cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Virtue vs. Constitutional Design? A Discussion of Martin Powers’ China and England: The Preindustrial Struggle for Justice in Word and Image

This review essay describes and assesses the contribution of Martin Powers’ China and England: The Preindustrial Struggle for Justice in Word and Image (2019), for Comparative Political Theory. Powers emphasizes that China provided an example Enlightenment political reformers in England and elsewhere in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, who sought ways to curb abuses of power by powerful fficials. There is now a large literature describing East Asian and especially Confucian lessons or “models” for theories of good governance elsewhere. Populism and the sense of democratic decline has fueled this literature. Much of that literature emphasizes the importance of Confucian virtues, and indeed suggests that East Asia furnishes models of “virtue politics” that hearken back to pre-modern models in the West. Without discounting the importance of virtues, Powers book provides a useful corrective to a one-sided emphasis on the need to cultivate virtue in politics: equally important, and indeed complementary, on this account are administrative procedures and practices that allow the politically powerful to be held accountable.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus

This chapter focuses on the various technologies that are currently available from commercial companies for the diagnosis and monitoring of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, and it is not meant to duplicate more extensive reviews of HIV. Infection with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) results in the induction of a humoral antibody response specific to viral proteins, with the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG. The majority of the automated immunoassay analyzers provide walk-away simplicity to perform assays from sample processing through interpretation of results. The major advantage of Western blot assays over enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) is that the specific interaction of antibody and antigen can be directly visualized. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a very useful and inexpensive alternative to performing Western blot assays for confirmation of HIVspecific antibody responses. The Fluorognost HIV-1 IFA is based on the specific binding of HIV-1 antibodies in a specimen to HIV-1 antigens expressed on the surfaces of immortalized human T- cells fixed to glass slides. Specific antibody-antigen complexes are then detected using an anti-human antibody conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The development of molecular assays to quantitate the levels of HIV RNA in infected patients has provided one of the most valuable tools to assess the progression of HIV disease, monitor the impact of antiviral therapy, predict treatment failure and the emergence of drug-resistant viruses, and facilitate our understanding of the natural history and pathogenesis of this virus.
O currículo de história e as relações de gênero hierarquizadas

Se o curriculo de Historia tem simplesmente reproduzido a sociedade, tem sido um reflexo das discriminacoes, desigualdades e preconceitos, tambem pode ser um espaco para mudancas. Perpassando as relacoes de poder no curriculo de Historia, as relacoes de genero, ou as relacoes de poder entre os sexos, aparecem com destaque. A invisibilidade do feminino e um fato detectado em qualquer manual de Historia. Pouco conhecemos das personagens reais que, juntamente com os homens, construiram a historia brasileira. Como imagem ou representacao, ela esta sempre presente. Portanto, reconhecer os discursos e as praticas que nomearam ou silenciaram as mulheres e uma tarefa primeira. Incluir as mulheres no processo historico e nos curriculos de Historia nao significa incluir a metade da humanidade somente, mas e um ato que afeta humanidade em seu conjunto. Palavras-chave : curriculo; genero; relacoes de poder Abstract : If the curriculum of History has just played a whole, has been a reflection of discrimination, inequality and prejudice, it can also be a room for change. Running along the power relations in the curriculum of history, gender relations or power relations between the sexes, are featured prominently. The invisibility of women is a fact found in any textbook on history. Little we know about the real characters who, along with men, built the Brazilian history. As image or representation, it is always present. To recognize the discourses and practices that have appointed or silenced women is a primary task. Include women in the historical process and curriculum of history does not mean to include only half of humanity, but it is an act that affects humanity as a whole. Keywords : curriculum; gender; power relationships
Proteomics of Colwellia psychrerythraea at subzero temperatures – a life with limited movement, flexible membranes and vital DNA repair

The mechanisms that allow psychrophilic bacteria to remain metabolically active at subzero temperatures result from form and function of their proteins. We present first proteomic evidence of physiological changes of the marine psychrophile Colwellia psychrerythraea 34H (Cp34H) after exposure to subzero temperatures (-1, and -10°C in ice) through 8 weeks. Protein abundance was compared between different treatments to understand the effects of temperature and time, independently and jointly, within cells transitioning to, and being maintained in ice. Parallel [3H]-leucine and [3H]-thymidine incubations indicated active protein and DNA synthesis to -10°C. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics identified 1763 proteins across four experimental treatments. Proteins involved in osmolyte regulation and polymer secretion were found constitutively present across all treatments, suggesting that they are required for metabolic success below 0°C. Differentially abundant protein groups indicated a reallocation of resources from DNA binding to DNA repair and from motility to chemo-taxis and sensing. Changes to iron and nitrogen metabolism, cellular membrane structures, and protein synthesis and folding were also revealed. By elucidating vital strategies during life in ice, this study provides novel insight into the extensive molecular adaptations that occur in cold-adapted marine organisms to sustain cellular function in their habitat.
Notes on neotropical Vaccinieae (Ericaceae). IX. Seven new Andean blueberries

