cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction of invariant compact finite-difference schemes

In this paper we propose a method, which is based on equivariant moving frames, for development of high-order accurate invariant compact finite-difference schemes that preserve Lie symmetries of underlying partial differential equations. In this method, variable transformations that are obtained from the extended symmetry groups of partial differential equations (PDEs) are used to transform independent and dependent variables and derivative terms of compact finite-difference schemes (constructed for these PDEs) such that the resulting schemes are invariant under the chosen symmetry groups. The unknown symmetry parameters that arise from the application of these transformations are determined through selection of convenient moving frames. In some cases, owing to selection of convenient moving frames, numerical representation of invariant (or symmetry-preserving) compact numerical schemes is found to be notably simpler than that of standard, noninvariant compact numerical schemes. Further, the accuracy of these invariant compact schemes can be arbitrarily set to a desired order by considering suitable compact finite-difference algorithms. Application of the proposed method is demonstrated through construction of invariant compact finite-difference schemes for some common linear and nonlinear PDEs (including the linear advection-diffusion equation in one or two dimensions, the inviscid Burgers' equation in one dimension, viscous Burgers' equation in one or two dimensions, spherical Burgers' equation in one dimension, and shallow water equations in two dimensions). Results obtained from our numerical simulations indicate that invariant compact finite-difference schemes not only inherit selected symmetry properties of underlying PDEs, but are also comparably more accurate than the standard, noninvariant base numerical schemes considered here.
Proceedings of the 2013 International Workshop on Data-Intensive Scalable Computing Systems

Welcome to DISCS-2013! Existing high performance computing (HPC) systems are designed primarily for workloads requiring high rates of computation. However, the widening performance gap between processors and storage, and trends toward higher data intensity in scientific and engineering applications, suggest there is a need to rethink HPC system architectures, programming models, runtime systems, and tools with a focus on data intensive computing. The 2013 InternationalWorkshop on Data Intensive Scalable Computing Systems provides a forum for researchers and other interested people in the areas of data intensive computing and high performance parallel computing to exchange ideas and discuss approaches for addressing the challenges facing Big Data or data intensive computing at large scale.
Apolipoprotein A-I crosses the blood-brain barrier through clathrin-independent and cholesterol-mediated endocytosis

Recent studies suggest that apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the major protein constituent of high-density lipoprotein particles, plays a critical role in preserving cerebrovascular integrity and reducing Alzheimer's risk. ApoA-I present in brain is thought to be primarily derived from the peripheral circulation. Although plasma-to-brain delivery of ApoA-I is claimed to be handled by the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), a contribution by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which serves as a major portal for protein delivery to brain, cannot be ruled out. In this study, we assessed the permeability-surface area product (PS) of radioiodinated ApoA-I (125I-ApoA-I) in various brain regions of wild-type rats after an intravenous bolus injection. The PS value at the cortex, caudate putamen, hippocampus, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum was found to be 0.39, 0.28, 0.28, 0.36, 0.69, and 0.76 (ml/g per second × 10-6), respectively. Solutes delivered into brain via the BCSFB are expected to show greater accumulation in the thalamus due to its periventricular location. The modest permeability for 125I-ApoA-I into the thalamus relative to other regions suggests that BCSFB transport accounts for only a portion of total brain uptake and thus BBB transport cannot be ruled out. In addition, we show that Alexa Flour 647-labeled ApoA-I (AF647-ApoA-I) undergoes clathrin-independent and cholesterol-mediated endocytosis in transformed human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). Further, Z-series confocal images of the hCMEC/D3 monolayers and Western blot detection of intact ApoA-I on the abluminal side demonstrated AF647-ApoA-I transcytosis across the endothelium. These findings implicate the BBB as a significant portal for ApoA-I delivery into brain.
Phase dual-slopes in frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy for enhanced sensitivity to brain tissue: First applications to human subjects.

We present a first in vivo application of phase dual-slopes (DSϕ), measured with frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy on four healthy human subjects, to demonstrate their enhanced sensitivity to cerebral hemodynamics. During arterial blood pressure oscillations elicited at a frequency of 0.1 Hz, we compare three different ways to analyze either intensity (I) or phase (ϕ) data collected on the subject's forehead at multiple source-detector distances: Single-distance, single-slope and DS. Theoretical calculations based on diffusion theory show that the method with the deepest maximal sensitivity (at about 11 mm) is DSϕ. The in vivo results indicate a qualitative difference of phase data (especially DSϕ) and intensity data (especially single-distance intensity [SDI]), which we assign to stronger contributions from scalp hemodynamics to SDI and from cortical hemodynamics to DSϕ. Our findings suggest that scalp hemodynamic oscillations may be dominated by blood volume dynamics, whereas cortical hemodynamics may be dominated by blood flow velocity dynamics.
Should Antiemetics be Given Prophylactically with Intravenous Opioids While Treating Acute Pain in the Emergency Department?: Clinical Practice Paper Approved by American Academy of Emergency Medicine Clinical Guidelines Committee.

