cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological Actions of Endothelin

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the growing amount of information on the most potent vasoactive peptide agonist—endothelin. Endothelin is a potent vasoactive peptide mediator that is generated by endothelial cells exposed to a variety of injurious or stimulatory conditions. Most organs and tissues possess receptors for endothelin. Several transmembrane signaling pathways are activated after interaction of endothelin with its receptor. Elevated tissue or plasma levels of endothelin are associated with numerous pathophysiological situations. However, no single disease entity appears to be associated exclusively with endothelin synthesis or response(s). Well-documented responses of endothelin are known in both vascular cells and parenchymal cells. The endothelin is an important signaling molecule in cell–cell interactions between sinusoidal cells and the hepatocytes, as the liver is required to respond to systemic trauma episodes such as sepsis or specifically to hepatic trauma. Hepatic endothelial cells generate this potent peptide mediator whereas Kupffer cells, Ito cells, and hepatocytes possess receptors with which to respond to endothelin.
Mechanisms of Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity: Cell Death Signaling Mechanisms in Hepatocytes

Acetaminophen overdose is the most frequent cause of hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure in the United States and many other countries. This article summarizes our current knowledge and the more recent progress made in the understanding of the intracellular signaling mechanisms of acetaminophen-induced liver cell death, the impact of the innate immune response on the pathophysiology of acetaminophen-induced liver injury, and the role of regeneration. In addition, the recent progress in translating the findings of animal studies to the human pathophysiology is reviewed.
Quantification of apoptotic events in pure and heterogeneous populations of cells using the flow cytometer.

Publisher Summary This discusses the use of the flow cytometer to identify the proportion of cells that are undergoing apoptosis in pure and heterogeneous populations. To determine the proportion of cells that are apoptotic in a relatively homogeneous population, such as thymocytes or cell lines, collection of simple scatter profiles coupled with staining the DNA with a suitable fluorescent dye is sufficient for analyzing these cells using the flow cytometer. The rapid and highly quantitative nature of flow cytometric cell cycle analysis for determining the proportion of apoptotic cells in a population makes it the method of choice for a variety of studies requiring quantitative information about cell death. By employing multiparameter analysis including phenotypic labeling, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) makes it possible to study apoptosis in specific subsets of cells within a heterogeneous population. Live sorting of cells in the apoptotic region offers the possibility of studying the effects of this form of cell death on key biochemical functions of the cell. However, further modification of the fixing–staining methods is needed to make FACS useful for analysis of apoptosis in human cells.
Sharing virtual environments over a transatlantic ATM network in support of distant collaboration in vehicle design

Research in Virtual Reality no longer is focused only on computer graphics, it has become an interdisciplinary, involving new fields such as teleconferencing, networking, and distributed computing. This article presents results of a research project in the Distributed Virtual Reality. The goal of the projects was to evaluate the capabilities, practicality, performance, and cost of this technology for performing collaborative product design review on an industrial showcase application. In the course of the project a dedicated network between two virtual reality visualization systems was established across the North Atlantic. Tele-conferencing applications were integrated with a virtual reality system allowing users from geographically remote locations to see and talk to each other in the shared virtual environment while performing collaborative product design review.
Avian scale development: XIII. Epidermal germinative cells are committed to appendage-specific differentiation and respond to patterned cues in the dermis

Abstract The ability of the germinative cell population of scutate scale epidermis to continue to generate cells that undergo their appendage-specific differentiation (beta stratum formation), when associated with foreign dermis, was examined. Tissue recombination experiments were carried out which placed anterior metatarsal epidermis (scutate scale forming region) from normal 15-day chick embryos with either the anterior metatarsal dermis from 15-day scaleless ( sc sc ) embryos or the dermis from the metatarsal footpad (reticulate scale forming region) of 15-day normal embryos. Neither of these dermal tissues are able to induce beta stratum formation in the simple ectodermal epithelium of the chorion, however, the footpad dermis develops an appendage-specific pattern during morphogenesis of the reticulate scales, while the sc sc dermis does not. Morphological and immunohistological criteria were used to assess appendage-specific epidermal differentiation in these recombinants. The results show that the germinative cell population of the 15-day scutate scale epidermis is committed to generating suprabasal cells that follow their appendage-specific pathways of histogenesis and terminal differentiation. Of significance is the observation that the expression of this determined state occurred only when the epidermis differentiated in association with the footpad dermis, not when it was associated with the sc sc dermis. The consistent positioning of the newly generated beta strata to the apical regions of individual reticulate-like appendages demonstrates that the dermal cues necessary for terminal epidermal differentiation are present in a reticulate scale pattern. The observation that beta stratum formation is completely missing in the determined scutate scale epidermis when associated with the sc sc dermis adds to our understanding of the sc sc defect. The present data support the conclusion of earlier studies that the anterior metatarsal dermis from 15-day sc sc embryos lacks the ability to induce beta stratum formation in a foreign epithelium. In addition, these observations evoke the hypothesis that the sc sc dermis either lacks the cues (generated during scutate and reticulate scale morphogenesis) necessary for terminal differentiation of the determined scutate scale epidermis or inhibits the generation of a beta stratum.
Uniformization in Markov Decision Processes