Recent field work in Colombia and the routine examination of loaned material revealed seven new species of Andean Ericaceae. Descriptions are provided forCavendishia barnebyi, C. colombiana, C. marine,C. pilobracteata,C. pseudopedunculata, Psammisia oppositiflora, andSphyrospermum sessiliflorum. Line drawings are provided for some new taxa.
Dynamic stiffness matrix development and free vibration analysis of a moving beam

Abstract The dynamic stiffness matrix of a moving Bernoulli–Euler beam is developed and used to investigate its free flexural vibration characteristics. In order to develop the dynamic stiffness matrix, it is necessary to derive and solve the governing differential equation of motion of the moving beam in closed analytical form. The solution is then used to obtain the general expressions for both responses and loads. Boundary conditions are applied to determine the constants in the general solution, leading to the formation of the frequency dependent dynamic stiffness matrix of the moving beam, relating the amplitudes of the harmonically varying loads to those of the corresponding responses. The application of the resulting dynamic stiffness matrix using the Wittrick–Williams algorithm is demonstrated by some illustrative examples. Numerical results for both simply supported and fixed–fixed end conditions of the beam are discussed, and wherever possible, some are compared with those available in the literature.
Cerebral and Brainstem Electrophysiologic Activity During Euthanasia with Pentobarbital Sodium in Horses

Background An overdose of pentobarbital sodium administered IV is the most commonly used method of euthanasia in veterinary medicine. Determining death after the infusion relies on the observation of physical variables. However, it is unknown when cortical electrical activity and brainstem function are lost in a sequence of events before death. Hypothesis/Objectives To examine changes in the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex and brainstem during an overdose of pentobarbital sodium solution for euthanasia. Our testing hypothesis is that isoelectric pattern of the brain in support of brain death occurs before absence of electrocardiogram (ECG) activity. Animals Fifteen horses requiring euthanasia. Methods Prospective observational study. Horses with neurologic, orthopedic, and cardiac illnesses were selected and instrumented for recording of electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), and ECG. Physical and neurologic (brainstem reflexes) variables were monitored. Results Loss of cortical electrical activity occurred during or within 52 seconds after the infusion of euthanasia solution. Cessation of brainstem function as evidenced by a lack of brainstem reflexes and disappearance of the BAER happened subsequently. Despite undetectable heart sounds, palpable arterial pulse, and mean arterial pressure, recordable ECG was the last variable to be lost after the infusion (5.5–16 minutes after end of the infusion). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Overdose of pentobarbital sodium solution administered IV is an effective, fast, and humane method of euthanasia. Brain death occurs within 73–261 seconds of the infusion. Although absence of ECG activity takes longer to occur, brain death has already occurred.
Titration of metal oxinates in ethylenediamine with potassium methoxide

Abstract Several metal oxinates can be titrated with potassium methoride in ethylenediamine solution, using conductometric end-point detection. The reliability of the method has been established using aluminium oxinate samples representing about 2–13 mg of aluminium. Errors are generally under 1%. Evidence is presented for a simple interpretation of the behaviour of the oxinates as weak acids in ethylenediamine solution.
Proton Inventory Studies of α-Thrombin-Catalyzed Reactions of Substrates with Selected P and P‘ Sites

Deuterium kinetic solvent isotope effects for the human alpha-thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of (1) substrates with selected P(1)-P(3) sites, Z-Pro-Arg-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (7-AMC), N-t-Boc-Val-Pro-Arg-7-AMC, Bz-Phe-Val-Arg-4-nitroanilide (pNA), and H-D-Phe-L-Pip-Arg-pNA, are (DOD)k(cat) = (2.8-3.3) +/- 0.1 and (DOD)(k(cat)/K(m)) = (0.8-2.1) +/- 0.1 and (2) internally fluorescence-quenched substrates (a) (AB)Val-Phe-Pro-Arg-Ser-Phe-Arg-Leu-Lys(DNP)-Asp-OH, an optimal sequence, and (b) (AB)Val-Ser-Pro-Arg-Ser-Phe-Gln-Lys(DNP)-Asp-OH, recognition sequence for factor VIII, are (DOD)k(cat) = 2.2 +/- 0.2 and (DOD)(k(cat)/K(m)) = (0.8-0.9) +/- 0.1, at the pL (L = H, D) maximum, 8.4-9.0, and (25.0-26.0) +/- 0.1 degrees C. The most plausible models fitting the partial isotope effect (proton inventory) data have been selected on the basis of lowest values of the reduced chi squared and consistency of fractionation factors at all substrate concentrations, assuming rate-determining acylation. The data for Z-Pro-Arg-7-AMC are consistent with a single-proton bridge at the transition state phi(TS) = 0.39 +/- 0.05 and components for solvent reorganization phi(S) = 0.8 +/- 0.1 and phi(S) = 1.22 for k(cat) and k(cat)/K(m), respectively. The data for tripeptide amides fit bowl-shaped curves; an example is N-t-Boc-Val-Pro-Arg-7-AMC: phi(TS)(1) = phi(TS)(2) = 0.57 +/- 0.01 and phi(S) = 1 for k(cat) and 1.6 +/- 0.1 for k(cat)/K(m). Proton inventories for the nonapeptide (2b) are linear. The data for k(cat) for H-D-Phe-L-Pip-Arg-pNA and the decapeptide (2a) are most consistent with two identical fractionation factors for catalytic proton bridging, phi(TS)(1) = phi(TS)(2) = 0.68 +/- 0.02 and a large inverse component (phi(S) = 3.1 +/- 0.5) for the latter, indicative of substantial solvent reorganization upon leaving group departure. Proton inventory curves for k(cat)/K(m) for nearly all substrates are dome-shaped with an inverse isotope effect component (phi(S) = 1.2-2.4) originating from solvent reorganization during association of thrombin with substrate. These large contributions from medium effects are in full accord with the conformational adjustments required for the fulfillment of the dual, hemostatic and thrombolytic, functions of thrombin.
Piperidine hydrogenolysis on a commercial hydrocracking catalyst: III. The effects of zeolite unit cell size, catalyst sulfur content, and coke deposition on catalyst activity and deactivation

