cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methanol Synthesis and Reverse Water–Gas Shift Kinetics over Cu(110) Model Catalysts: Structural Sensitivity

The kinetics of simultaneous methanol synthesis and reverse water–gas shift from CO2/H2and CO2/CO/H2mixtures have been measured at low conversions over a clean Cu(110) single-crystal surface at pressures of 5.1 bar. Without CO, ∼8 × 10−3methanol molecules per second per Cu surface atom were produced at 530 K, with an activation energy of 67 ± 17 kJ/mol; and ∼5 CO molecules per second per Cu surface atom were produced, with an activation energy of 78 ± 14 kJ/mol. The rates, compared to previous rates on Cu(100) and polycrystalline copper foil, were higher in both methanol synthesis and CO production, indicating structural sensitivity. The activation energy for methanol synthesis was similar on all these planes, but smaller for reverse water–gas shift on Cu(110) than on polycrystalline Cu. The surface after reaction was covered by almost a full monolayer of adsorbed formate, but no other species like carbon or oxygen in measurable amounts. The addition of CO to the feed caused the rate to increase, and no buildup of tenacious carbon was observed following reaction. Postreaction TPD shows an interesting influence of CO on the nature of the adlayer. These results support a model where the active site for methanol synthesis on real Cu/ZnO catalysts is metallic Cu and suggest that the role of ZnO may be to maintain more of the metallic Cu in ultrathin islands that have (110)-like behavior.
Shallow Shear Velocity and Seismic Microzonation of the Urban Las Vegas, Nevada, Basin

Las Vegas Valley has a rapidly growing population exceeding 1.5 million, subject to significant seismic risk. Surveys of shallow shear velocity performed in the Las Vegas urban area included a 13-km-long transect parallel to Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip), and borehole and surface-wave measurements of 30 additional sites. The transect was completed quickly and economically using the refraction microtremor method, providing shear velocity versus depth profiles at 49 locations. The lowest velocities in the transect, nehrp d class, are near intrabasin faults found near Interstate 15 and Lake Mead Blvd. Calcite cementation of alluvium (a.k.a. caliche) along the Las Vegas Strip elevates Vs30 values to 500–600 m/sec, nehrp c class. Our transect measurements correlate poorly against geologic map units, which do not predict the conditions of any individual site with accuracy sufficient for engineering application. Some usda soil map units do correlate, and Vs30 predictions based on measurements of soil units match transect measurements in the transect area. Extending soil-map predictions away from the area of dense measurement coverage generally failed to predict new measurements. Further, for several test sites the predictions were not conservative, in that the soil model predicted higher Vs30 than was later measured (predicting lesser potential ground motion). Subsurface information is needed to build a Vs30 model extending predictions throughout Las Vegas Valley. A detailed stratigraphic model built by correlating >1100 deep well logs in Las Vegas predicts Vs30 better than surface maps, but again only in parts of the Valley well-measured for velocity. The stratigraphic model yields good predictions of our transect Vs30 measurements. It is less accurate, although at least conservative, when extended to sites away from the transect.
Practice variation in late-preterm deliveries: a physician survey.

Late-preterm (LPT) neonates account for over 70% of all preterm births in the US. Approximately 60% of LPT births are the result of non-spontaneous deliveries. The optimal timing of delivery for many obstetric conditions at LPT gestations is unclear, likely resulting in obstetric practice variation. The purpose of this study is to identify variation in the obstetrical management of LPT pregnancies. We surveyed obstetrical providers in North Carolina identified from North Carolina Medical Board and North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society membership lists. Participants answered demographic questions and six multiple-choice vignettes on management of LPT pregnancies. We obtained 215/859 (29%) completed surveys which are as follows: 167 (78%) from obstetrics/gynecology, 27 (13%) from maternal–fetal medicine, and 21 (10%) from family medicine physicians. Overall, we found more agreement on respondents’ management of chorioamnionitis (97% would proceed with delivery), mild pre-eclampsia (84% would delay delivery/expectantly manage) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) (80% would delay delivery/expectantly manage). We found less agreement on the management of severe preeclampsia (71% would proceed with delivery), premature preterm rupture of membranes (69% would proceed with delivery) and placenta previa (67% would delay delivery/expectantly manage). Management of LPT pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes, FGR and placenta previa vary by specialty. Obstetrical providers report practice variation in the management of LPT pregnancies. Variation might be influenced by provider specialty. The absence of widespread agreement on best practice might be a source of modifiable LPT birth.
The progress of the betting in a baseball game: A comment

In their article in the current issue of this journal, Sauer et al. compare the evolution of prices of in-game betting markets of baseball games to an empirical model of scoring based on the probability of various game events occurring. The authors correctly suggest this in-game betting market provides an opportunity to examine the efficiency of gambling markets, as the value of the security being examined can be known with a greater degree of precision than the fundamental value of securities being traded in general financial markets. While we appreciate the progress that has occurred, we believe that with some fairly simple changes, the authors may be able to improve the precision of their model to the point where a more powerful commentary on potential market efficiency could be developed. We offer suggestions on more precisely matching of the two sources of data, timing of the events, and dealing with games in which there is a clear pre-game favorite. We close with suggestions for extensions.
Olfactory bulb removal results in elevated spontaneous locomotor activity in mice

