cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Menthol-Induced Cutaneous Vasodilation Is Preserved in Essential Hypertensive Men and Women.

BACKGROUND Menthol is a selective transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel agonist that induces cutaneous vasodilation in young, normotensive men and women through nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-, and sensory nerve-mediated mechanisms. Microvascular dysfunction is present in essential hypertension and whether menthol induces vasodilation is men and women with essential hypertension is equivocal. METHODS Four intradermal microdialysis fibers were placed in the forearm of 9 essential hypertensive and 10 age-matched normotensive control subjects. Sites were pretreated with lactated Ringer's (control), l-NAME (NOS inhibited), TEA (EDHF inhibited), and lidocaine (sensory nerve inhibited). The microdialysis fibers were then perfused with 7 increasing doses of menthol (0.1-500 mM). Red cell flux in response to menthol was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry. Data were normalized to mean arterial pressure and presented as a percentage of site-specific maximum vasodilation (%CVCmax). RESULTS At the control site, menthol caused vasodilation in both the normotensive and hypertensive groups (menthol doses 100, 250, and 500 mM; all P < 0.05 compared to baseline). There were no differences between groups (P = 0.58, main effect). There was no effect of either NOS or sensory nerve inhibition on menthol-induced vasodilation in the normotensive group; however, menthol-induced vasodilation was attenuated with NOS and sensory nerve inhibition in the hypertensive group. EDHF inhibition attenuated menthol-induced vasodilation in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Menthol-induced vasodilation has NO, EDHF, and sensory nerve components. Menthol-induced cutaneous vasodilation is preserved in hypertensive subjects. However, the hypertensive subjects exhibited a loss of redundant vasodilator systems.
Data Interpretation and Algorithms

Detection of nuclear threats such as the presence and movement of materials that could be used to construct nuclear weapons is essential to nuclear security and may be accomplished by advanced active interrogation sensing systems. A key to performance of these sensing systems is the ability to analyze and interpret the acquired data. This chapter discusses the analysis and interpretation algorithms applied to data collected by sensing systems in the context of nuclear security. The structure of the chapter is as follows: Sect. 8.1 briefly discusses data analysis in nuclear security. Section 8.2 presents planar and tomographic imaging systems, and the following Sect. 8.3 presents data reduction techniques with the main focus on principal components. Section 8.4 introduces data unfolding methods, while Sect. 8.5 introduces sensor networks and distributed detection algorithms. The main conclusions are summarized at the end of the chapter.
Efficient Inference for Complex Queries on Complex Distributions

We consider problems of approximate inference in which the query of interest is given by a complex formula (such as a formula in disjunctive formal form (DNF)) over a joint distribution given by a graphical model. We give a general reduction showing that (approximate) marginal inference for a class of distributions yields approximate inference for DNF queries, and extend our techniques to accommodate even more complex queries, and dense graphical models with variational inference, under certain conditions. Our results unify and generalize classical inference techniques (which are generally restricted to simple marginal queries) and approximate counting methods such as those introduced by Karp, Luby and Madras (which are generally restricted to product distributions).
Small scale geometric and material features at geometric discontinuities and their role in fracture analysis

We consider the role of small scale geometric and material features at geometric discontinuities other than a crack and study their relevance to fracture analysis. We are motivated by relatively recent experiments that show that under certain circumstances fracture initiation from geometric (sharp notches) and material (bimaterial interface corners) discontinuities can be successfully correlated with critical values of stress intensities that arise from a linear elastic analysis of the corresponding singular stress state. Implicit to such an approach is the idea that perturbations of the elastic fields near the discontinuity, which of course destroy the singular stresses, occur over a scale that is sufficiently small so that the complex behavior in this region is correlated by the elastic stress intensity. While the fracture mechanician will recognize these ideas as extensions of classical linear elastic fracture mechanics, significant differences exist and these are discussed in detail. We motivate the ideas through the use of a series of model problems in antiplane shear that are mostly amenable to exact analyses. We expect that the ideas carry through, albeit at the expense of far more complicated analysis, to planar and even three-dimensional situations.
Algebra for Parallel XQuery Processing

As XML becomes the standard of data presentation and information exchange, how to efficiently query information from XML documents becomes a hot topic. However, for larger XML documents and complicated XQueries, the performance of query processing which executes in a single node can seldom meet the needs of users. In this paper, algebra PPXA (Pure Parallel XQuery Algebra) is proposed to support parallel processing for XQuery statements. Based on the Algebra, a strategy for query plan decomposition is proposed for complex path queries and Twig queries. Then, we propose three optimization algorithms based on PPXA. The logical parallel execution plan is optimized by rules on operators, which reduce the local query execution costs. We implement the algebra and the query decomposition strategy in a native XML database system PureXBase. The experimental results show that it supports the XQuery parallel query processing effectively, and can significantly improve the efficiency of query processing.
Poria Cocos, A Widely Distributed Wood-Rotting Fungus

