cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A fluorometric method to determine levels of histamine in human plasma.

HE CONCEPT of the importance of histamine as a chemical mediator in atopic disease has stimulated those who search for increasingly sensitive, yet simpler, methods of measuring this compound. This report concerns a fluorometric method devised by Shore, Burkhalter, and Cohn,l and modifications which render it more suitable for the determination of histamine levels in human plasma. In the past, determinations of plasma histamine have largely been carried out by either the bio-assay method, measuring the contractile effect of histamine on guinea pig ileum, or by a spectrophotometric method which measures the monodinitrophenyl derivative of histamine’s reaction with 2, 4 dinitrofluorobenzene under fixed conditions of pH, temperature, and dinitrofluorobenzene concentration.2, 3 The wide application of these two methods has resulted from their greater sensitivity and reproducibility, as compared with other procedures. No method of determining histamine in biologic substances utilizes the absolute measurement of histamine, in the manner in which the chemist applies it in isolating a substance, weighing it, and identifying the compound by determination of crystalline structure, melting point, and solubility. All methods of histamine determination, including the fluorometric, arc plagued by interfering substances which have to be removed before the histamine present can be measured accurately. Utilizing the fluorescing property of a condensation product of histamine with o-phthalaldehyde, the fluorometric method has the advantage not. only of greater sensitivity but also of a simpler, faster means of separating histamine from interfering materials. With most tissues, Shore and co-workers have been able to demonstrate very satisfactory results with their method. In making determinations of human plasma histamine, however, our results have consistently shown higher values with the fluorometric method than with the dinitrofluorobenzene method of Lowry and his associates.2 The interfering substance or substances present detract at. times from the ability of the method to detect changes in levels of plasma histamine. When more accurate values xre required, they can he achieved by the use of decals0 columns with the fluorometric method.
Frederick Jackson Turner: Strange Roads Going Down

This biography examines the life and legacy of Frederick Jackson Turner. Best known for his 1893 essay "The Significance of the Frontier in American History" - the most enduring explanation of our national development - Turner was a leader in establishing the field of western American history and in shaping the broader history discipline. Placing Turner's ideas in the context both of his own times and of current historiography, Allan G. Bogue elucidates his far-reaching influence as thinker, scholar, mentor, and teacher. Weaving together accounts of Turner's personal and professional life, Bogue addresses intriguing questions: Why did Turner fail to produce that great work of substantive research on which he labored for more than half his career? And why have his ideas inspired so much debate and controversy, even to this day?
Why do older men report low stress ratings? Findings from the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study.

We examined the interplay between three explanatory hypotheses for why older adults appear to rate their problems as less stressful than do younger adults: age-related differences in personality, in types of problems, and in the appraisal process—specifically, the number of primary stress appraisals. A sample of 1,054 men from the Normative Aging Study (mean age = 65.02; range = 45 to 92) were interviewed about a problem in the past week. Personality did not mediate the effect of age on stress ratings. While general hassles and health problems both increased with age, they had opposite influences on stress ratings. Accounting for covariates, older men reported fewer appraisals, and the number of appraisals mediated the association between age and stress ratings. We found no moderating effects of problem type on these processes. Thus, lower stress ratings for everyday problems in later life may result from developmental changes in primary appraisal processes.
Voltage asymmetry compensation using new adaptive control for STATCOM

In the current article is presented the new control of static compensator (STATCOM) for compensation of voltage asymmetry in power system, which is not based on measurement of the current of asymmetrical load. In this way it is not necessary to know the sources of asymmetry and their currents. In suggested control as input signals are used the deviations of each phase voltage from nominal value. So in the output of compensator is obtained asymmetrical voltage that leads to generation/ absorption of asymmetrical phase currents. Thereby the voltage in the node of connection of the static compensator becomes symmetric. For control of the STATCOM is used adaptive modal regulator, which identify the control object by minimal model from low order and after that calculates control signal. The computer model of power system consisting of symmetrical and asymmetrical loads and STATCOM was created and used for examination of different working modes of suggested control of compensator.
A DELETION IN ONE PRO-ALPHA1 (III) COLLAGEN GENE IN EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME TYPE IV

Top of pageAbstract We have previously reported a now 23-year-old patient with a long history of bleeding due to dominantly inherited Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (“vascular” type) whose fibroblasts produced a structurally abnormal type III collagen with shortened triple-helical structure (Superti-Furga et al., Pediat Res 20:1043, 1986). Immunoblot analysis of protoalpha1(III) chains in his fibroblasts identified a normal-sized species and an additional species of lower molecular weight. Similarly, Northern blots probed with cDNAs for type III collagen showed equal quantities of a normal and a mutant mRNA for type III collagen, the mutant mRNA being 600 bp shorter than the normal one. Southern blots probed with genomic clones for type III collagen showed an abnormal pattern, best explained by a multi-exon deletion of approx. 3 kb in the middle of the gene, within the triple-helical coding region. This is the first description of a mutation in the human alpha1(III) collagen gene. (Genomic clones courtesy of Dr.F.Ramirez, SUNY Medical School, New York, USA)
Quetiapine alone and added to a mood stabilizer for serious mood disorders.

