cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The genetic basis of biodiversity: genomic studies of cichlid fishes

Genomic techniques allow new approaches to long-standing questions in evolutionary biology. In particular, the development of linkage maps will accelerate the identification of genes underlying adaptive traits. We discuss the application of these technologies to understanding the radiation of cichlid fishes in Lake Malawi, East Africa. We have developed a linkage map for Oreochromis niloticus and are using it to identify the genetic factors controlling adaptive differences in jaw morphology among closely related Malawi cichlids. Cloning of visual pigment genes is leading to a new understanding of the visual capabilities of these fishes. We argue that a combination of linkage mapping, transcriptome profiling and analysis of candidate genes is likely to be the most efficient approach to identifying the genetic basis of adaptive evolution.
Invariant subspaces for a class of complete Pick kernels

Motivated by the work of McCullough and Trent, we investigate the z-invariant subspaces of the Hilbert function spaces associated to the Szego kernels on the open unit disk. In particular, we characterize those kernels for which the the z-invariant subspaces are hyperinvariant, and (partially) those for which the so-called BLH subspaces are cyclic, obtaining counterexamples to two questions posed by McCullough and Trent.
An architecture for network stream splitting in support of intrusion detection

We describe a system where fuzzy reasoning is used to selectively reduce the amount of traffic sent to an intrusion detection system (IDS) while simultaneously both reducing the number of false alarms generated by the IDS and maintaining the ability of the IDS to accurately recognize network attacks. Specifically, we apply a type of filtering we term "IDS stream splitting," which consists of classifying each packet as either trusted or un-trusted when it is encountered between the sniffer and the IDS (within the firewall). This classification allows for fewer packets to be sent to an IDS devoted to examining un-trusted traffic. The logic of the splitter looks at each packet as part of a connection and give it a trust ranking from [0..1] using a fuzzy logic model. Initial results indicate that this approach can significantly reduce false alarm rates while increasing system up time.
Are Leptodactylus didymus and L. mystaceus Phylogenetically Sibling Species (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)?

The Leptodactylus fuscus species group consists of 25 currently recognized species; within this species group and distributed throughout the Amazon Basin, Atlantic Forests, Gran Chaco, and cerrados is the L. mystaceus species complex. This species complex consists of L. didymus, L. elenae, L. mystaceus, L. notoaktites, and L. spixi. Adult morphologies have been used to distinguish these species from each other except for L. didymus and L. mystaceus (Heyer, 1978; Heyer et al., 1996). Leptodactylus didymus and L. mystaceus are morphologically indistinguishable; the species are recognizable only by the characteristics of their advertisement calls: non-pulsed in L. didymus and pulsed in L. mystaceus (Heyer et al., 1996). Traditionally, L. mystaceus and L. didymus have been considered “sibling species.” The concept of “sibling species” was originally introduced byMayr (1942: 151) to describe pairs or groups of morphologically identical or nearly identical species; however, in subsequent work Mayr (1976) interchangeably used the terms “sibling and cryptic species” to describe morphologically similar species. Mayr (1942: 151) considered sibling species to be important in understanding the full complexity of animal speciation. In order to differentiate these two terms, herein we take a narrow cladistic methodological approach (i.e., dichotomous speciation) by which we restrict the term “sibling” species to two taxa that share a most recent common ancestor; whereas, the term cryptic (derived from the Greek Kruptos, meaning ‘hidden’; Allaby, 1991) species refers to “hidden” diversity and does not necessarily imply close phylogenetic relationship. Thus, the sibling species pair of L. didymus and L. mystaceus assumes two postulates: (1) the taxa shared a most recent common ancestor not shared with other species in the L. mystaceus species complex and (2) the two taxa could represent a recent speciation event (i.e., not enough time has passed to reach morphological differentiation, although this is not a requisite). Herein, we analyze the genetic diversity among taxa in this species complex to determine if the sibling species L. didymus and L. mystaceus are sister taxa. If the assumptions about sibling species are correct, then we would expect that the two taxa involved would be genetically closer between themselves than with any other closely related species.
A Novel Subunit for Shal K+ Channels Radically Alters Activation and Inactivation

Shal (Kv4) potassium channel genes encode classical subthreshold A-currents, and their regulation may be a key factor in determining neuronal firing frequency. The inactivation rate of Shal channels is increased by a presently unidentified class of proteins in both Drosophila and mammals. We have cloned a novel Shal channel subunit (jShalγ1) from the jellyfish Polyorchis penicillatus that alters Shal currents from both invertebrates and vertebrates. When co-expressed with the conserved jellyfish Shal homolog jShal1, jShalγ1 dramatically changes both the rate of inactivation and voltage range of activation and steady-state inactivation. jShalγ1 provides fast inactivation by a classic N-type mechanism, which is independent of its effects on voltage dependence. jShalγ1 forms functional channels only as a heteromultimer, and jShalγ1 + jShal1 heteromultimers are functional only in a 2:2 subunit stoichiometry.
Exchange of retinyl and cholesteryl esters between lipoproteins of rabbit plasma