Abstract Bilateral removal of the olfactory bulbs of female Swiss-Webster mice resulted in a striking increase in locomotor activity which remained evident even 2 1 2 months after surgery. The administration of d-amphetamine sulfate (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) resulted in a dose dependent increase in locomotor activity but bilateral bulbectomy did not potentiate amphetamine's motor stimulant effect. The neural processes which mediate bulbectomy induced hyperactivity in the mouse are not known; however, it is clear that these processes, unlike processes involved in some other lesions which produce hyperactivity, do not interact with the locomotor facilitatory property of d-amphetamine. D-amphetamine sulfate (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) caused a dose dependent decrease in food intake but there was no interaction between bulbectomy and the anorexic activity of d-amphetamine. The fact that bulbectomized mice display elevated locomotor activity in a nonsocial situation suggests an effect of bulbectomy upon arousal. From this perspective it is possible that many of the previously discovered social behavioral deficits produced by bulbectomy are specific manifestations of altered arousal processes.
Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV and Drugs of Abuse in Post-Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) Era

In the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, prenatal “vertical” mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV was about 25% and exposure of pregnant mothers to drugs of abuse (illicit drugs and tobacco smoking) was a significant contributory factor of MTCT. However, with the introduction of HAART, the rate of MTCT of HIV has decreased to less that 2%. But, it is estimated that currently about 5.1% of pregnant women use illicit drugs and 16.4% smoke tobacco. The residual prevalence of MTCT is of concern and may be related to this continued prevalence of substance use among pregnant mothers. In this report, we review and present evidence that supports the hypothesis that drugs of abuse do have the potential to increase MTCT of HIV in the presence of HAART. Exposure to drugs of abuse during pregnancy may increase MTCT of HIV through a variety of mechanisms that are addressed in detail including possible damage to the placenta, induction of preterm birth, and increasing maternal plasma viral load though a variety of putative mechanisms such as: (a) promoting HIV replication in monocyte/macrophages; (b) increasing the expression of CCR5 receptors; (c) decreasing the expression of CCR5 receptor ligands; (d) increasing the expression of CXCR4 receptors; (e) increasing the expression of DC-SIGN; (f) impairing the efficacy of HAART through drug–drug interaction; and (g) promoting HIV mutation and replication through non-adherence to HAART.
Autonomic and verbal discrimination of a subliminally learned task.

An examination of subliminal perception was made by employing classical conditioning techniques at a subliminal level. 17 Ss were presented 10 nonsense syllables at a subliminal level, 5 of which were paired with an electric shock. Ss were then administered 4 tests for discrimination immediately thereafter. The conclusions were that the subception effect described in prior studies can be empirically verified and that classical conditioning can take place at a level below conscious awareness.
Cysteine mutagenesis of the amino acid residues of transmembrane helix I in the melibiose carrier of Escherichia coli

The melibiose carrier of Escherichia coli is a sugar−cation cotransport system that utilizes Na+, Li+, or H+. This membrane transport protein consists of 12 transmembrane helices. Starting with the cysteine-less melibiose carrier, cysteine has been substituted individually for amino acids 17−37, which includes all of the residues in membrane helix I. The carriers with cysteine substitutions were studied for their transport activity and the effect of the water soluble sulfhydryl reagent p-chloro- mercuribenzenesulfonic acid (PCMBS). Cysteine substitution caused loss of transport activity in six of the mutants (G17C, K18C, D19C, Y32C, T34C, and D35C). PCMBS caused greater than 50% inhibition in eleven mutants (F20C, A21C, I22C, G23C, I24C, V25C, Y26C, M27C, Y28C, M30C, and Y31C). We suggest that the residues whose cysteine derivatives were inhibited by PCMBS face the aqueous channel and that helix I is completely surrounded by aqueous environment. Second site revertants were isolated from K18C and Y31C. The...
The Chemical Composition of Rainfall and Throughfall in Five Forest Communities: A Case Study in Fort Benning, Georgia