Abstract Background It is common practice for emergency physicians to give parenteral opioids for acute pain, however, some treating physicians have concerns that using parenteral opioids can lead to nausea and vomiting when used alone. Therefore, antiemetics are often given prophylactically with opioids for nausea and vomiting in the emergency department (ED). This systematic review evaluates the use of prophylactic antiemetics with parenteral opioids for the treatment of acute pain in the ED. Methods A 10-year literature search using keywords was performed in PubMed for English-language human studies. Abstracts were screened to identify high-quality studies, which then underwent a more rigorous structured review. The recommendations are made based on the literature review. Results Eight articles met criteria for structured review and citation in this article. These include one review article, two randomized controlled trials, three prospective observational trials, one retrospective study, and one pre- and post-intervention trial. Conclusions Based on the literature review, routine use of prophylactic antiemetics are not indicated with administration of parenteral opioids for treatment of acute pain in the ED, as nausea and vomiting are infrequent side effects. The recent literature clearly demonstrates that there are potential undesirable side effects from the use of antiemetics when using opioids. However, one subgroup of patients, those with a known history of nausea and vomiting after opioid use or a history of travel sickness, may benefit from the use of prophylactic antiemetic when being treated with parenteral opioids.
Micromechanics of hydraulic fracturing and damage in rock based on DEM modeling

This paper presents a study of the micromechanics of the coupled hydro-mechanical (H-M) behavior of brittle rock during hydraulic fracturing. The study is conducted using the discrete element method (DEM), which spatially discretizes a rock mass into discrete disc particles, coupled with a solver for modeling fluid flow through a network of connected pores. In the coupled H-M DEM modeling, fluid flows through newly formed hydraulic fractures due to pore pressure increase from fluid injection in a wellbore and is coupled with rock mechanical response across a wide range of flow rates. The micromechanical insights from the DEM modeling provide better understanding of coupled H-M processes which precede rock breakdown during hydraulic fracturing, and the transition in deformation in brittle rock from a single hydraulic fracture to branched hydraulic fractures and a diffused damage zone. The effects of the properties of the fracturing fluid and the rock matrix as well as the effects of loading flow rate on the development of pressure-induced deformation and fracturing in crystalline brittle rocks fracturing are investigated. The DEM models used properties that were obtained by calibrating flow-rate-dependent stress–strain response against previously published experimental data on brittle rocks (granite in particular). DEM results are compared with experimental results from a true-triaxial scale model testing on hydraulic fracturing in an analogue rock. The presented results are expected to enable better understanding of conditions which lead to successful fracture propagation versus damage and fracture arrest in geo-reservoirs.
Rapid detection of aggR gene in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli by TaqMan-MGB fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction

Objective To establish a TaqMan-MGB fluorescence quantitative PCR method for rapid detection of aggR gene in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC).Methods Primers and probes at final concentrations of 0.16,0.24,0.32,0.40,0.48 and 0.56 μmol/L were selected to detemine the optimal concentration by matrix method.According to EAEC aggR gene sequence in GenBank,the primer and TaqManMGB probe were designed in the conserved region,and fluorescence quantitative PCR system and reaction conditions were also optimized.The specificity,sensitivity and reproducibility of this method were verified.Results Primer and probe at final concentrations of 0.48 μmol/L and 0.24 μmol/L respectively were selected for the method obtaining minimum ct value and maximum △Rn value.The optimal annealing temperature for the reaction system was 59.0 ℃.This method was highly specific for EAEC aggR genetic test and had no crossreaction with enteropathogenic E.coli,enterotoxingenic E.coli,enteroinvasive E.coli,enterohaemorrhagic E.coli,E.coli,Y.enterocolitica,S.paratyphi,S.typhimurium,S.flexneri,S.sonnei,L.monocytogenes,P.aeruginosa,P.mirabilis,B.cereus,S.aureus and V.parahaemolyticus.This method had high sensitivity and good reproducibility,with the detection limit of 6.5 ×100 copies/μL (or 13 copies/reaction system).The whole operation took only 2h.Conclusions The TaqMan-MGB fluorescence quantitative PCR assay is a quick,sensitive and specific method for rapid detection of EAEC cases and emergency diagnosis of food poisoning. Key words: Escherichia coli; Fluorescence quantitative PCR; TaqMan-MGB probe; aggR gene
Exposure to peers' pro-diversity attitudes increases inclusion and reduces the achievement gap.

