cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The absence of adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia in pertussis-sensitized mice and its relation to histamine and serotonin hypersensitivity☆

Abstract Experiments are described which were designed to investigate the nature of the absence of adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia in pertussis-sensitized mice and its relation to histamine and serotonin hypersensitivity. It is shown that the absence of hyperglycemia after administration of adrenaline cannot be attributed to an inverse glycemic action of excessive amounts of adrenaline liberated endogenously by histamine or serotonin. On the other hand, several observations do suggest that a blockade or some other malfunctioning of the adrenergic receptors (beta), normally associated with the peripheral inhibition of glucose uptake, is responsible for the absence of hyperglycemia. This is indicated by the unusually augmented glucose tolerance of pertussis-sensitized mice, by the increased incorporation of radioactive glucose into the tissue glycogen of such animals, and by the failure of adrenaline to correct this abnormality. Furthermore, the establishment of a β-adrenergic blockade (DCI) affected the glucose tolerance of normal animals in a manner similar to pertussis sensitization, whereas an α-adrenergic blockade (Dibenamine) did not alter the normal tolerance to glucose. Although the pertussis-sensitized animals showed a normal resistance to insulin, the abnormally increased peripheral uptake of glucose in such animals is likely to be operative in the induction of hypersensitivity to histamine and serotonin. This is indicated by the fact that both alloxan diabetes and long-term, as well as acute, administration of glucose were found to restore the normal resistance of the pertussis-sensitized mouse to serotonin. Conversely, insulin was shown to sensitize normal mice to histamine and serotonin.
Changing canons of mathematical and physical intelligibility in the later 17th century

Abstract Learning to use the new calculus in the late 17th century meant looking at quantities and configurations, and the relationships among them, in fundamentally new ways. In part, as Leibniz argued implicitly in his articles, the new concepts lay along lines established by Viete, Fermat, Descartes, and other “analysts” in their development of algebraic geometry and the theory of equations. But in part too, those concepts drew intuitive support from the new mechanics that they were being used to explicate and that was rapidly becoming the primary area of their application. So it was that the world machine that emerged from the Scientific Revolution could be both mechanically intelligible and mathematically transcendental.
Optimal locations for energy storage damping systems in the Western North American interconnect

Electromechanical oscillations often limit transmission capacity in the western North American Power System (termed the wNAPS). Recent research and development has focused on employing large-scale damping controls via wide-area feedback. Such an approach is made possible by the recent installation of a wide-area real-time measurement system based upon Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) technology. One potential large-scale damping approach is based on energy storage devices. Such an approach has considerable promise for damping oscillations. This paper considers the placement of such devices within the wNAPS system. We explore combining energy storage devices with HVDC modulation of the Pacific DC Intertie (PDCI). We include eigenanalysis of a reduced-order wNAPS system, detailed analysis of a basic two-area dynamic system, and full-order transient simulations. We conclude that the optimal energy storage location is in the area with the lower inertia.
Towards a theory of spacetime structure at very short distances

Renormalization-group arguments are summarized which suggest that at distances shorter than the Planck length the spacetime geometry should be asymptotically scale invariant. A new locally scale-invariant extension of general relativity is then proposed based on Weyl's conformally invariant geometry. It is shown that if the theory contains a Higgs phase, then it reduces to Einstein's theory in the limit of large distances. Finally, the theory incorporates the non-linear sigma model, which suggests a new approach to the calculation of non-perturbative, short-distance effects in quantum gravity.
A band absorptance formulation for Doppler broadening.

Abstract An expression is presented for the total band absorptance of vibration—rotation bands having Doppler-broadened lines. The result is similar in form to corresponding expressions for pressure broadening, in that the total band absorptance is expressed in terms of a dimensionless pressure path length, a bandwidth parameter, and a line-structure parameter. The band absorptance formulation is employed to estimate pressure levels at which Dopple broadening dominates over pressure broadening for CO2 bands within the atmospheres of Venus and Mars, and for CH4 bands within the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn.
The effect of a single course of antenatal corticosteroids on maternal adrenal function at term.

Objective: To determine if one course of antenatal corticosteroids at 32 weeks produces maternal adrenal suppression at term.Methods: The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test was administered at 38 weeks to 11 pregnant women who had received a single course of antenatal betamethasone prior to 33 weeks and to six control subjects.Results: There was no difference in basal cortisol levels (mean ± standard deviation) between the two groups: 41.6 ± 6.9 μg/dl for controls versus 36.0 ± 7.8 μg/dl for the steroid group, p = 0.16. Peak cortisol levels at 45 min following ACTH stimulation were not different: 61.6 ± 3.5 μg/dl for controls versus 55.0 ± 2.6 μg/dl for the steroid group, p = 0.16. The power of the study to detect a statistical difference in the observed peak cortisol levels was greater than 95%. None of the study subjects had laboratory criteria or clinical signs of adrenal suppression.Conclusions: A single course of betamethasone for women at risk for preterm delivery does not produce a...
Some Features of K 0 Decay: The Δ S = Δ Q Rule, and the | Δ I | = 1 2 Rules for Leptonic and Three-Pion Decays