Continuous-time Markov decision processes (CTMDP) may be viewed as a special case of semi-Markov decision processes (SMDP) where the intertransition times are exponentially distributed and the decision maker is allowed to choose actions whenever the system state changes. When the transition rates are identical for each state and action pair, one can convert a CTMDP into an equivalent discrete-time Markov decision process (DTMDP), which is easier to analyze and solve. In this article, we describe uniformization that uses fictitious transitions from a state to itself and hence enables the conversion of a CTMDP with nonidentical transition rates into an equivalent DTMDP. We first demonstrate the use of uniformization in converting a continuous-time Markov chain into an equivalent discrete-time Markov chain, and then describe how it is used in the context of CTMDPs with discounted reward criterion. We also present examples for the use of uniformization in continuous-time Markov models. Keywords: Markov decision processes (MDP); discrete-time Markov decision processes (DTMDP); continuous-time Markov decision processes (CTMDP); discounted reward; uniformization
Significance of cervicovaginal cytology after radiation therapy for cervical carcinoma

During follow-up examinations; 1,338 cervicovaginal cytologic smears were obtained from 254 women who had irradiation therapy for cervical cancer. These specimens were meticulously searched for the various cellular phenomena that may characterize such preparations, and some of the findings were subjectively quantitated. Correlations were made with histopathologic diagnoses, clinical findings, and results of treatment. Patients with malignant postradiation cells who were promptly treated for latent new or recurrent tumors generally responded well to treatment of the secondary tumor. The presence of malignant cells at any time after completion of therapy is an ominous sign, irrespective of the clinical status, and should lead to intensive effort to identify the site of a new or persisting lesion. The significance of dysplasia in postradiation smears is not entirely clear, and in certain instances it is difficult to distinguish severely dysplastic cells from either repair cells or malignant cells.
Stochastic and deterministic vector chromatography of suspended particles in one-dimensional periodic potentials

We present a comprehensive description of vector chromatography (VC) that includes deterministic and stochastic transport in one-dimensional periodic free-energy landscapes, with both energetic and entropic contributions, and identifies the parameters governing the deflection angle. We also investigate the dependence of the deflection angle on the shape of the free-energy landscape by varying the width of the linear transitions in an otherwise dichotomous potential. Finally, we present experimental results obtained in a microfluidic system in which gravity drives the suspended particles and, in combination with a bottom surface patterned with shallow rectangular grooves, creates a periodic landscape of (potential) energy barriers. The experiments validate the model and demonstrate that a simple, passive microdevice can lead to VC of colloidal particles based on both size and density. More generally, other fields, e.g., electric, dielectrophoretic, or magnetic, can play or enhance the role of gravity, potentially leading to a versatile technique.
Power Distance in Online Learning: Experience of Chinese Learners in U.S. Higher Education.

The purpose of this research study was to explore the influence of Confucian-heritage culture on Chinese learners’ online learning and engagement in online discussion in U.S. higher education. More specifically, this research studied Chinese learners’ perceptions of power distance and its impact on their interactions with instructors and peers in an online setting. This study was conducted at a research university in the southwestern U.S. Twelve undergraduate students from the Confucian-heritage culture, including mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, participated in the study. This study provided evidence that the online setting benefited these Chinese learners’ engagement in class discussion, but it may increase the level of anxiety in their participation. Learning, perceived by the Chinese learners, was more instructor-centered. Instructors were viewed as authorities, major sources of knowledge, and possessed high power to students. As a result, when encountering difficulties in learning, the Chinese learners were intimidated to interact with their instructors. Instead, they tended to seek help from peers, particularly those who shared similar cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Studies on the response of liver xanthine oxidase to dietary protein in weanling rats

Several studies have been carried out in this laboratory relating the xanthine oxidase activity in the liver of adult rats to the quality of dietary protein (Litwack et al., '52, '53c). The behavior of this enzyme toward fasting and pro tein and amino acid-deficient diets (Miller, '48; Seif ter et al., '48; Litwack et al., '50; Williams and Elvehjem, '49, '50; Williams, DentA3n and Elvehjem, '49) has been exten sively studied, as have the effects of non-specific ammonium nitrogen sources on the enzyme activity (Litwack, Williams and Elvehjem, '53b). In some of our previous work using adult animals (Lit wack et al., '52, !53c) we have described a method for evalu ating the quality of dietary protein, using the response in liver xanthine oxidase activity as the criterion. We have also tested the quality of various protein preparations, using this method. After studying the deficient protein, gliadin, and supplementation of this protein with amino acids, it was concluded that the enzyme response was very sensitive to
Tipping the Balance between Concerted versus Sequential Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

