cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-cooperative Binding of the MAP-2 Microtubule-binding Region to Microtubules

Microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-2 is a multidomain cytoskeletal protein that copurifies with brain microtubules (MTs) through repeated cycles of warm polymerization and cold disassembly. Recent equilibrium binding studies of high molecular weight MAP-2ab to taxol-stabilized MTs suggest that the interactions are highly cooperative, as indicated by sigmoidal binding curves, non-linear Scatchard plots, and an apparent all-or-none response in MAP binding in titration experiments (Wallis, K. T., Azhar, S., Rho, M. B., Lewis, S. A., Cowan, N. J., and Murphy, D. B.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 15158-15167). To learn more about the mechanism of MAP-2 binding to MTs, we investigated the binding properties of bacterially expressed MT-binding region (MTBR) of bovine brain MAP-2. Scatchard plots of the binding data showed no evidence of cooperativity, as reflected by the linear plots of t;ex2html_html_special_mark_amp;ngr;/[MTBR] free versus t;ex2html_html_special_mark_amp;ngr;. The stoichiometry was 1-1.1 mol of MTBR/mol of tubulin dimer, and the dissociation constant for the MTBR was 1.1 μM. Bovine brain tau protein competitively inhibited MAP-2 binding, as evidenced by an increased K d value for MTBR binding to MTs. Although the second repeat peptide m2 (VTSKCGSLKNIRHRPGGG) is thought to play a dominant role in MAP-2 binding to MTs, a MTBR mutant (with m2 replaced by the third octadecapeptide repeat m3) displays an K d of 2.8 ± 0.1 μM and stoichiometry of 0.9 ± 0.05 mol of MTBR/mol of tubulin dimer. Another mutant with additional copies of the second repeat, designated by us as MTBR[m 12m2m 32], displayed noncooperative binding with a K d of 0.53 ± 0.05 μM and a stoichiometry of 2.2 ± 0.2 mol of mutant MTBR/tubulin dimer. Equilibrium sedimentation experiments demonstrated that the wild-type MTBR is monomeric, whereas MTBR[m 12m2m 32] selfassociates to a stable dimer over the concentration range used in our MT binding studies. This finding indicates that only one of the two MT-binding sites on the dimer is probably linked to a microtubule at any given time.
Chemoradiotherapy for locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue

Background Our aim was to report the outcomes of base of tongue cancers treated with chemoradiotherapy. Methods Between 1990 and 2004, 127 patients with stage III or IV base of tongue cancer were treated with chemoradiotherapy on protocol. Indications included nodal involvement, T3/T4 tumors, positive margins, those patients refusing surgery, or were medically inoperable. The most common regimen was paclitaxel (100 mg/m2 on day 1), infusional 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m2/day × 5 days), hydroxyurea (500 mg prescribed orally [PO] 2 × daily [BID]), and 1.5 Gy twice daily irradiation followed by a 9-day break without treatment. Results Median follow-up was 51 months. The median dose to gross tumor was 72.5 Gy (range, 40–75.5 Gy). Five-year locoregional progression-free survival, overall survival, and disease-free survival was 87.0%, 58.2%, and 46.0%, respectively. Conclusion Concurrent chemoradiotherapy results in promising locoregional control for base of tongue cancer. As distant relapse was common, further investigation of systemic therapy with novel agents may be warranted. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Algorithms for Maintaining Authorization Base

We present algorithms for access rights control in multiuser, object-oriented databases. These algorithms follow the model of authorization introduced in F. Rabitti et al., A model of authorization for next-generation databases, ACM Transaction on Database Systems 16:88-131, 1991. We show how the three basic operations: Access Control, Grant, and Revoke can be efficiently implemented using methods for manipulating partially ordered sets. Several techniques for maintenance of authorization bases are presented and the complexity of the algorithms is established.
A political theory of intergovernmental grants

This paper formulates a political theory of intergovernmental grants. A model of vote-maximizing federal politicians is developed. Grants are assumed to buy the support of state voters and the ‘political capital or resources’ of state politicians and interest groups which can be used to further increase the support of state voters for the federal politician. The model is tested for 49 states. Similarity of party affiliation between federal and state politicians and the size of the Democrat majority in the state legislature increases the per capita dollar amount of grants made to a state. Likewise, increases in both the size of the state bureaucracy and union membership lead to greater grants for a state. Over time, the importance of interest groups (bureaucracy and unions) has increased relative to political groups (state politicians).
Zipf's Law and Prior Distributions for the Composition of a Population

Abstract The limiting distribution of frequencies of frequencies as the population size becomes large is obtained under Bose-Einstein and Maxwell-Boltzmann forms of the classical occupancy problem, when the number of cells is random and has a prior distribution. A rich variety of limiting distributions is obtained, including weak forms of Zipf's Law and the Fisher logarithmic series distribution. Lizards are compared to the weak form of Zipf's Law, and some speculations are made in regard to this law.
Immunological studies with rat pituitary growth hormone (RGH). II. Comparative immunochemical investigation of GH from representatives of various vertebrate classes with monkey antiserum to RGH.