BACKGROUND Use of antipsychotic medication intermittently or over the long term may be necessary in treating patients with bipolar disorder whose symptoms have responded suboptimally to standard mood-stabilizing agents. Quetiapine fumarate is an effective novel antipsychotic with mixed serotonergic (5-HT2) and dopaminergic (D2) activity. This is an open-label, 12-week prospective study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of quetiapine in the treatment of patients with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder who were suboptimally responsive to mood stabilizers alone. METHOD Participants in the study were inpatients or outpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar or schizoaffective disorder. Baseline psychopathology was evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Involuntary movements were rated with the Simpson-Angus Neurologic Rating Scale. Quetiapine was added on an open-label basis and increased to optimum clinical dosage. Psychopathology and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale ratings were repeated weekly for the first 4 weeks and then again at weeks 8 and 12. RESULTS Ten individuals with bipolar disorder and 10 with schizoaffective disorder received quetiapine therapy. Overall, patients improved, with significant improvement in BPRS (p < .001), YMRS (p = .043), and HAM-D scores (p = .002). Simpson-Angus score also significantly decreased (p = .02). Overall. quetiapine was well tolerated by patients in this group with serious mood disorders. The mean +/- SD quetiapine dose was 202.9 +/- 124.3 mg/day (range, 50-400 mg/day). Mean weight gain was 10.9 lb (4.9 kg). CONCLUSION Although limited by its small size, open-label design, and relative gender homogeneity, this study suggests that quetiapine therapy may be useful in the treatment of individuals with serious mood disorders who are suboptimally responsive to mood stabilizers alone. These preliminary findings should be explored in larger, controlled trials.
Stable Cycling of SiO2 Nanotubes as High-Performance Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Herein, SiO2 nanotubes have been fabricated via a facile two step hard-template growth method and evaluated as an anode for Li-ion batteries. SiO2 nanotubes exhibit a highly stable reversible capacity of 1266 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles with negligible capacity fading. SiO2 NT anodes experience a capacity increase throughout the first 80 cycles through Si phase growth via SiO2 reduction. The hollow morphology of the SiO2 nanotubes accommodates the large volume expansion experienced by Si-based anodes during lithiation and promotes preservation of the solid electrolyte interphase layer. The thin walls of the SiO2 nanotubes allow for effective reduction in Li-ion diffusion path distance and, thus, afford a favorable rate cyclability. The high aspect ratio character of these nanotubes allow for a relatively scalable fabrication method of nanoscale SiO2-based anodes.
Age-associated increase in 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine glycosylase/AP lyase activity in rat mitochondria

The mitochondrial theory of aging postulates that organisms age due to the accumulation of DNA damage and mutations in the multiple mitochondrial genomes, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. Among the wide variety of DNA damage, 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) has received the most attention due to its mutagenicity and because of the possible correlation between its accumulation and pathological processes like cancer, degenerative diseases and aging. Although still controversial, many studies show that 8-oxo-dG accumulates with age in the mitochondrial (mt) DNA. However, little is known about the processing of this lesion and no study has yet examined whether mtDNA repair changes with age. Here, we report the first study on age-related changes in mtDNA repair, accomplished by assessing the cleavage activity of mitochondrial extracts towards an 8-oxo-dG-containing substrate. In this study, mitochondria obtained from rat heart and liver were used. We find that this enzymatic activity is higher in 12 and 23 month-old rats than in 6 month-old rats, in both liver and heart extracts. These mitochondrial extracts also cleave oligonucleotides containing a U:A mismatch, at the uracil position, reflecting the combined action of mitochondrial uracil DNA glycosylase (mtUDG) and mitochondrial apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases. The mtUDG activity did not change with age in liver mitochondria, but there was a small increase in activity from 6 to 23 months in rat heart extracts, after normalization to citrate synthase activity. Endonuclease G activity, measured by a plasmid relaxation assay, did not show any age-associated change in liver, but there was a significant decrease from 6 to 23 months in heart mitochondria. Our results suggest that the mitochondrial capacity to repair 8-oxo-dG, the main oxidative base damage suggested to accumulate with age in mtDNA, does not decrease, but rather increases with age. The specific increase in 8-oxo-dG endonuclease activity, rather than a general up-regulation of DNA repair in mitochondria, suggests an induction of the 8-oxo-dG-specific repair pathway with age.
Assessment of Transparent Conducting Zinc Oxide as a Tunneling Contact to p-GaN