We use quantized molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the competition between concerted and sequential proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) reaction mechanisms in inorganic catalysts. By analyzing reactive nonadiabatic PCET trajectories and computing both concerted and sequential rate constants, we characterize various molecular features that govern inorganic PCET reactions, including the solvent polarity, ligand-mediated electron–proton interactions, and intrinsic proton-transfer (PT) energy barrier. Using atomistic simulations with over 1200 atoms, we find that the symmetric iron biimidazoline system is extremely biased toward the concerted mechanism because of the strong ligand-mediated electron–proton interaction and the short PT distance. However, by investigating system-bath models in which electron–proton interactions are shielded, which are representative of ruthenium terpyridylbenzoates and iron (tetraphenylporphyrin)benzoates, we predict that a crossover between the concerted and seq...
An Examination of Mindfulness-Based Experiences Through Adventure in Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Young Adult Males: a Pilot Study

The aims of this exploratory pilot study were to examine how a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program for young adult males integrated mindfulness-based experiences into the treatment process, and to assess the impact of these experiences on the development of mindfulness skills and treatment outcome. The study utilized a within-subject naturalistic mixed-method design that integrated quantitative and qualitative data where all participants who entered treatment and agreed to participate in the evaluation were included in the data collection. A total of 32 young men were included in the analysis with an average age of 22.9 years. Statistically significant changes in scores on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) from pre- to post-treatment were noted for all clients as a result of treatment, and these changes were strongly correlated to treatment outcome as indicated by statistically significant changes in total OQ-45.2 scores. Clients also showed specific improvement in scores on mindfulness skills related to the nonjudging and nonreactivity facets of the FFMQ which were related to reductions in the client’s overall subjective distress as measured by the OQ-45.2. Qualitative findings from analysis of client comments support these findings and highlight client perspective of the value of mindfulness-based experiences in addictions treatment. Despite the limitations inherent in this exploratory study, mindfulness-based experiences (MBEs) are discussed as a promising approach in the treatment of SUD and suggest further research in this area of addiction treatment.
Analytic Approximations for Inside - Outside Interferometry

Abstract Analytical expressions for pion interferometry are derived illustrating the competing effects of various non-ideal aspects of inside-outside cascade dynamics at energies ∼ 200 AGeV.
COMMENT ON "THE MODE THEORY OF VLF RADIO PROPAGATION FOR A SPHERICAL EARTH AND A CONCENTRIC ANISOTROPIC IONOSPHERE"

The theory of the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the space between a spherical conducting earth and a concentric ionospheric reflecting layer is treated. The problem is idealized to the extent that, at the boundaries of this spherical waveguide, the tangential field components are related in a prescribed way. In the case of the ground, the relation involves a scalar surface impedance while, for the ionosphere, it is necessary to employ a reflection coefficient or surface impedance in the form of a matrix. On this basis a solution is sought for the total field produced by a vertical electric dipole. Explicit results are obtained under the assumption of azimuthal symmetry. By applying the Watson transformation, a representation in terms of guided waves is obtained. This form of the solution was used previously by the author to obtain specific results.
Fixed Path Length Sample Holders Enable Robust Cryosaxs Measurements from Sub-Microliter Sample Volumes

Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) gives structural information about biological molecules in solution. However, large (∼30 microliter) sample volumes are needed to mitigate radiation damage, limiting the use of SAXS in studying rare molecules. By cryocooling SAXS samples, radiation damage and required sample volumes are reduced by orders of magnitude [1], but challenges in creating identically-sized frozen samples complicate background subtraction. Here we present microfabricated silicon sample holders for cryoSAXS. These rigid sample holders have a fixed x-ray path length, simplifying background subtraction. Less than 800 nL of sample are required, facilitating measurements on expensive or hard-to-express molecules. These fixed path length, low volume sample holders make cryoSAXS a more accessible technique capable of probing a wide range of biological molecules.1. S. P. Meisburger et al. Biophys. J. 104, 227 (2013).
THE SUPPRESSION OF MINERALIZATION IN A COCCOLITHOPHORID BY AN INHIBITOR OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE.

SYNOPSIS. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor 2-acetylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide-sodium prevents mineralization in the coccolithophorid Hymenomonas sp. in concentrations which still permit the growth of organisms.
Bayesian learning theory applied to human cognition

Probabilistic models based on Bayes' rule are an increasingly popular approach to understanding human cognition. Bayesian models allow immense representational latitude and complexity. Because they use normative Bayesian mathematics to process those representations, they define optimal performance on a given task. This article focuses on key mechanisms of Bayesian information processing, and provides numerous examples illustrating Bayesian approaches to the study of human cognition. We start by providing an overview of Bayesian modeling and Bayesian networks. We then describe three types of information processing operations-inference, parameter learning, and structure learning-in both Bayesian networks and human cognition. This is followed by a discussion of the important roles of prior knowledge and of active learning. We conclude by outlining some challenges for Bayesian models of human cognition that will need to be addressed by future research. WIREs Cogn Sci 2011 2 8-21 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.80 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Feline ocular and cerebrospinal fluid Toxoplasma gondii-specific humoral immune responses following specific and nonspecific immune stimulation