There is a dearth of empirically validated pro-diversity methods that effectively create a more inclusive social climate. We developed two scalable interventions that target people’s perceptions of social norms by communicating to them that their peers hold pro-diversity attitudes and engage in inclusive behaviours. We tested the interventions in six randomized controlled trials at a large public university in the United States (total n = 2,490). Non-marginalized students exposed to our interventions reported more positive attitudes toward outgroups and greater appreciation of diversity, whereas marginalized students had an increased sense of belonging, reported being treated more inclusively by their peers and earned better grades. While many current pro-diversity initiatives focus on raising awareness about the fact that implicit bias and subtle discrimination are widespread, our findings spotlight the importance of drawing people’s attention to their peers’ pro-diversity values and attitudes to create positive and lasting effects on the social climate. Brauer et al. show that communication about peers’ pro-diversity attitudes and inclusive behaviours increases positive attitudes toward outgroups among university students and improves sense of belonging and better grades among marginalized students.
Active on the street but apathetic at the ballot box? Explaining youth voter behaviour in Tunisia’s new democracy

Tunisia is a unique context where youth-led protests in 2011 led to a successful democratic transition followed by elections where voters experienced democracy for the very first time. Despite youn...
Fundamentals of computer-integrated manufacturing

The manufacturing process computers in manufacturing computer-aided engineering systems computer-aided production systems integration of CAD and CAM technologies computer aided business computer-integrated manufacturing planning for CIM the human factors of CIM implementing a CIM system.
The role of ergonomic and psychosocial workplace factors in the reporting of back injuries among U.S. home health aides

Background Due to the aging population and a shift to patient home care, Home Health Aides (HHAs) are a fast-growing occupation. Since little is known about workplace risk factors for back injuries among HHAs, we examined the role of ergonomic and psychosocial factors in injury reporting among HHAs.
The Association between Market-Based Merger Premiums and Firms' Financial Position Prior to Merger

This paper tests the association between firms' prior financial performance and the magnitude and timing of merger premiums. The basic finding is that both financially healthy firms and financially troubled firms, as classified by the Altman Z score, earn merger premiums of 25%. However, the troubled firms experience market price increases earlier than healthy firms. Further analysis indicates that the early market price recovery of the troubled firms is consistent with the notion that tax loss carryforwards make acquisition attractive. In fact, the troubled firms with tax loss carryforwards experience merger premiums of 33.7% as opposed to 19.6% for troubled firms without tax loss carryforwards. These results indicate that the availability of the tax loss carryforwards may have facilitated mergers for troubled firms.
Random Brick Model for Drug Transport across Stratum Corneum

A model for drug permeation across the stratum corneum is developed to predict the effect of the physical configuration and chemical composition of the stratum corneum on the skin permeability of drugs. The experimental data of percutaneous absorption across different skin specimens are well interpreted by the present model.
Vitamin D and calcium: the relationship of dietary intakes and blood levels in obese minority adolescents (628.11)

Vitamin D deficiency, defined as 25OH vitamin D < 50nmol/L, and serum calcium level are associated with obesity. However, limited research has investigated the relationship of the active form of se...
Reference Ranges for Lymphocyte Subsets in Pediatric Patients

Peripheral blood lymphocyte subset reference ranges were examined in a large group (N = 130) of healthy pediatric patients ranging in age from 1 month to 17 years. All samples were stained with monoclonal antibodies, processed with a whole blood lysis technique, and analyzed on a flow cytometer. Data analysis demonstrated statistically significant changes in most lymphocyte subsets at age 3 years. The relative and absolute numbers of total lymphocytes, CD2, CD4, and CD19 cells; absolute numbers of CD3 and CD8 cells; and CD4/CD8 ratios were high at birth, decreased during early childhood, and closely approximated adult reference values after age 3 years. The relative numbers of CD8 lymphocytes were low in early childhood and then rose to adult values after 3 years of age. The relative percentage of CD3 cells remained stable over all ages studied. Although "adult" lymphocyte subset reference ranges may be similar to those in children older than 3 years, age-adjusted reference ranges should be used for the early childhood period.
Regulation of Irrigation Canals Using a Two-Stage Linear Quadratic Reliable Control

A 2-stage discrete-time linear quadratic reliable control technique is applied to the regulation of irrigation canals. The Saint-Venant equations of open-channel flow are linearized using the Taylor series and a finite difference approximation of the original nonlinear, partial differential equations. The concepts of linear optimal control theory are applied to derive a feedback control algorithm for constant level control of an irrigation canal. Two-step linear quadratic update equations and a sequential gain updating scheme are used to drive a linear quadratic reliable formulation. An example problem with a single pool is considered for evaluating the performance of the reliable control technique used to design an optimal control for irrigation canals. The results from the 2-stage reliable control technique are compared to the results from a standard linear quadratic regulator (LQR). The 2-stage reliable control formulation provides both good stability and performance gain margins in the canal operation. The results of this study show that a 2-stage linear quadratic reliable control for irrigation canals offers an alternative to the standard optimal control formulation if there is a lack of flow depth and flow rate data at some measurement points in the irrigation canal.
An Examination of Network Position and Childhood Relational Aggression: Integrating Resource Control and Social Exchange Theories