A group of fresh, deactivated, and deactivated-regenerated commercial hydrocracking catalysts was characterized using piperidine hydrogenolysis as a probe reaction at 301C, hydrogen partial pressures of about l6 atm, and initial concentrations of piperidine ranging from 4.14 × 10−3 11.86 × 10−3 g mol/liter. The first part of the study examined the effects of the zeolite unit cell size on the piperidine hydrogenolysis activity and catalyst deactivation and revealed that over the range of unit cell size examined (24.35-24.56 A), adsorption equilibrium constants associated with the acidic and metallic catalyst functions decreased while reaction rate constants increased with increasing unit cell size. The increase of acidic function activity with unit cell size is explained in terms of the total number of potential acid sites present per unit cell. The increase of metallic function activity with unit cell size is suggested to reflect mostly changes of the metallic function upon regeneration. Different types of sites are proposed to exist on the metallic catalyst function in order to account for the results. An inverse relationship between catalyst deactivation and unit cell size was generally observed for both catalyst functions. These results point to the zeolite unit cell size as a possible parameter for correlating catalytic activity as well as selectivity, especially for the acidic catalyst function. The second part of the study examined the effects of wt% sulfur and wt% carbon at low levels of sulfur and coke on the piperidine hydrogenolysis activity and showed that the regenerated catalysts with constant zeolite unit cell size (≈24.40 A and low levels of coke ( 2.5 wt%) the deactivated catalysts had similar metallic function activities. Between 2 and 6 wt% carbon, the activity of the acidic function decreased linearly with the carbon content on the catalyst. At low levels of coke (< 1.5 wt%), the effect of the unit cell size on acidic activity prevailed. The wt% carbon on the deactivated as well as the regenerated catalysts was found to have no effect on the catalyst deactivation rates observed during the reactions.
Solution and thin-film aggregation studies of octasubstituted dendritic phthalocyanines

The synthesis and solution and thin-film characterization of eight octasubstituted dendritic phthalocyanines (Pcs) and their zinc complexes are reported. The Pc chromophore was substituted in the 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-positions with three generations of benzylaryl ether dendrons with either a benzyl (3a-3c) or 3,5-di-t-butylbenzyl periphery (3d-3f). Visible spectra in solution (CH2Cl2-EtOH mixtures, toluene, THF, dioxane, acetone, and EtOAc) indicated a varying degree of chromophore aggregation that depended on solvent, dendrimer generation, and whether the Pc was metallated. Variable-concentration visible spectroscopic studies were analyzed using a nonlinear least-squares fitting procedure giving Kd values. These values further quantitated the observations that the t-butyl-substituted den-drimers 3d-3f were all less prone to aggregation in solution than the unsubstituted dendrimers 3a-3c, with a monotonic decrease in Kd across the series 3a 3b 3c 3d 3e 3f. Second-generation t-butyl-substituted dendrimer 3f showed little to no aggregation in all solvents studied. Thin-film studies indicated that the largest members of the two dendrimer groups, third-generation 3c and second-generation 3f, were largely monomeric as evidenced by split Q-bands, similar to that seen in dilute CH2Cl2 solution when deposited via spin-coating onto glass slides. The metallated zinc Pcs 4a-4f all exhibited significantly less tendency toward aggregation in both solution and thin-films than their unmetallated analogues.
A 0.45–1 V Fully-Integrated Distributed Switched Capacitor DC-DC Converter With High Density MIM Capacitor in 22 nm Tri-Gate CMOS