(1954). Poria Cocos, A Widely Distributed Wood-Rotting Fungus. Mycologia: Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 234-237.
NORMAL OXYGEN TENSIONS IN THE CANINE SPINAL CORD

Publisher Summary The partial pressure of oxygen has been examined at known anatomical locations in the superfused thoracic canine spinal cord. Using a combination of a newly developed marking technique and vibration of electrodes during insertion, one has been able to accurately characterize PO 2 tensions for up to three hours at a single locus. The entire polarographic electrode is recessed and undisturbed by these plating procedures. After tissue PO 2 monitoring, one merely passes a current down the outside of the gold-plated surface of the electrode. This selectively deposits iron at the tip of the electrode. This location is later established by ferrocyanide perfusion of the spinal cord and standard histological technique for the parrafin-embedded 10 μM sections.
Proportion of US Adults Recommended Out-of-Clinic Blood Pressure Monitoring According to the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines.

The 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend out-of-clinic BP monitoring to screen for white coat and masked hypertension among adults not taking antihypertensive medication and whi...
Exploring veteran identity and health services use among Native American veterans.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to describe the military experiences of Native American veterans and to explore how factors related to veteran identity influence their use of health services. Study participants completed a demographic and health questionnaire, followed by participation in a focus group session. The findings revealed that, despite their negative experiences during military service, most participants had a positive veteran identity. Almost 46% of participants reported having a service-related illness or injury. Almost one-third (28.2%) used the Indian Health Service (IHS) exclusively for their health care, followed by those who used both IHS and Veterans Affairs (VA) services (23.5%), followed by VA-only users (21.2%). We conclude that Native American veterans highly identify with their military service but may turn to IHS for their medical care. The data support the current VA policy of strengthening coordination with the IHS to ensure that the medical needs of Native American v...
Leopard: fast decoding cell type-specific transcription factor binding landscape at single-nucleotide resolution

Abstract Decoding the cell type-specific transcription factor (TF) binding landscape at single-nucleotide resolution is crucial for understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying many fundamental biological processes and human diseases. However, limits on time and resources restrict the high-resolution experimental measurements of TF binding profiles of all possible TF-cell type combinations. Previous computational approaches either can not distinguish the cell-context-dependent TF binding profiles across diverse cell types, or only provide a relatively low-resolution prediction. Here we present a novel deep learning approach, Leopard, for predicting TF-binding sites at single-nucleotide resolution, achieving the median area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.994. Our method substantially outperformed state-of-the-art methods Anchor and FactorNet, improving the performance by 19% and 27% respectively despite evaluated at a lower resolution. Meanwhile, by leveraging a many-to-many neural network architecture, Leopard features hundred-fold to thousand-fold speedup compared to current many-to-one machine learning methods.
The Invention of ‘Harmful Cultural Practices’ in the Era of AIDS in Malawi

The AIDS epidemic in Malawi and elsewhere has brought sexual and cultural practices under scrutiny for their potential role in transmitting the HIV virus. The discourse of ‘harmful cultural practic...
Reproducibility of whole‐brain temperature mapping and metabolite quantification using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Assessing brain temperature can provide important information about disease processes (e.g., stroke, trauma) and therapeutic effects (e.g., cerebral hypothermia treatment). Whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (WB-MRSI) is increasingly used to quantify brain metabolites across the entire brain. However, its feasibility and reliability for estimating brain temperature needs further validation. Therefore, the present study evaluates the reproducibility of WB-MRSI for temperature mapping as well as metabolite quantification across the whole brain in healthy volunteers. Ten healthy adults were scanned on three occasions 1 week apart. Brain temperature, along with four commonly assessed brain metabolites-total N-acetyl-aspartate (tNAA), total creatine (tCr), total choline (tCho) and myo-inositol (mI)-were measured from WB-MRSI data. Reproducibility was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV). The measured mean (range) of the intra-subject CVs was 0.9% (0.6%-1.6%) for brain temperature mapping, and 4.7% (2.5%-15.7%), 6.4% (2.4%-18.9%) and 14.2% (4.4%-52.6%) for tNAA, tCho and mI, respectively, with reference to tCr. Consistently larger variability was found when using H2 O as the reference for metabolite quantifications: 7.8% (3.3%-17.8%), 7.8% (3.1%-18.0%), 9.8% (3.7%-31.0%) and 17.0% (5.9%-54.0%) for tNAA, tCr, tCho and mI, respectively. Further, the larger the brain region (indicated by a greater number of voxels within that region), the better the reproducibility for both temperature and metabolite estimates. Our results demonstrate good reproducibility of whole-brain temperature and metabolite measurements using the WB-MRSI technique.
Analysis of particle deposition of nanofluid flow through porous media