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii-naive cats and cats previously infected orally with T. gondii tissue cysts were inoculated with soluble tachyzoite antigens plus adjuvant or adjuvant alone. Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM and IgG were measured in serum, aqueous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The Goldman-Witmer coefficient (C value) for ocular or central nervous system (CNS) antibody production was calculated for aqueous humor or CSF samples positive for T. gondii-specific antibodies. Following inoculation with adjuvant plus soluble tachyzoite antigens, ocular and CNS T. gondii-specific IgG C values increased in the three previously infected cats. Following inoculation with adjuvant, the two previously infected cats had increases in ocular and CNS T. gondii-specific IgG C values. Ocular ( 2 3 cats) or CNS ( 1 3 cats) T. gondii-specific IgG C values of over 1 were detected in some T. gondii-naive cats following inoculation with adjuvant plus soluble tachyzoite antigens. The results of this study suggest that T. gondii-specific IgG C values of over 1 in aqueous humor or CSF do not prove active ocular or CNS infection in all cats.
Kinetoplast RNA of Leishmania tarentolae

RNA has been isolated from highly purified kinetoplast-mitochondrial fractions of Leishmania tarentolae, and shown to consist of two major species that sediment at 9S and 12S in sucrose and also several additional low molecular weight species which were visualized by gel electrophoresis. The in vivo transcription of 9S and 12S RNAs was inhibited by ethidium bromide and rifampin, and was fairly insensitive to low actinomycin D and camptothecin. The 9S and 12S RNAs were isolated by acrylamide gel electrophoresis or by sedimentation in sucrose. Both RNAs contained approximately 80% A + U and did not contain long stretches of poly(A). The 9S and 12S RNAs were found to hybridize selectively to the maxicircle sequences of the kinetoplast DNA, implying that the maxicircle, and not the minicircle, represents the informational mitochondrial DNA in the kinetoplast.
Design and performance of a universal sheathless capillary electrophoresis to mass spectrometry interface using a split-flow technique.

A split-flow capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CE/ESI-MS) interface is introduced, in which the electrical connection to the CE capillary outlet is achieved by diverting part of the CE buffer out of the capillary through an opening near the capillary outlet. The CE buffer exiting the opening contacts a sheath metal tube which acts as the CE outlet/ESI shared electrode. In cases in which the ESI source uses a metal needle, the voltage contact to the CE buffer is achieved by simply inserting the outlet of the CE capillary, which contains an opening, into the existing ESI needle (thereby greatly simplifying the CE to MS interfacing). As a result of the concentration-sensitive nature of ESI, splitting a small percentage of the CE flow has minimal effect on the sensitivity of detection. In addition, because the liquid is flowing through the opening and out of the capillary, there is no dead volume associated with this interface. Moreover, bubble formation due to redox reactio...
Listeria cell wall fraction: Adjuvant activity in vivo and in vitro

This paper reports that a crude cell wall-containing fraction (LCWF) of the grampositive organism Listeria monocytogenes enhances in vivo and in vitro murine immune responses to erythrocyte antigens. LCWF is different from the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin of gram-negative bacteria since it enhances responses of C3H/HeJ mice, which are not stimulated by endotoxin. This material may be important in induction of resistance to infection by Listeria monocytogenes .
Influence of oxygen and pH on the selective oxidation of ethanol on Pd catalysts

The selective oxidation of ethanol on supported Pd is catalytically promoted by the presence of hydroxide species on the Pd surface as well as in solution. These hydroxide intermediates act as Bronsted bases which readily abstract protons from the hydroxyl groups of adsorbed or solution-phase alcohols. The C1AH bond of the resulting alkoxide is subsequently activated on the metal surface via hydride elimination to form acetaldehyde. Surface and solution-phase hydroxide intermediates can also readily react with the acetaldehyde via nucleophilic addition to form a germinal diol intermediate, which subsequently undergoes a second C1AH bond activation on Pd to form acetic acid. The role of O2 is to remove the electrons produced in the oxidation reaction via the oxygen reduction reaction over Pd. The reduction reaction also regenerates the hydroxide intermediates and removes adsorbed hydrogen that is produced during the oxidation.
Programming of Erythromycin Biosynthesis by a Modular Polyketide Synthase

Abstract Since the discovery and sequencing of 6 deoxyerythronolide B synthase twenty years ago, this exceptionally large, multifunctional protein remains the paradigm for the understanding of the structure and biochemical function of modular polyketide synthases.
Induction of Squamous Differentiation by Interferon Beta in a Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line.