In a sample of \ensuremath{\sim}36 000 ${K}^{0}$ and ${\overline{K}}^{0}$ mesons produced in antiproton annihilations in a liquid-hydrogen chamber, the ${K}^{0}$ leptonic decay rate and the time distribution of ${K}^{0}$ leptonic decays as well as the ${K}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ decay rates were studied. These results permit tests of the $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=\ensuremath{\Delta}Q$ rule and $\mathrm{CP}$ violation in leptonic decays, as well as tests of the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=\frac{1}{2}$ rule for both leptonic and nonleptonic decays when compared with published results on other charge channels. The data, within their experimental error, are found to be consistent with all three rules.
Kinetics of nucleation and growth processes

The time evolution of the microstructural properties during phase transformations in solids, associated with the phenomena of nucleation and growth, has been modeled to provide an exact description of the kinetics of the process. The process analytical approach uses easily measured metallographic parameters, obtained from a two-dimensional surface examination to provide details on the time dependence of nucleation, nucleation rate, growth rate and interfacial migration. Results of a recrystallization study in deformed single crystals of pure iron have been used to demonstrate the predictions of the model.
In vitro evaluation of broad-spectrum β-lactams tested in medical centers in Korea: role of fourth-generation cephalosporins

Abstract Levels of resistance to the "third-generation" cephalosporins among isolates of clinical bacteria in Korea have been increasing at a rapid rate. This study evaluated the activity of cefepime, a "fourth-generation" cephalosporin, and six other broad-spectrum β-lactam antimicrobials (cefpirome, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam [4 μg/mL fixed concentration], oxacillin) against 404 isolates of clinical bacteria from Korea. Susceptibility profiles of each isolate were established using the Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) method of susceptibility testing. Only the carbapenem imipenem was > 90% effective in inhibiting each of the species tested ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., indole-positive Proteae, Serratia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and oxacillin-susceptible staphylococci). Imipenem was followed by cefepime > cefpirome > piperacillin/tazobactam > ceftazidime > ceftriaxone in overall rank order of usable spectrum against the isolates tested. Extended spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotypes were much more prevalent among the Klebsiella spp. (48.8%) than the E. coli (5.0%) isolates. Cefepime was much more active than cefpirome, 95.1% susceptible as compared with 70.7% susceptible, against the 41 isolates of Klebsiella spp. The results of this study corroborates findings from earlier studies with levels of resistance to the broad-spectrum β-lactams in Korea continuing to rise indicating the need for intervention strategies.
Measuring Cohabitation and Family Structure in the United States: Assessing the Impact of New Data From the Current Population Survey

In 2007, the Current Population Survey (CPS) introduced a measure that identifies all cohabiting partners in a household, regardless of whether they describe themselves as “unmarried partners” in the relationship to householder question. The CPS now also links children to their biological, step-, and adoptive parents. Using these new variables, we analyze the prevalence of cohabitation as well as the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of different-sex cohabiting couples during the years 2007–2009. Estimates of cohabitation produced using only unmarried partnerships miss 18 % of all cohabiting unions and 12 % of children residing with cohabiting parents. Although differences between unmarried partners and most newly identified cohabitors are small, newly identified cohabitors are older, on average, and are less likely to be raising shared biological or adopted children. These new measures also allow us to identify a small number of young, disadvantaged couples who primarily reside in households of other family members, most commonly with parents. We conclude with an examination of the complex living arrangements and poverty status of American children, demonstrating the broader value of these new measures for research on American family and household structure.
Development of photosystem II in dark grown Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. A light-dependent conversion of PS IIβ, QB-nonreducing centers to the PS IIα, QB-reducing form

The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a facultative heterotroph and, when cultured in the presence of acetate, will synthesize chlorophyll (Chl) and photosystem (PS) components in the dark. Analysis of the thylakoid membrane composition and function in dark grown C. reinhardtii revealed that photochemically competent PS II complexes were synthesized and assembled in the thylakoid membrane. These PS II centers were impaired in the electron-transport reaction from the primary-quinone electron acceptor, QA, to the secondary-quinone electron acceptor, QB (QB-nonreducing centers). Both complements of the PS II Chl a−b light harvesting antenna (LHC II-inner and LHC II-peripheral) were synthesized and assembled in the thylakoid membrane of dark grown C. reinhardtii cells. However, the LHC II-peripheral was energetically uncoupled from the PS II reaction center. Thus, PS II units in dark grown cells had a β-type Chl antenna size with only 130 Chl (a and b) molecules (by definition, PS IIβ units lack LHC II-peripheral). Illumination of dark grown C. reinhardtii caused pronounced changes in the organization and function of PS II. With a half-time of about 30 min, PS II centers were converted froma QB-nonreducing form in the dark, to a QB-reducing form in the light. Concomitant with this change, PS IIβ units were energetically coupled with the LHC II-peripheral complement in the thylakoid membrane and were converted to a PS IIα form. The functional antenna of the latter contained more than 250 Chl(a+b) molecules. The results are discussed in terms of a light-dependent activation of the QA-QB electron-transfer reaction which is followed by association of the PS IIβ unit with a LHC II-peripheral antenna and by inclusion of the mature form of PS II (PS IIα) in the membrane of the grana partition region.
Impact of urban nature: A theoretical analysis