A fully integrated switched capacitor voltage regulator (SCVR) with on-die high density MIM capacitor, distributed across a 14 KB register file (RF) load is demonstrated in 22 nm tri-gate CMOS. The multi-conversion-ratio SCVR provides a wide output voltage range of 0.45-1 V from a fixed input voltage of 1.225 V. It achieves 63-84% conversion efficiency and supports a maximum load current density of 0.88 A/mm2. The area overhead of the dedicated SCVR on the load is 3.6%. Measured data is presented on various performance indices in detail. Subsequent learning on tradeoffs between various factors like capacitance characteristics, conversion efficiency and current density are delineated and, correlated with theoretical estimates. Performance of RF array shows comparable results when powered with the SCVR and the external rail. The all-digital, modular design allows efficient spatial distribution across the load and hence robust power delivery. The extremely fast response times in the order of few nanoseconds is targeted to benefit agile power management. This work evinces voltage regulator technology as a standard homogenous CMOS component, which can proliferate DVFS domains for maximum energy and area benefits.
Presynaptic dopamine dynamics in striatal brain slices with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Extensive research has focused on the neurotransmitter dopamine because of its importance in the mechanism of action of drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine and amphetamine), the role it plays in psychiatric illnesses (e.g. schizophrenia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and its involvement in degenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Under normal physiological conditions, dopamine is known to regulate locomotor activity, cognition, learning, emotional affect, and neuroendocrine hormone secretion. One of the largest densities of dopamine neurons is within the striatum, which can be divided in two distinct neuroanatomical regions known as the nucleus accumbens and the caudate-putamen. The objective is to illustrate a general protocol for slice fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) within the mouse striatum. FSCV is a well-defined electrochemical technique providing the opportunity to measure dopamine release and uptake in real time in discrete brain regions. Carbon fiber microelectrodes (diameter of ~ 7 μm) are used in FSCV to detect dopamine oxidation. The analytical advantage of using FSCV to detect dopamine is its enhanced temporal resolution of 100 milliseconds and spatial resolution of less than ten microns, providing complementary information to in vivo microdialysis.
Copeland and Proudfoot on computability

Abstract Many philosophers contend that Turing’s work provides a conceptual analysis of numerical computability. In ( Rescorla, 2007 ), I dissented. I argued that the problem of deviant notations stymies existing attempts at conceptual analysis. Copeland and Proudfoot respond to my critique. I argue that their putative solution does not succeed. We are still awaiting a genuine conceptual analysis.
The optimal projection equations for fixed-order dynamic compensation

First-order necessary conditions for quadratically optimal, steady-state,fixed-order dynamic compensation of a linear, time-invariant plant in the presence of disturbance and observation noise are derived in a new and highly simplified form. In contrast to the pair of matrix Riccati equations for the full-order LQG case, the optimal steady-state fixed-order dynamic compensator is characterized by four matrix equations (two modified Riccati equations and two modified Lyapunov equations) coupled by a projection whose rank is precisely equal to the order of the compensator and which determines the optimal compensator gains. The coupling represents a graphic portrayal of the demise of the classical separation principle for the reduced-order controller case.
Paul in Acts and the Law in the Prophets

Luke depicts Paul in Acts as a penitent Pharisee, whose teaching and practice of the Law "reaccentuates" its place within the Lord's fulfilled word and plan. Luke offers a thoroughly intertextual portrayal of Paul's proclamation and practice of the Law. First, Luke's portrayal of Paul's synagogue preaching neither abolishes nor supersedes the Law, but situates and interprets the Law from within the Prophets. Second, by describing Pentecost and Pentecost's Spirit as the plot motivation for Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, Luke clearly rejects the charge of infidelity to the Law and confirms the scriptural legitimacy of Paul's mission, which marked "the Way" as the eschatological people of God.
SU‐FF‐T‐238: Establishing An Efficient EPID‐Based IMRT QA Protocol Using Gamma Analysis Coupled with DVH

Purpose: This study is to establish an efficient EPID‐based IMRT QA protocol using gamma analysis coupled with DVH. Method and Materials: An EPID is configured for 6‐ and 10 MV X‐ray beams for the IMRT portal dosimetry. The EPID system is assessed for dosimetric accuracy using several open fields spanning 3cm × 3cm to 38cm × 10cm with dMLC patterns. To build a QA decision tree, retrospective analysis of over 100 dMLC fields is undertaken to examine correlation between passing rates and field sizes. The fields are divided into 2 categories according to their field sizes. A statistical analysis is done using Statistical Process Control to determine passing criteria. For the failed fields from the gamma analysis, fractional dose contribution to PTV or critical structures is considered for the second criteria. The dose difference between the planned and the acquired images and DVHs from initial and a modified plan excluding the failed field is utilized. Results: From the system accuracy study, the dose profile matches within 2.7% up to 30cm × 10cm and the gamma score varies with field size. In the retrospective analysis, to make 2% pass rate, gamma score of 0.992 and 0.944 are chosen for the small, rm<18.3cm, and large field groups. For 10MV beam, 7% pass rate is chosen with gamma scores, 0.969 and 0.872 for rm<15cm and the larger field group, respectively. For failed fields, calculated dose difference is less than 5%, which is the second criteria. A field which fails both criteria needs IMRT re‐optimization. Conclusion: The gamma thresholds chosen are based on our statistical findings. The proposed IMRT QA decision tree utilizes gamma scores and overall dose distribution of the individual fields to plan. This is a useful tool to standardize the patient‐specific QA.
Synchronous up/down binary counter for LUT FPGAs with counting frequency independent of counter size