Use of aluminum alloyed zinc oxide (AZO) as a transparent contact to p-GaN has received significant attention for GaN/InGaN light emitting diodes applications. Reports show that AZO as deposited on p-GaN forms a Schottky contact given the large work-function difference between AZO and p-GaN [1]. However, utilization of a thin nickel layer inserted between the AZO and p-GaN can result in an ohmic contact [2], given that Ni forms an ohmic contact to p-GaN upon annealing. Here, we undertake simulation studies of this AZO/Ni interface as a function of Nickel layer. Simulation studies of the transport mechanism in this contact indicate the likelihood of a tunneling junction at the AZO/Ni interface, thus the entire AZO/Ni forming an ohmic contact to p-GaN. Potential to better control injected current density uniformity utilizing such a contact structure is also discussed.
The twitcher mouse: normal pattern of early myelination in the spinal cord

Abstract The pattern of early myelination was investigated in the dorsal columns of the cervical spinal cord in the twitcher, an authentic murine model of human globoid cell leukodystrophy, and their littermates. There were no differences in the number of myelinated fibers until the day 20 postnatal. However, myelin sheath in the homozygous affected twitchers at the day 20 were thinner than those of heterozygous and normal littermates, while at the day 10 no significant differences were detected. These observations indicated that in the twitcher mouse, despite the generic deficiency of galactosylceramidase, myelination progresses normally in early stages and then hypomyelination becomes apparent before myelin breakdown.
Isoprene over the Amazon Basin

Data obtained during the 1985 ABLE expedition to the Amazon are used to describe the diurnal and vertical variations of isoprene. Isoprene is a natural hydrocarbon emitted by many species of trees, particularly those in tropical forests. The concentrations of isoprene at lower levels in the atmosphere undergo large diurnal variations, with the highest concentrations during midday and the lowest during the night. At ground level, outside the forest, peak concentrations of about 3-parts per billion by volume (ppbv) of isoprene were observed around midday. Concentrations were nearly zero before sunrise, increased to their maximum values during the day, and declined after sunset. Concentrations of 1-2 ppbv of isoprene were observed up to 300 m. Near the canopy level, up to 8 ppbv of isoprene were observed. In the forest, concentrations are generally quite low below the canopy and are highest at the level of the canopy. Since the reaction of isoprene with OH radicals is extremely fast, its concentrations fall off rapidly with altitude, so that practically none of it was seen above the boundary layer. During nighttime, however, concentrations comparable to daytime values were observed at altitudes of 300 m and above.
Reinforced concrete bridge deck reliability model incorporating temporal and spatial variations of probabilistic corrosion rate sensor data

The reliability of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks depends significantly on the rate of corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, including embedded corrosion rate sensors, can greatly improve the quantification of the steel corrosion rate, which can lead to improved estimates of structural safety and serviceability. Due to uncertainties in concrete properties, environmental conditions, and other factors, the rate of corrosion of reinforcing steel can be highly variable, both within a given structural component and over time. By placing multiple corrosion rate sensors throughout a structural component, such as a bridge deck, these spatial and temporal variabilities can be monitored and as such better predicted, for use in a reliability model. The objective of this investigation is to present a reliability model for a RC bridge deck incorporating both spatial and temporal variations of probabilistic corrosion rate sensor data. This objective is accomplished using a computational reliability model and Monte Carlo simulation. Corrosion rate sensor data is assumed for multiple critical sections throughout a RC bridge deck over time by applying empirical spatial and temporal relationships. This data is then used to improve an existing spatially invariant reliability model. The improved reliability model incorporates several sub-models to determine the changes in load effects on and resistance of a RC bridge deck slab over time, as well as spatial correlation of corrosion and a system approach to account for spatial variability. The improved reliability model incorporating both spatial and temporal variations in corrosion rate data provides a better estimate of the service life of a RC bridge deck slab.
Length scales of mantle heterogeneities and their relationship to ocean island basalt geochemistry

The upper mantle is widely considered to be heterogeneous, possibly comprising a “marble-cake” mixture of heterogeneous domains in a relatively well-mixed matrix. The extent to which such domains are capable of producing and expelling melts with characteristic geochemical signatures upon partial melting, rather than equilibrating diffusively with surrounding peridotite, is a critical question for the origin of ocean island basalts (OIB) and mantle heterogeneity, but is poorly constrained. Central to this problem is the characteristic length scale of heterogeneous domains. If radiogenic osmium signatures in OIB are derived from discrete domains, then sub-linear correlations between Os isotopes and other geochemical indices, suggesting melt-melt mixing, may be used to constrain the length scales of these domains. These constraints arise because partial melts of geochemically distinct domains must segregate from their sources without significant equilibration with surrounding peridotite. Segregation of partial melts from such domains in upwelling mantle is promoted by compaction of the domain mineral matrix, and must occur faster than diffusive equilibration between the domain and its surroundings. Our calculations show that the diffusive equilibration time depends on the ratios of partition and diffusion coefficients of the partial melt and surrounding peridotite. Comparison of time scales between diffusion and melt segregation shows that segregation is more rapid than diffusive equilibration for Os, Sr, Pb, and Nd isotopes if the body widths are greater than tens of centimeter to several meters, depending on the aspect ratio of the bodies, on the melt fraction at which melt becomes interconnected in the bodies, and on the diffusivity in the solid. However, because Fe-Mg exchange occurs significantly more rapidly than equilibration of these isotopes under solid-state and partially molten conditions, it is possible that some domains can produce melts with Fe/Mg ratios reflecting that of the surrounding mantle but retaining isotopic signatures of heterogeneous domains. Although more refined estimates on the rates of, and controls on, Os mobility are needed, our preliminary analysis shows that heterogeneous domains large enough to remain compositionally distinct in the mantle (as solids) for ∼109 yr in a marble-cake mantle, can produce and expel partial melts faster than they equilibrate with surrounding peridotite.
Yes, We Have No Curriculum Theory: Response to Herbert Kliebard