Abstract The stresses and strains of the urban environment are widely acknowledged. The means for recovery, for recuperation, are perhaps less evident. In particular, the role of environmental configurations in this process is often neglected in the measurement of quality of life. The urban natural environment can provide the setting for such restorative experiences, both physically and conceptually. A theoretical analysis is presented that focuses on the importance of fascination and coherence as essential processes in the powerful effects of the nature context. When these are both afforded by the setting, many of the benefits available in more remote natural settings may be available in the nearby urban context as well. The bits and pieces of urban nature are significant not only in terms of active recreational encounters. The view of trees and birds, the thought of spring to come, and the plans for summer's window box can all help in the restorative experience.
Low-temperature elastic coefficients of polycrystalline indium

Abstract Using an ultrasonic pulse-echo method, we measured the elastic coefficients of polycrystalline indium from 300 to 5 K. All elastic coefficients showed regular temperature behavior, as predicted by an Einstein-oscillator model. The shear and Young moduli showed the largest change, increasing ≈55% during cooling. The Poisson ratio was unusually high at 0.45, just below the theoretical upper bound of 0.5. Using a Marx composite oscillator, we measured the internal friction at room temperature. We calculated the acoustic Debye temperature, 108.4 K, that agreed well with a monocrystal acoustic value, 111.3 K and the specific-heat value, 108.8 K. Also, we calculated the Gruneisen parameters, γL=2.04, γH=2.68, that agreed well with the specific-heat value, γ=2.48 and the shock-wave value, γ=2.24.
Stabilized rapidly convergent 18-degrees-of-freedom flat shell triangular element

A rank-sufficient flat triangular shell element with driling degrees of freedom is described. A variational basis for this element has been provided by a three fiels variational principle with relaxed interelement compatibility and traction continuity conditions.
Spinodal decomposition and nematic coarsening in a rigid-rod solution

Abstract The dynamics of a solution of rodlike liquid-crystalline molecules are simulated for the related problems of isotropic–nematic spinodal decomposition and the coarsening of misaligned nematic grains. The Doi diffusion equation for the rod distribution function is coupled with the full Onsager intermolecular potential, discretized by the finite-element method, and integrated forward in time by using a parallel, semi-implicit scheme. The Onsager potential models rod interaction on the scale of a single rod length in order to resolve accurately defects and interfaces in structure. Simulation results show the effects of rotational and translational diffusivity ratios on the mechanisms for alignment and phase separation in spinodal decomposition. As rotational motion is restricted, individual grains become more aligned prior to coalescence events. When rods are restricted to diffusive motion along their axis, the spinodal decomposition process is arrested, and the system will reach a pseudo-steady state featuring misaligned nematic grains. These results mark the first dynamic computation of the Doi diffusion equation for spinodal decomposition in nonhomogeneous rigid-rod systems. Nematic coarsening simulations show the effects of misalignment between neighboring ordered domains on the coarsening time and director field around structured interfaces. Results show that the coarsening time is dependent not only on misalignment between grain directors, but also on the tilt angle of the directors into the interface.
Addressing tobacco use disorder in smokers in early remission from alcohol dependence: The case for integrating smoking cessation services in substance use disorder treatment programs

Despite the declining overall rate of cigarette smoking in the general population in the United States, the prevalence of smoking is estimated to be as high as 80% among treatment-seeking alcoholics. The serious adverse health effects of tobacco and heavy alcohol use are synergistic and recent evidence suggests that smoking slows the process of cognitive recovery following alcohol abstinence. In addition, substantial evidence shows that treatment for tobacco dependence does not jeopardize alcohol abstinence. In this paper, we focus on the impact and treatment implications of tobacco dependence among treatment-seeking alcoholics through a review of five areas of research. We begin with brief reviews of two areas of research: studies investigating the genetic and neurobiological vulnerability of comorbid tobacco and alcohol dependence and studies investigating the consequences of comorbid dependence on neurobiological and cognitive functioning. We then review literature on the effects of smoking cessation on drinking urges and alcohol use and the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions with alcoholic smokers. Finally, we offer recommendations for research with an emphasis on clinical research for enhancing smoking cessation outcomes in this population.
Proteolytic activity of opossum tooth extracts