This paper presents the design of a fast binary counter for LUT FPGAs. The counter has a cycle time independent of the counter size. The key aspects of the design are described and applied to a 64-bit synchronous binary counter implemented in a XC4010 FPGA chip. Experimental results show that the counter can scale up to hundreds of bits while keeping a short cycle time.
Thyroid influence on sequential appearance of myosin heavy chain isoforms and muscle growth in growing male turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Abstract Roles of thyroid hormones on the sequential transition of myosin heavy chain isoforms in growing turkeys were determined by feeding triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and methimazole (MMI) at levels of 0.5 ppm and 0.1%, respectively, from 1 day through 4 weeks of age with the crossover of treatments at 2 weeks of age. Then, turkeys were reared by a conventional feeding regimen through 16 weeks. Dietary T 3 and MMI induced hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively, and reduced body and breast-muscle weights. Adverse effects of earlier episodes of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on body weights remained evident at 16 weeks. The transition from embryonic to neonatal and to adult isoforms in Pectoralis muscle was delayed under both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions. The appearance of the neonatal isoform was not affected immediately by MMI treatment. But, 2 weeks after the treatment started, the level of the neonatal isoform level was depressed. The level of the adult isoform was depressed immediately by T 3 treatment. The interruption of hypothyroidism and the replacement of MMI with T 3 at 2 weeks caused a marked reduction in the adult isoform level. It was concluded that the timing of isoform switch in Pectoralis muscle was altered by both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, but by different mechanisms.
Mid-Holocene Hydrologic Model of the Shingobee Watershed, Minnesota

Abstract A hydrologic model of the Shingobee Watershed in north-central Minnesota was developed to reconstruct mid-Holocene paleo-lake levels for Williams Lake, a surface-water body located in the southern portion of the watershed. Hydrologic parameters for the model were first estimated in a calibration exercise using a 9-yr historical record (1990–1998) of climatic and hydrologic stresses. The model reproduced observed temporal and spatial trends in surface/groundwater levels across the watershed. Mid-Holocene aquifer and lake levels were then reconstructed using two paleoclimatic data sets: CCM1 atmospheric general circulation model output and pollen-transfer functions using sediment core data from Williams Lake. Calculated paleo-lake levels based on pollen-derived paleoclimatic reconstructions indicated a 3.5-m drop in simulated lake levels and were in good agreement with the position of mid-Holocene beach sands observed in a Williams Lake sediment core transect. However, calculated paleolake levels based on CCM1 climate forcing produced only a 0.05-m drop in lake levels. We found that decreases in winter precipitation rather than temperature increases had the largest effect on simulated mid-Holocene lake levels. The study illustrates how watershed models can be used to critically evaluate paleoclimatic reconstructions by integrating geologic, climatic, limnologic, and hydrogeologic data sets.
Projected random vectors and the recursion method in the electronic-structure problem.

We develop a technique to determine the occupied eigenstates in the matrix formulation of the electronic-structure problem. The theory uses a random vector projected onto the electron occupied subspace by use of a Fermi-Dirac projection operator. This random starting vector is inserted into the recursion scheme to generate all occupied eigenenergies and eigenvectors of the system. The method produces a tridiagonal Hamiltonian matrix, which unlike the original Hamiltonian matrix, can be diagonalized even for a very large system. Hellmann-Feynman forces are readily obtained because the eigenvectors can be efficiently computed. Care must be taken to correct for instabilities in the three-term recurrence which gives rise to spurious solutions.
Bonding of toxic chemicals to wood

A series of chlorinated phenols, derivatives of pentachlorophenol and chlorinated benzene derivatives were prepared and their toxicity to the brown-rot fungiGloeophyllum trabeum was determined in a standard ASTM 12-wk soil-block test. 2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenyl isocyanate and pentachlorophenyl isocyanate were synthesized, reacted with southern pine sapwood, and the extracted wood placed in the 12-wk soil-block test.
The 10,000 year bender: why humans love a tipple

Our taste for alcohol results from an evolutionary tussle between humans and yeast, one in which the microbes have often had the upper hand
Sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase activity in a rat-kidney endoplasmic reticulum fraction.

Abstract ATPase activity has been characterized in a rat-kidney microsomal membrane preparation. Dialyzed preparations have a magnesium-dependent ATPase that is activated by sodium and potassium added in combination. Evidence is presented for separate sites of binding of sodium and potassium in the preparation. This sodium-potassium-dependent ATPase activity is inhibited by ouabain, organic mercurial diuretics and calcium. Ouabain inhibition appears to be on the uptake of cations rather than the ATPase activity. Hydrogen-ion effects on ATPase activity are examined and discussed. It is postulated that the activity observed is a component of the active-transport system for sodium and potassium in the rat kidney.
A data mining approach to discover unusual folding regions in genome sequences