In order to investigate the effects of canopy-dependent processes on throughfall chemistry, comparative studies on the chemical composition of throughfall were carried out in five characteristic forest types of the southeastern United States within Fort Benning Military Installation from January 2002 to August 2003. The concentrations and fluxes of and total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total phosphorus (TP) were determined in rainfall and throughfall. Seasonal variations in chemical fluxes were also evaluated. Throughfall concentrations of TOC, TKN, and TP in matured pine stand were higher than in rainfall and other forest stands. Throughfall nutrient concentrations in wetland were lowest as compared to rainfall as well as hardwood, mixed, plantation, and pine stands. The average TOC, TKN, and TP concentrations in the matured pine stand were 17.2, 0.74, and 0.057 mg/L, respectively. In wetland stands, average concentrations of TOC, TKN, and TP were 4.0, 0.54, and 0.034 mg/L, respectively. Hardwood stand had the lowest TKN concentration of 0.53 mg/L. Nutrient fluxes were generally higher during the dormant season (November–April) as compared to the growing season (May–October). The highest and lowest TOC fluxes during dormant season were contributed from pine stand (801.7 g/ha) and wetland stand (186.2 g/ha), respectively. Rainfall was the major contributor of TKN fluxes in growing season (32.3 g/ha) as well as in dormant season (34.1 g/ha). Similarly, highest TP flux was produced in mixed stand (2.7 g/ha) during the dormant season. Enrichment ratios of nutrients reveal that, in general, forest stands used up nutrients during growing season and washed off during the dormant season.
Evidence of high mortality in long term survivors of childhood medulloblastoma

The diagnosis of pediatric medulloblastoma now carries a much improved overall survival; however as outcomes advance, late mortality, from causes such as disease recurrence and subsequent malignancies, are of increasing concern for these patients. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, the causes of late mortality in long term survivors of medulloblastoma were evaluated. Patients diagnosed with a medulloblastoma between the ages of 0-19 years who survived at least 5 years after diagnosis were included. Using U.S. population data, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. Cumulative incidence estimates and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of subsequent malignancies were calculated. A total of 455 patients were included in the analysis. All patients received radiation as part of therapy. Median age at diagnosis was 7 years, and mean follow-up was 16 years. By the time of last follow-up, 20.4 % of patients had died, representing an SMR of 24.0 (95 % CI 19.3-29.4). Overall survival at 30 years was 65.5 %. Primary recurrence accounted for 59 % of late deaths, while subsequent malignancy accounted for 11.8 %. SIR for subsequent malignancy in these patients was 10.4 (95 % CI 6.9-15.1). The most common secondary tumor was another brain tumor (32 %), followed by thyroid cancer (21 %). These data demonstrate that late mortality remains a significant problem in these patients. The causes of death are largely attributable to disease recurrence and secondary malignancies. Efforts to improve risk stratification and tailor therapy will help in reducing late mortality in this population.
Recognition Methodology: Algorithms & Architecture

Computer recognition and inspection of objects is, in general , a complex procedure requiring a variety of kinds of steps which successively transform the iconic data to recognition information. We hypothesize that the difficulty of today's computer vision and recognition technology to be able to handle unconstrained environments is due to the fact that the existing algorithms are specialized and do not develop one or more of the necessary steps to a high enough degree. Our thesis is that there are no shortcuts. A recognition methodology must pay substantial attention to each of the following five steps: conditioning, labeling, grouping, extracting, and matching.
Energy transduction and kinetic regulation by the peptide segment connecting phosphorylation and cation binding domains in transport ATPases.

The sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase segment (Thr316-Leu356) connecting the extramembranous phosphorylation domain to the preceding transmembrane helix M4 (which is an integral component of the Ca2+ binding domain) retains a high degree of sequence homology with other cation transport ATPases. Single, non conservative mutations of homologous residues in this segment produces enzyme inhibition (Zhang et al., 1995). We have now produced single and multiple mutations of non-homologous residues in this segment of the Ca2+ ATPase to match the corresponding residues of the Na+, K+ ATPase. We find that the main characteristics of the ATPase mechanism (i.e., Ca2+ dependent phosphoenzyme formation and thapsigargin sensitivity) are retained even when the entire 41-amino acid (Thr316-Leu356) segment of the Ca2+ ATPase is rendered identical to the corresponding segment of the Na+, K+ ATPase by sequential mutations of the 14 non-homologous amino acids. However, the phosphoenzyme turnover (likely rate limited by the "Ca2.E1-P-->Ca.E2-P transition") is progressively reduced if four or more Ca2+ ATPase residues are mutated to the corresponding residues of the Na+, K+ ATPase. The time course of enzyme inactivation by EGTA (likely rate limited by the "E1 to E2 transition") is also prolonged. Our findings suggest that an analogous peptide segment provides a functional linkage for energy transduction between phosphorylation and cation binding domains in various cation transport ATPase. However, its kinetic influence on rate-limiting conformational transitions is dependent on matching specific structures in each ATPase.
Direct peritoneal resuscitation augments ileal blood flow in necrotizing enterocolitis via a novel mechanism

Abstract Purpose Endothelin-1, prostaglandins (PGs), and nitric oxide (NO) have been implicated in the intestinal microvascular dysfunction of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We hypothesized that direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) dilates the intestinal microvasculature and improves blood flow independent of these mechanisms. Methods Rat pups were assigned by litter to experimental NEC or CONTROL groups. Laser Doppler flowmetry evaluation of intestinal microvascular blood flow was studied at baseline, with mediator blockade (endothelin-A receptor, endothelin-B receptor, PG synthesis, or NO synthase) and with DPR. Repeated-measures analysis of variance test was applied with Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test ( P Results At baseline, NEC animals demonstrated significantly decreased ileal blood flow as compared with CONTROLs ( P P P Conclusion Ileal blood flow was significantly reduced in NEC animals as compared with CONTROLs. The addition of DPR to the peritoneum increased ileal blood flow significantly in all groups in spite of blockade of these known vasoactive mechanisms. Direct peritoneal resuscitation may be a novel strategy to improve intestinal blood flow in NEC.
Colorectal cancer screening and follow-up.