Amelogenins are the main component of the developing enamel matrix. In placental mammals, amelogenins are rapidly cleaved following their secretion. HPLC fractionation of tooth extracts produces a complex chromatographic profile. The fractions are rich in amelogenin cleavage products that generally retain the amino-terminus of the parent protein but have varying lengths of peptide removed from the original carboxyl-terminus. In contrast, HPLC fractionation of opossum tooth extracts produces a simple profile with a single major chromatographic peak. SDS-and Western blot analyses demonstrated that most of the amelogenin consisted of a prominent protein band that migrated at 28 kDa. Mass spectroscopy confirmed the presence of two uncleaved, alternatively spliced forms of opossum amelogenin, Op202 and Op57, but did not detect major amelogenin cleavage products evident in tooth extracts from placental mammals. Amino acid composition analysis supported the conclusion that uncleaved amelogenin is the major component in the developing enamel matrix. Enzymogram analyses using gelatin, casein and recombinant amelogenin as substrates, comparing porcine, rat and opossum tooth extracts, suggested that fewer proteinases are present in opossum. These results identify potentially significant differences in the proteolytic processing of amelogenins between metatherian and eutherian mammals.
Nonenzymatic Glycation of Fibronectin and Alterations in the Molecular Association of Cell Matrix and Basement Membrane Components in Diabetes Mellitus

This study reports the nonenzymatic glycation of plasma fibronectin in vivo in diabetic dogs and also in vitro by incubation of human plasma fibronectin with excess glucose. Although no difference is observed in the total plasma fibronectin level, the nonenzymatic glycation of fibronectin is increased 2.3-fold in inbred male beagle dogs made diabetic with alloxan in comparison with age-matched controls. The extent of nonenzymatic glycation of fibronectin is shown to be proportional to blood glucose levels. HPLC reverse-phase analysis of the hydrolyzed amino acids and glycoamino acids from plasma fibronectin samples of normal and diabetic dogs show that nonenzymatic glycation occurs only on lysine residues. When purified human plasma fibronectin was incubated in vitro with 500 mM glucose, the extent of nonenzymatic glycation of fibronectin was observed to increase proportionately with time. Ligand binding assays conducted in solution with varying concentrations of 3H-heparin in the presence of a constant amount of normal or nonenzymatically glycated human plasma fibronectin gave virtually identical binding curves. However, the binding of 3H-heparin to normal fibronectin could be increased fourfold by the concomitant addition of normal gelatin (denatured calfskin collagen). If in vitro glycated fibronectin and/or in vitro glycated gelatin are added under this latter condition with 3H-heparin, there is a tremendous decrease in the expected heparin binding seen with normal levels of nonenzymatic glycation. Other experiments were performed to quantitate the binding of 3H-labeled fibronectin to gelatin-coated nitrocellulose filters. Nonenzymatic glycation of fibronectin in vitro resulted in markedly decreased binding of 3H-fibronectin to collagen. Enhanced nonenzymatic glycation of fibronectin in vivo and alterations in the molecular association of fibronectin, gelatin, and heparin brought about by nonenzymatic glycation are discussed relevant to the pathophysiology of the complications of diabetes.
A sybil-proof referral system based on multiplicative reputation chains

Transactions between peers in social networks generate direct reputation (social capital) information. This can be augmented with indirect referrals, on demand or continually, thus giving peers additional information prior to engaging in transactions with others. Despite proposed deterrents such as identity acquisition costs, false referrals through sybil identities pose a significant threat. In this note, we show how a reputation system which multiplicatively chains referrals, and adds referrals from different referral paths/chains, is sybil-proof.
An assessment of predictive forecasting of Juniperus ashei pollen movement in the Southern Great Plains, USA

Juniperus ashei pollen, a significant aeroallergen, has been recorded during December and January in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the past 20 years. The nearest upwind source for this pollen is populations growing in southern Oklahoma and central Texas, at distances of 200 km and 600 km respectively. Long-distance dispersal of J. ashei pollen into the Tulsa area shows a strong correlation with the trajectories of wind blowing across southern populations before traveling north towards eastern Oklahoma. The strong tie between climatic conditions and the occurrence of this aeroallergen within the Tulsa, Oklahoma, atmosphere provided a unique opportunity to forecast the dispersal, entrainment, and downwind deposition of this significant aeroallergen. Forecasts of long-distance J. ashei pollen dispersal began during the winter of 1998/1999. Each forecast uses defined climatic parameters to signal pollination at each source site. Coupled to these estimates of pollen release, forecast weather conditions and modeled wind trajectories are used to determine the threat of dispersal to downwind communities. The accuracy of these forecasts was determined by comparing the forecast "threat" to aerobiological records for the same period collected in the "Tulsa region". Analysis of the two seasons revealed only a single occurrence of "high" or "very high" pollen concentrations in Tulsa not directly linked to "moderate" or "severe" forecast threats from the southern source areas.
A Wyoming succession of Paleocene mammal-bearing localities bracketing the boundary between the Torrejonian and Tiffanian North American Land Mammal “Ages”