Numerous experiments and analyses of RNA structures have revealed that the local distinct structure closely correlates with the biological function. In this study, we present a data mining approach to discover such unusual folding regions (UFRs) in genome sequences. Our approach is a three-step procedure. During the first step, the quality of a local structure different from a random folding in a genomic sequence is evaluated by two z-scores, significance score (SIGSCR) and stability score (STBSCR) of the local segment. The two scores are computed by sliding a fixed window stepped a base along the sequence from the start to end position. Next, based on the non-central Student's t distribution theory we derive a linearly transformed non-central Student's t distribution (LTNSTD) to describe the distribution of SIGSCR and STBSCR computed in the sequence. In the third step, we extract these significant UFRs from the sequence whose SIGSCR and/or STBSCR are greater or less than a given threshold calculated from the derived LTNSTD. Our data mining approach is successfully applied to the complete genome of Mycoplasma genitalium (M. gen) and discovers these statistical extremes in the genome. By comparisons with the two scores computed from randomly shuffled sequences of the entire M. gen genome, our results demonstrate that the UFRs in the M. gen sequence are not selected by chance. These UFRs may imply an important structure role involved in their sequence information.
Assessing and treating small airways disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the respiratory tract that are characterized by airflow limitation. They are distinct conditions with different causes, structural changes, and immunopathology. The pathophysiology in asthma and COPD involves not only the proximal large airways, but also the distal small airways, and thus the small airways are an important therapeutic target in the treatment of both diseases. The assessment of diseased distal small airways is challenging. Extensive disease can be present in the small airways with little abnormality in conventional pulmonary function tests. Recent advances in imaging technologies have led to better spatial resolution to assess small airways morphology non-invasively. New physiological tests have been developed to detect disease and response to therapy in regional airways. Improving the efficiency of existing aerosolized therapy to direct drug to the appropriate lung regions may improve clinical efficacy. Approaches to target distal lung regions include developing new drug formulations with smaller aerosol particle size or using inhaler devices that emit aerosolized drug at slow inhalation flows. Large studies are needed to determine whether better distal lung deposition leads to improvements in small airways function that are translated into clinically significant patient outcomes.
Dynamics of Long n-Alkanes in Silicalite: A Hierarchical Simulation Approach

A hierarchical approach for simulating the diffusion of long n-alkanes in the zeolite silicalite is described. The simulation strategy utilizes concepts from Brownian motion theory and transition state theory and can be used to determine diffusivities for chains at least as long as C{sub 20} using modest computational resources. The results indicate that self-diffusivities decline steadily with increasing chain length up until about n-C{sub 8}, after which the self-diffusivities plateau and become nearly constant as a function of chain length. Activation energies for diffusion are constant and equal to 5 kJ/mol for short chains but increase to roughly 12 kJ/mol for chains longer than C{sub 8}. A microscopic explanation for these trends is proposed. 44 refs., 15 figs., 4 tabs.
Cow Evaluation at Different Milk Yields of Herds

Herds with higher milk production per cow tend to have used bulls with larger Predicted Differences and to have larger Cow Indexes. A larger portion of cows in these herds should attain elite status for production than in herds with lower production. However, even when average sire merit was similar, higher producing herds had substantially more elite cows, apparently because standard deviation of deviated production of cows is greater in herds with high milk production. This suggested that cow deviation in high producing herds may receive too much weight in the Cow Index. However, higher heritabilities likely are appropriate for cows in higher producing herds, which would favor weighting deviation more in high producing herds. Adjustments for these two effects would offset each other at least partially. Cow Indexes adjusted for either or both effects had similar correlations with son or daughter performance as did the current Cow Index that considers neither effect. Although high producing herds have more elite cows than can be justified by average sire merit, some of the apparent advantage may be justifiable by larger heritabilities.
Use of a Guinea Pig-Specific Transcriptome Array for Evaluation of Protective Immunity against Genital Chlamydial Infection following Intranasal Vaccination in Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs have been used as a second animal model to validate putative anti-chlamydial vaccine candidates tested in mice. However, the lack of guinea pig-specific reagents has limited the utility of this animal model in Chlamydia sp. vaccine studies. Using a novel guinea pig-specific transcriptome array, we determined correlates of protection in guinea pigs vaccinated with Chlamydia caviae (C. caviae) via the intranasal route, previously reported by us and others to provide robust antigen specific immunity against subsequent intravaginal challenge. C. caviae vaccinated guinea pigs resolved genital infection by day 3 post challenge. In contrast, mock vaccinated animals continued to shed viable Chlamydia up to day 18 post challenge. Importantly, at day 80 post challenge, vaccinated guinea pigs experienced significantly reduced genital pathology - a sequelae of genital chlamydial infections, in comparison to mock vaccinated guinea pigs. Sera from vaccinated guinea pigs displayed antigen specific IgG responses and increased IgG1 and IgG2 titers capable of neutralizing GPIC in vitro. Th1-cellular/inflammatory immune genes and Th2-humoral associated genes were also found to be elevated in vaccinated guinea pigs at day 3 post-challenge and correlated with early clearance of the bacterium. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of guinea pig-specific genes involved in anti-chlamydial vaccination and illustrates the enhancement of the utility of this animal model in chlamydial pathogenesis.
Genetic restriction of immune responsiveness to synthetic peptides corresponding to sequences in the pre‐S region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope gene