Abstract Normal or hypercholesterolemic rabbit plasma stimulates the transfer of retinyl ester as well as cholesteryl ester from rabbit lymph chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants or from cholesteryl ester-rich plasma VLDL to the d > 1.019 lipoprotein fractions. The presence of p -chloromercuriphenylsulfonate does not inhibit the transfer of these esters. Partially purified lipid transfer protein from rabbit or from human plasma also accelerates the transfer of the above esters. Whereas the rabbit plasma transfer protein preferentially accelerates the transfer of retinyl ester, the human plasma transfer protein appears to have a somewhat greater stimulating effect on the transfer of cholesteryl ester from low- to high-density lipoproteins.
Interaction between cytosolic monoamine oxidase and spin-labeled amphetamine and its modification by clorgyline and pargyline

Interactions between a monoamine oxidase (monoamine: oxygen oxidoreductase deaminating, EC 1.4.3.4) obtained from rat liver cytosol by high speed centrifugation and a biologically active, spin labeled analog of amphetamine have been analyzed. The acetylenic monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pargyline and clorgyline, have been used to modulate the binding of spin labeled amphetamine. Broadening of electron spin resonance lines induced by immobilization of the probe on binding has been used to determine the concentration of bound probe. Pargyline was found to inhibit binding of spin labeled amphetamine by cytosolic monoamine oxidase. Bound spin labeled amphetamine was also displaceable by pargyline. In contrast, clorgyline enhanced the binding of spin labeled amphetamine to the cytosolic monoamine oxidase preparation. Inhibition or enhancement of amphetamine binding was very rapid and occurred during the reversible stage of interaction between the enzyme and the acetylenic compounds.
Internet Research and Ethics: Transformative Issues in Nursing Education Research

As practice in the educational and clinical settings seeks to be evidence based, faculty are increasingly required to conduct research and publish the results to advance the science of our profession. The purpose of this article is to discuss transformative research ethics because Internet use is an increasing component of current research studies. How nurse educators can engage in research-utilizing methodologies inclusive of technology while adhering to ethical standards developed before the advance of the Internet is reviewed. Recommendations are cited to address the new questions that arise at institutional review board meetings resulting from potential ethical implications of using students or research participants in cyber space.
Toward relationship-based child welfare services

Abstract A relationship-based theoretical framework for child welfare services is proposed. Research literature is reviewed relative to attachment theory, relationship quality of maltreated child–parent and maltreated child–surrogate parent dyads, and effective child–parent and child–surrogate parent relationship-enhancing interventions. Authors recommend that establishment or repair of a protective, emotionally responsive positive child–parent or child–surrogate parent relationship be the central focus of child welfare services. A model is offered as a conceptual foundation for measures to be used in federal Child and Family Services Reviews.
Properties of some polysilane polymers: ( n -PrSiMe) n , ( i -PrSiMe) n , and ( sec -BuSiMe) n

Three polysilane polymers, (n-PrSiMe) n , (i-PrSiMe) n , and (sec-BuSiMe) n , were synthesized and characterized by DSC. UV spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and optical microscopy, all at variable temperatures. The known thermochromic transition of (n-PrSiMe) n at ∼48 C is associated with a change from an orthorhombic to an isotropic phase. (i-PrSiMe) n was examned as an insoluble and soluble (lowM w) fraction, both existing mainly in an orthohombic lattice at room temperature. (sec-BuSiMe) n has a mesophase structure at 25 C, undergoes a weak endothermic transition to a second (nematic) mesophase near 65 C, and becomes isotropic at ∼160 C.
Human Ventricular Refractoriness: Effects of Increasing Current

Abstract The ventricular effective refractory period is commonly employed as a measurement of ventricular excitability. Because the current strength used to make this determination varies among laboratories, the relation of refractoriness and current was examined over a range of current strengths from 0.1 to 10 mA. Sixty determinations of refractoriness at variable current strengths were made in 40 patients using the extrastimulus technique with a rectangular pulse of 1 ms duration. These data were obtained by measuring the effective refractory period at threshold current and at 0.25 to 0.50 mA increments from threshold up to 10 mA. In these studies the drive stimulus (S 1 ) and extrastimulus (S 2 ) were kept at the same amplitude. In all patients the ventricular effective refractory period decreased as the current increased. The total decrease ranged from 8 to 100 ms (mean ± standard deyiation 36.9 ± 17.1). The current strength at which the ventricular effective refractory period became fixed (that is, less than 2 ms change in ventricular effective refractory period with further increase in current strength) varied among the patients, but in all instances equaled or exceeded 1.8 mA, which in all but three patients was greater than three times threshold. The curves relating current strength and refractoriness were shifted to the left at shorter cycle lengths with no change in threshold. These data suggest that (1) current strength-effective refractory period curves more completely characterize ventricular excitability than does a ventricular effective refractory period at single current strength; and (2) studies of drug effects, alterations of autonomic tone, or reentrant arrhythmias, which may affect or are affected by ventricular refractoriness, may be enhanced by more complete measurements of refractoriness afforded by the current strength-effective refractoriness curves.
Scattered Intensity Fluctuations for Characterizing Inhomogeneous media