A succession of fossil localities from the Hanna Basin, south-central Wyoming, brackets the boundary between Torrejonian and Tiffanian North American Land Mammal “Ages” (NALMAs). Unusually high rates of deposition in mid-Paleocene time in the Hanna Basin led to a greatly expanded section relative to classic mid-Paleocene sedimentary accumulations. Outcrops of the Hanna Formation, in an area of badlands in the northeast corner of the Hanna Basin called “The Breaks,” yield abundant vertebrate fossils. Mammalian fossils from a 550 m-thick interval in The Breaks document the latest Torrejonian (To3) though middle Tiffanian (Ti3) NALMAs. A 55 m-thick overlap zone between faunas typical elsewhere of To3 or earliest Tiffanian (Ti1) lies centrally within this interval. The entire overlap zone in The Breaks represents the earliest parts of Ti1 as based upon presence of Plesiadapis praecursor and Nannodectes intermedius , index taxa for the Tiffanian. This does not affect the traditional definition of the To–Ti boundary. It does, however, extend ranges of several mammals typically considered exclusively Torrejonian into early Tiffanian time. The mammalian fauna from The Breaks is one of the most diverse earliest Tiffanian faunas yet described, with 72 species of mammals recognized. The high diversity facilitates correlation with less diverse faunas of western North America. This is especially valuable for faunas of late Torrejonian or early Tiffanian age that lack critical index taxa (i.e., members of the Plesiadapidae) necessary for assigning a definitive age to the fauna. Furthermore, recognition of an overlap zone, the fauna of which is formally defined as The Breaks local fauna, within earliest parts of Ti1 provides greater age resolution for faunas near the Torrejonian–Tiffanian boundary. The greater detail about first and last appearances of mammalian species near the To–Ti boundary has resulted in complications to biostratigraphic zonation that have been undetectable elsewhere in thinner sections.
The Partisan Impact of Congressional Redistricting: The Case of Texas, 2001–2003*

Objective. In this article we assess the partisan effects of five plans proposed by Republican state legislators during Texas' 2003 congressional redistricting. Methods. Using the JudgeIt statistical program developed by Gelman and King (2001), and data provided by the Texas Legislative Council, we assess the bias, responsiveness, and the probability that the Democratic Party wins each district for each plan. Results. All five Republican plans, including the one enacted, are strongly biased in favor of the Republican Party. Conclusions. Texas' Democratic legislators were wise to use every parliamentary maneuver available to block the enactment of a new congressional map. Beyond affecting the partisan makeup of the Texas delegation, Texas' redistricting has national implications because it adds to the GOP's narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
SlicK: slice-based locality exploitation for efficient redundant multithreading

Transient faults are expected a be a major design consideration in future microprocessors. Recent proposals for transient fault detection in processor cores have revolved around the idea of redundant threading, which involves redundant execution of a program across multiple execution contexts. This paper presents a new approach to redundant threading by bringing together the concepts of slice-level execution and value and control-flow locality into a novel partial redundant threading mechanism called SlicK.The purpose of redundant execution is to check the integrity of the outputs propagating out of the core (typically through stores). SlicK implements redundancy at the granularity of backward-slices of these output instructions and exploits value and control-flow locality to avoid redundantly executing slices that lead to predictable outputs, thereby avoiding redundant execution of a significant fraction of instructions while maintaining extremely low vulnerabilities for critical processor structures.We propose the microarchitecture of a backward-slice extractor called SliceEM that is able to identify backward slices without interrupting the instruction flow, and show how this extractor and a set of predictors can be integrated into a redundant threading mechanism to form SlicK. Detailed simulations with SPEC CPU2000 benchmarks show that SlicK can provide around 10.2% performance improvement over a well known redundant threading mechanism, buying back over 50% of the loss suffered due to redundant execution. SlicK can keep the Architectural Vulnerability Factors of processor structures to typically 0%-2%. More importantly, SlicK's slice-based mechanisms provide future opportunities for exploring interesting points in the performance-reliability design space based on market segment needs.
Variable And Fixed Rank 1 N 4 Interconnections

We show that full interconnect of an NXN input array to an NXN output array with a rank 1 N 4 component matrix is quite straightforward for essentially all values of N. A number of applications and implementations are then described.
In Vitro Metabolism of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 by Human Trophoblastic Homogenates, Mitochondria, and Microsomes: Lack of Evidence for the Presence of 25- Hydroxyvitamin D3-lα- and 24R-Hydroxylases