Background More than 95% of lung cancers occur in the bronchi, appearing as adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma, large-cell and small-cell carcinoma, or mixed types. Generally, the least aggressive form is squamous cell lung cancer, suggesting the possibility that promotion of squamous cell differentiation may have therapeutic potential for non-small-cell lung cancer, a disease having no effective systemic therapy. Interferons are a group of glycoproteins with known antiproliferative effects, including the ability to induce differentiation in certain cases. Purpose These studies were conducted to determine whether interferon beta induces squamous cell differentiation in non-small-cell lung cancer in vitro. Methods NCI-H596 adenosquamous cells were grown to confluence to maximize their differentiation potential. Growth and parameters for squamous differentiation (cross-linked envelope competence, transglutaminase activity, and relative involucrin expression) were then measured when the cells were exposed to various concentrations of interferon beta. Results Interferon beta inhibited growth of the NCI-H596 cell line and stimulated envelope competence, involucrin expression, and type 2 transglutaminase activity. Alterations in transglutaminase activity and involucrin expression preceded induction of envelope competence and growth suppression. Conclusions Interferon beta suppresses the growth and stimulates markers of squamous differentiation in NCI-H596. While the mechanism(s) for such effects are unknown, the sequence of effects suggests a causal relationship between differentiation induction and subsequent growth suppression. Implications Interferon beta may have clinical usefulness in squamous differentiation strategies for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. More must be learned about the mechanisms whereby interferons and other biologic agents induce differentiation, and clinical trials will be needed to determine whether in vitro results are pertinent in vivo.
Sensitivity Analysis for Beams and Plates (The Elementary Solution Approach)

We consider the linear equations modelling the dynamic behavior of vibrating beams and thin plates. We develop the basic equations for the sensitivity function indicating the dynamic structural response to changes in design. Specifically, the properties of the sensitivity function are developed in detail for the vibrating beam equation. We conclude that the knowledge of an elementary solution of the beam equation, and of the sensitivity function for the elementary solution can be used to determine the sensitivity function for a class of admissible loads applied to the beam.
Health status and behavioral outcomes for youth who anticipate a high likelihood of early death

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between adolescents' perceived risk for dying and their involvement in risk behaviors is unknown. We sought to determine the proportion of US youth who anticipate a high likelihood of early mortality and relationships with health status and risk behaviors over time. METHODS: We analyzed data from times 1 (1995), 2 (1996), and 3 (2001-2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of youth in grades 7 through 12. The relationship between perceived risk for premature mortality and health behaviors/outcomes was assessed by using bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: At time 1, 14.7% of the 20594 respondents reported at least a 50/50 chance that they would not live to age 35. In adjusted models, illicit drug use, suicide attempt, fight-related injury, police arrest, unsafe sexual activity, and a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS predicted early death perception at time 2, time 3, or both (adjusted odds ratios: 1.26-5.12). Conversely, perceived early mortality at time 1 predicted each of these behaviors and outcomes, except illicit drug use, at time 2 or time 3, most strongly a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS (adjusted odds ratios: 7.13 [95% confidence interval: 2.50-20.36]). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent involvement in risk behaviors predicted a belief in premature mortality 1 and 7 years later. Reciprocally, adolescents' perceived risk for early death predicted serious health outcomes, notably a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in young adulthood. Given its frequency and influence on behavior and health, adolescents' perceived risk for early death should be incorporated into psychosocial assessments and interviews. Language: en
Controlled synthesis and assembly of FePt nanoparticles

Monodisperse 4 nm FePt magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by superhydride reduction of FeCl2 and Pt(acac)2 at high temperature, and thin assemblies of FePt nanoparticles with controlled thickness were formed via polymer mediated self-assembly. Adding superhydride (LiBEt3H) to the phenyl ether solution of FeCl2 and Pt(acac)2 in the presence of oleic acid, oleylamine, and 1,2-hexadecanediol at 200 °C, followed by refluxing at 263 °C, led to monodisperse 4 nm FePt nanoparticles. The initial molar ratio of the metal precursors was retained during the synthesis, and the final FePt composition of the particles was readily tuned. Alternately, adsorbing a layer of polyethylenimine (PEI) and the FePt nanoparticles onto a solid substrate resulted in nanoparticle assemblies with tunable thickness. Chemical analysis of the assemblies revealed that more iron oxide was present in the thinner assemblies annealed at lower temperature or for shorter time. Thermal annealing induced the internal particle structure chan...
The new Illinois gas tax law

This law, passed to meet the objectins of the state Supreme Court to the earlier law, contains some novel features with possibilities of later trouble.
Empirical Comparison of Methods for Estimating Location Cost Adjustments Factors