Abstract Cancer of the colon and rectum is a significant health problem in the United States. Nearly 50% of the 186,000 patients diagnosed annually with colorectal cancer will eventually die of their disease. Because development of a colorectal carcinoma is most frequently preceded by the development of a well-recognized pre-malignant lesion, screening modalities can significantly impact the incidence and mortality rate of this disease. Population screening employing digital rectal examination, fecal occult blood testing and endoscopic examination of the rectum and colon has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer. Screening regimens should be instituted at an earlier age and with increased frequency for patients in the highest risk categories. Patients who have been treated for a cancer of the colon or rectum should undergo surveillance at regular intervals in an attempt to identify recurrences of disease both in the residual colon and rectum and at distant sites. Most physicians and patients believe that intensive follow-up strategies will afford improved survival and quality of life, however few randomized studies examining the utility of intensive follow-up programs have been performed and the quality of cancer-related follow-up literature is generally poor. Good-quality clinical trials are needed to sort out which tests make a difference in the patient's long-term outcome. The algorithm for surveillance for recurrence in the future may be altered as newer testing modalities are developed.
Detection of micrometastases in histologically negative lymph nodes in esophageal cancer.

Abstract Background . New molecular techniques may identify micrometastases in histologically negative lymph nodes and have an impact on the staging of esophageal cancer. We investigated the role of the reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) assay to identify micrometastases in esophageal cancer. Methods . The RT–PCR assay to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was performed on lymph nodes from patients with esophageal cancer and benign esophageal disorders. The presence of CEA mRNA in lymph nodes was considered evidence of metastases. Results . Histopathologic study revealed metastases in 50 (41%) of 123 lymph nodes from 30 patients with esophageal cancer. All histologically positive lymph nodes contained CEA mRNA by RT–PCR. Of 73 histologically negative lymph nodes, 36 (49%) contained CEA mRNA, a significant increase compared with the histopathologic diagnosis ( p Conclusions . In patients with esophageal cancer, RT–PCR detects more lymph node metastases than does histopathology. Initial follow-up suggests a positive RT–PCR with negative histologic findings may have poor prognostic implications. Further studies will be needed to confirm any clinical implications.
Cross-sectional critical shape error : A novel methodology for quantifying process simulation accuracy

In an effort to quantify simulator performance, we propose a new metric -- the cross-sectional critical shape error (CCSE). This tool allows quantified comparison of actual resist patterns to simulator predictions, condensing two- and three- dimensional simulation errors into a scalar error value. This value can be used as a figure of merit to ascertain optimum simulator settings for matching actual experimental output. This effort extends previous work by Mack on the so-called 'critical shape error' (CSE) metric for evaluating differences between the mask and simulated resist patterns. While the work by Mack was directed primarily at OPC, CCSE is appropriate for quantitative simulator evaluations, simulator anchoring, head- to-head simulator evaluations, and use in optimizing cost functions (e.g. for use in Genetic Algorithms, etc.) since it compares the simulator output directly to the resist cross section.
Automated knowledge-based detection of nonobstructive and obstructive arterial lesions from coronary CT angiography.

Purpose: Visual analysis of three-dimensional (3D) coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) remains challenging due to large number of image slices and tortuous character of the vessels. The authors aimed to develop a robust, automated algorithm for unsupervised computer detection of coronary artery lesions. Methods: The authors’ knowledge-based algorithm consists of centerline extraction, vessel classification, vessel linearization, lumen segmentation with scan-specific lumen attenuation ranges, and lesion location detection. Presence and location of lesions are identified using a multi-pass algorithm which considers expected or “normal” vessel tapering and luminal stenosis from the segmented vessel. Expected luminal diameter is derived from the scan by automated piecewise least squares line fitting over proximal and mid segments (67%) of the coronary artery considering the locations of the small branches attached to the main coronary arteries. Results: The authors applied this algorithm to 42 CCTA patient datasets, acquired with dual-source CT, where 21 datasets had 45 lesions with stenosis ≥25%. The reference standard was provided by visual and quantitative identification of lesions with any stenosis ≥25% by three expert readers using consensus reading. The authors algorithm identified 42 lesions (93%) confirmed by the expert readers. There were 46 additional lesions detected; 23 out of 39 (59%) of these were less-stenosed lesions. When the artery was divided into 15 coronary segments according to standard cardiology reporting guidelines, per-segment basis, sensitivity was 93% and per-segment specificity was 81% using 10-fold cross-validation. Conclusions: The authors’ algorithm shows promising results in the detection of both obstructive and nonobstructive CCTA lesions.
Stein-type improvements of confidence intervals for the generalized variance