Abstract A numerical investigation of nanoparticle deposition for flow through a partially filled channel subject to a constant heat flux boundary condition is presented. The discrete particle model (DPM) is utilized for the simulations. The Brinkman-Forchheimer extended Darcy model is used for the flow inside a saturated porous matrix. The effect of porous permeability (Da = 10−8–10−4), Reynolds number (Re = 500–2000), volume concentration (0%, 0.3% and 3%) and different particle forces on the deposition rate have been documented. The particle adhesion/detachment is solved with respect to the force balance considering drag, Saffman lift, Brownian, thermophoresis, gravity and Van Der Waals. Our results reveal that the mass deposition rate can be omitted when there is no porous media inside the channel. In addition, no heat transfer enhancement is noticed for low particle loading
The Dual Use of Religious-Faith in Intimate Partner Abuse Perpetration: Perspectives of Latino Men in a Parish-based Intervention Program

Little is known about the role that religious-faith plays in the lives of men who have acted abusively against an intimate partner. Studies report mixed findings about the relationship between religious-faith and intimate partner violence/abuse (IPV/A) perpetration. This study explored the perceptions of Latino men involved in a parish-based partner abuse intervention program (PAIP). Two focus groups were conducted with members of the PAIP (N=18). Two major themes emerged. Participants reported using religious-faith as a mechanism for ending violence. However, participants also reported past misuse of religion in order to gain control over intimate partners. These apparently conflicting roles of religion were further elucidated in several sub-themes. Religious-faith is complex. This study offers insight into how faith may serve as both a risk and protective factor for IPV/A perpetration. Implications for how intervention programs may address participants’ religious-faith during treatment and how religio-spiritual abuse is measured are discussed.
Entropy, complexity, and maturity in children's neural responses during naturalistic mathematics learning

A major goal of human neuroscience is to understand how the brain functions in the real world, and to measure neural processes under naturalistic conditions that are more ecologically valid than traditional laboratory tasks. A critical step toward this goal is understanding how neural activity during real world naturalistic tasks relates to neural activity in more traditional laboratory tasks. In the present study, we used intersubject correlations to locate reliable stimulus-driven neural processes among children and adults in naturalistic and laboratory versions of a mathematics task that shared the same content. We show that relative to a control condition with grammatical content, naturalistic and simplified mathematics tasks evoked overlapping activation within brain regions previously associated with math semantics. We further examined the temporal properties of children9s neural responses during the naturalistic and laboratory tasks to determine whether temporal patterns of neural activity change over development, or dissociate based on semantic or task content. We introduce a rather novel measure, not yet used in fMRI studies of child learning: neural multiscale entropy. In addition to showing new evidence of naturalistic mathematics processing in the developing brain, we show that neural maturity and neural entropy are two independent but complementary markers of functional brain development. We discuss the implications of these results for the development of neural complexity in children.
Semi-analytic model of a carbon fiber thermal-field emitter

Carbon fibers passing current are subject to resistive heating. When failure occurs, this is related to their local temperature. The failure temperature and its location are estimated. The temperature variation is calculated using analytical models for electrical and thermal conductivities based on the temperature dependent electron–phonon relaxation time. In the absence of radiative heat loss, an analytic expression of temperature along the fiber is given from which a maximum possible emission current is derived and is governed by a single introduced parameter ω o. A method of treating the radiative heat loss is developed and is governed by a second parameter γ, which allows a rapid numerical means to calculate the correction to the analytic form. Heat variation along a thick carbon fiber is contrasted to that along a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT): it is shown that the relative magnitude of ω o compared to γ determines that the analytical formula is a good approximation for MWNTs but requires numerical correction for fibers. Furthermore, it is shown that the analytical form of ω o specified a maximum current beyond which the carbon emitter fails due to thermal runaway. The theoretical models are used to interpret observed behavior of field emission from carbon fibers and the resulting damage they endure when the extracted field-emission current is high. Results from implementing the developed temperature variation model into the MICHELLE beam optics simulation code are presented, with an example application predicting the conditions for stable equilibrium operation as well as for the onset of fiber failure.
Respiratory Auscultation Lab Using a Cardiopulmonary Auscultation Simulation Manikin

Introduction Mastery of respiratory auscultation skills is fundamental for clinicians to develop. We created a case-based educational session utilizing a high-fidelity simulator to teach lung sound...
Thermal Neuromodulation With Focused Ultrasound: Implications for the Technique of Subthreshold Testing