When near field sensing is performed in reflection-emission configuration, statistical analysis of data provides information about the dielectric contrast and composition of inhomogeneous media. We report on modeling the statistical properties of this scattered intensity.
Dams, Floodplain Land Use, and Riparian Forest Conservation in the Semiarid Upper Colorado River Basin, USA

Land and water resource development can independently eliminate riparian plant communities, including Fremont cottonwood forest (CF), a major contributor to ecosystem structure and functioning in semiarid portions of the American Southwest. We tested whether floodplain development was linked to river regulation in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) by relating the extent of five developed land-cover categories as well as CF and other natural vegetation to catchment reservoir capacity, changes in total annual and annual peak discharge, and overall level of mainstem hydrologic alteration (small, moderate, or large) in 26 fourth-order subbasins. We also asked whether CF appeared to be in jeopardy at a regional level. We classified 51% of the 57,000 ha of alluvial floodplain examined along >2600 km of mainstem rivers as CF and 36% as developed. The proportion developed was unrelated to the level of mainstem hydrologic alteration. The proportion classified as CF was also independent of the level of hydrologic alteration, a result we attribute to confounding effects from development, the presence of time lags, and contrasting effects from flow alteration in different subbasins. Most CF (68% by area) had a sparse canopy (≤5% cover), and stands with >50% canopy cover occupied <1% of the floodplain in 15 subbasins. We suggest that CF extent in the UCRB will decline markedly in the future, when the old trees on floodplains now disconnected from the river die and large areas change from CF to non-CF categories. Attention at a basinwide scale to the multiple factors affecting cottonwood patch dynamics is needed to assure conservation of these riparian forests.
The National Pediatric Epidural Audit

Summary Background: This paper describes a prospective audit of children receiving epidural infusion analgesia (EIA) in Great Britain and Ireland. The aim was to quantify the risks associated with this technique. Methods: In order to obtain sufficient data on the number of pediatric epidurals performed and the incidence of unwanted events, a decision was taken, at an Annual Meeting of Great Britain and Ireland Paediatric Pain Services, to establish a national audit of EIA practice in these centers. Each site sent a monthly return of the numbers of EIA performed to the coordinating center. If an incident occurred then the referring site completed a more detailed form and the child was followed up for 1 year if possible. Incidents were graded by severity 1–3, serious to minor. These data were collected over the 5-year period (2001–2005). Results: (i) Ninety six incidents were reported in 10 633 epidurals performed. (ii) Fifty six were associated with the insertion or maintenance of EIA; most were of low severity (1 : 189). (iii) Five incidents were graded as 1 (serious) (approximately 1 : 2000). (iv) Nine incidents were graded as 2 (approximately 1 : 1100). (v) Only one child has residual effects from a grade 1 incident 12 months after surgery (approximately 1 : 10 000). (vi) Forty incidents were also reported that were felt to be associated with the use of EIA; 33 of these incidents were the development of pressures sores. Four incidents of compartment syndrome were reported, in each of these cases the presence of EIA did not mask the condition. Conclusions: Epidural infusion analgesia in children does have risks associated with the technique. The occurrence of compartment syndrome does not appear to be masked by the presence of working EIA. As a result of this audit we can now provide parents with better information, thereby improving the process of informed consent.
Sheet Metal Forming Limit Under Stretch-Bending

The Forming Limit Diagram (FLD) as developed by Keeler etc. has been widely used to assess sheet metal failure during a variety of forming operations. Its theoretical and empirical foundation is based on localized necking under biaxial loading for the sheet metal. While the in-plane deformation is generally the dominant mode for most forming operations, sheet metal bending is inevitably coupled to the deformation process, and the traditional Forming Limit Diagram has to be modified to take into account the bending effect, especially when the bending radius becomes smaller. This paper presents a theoretical formulation for the Bending-Enhanced Forming Limit model. The deformation theory of plasticity is employed for the instability analysis, and the bending is assumed only in the direction along one principal loading. The obtained results show that the forming limit is enhanced by the bending effect, consistent with experimental observations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Proliferative activity by cell type in the developing rat parotid gland