Applying resource control theory and social exchange theory, we examined the social network conditions under which elementary age children were likely to engage in relational aggression. Data on classroom peer networks and peer-nominated behaviors were collected on 671 second- through fourth-grade children in 34 urban, low-income classrooms. Nested regression models with robust cluster standard errors demonstrated that the association between children's number of relationships and their levels of relational aggression was moderated by the number of relationships that their affiliates had. Children with more peer relationships (i.e., higher network centrality) exhibited higher levels of relational aggression, but only when these relationships were with peers who had fewer connections themselves (i.e., poorly connected peers). This finding remained significant even when controlling for common predictors of relational aggression including gender, overt aggression, prosocial behavior, victimization, social preference, and perceived popularity. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for advancing the literature on childhood relational aggression and their practical applications for identifying children at risk for these behaviors.
Effects of Waxy and Sugary Genes on Reserves with Special Reference to Modification of the Waxy Ratio in Maize.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Literature reviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Experimental results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Comparative amounts of crude fat of non-waxy and waxy maize endosperm types in non-sugary and sugary classes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Comparative values of crude fat of non-waxy and waxy maize endosperm types in non-
Natural Lake Water Temperatures in the Nearshore Waters of Southeastern Lake Michigan

Abstract A five-year study of the lake-water temperatures of southeastern Lake Michigan at four locations ranging in depth from 2 to 40 feet and at a distance of 300 to 3375 feet from shore has produced the conclusion that natural lake-water temperature fluctuations greater than 3° F are a common event, except during the month of January. The greatest and most frequent daily temperature fluctuations occurred during the months of June through September, with the observed maximum daily range of 27° F occurring on 20 July 1970. Direct wind-induced upwelling of cold deep offshore waters is probably responsible for the natural daily fluctuations in excess of 12° F, while daily temperature fluctuations less than 12° F are probably the result of a combination of factors. The range between the maximum and minimum recorded monthly temperatures was substantial. However, the average maximum and minimum average temperatures at different depths did not fluctuate greatly from year to year. The deeper stations consistently showed higher maximum and minimum average temperatures for the months of January through March. The shallower stations consistently showed higher maximum and minimum monthly average temperatures during the months of June through September. The similarity between the monthly average maximum and minimum lake-water temperatures at stations of different depths is interpreted as the result of frequent mixing of the waters in this portion of southeastern Lake Michigan. The data indicate that the natural lake-water temperatures vary over a large range on both a daily and monthly basis. Because the existing aquatic community maintains itself within this naturally wide temperature range, it's questionable whether or not the introduction of thermal effluents will markedly influence the aquatic system in this part of Lake Michigan.
Hyperkalemia, acidosis, and short stature associated with a defect in renal potassium excretion

A-9-year-old boy with growth failure, acidosis, and persistent hyperkalemia was evaluated. Glomerular filtration rate, serum aldosterone and cortisol values, and hematologic data were within normal ranges. There was no suggestion of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Urinary acidification was normal, but the bicarbonate threshold was low (21–22 mEqll). During treatment with a thiazide diuretic, serum potassium and bicarbonate concentrations became normal. When the diuretic was discontinued, hyperkalemia occurred at a normal serum bicarbonate concentration. It is assumed that this patient has a specific defect in renal excretion of potassium; this is the second report of a patient with this defect.
Protein kinase C isozymes have distinct roles in neural induction and competence in Xenopus

The restricted ability of embryonic tissue to respond to inductive signals is controlled by a poorly understood phenomenon, termed competence. In Xenopus, dorsal ectoderm is more competent than ventral ectoderm to become induced to neural tissue. We tested whether the Xenopus protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes alpha and beta have a role in neural induction and competence. We found that PKC alpha is predominantly localized in dorsal ectoderm, whereas PKC beta is uniformly distributed. Overexpression of PKC beta conveys a higher propensity for neural differentiation to both dorsal and ventral ectoderm, but their difference in competence remains. However, ectopic expression of PKC alpha elevates the level of neural competence of ventral ectoderm to that of dorsal ectoderm. These data indicate that different PKC isozymes have distinct roles in mediating both neural induction and competence.
Hardware Emulation of Wideband Correlated Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Fading Channels