Background During focused ultrasound ablation (FUSA), the presumed stereotactic target is tested with subthreshold sonications before permanent ablation. This testing relies on ultrasound-induced reversible clinical effects (thermal neuromodulation, TN). However, the thermal dose and spot size thresholds to induce TN are not yet defined. Objective To define the thermal dose and spot size thresholds associated with TN. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of intraoperative FUSA data of essential tremor patients. Sonications with a thermal dose of less than 25 cumulative equivalent minutes (CEM) were classified as subthreshold. The intraoperative writing samples were independently rated by 2 raters using the clinical rating scale for tremor. The association between thermal dose and tremor scores was statistically analyzed, and the thermal dose and spot size thresholds for TN were computed using leave-one-out cross-validation analysis. Results A total of 331 pairs of sonications and writing samples were analyzed; 97 were classified as subthreshold sonications. TN was observed in 23 (24%) subthreshold sonications. The median tremor improvement during TN was 20% (interquartile range = 41.6). The thermal dose threshold for TN was 0.67 CEM (equivalent to 30 s thermal exposure at 43°C). The spot size threshold for TN was 2.46 mm. Ventral intermediate medial nucleus was exposed to TN thermal dose during subablative and ablative sonications. Conclusion The TN thermal dose and spot size thresholds are significantly higher than the current FUSA standard of care. We recommend long duration (>30 s), subthreshold sonications for intraoperative testing during FUSA. Future investigations should test whether the thermal dose threshold is tissue-specific and determine the mechanisms underlying focused ultrasound TN.
Safety and Efficacy of Triple Therapy With Ticagrelor or Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background:Patients on dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention often have indications for concomitant oral anticoagulation, known as triple antithrombotic therapy. Ma...
Multi-omics integration analysis identifies novel genes for alcoholism with potential overlap with neurodegenerative diseases.

Identification of causal variants and genes underlying genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci is essential to understand the biology of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and drinks per week (DPW). Multi-omics integration approaches have shown potential for fine mapping complex loci to obtain biological insights to disease mechanisms. In this study, we use multi-omics approaches, to fine-map AUD and DPW associations at single SNP resolution to demonstrate that rs56030824 on chromosome 11 significantly reduces SPI1 mRNA expression in myeloid cells and lowers risk for AUD and DPW. Our analysis also identifies MAPT as a candidate causal gene specifically associated with DPW. Genes prioritized in this study show overlap with causal genes associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Multi-omics integration analyses highlight, genetic similarities and differences between alcohol intake and disordered drinking, suggesting molecular heterogeneity that might inform future targeted functional and cross-species studies. Alcohol use disorder and drinks per week both have been studied genetically and have different correlations with psychiatric diseases. Here the authors integrate multi-omics data to identify unique and shared variants, genes and pathways for alcohol use disorder and drinks per week.
Thinking Sex and American Religions

Critical theories of sexuality provide key insights into American religious beliefs and practices. This article proposes six axioms by which scholars might approach thinking sex and American religions: that thinking sex is of broad academic significance; that critical sex theory differs in key ways from gender theory; that sexuality is historically constructed; that certain kinds of sex provide access to religious approbation and social privilege; that consideration of sex includes religious conservatives; and that America religious studies scholars must also confront the oversignification of sex. Each axiom is paired with examples of American religious scholarship that instantiate the proposed premise. Americans often assume that religion should dictate how to think (and do) sex – and that only certain kinds of sex are (or should be) permissible in “good old American” religions. Thus, scholars of American religions should be thinking sex.
Buy-in through goldplating: The effect of defense profit policy on quality determination

Abstract Bower and Osband ( RAND Journal of Economics , 1991, 22, 107–119) recognized the role of the defense profit policy as a ‘handicapping device‘ that induces low cost firms to aggressively buy in for future profits. When designs are variable and actively competed in the bidding stage, this paper finds that this handicapping role of the profit policy is weakened by the fact that firms can dilute bidding competition by inflating quality.
Transnational Entrepreneurship: A Interview with Lebanese-American Restaurateur Charbel Saliba

Literature on transnational entrepreneurship, while expanding, leaves much to be desired. For instance, there is paucity of qualitative surveys that capture the “voice” of a real life transnational entrepreneur. This article aims to contribute to the academic and business literature by showcasing the viewpoint of a Lebanese-American transnational entrepreneur. Charbel Saliba is a successful ethnic restaurant owner in Illinois, USA. Through an interview conducted by Dr. J. Mark Munoz of Millikin University, with the assistance of business student Matthew Herek, Saliba shares his thinking on transnational entrepreneurship and its implications on his business.. Keywords. Transnational entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship, International business. JEL. L26, M16.
Epidemiology and Genetics