Background: In contrast to the considerable amount of research that has been done on the proliferative activity of the several types of parenchymal cells in the developing submandibular glands of rodents, systematic studies of cellular proliferation in the developing parotid gland have been confined to the acinar cells. The purpose of the present study was to attempt to fill this knowledge gap. Methods: Tritiated thymidine was parenterally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats at ages representative of the pre- and postnatal development of the parotid gland, and glands were harvested for autoradiography 90 min after injection. Mitotic activity among all cell types was verified by electron microscopy. Results: At all ages, the % labeled cells was much greater among the acini than any other cell type, including well-differentiated cells at 25 and 40 days. However, there were only small alterations in the proportions of cells comprised by the major cell types. Conclusions: Current theories on the histogenesis of salivary glands and their neoplasms are based on the renewing population model, in which both normal differentiated cells and neoplastic cells arise from undifferentiated stem cells in the ducts. However, these results suggest that most of the migration and redifferentiation in the developing rat parotid gland must be in the opposite direction, i.e., the acinar cells redifferentiate into ductal cells. They also indicate that until there are precise data on the rates of cell death among the several cell types, it remains more appropriate for salivary glands to be categorized as an expanding, rather than renewing, population. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermally stable, efficient polymer solar cells with nanoscale control of the interpenetrating network morphology

By applying the specific fabrication conditions summarized in the Experimental section and post-production annealing at 150 °C, polymer solar cells with power-conversion efficiency approaching 5 % are demonstrated. These devices exhibit remarkable thermal stability. We attribute the improved performance to changes in the bulk heterojunction material induced by thermal annealing. The improved nanoscale morphology, the increased crystallinity of the semiconducting polymer, and the improved contact to the electron-collecting electrode facilitate charge generation, charge transport to, and charge collection at the electrodes, thereby enhancing the device efficiency by lowering the series resistance of the polymer solar cells.
Organ-specific reduction in the abundance of a mitochondrial protein accompanies fertility restoration in cytoplasmic male-sterile radish

The mitochondrial DNA of plants containing the male sterility-causing Ogura cytoplasm of radish contain a novel gene, orf138, that is transcribed as part of a bicistronic mRNA. Genetic studies have previously linked male sterility with the orf138 locus. To determine if orf138 is expressed at the protein level, and investigate the effect of fertility restoration on ORF138 levels, we have raised antibodies to an ORF138-glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. Anti-ORF138 antibodies detect a 20 kDa protein that is associated with the mitochondrial membrane of sterile Ogura radish plants. Nuclear restoration is accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the amount of this protein in mitochondria of flowers and leaves, but not roots of fertile Ogura radish plants. The presence or absence of fertility restoration genes has no detectable effect on the size, abundance, or RNA editing patterns of orf138 transcripts. These results support genetic studies that have implicated orf138 in Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility and suggest that the restorer genes may be affecting either the translation or stability of ORF138.
Electronic effect of supports on copper catalysts

The adsorption and hydrogenation properties of various semiconductor-supported copper catalysts were studied and are interpreted in terms of the electronic properties of the semiconductor. Electronic interactions between copper and p-type ZrO2 and Cr2O3 enhance the quantity and stability of CO adsorption on copper and increase by a factor of 10 to 20 the activity for CO hydrogenation as compared with bulk copper. Infrared spectra and XPS results suggest that hightemperature reduction (500 °C) of Cr2O3 (producing an n-type material) may produce some lower oxidation state Cr ions and destroy the promoting effect of Cr2O3 on copper. Copper on insulator (A12O3 and SiO2) and n-type (ZnO and C) supports all have about the same CO hydrogenation activity as pure copper, while TiO2- and MgO-supported Cu (n-type) have barely detectable activity.
Tetracycline and quinacrine in the control of malignant pleural effusions. A randomized trial

Eighteen patients with advanced metastatic malignancy who had 21 pleural effusions requiring sclerosis for control were randomly allocated to intrapleural therapy with tetracycline or quinacrine. Tetracycline produced partial or complete control of the effusion in ten of 12 trials for a median duration of 6 months (range 1.5 to 22 months). Partial or complete control was obtained in nine of ten trials with quinacrine, for a median duration of 3 months (range 1 to 13 months). All complete responders who died achieved control of their effusions until their terminal admissions despite clinical evidence of overt systemic tumor progression in the intervening period. Single-dose tetracycline therapy was accompanied by less fever (p less than 0.04) and less pleuritic pain (p = 0.09) than quinacrine. Tetracycline is effective, well tolerated, easily administered, and should be considered as the initial therapy for malignant pleural effusions requiring pleural sclerosis.
Reconstructing surface wave profiles from reflected acoustic pulses using multiple receivers

Surface wave shapes are determined by analyzing underwater reflected acoustic signals collected at multiple receivers. The transmitted signals are of nominal frequency 300 kHz and are reflected off surface gravity waves that are paddle-generated in a wave tank. An inverse processing algorithm reconstructs 50 surface wave shapes over a length span of 2.10 m. The inverse scheme uses a broadband forward scattering model based on Kirchhoff's diffraction formula to determine wave shapes. The surface reconstruction algorithm is self-starting in that source and receiver geometry and initial estimates of wave shape are determined from the same acoustic signals used in the inverse processing. A high speed camera provides ground-truth measurements of the surface wave field for comparison with the acoustically derived surface waves. Within Fresnel zone regions the statistical confidence of the inversely optimized surface profile exceeds that of the camera profile. Reconstructed surfaces are accurate to a resolution of about a quarter-wavelength of the acoustic pulse only within Fresnel zones associated with each source and receiver pair. Multiple isolated Fresnel zones from multiple receivers extend the spatial extent of accurate surface reconstruction while overlapping Fresnel zones increase confidence in the optimized profiles there.
The Erdös-Fuchs theorem on the square of a power series