Based on independent random matices X: p×m and S: p×p distributed, respectively, as N pm (μ, ∑ ⊗ I m ) and W p (n, ∑) with μ unknown and n≥p, the problem of obtaining confidence interval for |∑| is considered. Stein's idea of improving the best affine equivariant point estimator of |∑| has been adapted to the interval estimation problem. It is shown that an interval estimator of the form |S|(b −1, a −1) can be improved by min{|S|, c|S +XX'|}(b −1, a −1) for a certain constant c depending on (a, b).
Antibody molecules: discontinuous heterogeneity of heavy chains.

The heavy polypeptide chains of antibody ( and of γG-immnunoglobulin) molecules show discrete bands on disc electrophoresis. The same bands are present for chains from antibodies of the same or diverse specificities. Individual bands are of different intensities for chains from the different rabbits tested even if the antibodies are directed against the same hapten. The bands appear to represent classes of heterogeneous H-chains of the same size having discrete differences in mizobilities with respect to a single charge difference.
A NOTE ON LIGHT TRANSMISSION THROUGH AN EVOLVING SUSPENSION OF LIQUID DROPS

The intensity of light transmitted through an evolving suspension of two-dimensional deformable liquid drops in shear-driven or pressure-driven flow within a channel with parallel-sided walls is studied using a numerical method. The rays enter the suspension normal to upper wall, undergo reflections and refractions at the drop interfaces, and either return to the upper wall or leave from the lower wall. The motion and deformation of the drops are computed using a boundary integral method, and the optics is studied using a standard ray-tracing method. Evidence is presented that, in the case of shear-driven flow, a consistent correlation exists between the intensity of light transmitted through the channel, the geometry of the microstructure, and the global rheological properties of the emulsion. In the case of pressure-driven flow, a correlation between the transmitted intensity and the effective viscosity is also observed, but its features are not entirely consistent. These differences are attributed to t...
The effect of clinical remount procedures on the comfort and success of complete dentures

Fifteen patients were treated with complete dentures in a routine manner that included a clinical remount. A second group of 15 was treated in the identical manner except that the clinical remount was not performed. The occlusal patterns of all dentures were recorded in the patient's mouths at delivery and again 1 week later by using a photoelastic membrane to provide a permanent record. The presence or absence of soreness was also noted for each patient during the week after delivery. Results indicate that clinical remounts significantly reduced the incidence of soreness, preserved the occlusal force, and reduced the changes in occlusal patterns of the dentures. Although both cusped and flat teeth were used in both treatment groups, no significant differences were noted in relation to either form on the basis of the indices studied.
Aldehyde metabolism in the human lens.

Abstract From studies involving 31 cataracts classified by the CCRG system and eight normal human lenses, it has been found that the adult human lens contains an enzyme system capable of oxidizing 1–2 μmol of glyceraldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, formaldehyde, and malonaldialdehyde per hour to their carboxylic acid form. Roughly 30 μmol G-3-P can be oxidized per hour. Statistically, the level of the oxidase system in nuclear cataracts and deeply pigmented lenses was found to be the same as for normal lenses. The deficiency of an enzyme responsible for the oxidation of highly reactive aldehydes thus seems unlikely to be involved in nuclear cataract formation and the browning of the lens. Evidence that the observed oxidase activity occurs via two separate enzymes: aldehyde dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase was achieved by studying the response of enzyme to substrate and activators (dithiothreitol and arsenate) and by final separation of enzyme activities. Differences in pH optima and heat treatment response further distinguished one enzyme from the other.
Dictating to The Dictator: Augustus Trowbridge, The Rockefeller Foundation, And The Support of Physics in Spain, 1923–1927

During the mid 1920s, the Spanish Government, prompted by the Rockefeller Foundation, began for the first time to support fundamental research in physics. The negotiations leading to this outcome are instructive, in reflecting key differences between the Foundation’s vision and the practices of scientists accustomed to a ‘culture of scarcity’. This paper shows how the Foundation and the Dictator of Spain, Miguel Primo de Rivera, tested the limits of ‘civil discourse’, and reached a resolution.
Effects of infused histamine: Correlation of plasma histamine levels and symptoms