A low-complexity hardware emulator is proposed for wideband, correlated, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) fading channels. The proposed emulator generates multiple discrete-time channel impulse responses (CIR) at the symbol rate and incorporates three types of correlation functions of the subchannels via Kronecker product: the spatial correlation between transmit or receive elements, temporal correlation due to Doppler shifts, and inter-tap correlation due to multipaths. The Kronecker product is implemented by a novel mixed parallel-serial (mixed P-S) matrix multiplication method to reduce memory storage and to meet the real-time requirement in high data-rate, large MIMO size, or long CIR systems. We present two practical MIMO channel examples implemented on an Altera Stratix III EP3SL150F FPGA DSP development kit: a 2-by-2 MIMO WiMAX channel with a symbol rate of 1.25 million symbols/second and a 2-by-6 MIMO underwater acoustic channel with 100-tap CIR. Both examples meet real-time requirement using only 12---14% of hardware resources of the FPGA.
Six Years of Clinical Experience Using Postcoital Contraception in College Women

Postcoital contraception (PCC), also known as the "morning-after pill," has been used at the University of Rochester Health Service for several years. In 1985, the healthcare providers developed a formal protocol for dispensing PCC to female students presenting with the complaint of unprotected intercourse within the previous 72 hours. Patients are screened for any absolute contraindications to using birth control pills, are asked to sign a consent form, and are told to schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate pregnancy status and contraceptive options. Data from 1985 to 1991 is presented and include total number of times PCC was dispensed, side effects of medication, patient profiles, and predicted and actual pregnancy rates. The authors compare the data from the University of Rochester with data described in the literature and discuss recommendations for practice.
Respiratory syncytial virus infections in infants: quantitation and duration of shedding.

Infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infection were studied to delineate the quantitative shedding patterns and duration of shedding of RSV. Nasal wash specimens collected edaily from 19 infants contained a mean maximal titer of 4.34 log 10 50% tissue culture infective doses per milliliter. On admission, the mean titer was 4.14 log 10 TCID 50 with no consistent decline until after Day 6. The mean duration of shedding for 23 patients until they were virus negative was 6.7 days with a range of 1 to 21 days. Quantities of RSV shed were significantly greater in infants less than one month of age and in infants with evidence of pulmonary consolidation on chest roentgenogram. Shedding extended for a significantly longer time in infants with lower respiratory tract disease than in those with clinical manifestations limited to the upper respiratory tract.
Unbiased estimation of attenuation of soft biological tissue using the mean-power difference between two adjacent envelope samples

This paper presents a theoretical framework of a new time-domain method for estimating the slope of ultrasonic attenuation ((beta) ) in reflection. The proposed method has two main advantages: high accuracy and technical simplicity.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Quantitation of bovine TNF-α mRNA by reverse transcription and competitive polymerase chain reaction amplification☆

Abstract A reverse transcription (RT) and competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique was developed to quantify bovine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA. A bovine TNF-α cDNA insert containing plasmid was used to produce a 237-bp cDNA competitive template which, when PCR-amplified with primers designed to amplify bovine TNF-α cDNA, resulted in a 147-bp product distinguishable by agarose gel electrophoresis from the 378-bp TNF-α RT-PCR-amplified cDNA product. Dilutions of competitive template were co-amplified with constant amounts of total cellular RNA harvested from bovine alveolar macrophages (BAM). Products were separated in ethidiumbromide-stained agarose gels and relative amounts of TNF-α mRNA were determined by densitometric scanning of TNF-α cDNA and competitive template product bands on photographic negatives. Digestions with Pvu II and Sty I restriction endonucleases verified that RT-PCR-amplified TNF-α cDNA products were authentic. A time study indicated that TNF-α mRNA concentrations peaked 3 h after endotoxin and virus induction of BAMs.
Impregnation of concrete with hot epoxy resins

Abstract Impregnation of concrete with two types of hot epoxy resins was investigated. Compared with the more commonly used acrylics, epoxies offer reduced danger from fumes, fire and explosion. Economic advantages due to the reduction or elimination of the post-drying cool-down period are also afforded by the epoxy. This study revealed that an aliphatic-based epoxy impregnant at 105°C displays an uptake rate approaching that of acrylic monomers. However, the narrow span between the polymerization and degradation temperatures could limit applicability.
Self-Directed Work Teams: Process with Measurement.

This article provides a group process for teaching an organizational theory class. The teaching strategy incorporates case teaching with a group simulation. After a discussion of the process, the article provides measurement criteria to evaluate the teaching exercise. Students generally viewed the project as a positive learning experience. However, there are risks inherent in teaching exercises involving groups and these are discussed.
Role of organic cation transporters in dopamine uptake across olfactory and nasal respiratory tissues.