Abstract Erdos and Fuchs proved that if a 1 , a 2 ,… is a sequence of nonnegative integers and R ( n ) is the number of ordered pairs ( i , j ) with a i + a j ≤ n , then it is impossible to have R(n) = An + o(n 1 4 log −1 2 n) as n → + ∞, for some positive constant A . This paper gives a generalization of this result, in which An is replaced by a function of n whose second differences are nonnegative from some point on.
Cardenolides in the latex and leaves of seven Asclepias species and Calotropis procera

Abstract The cardenolide content of the latex and leaves of seven Asclepias species and Calotropis procera was examined quantitatively by spectroassay a
Rabbit muscle phosphofructokinase: the effect of the state of the enzyme and assay procedure on the kinetic properties.

Abstract The specific activity and/or the allosteric behavior of rabbit muscle phosphofructokinase is dependent on several factors including (1) the method of assay, and (2) the concentration, pH, and temperature of the enzyme solution from which dilution is made into the assay mixture. These observations suggest that quantitative interpretation of the allosteric characteristics of this enzyme may be in error because of lack of control of any or all of these factors. In some buffer systems, such as imidazole at pH 7, instability of the enzyme in the assay leads to further complications in the interpretation of previous studies. The results of the present paper show that under specific conditions it is possible to obtain allosteric kinetic data from which quantitative interpretations can be made. This is best accomplished by performing experiments in phosphate buffer and coupling the reaction through pyruvate kinase and lactic dehydrogenase. The experiments must be carried out either in the presence of excess fructose 1,6-bisphosphate or fructose diphosphatase in order to control the level of the activator fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Under such conditions, the allosteric kinetic behavior observed at pH 6.5 does not appear to be a consequence of polymerization between an active (four subunit) and inactive (two subunit) form of the enzyme, but is inherent in the active form.
Uncertainty Quantification of Prompt Fission Neutron Spectra Using the Unified Monte Carlo Method

Abstract In the ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data library, the existing covariance evaluations of the prompt fission neutron spectra (PFNS) were computed by combining the available experimental differential data with theoretical model calculations, relying on the use of a first-order linear Bayesan approach, the Kalman filter. This approach assumes that the theoretical model response to changes in input model parameters be linear about the a priori central values. While the Unified Monte Carlo (UMC) method remains a Bayesian approach, like the Kalman filter, this method does not make any assumption about the linearity of the model response or shape of the a posteriori distribution of the parameters. By sampling from a distribution centered about the a priori model parameters, the UMC method computes the moments of the a posteriori parameter distribution. As the number of samples increases, the statistical noise in the computed a posteriori moments decrease and an appropriately converged solution corresponding to the true mean of the a posteriori PDF results. The UMC method has been successfully implemented using both a uniform and Gaussian sampling distribution and has been used for the evaluation of the PFNS and its associated uncertainties. While many of the UMC results are similar to the first-order Kalman filter results, significant differences are shown when experimental data are excluded from the evaluation process. When experimental data are included a few small nonlinearities are present in the high outgoing energy tail of the PFNS.
Phthalates in our food

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics softer and more flexible. They are used in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes (raincoats) and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays and nail polishes). People are exposed to phthalates by eating and drinking foods that have been in contact with containers and products containing phthalates. To a lesser extent, exposure can occur from breathing in air that contains vapors or dust contaminated with phthalate particles. Once phthalates enter a person's body, they are converted into breakdown products that pass out quickly in urine. However, biomonitoring studies that measure urine metabolites in humans show widespread exposure to phthalates. Phthalates have been labeled as potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because studies have demonstrated that they interfere with hormones of the reproductive system. Recently, we reported for the first...
Drug therapy before and after the electroversion of cardiac dysrhythmias.