Abstract The immunochemical relatedness of GH in pituitary extracts from various vertebrate species has been studied by means of precipitin reactions in agar and by radio-immunoassay. Extracts were prepared from the pituitaries of animals representing most of the vertebrate classes. The results which were based on the use of monkey antiserum to RGH, indicated that GH from mammalian species must share a relatively large number of common antigenic determinants and that the greater the phylogenetic distance from the mammal, the fewer such determinants were shared by the GH molecule from any particular species. The agar diffusion studies based on reactions of identity and reactions of partial identity and the quantitative results of immunochemical relatedness based on radioimmunoassays, revealed a separation of GHs from the various vertebrate species into a series of immunochemical categories which closely corresponded to their respective phylogenetic classes based largely upon morphological considerations. Bioassays were also performed to determine the capacity of GH in the pituitary extracts from representativees of the various vertebrate classes to stimulate growth by means of the tibia test in hypophysectomized rats. It was concluded on the basis of the current series of investigations that theresults of the immunochemical approach have shown a general correlation with evolutionary development and was more reliable in this regard than the biological approach.
Cyclic nucleotides and vasoconstrictor function: physiological and pathophysiological considerations

Abstract The role of cyclic nucleotides as modulators of vascular smooth muscle tone has been widely studied. Yet the cellular mechanisms whereby cAMP and cGMP promote vascular relaxation remain highly controversial. The purpose of this review is to summarize a large and expanding literature with particular emphasis on the cellular mechanisms of cAMP- and cGMP-induced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. The review addresses the following topics: regulation of vascular tone, mechanisms of cAMP- and cGMP-mediated vascular smooth muscle relaxation, modulation of [Ca 2+ ] i by cAMP and cGMP, effects of cAMP and cGMP on the Ca 2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus, and pathophysiology of the resistance vasculature in chronic portal hypertension with particular emphasis on cAMP and cGMP dependent pathways.
A Numerical Study of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in a Hydrothermal Autoclave With a Single- or Multi-Hole Baffle

Hydrothermal solution growth is an important technique to grow high quality piezoelectric single crystals. In industry hydrothermal crystal growth, an autoclave is divided into two chambers by a baffle located in the middle height. Industrial practice found that better quality crystals could be grown under certain baffle hole openings or using a multi-hole baffle. This paper presents a numerical study of the effects of the baffle opening, as well as the arrangement of holes on the baffle, on the fluid flow and temperature fields in an industry-size autoclave. A wide range of baffle hole openings from 2% to 25%, together with five hole-arrangements, is investigated. Computational results indicate that changing the baffle hole opening and number of holes on the baffle are effective ways to control the temperature uniformity in the upper growing chamber. With a single-hole baffle, a smaller hole-opening leads to a weaker flow field and more uniform temperature in the growing chamber. With the same opening area, a multi-hole baffle will perform better than a single-hole baffle. The number of holes in a multi-hole baffle shows a strong effect on thermal condition in the upper chamber with 8-hole baffles working better than both baffles with 4 and 16 holes. The hole-arrangement, however, does have significant effect on thermal condition in the growing chamber.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Genetics of ocular NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase in the mouse: evidence for genetic identity with stomach isozymes and localization of Ahd-4 on chromosome 11 near trembler.

Electrophoretic and activity variation of the stomach and ocular isozyme of aldehyde dehydrogenase (designated AHD-4) was observed between C57BL/6J and SWR/J inbred strains of mice. The phenotypes were inherited in a normal mendelian fashion, with two alleles at a single locus (Ahd-4) showing codominant expression. The alleles assorted independently of those atAdh-3 [encoding the stomach and ocular isozyme of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH-C2)] on chromosome 3. Three chromosome 11 markers, hemoglobin α-chain (Hba), trembler (Tr), and rex (Re), were used in backcross analyses which established thatAhd-4 is closely linked to trembler. The distribution patterns for stomach and ocular AHD-4 phenotypes were examined among SWXL recombinant inbred mice, and those for stomach and ocular ADH-C2 among BXD recombinant inbred strains. The data provided evidence for the genetic identity of stomach and ocular ADH-C2 and of stomach and ocular AHD-4.
Safety and feasibility of antibiotic de-escalation in bacteremic pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic de-escalation is a potential strategy advocated to conserve the effectiveness of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of antibiotic de-escalation in patients admitted with bacteremic pneumonia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was done for patients with bacteremic pneumonia admitted to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, TX, USA, during 2008. Antibiotic de-escalation was defined as changing the empiric antibiotic regimen to a culture-directed single agent with a narrower spectrum than the original regimen. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were admitted with bacteremic pneumonia. Eight patients were not eligible for de-escalation. Among the 60 patients who were eligible for de-escalation, the treating physicians failed to de-escalate antibiotics in 27 cases (45.0%). Discharge to a long-term care facility predicted failure to de-escalate antibiotics, while an infectious diseases consultation was significantly associated with antibiotic de-escalation. The average daily cost of antibacterial therapy in the de-escalation group was $25.7 compared with $61.6 in the group where de-escalation was not implemented. The difference in mean length of hospital stay and mortality between the two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic de-escalation is a safe management strategy but unfortunately is not widely adopted. Although bacterial resistance poses a significant threat and is rising, antimicrobial de-escalation has emerged as a potential intervention that can conserve the effectiveness of broad-spectrum antibiotics without compromising the patient's outcome. This practice is becoming important in the face of slow development of new anti-infective agents.
After Beijing 2008: The Need for Sports to Foster Cooperation as well as Competition in an Increasingly Global World