Our understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) has advanced rapidly over the past decade, but the inciting events of this chronic, disabling disease of the central nervous system remain elusive. Our working model is that environmental factors and life experiences trigger MS in genetically susceptible individuals. Evidence for the involvement of certain environmental factors is mounting quickly, and its genetic component has come into view as recent technological and analytic advances have uncovered over 235 genetic variants that contribute to MS susceptibility. How these genetic risk factors interact with putative environmental risk factors is one of the fascinating questions that we can now begin to explore in the hope of shedding light on the earliest events involved in the onset of MS.
Improved thermal stability and reduced sublimation rate of pentaerythritol tetranitrate through doping graphene oxide

Various graphene oxide (GO)–pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) micro-composites were prepared in this study to investigate the influence of nanomaterials on the stability of PETN. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that PETN microcrystals become more stable after doping with GO. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis indicated that sublimation rates and vapor pressures of various GO–PETN micro-composites were significantly reduced compared to pure PETN microcrystals. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that PETN microcrystals were at least partially covered with GO, which may explain the increased thermal stability and reduced sublimation rate.
Associations of visceral and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue with markers of cardiac and metabolic risk in obese adults

Objective Visceral (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues contribute to obesity but may have different metabolic and atherosclerosis risk profiles. We sought to determine the associations of abdominal VAT and SAT mass with markers of cardiac and metabolic risk in a large, multiethnic, population-based cohort of obese adults. Design and methods Among obese participants in the Dallas Heart Study, we examined the cross-sectional associations of abdominal VAT and SAT mass, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and indexed to body surface area (BSA), with circulating biomarkers of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation (n = 942); and with aortic plaque and liver fat by MRI and coronary calcium by computed tomography (n = 1200). Associations of VAT/BSA and SAT/BSA were examined after adjustment for age, sex, race, menopause, and body mass index. Results In multivariable models, VAT significantly associated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lower adiponectin, smaller LDL and HDL particle size, larger VLDL size, and increased LDL and VLDL particle number (p Conclusion VAT associated with an adverse metabolic, dyslipidemic, and atherogenic obesity phenotype. In contrast, SAT demonstrated a more benign phenotype, characterized by modest associations with inflammatory biomarkers and leptin, but no independent association with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, or atherosclerosis in obese individuals. These findings suggest that abdominal fat distribution defines distinct obesity sub-phenotypes with heterogeneous metabolic and atherosclerosis risk.
SU‐FF‐T‐353: Parameters Study for the Severity Acute Radiation Induced Skin Reaction for the Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose: Radiation induced skin reaction is a common side effect for the breast cancer patient undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Severe acute radiation skin reaction (ARSR) not only brings distress to the patient, it may also cause an unexpected treatment delay and consequently reduce the treatment efficacy. It is important to understand the factors that cause ARSR and eventually to prevent or minimize it. Method and Materials: A retrospective study was conducted to 154 breast cancer patients who received a whole breast external photon beam treatment at source‐to‐axis distance (SAD) setup with 6MV or 6MV combined with 18MV photon energy at our hospital between 2003 and 2005. The relation between ARSR, the source‐to‐surface distance (SSD) and treatment technique was evaluated in this study. The treatment techniques included conformal three‐dimensional (3D) treatment and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy(IMRT). These techniques were further classified into: (1) 3D open field, (2) 3D with cerrobend block, (3) 3D with MLC, (4) IMRT sliding window, and (5) IMRT step‐and‐shoot. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and p‐value were applied for the statistic analysis. Results: Out of total 154 patients, 21 (13.6 %) patients developed ARSR. The results showed that ARSR was sensitive to SSD variation when the patient was treated with 3D MLC and IMRT sliding window treatment techniques (Az=0.9±0.12 with p‐value=0.014, and Az=0.8±0.08 with p‐value=0.017, respectively). And ARSR was non‐sensitive to the SSD variation when patient treated 3D open field and 3D block field treatment techniques (Az=0.37±0.16 with p‐value=0.67 and Az=0.66±0.13 with p‐value=0.19, respectively). There was not distinction in the development of ARSR observed between each of the treatment techniques (p‐value>0.08). Conclusions: SSD was found to be a sensitivity factor to predict ARSR for the patient undergoing RT with 3D MLC and IMRT sliding window treatment. A larger SSD should decrease the risk of ARSR.
Integrated Real-Time Event Based Cost Modeling of Battery Manufacturing System

Information of battery manufacturing system is becoming increasingly transparent, detailed and real-time. Despite the big potential in improving productivity, the advantages of information are not fully realized due to a lack of system level modeling. Motivated by this need, we develop an integrated system modeling approach to quantify the systematic impact of stations and supporting activities with a unified index called event based cost (EBC). The analysis provides a severity ranking of stations and supporting activities. A case study is conducted to demonstrate the application of the model in a battery production system and its ability to facilitate decision making.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Development of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of acetylcholine and related neurotransmitters in brain microdialysis samples.