In vitro studies were performed to assess the ability of term human trophoblastic tissue to metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) and to compare this metabolism to that occurring in porcine renal mitochondria and microsomes. Human trophoblastic homogenates, containing a NADPH-generating system, were able to produce 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] at a rate of 225 pg/mg protein.h, but did not produce detectable quantities (less than 20 pg/mg protein.h) of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25-(OH)2D3]. Similarly, mitochondria and microsomes isolated from term human trophoblastic tissue produced 1,25-(OH)2D3 [249 +/- 156 and 199 +/- 82 (mean +/- SD) pg/mg protein.h, respectively] in the presence of an NADPH-generating system, but failed to produce detectable quantities (less than 200 pg/mg protein.h) of 24,25-(OH)2D3. The production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 from the trophoblastic mitochondria and microsomes could be increased by adding 140,000 x g trophoblastic cytosol to the subcellular incubation tubes. This treatment had no effect on the production of 24,25-(OH)2D3. The component(s) present in trophoblastic cytosol responsible for the increased 1,25-(OH)2D3 production by trophoblastic mitochondria and microsomes was shown to be heat labile, trypsin resistant, and less than 1000 mol wt in size. Comparing characteristics of the porcine renal 1 alpha- and 24R-hydroxylase systems with those of the human trophoblastic system revealed that 1) 1,2-dianilinoethane and EDTA totally blocked synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in trophoblastic mitochondria and microsomes, but had no effect on the synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D3 by renal mitochondria; and 2) ketoconazole greatly inhibited the synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 by renal mitochondria, but had no effect on the production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 by trophoblastic mitochondria or microsomes. Finally, production of 24,25-(OH)2D3 could not be demonstrated in trophoblastic homogenates, mitochondria, or microsomes, while the production of this compound was readily evident in renal mitochondria, but not microsomes. The results of this study question the existence of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1 alpha- and 24R-hydroxylase systems in the trophoblastic portion of the human placenta. This study also suggests that 1,25-(OH)2D3 can be produced in vitro by a mechanism other than enzymatic 1 alpha-hydroxylation. The possibility exists that the mechanism involves the insertion of oxygen at the 1 position of 25-(OH)D3 by free radical chemistry.
The effect of multiple allergen immunotherapy on exhaled nitric oxide in adults with allergic rhinitis

Background There is a lack of objective measures of the clinical efficacy of allergen immunotherapy which relies on patients’ perception about the effect of this treatment. We studied whether the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide is affected by multiple allergen immunotherapy in polysensitized adult subjects with allergic rhinitis. We also looked for associations between exhaled nitric oxide and subjects’ demographics, symptom scores, and pulmonary function tests.
PSITTACOSIS : II. EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED INFECTIONS IN MICE

The work presented in this communication concerning psittacosis in mice confirms Krumwiede's observations that mice inoculated intraperitoneally with emulsified livers and spleens containing the virus develop the disease and that the malady can in this way be passed serially through a number of mice. Furthermore, it has been shown that mice are susceptible to the virus administered intracerebrally and that the active agent can be propagated indefinitely by means of brain to brain inoculations. Moreover, by the use of mice, the presence of the virus of psittacosis in the sputum of a patient with the disease has for the first time been demonstrated. It follows that the mouse is available for diagnostic purposes. The pathological findings in infected mice consist of enlarged fatty livers that frequently show areas of necrosis infiltrated with polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells; enlarged spleens with areas of necrosis and cellular infiltrations involving the pulp and lymphoid follicles; and, finally, in intracerebrally infected animals, a meningoencephalitis. The "minute bodies" described by other observers were not found in all animals, but they were seen with sufficient frequency in smears of peritoneal and meningeal exudates and in smears and sections of livers and spleens to demand serious consideration as the possible etiological agent of the disease. Neutralizing and protective antibodies were not found in convalescent human sera when the mouse was used as the test animal.
The glass partition: Obstacles to cross-sex friendships at work

This study explores cross-sex friendships within the professional workplace and examined the impact of the workplace environment and heightened awareness of sexual harassment on cross-sex friendship formation. Results from interviews with 41 professionals suggest the existence of obstacles to developing cross-sex friendships at work. Specifically, these professionals worried that their cross-sex friends would misinterpret their friendliness as romantic or sexual interest, that their co-workers would misinterpret their friendliness to a cross-sex friend, and that their humor and conversational topics might be perceived by a cross-sex friend as sexual harassment. Barriers to cross-sex friendship at work were labeled the ‘glass partition,’ and the potential impact of this glass partition on women's and men's careers is discussed.
Morphological residue approach to shape representation

A novel method for shape representation based on the multiresolution representation and morphological residues of the binary image is presented in this paper. A shape description method must have three properties: translation, rotation, and size invariance. The binary image which contains the object to be described is represented by multiresolution pyramid. A set of structuring elements is selected and used to compute morphological residues. The structuring elements are rotated versions of the one initial structuring element. This enables us to achieve rotational invariance of the shape description method. The morphological residue is the difference between the original image area and the eroded image area. It is a basic descriptor used in this method. The morphological residues for each of the structuring elements and each of the multiresolution pyramid levels are computed. The obtained set of morphological residues (numbers) is then sorted by order. The sort will enable comparison of rotated versions of objects. The residues for each pyramid level are normalized to enable more accurate comparison (distance measure) between object descriptors. Real vectors obtained in such a way are used as the shape descriptors. Experiments have been performed to investigate noise robustness of the proposed method, and have shown that method is not sensitive to noise. A set of twenty test images has been created and corrupted by noise. The Euclidean distance between the original and the corrupted images has been computed, and has shown that the proposed method has good shape matching properties.
Tim-1 Is Essential for Induction and Maintenance of IL-10 in Regulatory B Cells and Their Regulation of Tissue Inflammation