Abstract Synchronized DC shock is the treatment of choice for atrial rhythm disturbances and ventricular tachycardia, but it is important that patients be chosen carefully for this form of therapy. In addition, the success and safety of treatment depend not only on the correct procedure for the electrical therapy itself but also on the choice and dose of drugs used before and after DC shock. The following guidelines can be recommended: 1. (1) Patient anxiety and pain should be prevented by using diazepam routinely in incremental intravenous doses before the shock. 2. (2) Anticoagulant cover should be used as a routine unless contraindicated and should be maintained for 1 mo after successful electroversion, since the incidence of reversion back to the dysrhythmia is highest during this time. 3. (3) Atropine 1–2 mg intravenously should precede DC shock to enhance sino-atrial pacemaker activity in any patient known to be in atrial fibrillation for 5 yr or longer and in whom an attempt at DC conversion is still to be made. It should also precede DC shock in any patient with an atrial rhythm disturbance and a slow ventricular response (60/min or less) to protect against asystole, which may result from parasympathetic stimulation produced by the transmyocardial shock. The routine use of lidocaine, quinidine, procainamide, or propranolol without atropine in these patients is dangerous for these drugs all inhibit any further pacemaker activity. 4. (4) Ventricular premature beats, tachycardia or fibrillation leading to death may follow DC shock at usual energy level settings even when synchronized in the heavily digitalized or digitalis-toxic patient, particularly when the myocardial potassium content is lowered by diuretic therapy. Whenever possible, elective DC shock should be postponed until all signs of digitalis toxicity have passed and the serum potassium level is adequate. In addition, these patients should be protected against ventricular dysrhythmias by an intravenous injection of lidocaine 50–100 mg just before DC shock and by reducing the initial energy level setting to 5 joules. 5. (5) The incidence of tachydysrhythmias following DC shock can be lessened by using the smallest energy setting needed to depolarize the heart and by administering lidocaine 50–100 mg, procainamide 50–100 mg, or diphenylhydantoin 50–100 mg intravenously should extrasystoles follow the initial shock before proceeding to higher energy levels. 6. (6) In patients in whom sinus rhythm is hemodynamically important for adequate cardiac performance, maintenance on quinidine or procainamide with additional propranolol in those not in severe cardiac failure can be used in an attempt to prolong sinus rhythm following electroversion, although the long-term results of such treatment are unfortunately less than ideal. Electroversion of cardiac dysrhythmias is an exciting advance, but much greater effort is needed to uncover basic mechanisms of cardiac rhythm disturbances, to develop more physiologic approaches to their treatment, and particularly to the maintenance of sinus rhythm thereafter.
Crystallographic report: (η5‐Fluorenyl)‐tris‐pyridine‐di‐iodo‐lanthanum(III) and ‐neodymium(III)

The structures of the title compounds are mononuclear with each lanthanide bound by a single η5-fluorenyl ligand, two trans-disposed iodides and three meridionally oriented pyridine molecules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longevity of the placebo effect in the therapeutic angiogenesis and laser myocardial revascularization trials in patients with coronary heart disease.

The long-term beneficial effects of placebo therapy were evaluated in angiogenesis and laser myocardial revascularization trials in patients who had end-stage coronary heart disease. Improvements in mean angina class, exercise treadmill time, and quality of life were mostly maintained at 30 ± 6 months of follow-up. Persistence of effect cannot be used as evidence of efficacy, and double-blinded trials are essential in this patient population.
THREE-FIELD TECHNIQUE FOR BREAST IRRADIATION USING TANGENTIAL FIELD CORNER BLOCKS

A further modification of the three-field technique for the radiotherapy of the breast has been developed. Two isocentric opposing tangential fields encompass the breast, chest wall, and may include the internal mammary lymph nodes. The third, an anterior field, encompasses the axilla and supraclavicular areas. As with our previously reported techniques, the objectives of the present modification is to make the posterior edges of the tangential fields coplanar and to match the cephalad geometric edges of the tangential fields to the caudad geometric edge of the supraclavicular field. A half-beam block is used to shield the caudad half of the anterior field, thus producing a vertical transverse plane to which the tangential fields are matched. Small corner blocks are used on the cephalad edges of the tangential fields to produce the vertical edge necessary for matching to the anterior field. It is essential that the match between the tangential fields and the anterior field be geometrically correct to ensure both local control of disease and good cosmetic results. Two advantages of the present technique are the ease with which it can be carried out and the precision of the match plane without the use of cumbersome mechanical accessories.
Looks by preschoolers at the experimenter in a choice-of-toys game: Effects of experimenter and age of child☆

Abstract Forty children (3:0–5:2 years of age) made repeated choices of toys in the presence of an adult, a young woman for half the S s, a young man for the rest. Each child was scored for the proportion of time prior to choice which he spent looking at the adult (total looking time at adult divided by sum of looking time at adult + looking time at toys). The younger children looked proportionately more at the adult than did the older children; children tested by the woman looked proportionately more at her than did children tested by the man; for both adults, children of the opposite sex had slightly but not significantly higher looking scores than did children of the same sex. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance for theories of the development of emotional dependence.
Dendritic coarsening during solidification

Abstract A model for dendritic coarsening during solidification was developed, assuming: dissolution and shrinkage of small dendrite arms; lateral growth of large dendrite arms; applicability of the Scheil equation to solidification; deposition of solidified material on large arms. A reasonable agreement was found between calculated and measured values of surface-to-volume ratio, S v , versus time. It was concluded that: solidification growth contributes more to the decrease of S v than does coarsening; coarsening contributes to the disappearance of dendrite arms and, hence, enhances the effect of solidification growth on S v .
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of ductal hyperplasia with and without atypia and ductal carcinoma in situ