Dopamine has poor oral bioavailability and low permeability across the blood–brain barrier, and yet it has been reported to have good systemic and central nervous system (CNS) bioavailability following nasal administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which dopamine transport in the olfactory and respiratory mucosae results from the activity of organic cation transporters (OCTs) present in the nasal cavity. Transport studies were carried out to determine the mechanism of dopamine transport across bovine olfactory and nasal respiratory mucosa. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the expression and localization of organic cation transporter-2, a major transporter of dopamine, in the nasal mucosa. Dopamine transport was found to be saturable across both tissues. Amantadine, an organic cation transporter-1 (OCT-1) and organic cation transporter-2 (OCT-2) mixed inhibitor, decreased dopamine flux to a greater extent than guanidine, a more specific org...
Effective targeting of liposomes to liver and hepatocytes in vivo by incorporation of a Plasmodium amino acid sequence.

Several species of the protozoan Plasmodium effectively target mammalian liver during the initial phase of host invasion. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that a Plasmodium targeting amino acid sequence can be engineered into therapeutic nanoparticle delivery systems. A 19-amino peptide from the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium berghei was prepared containing the conserved region I as well as a consensus heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding sequence. This peptide was attached to the distal end of a lipid–polyethylene glycol bioconjugate. The bioconjugate was incorporated into phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing fluorescently labeled lipids to follow blood clearance and organ distribution in vivo. When administered intravenously into mice, the peptide-containing liposomes were rapidly cleared from the circulation and were recovered almost entirely in the liver. Fluorescence and electron microscopy demonstrated that the liposomes were accumulated both by nonparenchymal cells and hepatocytes, with the majority of the liposomal material associated with hepatocytes. Accumulation of liposomes in the liver was several hundredfold higher compared to heart, lung, and kidney, and more than 10-fold higher compared to spleen. In liver slice experiments, liposome binding was specific to sites sensitive to heparinase. Incorporation of amino acid sequences that recognize glycosaminoglycans is an effective strategy for the development of targeted drug delivery systems.
A note on the stress singularity at a penny-shaped crack in three-dimensional electrostriction

Diese Mitteilung behandelt eine vollstandige Bewertung der Spannungs-Singularitat am Rande eines flachen kreisformigen Spaltes unter der Einwirkung von Elektrostriktion. Die Ergebnisse bestatigen die Schlussfolgerungen, welche fruher bei zweidimensionalen Problemen gezogen wurden. Die der Elektrostriktion zuzuschreibende Singularitat zeitigt eine rein radiale Spannung, welche nicht dazu neigt, die schon bestehenden Spalten ihrer Ausdehnungs-Oberflache entlang auszubreiten.
Production of thymocyte-stimulating factor by murine spleen lymphocytes: cellular and biochemical mechanisms.

Abstract Cultures of murine spleen lymphocytes treated with Thy 1.2 antiserum plus complement do not produce thymocyte-stimulating factor (TSF). The population of thymocytes composed of immunocompetent, low-density cells produces only small amounts of TSF. Experiments with cyclophosphamide-injected mice and with spleen cells treated in vitro with antiserum to the murine B lymphocyte antigen plus complement and experiments using spleen cells stimulated in vitro with Sepharose-bound phytohemagglutinin indicate that B lymphocytes neither cooperate with T lymphocytes for the production of TSF nor produce TSF. Some lectins (pokeweed mitogen, Lens culinaris hemagglutinins A and B) have been found to induce the production of TSF by spleen cells. Other lectins (wheat germ agglutinin, Agaricus bisporus agglutinin) and sodium periodate do not. Spleen cells of mice immunized in vivo with keyhole limpet hemocyanin bound to bentonite particles or with BCG produce TSF when challenged in vitro with the specific antigen. Experiments using inhibitors of the macromolecular metabolism showed that DNA synthesis is not required for the production of TSF by spleen lymphocytes, whereas RNA and protein synthesis are required. Resolution of spleen lymphocytes on a discontinuous albumin gradient into six subpopulations showed that the TSF activity was rather uniformly distributed among the various subpopulations of cells.
Vertical excitation as a transient phenomenon

For a particular model with two electronic states, each with two vibrations, the dipole correlation function governing electronic absorption is e−iωOt cosγt with spectrum ω0±γ. The function starts as e−iωOt (γ≪ω0), with Fourier transform peaking around ω0 instead of ω0±γ, and this is associated with vertical excitation. After a time t∼2/γ the spectrum goes over into the normal one. As a generalization, a procedure is outlined for characterizing the state reached first after interaction with light is initiated. Finally it is suggested that one can understand aspects of internal conversion by analogy with the case of vertical excitation.
Brief survey of languages used for systems implementation

This paper provides a brief survey of languages used for developing operating systems. The paper discusses the issues involved in deciding on the use of a higher level language, including the technical, management, psychological factors, and the advantages and disadvantages. The major part of the paper discusses specific languages which have been used, and the major systems which have been developed using them. General comments and future trends are indicated, with a discussion of desirable characteristics, the non-universality of a single systems programming language, system specification languages, machine independence, and operating system writing systems. An appendix lists languages known to have been used for writing either compilers and/or operating systems, and indicates references for them.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy and atherosclerotic disease.