Abstract Monitoring concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) in specific brain regions is important in understanding disease pathology, as well as in designing and evaluating novel disease-modifying treatments where cholinergic dysfunction is a hallmark feature. We have developed a sensitive and quantitative liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method to analyze the extracellular concentrations of ACh, choline (Ch) and (3-carboxylpropyl)-trimethylammonium (iso-ACh) in brain microdialysis samples of freely moving animals. One immediate advantage of this new method is the ability to monitor ACh in its free form without having to use a cholinesterase inhibitor in the perfusate. The separation of ACh, Ch, iso-ACh and related endogenous compounds was carried out based on cation exchange chromatography with a volatile elution buffer consisting of ammonium formate, ammonium acetate and acetonitrile. An unknown interference of ACh, which was observed in brain microdialysates from many studies, was well separated from ACh to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. Optimization of electrospray ionization conditions for these quaternary ammonium compounds achieved the limits of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.2 fmol for ACh, 2 fmol for Ch and 0.6 fmol for iso-ACh using a benchtop tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer with moderate sensitivity. The limit of quantitation (S/N = 10) was 1 fmol for ACh, 3 fmol for iso-ACh and 10 fmol for Ch. This method was selective, precise (
The structural determinants of urban poverty: A comparison of whites, blacks, and Hispanics☆

Abstract This paper analyzes similarities and differences in structural forces generating urban poverty among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. We specify an integrated structural equation model based on current theories about the causes of urban poverty proposed by Murray (1984) and Wilson (1987) . This model is estimated for each group using data on 59 U.S. standard metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs) in 1980. Neither theory provides a good explanation for patterns of white poverty, which are determined more by prevailing wage rates and levels of white education. Both theories, however, are verified when applied to the two minority groups; but neither theory identifies the single factor which most strongly determines minority poverty: prevailing wage rates. In general, Murray's hypothesis proves to be more powerful than Wilson's in accounting for urban poverty among blacks, whereas Wilson's theory provides a more powerful explanation in the case of Hispanics. Wilson's structural economic effects, however, are mediated less through the minority marriage market than through their direct effect on the income distribution.
Isolation and characterization of a genomic sequence encoding the maize Cat3 catalase gene

A maize genomic DNA library (Zea mays L. W64A) was constructed using the lambda GEM-11 vector. A gene-specificCat3 cDNA probe was used to screen the library by plaque hybridization. Two independent clones, λ24C and gl27C, which hybridized to theCat3 cDNA probe, were isolated. Restriction maps were created for the two clones (λ24C and λ27C) encoding the maizeCat3 catalase gene. ASal I restriction fragment from each clone was subcloned into pBluescript KS+. Subsequent subcloning steps were performed to obtain plasmids suitable for sequencing. Both strands of the λ24C clone were sequenced.
Relative Susceptibility of Selected Apple Cultivars to Apple Scab Caused by Venturia inaequalis

Apple scab is the most important disease of apples (Malus domestica) in the cool temperate regions where apples are grown. Data were collected over several years from plantings of new apple cultivars and selections established at multiple locations in 1995 (23 entries) and 1999 (24 entries) as part of regional project NE-183. Golden Delicious and McIntosh were the standards in both plantings. Data on incidence of scab on leaves and fruit were collected and analyzed to determine differences due to location and cultivar. None of the analyses indicated significant cultivar differences due to location, likely confirming the diversity of the apple scab fungus in the eastern United States. In general, for scab on leaves, the cultivars Ginger Gold, Orin, Cripps Pink, Silken, and Delblush were as susceptible as McIntosh, a common standard for scab susceptibility in the eastern United States. For scab on fruit, the cultivars Fuji, Cameo, Cripps Pink, Ambrosia, and Silken, and the selection NJ 90, were as susceptible as McIntosh. As expected, the cultivars and selections with genetic resistance to the scab pathogen exhibited the lowest incidences of apple scab on foliage and fruit. Gala Supreme, Sansa, and Honeycrisp, while susceptible to scab, exhibited relatively low levels of the disease.
Afferent innervation shapes the dendritic branching pattern of the Medial Giant Interneuron in grasshopper embryos raised in culture

In the adult grasshopper the Medial Giant Interneuron (MGI) receives synaptic input from the peripheral sensory neurons of the cercus. We prevented this innervation in grasshopper embryos by cutting off one or both cerci at a stage when the first sensory axons are just beginning to reach the central nervous system (CNS), and the MGI has not yet formed its mature branching pattern. Following this operation the embryos were raised in vitro for 3–9 days, and the MGI injected with the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow to determine its morphology. The development of the deprived cells was then compared to that of the normal MGI (described in M. Shankland and C. S. Goodman, 1982, Develop. Biol., 92, 483–500) and of cultured, but unoperated, controls to ascertain whether these presynaptic axons influence the embryonic growth and branching of the MGI's dendrites. The results of these experiments show that dendrite formation is enhanced in regions of the neuropil containing sensory axon terminals and that the afferents exert their influence locally on restricted portions of the branching structure. The enhanced growth of innervated dendrites appears to occur at the expense of dendritic outgrowth elsewhere, suggesting that the growing dendrites may be competing for a limited supply of some cellular component necessary for continued growth. Thus, the MGI's final branching pattern is at least partially dictated by the spatial distribution of presynaptic axons within the embryonic nervous system.
Annular and circular sector finite elements for plate bending