(1977). Yes, We Have No Curriculum Theory: Response to Herbert Kliebard. Curriculum Inquiry: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 269-276.
The interaction screen: An operational model for experimentation on interpersonal behavior

Belief that game experimentation provides a highly promising technique for investigation of interpersonal behavior prompted these authors to develop the Interaction Screen, a device for operationalizing a theory of social interaction. With the explicit definition of several central concepts, and the technique for providing direct experimentation, this model may help fill the need for a standard situation in which experiments on interpersonal behavior can be performed.
Isotope Effect in Acetylene

The normal frequencies of the linear acetylene molecule have been computed for infinitesimal vibrations with the generalization that the masses of the two hydrogen atoms are different. Constants of the potential energy have been determined by using the well-known frequencies of normal acetylene. Numerical calculations have then been carried through for the molecules ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$HD and ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ and the results compared with observed frequencies.
Statistical properties of the electric field in a medium with small random variations in permittivity

We consider in this paper the problem of determining the two-point electric field correlation function in a random medium subjected to a constant electric field. The medium is assumed to have small random variations in permittivity that in an ensemble sense are statistically homogeneous and isotropic. For this case the effective permittivity is derived. Perturbation equations are also set up to allow the determination of higher-order approximations and the first-order equations governing a random medium in the presence of a nonconstant average electric field are derived. The paper concludes with a discussion of the mathematically trivial though nevertheless interesting one-dimensional problem.
Synthesis and Stabilization of Monodisperse Fe Nanoparticles

Monodisperse Fe nanoparticles are synthesized via a simple one-pot thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 in the presence of oleylamine. Controlled oxidation of the iron surface leads to crystalline Fe3O4 shell and results in dramatic increase of chemical and dispersion stability of the nanoparticles. Surface ligand exchange is readily applied to transfer the core/shell nanoparticles from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, and a stable aqueous nanoparticle dispersion in PBS is formed. The functionalized nanoparticles are suitable for biomolecule attachment and biomedical applications.
Mechanisms for hydroperoxide degradation of disaccharides and related compounds

Abstract The reactions of disaccharides with alkaline hydrogen peroxide were studied under diverse conditions. Treatment of cellobiose, lactose, and maltose with aqueous sodium peroxide afforded, in each instance, the corresponding aldobionic acid, the next lower aldobionic acid 2- O - d -glucopyranosyl- d -erythronic acid, and formic acid. On the other hand, melibiose and gentiobiose afforded the corresponding aldobionic acid, the next lower aldobionic acid, and a 2- O - d -glycopyranosylglycolic acid. The yields of products varied widely with the experimental conditions, especially with the proportions of alkali peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. The reactions with alkali peroxide were slow, but rapid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide with the gradual addition of alkali. The results indicate that degradation of carbohydrates by alkaline hydrogen peroxide takes place by five reaction paths. These are designated the alpha-hydroxy hydroperoxide cleavage-mechanism, the Baeyer-Villiger mechanism, the ester mechanism, the dihydroxy-epoxide mechanism, and a newly proposed peroxy-radical mechanism. The last-named mechanism is more rapid than the others. With an excess of hydrogen peroxide and slow addition of alkali, it results in rapid, stepwise conversion of both reducing and nonreducing saccharides into formic acid. The process begins with formation of a hydroperoxide adduct of the carbohydrate. Reaction of the adduct with hydrogen peroxide affords a peroxy radical and a hydroxyl radical. The peroxy radical decomposes, affording formic acid, the next lower aldose and hydroxyl radical. Hydroxyl radical produced in a chain reaction oxidizes alditols and aldonic acids by reactions analogous to those of the Fenton reagent.
Effect of finite strain on clast-based vorticity gauges