For the People's Republic of China the Beijing Olympics were an enormous success. China's athletes performed exceedingly well. So did many other athletes. The magnificent Opening and Closing Ceremonies offered to the rest of the world perspectives on a country that for decades had been virtually closed. Much now has been written about these matters. Much also has been written about whether the compelling official slogan of the 2008 Games – ‘One World, One Dream' – was chosen to advance the values of the Olympic Spirit (Unity, Friendship, Harmony, Progress) or more as an assertion that China soon would become the dominant world power. However, little attention has been given to whether various forms of sport might be used to bring people from many countries into friendly contact so that they might share human experiences and learn more about each other and different cultures. Is ‘Serious Sport' the only form of sporting activity with which the twenty-first century should be concerned? Or can more sporting ...
A novel silver-sulfoethyl cellulose column for purification of ethynyl steroids from biological fluids.

Abstract A method for purification of ethynyl steroids from biological fluids has been developed using silver-sulfoethyl cellulose column chromatography. Ethynyl steroids were applied in methanol, and the firm binding allowed the columns to be washed with methanol, ethyl acetate, or diethyl ether to remove endogenous materials. Nonethynylated steroids did not bind to silver-sulfoethyl cellulose. Release of ethynylated steroids was achieved with a saturated NaCl/methanol solution. Dehydration or de-ethynylation of ethynyl estradiol, ethynodiol diacetate, and ethynodiol was not observed. The utility of this technique for purification of ethynyl steroid metabolites from the urine of a beagle metabolizing norethynodrel was demonstrated.
Culturing root canals by endodontic diplomates: A report based on a questionnaire

Abstract An attempt was made to evaluate the attitude of the diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics toward microbiologic assay of root canals prior to obturation. Responses to a questionnaire indicate that the culture is currently being used along with the endodontist's clinical evaluation of the tooth and not necessarily alone as the final mandate for obturation of the root canal(s). Culturing is also recommended as a check on one's aseptic technique and, in cases which do not respond to routine endodontic treatment, for identification of the microorganism and antibiotic-sensitivity testing.
Development and evaluation of technologies for testing visible and infrared imaging sensors

Ground testing of space and airborne imaging sensor systems is supported by visible-to-long wave infrared (LWIR) imaging sensor calibration and characterization, as well as hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation with high-fidelity complex scene projection to validate sensor mission performance. To accomplish this successfully, there must be the development and evaluation of technologies that are used in space simulation chambers for such testing, including emitter-array cryotesting, silicon-carbide mirror cryotesting, and flood-source development. This paper provides an overview of the efforts being investigated and implemented at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC).
Effects of applied water amounts at various fractions of evapotranspiration (ETc) on leaf gas exchange of Thompson Seedless grapevines

Aims: To determine the effects of applied water amounts at various fractions (0.2, 0.6, 1.0 and 1.4) of grapevine evapotranspiration on leaf gas exchange of Thompson Seedless grapevines. Methods and Results: Midday stomatal conductance (gs) decreased linearly as leaf water potential (Ψl) and soil water content decreased. Leaf net CO2 assimilation rate only decreased once midday Ψl values were less than −1.0 MPa and when ∼50% of the soil water content at field capacity had been depleted. The mean seasonal midday A/gs ratio (intrinsic water use efficiency) was greatest for the 0.2 irrigation treatment and decreased as applied water amounts increased. Diurnal A and gs for vines irrigated at the 0.6 level or greater reached a maximum prior to midday remained constant thereafter before decreasing late in the afternoon, while those for vines that received less water decreased subsequent to the first measurement of the day. Conclusions: A and gs responded differently to vine and soil water statuses under the conditions of this study. There was no midday depression in either A or gs for vines irrigated at full evapotranspiration. Significance of the Study: The values of Ψl, A and gs reported here would serve as criteria to indicate that vines were well watered.
High frequency modeling and impedance matching of power transformers for PLC applications

Over recent years Smart Grid communication applications in different frequency bands have been developed and used in the power utility industry. These applications consist of relay protection communication for high voltage equipment and distribution automation systems. Some research thus far has been focused on the modeling of power distribution lines in the medium to low voltage range. This paper will analyze the transmission of high frequency signals at MHz level thru a transformer and offer modeling techniques to better optimize the efficiency of the signals. This research contains a multidisciplinary approach to the power transformers for increased communication efficiency by designing matching networks in power lines. The objective of this paper is to help research in this particular topic and use this article as a starting point for future research in modeling of high frequency transformers for power line communication applications.
Apolipoprotein A-II Levels and Coronary Artery Disease in Subjects With and Without Diabetes: A Study With Use of a Specific Radioimmunoassay for Apolipoprotein A-II