Proteins of the HBV envelope (env) are coded for by two adjacent regions of the HBV env gene: the pre-S and S regions. Antigenic determinants corresponding to amino acid sequences of both regions are recognized by human antibodies and are important in virus-neutralizing responses. Protective immune responses to HBV appear to be linked to the major HLA histocompatibility complex. Inbred and congenic strains of mice represent a model system relevant for studies on the genetic control of immune responsiveness of humans to HBV envelope proteins. Such mouse strains were ranked according to their antibody response to the S protein and divided into high [d,q], intermediate [a,k,b], and low [s] responders (letters in brackets indicate H-2 haplotype.) Selected pre-S antigenic determinants can be mimicked with high fidelity by synthetic peptide analogues that are immunogenic without any carriers. Thus it is possible to study directly the genetic control of immune responsiveness to pre-S epitopes mimicked by these peptides without having to consider the influence of carriers or of S protein. The results presented here show that inbred mouse strains can be ranked according to their antibody responses to the synthetic peptide pre-S(120-145) as follows: A/J[a] approximately equal to SWR/J[q] greater than C57BL/6J[b] approximately equal to AKR/J[k] approximately equal to SJL/J[s] much greater than DBA/2J[d] greater than BALB/cJ[d]. Only SJL/J[s] mice responded well to another synthetic peptide pre-S (12-32). Thus, H-2-linked genes regulating the immune response to S protein and to epitopes on pre-S-coded sequences are distinct. Anti-pre-S(120-145) responses in S protein-nonresponders circumvent this nonresponsiveness. This should be considered in the design of hepatitis B vaccines.
The Little River Drainage District collection

Southeast Missouri is prosperous today as a rich, agricultural center partly because of the Little River Drainage District (LRDD), the body responsible for digging the levees, channels, and canals during the early twentieth century that drained the swampland which covered much of Southeast Missouri. The LRDD collected all the records related to the engineering project and to various aspects of people’s lives during that time, including tax records, plats, maps, catalogs, field reports, etc., and asked Southeast Missouri State University’s Kent Library to house them. Because of space considerations, the collection has been placed at the Bootheel Center, in Malden, Missouri. This article gives a brief history of Southeast Missouri and the LRDD, describes the collection, and highlights why these papers are of fundamental importance to the citizens of Southeast Missouri.
Population genetic patterns among social groups of the endangered Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) in a human-dominated landscape.

Spider monkeys (Genus: Ateles) are a widespread Neotropical primate with a highly plastic socioecological strategy. However, the Central American species, Ateles geoffroyi, was recently re-listed as endangered due to the accelerated loss of forest across the subcontinent. There is inconsistent evidence that spider monkey populations could persist when actively protected, but their long-term viability in unprotected, human-dominated landscapes is not known. We analyzed noninvasive genetic samples from 185 individuals in 14 putative social groups on the Rivas Isthmus in southwestern Nicaragua. We found evidence of weak but significant genetic structure in the mitochondrial control region and in eight nuclear microsatellite loci plus negative spatial autocorrelation in Fst and kinship. The overall pattern suggests strong localized mating and at least historical female-biased dispersal, as is expected for this species. Heterozygosity was significantly lower than expected under random mating and lower than that found in other spider monkey populations, possibly reflecting a recent decline in genetic diversity and a threat from inbreeding. We conclude that despite a long history of human disturbance on this landscape, spider monkeys were until recently successful at maintaining gene flow. We consider the recent decline to be further indication of accelerated anthropogenic disturbance, but also of an opportunity to conserve native biodiversity. Spider monkeys are one of many wildlife species in Central America that is threatened by land cover change, and an apt example of how landscape-scale conservation planning could be used to ensure long-term persistence.
Primary diagnosis of chest images in a PACS environment

In this study, we used a high-resolution workstation (1536x2048) with window width (contrast) and level (brightness) manipulations available to test diagnostic accuracy rates of seven experienced radiologists on 300 posteroanterior chest images in a clinically simulated environment. Observer performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the results were compared to performance when the same cases were interpreted by the same radiologists using conventional film. Efficiency on the workstation was comparable to, if not better than, that with the conventional film, but accuracy indices (Az) for the detection of interstitial disease and pneumothoraces were lower for the workstation than for conventional film. Since window width and level did not compensate for the lack of resolution, we then examined in a following study the effects of different processing options (reverse mode, unsharp masking) on diagnostic accuracy. These image processing options did not significantly improve readers' performance.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Patterns of Presynaptic Gene Expression Define Two Stages of Synaptic Differentiation

