollen mitochondria and tangled intermediate filaments. These alterations progressed with lower pH and longer exposure. Irreversible changes occurred one to two hours after exposure at pH 6; after 30 to 60 minutes (min) at pH 5.5 and after ten to 30 min at pH 5. Comparable results were obtained with the use of other weak acids indicating that the observed changes were due to increased hydrogen ion concentration rather than secondary to lactate per se. Additionally, various concentrations of lactic acid adjusted to identical pH produced similar morphologic alterations. Thus, while lactic acid caused marked and at times irreversible alterations in astrocytes, severe and prolonged acidosis was required to produce such injurious effects. This relative resistance of astrocytes to acidosis is in keeping with their potential role in pH regulation in brain.
Quantitative autoradiography of mu-opioid receptors in the CNS of high-alcohol-drinking (HAD) and low-alcohol-drinking (LAD) rats.

Background: The binding of [3H]DAMGO to mu-opioid sites was measured in the CNS of selectively bred high–alcohol-drinking (HAD) and low–alcohol-drinking (LAD) rats to test the hypothesis that high alcohol preference is associated with higher densities of mu-opioid receptors. Methods: Adult, alcohol-naive male HAD and LAD rats from replicate line 1 were decapitated and their brains frozen in isopentane. Brain sections were incubated with 5 nM [3H]DAMGO, and nonspecific binding was determined in the presence of unlabeled DAMGO. Films were exposed for 60 days, then analyzed using quantitative autoradiography. Results: The densities of [3H]DAMGO binding sites were measured within subregions of neocortex, limbic system, basal ganglia, diencephalon, and brainstem. LAD rats had significantly higher [3H]DAMGO binding (10–30%) than HAD rats within the anterior dorsal hippocampus (CA2), posterior hippocampus (dorsal CA1, and ventral CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus), thalamus (medial dorsal, lateral, medial dorsal, central, ventral lateral, ventral medial, and ventral medial geniculate nuclei), habenula, and amygdala. No significant interline differences were found in the prefrontal, cingulate, frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital or entorhinal cortices, olfactory tubercle, nucleus accumbens, lateral septum, ventral tegmental area, hypothalamus, caudate-putamen, substantia nigra, claustrum, central gray, or superior colliculus. Conclusions: The present findings with the HAD and LAD lines do not support the hypothesis that high alcohol preference is associated with higher densities of CNS mu-opioid receptors. Instead, the present results, in combination with previously published findings, suggest that the mu-opioid system may play a complex role in regulating high–alcohol-drinking behavior.
Hydrodynamics of diatom chains and semiflexible fibres.

Diatoms are non-motile, unicellular phytoplankton that have the ability to form colonies in the form of chains. Depending upon the species of diatoms and the linking structures that hold the cells together, these chains can be quite stiff or very flexible. Recently, the bending rigidities of some species of diatom chains have been quantified. In an effort to understand the role of flexibility in nutrient uptake and aggregate formation, we begin by developing a three-dimensional model of the coupled elastic–hydrodynamic system of a diatom chain moving in an incompressible fluid. We find that simple beam theory does a good job of describing diatom chain deformation in a parabolic flow when its ends are tethered, but does not tell the whole story of chain deformations when they are subjected to compressive stresses in shear. While motivated by the fluid dynamics of diatom chains, our computational model of semiflexible fibres illustrates features that apply widely to other systems. The use of an adaptive immersed boundary framework allows us to capture complicated buckling and recovery dynamics of long, semiflexible fibres in shear.
Identification of Nonlinear Systems in Frequency Domain

A frequency domain technique for identifying a class of nonlinear systems is presented. The class of nonlinear systems we consider in this paper consists of a power series nonlinearity sandwiched between two linear systems and the problem we address is one of identifying the transfer functions of the linear systems and the coefficients of the power series nonlinearity from the terminal behavior of the system. The identification procedure is based on a frequency domain model of the nonlinear system. The system is modeled by a set of nonlinear transfer functions in the frequency domain and the relationships between the transfer functions of the linear system, the power series coefficients of the nonlinearity, and the nonlinear transfer functions of the system are developed. The identification procedure is based on a simple algorithm for factoring the non-linear transfer functions of the system. The experimental data required for applying our identification procedure consists of the amplitude response of the system to multitone sinusoidal input. A minimum phase transfer function in a single variable is used to approximate the experimental data and the repeated application of the factoring algorithm leads to the identification of the system. Examples illustrating the use of the proposed procedure are also presented.
Path of Glenohumeral Articulation Throughout the Rotational Range of Motion in a Thrower's Shoulder Model:

BackgroundOverhead-throwing athletes have increased external and diminished internal glenohumeral rotation that may alter glenohumeral kinematics.PurposeTo quantify the kinematic changes present in a cadaveric model of a thrower's shoulder.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsIn 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders, the rotator cuff and overlying muscles were removed, and the glenohumeral capsule, coracoacromial ligament, and coracohumeral ligament were left intact. The scapula was fixed, and the humerus was placed in 90° of shoulder abduction in a 6 degrees of freedom testing device. A compressive force of 44 N was applied. A thrower's shoulder model was created, and sequential conditions were examined: intact, after anterior stretching, and after the addition of posterior-inferior capsular plication. Kinematic measurements were obtained through a complete range of glenohumeral rotation.ResultsGlenohumeral external rotation increased 16%, from 149° to 173° (P <. 001), after stretching in external...
Control flow graphs as a representation language

A model representation language called Control Flow Graphs whose purpose is to explicitly provide the information needed for simulation execution algorithms for different types of computer architectures is briefly described. An overview of a hierarchical modeling language containing two types of hierarchical structures for use with the Control Flow Graph representation language is given. Also, the properties of a model representation language are presented and how Control Flow Graphs are related to these properties is discussed.
Detection of depth in binocular visual systems using Kuramoto models

Animals routinely rely on their eyes to localize fixed and moving targets especially with the goal of either avoiding or capturing them. Detection of position of targets in space is an important problem in such a localization process for the motor control circuit to actuate a successful movement. The purpose of this paper is to sketch a binocular visual system that includes image capturing, retinal projection, sparse representation and data fusion, multi-neural encoding in the cortex down to detection of depth of objects from activity waves using nonlinear dynamics of an oscillatory network. The general strategies from visual circuitry, some of which may not be employed by the animal, could perhaps be employed in building machines with multiple sensors.
Coregulators and chromatin remodeling in transcriptional control

Despite many years of investigation by numerous investigators, transcriptional regulatory control remains an intensely investigated and continuously evolving field of research. Transcriptional regulation is dependent not only on transcription factor activation and chromatin remodeling, but also on a host of transcription factor coregulators-coactivators and corepressors. In addition to transcription factor activation and chromatin changes, there is an expanding array of additional modifications that titrate transcriptional regulation for the specific conditions of a particular cell type, organ system, and developmental stage, and such events are likely to be greatly influenced by upstream signaling cascades. Here, we will briefly review the highlights and perspectives of chromatin remodeling and transcription controls as affected by cofactor availability, cellular energy state, relative ratios of reducing equivalents, and upstream signaling. We also present the C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) as a novel nuclear receptor (NR) coregulator, which exemplifies the integration of a number of transcriptional regulatory controls.
A Parameterization for the Triggering of Landscape-Generated Moist Convection. Part I: Analysis of High-Resolution Model Results.

Abstract To develop a parameterization for the triggering of moist convection by landscape-generated mesoscale circulations, a set of relatively high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) simulations was produced. These simulations modeled the development of landscape generated mesoscale circulations that triggered moist convection over west-to-east dry patches. No clear relationship existed between average patch size and average rainfall. Rather, rainfall averaged over the area of individual patches varied linearly with the size of these patches. Thus, cumulus parameterization schemes need to account for a population of clouds (over individual patches) within each domain of a large-scale atmospheric model (i.e., numerical weather prediction and global circulation models). It is demonstrated that mesoscale perturbations in velocity, temperature, and moisture need to be included in triggering functions when evaluating whether moist convection will occur. Yet, the largest patches did not always produce the larg...
Neonatal Outcomes of Pierre Robin Sequence: An Institutional Experience

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the outcomes of one institute’s experience regarding upper airway and feeding management in Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) neonates. Study Design: A retrospective review of 33 neonates was performed. Average daily weight gain for all patients and average length of stay for each group was calculated and the results were compared using Student’s t test. Result: Average daily weight gain was 16.5 g in the mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) group (MDO; N = 12) and 5.6 g in the nonsurgical intervention (NSI) group (N = 18; P = .043). Average length of stay was longer in the MDO group (P = .01). In all, 67% of MDO patients were discharged with total PO (per os) feeds compared with 22% of NSI patients. Conclusion: Neonates with PRS who do not require surgical airway intervention are more likely to require assisted feeding, have slower weight gain, and a shorter average hospital stay compared to neonates undergoing mandibular MDO.
The mathematical form of measurement and the argument for Proposition I in Newton's Principia

Newton characterizes the reasoning of Principia Mathematica as geometrical. He emulates classical geometry by displaying, in diagrams, the objects of his reasoning and comparisons between them. Examination of Newton’s unpublished texts (and the views of his mentor, Isaac Barrow) shows that Newton conceives geometry as the science of measurement. On this view, all measurement ultimately involves the literal juxtaposition—the putting-together in space—of the item to be measured with a measure, whose dimensions serve as the standard of reference, so that all quantity (which is what measurement makes known) is ultimately related to spatial extension. I use this conception of Newton’s project to explain the organization and proofs of the first theorems of mechanics to appear in the Principia (beginning in Sect. 2 of Book I). The placementof Kepler’s rule of areas as the first proposition, and the manner in which Newton proves it, appear natural on the supposition that Newton seeks a measure, in the sense of a moveable spatial quantity, of time. I argue that Newton proceeds in this way so that his reasoning can have the ostensive certainty of geometry.