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, and apo A-II levels were measured in 1,219 normal subjects with no clinical evidence of coronary artery disease, 81 subjects without diabetes but with "significant" coronary artery disease determined by coronary arteriography, and 151 subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (48 with clinical coronary artery disease and 103 without such disease). In the normal subjects, apo A-II levels were less influenced by age, gender, and use of medications than were apo A-I or HDL-C levels. HDL-C, apo A-I, and apo A-II levels were significantly lower in subjects who had coronary artery disease with or without diabetes than in control subjects. After adjustments were made for age and sex, however, apo A-II levels were no longer significantly different between subjects with diabetes who had and those who did not have coronary artery disease. In subjects without diabetes, apo A-II may provide some advantages over apo A-I and HDL-C in the assessment of risk of coronary artery disease because it is influenced less by age, gender, and medications. In subjects with diabetes, however, apo A-II levels are similar in the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.
An innovative approach to National Football League standings using bonus points

We investigate the inclusion of bonus points in the National Football League (NFL) using a prediction model built on league points. Both touchdown-based and narrow-loss bonuses are shown to be significant determinants of match outcomes. This implies that including bonus points in league standings generates a more accurate ranking of teams from best to worst than a system that only rewards wins and ties. Our preferred system awards four points for a win, two for a tie, one point for scoring three or more touchdowns and one point for losing by seven or fewer points. Such a system would also make it easier for supporters to identify playoff contenders and place importance on otherwise meaningless end-of-game plays in some matches, which would increase spectator interest.
Catabolic and Genetic Diversity of Degradative Bacteria from Fuel-Hydrocarbon Contaminated Aquifers

A BSTRACTSubsurface sediments were recovered from two aquifers contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons in order to isolate and characterize indigenous microorganisms capable of biodegrading fuel-related compounds. These sediments had been previously studied using catabolic gene probes providing putative demonstration of significant biodegradation potential. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the isolates were phylogenetically similar to common soil microorganisms, including members of the genera Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Burkholderia, Sphingomonas, Flavobacterium, and Bacillus. A total of 26 isolates were obtained using a vapor-plate enrichment technique with the volatile aromatic hydrocarbons toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, naphthalene, and JP-4 jet fuel. JP-4, toluene, and ethylbenzene served as growth substrates for more than 80% of the isolates, while less than 10% of the organisms grew on the aromatic compounds benzene and o-xylene. Subsequent assays monitoring the evolution of (14)CO(2) indicated that only seven isolates were able to completely mineralize target compounds. One isolate, designated CAFB-naph-5, was able to completely mineralize the monoaromatic compounds salicylate and toluene, as well as the polyaromatic compound naphthalene. Molecular probing of the isolates showed four isolates hybridized with DNA probes targeting genes commonly associated with hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The isolates also demonstrated broad ability to grow in the presence of the antimicrobial agents streptomycin, tetracycline rifampicin, carbenicillin, nalidixic acid, kanamycin, and ampicillin. The results of the study demonstrate the biochemical and biodegradative capabilities of microorganisms isolated from contaminated aquifer systems and provide closure for indirect molecular monitoring of degradative potential in contaminated environments.
A job scheduling system implementation and its performance evaluation

The authors discuss a scheduling system implemented on a network of 12 AT&T 3B2 microcomputers, running a transport distributed operating system, the Loadable Illinois Networked Kernal (LINK). It is noted that the design overhead for a scheduling system built as part of an existing distributing computer system is very small compared to the design of the operating system itself. Moreover, an implementation allows one to answer many questions concerning load balancing problems that cannot be answered (or cannot be answered precisely) by queuing network models or simulation. The hardware and software environments are described together with the scheduler. Several experiments were performed to test the job scheduling system and it was found that substantial performance increases are possible compared to systems without a job scheduling system. >
Functional expression of the costimulatory molecule, B7/BB1, on murine dendritic cell populations

Whereas dendritic cells (DC) are known to be potent activators of T cells both in vitro and in vivo, the critical costimulatory molecules expressed on DC are not well characterized. Using immunocytochemical and molecular techniques we find that splenic DC express B7/BB1, the counter-receptor for CD28. Moreover, expression of B7/BB1 is upregulated on epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) during their functional maturation into potent T cell stimulators. In blocking experiments, we find that participation of B7/BB1 is required for optimal proliferation of unprimed, allogeneic T cells in DC-driven, primary mixed leukocyte reactions. These data demonstrate that the regulated expression of B7/BB1 on DC may be important in the initiation of a primary T cell response.
Comparative studies on bull and stallion seminal DNase activity and interaction with semen extender and spermatozoa