Abstract To elucidate the sequence of molecular events leading to nerve terminal differentiation, we have examined the regulation of expression of presynaptic protein genes during synapse formation in vivo . In the chick ciliary ganglion (CG), synaptophysin IIa and synaptophysin IIb mRNAs showed threefold increases relative to neurofilament-M mRNA during the time of target contact [Embryonic Day 7 (E7)-E9]. Expression of synaptotagmin I mRNA also increased severalfold over this time interval. Thus, mRNAs for three synaptic vesicle proteins are upregulated coordinately during synaptogenesis. In contrast, the major increase in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA (four-to fivefold) occurred between E15 and E20, coincident with the maturation of synapses in the CG. Coincident with ChAT upregulation, there is a switch in the relative abundance of mRNAs encoding vesicle protein isoforms. In particular, mRNAs encoding synaptophysin IIb and synaptotagmin II (which is undetectable at E9) become predominant. Therefore, although synaptic vesicle protein mRNAs are upregulated in a first phase of differentiation at the time of synapse formation, a temporally distinct phase of presynaptic protein gene regulation, associated with the specific maturation of synapses, is also apparent.
Uniqueness of information measure in the theory of evidence

Abstract An evidence distribution on a set X assigns non-negative weights to the subsets of X . Such weights must sum to one and the empty set is given weight 0. An information measure can be defined for such an evidence distribution. If m i are the weights assigned to subsets A i , and a i are the cardinalities of these subsets, then the function. Σ m i log a i satisfies all the usual axioms of an information measure. In this paper we show that, conversely, these axioms are sufficient to characterize uniquely the above measure. It can be thus considered as the main uncertainty function for the theory of evidence. We demonstrate that using only the properties of symmetry, additivity and subadditivity the problem of uniqueness can be reduced to finding linear functionals on the space of functions analytic at origin. We surmise that under a suitable continuity hypothesis, all such functionals can be represented as linear combinations of the coefficients of Taylor series. Our function then represents the first derivative evaluated at 0. An alternative approach is then discussed. We assume a form of branching property, suggested by the monotonicity considerations. Now the properties of symmetry, additivity and subadditivity, together with branching again offer the unique characterization of the information function. No continuity assumption whatsoever is needed and the proof is entirely elementary.
Physical activity in the prevention and amelioration of osteoporosis in women : interaction of mechanical, hormonal and dietary factors.

levies a financial burden on those who fear and experience bone fractures. Physical activity as a way to prevent osteoporosis is based on evidence that it can regulate bone maintenance and stimulate bone formation including the accumula
Interparental Relationship Dynamics and Cardiac Vagal Functioning in Infancy

This study examined associations between interparental relationship dynamics and vagus system functioning in infancy. The functioning of the vagus system, part of the parasympathetic nervous system, indexes emotional reactivity and regulation. Interparental avoidance and dyadic adjustment constitute the focus of this study in order to bring attention to relationship dynamics not subsumed under overt conflict. Infants’ baseline vagal tone and change in vagal tone in response to a novel toy were assessed at 5 months in a sample of high-risk mother–infant dyads (n = 77). Maternal report of interparental avoidance demonstrated an association with infants’ baseline vagal tone, while interparental dyadic adjustment was associated with change in infants’ vagal tone from baseline to the novel toy. Infant gender moderated these associations. Maternal sensitivity did not mediate interparental relationship dynamics and infants’ vagal functioning. Results are discussed in the context of emotional security theory.
Electronic transport in lightly doped CoSb 3

We report resistivity, Hall coefficient, and Seebeck coefficient measurements on a very lightly doped (1/${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$e=7.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ holes/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$) single crystal of ${\mathrm{CoSb}}_{3}$. The low-temperature resistivity is semiconducting, with a gap ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{g}}$=580 K (\ensuremath{\approxeq}50 meV). At high temperatures another energy scale is apparent, with a characteristic energy ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{g}}$=3650 K (\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.31 eV). The presence of two energies is consistent with a recent band-structure calculation performed by Singh and Pickett. The Hall coefficient is large and positive, as expected for a lightly doped p-type semiconductor. Below 200 K, the Hall mobility ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$\ensuremath{\sigma} varies as ${\mathit{T}}^{3/2}$, indicating that ionized impurity scattering is the dominant scattering mechanism. The Hall mobility peaks at 250 K at a value of 1940 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{V}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The Seebeck coefficient is small at low temperature, and increases smoothly until it attains a value of 225 \ensuremath{\mu}V/K at 300 K; its temperature dependence is also consistent with ionized impurity scattering. A detailed structural refinement on our crystals gives a lattice parameter of 9.035 73(3) \AA{}, with evidence for little or no site disorder.
Healthcare: Affordable quality coverage for all

The quality of medical care available in the United States is the best in the world. However, today's American healthcare delivery system is unacceptable. It is too expensive, disjointed, and wasteful. The amount spent on healthcare in the United States is sufficient to meet everyone's needs; the reason it does not is that the money is misspent. Healthcare makes up 16 percent of the gross domestic product, or $2.3 trillion, yet 46 million people are uninsured, the majority of people are underinsured, and even those with insurance suffer significant hassles in receiving healthcare. Medical errors occur at alarming rates. The lack of quality measures to define best practices leads to a wide variation of practices and costs. Fragmented healthcare leads to errors. The goal of this paper is to explore a set of 20 comprehensive steps to begin reform of healthcare in this country.