T cell Ig and mucin domain (Tim)-1 identifies IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (Bregs). Mice on the C57BL/6 background harboring a loss-of-function Tim-1 mutant showed progressive loss of IL-10 production in B cells and with age developed severe multiorgan tissue inflammation. We demonstrate that Tim-1 expression and signaling in Bregs are required for optimal production of IL-10. B cells with Tim-1 defects have impaired IL-10 production but increased proinflammatory cytokine production, including IL-1 and IL-6. Tim-1-deficient B cells promote Th1 and Th17 responses but inhibit the generation of regulatory T cells (Foxp3(+) and IL-10-producing type 1 regulatory T cells) and enhance the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mechanistically, Tim-1 on Bregs is required for apoptotic cell (AC) binding to Bregs and for AC-induced IL-10 production in Bregs. Treatment with ACs reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in hosts with wild-type but not Tim-1-deficient Bregs. Collectively, these findings suggest that in addition to serving as a marker for identifying IL-10-producing Bregs, Tim-1 is also critical for maintaining self-tolerance by regulating IL-10 production in Bregs.
Changes in biological anthropology: results of the 1998 American Association of Physical Anthropology Membership Survey

In response to the results of the 1996 survey of the membership of the American Association of Physical Anthropology (AAPA), the Executive Committee of the Association sponsored a follow-up survey designed to assess gender and specialty differences in training, employment, academic status, mentoring, and research support. A total of 993 questionnaires was analyzed, representing approximately 62% of the 1998 membership of the Association. There has been a marked shift in the number of males and females in the discipline from the 1960s to the 1990s. While 51.2% of all respondents are female and 48.8% are male, 70% of the students are female. Chi-square tests indicate significant differences between males and females by highest degree, age, status, obtaining a tenure-track position, receiving tenure, and taking nontenure-track employment before receiving a tenure-track position. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of females in the ranks of assistant and associate professors; however, this is not true for the rank of professor. There are also significant differences between males and females by specialty within the discipline: researchers in primatology, human biological variation, skeletal biology, and paleopathology are primarily female, while researchers in human and primate evolution are increasingly female.
Development of an informatics tool for crystallography laboratory administrators

With increased demand for storage of scientific data comes a corresponding demand for efficient retrieval mechanisms necessary for analytical and reporting purposes. As is often the case, the design of databases to support scientific data is (rightly so) driven by the science. Unfortunately, this "science-centric" view of data management does not make the subsequent reporting of information easy. The natural solution to such a problem is, of course, a data warehouse approach to scientific data management. The focus of this project is the design of a data warehousing architecture for scientific data. Our goal is to separate the science-specific aspects of the information from the reporting and analysis requirements. The problem domain we are currently investigating is crystallographic structure data, coupled with metadata concerning the structure. The paper describes ITCLA - an Informatics Tool for Crystallography Laboratory Administrators. We report on the current state of ITCLA, as well as our future plans.
Evaluating stat testing options in an academic health center: therapeutic turnaround time and staff satisfaction

We compared centralized vs distributed methods for delivering “stat” test results for blood gas, glucose, and electrolyte assays. The parameters for comparison were as follows: ( a ) laboratory turnaround time (TAT), ( b ) therapeutic TAT, and ( c ) staff satisfaction. Therapeutic TAT, defined as the time from the initiating order to the receipt of the result and the implementation of any indicated change in treatment, was obtained by direct observation of testing procedures at the bedside and timing each step in the process. Observing therapeutic TAT yields information on the impact of laboratory testing methods in the context of clinical decision making. Therapeutic TAT was 1–2 min shorter for bedside testing compared with a satellite laboratory and 9–14 min shorter in the satellite laboratory compared with centralized testing. Satellite laboratories received the highest staff satisfaction scores, followed by bedside testing, with the central laboratory receiving the lowest scores.
Dye Molecules as Bridges for Functional Modifications of Nylon: Antimicrobial Functions:

Dye molecules often contain reactive groups such as sulfonate, amino, and hydroxyl that serve as auxochromes in dyes, but are chemically reactive and potentially useful as linkers for attaching functional moieties to synthetic fibers. Using these reactive groups as a means of functionalizing textile materials is proposed and implemented in this study of modifying chemically stable polymers. As an example of this innovative finishing tech nology, acid dyed nylon 66 and nylon 6 fabrics are finished in a quaternary ammonium salt solution, and durable and refreshable antimicrobial functions are conferred on the fibers. Most acid dyes can be used with this method to incorporate quaternary ammonium salts into nylon fabrics. The add-on levels of the salts on the dyed and undyed fabrics are significantly different, evidence for the occurrence of interactions of dye molecules with salts. Quantitative antimicrobial evaluations of the treated fabrics reveal that there are significant reductions in bacterial populati...
Dynamics of Hohokam obsidian circulation in the North American Southwest