We performed a series of comparative studies of bull and stallion seminal plasma (SP) and its role on sperm-neutrophil binding as well as the interaction between semen extender and seminal DNase. Because of contrasting roles of SP on sperm-neutrophil binding between horses and cattle, it was suspected there were some species-specific differences on sperm interaction with SP proteins due to the variations in the natural location of semen deposition (uterus compared to vagina). Bull frozen-thawed sperm removed from egg yolk extender showed similar results to fresh sperm, but this also caused extensive sperm agglutination unless SP or egg yolk was included. If similar agglutination occurs after AI with frozen bull semen, it could interfere with sperm transport or sperm functions. Commonly used bull semen extenders were poor media for seminal DNase activity on plasmid DNA degradation, raising the prospect that the same may be true with other SP factors important to fertility. DNase activity per mg SP protein of bulls was less than that of horses (P<0.05), but DNase activity associated with bull sperm was greater (P<0.05) indicating a different affinity of DNase to spermatozoa. This could be related to the fact that bull sperm naturally migrate from the vagina to the uterus leaving the bulk of SP behind. In such migration, sperm cells needed to carry DNase and other SP factors along. Incorporation of egg yolk in bull semen and introducing SP into the uterus of cattle with current AI protocols may contribute to reduced fertility. Modifications of semen extender and/or semen processing should be examined to allow sperm cells a maximum potential for fertilization.
Frequent loss of chromosome arm Ip DNA in parathyroid adenomas

Two molecular defects have been described in parathyroid adenomas: rearrangement and overexpression of the PRADI/cyclin DI oncogene and allelic loss of chromosome II DNA, often including the multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MENI) putative tumor suppressor gene region. In an effort to identify additional parathyroid tumor suppressor genes, we examined 25 parathyroid adenomas for tumor-specific allelic loss of polymorphic DNA loci located near known or candidate tumor suppressor genes. Control leukocyte DNA from all 25 patients was heterozygous for I or more of the 9 chromosome I markers examined. Allelic loss at I or more of these informative loci on chromosome I was observed in 10 of 25 (40%) adenomas. Although many tumors lost extensive regions on chromosome I, all but one of these tumors had allelic loss of distal I p (I p32-pter); four tumors also lost loci on Iq. Allelic loss at IIqI3, the site of the MEN I gene, was detected in 5 of 2I (24%) informative cases, including 3 with Ip loss. In contrast, allelic loss was rarely observed at loci on 99 and Iop and was not observed at loci on 3p, 3q. 4p, 5q, I2q, I4q, I8q, 22q, or Xp. In summary, clonal allelic loss of loci on chromosome arm Ip is a frequent feature of parathyroid adenomas, implying that inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene(s) on Ip commonly contributes to their pathogenesis. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Validation of a Meteosat Second Generation solar radiation dataset over the northeastern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract. Solar radiation plays a key role in the Earth's energy balance and is used as an essential input data in radiation-based evapotranspiration (ET) models. Accurate gridded solar radiation data at high spatial and temporal resolution are needed to retrieve ET over large domains. In this work we present an evaluation at hourly, daily and monthly time steps and regional scale (Catalonia, NE Iberian Peninsula) of a satellite-based solar radiation product developed by the Land Surface Analysis Satellite Application Facility (LSA SAF) using data from the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). Product performance and accuracy were evaluated for datasets segmented into two terrain classes (flat and hilly areas) and two atmospheric conditions (clear and cloudy sky), as well as for the full dataset as a whole. Evaluation against measurements made with ground-based pyranometers yielded good results in flat areas with an averaged model RMSE of 65 W m−2 (19%), 34 W m−2 (9.7%) and 21 W m−2 (5.6%), for hourly, daily and monthly-averaged solar radiation and including clear and cloudy sky conditions and snow or ice cover. Hilly areas yielded intermediate results with an averaged model RMSE (root mean square error) of 89 W m−2 (27%), 48 W m−2 (14.5%) and 32 W m−2 (9.3%), for hourly, daily and monthly time steps, suggesting the need of further improvements (e.g., terrain corrections) required for retrieving localized variability in solar radiation in these areas. According to the literature, the LSA SAF solar radiation product appears to have sufficient accuracy to serve as a useful and operative input to evaporative flux retrieval models.
Nonlinear Crustal Corrections for Normal-Mode Seismograms

We present an efficient and accurate method for calculating local nonlinear crustal effects on the eigenfrequency of free oscillations of the Earth. We implement the method in the calculation of synthetic normal-mode seismograms and demonstrate that neglecting the nonlinear crustal effects in the tomographic waveform inversion leads to velocity models that appreciably overestimate fast velocity anomalies beneath orogenic belts and cratons at 250–400 km depth. Online material: Color versions of figures.
Coca and Tropical Colonization in Bolivia: The Adaptiveness of a Cash Crop