Plasma and urine histamine levels were measured during sequential infusions of histamine (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 microgram/kg/min histamine base for 30 min each) to determine the plasma level required to elicit flushing, headaches, tachycardia, and diastolic hypotension. Each study was performed with subjects on no medications or after pretreatment with hydroxyzine and/or cimetidine in order to confirm the receptor subtype involved in each of the responses. Resting plasma histamine levels were 0.62 +/- 0.12 ng/ml, and levels rose progressively indirect proportion to the concentration of infused histamine. Plasma levels of histamine required to elicit symptoms were as follows: 1.61 +/- 0.30 ng/ml = 30% increase in heart rate, 2.39 +/- 0.52 ng/ml = significant flush and headache, and 2.45 +/- 0.13 ng/ml = 30% increase in pulse pressure. Cimetidine pretreatment failed to influence the histamine level required to elicit symptoms, hydroxyzine pretreatment significantly raised the level required to increase heart rat by 30%, and the combination of antihistamines significantly raised the threshold for histamine to elicit all the response. Urine histamine was increased in direct proportion to the histamine infusions, and because of stability, accessibility, and the capacity for retrospective diagnosis, urine is the suggested fluid to employ to measure histamine release in humans.
Cars as Roadside Units: A Cooperative Solution

The gradual penetration of Dedicated Short Range Communications Radio (DSRC) technology in the years to come is a formidable problem that could adversely affect the implementation of safety and non-safety applications. In this paper, we propose a solution that might mitigate the negative impact of the partial and gradual penetration problem of DSRC technology. The proposed solution is based on a self-organizing network paradigm that draws its inspiration from biological systems, such as social insect colonies [1]. By designing the local rules and a distributed algorithm needed to perform this function, it is shown that DSRC equipped cars can indeed serve as RSUs. Results show that the message reachability and connectivity in urban vehicular networks can be increased substantially in a cost-effective manner as the proposed approach does not entail deployment of infrastructure based RSUs.
Treatments for childhood ADHD part II: non-pharmacological and novel treatments.

Edited by Marian W. Roman, PhDThe University of Tennessee, College of Nursing, Knoxville, Tennessee, USAIn last month's column, new pharmacologic formulations for the treatment of Childhood Attenti...
The Impact of Publicized Executions on Homicide

Research on the effect of publicized executions on homicide has been marked by a neglect of the concept of audience receptiveness. The present article applies Blumer's concept of differential audience receptivity to racial differences in reactions to publicized executions. It argues that African Americans are less responsive to punishment and labeling because they are already outsiders in a mostly Caucasian society and that they have a lower stake in conformity than Caucasians. Analysis of daily U.S. data found that, for African Americans, publicized executions had no effect on homicide. In contrast, publicized executions resulted in a significant decline in homicide for Caucasians. Little publicized executions had no effect on homicide. Policy and research implications of these results are considered.
Novel therapeutic targets for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a neurovascular phenomenon modulated by hormonal, local biochemical, and biomechanical/structural factors of the penis. The success of the orally active phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of ED has boosted research activities into the physiology of the erectile mechanism. Peripheral intracellular signal transduction in the penis as well as central brain and spinal cord pathways controlling penile erection have been investigated and are now better understood. The results of this ongoing research have provided the basis for the development and introduction of several novel therapeutic modalities into the management of ED. Many novel pharmacotherapeutic approaches under development including the use of melanocortins and Rho-kinase inhibitors as well as the introduction of gene therapy and tissue engineering have demonstrated efficacy in animal as well as early human trials. This review describes the major new and evolving pharmacological advances in the field of oral pharmacotherapy for the treatment of male ED.
SPHEREPACK 3.0: A Model Development Facility

Abstract SPHEREPACK 3.0 is a collection of FORTRAN programs that facilitates computer modeling of geophysical processes. The package contains programs for computing certain common differential operators including divergence, vorticity, gradients, and the Laplacian of both scalar and vector functions. Programs are also available for inverting these operators. For example, given divergence and vorticity, the package can be used to compute the velocity components. The Laplacian can also be inverted and therefore the package can be used to solve both the scalar and vector Helmholtz equations. Use of the package is illustrated by three sample programs that solve the scalar Helmholtz equation, the time-dependent linear advection equation, and the time-dependent nonlinear shallow-water equations. Accurate solutions are obtained via the spectral method that uses both scalar and vector spherical harmonic transforms that are available to the user. The package also contains utility programs for computing the associa...
Citizens and Classes: Political Isolation and Class Formation:

Contrary to frequently expressed hopes and expectations, there is a recurring argument by some theorists in the Marxian tradition that the typical structures and processes of capitalist democracy a...
A comparative study of feature selection and multiclass classification methods for tissue classification based on gene expression