AbstractLocation factors are used to adjust conceptual cost estimates by project location. Presently, the construction industry has adopted a simple, proximity-based interpolation method to estimate location factors for missing locations. Although this approach is widely accepted, its validity has not been statistically substantiated. This study assessed the current method of adjusting conceptual cost estimates by project location and compared its performance against two alternative spatial interpolation methods. A Moran’s I test was used to confirm the presence of strong spatial autocorrelation, which supports the use of proximity-based methods. Additional statistical evaluations of current and alternative methods were also conducted. Results provided statistical justification for the current method. However, an alternative method was proven to outperform the current method. Moreover, several opportunities for future research were identified as a result of this exploratory study.
NO Decomposition over Mn2O3and Mn3O4

Mn2O3is better than Mn3O4for catalytic NO decomposition; regardless, appreciable activities were not observed below 773 K. For example, at 0.040 atm NO and 773 K, Mn2O3had a specific activity of 3.5 × 10−4μmole N2/s/m2and an activation energy of 11 kcal/mole, while for Mn3O4comparable values were 6.5 × 10−5μmole N2/s/m2and 15 kcal/mole, respectively. Based on NO chemisorption at 300 K, these specific activities correspond to turnover frequencies of 7.5 × 10−5s−1and 1.6 × 10−5s−1for Mn2O3and Mn3O4, respectively. Pretreatment in He at 873 K produced more O2desorption from Mn2O3(6.1 molecules O2/m2) than from Mn3O4(2.2 molecules O2/m2), but no changes in either XRD pattern were detected. Consequently, oxygen vacancies were formed and, as in previous studies, activity is associated with these vacancies. Reaction orders on NO ranged from 1.4 to 1.9 between 833 and 873 K, with the higher values occurring with O2in the feed. Negative reaction orders on O2were around −0.3 and not strongly dependent on temperature. A Langmuir–Hinshelwood model involving a surface reaction between two adsorbed NO molecules fit the data well and gave kinetic parameters which provided the following values: for the reaction between two adsorbed NO molecules,Ea = 46 kcal/mole; for NO adsorption, ΔHado = −25 kcal/mole and ΔSado = −25 cal/mole/K; for O2adsorption, ΔHado = −35 kcal/mole and ΔSado = −31 cal/mole/K. A comparison to specific activities obtained from the literature for oxides showed the following order at 773 K: Cu/ZSM-5 >> Co3O4 > La2O3 [simeq] Mn2O3 > CuO > NiO, Fe2O3.
Bernstein-Mode Quasioptical Maser Experiment

Experimental observations of coherent, millimeter-wavelength, higher-cyclotron-harmonic oscillations are reported for a system of an electron beam in a magnetic field traversing a Fabry-Perot resonator. The parameters of the experiment tend to support the interpretation that the strong multiple-harmonic interaction results from mode conversion of short-wavelength electrostatic waves (Bernstein modes) to long-wavelength electromagnetic resonator modes at the beam boundary.
Model of Intracellular Calcium Cycling in Ventricular Myocytes

We present a mathematical model of calcium cycling that takes into account the spatially localized nature of release events that correspond to experimentally observed calcium sparks. This model naturally incorporates graded release by making the rate at which calcium sparks are recruited proportional to the whole cell L-type calcium current, with the total release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) being just the sum of local releases. The dynamics of calcium cycling is studied by pacing the model with a clamped action potential waveform. Experimentally observed calcium alternans are obtained at high pacing rates. The results show that the underlying mechanism for this phenomenon is a steep nonlinear dependence of the calcium released from the SR on the diastolic SR calcium concentration (SR load) and/or the diastolic calcium level in the cytosol, where the dependence on diastolic calcium is due to calcium-induced inactivation of the L-type calcium current. In addition, the results reveal that the calcium dynamics can become chaotic even though the voltage pacing is periodic. We reduce the equations of the model to a two-dimensional discrete map that relates the SR and cytosolic concentrations at one beat and the previous beat. From this map, we obtain a condition for the onset of calcium alternans in terms of the slopes of the release-versus-SR load and release-versus-diastolic-calcium curves. From an analysis of this map, we also obtain an understanding of the origin of chaotic dynamics.
A Screening Attachment for an Amadas Peanut Combine1

Abstract Some farmers mechanically screen farmer stock (FS) peanuts after combining to remove undesired materials for value and quality improvement. Screening is accomplished with low capacity, portable screens at the field after combining or with high capacity cleaners or screens at buying points. An alternative method for FS peanut screening has been developed cooperatively by Amadas Industries and USDA-ARS, National Peanut Research Laboratory utilizing an experimental combine screening attachment. The attachment is a hydraulically driven, rotating cylindrical screen (trommel) with an axis inclined less than 10° from horizontal during operation. Peanuts are screened with the trommel prior to entering the combine basket, and smaller, unwanted materials are returned to the soil. Thirty-eight lots of FS peanuts averaging 3.27 t/lot were combined throughout all U.S. peanut-producing regions to examine performance. Foreign materials for the screened lots averaged 2.15% less than the unscreened lots (P = 0.05...
Preventive pediatric mental health care: A co-location model.