Abstract Clast-based vorticity gauges utilize orientations of grains assumed to have behaved as isolated rigid particles suspended in a flowing viscous matrix. A fundamental assumption behind use of the method is that sufficient strain has accumulated for high aspect ratio grains to rotate into positions approaching their stable sink orientation, and that clasts below a critical aspect ratio may be observed in any orientation relative to the flow plane. We constructed a numerical model to explore the effect of variable finite strain on development of the orientation distribution of a large population of rigid clasts embedded in a viscous medium for end-member pure and simple shear and for several distinct general shear flows. Our model predicts the technique will tend to produce vorticity overestimates for lower vorticity flows for a wide range of finite strain. The model also indicates that clast populations in moderate to high vortical flows tend to develop shape preferred orientations that closely resemble those expected for flows of lower vorticity. We conclude that clast-based methods are not effective for extracting detailed kinematic information from a mylonite deformed in a flow with arbitrary boundary conditions. In fact, it appears that most general shear flows continued long enough to develop moderate–high finite strains will tend to produce a clast orientation distribution that will yield a visual estimate of the critical aspect ratio that suggests approximately equal contributions of pure and simple shear components.
Rural institutions and rural-urban migration in LDC's

Abstract Rural institutions are considered explicitly in a model of rural-urban migration. Analysis reveals that development policies have to be re-evaluated once such factors are introduced.
Fragmentation of vitamin B12 in aerosol matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization

Aerosol matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) with a reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used to study fragmentation of vitamin B12. Six MALDI matrices were used: 2,5-di-hydroxy benzoic acid (gentisic acid), 4-nitroaniline, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (sinapic acid), 3,4-di-hydroxy cinnamic acid (caffeic acid), trans-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid (ferulic acid), and α-cyano-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (4-HCCA). Mass spectra were obtained with a 355-nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser at irradiances between 0. 1 and 5 GW/cm2 (between 3- and 150-mJ pulse energy). Loss of CN was a major product of prompt ion source fragmentation and the ratio of fragmented to intact analyte was found to be strongly dependent on matrix and weakly dependent on laser irradiance. Additionally, free cobalt ions and cobalt ions bound to small methanol clusters were observed in the mass spectra. The cobalt removal from the corrin ring of vitamin B12 results from direct photon absorption by vitamin B12, but is enhanced by the presence of matrix.
PREDICTABILITY IN RT-LEVEL DESIGNS

The primary objective of this paper is to provide an initial impetus to predictability driven design flow. Predictability is the quantified form of accuracy. The novelty lies in defining and using the idea of predictability. In order to illustrate the basic concepts we focus on the power estimation problem in RT-Level designs. Our experiments showed that predictability at RT-Level could be improved by making the resource delay constraints more stringent. This procedure may come with increased power dissipation. We present an optimal pseudo-polynomial time algorithm to optimize predictability while keeping the increase in power dissipation within a budget. We further extend this algorithm to generate an ∊-approximate solution in polynomial time where ∊ is a user defined parameter. The algorithm probably generates solutions that differ at-most ∊Cmax from the optimal. The future work would include extending the concept of predictability to other levels of design flow and other cost function. We envision a design automation system which does effective tradeoff between predictability and cost hence enabling efficient design exploration.
Pathogenesis of rabies in dogs inoculated with an Ethiopian rabies virus strain. Immunofluorescence, histologic and ultrastructural studies of the central nervous system

Dogs were inoculated with either an Ethiopian or Mexican rabies virus strain. The distribution of viral antigen and lesions were studied by immunofluorescence, histologic and electron microscopic techniques. In all dogs inoculated with the Ethiopian rabies virus strain, tremendous whorls of filamentous fluorescing aggregates were observed throughout the brain; these were not observed in dogs inoculated with the Mexican virus. Lesions consisted of neuronal degeneration and neuronophagia, associated with large inclusion bodies and widespread inflammation in dogs inoculated with the Ethiopian isolate. All observed portions of the brain and spinal cord were affected. In general, lesions were much less severe with the Mexican isolate. Occasional astrocytes were observed to have inclusions in dogs inoculated both with the Ethiopian and Mexican strains. Most neurons examined electronmicroscopically showed signs of infection, varying from a small granular or finely fibrillar viral matrix to numerous matrices accompanied by prolific numbers of virus particles occupying much of the perikaryon. These were found in all dogs inoculated with the Ethiopian strain but were rare with the Mexican isolate. Viral budding occurred from membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, outer lamella of the nuclear envelope, and rarely from the plasma membrane.
Localization of dopamine-1 receptors along the microdissected rat nephron.

Dopamine exerts numerous actions on the kidney but the precise location of its receptor subtypes along the nephron is unknown. Using a microassay we determined the specific binding of 125I-Sch 23982, a specific and selective dopamine-1 (DA1) receptor antagonist, to microdissected glomeruli and tubule segments. Binding of 125I-Sch 23982 in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) was time- and concentration dependent, saturable and reversible. The linear Scatchard plot of saturation experiments suggested binding to a single site with an apparent Kd of 16.7 nM and Bmax of 0.4 fmol.mm-1 in the PCT, and 6.2 nM and 0.1 fmol.mm-1 in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT). Mapping of DA1 binding sites along the nephron revealed their presence in each of the segments examined, albeit in markedly different concentrations: the highest specific binding was measured in PCT followed by the pars recta. Binding was less in the distal nephron, and least in the medullary and cortical thick ascending limb. Modest binding was also detected in glomeruli. In cortical collecting tubules competition studies with unlabeled dopamine and probes for DA1 (Sch 23390, fenoldopam), DA2 (domperidone, S-sulpiride), serotonergic (serotonin, ketanserin, mianserin), and alpha-(phentolamine) and beta-(propranolol) adrenergic receptors indicated a rank-order potency for displacement of 125I-Sch 23982 binding, consistent with labeling of DA1 receptors. Dopamine inhibited Na/K-ATPase both in PCT and CCT, an effect duplicated in the latter segment by the DA1 agonist fenoldopam, and blocked by the DA1 antagonist Sch23390.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Finite element analysis for the damage detection of light pole structures