Summary: This paper studies the problem of building multiclass classifiers for tissue classification based on gene expression. The recent development of microarray technologies has enabled biologists to quantify gene expression of tens of thousands of genes in a single experiment. Biologists have begun collecting gene expression for a large number of samples. One of the urgent issues in the use of microarray data is to develop methods for characterizing samples based on their gene expression. The most basic step in the research direction is binary sample classification, which has been studied extensively over the past few years. This paper investigates the next step---multiclass classification of samples based on gene expression. The characteristics of expression data (e.g. large number of genes with small sample size) makes the classification problem more challenging. The process of building multiclass classifiers is divided into two components: (i) selection of the features (i.e. genes) to be used for training and testing and (ii) selection of the classification method. This paper compares various feature selection methods as well as various state-of-the-art classification methods on various multiclass gene expression datasets. Our study indicates that multiclass classification problem is much more difficult than the binary one for the gene expression datasets. The difficulty lies in the fact that the data are of high dimensionality and that the sample size is small. The classification accuracy appears to degrade very rapidly as the number of classes increases. In particular, the accuracy was very low regardless of the choices of the methods for large-class datasets (e.g. NCI60 and GCM). While increasing the number of samples is a plausible solution to the problem of accuracy degradation, it is important to develop algorithms that are able to analyze effectively multiple-class expression data for these special datasets.
Experimental Security Analysis of a Modern Automobile

Modern automobiles are no longer mere mechanical devices; they are pervasively monitored and controlled by dozens of digital computers coordinated via internal vehicular networks. While this transformation has driven major advancements in efficiency and safety, it has also introduced a range of new potential risks. In this paper we experimentally evaluate these issues on a modern automobile and demonstrate the fragility of the underlying system structure. We demonstrate that an attacker who is able to infiltrate virtually any Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can leverage this ability to completely circumvent a broad array of safety-critical systems. Over a range of experiments, both in the lab and in road tests, we demonstrate the ability to adversarially control a wide range of automotive functions and completely ignore driver input\dash including disabling the brakes, selectively braking individual wheels on demand, stopping the engine, and so on. We find that it is possible to bypass rudimentary network security protections within the car, such as maliciously bridging between our car's two internal subnets. We also present composite attacks that leverage individual weaknesses, including an attack that embeds malicious code in a car's telematics unit and that will completely erase any evidence of its presence after a crash. Looking forward, we discuss the complex challenges in addressing these vulnerabilities while considering the existing automotive ecosystem.
An evaluation of the factors influencing freshwater mussel capture probability, survival, and temporary emigration in a large lowland river

AbstractThe decline of freshwater mussels in the southeastern US emphasizes the need to evaluate the current status of mussel populations. We used the Robust Design, which is a capture–recapture sampling design, to estimate demographic parameters (apparent survival and temporary emigration) and capture probabilities of Alasmidonta arcula, Lampsilis dolabraeformis, Lampsilis splendida, and Pyganodon gibbosa in a large lowland river in Georgia. Mussels were sampled in individual habitat units using line-transect methods at ∼6-wk intervals from summer 2006–2007. We used an information-theoretic approach to evaluate the relative importance of maximum river discharge, habitat characteristics, mussel species, and season on temporary emigration (i.e., proportion of mussels not at the surface), apparent survival, and capture probability. The best-supported models indicated that apparent survival and capture probability varied positively with mussel shell length and among habitat types. Apparent survival (6-wk int...
Processing of mesocarbon microbeads to high-performance materials: Part III. High-temperature sintering and graphitization

Abstract The sintering and graphitization behavior of mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) at high temperatures (1900–2800 K) is investigated. It is shown that while the low temperature sintering performance of MCMB is unique, at high temperature it appears to be similar to that of conventional materials. In contrast, the obtained activation energy for MCMB high-temperature graphitization is ∼100 kcal/mol, which is smaller than that (∼240 kcal/mol) for typical carbon systems. It is concluded that the combination of such unique properties as excellent compressibility, low temperature sinterability, and rapid graphitization makes MCMB an attractive precursor for manufacturing carbon-based materials.
Profits, Learning and the Convergence of Satisficing to Marginalism

Introduction, 302. — The learning model, 304. — Demand, cost, and environmental feedback, 307. — Satisficing's convergence to marginalism, 308. — A simple example, 310.
Phase II Study of Imatinib Mesylate Plus Hydroxyurea in Adults With Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

Purpose We performed a phase II study to evaluate the combination of imatinib mesylate, an adenosine triphosphate mimetic, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, plus hydroxyurea, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Patients and Methods Patients with GBM at any recurrence received imatinib mesylate plus hydroxyurea (500 mg twice a day) orally on a continuous, daily schedule. The imatinib mesylate dose was 500 mg twice a day for patients on enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) and 400 mg once a day for those not on EIAEDs. Assessments were performed every 28 days. The primary end point was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS). Results Thirty-three patients enrolled with progressive disease after prior radiotherapy and at least temozolomide-based chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 58 weeks, 27% of patients were progression-free at 6 months, and the median PFS was 14.4 weeks. Three patients (9%) achieved radiographic response, and 14 (42%) achi...
Multi-modal Data Fusion: A Description

Clustering groups records that are similar to each other into the same group, and those that are less similar into different groups. Clustering data of mixed types is difficult due to different data characteristics. Extending Gower’s metric for nominal and ordinal data is incorporated into an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm to cluster mixed type data. This paper describes the extensions and algorithm.
Silicon-based microdialysis chip with integrated fraction collection