Abstract Several lines of evidence suggest that estrogen is an important determinant of cardiovascular risk in women. Epidemiologic data document low rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) in premenopausal women, a narrowing of the gender gap in CHD mortality after menopause, and elevated risk of CHD among young women with bilateral oophorectomy not treated with estrogen. Nearly all of the more than 30 observational studies of exogenous estrogen replacement therapy have indicated a reduced risk of CHD among women receiving estrogen therapy. In a meta-analysis comparing estrogen users and nonusers, the estimated reduction of CHD among users was 44%. In angiographic studies, women taking estrogen were less likely to have coronary artery stenosis. Estrogen is known to affect a wide range of physiologic processes that may have an impact on CHD risk. Use of oral estrogen has favorable effects on serum lipid profiles; it increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 10% to 15% and decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by a similar magnitude. Other proposed mechanisms include inhibition of endothelial hyperplasia, reduced arterial impedance, enhanced production of prostacyclin, increased insulin sensitivity, and inhibition of oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Nevertheless, the role of hormone replacement therapy in preventing clinical atherosclerotic events in women remains inconclusive because of the absence of randomized trial data. The benefit-to-risk ratio must be reliably assessed, because estrogen has complex actions, including postulated benefits (CHD, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms) and postulated risks (endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and gallstones). Furthermore, the addition of a progestin, which is commonly given to protect the endometrium, may attenuate the lipid benefits of estrogen; the benefit-to-risk ratio of such a combined regimen is even less certain. The Women's Health Initiative, a recently launched large-scale randomized trial of estrogen, estrogen-progestin, and placebo, as well as other ongoing randomized trials, will provide invaluable information to aid postmenopausal women in making the complex decision about whether to take hormone replacement therapy.
Advancing reflective judgment through Socioscientific Issues

The purpose of this investigation was to explore possible relationships between Socioscientific Issues instruction and students' development of reflective judgment. The usefulness of the Reflective Judgment Model as a tool for assessing the value of SSI is established in the parallels that can be drawn between them. Both involve ill-structured problems requiring evidence-based reasoning subject to differing interpretations by students, and both require examination, analysis and the blending of scientific and normative evidence, as students use that evidence to support a reasoned position. Results demonstrated both qualitative evidence revealing more sophisticated and nuanced epistemological stances toward higher stages of reflective judgment, as well as statistically significant gains within treatment groups with a moderately large effect size. Theoretical implications for advancing students' epistemological beliefs about evidence-based argumentation and pedagogical implications for rethinking how to connect science with topics that are fundamentally meaningful to students are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 74–101, 2009
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptomatology: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Several studies have demonstrated differences in omega-3 fatty acid composition in plasma and in erythrocyte membranes in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with unaffected controls. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can alter central nervous system cell membrane fluidity and phospholipid composition. Cell membrane fluidity can alter serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission. The goal of this meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with ADHD. Method PubMed was searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials examining omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in children with ADHD symptomatology. The primary outcome measurement was standardized mean difference in rating scales of ADHD severity. Secondary analyses were conducted to determine the effects of dosing of different omega-3 fatty acids in supplements. Results Ten trials involving 699 children were included in this meta-analysis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation demonstrated a small but significant effect in improving ADHD symptoms. Eicosapentaenoic acid dose within supplements was significantly correlated with supplement efficacy. No evidence of publication bias or heterogeneity between trials was found. Conclusion Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly with higher doses of eicosapentaenoic acid, was modestly effective in the treatment of ADHD. The relative efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was modest compared with currently available pharmacotherapies for ADHD such as psychostimulants, atomoxetine, or α 2 agonists. However, given its relatively benign side-effect profile and evidence of modest efficacy, it may be reasonable to use omega-3 fatty supplementation to augment traditional pharmacologic interventions or for families who decline other psychopharmacologic options.
Sequence-Specific Dna Breaks Produced by Triplex-Directed Decay of Iodine-125

Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFO) labeled with Auger emitters could be ideal vehicles to deliver radioactive-decay energy to specific DNA sequences, causing DNA breaks and, subsequently, inactivation of these sequences. To demonstrate this approach we labeled with 125 I (two 125 I per molecule on average) a purine-rich 38-mer which forms a stable triplex with a polypurine polypyrimidine stretch in the human HPRT gene. Decay of 125 I in the bound TFO was shown to cause sequence-specific double strand breaks (DSB) in the target HPRT sequence cloned into plasmid DNA. No sequence-specific breaks were observed if 125 I-labeled TFO were not bound to the plasmid DNA. After 60 days of decay accumulation (one 125 I half-life) approximately a quarter of all plasmid molecules contained sequence-specific DSB, corresponding to 0.3 site-specific DSB per decay. Sequencing gel analysis shows that the DNA breaks are distributed within a few bases of the maxima at those bases opposite to the positions of 125 I in the TFO.
Differences between the nodes of Ranvier of large and small diameter fibres in the P.N.S.