To determine cytomorphological characteristics of proliferative lesions of breast duct epithelium, we reviewed fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears of 11 cribriform and micropapillary, low nuclear grade, ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), nine atypical ductal hyperplasias (ADH), and 10 florid or moderate ductal hyperplasias (DH) without atypia. These breast lesions presented as a palpable mass in 16 patients or were detected by diagnostic imaging in 14 patients. Cytological findings evaluated were cellularity, cell composition, architectural pattern (including presence and shape of intercellular spacing and cell characteristics of epithelial cell groups), nuclear diameter and pleomorphism, chromatin pattern, and number of single epithelial cells. Smears also were evaluated by cytological criteria only, using the scoring system of Masood et al. Based on our study's use of cytological and architectural features combined, the FNA diagnoses were as follows: of the 11 DCIS cases eight were carcinoma and three were inconclusive: proliferative epithelium (ADH v DCIS); of the nine ADH cases two were carcinoma and seven were inconclusive: proliferative epithelium (ADH v DCIS); and of the 10 DH cases four were DH, two were suspicious for carcinoma, and four were inconclusive: proliferative epithelium (DH v ADH). Using the cytological scoring system alone, of the 11 DCIS cases one was classified as carcinoma, five as ADH, and five as DH; of the nine ADH cases one was classified as carcinoma, three as ADH, and five as DH; and of the 10 DH cases four were classified as ADH and six as DH. This study shows that the application of both cytological and architectural criteria to the interpretation of FNA smears is more reliable than cytology alone in the identification of proliferative breast lesions and low-grade carcinoma. However, overlapping features between DH and ADH as well as ADH and low-grade carcinoma exist making separation of some of these lesions difficult. Aspirates of DH and ADH may display many single epithelial cells, mimicking low-grade carcinoma. However, a diagnosis of low-grade carcinoma can be made with confidence if the aspirates are cellular with many single atypical epithelial cells and lack an admixture of benign cellular elements. Architectural and cytological characteristics of proliferative duct epithelium, as evaluated in histological sections, are well represented in aspiration smears and should aid in the identification of these lesions.
Evidence that β-endorphin is an agonist at bovine pineal δ-opioid receptors

Abstract Since β-endorphin is the putative endogenous ligand for ϵ-opioid receptors, the previous demonstration of saturable, high affinity β-endorphin binding sites on bovine pineal membranes suggests the possible presence of ϵ-opioid receptors. To determine the identity of pineal β-endorphin binding sites, the inhibition of [ 125 I]β-endorphin binding by ligands with varying affinities for ϵ-, μ-, δ- or κ-opioid receptors was investigated. A high positive correlation was observed between the K i values for these drugs to inhibit [ 125 I]β-endorphin binding to pineal membranes and for these drugs to bind to δ-opioid receptors but not to μ-, κ- or ϵ-opioid receptors, demonstrating that in the pineal β-endorphin binds to δ-opioid receptors. Both NaCl and a GTP analogue were potent inhibitors of [ 125 I]β-endorphin binding, providing evidence that β-endorphin is an agonist at pineal δ-opioid receptors. These results suggest that endogenous bovine β-endorphin may modulate pineal function.
Microscopic derivation of cranking for nuclear systems with large angular momentum

Abstract We describe a derivation of a microscopic theory of rotation of a nucleus at large angular momentum, based on a rotationally invariant starting point, the Kerman-Klein approximation to the Heisenberg equations of motion. The cranking model emerges as the first term of a systematic expansion in powers of the ratio of the average single particle angular momentum in the deformed state to the total angular momentum. Various arguments in the literature justifying the cranking approximation at low angular momentum, by contrast, depend on the smallness of the reciprocal of this ratio. The justification for these results are examined within the chosen theoretical framework. The detailed arguments are presented for rotation about a prescribed axis (two-dimensional case).
The ferroelectric behavior of odd-numbered nylons

Abstract The combined results of the present investigation of Nylon 5 and Nylon 9 and the previous investigation of Nylon 11 and Nylon 7 reveal that the odd-numbered nylons exhibit classic ferroelectric J-E and D-E hysteresis behavior at room temperature. In addition, the remanent polarization, P r, of Nylon 5 and Nylon 9 is found to be 125-130 mC/m2 and 65-70 mC/m2, respectively. The remanent polarization of the odd nylon series is observed to increase linearly with increasing dipole density as does the melting point. The coercive field also shows a linear increase with dipole density. The present study also shows that both uniaxially oriented and unoriented odd-numbered nylons exhibit ferroelectric hysteresis behavior, and that the ferroelectric response can be significantly enhanced by uniaxial orientation.
Erythrocyte Ribosyluric Acid of Dairy Cattle Normal and Deficient for Uridine Monophosphate Synthase

An inherited deficiency of uridine-5'-monophosphate synthase has recently been discovered in dairy cattle. The possibility was explored that this deficiency might be detected by low amounts of erythrocyte 3-N-ribosyluric acid, since it is synthesized by uridine monophosphate synthase. Ribosyluric acid was lower in six dairy cows with the deficiency compared to six controls, paired on the basis of age, stage of lactation, and diet (.66 vs. 1.38 mumol/ml). However, ribosyluric acid concentration measured in 50 normal cows showed a wide range (.28 to 2.35 mumol/ml), with nine lower than the mean for the deficient animals. This extensive variability may limit the usefulness of ribosyluric acid in diagnosing the inherited deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase.
Formulation and Optimization of a Sustained-Release Tablet of Ketorolac Tromethamine