Failures of aging light poles can jeopardize the safety of residents and damage adjacent structures. The need for reliable and efficient damage detection methods is raised. Any change in structural properties (e.g., mass, stiffness and damping) can lead to differences in the dynamic response of structures (i.e., modal frequencies). As a result, changes in dynamic responses can be used as indicators for damage detection. In this study, relationships between artificial damages and modal frequencies are determined by investigating the modal frequencies of intact and damaged light pole models using the finite element method (FEM). Finite element (FE) models were built with 5,529 C3D8R elements in ABAQUSR. New parameters (sensitive and insensitive modes) were defined and used to evaluate the sensitivity of the first ten modes of FE models. It is found that combinations of sensitive and insensitive modes are unique for each damage location and can be used to locate artificial damages in light pole models. Empirical equations are proposed to quantify damage level and damage size.
Penalty-finite-element analysis of 3-D Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract The steady-state Navier-Stokes equations in three dimensions are solved by a penalty-finite-element method for the problems of wall-driven cavity flow in a cubical box and natural convection in a cubical cavity subjected to differential side heating. The present solutions are compared with recent finite-difference solutions of the wall-driven cavity problem for Reynolds numbersRE = 100 and 400. The agreement is found to be very good.
PULMONARY EXPRESSION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE ISOFORMS IN SHEEP WITH SMOKE INHALATION AND BURN INJURY

Previous studies have indicated increased plasma levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in lung. This study further examines the pulmonary expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in an ovine model of acute lung injury induced by smoke inhalation and burn injury (S+B injury). Female range bred sheep (4 per group) were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after injury and immunohistochemistry was performed in tissues for various NOS isoforms. The study indicates that in uninjured sheep lung, endothelial (eNOS) is constitutively expressed in the endothelial cells associated with the airways and parenchyma, and in macrophages. Similarly, neuronal (nNOS) is constitutively present in the mucous cells of the epithelium and in neurons of airway ganglia. In uninjured lung, inducible (iNOS) was present in bronchial secretory cells and macrophages. In tissue after S+B injury, new expression of iNOS was evident in bronchial ciliated cells, basal cells, and mucus gland cells. In the parenchyma, a slight increase in iNOS immunostaining was seen in type I cells at 12 and 24 hours after injury only. Virtually no change in eNOS or nNOS was seen after injury.
History, antiquarianism, and medicine: the case of Girolamo Mercuriale.

Girolamo Mercuriale (1530-1606) presents an especially striking example of the participation of physicians in the broader culture of late humanism. Throughout a long and successful career as a practitioner and, subsequently, professor of medicine, Mercuriale combined medicine with antiquarian and historical interests. In particular, his De arte gymnastica, a work that combines an account of ancient athletics with health advice, shows that he had many contacts among antiquarians in Rome. This article explores the relation and intersection of medicine, history, and antiquarianism in Mercuriale's writings, successful search for patronage, and rise to fame as an eminent professor of medicine.
The " Latina Epidemiologic Paradox": Contrasting Patterns of Adverse Birth Outcomes in U.S.-Born and Foreign-Born Latinas

Abstract Background The “Latina epidemiologic paradox” postulates that despite socioeconomic disadvantages, Latina mothers have a lower risk for delivering low birth weight (LBW) babies than non-Latina Whites. However, these patterns may be changing over time and may differ depending on the mother's birthplace and legal status in the United States. This study investigates differences in risk for three birth outcomes among Whites, U.S.-born Latinas, and foreign-born Latinas. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional study of rates of LBW, preterm, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births among 196,617 women delivering live, singleton births in Utah from 2004 to 2007. Each group was compared using logistic regression. Results U.S.-born Latinas had a similar or greater risk for all three outcomes when compared with Whites. Foreign-born Latinas had lower risk for preterm birth (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.90) compared with Whites, but not for LBW and SGA; foreign-born Latinas had a lower risk for LBW (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.92), preterm birth (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74–0.89), and SGA (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83–0.99) compared with U.S.-born Latinas. Among foreign-born Latinas only, there was no difference in risk between documented (i.e., those who had a legal social security number) and undocumented women for LBW, preterm birth, or SGA. Conclusions These data support the existence of a variation of the “Latina paradox” among Latinas according to birthplace, where U.S.-born Latinas do not experience better birth outcomes than Whites, but foreign-born Latinas experience better birth outcomes for several endpoints compared with U.S.-born Latinas. Prevention efforts may prove more effective by considering the different composition of risk factors among foreign- and U.S.-born Latina populations.
Information-theoretic term weighting schemes for document clustering and classification