Current practice recommendations in both the fields of infant mental health and pediatrics support the co-location of mental health professionals into the pediatric setting. Multiple policy reports and statements of the past 5 years have repeatedly argued the need for coordination and integration between mental health care and pediatrics (Halfon, Regalado, McLearn, Kuo, & Wright, 2003; Osofsky, 2004). The pediatric office is recognized as a universally accessed, nonstigmatized setting, ideal for the assessment and treatment of early childhood mental health problems. However, barriers to this type of care are rampant, including time limitations on the part of pediatricians, inadequate reimbursement structures, inadequate training of pediatricians, and insufficient connections between medical and mental health providers. An innovative response to these barriers is the co-location of a mental health professional in the pediatric practice to provide pediatrician education and appropriate screening, assessment, referral, and treatment of young patients. This article describes a successful program of this type situated in the Bronx, NY, where a psychologist with expertise in infant mental health spends 25 hours per week in a large pediatric practice to address the developmental and mental health needs of children aged 0–3 years old. Preliminary descriptive data regarding the patient population, screening scores, and disposition are presented.
Effects of leukotrienes C4 and D4 on glycoprotein and lysozyme secretion by human bronchial mucosa.

Abstract The effects of leukotrienes C4 (LTC4) and D4 (LTD4) on the secretion by human bronchial mucosa of [14C]glucosamine-labeled, trichloro-acetic acid/phosphotungstic acid-precipitable glycoprotein and lysozyme were evaluated in vitro . LTC4 and LTD4, in the concentration range of 0.16 to 1600 nM, induced a dose-related increase in the release of radiolabeled glycoprotein, but not of lysozyme. This secretagogue effect was selective for high molecular weight glycoproteins of about 2–5 × 106 daltons, and the median effective concentrations (EC50 of LTC4 of 9.4 × 10−9 M and of LTD4 of 2.44 × 10−8 M, indicate that these leukotrienes are approximately 100-fold more potent than the cholinergic agonist methacholine. Incubation of [14C]glucosamine-labeled bronchial mucosal explants with LTC4 or LTD4 for six sequential 15-min periods revealed a rapid, progressive decrement in glycoprotein release, compatible with stimulatory action on secretion rather than augmentation of the rate of glycoprotein synthesis. This interpretation is also consistent with the finding that the specific activity (ratio of bound radiolabel: protein content) of the macromolecular glycoprotein secreted by the explants is not changed with stimulation of release by the leukotrienes. Based upon the activity of synthetic leukotriene analogs, the specific C-6 chirality of the sulfidopeptide of LTD4, the presence of a hydroxyl at C-5 and the presence of eiconsanoid carbons 9–20 were no importance for secretagogue activity. These findings contrast with the stereochemical requirements for the spasmogenic response to sulfidopeptide leukotrienes and suggest that leukotriene-induced secretion is not likely to be mediated via a specific receptor.
Nutrition, bone mass, and subsequent risk of hip fracture in white women.

The interrelationships between nutritional status, concurrent bone density, bone dimensions, and risk of subsequent hip fracture were investigated using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its three follow-up studies. A cohort of 890 White women aged 45 years or older who received nutritional and bone measurements in the baseline survey in 1971-75 were recontacted in 1982-84, 1986, and 1987. Height, weight, serum albumin, total energy intake, bone density, and bone dimensions were measured at baseline. Thirty-three incident hip fractures were identified during 12,190 person-years of follow-up. Total energy intake and serum albumin were little correlated with concurrent bone density and bone dimensions. Serum albumin, total energy intake, and weight tended to be inversely associated with risk of hip fracture. The multivariable relative risks were 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57-0.98) for one standard deviation increment of serum albumin, 0.67 (95% CI = 0.42-1.07) for dietary energy intake, and 0.61 (95% CI = 0.38-0.97) for weight, respectively. Height was positively, but not significantly associated with risk of hip fracture. Nutritional effects on hip fracture were independent of concurrent bone density and bone dimensions. Higher bone density was protective of subsequent hip fracture (relative risk = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.36-0.83, for one standard deviation increment of bone density) independent of effects related to concurrent nutritional status. Thus, poor nutritional status and reduced bone density appeared to increase the risks of subsequent hip fracture independently. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:661-667, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pentaquark, cusp, and rescattering in single kaon photoproduction off deuterium

In very well defined part of the phase space, K N and {Lambda} N rescattering depend on on-shell elementary matrix elements and on the low momentum components of the deuteron wave function. This provides us with the unique opportunity to study details in the scattering amplitudes that may have escaped the analysis of reactions induced on a nucleon target by Kaon and Hyperon beams at low energies. When folded with a typical experimental mass resolution, a narrow state with a width of 1 {approx} MeV would contribute by no more than 10% to the KN mass spectrum. On the contrary, a cusp would be easily detected near the {Sigma} production threshold in the {Lambda} N mass spectrum.
Physiological mechanisms that underlie the effects of interactional unfairness on deviant behavior: the role of cortisol activity