Abstract Two finite plate bending elements are derived in polar co-ordinates. The first element is in the form of a circular sector and has nine degrees of freedom, while the second is in the form of an annular sector and has twelve degrees of freedom. The elements are checked with several numerical examples. The static deflections of an annular plate and a complete circular plate both loaded by single concentrated forces are analyzed, and the results are compared with exact solutions. Calculations of the free vibrations of complete circular plates are also carried out and compared to exact solutions. Good agreement is obtained in all cases.
Differential Regulation of Gene Expression by PITX2 Isoforms

Three major PITX2 isoforms are differentially expressed in human, mice, zebrafish, chick, and frog tissues. To demonstrate differential regulation of gene expression by these isoforms we used three different promoters and three cell lines. Transient transfection of Chinese hamster ovary, HeLa, and LS-8 cell lines revealed differences in PITX2A and PITX2C activation of the PLOD1 and Dlx2 promoters, however, PITX2B is inactive. In contrast, PITX2B actives the pituitary-specific Prolactin promoter at higher levels than either PITX2A or PITX2C. Interestingly, co-transfection of either PITX2A or PITX2C with PITX2B results in a synergistic activation of the PLOD1 and Dlx2 promoters. Furthermore, PITX2 isoforms have different transcriptional activity dependent upon the cells used for transfection analysis. We have isolated a fourth PITX2 isoform (PITX2D) expressed only in humans, which acts to suppress the transcriptional activity of the other PITX2 isoforms. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments demonstrated that all isoforms interact with PITX2D and that PITX2B forms heterodimeric complexes with PITX2A and PITX2C. Our research provides a molecular basis for differential gene regulation through the expression of PITX2 isoforms. PITX2 isoform activities are both promoter- and cell-specific, and our data reveal new mechanisms for PITX2-regulated gene expression.
Predicted discoveries of the introduced isopod Synidotea laevidorsalis (Miers, 1881)

ABSTRACT A theory that introduced species can be identified from their evolutionary, ecological, and geographical attributes (criteria for introduced species) is corroborated by the accuracy of its predictions. A human-borne, global invasion of the Oriental isopod Synidotea laevidorsalis (Miers, 1881) that began over 100 years ago was discovered in a test of criteria for introduced species (Chapman and Carlton, 1991). Two explicit predictions from that work were (1) "Many new records of endemic and introduced Synidotea populations around the world remain to be discovered," and (2) "Synidotea laevidorsalis is established, for example, in Brisbane, or Sydney, Australia." Both predictions were correct. It appears that many estuarine and nearshore marine introductions have occurred that have not been discovered.
Stress-Related Growth and Thriving Through Coping: The Roles of Personality and Cognitive Processes

This article describes the theoretical perspectives and the empirical research relating personal dispositions, resources, appraisals, and coping processes to stress-related growth and thriving within a transactional stress and coping framework. Following a description of this framework, the personal characteristics relevant to thriving and growth are reviewed. It is noted that personal characteristics may exert effects directly on positive outcomes such as thriving and growth, and that the effects of these personal characteristics may also be mediated by various appraisal and coping processes. Theoretical and empirical work on appraisal and coping processes as predictors of growth and thriving are then reviewed. Work on comprehensive models of stress-related growth and thriving that include personal resources and coping processes is discussed; such models consider appraisal and coping processes as potential mechanisms through which personal characteristics may operate indirectly to affect stress-related growth and thriving. Finally, some implications of these relationships for individuals and for communities are suggested.
Using Human Factors to “Balance” Your Operating Room

As one of the most complex health care environments, the operating room is fraught with weaknesses and practices in need of process improvements. To make the operating room a safer environment for patients, a systems perspective is necessary. To provide a basis for readers, fundamentals of human factors, ergonomics, and systems thinking are discussed. Various strategies and resources are provided to assist readers with the design of a safer operating room. This information is presented in consideration of the varying availability of resources within institutions, allowing for allocation of efforts where possible to balance the operating room as a system.
Hyporheic flow patterns in relation to large river floodplain attributes