Evaluation of the adaptlveness of coca as a cash crop Involves several Interrelated factors. In addition to the physiological and social aspects of coca consumption, coca production Is affected by conditions for Its cultivation In a changing physical environment, by developments In the market economy, and by International political pressures to restrict the Illicit distribution of cocaine. Fieldwork data from one pioneer settlement of Quechuaspeaklng homesteaders show that coca remains the main cash crop in the tropical Chapare colonization zone in eastern Bolivia. But the future of this crop is largely beyond the control of the Andean peasants who have traditionally raised and used it.
Underlying diagnosis predicts patient-reported outcomes after revision total knee arthroplasty

Objective. To assess the association of underlying diagnosis with outcomes after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. For this cohort study we used prospectively collected data from the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry on all revision TKA patients from 1993 to 2005 with 2- or 5-year response to a validated knee questionnaire that assesses pain and function. We used logistic regression to assess the odds of moderate–severe activities of daily living (ADL) limitations and moderate–severe index knee pain 2 and 5 years after revision TKA. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs are presented. Results. The underlying diagnosis for the 2- and 5-year cohorts was loosening, wear or osteolysis in 73% and 75%; dislocation, bone or prosthesis fracture, instability or non-union in 17% and 15%; and failed prior arthroplasty with components removed or infection in 11% and 11%, respectively. In multivariable adjusted analyses that included preoperative status, compared with patients with loosening/wear/osteolysis, patients with dislocation/fracture/instability/non-union had an OR of 2.1 for moderate–severe ADL limitation (95% CI 1.3, 3.1, P < 0.001) and those with failed prior arthroplasty/infection had an OR of 1.1 (95% CI 0.6, 1.8, P = 0.4). At 5 years, differences were no longer significant. In multivariable adjusted analyses, compared with patients with loosening/wear/osteolysis, patients with dislocation/fracture/instability/non-union had an OR of 2.0 for moderate–severe pain (95% CI 1.3, 3.1, P < 0.01) at 2 years and an OR of 2.1 (95% CI 1.3, 3.8, P = 0.01) at 5 years. Failed prior arthroplasty/infection was not significantly different than the reference category. Conclusion. Underlying diagnosis is independently associated with ADL limitations and pain after revision TKA. This information can help patients have realistic expectations of outcomes.
Conjoint use of MM and MB creatine kinase isoforms in detection of coronary recanalization

To determine whether differences in the kinetics of isoforms of MM and MB creatine kinase affect their ability to detect coronary patency in patients treated with thrombolytic agents, we compared MM and MB isoform profiles in 33 consecutive patients. Results were discordant in 13 of the 33 at 1 hour. When the rates of increase of both isoforms were considered, discordance was present in only 10 of the 33 patients. In five patients %MM3 rose rapidly during the second hour and infarct-related vessels were patent. Four of the five without a rapid increase had occluded infarct-related vessels. These data suggest that criteria based on rates of change in %MB2 are more sensitive than those based on %MM3. However, criteria based on %MM3 are more likely to identify patients in need of interventions to maintain coronary patency.
Two-dimensional MOS device modeling at low-temperature

Develops a two-dimensional numerical model for short-channel MOSFETs over a temperature range of 55-350 K. This model is equivalent to that of Selberherr. The simplification of Fermi-Dirac integrals for different temperature ranges is presented. Gummel's conventional decoupled method is used for linearization of basic semiconductor equations. In conjunction with Gummel's algorithm overrelaxation was used to speed up the convergence. A strongly implicit iterative method proposed by Stone was used to solve the nonlinear equations. The preliminary results for incorporating the simplified approximation for the Fermi-Dirac integrals into the MOS device modeling at low temperature are reported. These results include the ionized doping distributions, the threshold voltage, and the subthreshold characteristics of the device at low temperature, which are compared with those at room temperature. >
Phospho-ΔNp63α-responsive microRNAs contribute to the regulation of necroptosis in squamous cell carcinoma upon cisplatin exposure

This study shows that specific microRNAs differentially regulated by ΔNp63α in cisplatin-sensitive and resistant squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) cells of larynx and tongue affect the expression of members of the necroptotic pathway CYLD, RIPK1, and MLKL. Different degrees of protein interaction between necroptotic signaling intermediates were also observed in SCC cells sensitive or resistant to cisplatin. Modulation of RIPK1 with miR-101-3p mimic or inhibitor, as well as with siRNA, or chemical inhibitors was shown to affect sensitivity of SCC cells to cisplatin. This is the first report showing the modulatory effect of ΔNp63α-responsive microRNAs on the specific members of necroptotic pathway in SCC tumor cells variably responding to platinum chemotherapy.
Ammonium adsorption in nearshore anoxic sediments1