We propose a new theory to quantify information in probability distributions and derive a new document representation model for text clustering and classification. By extending Shannon entropy to accommodate a non-linear relation between information and uncertainty, the proposed least information theory provides insight into how terms can be weighted based on their probability distributions in documents vs. in the collection. We derive two basic quantities for document representation: (1) LI Binary (LIB) which quantifies information due to the observation of a term's (binary) occurrence in a document; and (2) LI Frequency (LIF) which measures information for the observation of a randomly picked term from the document. The two quantities are computed based on terms' prior distributions in the entire collection and posterior distributions in a document. LIB and LIF can be used individually or combined to represent documents for text clustering and classification. Experiments on four benchmark text collections demonstrate strong performances of the proposed methods compared to classic TF*IDF. Particularly, the LIB*LIF weighting scheme, which combines LIB and LIF, consistently outperforms TF*IDF in terms of multiple evaluation metrics. The least information measure has a potentially broad range of applications beyond text clustering and classification.
Risk and resilience in canine search and rescue handlers after 9/11

Research has suggested that rescue workers are at increased risk for psychological distress. To determine whether 9/11 deployment was a significant risk factor for canine search and rescue handlers, 82 deployed handlers were compared to 32 nondeployed handlers on measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, acute stress, and clinical diagnoses. Deployed handlers reported more PTSD and general psychological distress 6 months after 9/11. Among deployed handlers, prior diagnoses and peritraumatic reactions were associated with psychological distress whereas social support and training were protective. Results suggest that more extensive screening and prophylactic interventions for individuals with a history of mental illness could be beneficial. Future research should examine identified risk/resilience factors prospectively, and training and intervention should be designed accordingly.
CLASSIFICATION AND PREDICTION OF PROTEIN SIDE-CHAINS BY NEURAL NETWORK TECHNIQUES

Neural Network methodology is used to classify and predict side-chain configurations in proteins on the basis of their sequence and in some cases also Cα-atomic distance information. In some of these methods, where Potts Associative Memories are employed, a mixed set of Potts systems each describe the various orientational states of a particular side-chain. The methods can find the correct side-chain orientations in proteins reasonably well after being trained on a data set of other proteins of known 3-dimensional structure.
Conscientiousness: Origins in Childhood?.

In this review, we evaluate developmental and personality research with the aim of determining whether the personality trait of conscientiousness can be identified in children and adolescents. After concluding that conscientiousness does emerge in childhood, we discuss the developmental origins of conscientiousness with a specific focus on self-regulation, academic motivation, and internalized compliance/internalization of standards. On the basis of the accumulated body of evidence, we conclude that self-regulation fosters conscientiousness later in life, both directly and via academic motivation and internalized compliance with norms. We argue that elements of conscientiousness are evident by early childhood; self-regulation skills are likely a core developmental component of conscientiousness; and despite the contribution of heredity to the aforementioned aspects of functioning, environmental factors likely contribute to conscientiousness.
CTLA-4·Ig converts naive CD4+CD25− T cells into CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells

CTLA-4 x Ig was originally designed as an immunosuppressive agent capable of interfering with the co-stimulation of T cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that CTLA-4 x Ig, in combination with TCR ligation, has the additional capacity to convert naive CD4+CD25- T cells into Foxp3+ regulatory T (T(reg)) cells, as well as to expand their numbers. The CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T(reg) generated by CTLA-4 x Ig treatment in vitro potently suppress effector T cells. Extending this in vivo, we show that systemic administration of CTLA-4 x Ig increases the percentage of CD4+CD25(hi)Foxp3+ cells within mixed lymphocyte reaction-induced murine lymph nodes. Significantly, the in vitro conversion of naive CD4+CD25- T cells into T(reg) cells is antigen-presenting cell (APC) dependent. This finding, together with the further observation that this conversion can also be driven in vitro by an antibody that engages B7-2 ligand, suggests that CTLA-4 x Ig-driven T(reg) induction may be predicated upon active CTLA-4 x Ig to B7-2 signaling within APC, which elicits from them T(reg)-inducing potential. These findings extend CTLA-4 x Ig's functional repertoire, and at the same time, reinforce the concept that T cell anergy and active suppression are not entirely distinct processes and may be linked by some common molecular triggers.
Metagenomic taxonomic classification using extreme learning machines.

