In this paper we describe an Incomplete LU factorization technique based on a strategy which combines two heuristics. This ILUT factorization extends the usual ILU(0) factorization without using the concept of level of ll-in. There are two traditional ways of developing incomplete factorization preconditioners. The rst uses a symbolic factorization approach in which a level of ll is attributed ...

The K(+) M-current (I(M), Kv7) is an important regulator of cortical excitability, and mutations in these channels cause a seizure disorder in humans. The neuropeptide somatostatin (SST), which has antiepileptic properties, augments I(M) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. We used SST receptor knock-out mice and subtype-selective ligands to investigate the receptor subtype that couples to I(M...

Although social skills training (SST) is an effective approach for improving social skills for schizophrenia, the motivational deficit attenuates its efficacy. Virtual reality (VR) applications have allowed individuals with mental disabilities to enhance their motivation for rehabilitation. We compared SST using VR role-playing (SST-VR) to SST using traditional role-playing (SST-TR). This rando...

Tuberculosis is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. The susceptibility to this disease depends to a great extent on the innate immune response against mycobacteria. Host defense peptides (HDP) are one of the first barriers to counteract infection. Cathelicidin (LL-37) is an HDP that has many immunomodulatory effects besides its weak antimicrobial activity. Despite advances ...

Targeting neuroendocrine tumors expressing somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst) with radiolabeled somatostatin agonists is an established diagnostic and therapeutic approach in oncology. While agonists readily internalize into tumor cells, permitting accumulation of radioactivity, radiolabeled antagonists do not, and they have not been considered for tumor targeting. The macrocyclic chelator 1,...

Somatostatin (SST) inhibits growth hormone (GH) secretion and regulates multiple processes by signaling through its receptors sst1-5. Differential expression of SST/ssts may contribute to sex-specific GH pattern and fasting-induced GH rise. To further delineate the tissue-specific roles of SST and sst1-5 in these processes, their expression patterns were evaluated in hypothalamus, pituitary, an...

N-Phthaloyl GABA was administrated daily (50 mg/Kg body weight-i.p) to Wistar rats for 21 days and circadian rhythms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were studied under constant light (LL) conditions. Delayed acrophase of TBARS and advanced acrophase of antioxidants (GSH, CAT and ...