Summary Field-calibrated models of hyporheic flow have emphasized low-order headwater systems. In many cases, however, hyporheic flow in large lowland river floodplains may be an important contributor to ecosystem services such as maintenance of water quality and habitat. In this study, we used a network of shallow monitoring wells, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and continuous monitoring to parameterize and calibrate stochastic three-dimensional ground water models for a 9.7 km 2 (2400 acres) area along a naturally-meandering section of the Willamette River floodplain in Oregon. This large river floodplain is representative of other similar systems. Steady-state simulations were done representing the wet winter and dry summer seasons. During the dry season, hyporheic flow was oriented along the floodplain elevation gradient and median steady-state residence times in small islands and bars were on the order of months. In the larger islands steady-state residence times were on the order of years. In the wet season, flow was oriented laterally away from the river and quickly intercepted and returned to the surface water system in alcoves and cutoffs connected to the river, and recharge due to infiltration of precipitation prevented hyporheic flow through older island areas. In the younger islands, median steady-state residence times ranged from about 6.1 × 10 1 to 1.6 × 10 2 days. In the model domain overall, the steady-state dry season median pathline length was about 8.2 × 10 2 with a maximum length of about 5.7 × 10 3 m. For the wet season, the median was about 2.0 × 10 2 m with a maximum length of about 3.5 × 10 3 m. Wet season hyporheic water penetrated deeper into the lower permeability geologic units by an order of magnitude, as compared to the dry season. This was likely due to the absence of precipitation infiltration during the dry season. We used particle tracking in order to characterize residence time distributions for hyporheic water. We found two behaviors: lognormal decay with shorter distributions of residence times, and heavy tailing, following power-law behavior. Interestingly, we found the heavy tailing behavior more during the wet season when mean residence times were short. This result implies that even though some rates of hyporheic flow were relatively fast, there were also zones of relatively stagnant water causing this large variation in residence time. Observed slopes for log–log plots of the histograms fell in the range of 2.3–5.6. This behavior appeared to be restricted to regions affected by natural river meandering, where avulsions create isolated islands. In some areas, land managers may consider revetment removal as a means to convert channelized systems to more natural systems with shallower depths in the main channel, meander scrolls, and alcoves that can enhance hyporheic flow. The results of this study provide information on how such decisions may affect the extent of hyporheic flow that may occur as a large river returns to its natural geomorphological dynamics.
Gender Differences in Perceptions and Use of Communication Technologies: A Diffusion of Innovation Approach

Understanding the factors influencing users' adoption and use of emerging information technologies is a critical issue for researchers and practitioners. This research aims to deepen our understanding of the underlying phenomena of technology adoption and use by examining whether there are gender differences in the importance of the perceived innovation characteristics on communication technologies use intentions. Specifically, we investigate whether gender moderates the influence of perceived relative advantage, compatibility, ease of use, visibility, result demonstrability and critical mass on intentions to use a communication technology: instant messaging. Results suggest a strong moderation effect of gender between perceptions of relative advantage, ease of use, visibility, result demonstrability, critical mass and use intentions. Contributions and future directions for research are presented.
Management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children: a survival guide for paediatricians

WHO estimated that of 9.4 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide in 2008, 440,000 (3.6%) had multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB. Childhood TB is estimated at 10-15% of the total burden, but little is known about the burden of MDR-TB in children. Children in close contact with MDR-TB cases are likely to become infected with the same resistant strains and are vulnerable to develop disease. Although MDR-TB is a microbiological diagnosis, children should be treated empirically according to the drug susceptibility result of the likely source case, as often cultures cannot be obtained from the child. MDR-TB treatment in children is guided by the same principles, using the same second-line drugs as in adults, with careful monitoring for adverse effects. Co-infection with HIV poses particular challenges and requires early initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Preventive therapy for high-risk MDR-TB contacts is necessary, but no consensus guidance exists on how best to manage these cases. Pragmatic and effective Infection control measures are essential to limit the spread of MDR-TB.
Normal prehospital electrocardiography is linked to long-term survival in patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome.

Abstract Aims/methods We studied 735 patients who activated "911" for chest pain and/or anginal equivalent symptoms and received 12-lead ECG monitoring with specialized ischemia monitoring software in the ambulance. Prehospital electrocardiograms (PH ECG) were analyzed to determine the proportion of patients who present with completely normal PH ECG findings (absence of ischemia/infarction, arrhythmia, or any other abnormality) and to compare outcomes among patients with and without any PH ECG abnormality. Results Of 735 patients (mean age 70.5, 52.4% male), 68 (9.3%) patients had completely normal PH ECG findings. They experienced significantly less adverse hospital outcomes (12% vs 37%), length of stay (1.19 vs 3.86 days), and long-term mortality (9% vs 28%) than those with any PH ECG abnormality (p Conclusion Normal PH ECG findings are associated with better short and long-term outcomes in ambulance patients with ischemic symptoms. These findings may enhance early triage and risk stratification in emergency cardiac care.