The objective of our study was to formulate a sustained-release tablet of Ketorolac tromethamine, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. A 2(3) full factorial design (8 runs) was selected. The variables studied were the amount of drug (30 and 40 mg), ratio of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) (240/40 and 140/140 mg), and amount of ethylcellulose (140 and 180 mg). Swelling-controlled matrix tablets were manufactured by direct compression of formulation ingredients using a Stokes single punch tablet press. Dissolution tests were performed using USP apparatus 3 (Bio-Dis II), at various pHs to mimic the conditions that exist in the gastrointestinal tract. Responses studied included time for 50% of the drug to dissolve (T(50)), diffusional exponent (n) that characterizes the release mechanism, and percent friability of the tablets. Analysis of variance indicated that the release rate (T(50)) was affected by the HPMC/NaCMC ratio, amount of drug, and two-way and three-way interactions; whereas the amount of drug, HPMC/NaCMC ratio, ethylcellulose, and the interaction between drug and HPMC/NaCMC and HPMC/NaCMC and ethylcellulose and also three-way interactions were significantly affecting the diffusional exponent (n). The release mechanism was found to be super-case II transport. The friability of the tablets was significantly affected by all three factors: amount of drug, HPMC/NaCMC ratio, and amount of ethylcellulose. The formulation giving the best release characteristics was identified.
Embodied cognition, perceptual symbols, and situation models

It is difficult to see how current models of discourse comprehension can be “scaled up” to account for the rich situation models that may be constructed during naturalistic language comprehension, as when readers are immersed in the story world. Recent proposals about embodied cognition and perceptual symbols, such as those put forth by Glenberg and Robertson and by Roth might offer a framework to address this problem more successfully than traditional approaches that rely on amodal symbol systems.
Iodine allergy: an oyster without a pearl?

P atients are frequently asked about iodine or seafood allergy before IV contrast material is administered because of a commonly held belief among radiologists and others in the medical community of a specific cross-reactivity between iodinated radiographic contrast material and other iodine-rich substances. “Iodine allergy” is often used as a collective term for adverse reactions to these agents. Patients commonly provide positive or ambiguous responses to such questions; such responses are likely to become more common with the increasing consumption of seafood and the increasing prevalence of allergies in the general population. Our purpose is to show that iodine does not confer a specific cross-reactivity between iodine-rich substances, that the cross-reactivity that does exist is nonspecific, and that the concept of iodine allergy is fallacious and may result in the inappropriate nonuse of IV contrast material in patients intolerant of antiseptics or seafood that contain iodine.
Reversed end Ds element: a novel tool for chromosome engineering in Arabidopsis

The maize Ac/Ds transposable element (TE) transposes by a “cut and paste” mechanism. Previous studies in maize showed that when the TE ends are in reversed orientation with respect to each other, alternative transposition reactions can occur resulting in large scale genome rearrangements including deletions and inversions. To test whether similar genome rearrangements can also occur in other plants, we studied the efficacy of such alternative transposition-mediated genome rearrangements in Arabidopsis. Here we present our analysis of 33 independent chromosome rearrangements. Transposition at the reversed ends Ds element can cause deletions over 1 Mbp, and inversions up to 2.4 Mbp in size. We identified additional rearrangements including a reciprocal translocation and a putative ring chromosome. Some of the deletions and inversions are germinally transmitted.
Disease associated balanced chromosome rearrangements (DBCR): Report of two new cases

Disease associated balanced chromosome rearrangements (DBCR) causing truncation, deletion, inactivation or over-expression of specific genes are instrumental in identifying and cloning several disease genes and are estimated to be much more common than anticipated. In one survey, the minimal frequency of combined balanced de novo reciprocal translocations and inversions causing abnormal phenotype is estimated to be 0.17%, a sixfold increase compared to the general population suggesting a causative linkage between the abnormality and the observed phenotypic traits. Here, we report two new cases of apparently balanced de novo translocations resulting in developmental delay and dysmorphic features.
Flow injection-hydride generation determination of arsenic with in situ concentration in a graphite furnace

Abstract The coupling of flow injection-hydride generation with in situ concentration in a graphite furnace is demonstrated to be an effective method for the determination of arsenic in the presence of interferent suppressors. The trapping of arsine on a deposit of reduced Pd is shown to be 100% efficient. The addition of L-cysteine permits full recovery of the As signal in the presence of 100 μg amounts of Ni or Pt. Thiourea is effective at reducing interferences from 100 μg Au, Ni or 10 μg Pd. Increased amounts of Pd or peak area calibration can reduce interferences that occur in the graphite furnace due to other hydride forming elements. A characteristic mass of 10.6 pg and a limit of detection of 36 pg was obtained.