Although experiencing unfairness is a primary source of stress, there are surprisingly few studies that have examined the physiological underpinnings of unfairness. Drawing from social self-preservation theory, we derive predictions regarding the effects of interactional unfairness on activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, which is one of the body�s primary hormonal systems for responding to stress. Using an experimental design with objective physiological measures, we found support for our hypothesis that interactional unfairness triggers the release of cortisol by the HPA axis. This cortisol activity in turn mediated the effects of interactional unfairness on deviant behavior. This indirect effect remained significant after controlling for established attitudinal and self-construal mediators of the justice�deviance relationship. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for the occupational stress and organizational justice literatures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)
Synthesis of (S,S)-isodityrosine by Dötz benzannulation.

A synthesis of (S,S)-isodityrosine 1, a naturally occurring, key structural subunit of numerous biologically active macromolecules, is described. A formal [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition (Dotz benzannulation) approach was utilized to simultaneously construct an aromatic ring and the diaryl ether linkage in one step. This key step was extended to the synthesis of (S,S)-isodityrosine in two separate convergent synthetic routes. This method demonstrates a novel and mild method for the synthesis of diaryl ethers.
Chronic subdural hematoma complicating arachnoid cyst secondary to soccer-related head injury: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Soccer has become a popular sport, with more than 200 million Federation International Football Association-registered soccer players worldwide and 16 million participants in the United States. The risk of sustaining a significant head injury from a strike to a soccer ball with the head is unknown, but it may be increased with the presence of an underlying congenital arachnoid cyst. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 16-year-old female patient who sustained a large chronic and subacute subdural hematoma without a loss of consciousness from being struck on the head by a soccer ball. Because of the large size of the hematoma and her contralateral symptoms, surgery was performed. INTERVENTION: A temporal craniotomy for evacuation of a large chronic and subacute subdural hematoma with removal and fenestration of the arachnoid cyst resulted in resolution of her symptoms. Rigid craniotomy fixation of this small operative flap should allow the patient to return to soccer participation in the future. CONCLUSION: Although many may not consider soccer a contact sport, recent epidemiological data suggest that it is a common cause of sports-related concussion. In addition, as our case report demonstrates, there is a risk of significant intracranial injury and hematoma formation subsequent to a strike on the head by a soccer ball, and arachnoid cysts may contribute an additional risk of head injury. Language: en
SU-E-T-45: Antibody Mean Residence Time in Blood and Its Correlation with Protein Molecular Weight

Purpose: Animal biodistribution data are required prior to introducing a new radiopharmaceutical into clinical trials. Protein engineering, using recombinant DNA techniques can produce a large number of related (cognate) antibodies to a given molecular target. Thus, it is important that these constructs be numerically related to one another via a single criterion. In the following, we use the mean residence time (MRT) in murine blood as this criterion. Methods: Five cognate anti-CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) antibodies were compared with regard to their MRT in whole blood of CEA-positive tumor-bearing (LS174T) mice. MRT was defined by blood AUC (area under the curve) divided by the initial blood uptake value; all in units of percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g). Cognates included single chain scFv (25 kDa), diabody (50 kDa), minibody (80 kDa), F(ab')2 (120 kDa), and intact (155 kDa) forms of the murine cT84.66 antibody against CEA. All were labeled with radioactive iodine. Results: The agents, in the sequence listed, exhibited MRT values of 1.16 +/- 0.01 h, 0.99 h, 5.06 +/- 0.70 h, 6.61 +/- 0.36 h, and 59.3 +/- 2.4 h respectively. Because of the monotonic nature of the sequence, a linear correlation analysis was performed between molecular weight (MW)more » and MRT or ln(MRT) of the 5 proteins. Probability of random correlation was 0.10 for MRT and 0.01 for ln(MRT). Conclusion: MRT values of cognate anti-CEA antibodies were found to be a monotonically increasing sequence with respect to MW. Cognate MW values correlated best to ln(MRT) of the protein species. Thus MRT was proportional to an exponential function of molecular weight. The extended intact antibody circulation time presumably reflected its relatively maximal MW. Presence of an intact FC segment on this native antibody may also have influenced these results.« less
Iproniazid (Marsilid) reverses dopamine-effect and stimulates the growth of mouse neuroblastoma in vitro.

Die hemmende Wirkung von Dopamin auf die Zellteilung von Neuroblastoma beruht wahrscheinlich nicht auf dem Effekt seines desaminierten Metaboliten, obwohl sie durch den MAO-Hemmer Marsilid aufgehoben wird.
Modeling Operational Decision Making in Public Organizations: An Integration of Two Institutional Theories

Institutional theories, which explain how rules, norms, and shared strategies shape human behavior, have been used to examine why public and private organizations look different structurally, why a...