Next-generation sequencing technologies have allowed researchers to determine the collective genomes of microbial communities co-existing within diverse ecological environments. Varying species abundance, length and complexities within different communities, coupled with discovery of new species makes the problem of taxonomic assignment to short DNA sequence reads extremely challenging. We have developed a new sequence composition-based taxonomic classifier using extreme learning machines referred to as TAC-ELM for metagenomic analysis. TAC-ELM uses the framework of extreme learning machines to quickly and accurately learn the weights for a neural network model. The input features consist of GC content and oligonucleotides. TAC-ELM is evaluated on two metagenomic benchmarks with sequence read lengths reflecting the traditional and current sequencing technologies. Our empirical results indicate the strength of the developed approach, which outperforms state-of-the-art taxonomic classifiers in terms of accuracy and implementation complexity. We also perform experiments that evaluate the pervasive case within metagenome analysis, where a species may not have been previously sequenced or discovered and will not exist in the reference genome databases. TAC-ELM was also combined with BLAST to show improved classification results. Code and Supplementary Results: http://www.cs.gmu.edu/~mlbio/TAC-ELM (BSD License).
Information Causality, Szemerédi-Trotter and Algebraic Variants of CHSH

n this work, we consider the following family of two prover one-round games. In the CHSH_q game, two parties are given x,y in F_q uniformly at random, and each must produce an output a,b in F_q without communicating with the other. The players' objective is to maximize the probability that their outputs satisfy a+b=xy in F_q. This game was introduced by Buhrman and Massar (PRA 2005) as a large alphabet generalization of the celebrated CHSH game---which is one of the most well-studied two-prover games in quantum information theory, and which has a large number of applications to quantum cryptography and quantum complexity.Our main contributions in this paper are the first asymptotic and explicit bounds on the entangled and classical values of CHSH_q, and the realization of a rather surprising connection between CHSH_q and geometric incidence theory. On the way to these results, we also resolve a problem of Pawlowski and Winter about pairwise independent Information Causality, which, beside being interesting on its own, gives as an application a short proof of our upper bound for the entangled value of CHSH_q.
A taxonomic revision of Antillean Symplocos (Symplocaceae)

We present a taxonomic revision of Symplocos (Symplocaceae, Ericales, Angiospermae) for the Antilles. The seventeen species recognized are distributed among three major clades of the genus corresponding to S. sect. Hopea , S. ser. Symplocos , and S. ser. Urbaniocharis , the latter two comprising S. sect. Symplocos . Fifteen of the species are endemic to the Antilles and only one ( S. cubensis ) occurs in more than one major island group. The revision includes keys, descriptions, distribution maps, and a conservation assessment for each species. Symplocos baracoensis is described as new, and lectotypes are designated for S. apiculata, S. domingensis, S. guadeloupensis, S. harrisii, S. hyboneura, S. jamaicensis, S. jurgensenii, S. lanata, S. latifolia, S. micrantha, S. pilifera, S. polyantha, S. tubulifera, and S. urbaniana.
Observations and Tectonic Setting of Historic and Instrumentally Located Earthquakes in the Greater New York City-Philadelphia Area

A catalog of 383 earthquakes in southeastern New York, southwestern Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania, including metropolitan New York City and Philadelphia, is compiled from historical and instrumental data from 1677 through 2006. A magnitude-felt area relationship is used to calculate the equivalent magnitude mbLg prior to the advent of abundant instrumental data in 1974. Revised locations are computed for a number of historic earthquakes. Most hypo- centers are concentrated in older terranes bordering the Mesozoic Newark basin in the Reading, Manhattan, and Trenton prongs and in similar rocks found at a shallow depth beneath the coastal plain from south of New York City across central New Jersey. Historic shocks of mbLg 3 and larger were most numerous in the latter zone. The largest known event,mbLg 5.25, occurred just offshore of New York City in 1884. Many earthquakes have occurred beneath the 12-km wide Ramapo seismic zone (RSZ) in the eastern part of the Reading prong, where station coverage was the most ex- tensive since 1974. The southeastern boundary of the RSZ, which is nearly vertical, extends from near the surface trace of the Mesozoic Ramapo fault to depths of 12-15 km. Because the Mesozoic border fault dips about 50°-60° southeast, earth- quakes of the RSZ are occurring within middle Proterozoic through early Paleozoic rocks. Which faults within the RSZ are active is unclear. Well-located activity in the Manhattan prong since 1974 extends to similar depths but cuts off abruptly at all depths along a northwest-striking boundary extending from Peekskill, New York, to Stamford, Connecticut. That boundary, which is subparallel to brittle faults farther south, is inferred to be a similar fault or fault zone. Those brittle features may have formed between the Newark, Hartford, and New York bight basins to accommodate Mesozoic extension. The Great Valley in the northwestern part of the study region is nearly devoid of known earthquakes. While few focal mechanism solutions and in situ stress measurements of high quality are available, the maximum compressive stress is nearly horizontal and is oriented about N64°E, similar to that in adjacent areas. The catalog is likely complete for events of mbLg >5 since 1737, ≥3:5 since 1840, and ≥3:0 since 1928. Extrapolation of the frequency-magnitude relationship indicates that an event of mbLg ≥6:0 is expected about once per 670 yr. Online Material: Observations and tectonic setting of historic and instrumentally located earthquakes in the greater New York City-Philadelphia area.