The distributions of dissolved, exchangeable, and fixed ammonium were measured in sediment cores from Long Island Sound, Florida Bay, and Pettaquamscutt River, Rhode Island, and in laboratory experiments to determine the importance of ammonium adsorption in anoxic sediments. Apparently, a “dynamic equilibrium” exists between dissolved, exchangeable, and fixed ammonium in sediments. The concentration of exchangeable ammonium increased linearly with increasing concentrations of dissolved ammonium; exchangeable ammonium adsorption was rapid, reversible, and predominantly associated with the organic matter rather than the clay minerals. The concentration of fixed ammonium also increased with increasing concentrations of dissolved ammonium, but this change, due to diagenesis, is small compared to the total fixed ammonium in sediments and is also smaller than the corresponding increase in exchangeable ammonium. The ammonium adsorption coefficient for Long Island Sound sediment was between one and two: of the ammonium produced by organic matter decomposition, as much or twice as much is associated with the sediment as is dissolved in the interstitial water. Therefore, ammonium adsorption by sediments is an important process in the diagenesis of nitrogen in nearshore anoxic sediments.
Time-Based DynamiC Keying and En-Route Filtering (TICK) for Wireless Sensor Networks

Given that transmission cost is significant in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), sending explicit keying control messages significantly increases the amount of energy consumed by each sensing device. Thus, in this paper, we address the issue of security for WSNs from a completely novel perspective. We present a technique to secure the network, without the transmission of explicit keying messages needed to avoid stale keys. Our protocol, the TIme-Based DynamiC Keying and En-Route Filtering (TICK) protocol for WSNs secures events as they occur. As opposed to current chatty schemes that incur regular keying message overhead, nodes use their local time values as a one-time dynamic key to encrypt each message. Further, this mechanism prevents malicious nodes from injecting false packets into the network. TICK is as a worst case twice more energy efficient than existing related work. Both an analytical framework and simulation results are presented to verify the feasibility of TICK as well as the energy consumption of the scheme under normal operation and attack from malicious nodes.
Hepatic Clearance of Renin in Canine Experimental Models for Low- and High-Output Heart Failure

Hepatic blood flow, hepatic extraction of renin, and hepatic clearance of renin were compared in normal conscious dogs, in dogs with constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava (as a model of low-output heart failure), and in dogs with an aortic-caval fistula (high-output heart failure). Both "failure" preparations showed marked sodium retention. Renin was measured by methods described previously and expressed as nanograms of angiotensin produced during incubation per milliliter of plasma. Hepatic plasma flow was determined by the sodium sulfobromophthalein method. The dogs with low-output heart failure had a marked reduction in hepatic plasma flow, while those with high-output failure showed no significant change in this flow. Plasma renin was significantly elevated in both models of heart failure. Dogs with low-output failure had an increase (P < .05) in hepatic renin extraction from a normal value of 19.8% to 33.4%, while those with high-output failure showed a decrease in hepatic renin extraction ...
Effect of Parathyroid Extract Administration in Sheep.

SummaryThe effect of parathyroid extract and administration upon the removal of radiocalcium and radiophosphorus from the long bones of sheep and its subsequent excretion in the urine was studied. Over a 5-day period of treatment, radiophosphorus but not radiocalcium was removed from the bone. The parathyroid extract produced only a slight rise in the urinary excretion which may be accounted for by the elevated serum phosphorus. Daily doses of 1000 i.u. of parathyroid extract over a 7-day period resulted in elevation of the serum phosphorus levels but not of serum calcium. It is concluded that in the sheep, parathyroid extract acted directly upon the bone and that any effect upon the kidney was minor in the dosage range and time periods employed; also, it appeared that phosphorus metabolism was much more influenced than was calcium metabolism.
Heat shock protein expression and injury optimization for laser therapy design

Background and Objectives: Hyperthermia can induce heat shock protein (HSP) expression in tumor regions where non-lethal temperature elevation occurs, enhancing cell viability and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatments typically employed in conjunction with thermal therapy. However, HSP expression control has not been incorporated into current thermal therapy design. Treatment planning models based on achieving the desired post-therapy HSP expression and injury distribution in the tumor and healthy surrounding tissue can enable design of more effective thermal therapies that maximize tumor destruction and minimize healthy tissue injury. StudyDesign/Materials andMethods: An optimization algorithm for prostate cancer laser therapy design was integrated into a previously developed treatment planning model, permitting prediction and optimization of the spatial and temporal temperature, HSP expression, and injury distributions in the prostate. This optimization method is based on dosimetry guidelines developed from measured HSP expression kinetics and injury data for normal and cancerous prostate cells and tumors exposed to hyperthermia Results: The optimization model determines laser parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration, fiber position, and number of fibers) necessary to satisfy prescribed HSP expression and injury distributions in tumor and healthy tissue. Optimization based on achieving desired injury and HSP expression distributions within the tumor and normal tissue permits more effective tumor destruction and diminished injury to healthy tissue compared to temperature driven optimization strategies. Conclusions: Utilization of the treatment planning optimization model can permit more effective tumor destruction by mitigating tumor recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation arising from HSP expression and insufficient injury. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:731– 746, 2007. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Large-Scale Antecedent Conditions Associated with the 12 14 March 1993 Cyclone (``Superstorm '93'') over Eastern North America