The architecture of nodes of Ranvier in the spinal nerve roots of the rabbit has been examined. It has been shown that the nodes of large diameter fibres (mean 12 μm) are structurally different from those of small diameter fibres (mean 3 μm) on the basis of differences in the degree of axonal constriction, the frequent packing of axoplasmic constituents on one side of the node in large fibres, and the complexity of the arrangement of Schwann cell fingers which abut the nodal axolemma. Schwann cell fingers were seen to traverse a granular nodal gap substance which was web-like and came to rest upon a supra-axonal granular layer. Fine strands (5–6 nm in diameter) apparently formed bridges between some Schwann cell fingers and the nodal axolemma. The picture which emerges from this study is that the nodal apparatus might have orientation and structural stability which contribute to its efficiency as an electrogenic pump and is structurally distinct in small and large diameter fibres.
Dryosaurus , a hypsilophodontid dinosaur from the upper jurassic of north America and Africa postcranial skeleton

A well illustrated description is provided of the postcranial anatomy of the hypsilopho-dontid dinosaurDryosaurus altus (Marsh) (Reptilia: Ornithopoda) from the Upper Jurassic of western U.S.A. Detailed comparisons with all elements of the postcranial skeleton ofDryosaurus lettowvorbecki (Virchow) from the Upper Jurassic of Tanzania, East Africa show that these two species are very similar and border on being conspecific. This close similarity provides important evidence for the existence of a land connection between northern Laurasia and southern Gondwana sometime during the early Late Jurassic.
Drought responses of conifers in ecotone forests of northern Arizona: tree ring growth and leaf δ13C

We sought to understand differences in tree response to meteorological drought among species and soil types at two ecotone forests in northern Arizona, the pinyon-juniper woodland/ponderosa pine ecotone, and the higher elevation, wetter, ponderosa pine/mixed conifer ecotone. We used two approaches that provide different information about drought response: the ratio of standardized radial growth in wet years to dry years (W:D) for the period between years 1950 and 2000 as a measure of growth response to drought, and δ13C in leaves formed in non-drought (2001) and drought (2002) years as a measure of change in water use efficiency (WUE) in response to drought. W:D and leaf δ13C response to drought for Pinus edulis and P. ponderosa did not differ for trees growing on coarse-texture soils derived from cinders compared with finer textured soils derived from flow basalts or sedimentary rocks. P. ponderosa growing near its low elevation range limit at the pinyon-juniper woodland/ponderosa pine ecotone had a greater growth response to drought (higher W:D) and a larger increase in WUE in response to drought than co-occurring P. edulis growing near its high elevation range limit. P. flexilis and Pseudotsuga menziesii growing near their low elevation range limit at the ponderosa pine/mixed conifer ecotone had a larger growth response to drought than co-occurring P. ponderosa growing near its high elevation range limit. Increases in WUE in response to drought were similar for all species at the ponderosa pine/mixed conifer ecotone. Low elevation populations of P. ponderosa had greater growth response to drought than high-elevation populations, whereas populations had a similar increase in WUE in response to drought. Our findings of different responses to drought among co-occurring tree species and between low- and high-elevation populations are interpreted in the context of drought impacts on montane coniferous forests of the southwestern USA.
Determination of the optimum-size californium-252 neutron source for borehole capture gamma-ray analysis

The fast- and thermal-neutron fluence rates from a 3.7 μg 252Cf neutron source in a simulated borehole have been measured as a function of the source-to-detector distance using air, water, coal, iron ore-concrete mix, and dry sand as borehole media. Gamma-ray intensity measurements were made for specific spectral lines at low and high energies for the same range of source-to-detector distances in the iron ore-concrete mix and in coal. Integral gamma-ray counts across the entire spectrum were also made at each source-to-detector distance. From these data, the specific neutron-damage rate, and the critical count-rate criteria, we show that in an iron ore-concrete mix (low hydrogen concentration), 252Cf neutron sources of 2–40 μg are suitable. The source size required for optimum gamma-ray sensitivity depends on the energy of the gamma ray being measured. In a hydrogeneous medium such as coal, similar measurements were made. The results show that sources from 2 to 20 μg are suitable to obtain the highest gamma-ray sensitivity, again depending on the energy of the gamma ray being measured. In a hydrogeneous medium, significant improvement in sensitivity can be achieved by using faster electronics; in iron ore, it cannot.