Geochemical analyses of obsidian offer unexpected insights on the size and organization of the Hohokam regional system in the North American Southwest. Networks of obsidian circulation enlarged greatly during the Classic period as community centres with monumental architecture acquired non-local obsidian from a vast territory. This pattern confirms that prior models drastically underestimated the geographic scale of the Classic period regional system.
Finding of a zero linking number topoisomer.

Abstract It is generally assumed that native deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a right-handed double helix. A reasonable deduction is that during replication, the two parental strands have to unwind very quickly. However, this surmised quick unwinding is problematic and has never been proven experimentally. It is hypothesized that the two strands of DNA are winding with each other ambidextrously rather than plectonemically. The successful assembling and disassembling of a zero linking number topoisomer supports this hypothesis. It was further proven by quick separation of singly nicked DNA. The new DNA model was also verified by the “figure 8” structure, which is the annealing product of two single-stranded circular DNA with a 2 kb complementary insert in opposite directions. These experimental results are hard to be explained by the traditional Watson–Crick model. The significance of this finding in the understanding of DNA replication is briefly discussed.
Expert Detection of Improvised Explosive Device Emplacement Behavior

The objective of this study was to uncover the cognitive underpinnings of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) emplacement detection expertise possessed by United States Army Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Mission Payload Operators (MPOs) who have a proven history of success at this task. Specific issues of interest include identifying strategies used to detect IED emplacement threats, as well as identifying indicators and cues associated with IED emplacement to provide the basis for future training. We reviewed existing training programs and interviewed MPOs with varying levels of in-theater experience. Initial data gathered was verified by presenting video recordings from UAS sensors depicting possible IED emplacement activity to an additional group of experienced MPOs. These videos were used to elicit cues and strategies used to identify potential threats. Results of this study highlight tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by experienced MPOs. The results also emphasize the need for training...
Dermal Abrasion Experienced as an Adverse Effect of the EZ-IO(®).

Abstract Background In 2007, an update was released to the pediatric and neonatal septic shock guidelines, which emphasized early use of therapies, specifically, first-hour fluid resuscitation and inotrope therapy. This has led to increased use of intraosseous (IO) access as a source of vascular access. Previously, IO access could be obtained only via a manual IO placement. New semi-automatic devices, such as EZ-IO® (Vidacare, Shavano Park, TX), allow for safer and quicker IO access. Data support the use of semi-automatic devices during the acute resuscitation period. Case Report The patient was a 7-month old girl with VACTERL association (Vertebral defects, Anal atresia, Cardiac defects, Tracheo-Esophageal fistula, Renal anomalies, Limb abnormalities) and complex past medical history. The patient experienced a “choking episode,” which led to subsequent apnea and cyanosis. The patient presented in shock to a local pediatric emergency department. After multiple unsuccessful intravenous line attempts, IO access was obtained using the EZ-IO®. Once in the pediatric intensive care unit with venous access, the IO device was removed and the site had “red bulls-eye target shape” damage to the skin, which appeared consistent with the EZ-IO® flange. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? IO device use is increasing due to the most recent pediatric and neonatal septic shock guidelines, which emphasize first-hour fluid resuscitation and inotrope therapy. It is vital that emergency physicians be aware of the adverse effects of semi-automatic IO devices, including dermal abrasion, which has not been reported previously. With proper training and familiarity, it is possible to avoid dermal abrasion as an adverse effect of the semi-automatic IO device.
The Role of Descriptive Inquiry in Building Presence and Civic Capacity

This chapter explores the relationships between inquiry, presence, and civic capacity in teaching. More specifically, it looks at the critical skill of descriptive inquiry, its place in the larger scheme of reflection, and its role in the cultivation of presence and civic capacity. Drawing largely on John Dewey and Patricia Carini, I explore two modes of inquiry in which presence might be cultivated and civic capacity developed: the descriptive review of children and children’s work (Himley and Carini 2000; Carini 2001; Rodgers 2006b), and descriptive feedback (Rodgers 2006b). I claim that the discipline of descriptive inquiry is a means of acknowledging and drawing upon the vast capacity of all teachers and learners, as human beings, to shape their individual and collective experience.
Mitophagy, mitochondrial spheroids, and mitochondrial-derived vesicles in alcohol-induced liver injury.

to the editor: We thank Dr. Otsuki and colleagues ([4][1]) for their interest in our work regarding the role of Parkin and mitophagy in alcohol-induced liver disease. As Eid et al. (4) suggested, we agree that formation of mitochondrial spheroids is likely a protective mechanism against liver