Abstract The results of a multiscale analysis of the 12–14 March 1993 superstonn (SS93) over eastern North America are presented. A time sequence of overlapping 10-day time-mean 5OO-hPa geopotential height and anomaly composites shows that the Northern Hemisphere (NH) flow pattern from 18 February to 15 March 1993 is characterized by 1) three persistent troughs situated over eastern Asia and the northwestern Pacific, over eastern North America, and over northwestern Africa and southwestern Europe eastward to central Russia; and 2) a massive blocking anticyclone located over the central and eastern Atlantic. Beginning 8–9 March 1993 the planetary-scale flow amplifies substantially. The explosive SS93 cyclogenesis and the transport of cold air to very low latitudes occurs a few days later as the NH available potential energy content, after peaking on 9 March 1993, decreases by about 6%–7%. A dynamical tropopause analysis is used to track coherent transient potential vorticity (PV) anomalies and show their q...
Phylogenetic Relationships among Species of Phellinus sensu stricto, Cause of White Trunk Rot of Hardwoods, from Northern North America

Species in Phellinus s.s. are some of the most important wood-decaying fungal pathogens in northern temperate forests, yet data on species incidence in North America remains limited. Therefore, phylogenetic analyses were performed using four loci (ITS, nLSU, tef1 and rpb2) with isolates representing 13 species. Results of phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference revealed that eight species of Phellinus s.s. occur in North America, and include: P. alni, P. arctostaphyli, P. betulinus, P. lundellii, P. nigricans, P. tremulae and two undescribed species, P. NA1 and P. NA2. Meanwhile, P. tuberculosus, P. igniarius s.s., P. populicola, P. laevigatus s.s. and P. orienticus were not detected and appear restricted to Europe and/or Asia. The tef1 dataset outperformed all other loci used and was able to discriminate among all 13 of the currently known Phellinus s.s. species with significant statistical support. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region performed well but a high level of intraspecific variation could lead to inflated taxa recognition. Phellinus alni exhibited the broadest host range, as demonstrated previously, and appears to be the most common species in northern hardwood (Acer-Betula-Fagus), northern floodplain (Fraxinus-Populus-Ulmus) and coastal alder (Alnus) forests of North America.
Germline and developmental roles of the nuclear transport factor importin (α)3 in C. elegans

The importin alpha family of transport factors mediates the nuclear import of classical nuclear localization signal-containing proteins. In order to understand how multiple importin alpha proteins are regulated both in individual cells and in a whole organism, the three importin alpha (ima) genes of Caenorhabditis elegans have been identified and studied. All three IMAs are expressed in the germline; however, only IMA-3 is expressed in the soma. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments demonstrate that IMA-3 is required for the progression of meiotic prophase I during oocyte development. Loss of IMA-3 expression leads also to a disruption of the nuclear pore complex accompanied by the mis-localization of P granules. A range of defects occurring in ima-3(RNAi) F1 progeny further supports a role for IMA-3 during embryonic and larval development. The functional association of IMA-3 with distinct cellular events, its expression pattern and intracellular localization indicate that regulation of the nuclear transport machinery is involved in the control of developmental pathways.
Quinones increase γ-glutamyl transpeptidase expression by multiple mechanisms in rat lung epithelial cells

γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) plays an important role in glutathione (GSH) metabolism. GGT expression is increased in oxidant-challenged cells; however, the signaling mechanisms involved are unce...
Modification of M. cricothyroideus and the Larynx in the Mormoopidae, with Reference to Amplification of High-Frequency Pulses

The laryngeal musculature and laryngeal cartilages associated with sound production and amplification in Mormoops megalophylla and Pteronotus davyi are described and compared with homologous structures in eight species of phyllos-tomatid bats. Certain specialized structures observed in the mormoopid larynges resemble a variable Helmholtz resonating amplifier. This type of amplifier is theoretically capable of 1) varying the amplitude of a constant-frequency pulse, and 2) maintaining a constant amplitude during a frequency change within a pulse.
Theory of tethered polymers in shear flow: The strong stretching limit

In the present article, we use simulation and theory to understand the case of flexible and semiflexible tethered polymers in the limit of high shear flows and consequently near-full extension of the chains. We adopt a random-walk picture along the axis of the polymer, which in combination with a statistical mechanical description of perturbations along the chain contour allows us to fully characterize the geometry of the polymer chain without any fit parameters. Incorporation of hydrodynamic interactions is also investigated, with the hydrodynamic lift force inducing changes in the chain equilibrium structure near the tether point that could have implications for adsorption and desorption kinetics.
The Sensitivity of the Relative Effectiveness of Job Shop Dispatching Rules with Respect to Various Arrival Distributions

Abstract The study investigates the effects which various arrival rate distributions may have on the relative success of implementing various job shop heuristic dispatching rules. Sixteen different arrival rate distributions are tested on ten dispatching rules. General conclusions imply that the distribution with respect to shape and range of the arrival rate for incoming jobs is not a significant variable in evaluating the relative effectiveness of dispatching rules.