A silicon-based microdialysis chip that integrates sample acquisition and fractionation is demonstrated in this paper. A porous cellulose acetate film, created using the phase separation process, is suspended over silicon microchannels. Microfluidic fractionation is accomplished with passive microfluidic valves that are used to direct the dialysate into microfabricated collection chambers
Cytochrome P450IIE1: roles in nitrosamine metabolism and mechanisms of regulation

(1990). Cytochrome P450IIe1: Roles in Nitrosamine Metabolism and Mechanisms of Regulation. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 22, No. 2-3, pp. 147-159.
Infant and Adult Homicide: Incompatibility of Predictive Models

The utility of demographic and structural variables in examining child fatalities is explored using data from the Uniform Crime Reports, which include all known homicide cases in the state of Texas from 1984 through 1994. The authors' analysis shows that the predictive power of these variables for adult homicide is substantially reduced when predicting child homicide. Social Exchange Theory provides a conceptual framework from which to analyze these types of cases by suggesting conditions under which infants may be lethally injured, usually by a parent or caretaker. This inclination is examined, explained, justified, and treated primarily according to physiological and psychological correlates.
Weed interference with field‐grown soyabean decreases under elevated [CO2] in a FACE experiment

Davis AS & Ainsworth EA (2012). Weed interference with field-grown soyabean decreases under elevated [CO2] in a FACE experiment. Weed Research52, 277–285. Summary Rising atmospheric [CO2] is predicted to affect C3 and C4 weed interference with crop species differently, with C3 weeds benefiting more from elevated [CO2] (eCO2) than C4 species. Our aim was to quantify impacts of eCO2 on C3 and C4 weeds at three levels of biological organisation: individual, population and community. We conducted a field study in 2007 and 2008 within the SoyFACE experiment in Champaign, Illinois, USA, in which Amaranthus rudis (C4) and Chenopodium album (C3) were grown with soyabean. This is a Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment. Elevated [CO2] influenced weeds at all levels of biological organisation. However, community-level impacts were largest. Interference by A. rudis and C. album with soyabean was 37% and 11% lower, respectively, in eCO2. In residual weed communities under ambient [CO2] (aCO2), C3 and C4 species were equally likely to dominate the community, whereas in eCO2, there was a 90% chance of community dominance by C3 species. Future investigations of weed ecology and global change under FACE conditions may improve their inference space by including sources of environmental stress such as ozone, heat and drought.
TreasureHunter: a system to increase the reuse of local used goods

Increasing the reuse of locally available consumer goods is one way to make consumption more sustainable. We present TreasureHunter, a system to help consumers find and share used goods available at thrift stores in their local area. TreasureHunter enlists frequent thrift store shoppers to help find requested items for those who lack the time or inclination to search for the items themselves. Incentive-centered design was used to craft a solution to fit the needs of all types of shoppers. TreasureHunter consists of an online community that is also accessible from mobile phones so that it can be used while at a thrift store. The proposed system works best on smartphones, though any Internet-capable phone could also be used. By motivating more people to buy used goods instead of new, everyone can benefit as consumers pay less for the goods they desire and fewer resources are wasted in the transportation and consumption of new goods.
Fault diagnosis for air contamination events in three-dimensional environments

We propose an Extended Implicit Kalman Filter for fault diagnosis of air contaminants in three-dimensional environments. In order to accurately detect and diagnose air contamination faults in environments such as a space station, we combine the use of an Extended Implicit Kalman Filter with the use of sensitivity matrices that provide the filter with an initial guess of the capacity and location of the contamination source. We show that this hybrid system works well in simulations for obtaining an optimal solution to the ill-posed inverse problem of determining the location and strength of an unknown source emission in a space station cabin.
Photoperiodic termination of hamster refractoriness: participation of the pineal gland.

Hamsters exposed to short daylengths undergo testicular involution followedby recrudescence and refractoriness to the regressive effects of such photoperiods. Insensitivity of pineal target tissues to the antigonadal actions of melatonin plausibly accounts for this refractoriness. The present experiments indicate that insensitivity to melatonin persists in the absence of the pineal gland and confirm that long-day treatments which break refractoriness to short photoperiods also restore sensitivity to melatonin. The ability of long days to resensitize the neuroendocrine axis to melatonin was shown to require participation of the pineal gland. Thus the pineal mediates the effects of both long and short daylengths in phasing the seasonal reproductive cycle of the hamster.
Stiffness and Stiffness-like Measures

“Stiffness” (of muscles, joints, body limbs, etc.) is one of the most broadly used terms in human biomechanics and motor control literature. Regrettably, the term is also frequently ill-used, that is, used incorrectly, without a precise understanding of its meaning. The origin of the confusion is in the application of the concept developed for relatively simple deformable bodies to much more complex biological objects such as muscles, joints, or kinematic chains that may not deform but move and show changes in the configuration. As a result, a homonymy occurs—the same term stiffness is used for designating different properties. This may lead to communicative conflicts and wrong understanding.